Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended August 1, 2015

July 30, 2016

OR

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

For the transition period fromto

Commission File Number: 1-37499

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware 46-0599018

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

120 Mountain View Blvd., Basking Ridge, NJ 07920
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

(908) 991-2665

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, 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  x    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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer 
x  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
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

As of August 30, 2015, 48,197,12726, 2016, 46,072,893 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.



EXPLANATORY NOTE


On February 26, 2015, Barnes & Noble, Inc. (“Barnes & Noble”) announced plans for the complete legal and structural separation of Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (the “Company”) from Barnes & Noble (the “Spin-Off”). Under the Separation and Distribution Agreement between Barnes & Noble and the Company, (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”), Barnes & Noble planned to distributedistributed all of its equity interest in us, consisting of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, to Barnes & Noble’s stockholders on a pro rata basis. Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble would not own any equity interest in us, and we would operate independently from Barnes & Noble.


On July 14, 2015, Barnes & Noble approved the final distribution ratio and declared a pro rata dividend of the outstanding shares of our common stock,Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“("Common Stock”Stock"), to Barnes & Noble’s existing stockholders. The pro rata dividend was made on August 2, 2015 to the Barnes & Noble stockholders of record (as of July 27, 2015). Each Barnes & Noble stockholder of record received a distribution of 0.632 shares of our Common Stock for each share of Barnes & Noble common stock held on the record date.

Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble does not own any equity interest in us.


On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. Our Common Stock began to trade on a “when-issued” basis on the NYSE under the symbol “BNED WI” beginning on July 23, 2015. On August 3, 2015, when-issued trading of our Common Stock ended, our Common Stock began “regular-way” trading under the symbol “BNED.”

Since


The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. until the consummation of the Spin-Off occurred after the end of theon August 1,2, 2015, quarter covered by this Form 10-Q, this Form 10-Q reflectsand the results of operations for the Company for periods prior to the completion of the Spin-Off.


13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis as we became a separate consolidated entity.





BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Fiscal Quarter Ended August 1, 2015

July 30, 2016

Index to Form 10-Q

   Page No.
   
Page No. 
PART I -

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss – For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

 3

 4

 5

 6

Note 1.

6

Note 2.

 7

 9

Note 4.

 10

Note 5.

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share

10

Note 6.

 10

Note 7.

 11
 

Other Long-Term Liabilities

11

Note 9.

  12

Note 10.

12

Note 11.

Income Taxes

12

Note 12.

Investments

12

Note 13.

Legal Proceedings

13

Note 14.

Parent Company Transactions

13

Note 15.

Subsequent Events

14
Item 2.

  16

19

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)

22

Liquidity

23
Item 3.

  
26 
Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

  27
PART II -

Item 1.

28

 29
Item 6.

Exhibits

38

SIGNATURES

39

40



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:Financial Statements

Item 1:    Financial Statements

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

                                                                
   13 weeks ended 
   August 1,
2015
  August 2,
2014
 

Sales:

   

Product sales and other

  $  218,716   $  206,188  

Rental income

   20,267    19,553  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total sales

   238,983    225,741  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost of sales and occupancy:

   

Product and other cost of sales and occupancy

   174,909    166,053  

Rental cost of sales and occupancy

   12,530    12,378  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cost of sales and occupancy

   187,439    178,431  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross profit

   51,544    47,310  

Selling and administrative expenses

   86,684    81,272  

Depreciation and amortization

   13,100    12,544  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

   (48,240  (46,506

Interest expense, net

   3    5  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

   (48,243  (46,511

Income tax benefit

   (21,325  (20,298
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(26,918 $(26,213
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Other comprehensive earnings, net of tax

   —     —   
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total comprehensive loss

  $(26,918 $(26,213
  

 

 

  

 

��

 

Loss per common share

   

Basic

  $(0.65 $(0.71

Diluted

  $(0.65 $(0.71

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   

Basic

   41,426    37,437  

Diluted

   41,426    37,437  

 13 weeks ended
 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
Sales:   
Product sales and other$217,736
 $218,716
Rental income21,501
 20,267
Total sales239,237
 238,983
Cost of sales:   
Product and other cost of sales177,994
 174,909
Rental cost of sales13,830
 12,530
Total cost of sales191,824
 187,439
Gross profit47,413
 51,544
Selling and administrative expenses85,464
 86,684
Depreciation and amortization expense12,921
 13,100
Restructuring costs1,790
 
Operating loss(52,762) (48,240)
Interest expense, net666
 3
Loss before income taxes(53,428) (48,243)
Income tax benefit(25,512) (21,325)
Net loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
Other comprehensive loss(9) 
Total comprehensive loss$(27,925) $(26,918)
    
Loss per share of Common Stock:   
Basic$(0.60) $(0.65)
Diluted$(0.60) $(0.65)
Weighted average shares of Common Stock outstanding:   
Basic46,349
 41,426
Diluted46,349
 41,426
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

   August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
   May 2,
2015
 
   (unaudited)   (unaudited)   (audited) 
ASSETS      

Current assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $16,029    $45,803    $59,714  

Receivables, net

   35,461     32,032     76,551  

Merchandise inventories, net

   766,767     695,040     297,424  

Textbook rental inventories

   7,640     7,438     47,550  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   7,623     5,629     4,625  

Short-term deferred tax assets, net

   23,265     21,816     24,358  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

   856,785     807,758     510,222  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment:

      

Buildings and leasehold improvements

   154,524     137,753     149,065  

Fixtures and equipment

   341,708     318,389     335,403  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
   496,232     456,142     484,468  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

   387,449     357,258     376,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net property and equipment

   108,783     98,884     107,557  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Goodwill

   274,070     274,070     274,070  

Intangible assets, net

   195,627     205,878     198,190  

Other noncurrent assets

   44,738     34,233     39,885  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $1,480,003    $1,420,823    $1,129,924  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY EQUITY      

Current liabilities:

      

Accounts payable

  $603,928    $538,028    $170,101  

Accrued liabilities

   61,647     67,268     97,575  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

   665,575     605,296     267,676  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Long-term deferred taxes, net

   73,037     80,584     66,091  

Other long-term liabilities

   69,555     61,164     69,488  

Preferred membership interests

   —       383,839     —    

Parent company investment

   671,836     289,940     726,669  

Commitments and contingencies

   —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and Parent Company equity

  $1,480,003    $1,420,823    $1,129,924  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

thousands, except per share data)

 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
 April 30,
2016
 (unaudited) (unaudited) (audited)
ASSETS     
Current assets:     
Cash and cash equivalents$8,906
 $8,887
 $28,568
Receivables, net38,898
 35,461
 50,924
Merchandise inventories, net724,329
 766,767
 312,747
Textbook rental inventories7,527
 7,640
 47,760
Prepaid expenses and other current assets8,614
 7,623
 6,453
Total current assets788,274
 826,378
 446,452
Property and equipment, net107,347
 108,783
 111,185
Intangible assets, net197,508
 195,627
 199,663
Goodwill281,337
 274,070
 280,911
Other noncurrent assets39,003
 44,738
 33,472
Total assets$1,413,469
 $1,449,596
 $1,071,683
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY     
Current liabilities:     
Accounts payable$560,163
 $596,786
 $152,175
Accrued liabilities41,949
 61,647
 105,877
Total current liabilities602,112
 658,433
 258,052
Long-term deferred taxes, net35,636
 49,772
 29,865
Credit Facility borrowings25,000
 
 
Other long-term liabilities74,976
 69,555
 75,380
Total liabilities737,724
 777,760
 363,297
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
Stockholders' equity:     
Parent company investment
 671,836
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 5,000 shares; issued and outstanding, none
 
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized, 200,000 shares; issued, 48,655, 0 and 48,645 shares, respectively; outstanding, 46,086, 0 and 46,755 shares, respectively487
 
 486
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income(8) 
 1
Additional paid-in capital701,401
 
 699,512
Retained earnings(914) 
 27,002
Treasury stock, at cost(25,221) 
 (18,615)
Total stockholders' equity675,745
 671,836
 708,386
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,413,469
 $1,449,596
 $1,071,683
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(In thousands)

(unaudited)

   13 weeks ended 
   August 1,
2015
  August 2,
2014
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

   

Net loss

  $(26,918 $(26,213

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:

   

Depreciation and amortization

   13,100    12,544  

Deferred taxes

   8,039    5,704  

Stock-based compensation expense

   953    1,191  

Increase in other long-term liabilities

   67    11  

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net

   6,558    (27,520
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

   1,799    (34,283
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

   

Purchases of property and equipment

   (11,763  (9,265

Net increase in other noncurrent assets

   (4,853  (4,082
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in investing activities

   (16,616  (13,347
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

   

Net transfers to Parent

   (28,868  (50,836
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash flows used in financing activities

   (28,868  (50,836
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

   (43,685  (98,466

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   59,714    144,269  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $16,029   $45,803  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net:

   

Receivables, net

  $41,090   $6,969  

Merchandise inventories

   (469,343  (419,694

Textbook rental inventories

   39,910    39,625  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

   (2,998  (1,507

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

   397,899    347,087  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net

  $6,558   $(27,520
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 13 weeks ended
 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:   
Net loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows from operating activities:   
Depreciation and amortization expense12,921
 13,100
Amortization of deferred financing costs163
 
Deferred taxes5,772
 8,039
Stock-based compensation expense1,890
 953
Change in other long-term liabilities(404) 67
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net(17,628) 14,314
Net cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities(25,202) 9,555
Cash flows from investing activities:   
Purchases of property and equipment(6,183) (11,763)
Acquisition of business(975) 
Net increase in other noncurrent assets(5,690) (4,853)
Net cash flows used in investing activities(12,848) (16,616)
Cash flows from financing activities:   
Net changes in Barnes & Noble, Inc. Investment
 (28,868)
Proceeds from borrowings on Credit Facility25,900
 
Repayments of borrowings on Credit Facility(900) 
Purchase of treasury shares(6,606) 
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities18,394
 (28,868)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(6) 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(19,662) (35,929)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period28,568
 44,816
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$8,906
 $8,887
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net:   
Receivables, net$12,566
 $41,090
Merchandise inventories(411,585) (469,343)
Textbook rental inventories40,233
 39,910
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(2,062) (2,998)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities343,220
 405,655
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities, net$(17,628) $14,314
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(In thousands)
(unaudited)

        Accum.          
    Additional Other   Parent      
  Common Stock Paid-In Comp. Retained Company Treasury Stock Total
  Shares Amount Capital Income Earnings Investment Shares Amount Equity
Balance at May 2, 2015 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $726,669
 
 $
 $726,669
Net loss           (26,918)     (26,918)
Stock-based compensation expense           953
     953
Net change in Barnes & Noble, Inc. Investment           (28,868)     (28,868)
Balance at August 1, 2015 
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $671,836
 
 $
 $671,836
                   
                   
        Accum.          
    Additional Other   Parent      
  Common Stock Paid-In Comp. Retained Company Treasury Stock Total
  Shares Amount Capital Income Earnings Investment Shares Amount Equity
Balance at April 30, 2016 48,645
 $486
 $699,512
 $1
 $27,002
 $
 1,890
 $(18,615) $708,386
Stock-based compensation expense     1,890
           1,890
Vested equity awards 10
 1
 (1)           
Common stock repurchased             676
 (6,567) (6,567)
Shares repurchased for tax withholdings for vested stock awards             3
 (39) (39)
Other comprehensive loss       (9)         (9)
Net loss         (27,916)       (27,916)
Balance at July 30, 2016 48,655
 $487
 $701,401
 $(8) $(914) $
 2,569
 $(25,221) $675,745
                   

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.



BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Unless the context otherwise indicates, references in these Notes to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to “we,” “us,” “our” and “the Company” refer to Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., a Delaware corporation. References to “Barnes & Noble” or “Parent” refer to Barnes & Noble, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries (other than Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries) unless the context otherwise requires. References to “Barnes & Noble College” refer to our college bookstore business operated through our subsidiary Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC. Barnes & Noble College is our only operating subsidiary.

This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes to consolidated financial statements in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed withAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on that date,year ended April 30, 2016, which includes consolidated financial statements for the Company for each of the three fiscal years ended April 30, 2016, May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 and April 27, 2013 (Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014, and Fiscal 2013, respectively).

Note 1.Organization

Description of Business

We are

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., one of the largest contract operators of bookstores on college and university campuses across the United States and a leading provider of digital education services, enhances the academic and social purpose of educational institutions. As a strategic partner, we are committed to offering a complete support system and an unmatched retail and digital learning experience to foster student success in higher education. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Barnes & Noble College, we operate 770 campus bookstores and the school-branded e-commerce sites for each store, serving more than 5 million college students and their faculty nationwide. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc., at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company.
Overall educational spending in the United States continues to increase dramatically, and as tuition and other costs rise, colleges and universities face pressure to attract and retain students and provide them with innovative, affordable educational content and tools that support their educational development. While traditional print textbooks remain the first choice of students, demand for alternative forms of educational materials is growing.
We offer a comprehensive set of products and services to help students, faculty and administrators achieve their shared educational and social goals on college and university campuses across the United States. We createAs one of the largest contract operators of bookstores and a provider of digital education services, we operate campus stores that areas a focal pointspoint for college life and learning, enhancingadvancing the educational mission of theour institution partners, enlivening campus culture and delivering an important revenue stream to our partner schools. We typically operate
For over 5 million students and their faculty, our campus stores underare a social and academic hub through which students can access affordable course materials and affinity products, including new and used print and digital textbooks, which are available for sale or rent; emblematic apparel and gifts; trade books; computer products; school and dorm supplies; café; convenience food and beverages; and graduation products. Through multi-year management service agreements granting uswith our schools, we typically have the exclusive right to operate the official school bookstore on campus.college campuses. In turn, we pay the school a percentage of store sales and, in some cases, a minimum fixed guarantee.

We build relationships and derive sales by actively engaging and marketing to over 5 million students and their faculty on the campuses we serve and offer a full assortment of itemscreate seamless retail experiences for our customers, both in our campusdynamic physical stores including course materials, which includes new and used print textbooks and digital textbooks, which are available for sale or rent, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products, school and dorm supplies, convenience and café items and graduation products. We are a multi-channel marketer and operateon our official school-branded e-commerce sites for each store, allowing students and faculty to purchase textbooks, course materials and other products online.

school.

As of May 2, 2015,April 30, 2016, we operated 724751 stores nationwide, which reached 24%26% of the total number of students enrolled at colleges and universities in the United States college and university student enrolled population.States. During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, we opened 2133 stores and closed 914 stores. As of July 30, 2016, we operated 770 stores nationwide.
We are well positioned to benefit from the continuing trend towards outsourcing across the campus bookstore market given our brand, reputation with institutions, students and faculty for service and our full suite of products and services including: bookstore management, textbook rental and digital delivery.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


Growth Drivers
The primary factors that we operated 736 stores nationwide.

expect will enable us to grow our business are as follows:

Increase Market Share with New Accounts.
Adapting our Merchandising Strategy and Product and Service Offerings.
Scalable and Leading Digital Product and Solution Set.
Expand Strategic Opportunities through Acquisitions and Partnerships.
For additional information related to our Strategies, see Part I - Item 2. Management Discussion and Analysis - Overview.
Separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc.
On February 26, 2015, Barnes & Noble announced plans forto spin-off its 100% equity interest in our Company ("Spin-Off"). At the time of the Spin-Off (as discussed below)on August 2, 2015, Barnes & Noble distributed all of its equity interest in us, consisting of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, to Barnes & Noble’s stockholders on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”). Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble does not own any equity interest in us. On August 2, 2015, we completed athe legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company. This Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 1, 2015 reflects the consolidated financial statements priorFor details related to the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015 and as such, our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble (as discussed inNote 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies).

Our History

On September 30, 2009, Barnes & Noble acquired Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC from Leonard and Louise Riggio. From that date until October 4, 2012, Barnes & Noble College Booksellers, LLC was wholly owned by Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Barnes & Noble. We were initially incorporated under the name NOOK Media Inc. in July 2012 to hold Barnes & Noble’s college and digital businesses. On October 4, 2012, Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”) acquired a 17.6% non-controlling preferred membership interest in our subsidiary NOOK Media LLC (“NOOK Media”), and through us, Barnes & Noble maintained an 82.4% controlling interest of the college and digital businesses.

On January 22, 2013, Pearson Education, Inc. (“Pearson”) acquired a 5% non-controlling preferred membership interest in NOOK Media, received warrants to purchase an additional preferred membership interest in NOOK Media and entered into a commercial agreement with NOOK Media relating to the college business.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

On December 4, 2014, we re-acquired Microsoft’s interest in NOOK Media in exchange for cash and common stock of Barnes & Noble. On December 22, 2014, we also re-acquired Pearson’s interest in NOOK Media and related warrants previously issued to Pearson in exchange for cash and common stock of Barnes & Noble. As a result of these transactions, Barnes & Noble owned 100%Distribution of our Company prior toCommon Stock, see Note 6. Equity and Earnings Per Share.

In connection with the Spin-Off. SeeNote 12. Investments.

In February 2015, we changed our name from NOOK Media Inc. to Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and NOOK Media’s name to B&N Education, LLC.

On May 1, 2015, we distributed to Barnes & Noble all of the membership interests in NOOK Digital LLC (formerly known as barnesandnoble.com llc), which owns the NOOK digital business and which will continue to be owned by Barnes & Noble. At such time, we ceased to own any interest in the NOOK digital business. These consolidated financial statements retroactively reflect the reorganization of NOOK Media Inc. as described above.

Separationseparation from Barnes & Noble, Inc.

The final distributionwe entered into several agreements that govern the relationship between the parties after the separation and legalallocate between the parties various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations following the separation ofand also describe Barnes & Noble’s future commitments to provide us with certain transition services following the Company fromSpin-Off. For additional information related to these agreements, see Note 10. Barnes & Noble, occurred on August 2, 2015. SeeNote 15. Subsequent EventsInc. Transactions.

Note 2.Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Ourcondensed consolidated financial statements reflect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as we were historically managed, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Our consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us.

All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in the consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”

The historical costs and expenses reflected in our financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble including, but not limited to, executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, occupancy, procurement, information technology, and other shared services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of consolidated sales, headcount, tangible assets or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services.

Our management believes the assumptions underlying our consolidated financial statements, including the assumptions regarding the allocation of general corporate expenses from Barnes & Noble are reasonable. Nevertheless, our consolidated financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred had we operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented and may not reflect our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had operated as a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. Following the Spin-Off, we will perform these functions using our own resources or contracted services. Under the Transition Services Agreement with Barnes & Noble, some of these functions will continue to be provided by Barnes & Noble. SeeNote 15. Subsequent Events.

In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position as of August 1, 2015 and the results of its operations and cash flows for the 13 weeks then ended.periods reported. These consolidated financial

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles.

GAAP.

Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 30, 2016 (Fiscal 2016). Our business is highly seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase and rent textbooks for the upcoming semesters.

Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 29, 2017 (Fiscal 2017).

Stand-alone basis financial statements
The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (period presented prior to the Spin-Off, which is referred to as the "stand-alone period") reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us. For additional information, see Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.
Consolidated basis financial statements
The Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. occurred on August 2, 2015 and therefore, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 (i.e. first quarter of Fiscal 2017) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble under various agreements. Certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble (as described above) will continue to be provided by Barnes & Noble under the Transition Services Agreement. For additional information, see Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities andin the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of thecondensed consolidated financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period.accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method. Our textbook and trade book inventories are valued using the last-in first out, or (“LIFO”)“LIFO”, method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories.

Market value of our inventory is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory.

We also estimate and accrue shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends.

Textbook RentalsRental Inventories

Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost.

Revenue Recognition

and Deferred Revenue

Revenue from sales of our products at physical locations is recognized at the time of sale or shipment.sale. Revenue from sales of products ordered through our websites is recognized upon delivery and receipt of the shipment by our customers. Sales taxes collected from our customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of our sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. We do not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

We rent both physical and digital textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at time of sale. A software feature is imbeddedembedded within the content of our digital textbooks, such that upon expiration of the rental term the customer is no longer able to access the content. While the digital rental allows the customer to access digital content for a fixed period of time, once the digital content is delivered to the customer our performance obligation is complete. The Company offersWe offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented book at the end of the semester. The Company recordsrental period. We record the buyout purchase when the customer exercises and pays the buyout option price. In these instances, the Companywe would accelerate any remaining deferred rental revenue at the point of sale.

Cost of Sales
Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and by other facility related expenses.
Selling and Administrative Expenses
Our selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of store payroll and store operating expenses. Selling and administrative expenses also include stock-based compensation and general office expenses, such as executive oversight, merchandising, field support, finance, human resources, benefits, training, legal, and information technology, as well as our investments in digital.
Goodwill
The costs in excess of net assets of businesses acquired are carried as goodwill in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of July 30, 2016, we had $281,337 of goodwill. ASC No. 350-30, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ("ASC 350-30"), requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at least annually or earlier if there are impairment indicators. We perform a two-step process for impairment testing of goodwill as required by ASC 350-30. The first step of this test, used to identify

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Research



potential impairment, compares the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. The second step (if necessary) measures the amount of the impairment.
We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2016. In performing the valuation, we used cash flows that reflected management’s forecasts and Development Costsdiscount rates that included risk adjustments consistent with the current market conditions. Based on the results of the step one testing, fair value of the one reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, the second step of the impairment test was not required to be performed and no goodwill impairment was recognized.
As of the date of our annual goodwill impairment test, the excess fair value over carrying value was approximately 9%. Goodwill is subject to further risk of impairment if comparable store sales decline, store closings accelerate or digital projections fall short of expectations. Additionally, changes in the structure of our business as a result of future reorganizations, acquisitions or divestitures of assets or businesses could result in future impairments of goodwill. Refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for Software Products

We follow the guidanceyear ended April 30, 2016 for a discussion of key assumptions used in our testing.

Change in Accounting Standards CodificationPrinciple and Error Corrections
During the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2016, we adopted Accounting Standard Update (“ASC”ASU”) 985-20, CostNo. 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Balance Sheet Classification of SoftwareDeferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17") retrospectively to Be Sold, Leased or Marketed, regarding software development costssimplify the presentation of deferred income taxes. The amendments in this update require that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as non-current in a classified statement of financial position. We reclassified our net current deferred tax asset of $23,265 to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed. Capitalizationthe net non-current deferred tax liability in our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of software development costs begins uponAugust 1, 2015.
During the establishmentfourth quarter of technological feasibilityFiscal 2016, we identified an immaterial balance sheet error correction for cash and is discontinued whenaccounts payable amounts for prior periods reported. This correction was to record outstanding payments and overdraft cash concentration balances as part of cash and cash equivalents account from the product is availablepreviously recorded accounts payable account. We corrected the balance sheet for sale. A certain amount of judgmentthe period ended August 1, 2015 by decreasing cash and estimation is required to assess when technological feasibility is established,accounts payable by $7,142 as well as the ongoing assessmenta result of the recoverability of capitalized costs. Our products reach technological feasibility shortly beforeimmaterial balance sheet error correction. Management has assessed both quantitative and qualitative factors discussed in ASC No. 250,Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and Staff Accounting Bulletin 1.M, Materiality (SAB Topic 1.M) to determine that this misstatement qualifies as an immaterial balance sheet error correction. We concluded that this balance sheet misstatement is not material to an investor as it did not affect pre-tax income, net income, or earnings per share reported in the products are availablefinancial statements for sale and therefore research and development costs are generally expensed as incurred.

any prior period financial statements. Additionally, this balance sheet misstatement did not affect the debt covenants under our Credit Facility.

Note 3.Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015,August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-11,Inventory2016-15, Statement of Cash Flow (Topic 330) – Simplifying230) ("ASU 2016-15") to reduce diversity in practice over the Measurementpresentation and classification of Inventory (“ASU 2015-11”).certain types of cash receipts and cash payments. The amendments inrevised guidance seeks to achieve this update state that inventory should be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The update does not apply to inventory that is measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method. The update applies to all other inventory, which includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost.objective by providing specific guidance over eight identified cash flow issues. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, but haveFiscal 2019 and early adopted this standard this quarter asadoption is permitted. This standard does not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05,Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement(“ASU 2015-05”) to simplify the accounting for cloud computing arrangements. The amendments in this update requires that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then a customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The guidance will not change GAAPbe applied on a retrospective basis beginning with the earliest period presented. We have evaluated the guidance of this new standard to determine the impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated financial statements and concluded that there is no impact at this time. We have elected to early adopt this guidance this quarter.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02") to increase transparency and comparability by providing additional information to users of financial statements regarding an entity's leasing activities. The revised guidance seeks to achieve this objective by requiring reporting entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for a customer’s accounting for service contracts.substantially all lease arrangements. We are required to adopt this standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2017Fiscal 2020 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied on a modified retrospective basis beginning with the earliest period presented. We are currently evaluating this standard to determine the impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03,Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs(“ASU 2015-03”) to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. The amendments in the update require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction of the carrying amount of the debt. Recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs were not affected by this amendment. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15,“Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated With Line-of-Credit Arrangements — Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to Staff Announcement at June 18, 2015 EITF Meeting”which clarified that the SEC would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement. We are required to adopt ASU 2015-03 in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, but have early adopted this standard this quarter as permitted. This standard does not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”). The standard provides companies with a single model for use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific revenue guidance. The core principle of the model is to recognize revenue when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer, as opposed to recognizing revenue when the risks and

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


rewards transfer to the customer under the existing revenue guidance. In 2016, the FASB issued final amendments to clarify the implementation guidance for principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations and the accounting for licenses of intellectual property. In August 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14,Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which effectively delayed the adoption date by one year. We are required to adopt ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of fiscalFiscal 2019 and early adoption is permitted. The guidance permits companies to either apply the requirements retrospectively to all prior periods presented, or apply the requirements in the year of adoption, through a cumulative adjustment. We have not yet selected a transition method nor have we determined the impact of adoption on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes

Note 4. Acquisition
Promoversity
In June 2016, we completed the purchase of substantially all of the assets of Promoversity, a custom merchandise supplier and e-commerce storefront solution serving the collegiate bookstore business and its customers. The acquisition will enable us to Consolidated Financial Statements

Forcustomize our e-commerce offerings and drive on-campus apparel sales. The acquisition purchase price was $1,525, including working capital, and was financed with cash from operations. The preliminary allocation of the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015purchase price was based upon a valuation and August 2, 2014

(Thousandsour estimates and assumptions are subject to change within the purchase price allocation period (generally one year from the acquisition date). The preliminary purchase price was allocated primarily as follows: $741 intangible assets (with a five year amortization period), $428 goodwill, $306 net current assets, and $500 future performance-based obligations. This acquisition is not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements and therefore, disclosure of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

pro forma financial information has not been presented. The results of operations reflect the period of ownership of the acquired business.

Note 4.5. Segment Reporting

We identifyhave determined that we operate within one reportable segment. We identified our single operating segmentssegment based on the way our business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which our chief operating decision maker interacts with other membersallocates resources and assesses financial performance. Our international operations are not material and the majority of management. We have determined that we operate within a single reportable segment, which is entirelythe revenue and total assets are within the United States.

Note 5.Net6. Equity and Earnings (Loss) Per Share

In accordance

Equity
Share Repurchases
On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50,000, in the aggregate, of our outstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is carried out at the direction of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we repurchased 676,048 shares for approximately $6,567 at an average cost per share of $10.03. As of July 30, 2016, approximately $26,820 remains available under the stock repurchase program.
During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we also repurchased 3,686 shares of our Common Stock in connection with ASC 260-10-45,Share-Based Payment Arrangementsemployee tax withholding obligations for vested stock awards.
Earnings Per Share
For periods prior to the Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble on August 2, 2015, basic earnings per share and Participating Securitiesweighted-average basic shares outstanding are based on the number of shares of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock outstanding as of the end of the period, adjusted for the distribution ratio of 0.632 shares of our Common Stock for every one share of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock held on the record date for the Spin-Off.
For periods prior to the Spin-Off, diluted earnings per share and the Two-Class Method,unvested restrictedweighted-average diluted shares unvestedoutstanding reflect potential common shares from Barnes & Noble equity plans in which our employees participated. Certain of our employees held restricted stock units and shares issuable under the our deferred compensation plan arestock options granted by Barnes & Noble, Inc. which were considered participating securities. During periods

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of net income,dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


Basic EPS is computed based upon the calculationweighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year. Diluted EPS is computed based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the year plus the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents using the treasury stock method and the average market price of our common stock for the year. We include participating securities (unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents) in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. Our participating securities consist solely of unvested restricted stock awards, which have contractual participation rights equivalent to those of stockholders of unrestricted common stock. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an allocation method that calculates earnings per share for common stock are reclassified to exclude the income attributable to the unvested restricted shares, unvested restricted stock units and shares issuable under the our deferred compensation plan from the numerator and exclude the dilutive impact of those shares from the denominator. Diluted earnings per share was calculated using the two-class method for stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and the if-converted method for the preferred stock.

participating securities. During periods of net loss, no effect is given to the participating securities because they do not share in the losses of the Company. Due to the net loss during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, participating securities in the amounts of 785,705 and 995,701, respectively, were excluded in the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive. The Company’s outstanding dilutive stock options of 57,875 and 26,891 for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively, and accretion/payments of dividends on preferred shares were also excluded from the calculation of loss per share using the two-class method because the effect would be antidilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted loss per share calculation:

   13 weeks ended 
   August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Numerator for basic loss per share:

    

Net loss

  $(26,918  $(26,213

Accretion of dividends on preferred stock

   —       (443
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss available to common shareholders

  $(26,918  $(26,656
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted loss per share:

    

Net loss available to common shareholders

  $(26,918  $(26,656
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per share:

    

Basic weighted average common shares (in thousands)(a)

   41,426     37,437  

Loss per common share:

    

Basic

  $(0.65  $(0.71

Diluted

  $(0.65  $(0.71

(a)Basic earnings per share and weighted-average basic shares outstanding are based on the number of shares of Barnes & Noble common stock outstanding as of the end of the period, adjusted for an assumed distribution ratio of 0.632 shares of our Common Stock for every one share of Barnes & Noble common stock held on the record date for the Spin-Off.
 13 weeks ended
 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
Numerator for basic and diluted loss per share:   
Net loss available to common shareholders$(27,916) $(26,918)
    
Denominator for basic and diluted loss per share:   
Basic and Diluted weighted average shares of Common Stock46,349
 41,426
    
Loss per share of Common Stock:   
Basic$(0.60) $(0.65)
Diluted$(0.60) $(0.65)

Note 6.7. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

In accordance with ASC No. 820,Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, the fair value of an asset is considered to be the price at which the asset could be sold in an orderly transaction between unrelated knowledgeable and willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

liability with the creditor. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are measured using a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include:

Level 1—Observable inputs that reflect quoted prices in active markets

Level 2—Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable

Level 3—Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions

Our financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued liabilities and accounts payable. The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accrued liabilities and accounts payable approximates their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these instruments, which are all considered Level 1.

Note 7. The carrying amount of the outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility

of $25,000 approximates its fair value.

Note 8. Credit Facility
Until August 3, 2015, we were party to an amended and restated credit facility with Barnes & Noble, Inc. as the lead borrower and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders, dated as of April 29, 2011 (as amended and modified to date, the “B&N Credit Facility”). The B&N Credit Facility provided for up to $1,000,000 in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility expiring on April 29, 2016. The B&N Credit Facility was secured by eligible inventory and accounts receivable with the ability to include eligible real estate and related assets. We were a borrower and co-guarantor of all amounts owing under the B&N Credit Facility. All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble’s balance sheet as of August 1, 2015.

On August 3, 2015, in connection with the Spin-Off, we and certain of our subsidiaries, entered into a newcredit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year $400 million asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400,000 (the “BNED Credit Facility”). The Company has the proceedsoption to request an increase in commitments under the BNED Credit Facility of which will be usedup to $100,000 subject to certain restrictions. For additional information including interest terms and

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


covenant requirements related to the BNED Credit Facility, refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. Seethe year ended April 30, 2016.
As of July 30, 2016, we had $25,000 of outstanding borrowings under the BNED Credit Facility. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we borrowed $25,900 and repaid $900 under the BNED Credit Facility. As of July 30, 2016, we have issued $3,567 in letters of credit under the facility.
Note 15. Subsequent Events9. Supplementary Information
Restructuring Costs
In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. Additionally, we announced a reduction in staff and closure of the facilities in Mountain View, California, and Redmond, Washington that supported the Yuzu® eTextbook platform. We recorded restructuring costs of $8,830 in Fiscal 2016 comprised of $3,216 in employee-related costs (including severance and retention), facility exit costs of $5,046 and $568 related to specific contracts. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we recorded $1,790 in additional restructuring costs primarily for employee related costs (including severance and retention).

Note 8. The majority of the restructuring related to employee matters was completed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017.

Other Long-Term Liabilities

Other long-term liabilities consist primarily of tax liabilities related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve and deferred management service agreement costs related to college and university contracts, which we account for under lease accounting (as deferred rent).contracts. We provide for minimum contract expense (rent expense) over the lease terms (including the build-out period) on a straight-line basis. The excess of such rentminimum contract expense over actual leasecontract payments (net of school allowances) is classified as deferred rent. We had the following long-term liabilities at August 1, 2015, August 2, 2014 and May 2, 2015:

   August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
   May 2,
2015
 

Tax liabilities and reserves

  $63,699    $58,478    $63,673  

Deferred rent

   4,052     2,465     4,082  

Other

   1,804     221     1,733  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other long-term liabilities

  $69,555    $61,164    $69,488  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

As a result of an immaterial balance sheet error correction, during the quarter, we increasedreflected in other long-term liabilities and decreased Parent company investment by $58,298 and $63,459 foraccrued liabilities in the periods ended ascondensed consolidated balance sheets.  Long-term liabilities were comprised of August 2, 2014 and May 2, 2015, respectively. This correction related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve which was previously deemed contributed to Parent company capital as an intercompany liability, along with other income tax liabilities associated with our operations. The liability should not have been deemed contributed as the long-term obligation to the tax authority is required to stay with Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. as that entity would be legally obligated to pay that amount if required. following:

 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
 April 30,
2016
Tax liabilities and reserves$69,345
 $63,699
 $69,345
Deferred contract obligations (a)
4,166
 4,052
 4,164
Other1,465
 1,804
 1,871
Total other long-term liabilities$74,976
 $69,555
 $75,380
(a)Contract obligations primarily consist of the payments we make to the colleges and universities to operate their official bookstores (management service agreement costs), including rent expense.
Management believes it is remote that the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve will be payable or will result in a cash tax payment in the foreseeable future, assuming that LIFO will continue to be an acceptable inventory method for tax purposes. Management has assessed both quantitative and qualitative factors discussed
Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions
Our History with Barnes & Noble, Inc.
On February 26, 2015, Barnes & Noble announced plans to Spin-Off its 100% equity interest in ASC 250,Accounting Changes and Error Corrections and Staff Accounting Bulletin 1.M,Materiality (SAB Topic 1.M)our Company. At the time of the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, Barnes & Noble distributed all of its equity interest in us, consisting of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, to determine that this misstatement qualifiesBarnes & Noble’s stockholders on a pro rata basis (the “Distribution”). Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble does not own any equity interest in us. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an immaterial balance sheet error correction. We concluded that this balance sheet misstatement is not materialindependent publicly-traded company. For information about our history with Barnes & Noble, Inc. prior to an investor as it did not affect Pre-tax income, Net income, earnings per share or amounts reported in the statement of cash flows for any prior period financial statements.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to ConsolidatedSpin-Off, see Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements

For - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016.

Allocation of General Corporate Expenses from Barnes & Noble Prior to Spin-Off
The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (i.e. first quarter of Fiscal 2016, which is referred to as the "stand-alone period") reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 2, 2014

1, 2015

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)



Our condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us.
All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our condensed consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our condensed consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off became effective. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions was reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in our condensed consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”
The condensed consolidated financial statements for the stand-alone periods include an allocation for certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble, including, but not limited to, executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, occupancy, procurement, information technology and other shared services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of consolidated sales, headcount, tangible assets or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services. Following the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, we began to perform these functions using our own resources or contracted services, certain of which may be provided by Barnes & Noble during a transitional period pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement.
Direct Costs Incurred Related to On-going Agreements with Barnes & Noble After the Spin-Off
The Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. occurred on August 2, 2015 and therefore, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 (i.e. first quarter of Fiscal 2017) which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble under various agreements.
In connection with the separation from Barnes & Noble, we entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Barnes & Noble on July 14, 2015 and several other ancillary agreements on August 2, 2015. These agreements govern the relationship between the parties after the separation and allocate between the parties various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations following the separation, including inventory purchases, employee benefits, intellectual property, information technology, insurance and tax-related assets and liabilities. The agreements also describe Barnes & Noble’s future commitments to provide us with certain transition services following the Spin-Off. For information about these agreements, see Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016.
Summary of Transactions with Barnes & Noble
During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 (i.e. first quarter of Fiscal 2017), we were billed $8,213 for purchases of inventory and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above which are included as cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (i.e. first quarter of Fiscal 2016), we were allocated $13,321, respectively, of general corporate expenses incurred by Barnes & Noble and purchases of inventory which are included as cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of operations.
As of July 30, 2016, amounts due to Barnes & Noble, Inc. for book purchases and direct costs incurred under the agreements discussed above was $8,089 and is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. As of August 1, 2015, amounts due to Barnes & Noble, Inc. related to intercompany loans, net of corporate allocations, income taxes, and purchases of inventory was $113 and is included in Parent Company Investment in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Note 9.11. Employees’ Defined Contribution Plan

Prior to the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, Barnes & Noble, sponsorsInc. sponsored the defined contribution plan (the “Savings Plan”) for the benefit of substantially all of our employees. Total contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for the defined contribution plan prior to the Spin-Off were based on amounts allocated to us on the basis of direct usage. See Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015
(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)
(unaudited)


Subsequent to the Spin-Off, we established a defined contribution plan for our employees ("Savings Plan") and Barnes & Noble, Inc. transferred to it the plan assets relating to the account balances of our employees. Additionally, we are responsible for employer contributions to the Savings Plan and fund the contributions directly.
Total contributions charged to employee benefit expenses for these plans were $1,275$1,249 and $1,127$1,275 during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015, and August 2, 2014, respectively.

Note 10.12. Stock-Based Compensation

Barnes & Noble sponsors

Prior to the share-based incentive plans in whichSpin-Off, certain of our employees participate. Forwere eligible to participate in Barnes & Noble, Inc. equity plans pursuant to which they were granted awards of Barnes & Noble, Inc. common stock. Under these equity plans, our employees were granted restricted stock units, restricted stock and stock options. The equity-based payments recorded by us prior to the Spin-Off included the expense associated with our employees.
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2016, 2,409,345 shares of our Common Stock were reserved for future grants in accordance with the Barnes & Noble Education Inc. Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan"). Types of equity awards that can be granted under the Equity Incentive Plan include options, restricted stock ("RS"), restricted stock units ("RSU") and performance shares ("PS").
We recognize compensation expense for awards ratably over the requisite service period of the award, which is generally three years. We recognize compensation expense based on the number of awards expected to vest using an estimated average forfeiture rate. We calculate the fair value of stock-based awards based on the closing price on the date the award was granted.
During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016, we granted employees 406,078 PS awards that will only vest based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals related to Adjusted EBITDA and August 2, 2014, wenew business achieved measured over a period of time. The PS will vest based on company performance during Fiscal 2017 - Fiscal 2018 with one additional year of time-based vesting. The targets for achievement range from 0%-150%.
We recognized stock-based compensation expense for equity-based awards in selling and administrative expenses as follows:

   13 weeks ended 
   August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Restricted Stock Expense

  $80    $77  

Restricted Stock Units Expense

   753     903  

Stock Option Expense

   120     52  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

  $953    $1,032  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 13 weeks ended
 July 30,
2016
 August 1,
2015
Restricted stock expense$150
 $80
Restricted stock units expense1,596
 753
Performance shares expense144
 
Stock option expense
 120
Stock-based compensation expense$1,890
 $953
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested awards as of July 30, 2016 was $23,096 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.
Note 11.13. Income Taxes

We recorded an income tax benefit of $25,512 on a pre-tax loss of $53,428 during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, which represented an effective income tax rate of 47.8% and an income tax benefit of $21,325 on pre-tax loss of $48,243 during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015, which represented an effective income tax rate of 44.2% and an income tax benefit of $20,298 on pre-tax loss of $46,511 during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014, which represented an effective income tax rate of 43.6%.

The income tax provision for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 reflects the impact of federal and statenondeductible expenses, principally nondeductible compensation expense, partially offset by income taxes imposed upon income from operations, increased bytax credits. Management expects nondeductible compensation expense for the impactcurrent fiscal year to be significantly higher than in previous years because of limitations on deductibility of certain non-deductible expenses.

Note 12.Investments

Microsoft Investment

On April 27, 2012, Barnes & Noble entered into an investment agreement pursuant to which Barnes & Noble transferred to NOOK Media its digital device, digital content and college bookstore businesses, and Morrison Investment Holdings, Inc. (“Morrison”), a subsidiaryelements of Microsoft Corporation (“Microsoft”), acquired a 17.6% non-controlling preferred membership interestour compensation program imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Management expects that nondeductible compensation in NOOK Media. Concurrentlyfuture fiscal years will be lower than the current fiscal year as our compensation plans are brought in alignment with its entry into this agreement, Barnes & Noble also entered into a commercial agreement with Microsoft relating to the digital and college businesses investment. That transaction closed on October 4, 2012.

On December 3, 2014, the Microsoft commercial agreement was terminated. On December 4, 2014, we re-acquired Morrison’s interest in NOOK Media in exchange for cash and common stock of Barnes & Noble.

In connection with the closing, Morrison, Barnes & Noble and Barnes & Noble Education entered into a Digital Business Contingent Payment Agreement related to Barnes & Noble’s digital business (“DBCPA”). Effective as of August 2, 2015, all of Barnes & Noble Education’s obligations under the DBCPA were either assigned to Barnes & Noble or terminated.

performance based requirements.


BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except share and per share data)

(unaudited)

Pearson Investment

On December 21, 2012, NOOK Media entered into an agreement with Pearson, a subsidiary of Pearson plc, to make a strategic investment in NOOK Media whereby Pearson acquired a 5% non-controlling preferred membership interest in NOOK Media and received warrants to purchase up to an additional 5% of NOOK Media under certain conditions. That transaction closed on January 22, 2013.

At closing, NOOK Media and Pearson entered into a commercial agreement relating to the college business with respect to distributing Pearson content in connection with this strategic investment. On December 27, 2013, NOOK Media entered into an amendment to the commercial agreement that extended the term of the agreement and the timing of the measurement period to meet certain revenue share milestones.

On December 22, 2014, we re-acquired Pearson’s interest in NOOK Media and related warrants previously issued to Pearson in exchange for cash and common stock of Barnes & Noble. We remain a party to the commercial agreement with Pearson relating to the college business.



Note 13.14. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial position, or results of operations.

Note 14.Parent Company Transactions

Allocation of General Corporate Expenses

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. SeeNote 2. Summary of Accounting Significant Policies – Basis of Presentation.

The historical costs and expenses reflected in our consolidated financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble including, but not limited to, executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, occupancy, procurement, information technology, and other shared services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro-rata basis of consolidated sales, headcount, tangible assetsoperations, or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services. During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, we were allocated $4,798 and $5,725, respectively, of general corporate expenses incurred by Barnes & Noble which are included as cost of sales and occupancy and selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations.

Parent Company Equity

The components of the net transfers (to)/from parent as of August 1, 2015, August 2, 2014 and May 2, 2015 are as follows:

   August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Corporate allocations including income taxes

  $(16,528  $(14,573

Net intercompany contributions/(dividends)

   (11,387   (35,072
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total net transfers to Parent

  $(27,915  $(49,645
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off is recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in the consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”

Note 15.Subsequent Events

Separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc.

On February 26, 2015, Barnes & Noble announced plans for the Spin-Off. Under the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Barnes & Noble planned to distribute all of its equity interest in us, consisting of all of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock, to Barnes & Noble’s stockholders on a pro rata basis. Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble would not own any equity interest in us, and we would operate independently from Barnes & Noble.

On July 14, 2015, Barnes & Noble approved the final distribution ratio and declared a pro rata dividend of the outstanding shares of our common stock to Barnes & Noble’s existing stockholders. The pro rata dividend was made on August 2, 2015 to the Barnes & Noble stockholders of record (as of July 27, 2015). Each Barnes & Noble stockholder of record received a distribution of 0.632 shares of our Common Stock for each share of Barnes & Noble Common Stock held on the record date (the “Distribution”). On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company.

Following the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, our authorized capital stock consisted of 200 million shares of Common Stock and five million shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of August 2, 2015, 48,186,900 shares and 0 shares of our Common Stock and preferred stock, respectively, were issued and outstanding. Our Common Stock began to trade on a “when-issued” basis on the NYSE under the symbol “BNED WI” beginning on July 23, 2015. On August 3, 2015, when-issued trading of our Common Stock ended, our Common Stock began “regular-way” trading under the symbol “BNED.”

On-going Agreements with Barnes & Noble

In connection with the separation from Barnes & Noble, we entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement with Barnes & Noble on July 14, 2015 and several other ancillary agreements on August 2, 2015. These agreements govern the relationship between the parties after the separation and allocate between the parties various assets, liabilities, rights and obligations following the separation, including employee benefits, intellectual property, information technology, insurance and tax-related assets and liabilities. The agreements also describe Barnes & Noble’s future commitments to provide us with certain transition services following the Spin-Off. These agreements include the following:

flows.
a Separation and Distribution Agreement that set forth Barnes & Noble’s and our agreements regarding the principal actions that both parties took in connection with the Spin-Off and aspects of our relationship following the Spin-Off;

a Transition Services Agreement pursuant to which Barnes & Noble agreed to provide us with specified services for a limited time to help ensure an orderly transition following the Distribution. The Transition Services Agreement specifies the calculation of our costs for these services;

a Tax Matters Agreement governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Barnes & Noble and us after the Spin-Off with respect to all tax matters (including tax liabilities, tax attributes, tax returns and tax contests);

an Employee Matters Agreement with Barnes & Noble addressing employment, compensation and benefits matters; and

a Trademark License Agreement pursuant to which Barnes & Noble grants us an exclusive license in certain licensed trademarks and a non-exclusive license in other licensed trademarks.

A description of the material terms and conditions of these agreements can be found in the section titled “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” of the Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with the SEC on that date. The descriptions of the Transition Services Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement and Trademark License Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Transition Services Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Employee

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014

(Thousands of dollars, except per share data)

(unaudited)

Matters Agreement and Trademark License Agreement, which are attached as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, to the Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 2015 and filed with the SEC on August 3, 2015. The description of the Separation and Distribution Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, which is attached as Exhibit 2.1 to this Form 10-Q.

New Credit Facility

Until August 3, 2015, we were party to the B&N Credit Facility. All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble’s balance sheet as of August 1, 2015. SeeNote 7. Credit Facility.

On August 3, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400,000 (the “New Credit Facility”). Proceeds from the New Credit Facility will be used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are the joint lead arrangers for the New Credit Facility.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Loan Parties”) will be permitted to borrow under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable and related assets of the borrowers under the New Credit Facility, but excluding the equity interests in the Company and its subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment and certain other property. The Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the New Credit Facility of up to $100,000, subject to certain restrictions.

Interest under the New Credit Facility accrues, at the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability under the New Credit Facility. Loans will initially bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum, in the case of LIBOR borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate will fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum), based upon the excess availability under the New Credit Facility at such time.

The Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants, which limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments or specified payments and merge or acquire assets, among other things. In addition, if excess availability under the New Credit Facility were to fall below certain specified levels, certain additional covenants (including fixed charge coverage ratio requirements) would be triggered, and the lenders will assume dominion and control over the Loan Parties’ cash.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, material breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, default on other material indebtedness, customary ERISA events of default, bankruptcy and insolvency, material judgments, invalidity of liens on collateral, change of control or cessation of business. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and representations and warranties.

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

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

Overview

Description of business

We are

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., one of the largest contract operators of bookstores on college and university campuses across the United States and a leading provider of digital education services, enhances the academic and social purpose of educational institutions. As a strategic partner, we are committed to offering a complete support system and an unmatched retail and digital learning experience to foster student success in higher education. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Barnes & Noble College, we operate 770 campus bookstores and the school-branded e-commerce sites for each store, serving more than 5 million college students and their faculty nationwide. On August 2, 2015, we completed the legal separation from Barnes & Noble, Inc., at which time we began to operate as an independent publicly-traded company.
Overall educational spending in the United States continues to increase dramatically, and as tuition and other costs rise, colleges and universities face pressure to attract and retain students and provide them with innovative, affordable educational content and tools that support their educational development. While traditional print textbooks remain the first choice of students, demand for alternative forms of educational materials is growing.
We offer a comprehensive set of products and services to help students, faculty and administrators achieve their shared educational and social goals on college and university campuses across the United States. We createAs one of the largest contract operators of bookstores and a provider of digital education services, we operate campus stores that areas a focal pointspoint for college life and learning, enhancingadvancing the educational mission of theour institution partners, enlivening campus culture and delivering an important revenue stream to our partner schools. We typically operate
For over 5 million students and their faculty, our campus stores underare a social and academic hub through which students can access affordable course materials and affinity products, including new and used print and digital textbooks, which are available for sale or rent; emblematic apparel and gifts; trade books; computer products; school and dorm supplies; café; convenience food and beverages; and graduation products. Through multi-year management service agreements granting uswith our schools, we typically have the exclusive right to operate the official school bookstore on campus.college campuses. In turn, we pay the school a percentage of store sales and, in some cases, a minimum fixed guarantee.

We build relationshipscreate seamless retail experiences for our customers, both in our dynamic physical stores and deriveon our official school-branded e-commerce sites for each school.

As of April 30, 2016, we operated 751 stores nationwide, which reached 26% of the total number of students enrolled at colleges and universities in the United States. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we opened 33 stores and closed 14 stores, with estimated annual net incremental sales of $86 million. As of July 30, 2016, we operated 770 stores nationwide.
We are well positioned to benefit from the continuing trend towards outsourcing across the campus bookstore market given our brand, reputation with institutions, students and faculty for service and our full suite of products and services including: bookstore management, textbook rental and digital delivery.
Separation from and On-going Agreement with Barnes & Noble, Inc.
For information on our separation from and on-going agreements with Barnes & Noble, Inc. see Item 1. Financial Statements — Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.
Strength of Our Business
We enhance the academic and social purpose of educational institutions by actively engagingproviding essential educational content and tools within a dynamic retail environment. Our products and services improve academic outcomes, provide support to students, and create loyalty and retention, while also supporting the financial goals of the colleges and universities we serve. We provide more than course materials and merchandise - we work as a true partner with colleges and universities, aligned with their missions and goals by acting as a valuable support system for students and faculty. We deliver an attractive retail and digital learning experience driven by innovation, advanced technologies and a deep understanding of the evolving needs and behaviors of our students, faculty and administrators. Our competitive strengths are:
Large Footprint with Well-Recognized Brand: We are one of the largest operators of bookstores on college and university campuses in the United States. As of April 30, 2016, we operated 751 stores in 43 states and the District of Columbia, which reached 26% of the total number of students enrolled at colleges and universities in the United States. The Barnes & Noble brand is virtually synonymous with bookselling, and we believe it is one of the most widely recognized and respected brands in the United States. Our large footprint and our reputation and credibility in the marketplace not only support our marketing efforts to universities, students and faculty, but are also important for leading publishers who rely on us as one of their primary distribution channels.

Stable, Long-Term Contracts: We operate our stores under management contracts with colleges and universities that are typically for five-year terms with renewal options, but can range from one to 15 years, and are typically cancelable by either party without penalty with 90 to 120 days' notice. From Fiscal 2013 through Fiscal 2016, 94% of these contracts were renewed or extended, often before their termination dates. In addition, these contracts are financially beneficial to us as we typically pay the college or university a percentage of our sales, including certain contracts with minimum guarantee payments. Therefore, the expense related to our college and university contracts is primarily a function of each stores success. This arrangement is also beneficial to the colleges and universities, providing them with an incentive to encourage their students and faculty to shop at our affiliated stores.
Well-Established Relationships: We have strong partnerships with college and university administrators, as well as with publishers, vendors and suppliers.
With an average relationship tenure of 15 years, we generate value for our college and university partners, and our relationships are supported by innovative engagement programs and educational initiatives. Our decentralized management structure empowers local teams to make decisions based on the local campus needs and foster collaborative working relationships with our partners.
We have long-term relationships with over 9,000 publishers, who can partner with us to access one of the largest distribution networks of college education materials in the United States.
Direct Access to Students and Faculty: We have a flexible business model with excellent visibility into the needs of our customers, and the ability to achieve profitability typically within the first year of operation. Our stores serve as social hubs for over 5 million students and their faculty, allowing us to forge deep customer relationships and seamlessly integrate their systems with our technology. Our established position on campus as the campuses we serve and offer a full assortment of items in our campus stores, including course materials, which includes new and used print textbooks and digital textbooks, which are availableofficial, contracted provider for sale or rent, emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products, school and dorm supplies, convenience and café items and graduation products. We are a multi-channel marketer and operate school-branded e-commerce sites for each store, allowingbookstore services gives us direct access to students and faculty and translates into relatively modest customer acquisition costs and high customer conversion and retention rates. Our flexible research channels help us stay ahead of the rapidly changing needs and behaviors of our customers, and proactively respond with dynamic solutions. The ReFuel Agency College Explorer Study 2015 estimates $523 billion total annual spending for tuition, housing, etc. and $203 billion annual discretionary spending, such as for food, clothing, etc., for the college demographic. Brand partners looking to purchase textbooks,reach the college audience are also exploring how to leverage our unique position on campus to access the coveted demographic we serve.
Highly Relevant Digital Products and Services: Our position as a strategic partner with our large footprint of existing and prospective colleges and universities allows us to use our suite of digital products and services to best serve their diverse needs and provides a broader scope of products and services beyond outsourcing of bookstore services. Digital products and services range from those related to providing accessible and affordable course materials and other products online.

We provide direct access to a large and well-educated demographic group, enabling us to build relationships with students throughout their college years and beyond. We also expect to be the beneficiary of market consolidation assolutions more and more schools outsource their bookstore management. We are in a unique market position to benefit from this trend given our full suite of services: bookstore management, textbook rental and digital delivery. We are making further investments in our college business, including the recent launch of Yuzu®, our developing digital education platform that provides access to a wide range of rich, engaging content, including digital textbooks and select consumer titles applicable to the higher education market. We believe higher education provides a long-term growth opportunity, both organically by adding additional bookstoresdirectly related to our core business to analytic solutions designed to improve learning outcomes and retention rates.

Seasoned Management Team: We have an experienced senior management team with a proven track record, and demonstrated expertise in college bookstore outsourcing model, and also, through strategic acquisitioncontent distribution, marketing and merger activity.

As of May 2, 2015,retail operations, and in scaling digital educational products and services.

Growth Drivers
The primary factors that we operated 724 stores nationwide, which reached 24% of the total United States college and university student enrolled population. During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015, we opened 21 stores and closed 9 stores. As of August 1, 2015, we operated 736 stores nationwide.

Separation from Barnes & Noble

For information on our separation from Barnes & Noble, seeItem 1. Financial Statements — Note 15. Subsequent Events.

Since the consummation of the Spin-Off occurred after the end of the August 1, 2015 quarter covered by this Form 10-Q, this Form 10-Q, including the consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, reflects our results for periods prior to the completion of the Spin-Off.

On-going Agreements with Barnes & Noble

For information on our on-going agreements with Barnes & Noble, seeItem 1. Financial Statements — Note 15. Subsequent Events.

Strategies

Our primary business strategiesexpect will enable us to grow our business are as follows:

Increasing Market Share with New Accounts: Historically, new store openings have been an important driver of growth. From Fiscal 2012 to the end of Fiscal 2016, we increased the number of stores we serve from 636 to 751, or 18%. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we opened 33 stores and closed 14 stores. As of July 30, 2016, we operated 770 stores nationwide. Currently, approximately 52% of college and university affiliated bookstores in the United States are operated by their respective institutions. As of the end of Fiscal 2016, we operated only 19% of all college and university affiliated bookstores in the United States. Based on the anticipated continuing trend towards outsourcing in the campus bookstore market, we intend to aggressively pursue these opportunities and bid on these contracts. We expect new store openings will be the most important driver of future growth in our business.
Increase Sales at Existing Bookstores
Adapting our Merchandising Strategy and Product and Service Offerings: We intend to increase sales at our existing bookstorescreate on campus and online retail destinations with services students want, and capture market share through new product offerings,offerings; enhanced marketing efforts using mobile, search and other technologies,technologies; increased local social and promotional offerings; and a broad category assortment of general merchandise, including school spirit apparel and gifts, school supplies, computer and technology products, dorm furnishings, graduation products, and café, convenience food and beverage offerings, marketed to our growing student and expanded sales channelsalumni base. We also are actively working with publishers by offering them access to both new customersFacultyEnlight®, our proprietary online platform, to expedite and alumni. We expect sales growth at our existing bookstores will be a driver for growth in our business.better coordinate textbook adoption.


Scalable and Advanced Digital Product and Solution Set: We leverage our digital technology platform to provide product and service offerings designed to address the most pressing issues in higher education, such as affordable and accessible course materials, retention solutions driven by our analytics platform, and products designed to drive and improve student outcomes.
Expanding Strategic Opportunities through Acquisitions and Partnerships: We intend to pursue strategic relationships with companies that enhance our educational services or distribution platform, or create compelling content offerings. In Fiscal 2016, we acquired LoudCloud Systems, Inc., a sophisticated digital platform and analytics provider. We may also expand our current suite of digital content offerings and platform through acquisitions, internal or third-party software development and strategic partnerships. Expansion into new educational verticals and markets, such as K-12, vocational and international markets, will be opportunistically evaluated. During the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, we acquired Promoversity, a custom merchandise supplier and e-commerce storefront solution serving the collegiate bookstore business and its customers. The acquisition will enable us to customize our e-commerce offerings and drive on-campus apparel sales.
Product and Service Offering
Our full suite of product offerings includes:
Textbook and Course Material Sales: Textbooks are a core product offering of our business. We work directly with faculty to ensure the correct textbooks are available in required formats before the start of classes. We provide students with affordable textbook solutions and educate them about each format through various means. During Fiscal 2016, we offered over 220,000 unique textbook titles for sale to support the course offerings on our campuses.
Textbook and Course Material Rentals: Students are increasingly turning to renting as the most affordable way to obtain their textbooks, and we are an industry leader in textbook rentals. The majority of our robust title list is available for rent, including custom course packs and adaptive learning materials, along with traditional textbooks. We also offer a convenient buyout option to allow the customer to purchase the rented book at the end of the semester, thereby enhancing our revenue and improving our inventory management processes.

Increase Market Share with New Accounts: Historically, new store openings have been an important driver of growth in our business. For example, we increased our number of stores from 636 at the beginning of Fiscal 2012 to 724 at the end of Fiscal 2015. Looking forward, approximately 52% of college and university affiliated bookstores in the United States are operated by their respective institutions. Moreover, at the end of Fiscal 2015, we operated bookstores representing only 18% of all college and university affiliated bookstores in the United States. As more and more universities decide to outsource the

management of their bookstores, we intend to aggressively pursue these opportunities and bid on these contracts. Based on the continuing trend towards outsourcing in the campus bookstore market, we expect awards of new accounts resulting in new store openings will continue to be an important driver of future growth in our business. We are in a unique position to offer academic superstores to colleges and universities.

Grow digital sales by accelerating marketing, product development efforts and the acquisition of content to support the Yuzu® digital education product: Yuzu®, our digital education platform, offers not only electronic reading and note-taking functionality but also engaging supplemental content that we provide in conjunction with strategic publisher partners. Accelerating our product development and content acquisition efforts for Yuzu® will enable us to access the growing educational technology market on a national level by leveraging our existing campus relationships with faculty and students.

Expand opportunities through acquisitions and strategic partnerships: We believe that acquisitions and strategic partnerships will be a pillar of our growth strategy in the future. We intend to pursue strategic relationships with companies that enhance our educational services or distribution platform or that create compelling content offerings. We may also expand our current suite of digital content offerings and platform through acquisitions, internal or third party software development and strategic partnerships. Expansion into new educational verticals and markets, such as K-12, vocational and international markets, will be opportunistically evaluated.

Products & Services

As of May 2, 2015, we operated 724 stores nationwide, which reached 24% of the total United States college and university student enrolled population.

Traditional Products and Services

Textbook and Course Material Sales: Textbooks continue to be a core product offering of our business. We work directly with faculty to insure the correct textbooks are available in required formats before the start of classes. We provide students with affordable textbook solutions and educate them about each format through e-mail, social media engagement and new student orientation programs and in our stores.

Textbook and Course Material Rentals: We are an industry leader in textbook rentals. An increasing number of students now rent from our robust title list. The majority of all titles are available for rent. These include custom course packs and adaptive learning materials, along with traditional textbooks. In addition, we offer a convenient buyout option to allow the customer to purchase the rented book at the end of the semester, thereby enhancing our revenue and improving our inventory management processes.

General Merchandise: General merchandise sales are generated in-store, on campus at sporting and other events, as well as online through school-branded e-commerce sites. Our stores feature collegiate and athletic apparel relating to a school and/or its athletic programs and other custom-branded school spirit products, technology, supplies and convenience items. We offerWith our recent acquisition of Promoversity, a comprehensive athleticcustom merchandise program that leverages innovative promotional campaignssupplier and showcasese-commerce storefront solution serving the collegiate bookstore business and its customers, we will be able to customize our e-commerce offerings and drive on-campus apparel industry’s top selling performance apparel categories from leading brands including Under Armour and Nike.sales. Other merchandise, such as laptops and other technology products, notebooks, backpacks, school and dormitory supplies and related items are also offered. In addition, as of May 2, 2015,April 30, 2016, we operated 7880 customized cafés, featuring Starbucks Coffee®, and 1718 stand-alone convenience stores, featuring Starbucks coffee, as well as diverse grab-and-go options including organic, vegan and gluten-free, and ethnic fare for students on the move. These offerings increase traffic and the amount of time customers spendspent in our stores.

Trade: In our stores located on larger campuses, we carry an extensive selection of trade, academic and reference books, along with educational toys and games, and schedule store events, such as author signings, that extend beyond the academic community. The majority of our stores carry the most popular campus bestsellers, along with academically relevant titles.
Digital Education: Using our LoudCloud platform (as described below), we offer a suite of digital content and learning materials to supplement our traditional products (textbooks and course materials) and help faculty provide a more robust educational experience for students. We enable educators to mix and author many forms of content, including eTextbooks and rich media, and provide them with adaptive analytics and assessment capabilities that, when combined, drive improved outcomes and better experiences for students.
Trade: We carry an extensive selection of trade, academic and reference books along with education toys and games and schedule store events,
Brand Partnerships: United States college students spend billions on discretionary purchases each year in categories such as author signings, that extendtechnology, clothing, entertainment, and food. As the official partner to the entire community. The majoritycolleges and universities we serve, we are in a unique position to provide leading brands direct access to 5 million students who shop at our stores. We operate not just as a retailer, but as a media channel for these brands looking to target the college demographic. We are experts in creating strategic solutions and customer programs for brand partners, creating live touch points during the academic year through digital marketing, custom content, store brand building product sampling and live engagement at our locations in the center of our bookstores carry the most popular campus bestsellers alonglife. We conduct business with academically relevant titles.a wide range of companies, including Adobe®, Verizon®, Nutella®, Visa Checkout®, West Elm® and Kind®.

Technology



Platform and Services

Digital Education Platform (Yuzu
FacultyEnlight®): Launched in the spring of 2014, the Yuzu® digital education platform is our innovative cloud-based approach to digital learning and content delivery that may be accessed via the web or mobile app. For students, Yuzu® combines an electronic reading and note-taking experience in a simple app, with access to a rich, engaging catalog of content. It allows students to replace or supplement multiple textbooks with an app that holds and organizes all their digital content, by course and term, annotate and highlight text, add bookmarks and “sticky notes” to important pages and use a keyword search function to find a desired passage or annotation using an interface that is simple and easy to use.

e-Commerce Platform: With an active digital community of over 4.4 million customers, our custom-branded school websites drove over $360 million of sales in Fiscal 2015, with transactions up over 14% over the prior fiscal year. Designed to appeal to students, parents and alumni, the school-branded sites offer simple and seamless textbook purchasing with free in-store pick up or shipping to any location, general merchandise promotions and collections that are customized to the individual user, as well as faculty course material adoption tools and customer service support.

FacultyEnlight®: Our proprietary online platform enhances content search, discovery and adoption (i.e., textbook selection) by faculty on each campus. FacultyThus far, over 250,000 faculty members usinguse FacultyEnlight® are able to compare and contrast key decision-making factors, such as cost savings to students and format availability;availability (including rental and digital options); read and write peer product reviews; and contribute fresh perspectives and experiences and see what textbooks are being used by colleagues at other colleges and universities. This wealth of available information enables faculty to find and select the course materials that are both relevant to their subject matter and affordable to their students. FacultyEnlight®also provides us with a communication platform to connect with faculty directly, allowing us to better understand their needs, preferences and challenges when it comes to the textbook adoption process, and deliver our affordability message.

Campus Connect Technologies: We enhance the academic and social purpose of higher education institutions by integrating our technology and systems with the school’s technology and organizational infrastructure to forge a bond with the school with a particular emphasis on the needs of students and its constituencies.faculty. Our customizable technology delivers a seamless experience that enables faculty to research and select, and enables students to find and purchase, the most affordable course materials, maximizing savings and sales.

Campus Connect Technologies platform includes:

Simple Registration Integration: By linking the online course registration process to the bookstore’s e-commerce site, students can easily find their specific required course materials and purchase those materials immediately. They can view the list of necessary course materials and select their preferred format, delivery and payment method.
Seamless LMS Integration: By tying directly into the school’s Learning Management System ("LMS"), faculty and students can easily purchase their course materials and leverage our single-sign on functionality - enabling a stronger connection between student, faculty and campus bookstore.
Real-Time Financial Aid Platform: To help simplify financial aid transactions, we provide a sophisticated, real-time Student Financial Aid ("SFA") platform that is fully-integrated with any college or university’s financial aid systems and point-of-sale technology. This integration provides a direct and simple way for students to use their financial aid dollars in our stores and online, even before the start of classes.
Dynamic Point of Sale ("POS") Platform: We build a secure, highly customized checkout experience for each campus, greatly expediting and simplifying a student’s shopping experience. Campus debit cards, financial aid and all major forms of tender are fully integrated, allowing students to check out from any register.
Flexible Course Fee Solution: Through this model, all required course materials for a particular course or program are included in the cost of tuition. Students are guaranteed the course materials they need in the format they prefer. Course materials can be picked up at the campus store, shipped directly to the student or delivered digitally.
LoudCloud Platform: Our LoudCloud platform is a sophisticated digital platform and analytics system that includes a competency based courseware platform, a learning analytics platform, an eReading product, and a learning management system. Its software captures and analyzes key behavioral and performance metrics from students, allowing educators to monitor and improve student success. The core framework, rooted in the student-centric design, simplifies course and content authoring using proprietary algorithms to inform and guide course progress. Our module-based architecture allows for customization and the ability to support different educational models, and support additional capabilities, including competency-based learning and courseware development. These tools enable teachers to provide, and students to experience, a more personalized learning experience and improve student success rates. Additionally, our LMS platform helps institutions handle all aspects of the learning process, including delivery and management of instructional content, learning goals, assessment, course administration and reporting.
Segment

We identifyhave determined that we operate within a single reportable segment. We identified our single operating segmentssegment based on the way our business is managed (focusing on the financial information distributed) and the manner in which our chief operating decision maker interacts with other members of management. We have determined that we operate within a single reportable segment, which is entirely within the United States.

allocates resources and assesses financial performance.

Seasonality

Our business is highly seasonal, with the major portion of sales and operating profit realized during the second and third fiscal quarters ("rush season"), when college students generally purchase and rent textbooks for the upcoming semesters. We rent both physical and digital textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at time of sale. Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April.


Trends and Other Factors Affecting Our Business

Sales trends are primarily impacted

Our business is dependent on the overall economic environment, college enrollment and consumer spending patterns. Our business is affected by funding levels at colleges and universities, by changes in enrollments at colleges and universities, and spending on textbooks and general merchandise. The growth of our business depends on our ability to attract new students and to increase the level of engagement by existing students.
Historically, increasing enrollment has been a significant driver of sales growth at campus bookstores, a trend that is expected to continue. According to the National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education ("NCES"), total enrollment in post-secondary degree-granting institutions is expected to increase 15.5%, from 20.6 million in 2012 to 23.8 million in 2023 driven by increased demand for educational services.
We expect awards of new accounts resulting in new store openings increasing the students and faculty served, as well as changeswill continue to be an important driver of future growth in comparable store sales and store closings. Comparable store sales increase (decrease) is calculated on a 52-week basis, including sales from stores that have been open for at least 15 months and does not include sales from closed stores for all periods presented.

our business. We are awarded additional contracts for stores as colleges and universities decide to outsource their bookstore, and we also obtain new contracts for stores that were previously operated by others.competitors. Sales trends are primarily impacted by new store openings, increasing the students and faculty served, as well as changes in comparable store sales and store closings. We close stores at the end of their contract terms due to low profitability or because the new contract has been awarded to a competitor. Over the last four years, we have consistently opened new stores increasing our total number of stores open from 636 at the beginning of Fiscal 2012 to 751 at the end of Fiscal 2016. As of the end of the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, we operate 770 nationwide.

We continue to see increasing trends towards outsourcing in the campus bookstore market, including virtual bookstores and online marketplace websites. We also continue to see a variety of business models being pursued for the provision of textbooks, course materials and general merchandise. In addition to the competition in the services we provide to our customers, our textbook business faces significant price competition. Many students purchase from multiple textbook providers, are highly price sensitive and can easily shift spending from one provider or format to another. Some of our competitors have adopted, and may continue to adopt, aggressive pricing policies and devote substantial resources to marketing, website and systems development.
As we expanded our textbook rental offerings, students have been shifting away from higher priced textbook purchases to lower priced rental options, which has resulted in lower textbook sales and increasing rental income. After several years of comparable store sales declines, primarily ondue to lower textbook unit volume, during the 52 weeks ended May 2, 2015, our comparable store sales trends have improved for both textbooktextbooks and general merchandise. OverFor the last three years,52 weeks ended April 30, 2016, our comparable store sales declined primarily due to lower community college enrollment.
General merchandise sales have continued to increase as our product assortments continue to emphasize and reflect the changing consumer trends and we have consistently opened newevolve our presentation concepts and merchandising of products in stores increasing our total number of stores open from 636 at the beginning of Fiscal 2012 to 724 at the end of Fiscal 2015.

Occupancyand online.

Contract costs, which are included in cost of sales, and occupancy costs, primarily consist of the payments we make to the colleges and universities to operate their official bookstores (management service agreement costs), including rent expense, have generally increased as a percentage of sales driven byas a result of increased competition for renewals and new store contracts.

Selling

Prior to the recent restructuring of our digital operation, selling and administrative expenses havehad generally increased primarily as a result of our continuing investments in Yuzu®, our digital education platformeTextbook platform. Additionally, selling and administrative expenses had increased due to infrastructure costs to support growth.

growth and costs associated with being an independent publicly-traded company. In an effort to reduce and manage digital expenditures, while at the same time maintaining high quality digital products, we restructured our digital operations in Fiscal 2016. Additionally, we announced a reduction in staff and closure of the facilities in Mountain View, California, and Redmond, Washington that support the Yuzu® eTextbook platform. We recorded restructuring costs of $8.8 million in Fiscal 2016 comprised of employee-related costs (including severance and retention) and facility exit costs. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we recorded $1.8 million in additional restructuring costs primarily for employee related costs. The majority of the restructuring related to employee matters was completed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017.

Additionally, we have effectively outsourced the Yuzu® eTextbook reading platform and have acquired LoudCloud Systems, Inc., a sophisticated digital platform and analytics provider. With the implementation of these initiatives, we expect to operate with a lower digital cost structure in Fiscal 2017, as compared to our historical Yuzu® digital spend in previous years.
Elements of Results of Operations

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a stand-alone basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Ourcondensed consolidated financial statements reflect our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows as we were historically managed, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Our consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us.

All intercompany transactions between us and Barnes & Noble have been included in our consolidated financial statements and are considered to be effectively settled for cash in our consolidated financial statements at the time the Spin-Off becomes effective. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flow as a financing activity and in our consolidated balance sheets as “Parent company investment.”

The historical costs and expenses reflected in our consolidated financial statements include an allocation for certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble, including, but not limited to, executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, occupancy, procurement, information technology and other shared services. These expenses have been allocated to us on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder allocated on a pro rata basis of consolidated sales, headcount, tangible assets or other measures considered to be a reasonable reflection of the historical utilization levels of these services.

Our management believes the assumptions underlying our consolidated financial statements, including the assumptions regarding the allocation of general corporate expenses from Barnes & Noble are reasonable. Nevertheless, our consolidated financial statements may not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred had we operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented and may not reflect our consolidated results of operations, financial position and cash flows had we operated as a stand-alone company during the periods presented. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had operated as a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions made in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. Following the Spin-Off, we will perform these functions using our own resources or contracted services. Under the Transition Services Agreement with Barnes & Noble, some of these functions will continue to be provided by Barnes & Noble. SeeItem 1. Financial Statements — Note 15. Subsequent Events.

Our sales are primarily derived from the sale of course materials (which include new and used textbooks and digital textbooks), emblematic apparel and gifts, trade books, computer products, school and dorm supplies, convenience and café items and graduation products. Our rental income is primarily derived from the rental of physical and digital textbooks.


Our cost of sales and occupancy primarily includes costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and by other facility related expenses.

Our selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of store payroll and store operating expenses. Selling and administrative expenses also include stock-based compensation and general office expenses, such as executive oversight, merchandising, field support, finance, human resources, benefits, training, legal, and information technology, as well as our investments in Yuzu®our digital platform.
Stand-alone financial statements (Prior to the Spin-Off)
The results of operations for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 (period presented prior to the Spin-Off, which is referred to as the "stand-alone period") reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a stand-alone basis since we were still part of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Our condensed consolidated financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of Barnes & Noble. Our condensed consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the Barnes & Noble corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to us. For additional information, see Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.

Consolidated financial statements (Subsequent to the Spin-Off)
The Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble, Inc. occurred on August 2, 2015 and therefore, the results of operations are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 which includes direct costs incurred with Barnes & Noble under various agreements. Certain corporate and shared service functions historically provided by Barnes & Noble will continue to be provided by Barnes & Noble under the Transition Services Agreement. For additional information, see Part I - Item 1. Financial Statements - Note 10. Barnes & Noble, Inc. Transactions.
Results of Operations

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
  August 2,
2014
 

Sales:

   

Product sales and other

  $218,716   $206,188  

Rental income

   20,267    19,553  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total sales

  $238,983   $225,741  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(26,918 $(26,213

EBITDA (Non-GAAP)(a)

  $(35,140 $(33,962

Comparable store sales increase (decrease)(b)

   1.8  (2.0)% 

Stores opened

   21    22  

Stores closed

   9    17  

Number of stores open at end of period

   736    705  

- Summary
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Sales:   
Product sales and other$217,736
 $218,716
Rental income21,501
 20,267
Total sales$239,237
 $238,983
    
Net loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
    
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) (a)
$(36,524) $(35,140)
    
Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) (b)
$(25,885) $(26,918)
    
Comparable store sales (decrease) increase (c)
(2.8)% 1.8%
Stores opened33
 21
Stores closed14
 9
Number of stores open at end of period770
 736
(a)
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. SeeAdjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)(non-GAAP)discussion below.
(b)Comparable
Adjusted Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. See Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) discussion below.
(c)Effective for the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, comparable store sales increase (decrease) is calculatedincludes sales from stores that have been open for an entire fiscal year period, does not include sales from closed stores for all periods presented, and digital agency sales are included on a 52-week basis, includinggross basis. We believe the current comparable store sales calculation method better reflects the manner in which management views comparable sales, as well as the seasonal nature of our business. For periods presented prior to the first quarter of Fiscal 2017, comparable store sales includes sales from stores that have been open for at least 15 months, and does not include sales from closed stores for all periods presented.presented, and includes digital agency sales on a net basis.


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship that certain items bear to total sales of the Company:

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
  August 2,
2014
 

Sales:

   

Product sales and other

   91.5  91.3

Rental income

   8.5    8.7  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total sales

 100.0   100.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cost of sales and occupancy:

Product and other cost of sales and occupancy(a)

 80.0   80.5  

Rental cost of sales and occupancy (a)

 61.8   63.3  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Total cost of sales and occupancy

 78.4   79.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross margin

 21.6   21.0  

Selling and administrative expenses

 36.3   36.0  

Depreciation and amortization

 5.5   5.6  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Operating loss

 (20.2 (20.6

Interest expense, net

 0.0   0.0  
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss before income taxes

 (20.2 (20.6

Income tax benefit

 (8.9 (9.0
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net loss

 (11.3)%  (11.6)% 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 13 weeks ended
 July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Sales:   
Product sales and other91.0 % 91.5 %
Rental income9.0
 8.5
Total sales100.0
 100.0
Cost of sales:   
Product and other cost of sales (a)
81.7
 80.0
Rental cost of sales (a)
64.3
 61.8
Total cost of sales80.2
 78.4
Gross margin19.8
 21.6
Selling and administrative expenses35.7
 36.3
Depreciation and amortization expense5.4
 5.5
Restructuring costs0.7
 
Operating loss(22.0) (20.2)
Interest expense, net0.3
 
Loss before income taxes(22.3) (20.2)
Income tax benefit(10.7) (8.9)
Net loss(11.6)% (11.3)%
(a)Represents the percentage these costs bear to the related sales, instead of total sales.

13 weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 compared with the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014

1, 2015

Sales

The following table summarizes our sales for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and2015:
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Product sales and other$217,736
 $218,716
Rental income21,501
 20,267
Total Sales$239,237
 $238,983
Our sales increased $0.2 million, or 0.1%, to $239.2 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014:

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Product sales and other

  $218,716    $206,188  

Rental income

   20,267     19,553  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sales

$238,983  $225,741  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Our sales increased $13.3 million, or 5.9%, toJuly 30, 2016 from $239.0 million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 from $225.7 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014.2015. New store openings over the past year increased sales by $11.2$8.5 million, partially offset by closed stores, which decreased sales by $1.8 million.

Comparable store sales increased 1.8%decreased 2.8%, or $3.7$6.2 million, for the comparable 13 week sales period. General merchandise sales increasedTextbook revenue decreased $6.9 million, or 7.3%6.8%, during the summer semester, primarily due to strong emblematic apparel sales,lower new and used textbook sales. This decrease was partially offset by a $3.2$1.6 million, decreaseor 1.6%, increase in textbooks and trade books during the summer semester. Generalgeneral merchandise sales, have continuedprimarily due to increase as ourhigher emblematic apparel and graduation product assortments continue to emphasize and reflect the changing consumer trends and we evolve our presentation concepts and merchandising of product in stores and online.

sales.

We added 2133 new stores and closed 914 stores during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, ending the period with a total of 736770 stores.


Cost of Sales and Occupancy

Gross Margin

The following table summarizes our cost of sales and occupancy for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 and2015: 
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 
% of
Related Sales
 August 1, 2015 
% of
Related Sales
Product and other cost of sales$177,994
 81.7% $174,909
 80.0%
Rental cost of sales13,830
 64.3% 12,530
 61.8%
Total Cost of Sales$191,824
 80.2% $187,439
 78.4%
The following table summarizes our gross margin for the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 2, 2014:

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   % of
Related Sales
  August 2,
2014
   % of
Related Sales
 

Product and other cost of sales and occupancy

  $174,909     80.0 $166,053     80.5

Rental cost of sales and occupancy

   12,530     61.8  12,378     63.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Cost of Sales and Occupancy

$187,439   78.4$178,431   79.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

1, 2015:

 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 
% of
Related Sales
 August 1, 2015 
% of
Related Sales
Product and other gross margin$39,742
 18.3% $43,807
 20.0%
Rental gross margin7,671
 35.7% 7,737
 38.2%
Gross Margin$47,413
 19.8% $51,544
 21.6%
Our cost of sales and occupancy decreasedincreased as a percentage of sales to 80.2% during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 compared to 78.4% during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 compared2015. This was due to 79.0%the factors discussed below.
Our gross margin decreased $4.1 million, or 8.0%, to $47.4 million, or 19.8% of sales, during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 from $51.5 million, or 21.6% of sales, during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. Cost of sales and occupancy1, 2015. Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased due to a favorable sales mix, including a favorable mix oflower used textbook rentalsmargin rates and recognizing previously deferred high margin rentalshigher costs related to our college and improved textbook margins, partially offset by higher occupancy costsuniversity contracts resulting from contract renewals as discussed below:

Product and other cost of sales and occupancy decreased by 55 basis points, primarily driven by margin improvements of 105 basis points,new store contracts, partially offset by increased occupancy costs resulting from contract renewals of 50 basis points.

Rental cost of sales and occupancy decreased by 150 basis points driven by a favorable sales mix includingas discussed below:
Product and other gross margin decreased (170 basis points), driven primarily by lower margin rates (185 basis points), primarily related to increased markdowns on used textbooks in a favorable mix of used textbook rentalsnon-rush, low volume sales quarter, and recognizing previously deferred high margin rentals of 285increased costs related to our college and university contracts (30 basis points partially offset by increased occupancy costspoints) resulting from contract renewals and new store contracts, partially offset by a favorable sales mix (45 basis points) resulting from an increase in higher margin general merchandise as a percentage of 135 basis points.sales.

Gross Margin

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   % of
Sales
  August 2,
2014
   % of
Sales
 

Gross Margin

  $51,544     21.6 $47,310     21.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Our

Rental gross margin decreased (250 basis points), driven primarily by increased $4.2 million, or 8.9%,costs related to $51.5 million duringour college and university contracts (120 basis points) resulting from contract renewals and new store contracts, lower rental margin rates (75 basis points) and an unfavorable rental mix (55 basis points).
Selling and Administrative Expenses
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 % of
Sales
 August 1, 2015 % of
Sales
Total Selling and Administrative Expenses$85,464
 35.7% $86,684
 36.3%
During the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 from $47.3 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. This increase was due to the matters discussed above.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   % of
Sales
  August 2,
2014
   % of
Sales
 

Total Selling and Administrative Expenses

  $86,684     36.3 $81,272     36.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

SellingJuly 30, 2016, selling and administrative expenses increased $5.4decreased $1.2 million, or 6.7%1.4%, to $85.5 million from $86.7 million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 from $81.32015. The decrease was due primarily to a $3.1 million decrease in digital expenses related to Yuzu® and LoudCloud and a $2.5 million decrease in comparable store payroll and operating expenses, partially offset by a $2.5 million increase in new store payroll and operating expenses (net of closed stores) and $1.5 million of transaction costs incurred for business development and acquisitions.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 % of
Sales
 August 1, 2015 % of
Sales
Total Depreciation and Amortization Expense$12,921
 5.4% $13,100
 5.5%
Depreciation and amortization remained flat during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 compared to the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015.

Restructuring Costs
In Fiscal 2016, we implemented a plan to restructure our digital operations. Additionally, we announced a reduction in staff and closure of the facilities in Mountain View, California, and Redmond, Washington that supported the Yuzu® eTextbook platform. We recorded restructuring costs of $8.8 million in Fiscal 2016 comprised of employee-related costs (including severance and retention) and facility exit costs. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we recorded $1.8 million in additional restructuring costs primarily for employee related costs (including severance and retention). The majority of the restructuring related to employee matters was completed in the first quarter of Fiscal 2017.
Operating Loss
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 % of
Sales
 August 1, 2015 % of
Sales
Total Operating Loss$(52,762) (22.0)% $(48,240) (20.2)%
Our operating loss was $52.8 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. Our selling and administrative expenses increased as a percentageJuly 30, 2016 compared to operating loss of sales by 30 basis points to 36.3% from 36.0%, due primarily to higher store payroll and operating expenses, primarily in new stores in a low volume sales quarter, which increased selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales by 45 basis points. This variance is partially offset by lower corporate overhead costs, which decreased selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales by 20 basis points.

Depreciation and Amortization

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   % of
Sales
  August 2,
2014
   % of
Sales
 

Total Depreciation and Amortization

  $13,100     5.5 $12,544     5.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Depreciation and amortization increased $0.6 million, or 4.4%, to $13.1$48.2 million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 from $12.52015. This decrease was due to the matters discussed above. Excluding the restructuring costs of $1.8 million, and transaction costs (included in selling and administrative expenses) of $1.5 million, operating loss was $49.4 million (or 20.7% of sales) during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. This increase was primarily attributable to additional capital expenditures.

Operating Loss

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   % of
Sales
  August 2,
2014
   % of
Sales
 

Total Operating Loss

  $(48,240   (20.2)%  $(46,506   (20.6)% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

OurJuly 30, 2016, compared with operating loss increased $1.7 million, or 3.7%, to $(48.2)of $48.2 million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 from $(46.5) million2015.

Interest Expense, Net
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Interest Expense, Net$666
 $3
Net interest expense increased during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. This decrease wasJuly 30, 2016 primarily due to increased borrowings under the matters discussed above.

Credit Facility entered into during Fiscal 2016.

Income Taxes

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   Effective
Rate
  August 2,
2014
   Effective
Rate
 

Income Taxes

  $(21,325   44.2 $(20,298   43.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

Tax Expense

 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 Effective Rate August 1, 2015 Effective Rate
Income Tax Benefit$(25,512) 47.8% $(21,325) 44.2%
We recorded an income tax benefit of $25.5 on a pre-tax loss of $53.4 during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, which represented an effective income tax rate of 47.8% and an income tax benefit of $21.3 millionon pre-tax loss of $48.2 during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015, compared withwhich represented an effective income tax benefitrate of $20.3 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. Our effective44.2%.
The income tax rate was 44.2%provision for the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 comparedJuly 30, 2016 reflects the impact of nondeductible expenses, principally nondeductible compensation expense, partially offset by income tax credits. Management expects nondeductible compensation expense for the current fiscal year to be significantly higher than in previous years because of limitations on deductibility of certain elements of our compensation program imposed by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Management expects that nondeductible compensation in future fiscal years will be lower than the current fiscal year as our compensation plans are brought in alignment with an effective tax rate of 43.6% during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014.

performance based requirements.

Net Loss

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Net Loss

  $(26,918  $(26,213
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Net Loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
As a result of the factors discussed above, we reported net loss of $27.9 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, compared with net loss of $26.9 million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015,2015. Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) is $(25.9) million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, compared with net loss of $26.2$(26.9) million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014.

1, 2015. See Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) discussion below.


Use of Non-GAAP Measures - Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)

and Adjusted Earnings

To supplement our results prepared in accordance with GAAP, we use the measure of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings, which is aare non-GAAP financial measure as defined by themeasures under Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). regulations. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss)income plus (1) depreciation and amortization; (2) interest expense and (3) income taxes.

Thistaxes, (4) as adjusted for additional items and subtracted from or added to net income. We define Adjusted Earnings as net income as adjusted for additional items and subtracted from or added to net income.

To properly and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage you to review our condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, the reconciliation from Adjusted EBITDA to net income, and the reconciliation from Adjusted Earnings to net income, the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, set forth in the tables below. All of the items included in the reconciliations below are either (i) non-cash items or (ii) items that management does not consider in assessing our on-going operating performance.
These non-GAAP financial measure ismeasures are not intended as a substitutesubstitutes for and should not be considered as superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, our use of thisthese non-GAAP financial measuremeasures may be different from an EBITDA measuresimilarly named measures used by other companies, limiting itstheir usefulness for comparison purposes. EBITDAThese non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternativealternatives to net income as an indicator of our performance or any other measures of performance derived in accordance with GAAP. As noted above, EBITDA has limitations
We review these Non-GAAP financial measures as an analytical toolinternal measures to evaluate our performance and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis ofmanage our results reported under GAAP. The limitations of EBITDA include: (i) it does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments; (ii) it does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; (iii) it does not reflect income tax payments we may be required to make; and (iv) although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized often will have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA does not reflect any requirements for such replacements.

operations. We believe that EBITDA is athese measures are useful performance measure, and it ismeasures which are used by us to facilitate a comparison of our on-going operating performance on a consistent basis from period-to-period and toperiod-to-period. We believe that these Non-GAAP financial measures provide for a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting our business than measures under GAAP can provide alone.alone, as it excludes certain items that do not reflect the ordinary earnings of our operations. Our boardBoard of directors (the “Board”)Directors and management also use Adjusted EBITDA as one of the primary methods for planning and forecasting overall expected performance, and for evaluating on a quarterly and annual basis actual results against such expectations. We review this non-GAAPexpectations, and as a measure internally to evaluate ourfor performance and manage our operations.incentive plans. We believe that the inclusion of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings results provides investors useful and important information regarding our operating results.

To properly

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Net loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
Add:   
Depreciation and amortization expense12,921
 13,100
Interest expense, net666
 3
Income tax benefit(25,512) (21,325)
Restructuring costs (a)
1,790
 
Transaction costs (b)
1,527
 
Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) (c)
$(36,524) $(35,140)
(a)
See Management Discussion and Analysis - Results of Operations discussion above.
(b)Transaction costs are costs incurred for business development and acquisitions, and are included in selling and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
(c)
See Use of Non-GAAP Measures discussion above.

Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP)
 13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousandsJuly 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Net loss$(27,916) $(26,918)
Reconciling items, after-tax (below)
2,031
 
Adjusted Earnings (non-GAAP) (a)
$(25,885) $(26,918)
    
Reconciling items, pre-tax   
Restructuring costs (b)
$1,790
 $
Transaction costs (c)
1,527
 
Reconciling items, pre-tax3,317
 
Less: Pro forma income tax impact (d)
1,286
 
Reconciling items, after-tax$2,031
 $
(a) See Use of Non-GAAP Measures discussion above.
(b)
See Management Discussion and Analysis - Results of Operations discussion above.
(c) Transaction costs are costs incurred for business development and prudently evaluate our business, we encourage you to review our consolidated financial statementsacquisitions, and are included elsewhere in this Form 10-Qselling and the reconciliation from EBITDA to net earnings (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure presented in accordance with GAAP, set forthadministrative expenses in the table below. Allcondensed consolidated statements of the items included in the reconciliation from EBITDA to net earnings (loss) are either (i) non-cash items or (ii) items that management does not consider in assessing our on-going operating performance.

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

EBITDA

  $(35,140  $(33,962

Subtract:

    

Depreciation and amortization

   13,100     12,544  

Interest expense, net

   3     5  

Income taxes

   (21,325   (20,298
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

  $(26,918  $(26,213
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

operations.

(d)Represents the projected reduction in income tax expense based on our current combined federal and state aggregate income tax rate.
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of cash are net cash flows from operating activities, funds available under a credit facility and short-term vendor financing.
Prior to the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015, we were party to the Credit Facility held by Barnes & Noble, Inc. ("B&N Credit Facility"). All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble’s balance sheet prior to the Spin-Off on August 2, 2015. On August 3, 2015, in connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into a new five-year $400 million asset-backed revolving credit facility (the “BNED Credit Facility”), the proceeds of which will be used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. See Financing Arrangements discussion below. As of July 30, 2016, we had outstanding borrowings of $25.0 million under the BNED Credit Facility.
As of July 30, 2016, Other long-term liabilities includes $69.3 million related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve. Management believes it is remote that the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve will be payable or will result in a cash tax payment in the foreseeable future, assuming that LIFO will continue to be an acceptable inventory method for tax purposes.
Share Repurchases
On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50 million, in the aggregate, of our outstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is carried out at the direction of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). The stock repurchase program may be suspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes. During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we repurchased 676,048 shares for approximately $6.6 million at an average cost per share of $10.03. As of July 30, 2016, approximately $26.8 million remains available under the stock repurchase program.
During the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we also repurchased 3,686 shares of our Common Stock in connection with employee tax withholding obligations for vested stock awards.

Sources and Uses of Cash Flow
  13 weeks ended
Dollars in thousands July 30, 2016 August 1, 2015
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period $28,568
 $44,816
Net cash flows (used in) provided by operating activities (25,202) 9,555
Net cash flows used in investing activities (12,848) (16,616)
Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities 18,394
 (28,868)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (6) 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $8,906
 $8,887
Cash Flow from Operating Activities
Our business is highly seasonal. Cash flows from operating activities are typically a source of cash in the second and third fiscal quarters, when students generally purchase and rent textbooks for the upcoming semesters. Cash flows from operating activities are typically a use of cash in the first and fourth fiscal quarters, when sales volumes are materially lower than the other quarters. Our quarterly cash flows also may fluctuate depending on the timing of the start of the various school’s semesters, as well as shifts in fiscal calendar dates. These shifts in timing may affect the comparability of our results across periods.

Until August 3, 2015, we were party to the B&N Credit Facility. The B&N Credit Facility provided for up to $1 billion in aggregate commitments under a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility expiring on April 29, 2016. The B&N Credit Facility was secured by eligible inventory and accounts receivable with the ability to include eligible real estate and related assets. We were a borrower and co-guarantor of all amounts owing under the B&N Credit Facility. All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble’s balance sheet as of August 1, 2015.

On August 3, 2015, in connection with the Spin-Off, we entered into a new five-year $400 million asset-backed revolving credit facility (the “New Credit Facility”), the proceeds of which will be used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. SeeFinancing Arrangements discussion below.

As of August 1, 2015, Other long-term liabilities includes $63.5 million related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve. Management believes it is remote that the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve will be payable or will result in a cash tax payment in the foreseeable future, assuming that LIFO will continue to be an acceptable inventory method for tax purposes.

Sources and Uses of Cash Flow

   13 weeks ended 

Dollars in thousands

  August 1,
2015
   August 2,
2014
 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  $59,714    $144,269  

Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities

   1,799     (34,283

Net cash flows used in investing activities

   (16,616   (13,347

Net cash flows used in financing activities

   (28,868   (50,836
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $16,029    $45,803  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Cash flows provided byused in operating activities during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 were $1.8$(25.2) million compared to cash flows used inprovided by operating activities of $(34.3)$9.6 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014.1, 2015. This net change of $36.1$34.8 million was primarily due to changes in working capital.

capital, including receipts of a $38.2 million receivable from Barnes & Noble, Inc., which was paid at the time of the Spin-Off.

Cash Flow from Investing Activities

Our investing activities consist principally of capital expenditures for contractual capital investments associated with renewing existing contracts, new store construction, digital initiatives and enhancements to internal systems and our website.

Cash flows used in investing activities during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015July 30, 2016 were $(16.6)$(12.8) million compared to $(13.3) million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 2014. Capital expenditures totaled $11.8 million and $9.3$(16.6) million during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 20152015. Capital expenditures totaled $6.2 million and $11.8 million during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 and August 2, 2014,1, 2015, respectively.

Cash Flow from Financing Activities

Cash flows used inprovided by financing activities during the 13 weeks ended August 1, 2015 decreased by $22.0July 30, 2016 were $18.4 million compared to cash flows used in financing activities of $28.9 million during the 13 weeks ended August 2, 20141, 2015. This net change of $47.3 primarily due to the net change in net transfers tothe Barnes & Noble, prior to the Spin-Off.

Inc. investment of $28.9 million, credit facility borrowings of $25.0 million, offset by increased payments for Common Stock repurchased of $6.6 million.

Financing Arrangements

Until August 3, 2015, we were party to an amended and restated credit facility with Barnes & Noble, Inc. as the Blead borrower (as amended and modified to date, the “B&N Credit Facility.Facility”). All outstanding debt under the B&N Credit Facility was recorded on Barnes & Noble’s balance sheet as of August 1, 2015.

On August 3, 2015, the Companywe and certain of itsour subsidiaries, from time to time party thereto entered into the Credit Agreement)a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and swing line lender, and other lenders from time to time party thereto, under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400$400.0 million under the New(the “BNED Credit Facility. Proceeds from the Credit Facility are used for general corporate purposes, including seasonal working capital needs. Bank of America Merrill Lynch, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. are the joint lead arrangers for the New Credit Facility.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Loan Parties”Facility”) will be permitted to borrow under the New Credit Facility. The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the inventory, accounts receivable and related assets of the borrowers under the New Credit Facility, but excluding the equity interests in the Company and its subsidiaries, intellectual property, equipment and certain other property.. The Company has the option to request an increase in commitments under the NewBNED Credit Facility of up to $100$100.0 million, subject to certain restrictions.

Interest For additional information including interest terms and covenant requirements related to the BNED Credit Facility, refer to Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016.

As of July 30, 2016, we had $25.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the NewBNED Credit Facility accrues, atFacility. During the election of the Company, at a LIBOR or alternate base rate, plus, in each case, an applicable interest rate margin, which is determined by reference to the level of excess availability13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we borrowed $25.9 million and repaid $0.9 million under the NewBNED Credit Facility. Loans will initially bear interest at LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum,As of July 30, 2016, we have issued $3.6 million in the caseletters of LIBOR borrowings, or at the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum, in the alternative, and thereafter the interest rate will fluctuate between LIBOR plus 2.000% per annum and LIBOR plus 1.750% per annum (or between the alternate base rate plus 1.000% per annum and the alternate base rate plus 0.750% per annum), based upon the excess availabilitycredit under the New Credit Facility at such time.

The Credit Agreement contains customary negative covenants, which limit the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness, create liens, make investments, make restricted payments or specified payments and merge or acquire assets, among other things. In addition, if excess availability under the New Credit Facility were to fall below certain specified levels, certain additional covenants (including fixed charge coverage ratio requirements) would be triggered, and the lenders will assume dominion and control over the Loan Parties’ cash.

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, material breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, default on other material indebtedness, customary ERISA events of default, bankruptcy and insolvency, material judgments, invalidity of liens on collateral, change of control or cessation of business. The Credit Agreement also contains customary affirmative covenants and representations and warranties.

facility.

We believe that our future cash from operations, access to borrowings under the NewBNED Credit Facility and short-term vendor financing will provide adequate resources to fund our operating and financing needs for the foreseeable future. Our access to, and the

availability of, financing in the future will be impacted by many factors, including the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the current state of the economy. There can be no assurances that we will have access to capital markets on acceptable terms.


Contractual Obligations

Except as noted below, our

Our projected contractual obligations are consistent with amounts disclosed in “Management’sPart II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed withAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the SEC on that date.

On August 3, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto entered into the Credit Agreement under which the lenders committed to provide a five-year asset-backed revolving credit facility in an aggregate committed principal amount of $400 million (the “New Credit Facility”). SeeFinancing Arrangements above for additional information.

year ended April 30, 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of August 1, 2015,July 30, 2016, we have no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303 of Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2016, there

There were no changes in the Company’s policies regarding the use of estimates and other critical accounting policies. See “Management’sPart II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed withAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the SEC on that date, for additional information relating to the Company’s use of estimates and other critical accounting policies.

year ended April 30, 2016.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

SeeItem 1. Financial Statements — Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements of this Form 10-Q for information related to new accounting pronouncements.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and information relating to us and our business that are based on the beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to our management. When used in this communication, the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “will,” “forecasts,” “projections,” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this Form 10-Q may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Such statements reflect our current views with respect to future events, the outcome of which is subject to certain risks, including, among others:

challenges to running our company independently from Barnes & Noble now that the Spin-Off has been completed;

the potential adverse impact on our business resulting from the Spin-Off;

general competitive conditions, including actions our competitors may take to grow their businesses;

trends and challenges to our business anda decline in the locations in which we have stores;college enrollment or decreased funding available for students;

decisions by colleges and universities to outsource their bookstore operations or change the operation of their bookstores;

non-renewal of contracts;

the general economic environment college enrollment and consumer spending patterns, including decreases in university spending;patterns;

decreased consumer demand for our products, low growth or declining sales;

disruptionsrestructuring of our digital strategy may not result in the expected growth in our digital sales and/or profitability;
risk that digital sales growth does not exceed the rate of investment spend;
the performance of our online, digital and other initiatives, integration of and deployment of, additional products and services, and further enhancements to Yuzu® and any future higher education digital products, and the inability to achieve the expected cost savings;
our ability to successfully implement our computer systems, data lines, telephone systems or supply chain,strategic initiatives including the loss of suppliers;our ability to identify and execute upon additional acquisitions and strategic investments;

technological changes;
our international expansion could result in additional risks;
our ability to attract and retain employees;
changes to payment terms, return policies, the discount or margin on products or other terms with our suppliers;

risks associated with data privacy, information security and intellectual property;


trends and challenges to our business and in the locations in which we have stores;
non-renewal of contracts and higher-than-anticipated store closings;
disruptions to our computer systems, data lines, telephone systems or supply chain, including the loss of suppliers;
work stoppages or increases in labor costs;

our ability to attract and retain employees;

possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service, effects of competition;

obsolete or excessive inventory;

product shortages;

our ability to successfully implement our strategic initiatives;

the performance of our online, digital and other initiatives, including possible delays in the deployment of, and further enhancements to, Yuzu® and any future higher education digital products;

technological changes;

risk that digital sales growth is less than expectations and the risk that it does not exceed the rate of investment spend;

higher-than-anticipated store closings;

changes in law or regulation;

the amount of our indebtedness and ability to comply with covenants applicable to any future debt financing;

our ability to satisfy future capital and liquidity requirements;

our ability to access the credit and capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed and on acceptable terms;

adverse results from litigation, governmental investigations or tax-related proceedings or audits;

changes in accounting standards;
challenges to running our company independently from Barnes & Noble, Inc. following the Spin-Off;
the potential adverse impact on our business resulting from the Spin-Off; and

the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in thisPart I - Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-Q.10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016.

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results or outcomes may vary materially from those described as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected, intended or planned. Subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise after the date of this Form 10-Q.

Item 3:Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Except as noted below, there

Item 3:    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There have been no material changes to the items discussed in Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”Risk in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed withAnnual Report on Form 10-K for the SEC on that date.

On August 3, 2015, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries from time to time party thereto entered into the Credit Agreement under which the lenders committed to the New Credit Facility. SeeItem 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity - Financing Arrangements in this Form 10-Q for additional information.

We may from time to time borrow money under the New Credit Facility at various interest rate options based on LIBOR or alternate base rate (each term as defined therein) depending upon certain financial tests. Accordingly, we may be exposed to interest rate risk on borrowings under the New Credit Facility. To the extent we continue to have no outstanding debt under the New Credit Facility, a 25 basis point increase in interest rates would have increased our interest expense by $0 million in Fiscalyear ended April 30, 2016. Conversely, a 25 basis point decrease in interest rates would have reduced interest expense by $0 million in Fiscal 2016.

Item 4:Controls and Procedures

Item 4:    Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation (as required under Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) under the Exchange Act) was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that it will detect or uncover failures within the Company to disclose material information otherwise required to be set forth in the Company’s periodic reports. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Management has not identified any changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.Legal Proceedings

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a variety of claims, suits, investigations and proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business, including actions with respect to contracts, intellectual property, taxation, employment, benefits, personal injuries and other matters. The results of these proceedings in the ordinary course of business are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

We record a liability when we believe that it is both probable that a liability will beloss has been incurred and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, at least quarterly, developments inBased on our legal matterscurrent knowledge, we do not believe that could affect the amount of liability that has been previously accrued and makes adjustments as appropriate. Significant judgment is required to determine both probability and the estimated amount of a loss or potential loss. We may be unable to reasonably estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss for a particular legal contingency for various reasons, including, among others: (i) if the damages sought are indeterminate; (ii) if proceedings are in the early stages; (iii) if there is uncertainty as toa reasonable possibility that the outcome of pending proceedings (including motions and appeals); (iv) if there is uncertainty as to the likelihood of settlement and thefinal outcome of any negotiations with respect thereto; (v) if therepending or threatened legal proceedings to which we or any of our subsidiaries are significant factual issues to be determineda party, either individually or resolved; (vi) ifin the proceedings involveaggregate, will have a large number of parties; (vii) if relevant law is unsettled or novel or untested legal theories are presented; or (viii) if the proceedings are taking place in jurisdictions where the laws are complex or unclear. In such instances, there is considerable uncertainty regarding the ultimate resolution of such matters, including a possible eventual loss, if any. With respect to the legal matters described below, we have determined, basedmaterial adverse effect on its current knowledge, that the amount of loss or range of loss, that is reasonably possible including any reasonably possible losses in excess of amounts already accrued, is not reasonably estimable.our future financial results. However, legal matters are inherently unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. As such, there can be no assurance that the final outcome of these matters will not materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The litigation matter described below is the only material legal proceeding in which we are currently involved. Under the Separation Agreement, Barnes & Noble, willInc. is obligated to indemnify us against any expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with the matter.

matter; consequently, we do not expect an adverse outcome to this litigation to adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Adrea LLC v. Barnes & Noble, Inc., NOOK Digital, LLC (formerly barnesandnoble.com llc) and B&N Education, LLC (formerly Nook Media LLC)

:

On June 14, 2013, Adrea LLC (“Adrea”) filed a complaint against Barnes & Noble, Inc., NOOK Digital, LLC (formerly barnesandnoble.com llc) and B&N Education, LLC (formerly NOOK Media LLC) (collectively, “B&N”) in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging that various B&N NOOK products and related online services infringe U.S. Patent Nos. 7,298,851 (the “’851 patent”), 7,299,501 (the “’501 patent”) and 7,620,703 (the “’703 patent”). B&N filed its Answer on August 9, 2013, denying infringement and asserting several affirmative defenses. At the same time, B&N filed counterclaims seeking declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity with respect to each of the patents-in-suit. Following the claim construction hearing held on November 1, 2013 (as to which the Court issued a claim construction order on December 1, 2013), the Court set a further amended case management schedule, under which fact discoveryDiscovery was to be (and has been) substantiallycommenced and completed by November 20, 2013, and concluded by December 9, 2013; and expert disclosures and discovery were to be (and have been) completed by January 17, 2014. According to the amended case management schedule, summary judgment motion briefing was to have been, and has now been completed as of February 21, 2014. The final pretrial conference, originally scheduled to be held on February 28, 2014, was adjourned by the Court until April 10, 2014. On that date the summary judgment motions were orally argued to the Court, and the Court reserved decision on such motions until a later date. The parties then discussed various pretrial proceedings with the Court, and the Court set the date of October 6, 2014 for trial. Subsequently, onfiled. On July 1, 2014, the Court issued a decision granting partial summary judgment in B&N’s favor, and in particular granting B&N’s motion to dismiss one of Adrea’s infringement claims, and granting B&N’s motion to limit any damages award with respect to another of Adrea’s infringement claims.

Beginning October 7, 2014, through and including October 22, 2014, the case was tried before a jury in the Southern District of New York. The jury returned its verdict on October 27, 2014. The jury found no infringement with respect to the ‘851 patent, and infringement with respect to the ‘501 patent and ‘703 patent. It awarded damages in the amount of $1.3 million. The jury further found no willful infringement with respect to any patent.

On July 24, 2015, the Court granted B&N’s post trial application to invalidate one of the two patents (the ‘501 Patent)patent) the jury found to have been infringed. The Court then heard oral argument from both parties as to what steps should next occur. After consideringon September 28, 2015 on the parties’ respective arguments, the Court has decided to first hear post-trial motions on the jury’s infringement and validity

determinations, which, if decided in determinations. On February 24, 2016, the Court issued a decision upholding the jury’s determination of infringement and validity with respect to the ‘703 patent and ordered a new trial on damages with respect to ‘703 patent since the original damages award was a total award for both the ‘501 patent and the ‘703 patent. The court held a trial on June 23-24 and July 15, 2016 to determine the damage award related to the '703 patent. Adrea filed its post-trial brief on August 5, 2016; B&N’s favor, would knock out the jury’s findings of liabilityresponse brief is due August 26, 2016, and damages altogether. After full briefing, the CourtAdrea’s reply brief will hear oral argument onbe due September 28, 2015.

8, 2016.
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes during the 13 weeks ended July 30, 2016 to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones faced by us. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known or that are currently deemed immaterial also may impair our business operations. If any of the following risks occur, our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows and the trading price of our Common Stock could be materially adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We face significant competition in our business, and we expect such competition to increase.

The market for course materials, including textbooks and supplemental materials, is intensely competitive and subject to rapid change. We are experiencing growing competition from alternative media and alternative sources of textbooks and course-related materials, such as websites that sell textbooks, eBooks, digital content and other merchandise directly to students; online resources; publishers bypassing the bookstore distribution channel by selling directly to students and educational institutions; print-on-demand textbooks; textbook rental companies; and student-to-student transactions over the Internet. We also have competition from other college bookstore operators and educational content providers, including Follett Corporation, a contract operator of campus bookstores, which recently acquired Nebraska Book Company, a contract operator of on-campus and off-campus bookstores; Amazon.com, an e-commerce operator and a provider of contract services to colleges and universities; BBA Solutions, a college textbook retailer; Chegg.com, an online textbook rental company; CourseSmart, a digital course materials provider; Akademos, a virtual bookstore and marketplace for academic institutions; Rafter, a course materials management solution for higher educational institutions; bn.com, the e-commerce platform of Barnes & Noble, and MBS Direct, an online bookstore provider; providers of eTextbooks, such as Apple iTunes, CourseSmart, Blackboard, Rafter and Google; and various private textbook rental websites. In addition, Amazon, Akademos and Rafter have recently begun to develop relationships with colleges and universities to provide online bookstore solutions. Many students purchase from multiple textbook providers, are highly price sensitive and can easily shift spending from one provider or format to another. As a consequence, in addition to being competitive in the services we provide to our customers, our textbook business faces significant price competition. Some of our competitors have adopted, and may continue to adopt, aggressive pricing policies and devote substantial resources to marketing, website and systems development. In addition, a variety of business models are being pursued for the provision of print textbooks, some of which may be more profitable or successful than our business model.

We may not be able to enter into new contracts and contracts for existing or additional college and university affiliated bookstores may not be profitable.

An important part of our business strategy is to expand sales for our college bookstore operations by being awarded additional contracts to manage bookstores for colleges and universities. Our ability to obtain those additional contracts is subject to a number of factors that we are not able to control. In addition, the anticipated strategic benefits of new and additional college and university bookstores may not be realized at all or may not be realized within the time frames contemplated by management. In particular, contracts for additional managed stores may involve a number of special risks, including adverse short-term effectsAnnual Report on operating results, diversion of management’s attention and other resources, standardization of accounting systems, dependence on retaining, hiring and training key personnel, unanticipated problems or legal liabilities, and actions of our competitors and customers. Because certain terms of any contract are generally fixed for the initial term of the contract and involve judgments and estimates that may not be accurate, including for reasons outside of our control, we have contracts that are not profitable and may have such contracts in the future. Even if we have the right to terminate a contract, we may be reluctant to do so even when a contract is unprofitable due to, among other factors, the potential effect on our reputation.

We may not be able to successfully retain or renew our managed bookstore contracts on profitable terms.

We face significant competition in retaining existing store contracts and when renewing those contracts as they expire. Our contracts are typically for five years with renewal options but can range from two to 15 years, and most contracts are cancelable by either party without penalty, typically with 120 days’ notice. We may not be successful in retaining our current contracts, renewing our current contracts or renewing our current contracts on terms that provide us the opportunity to improve or maintain the profitability of managing stores that are the subject matter of such contracts.

Our business is dependent on the overall economic environment, college enrollment and consumer spending patterns.

A deterioration of the current economic environment could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and operating results, as well as our ability to fund our growth and strategic business initiatives. Our business is affected by funding levels at colleges and universities and by changes in enrollments at colleges and universities, changes in student enrollments and lower spending on textbooks and general merchandise. The growth of our business depends on our ability to attract new students and to increase the level of engagement by existing students. To the extent we are unable to attract new students or students spend less generally, our business could be adversely affected.

We face the risk of disruption of supplier relationships and/or supply chain and/or inventory surplus.

The products that we sell originate from a wide variety of domestic and international vendors. During Fiscal 2015, our four largest suppliers accounted for approximately 47% of our merchandise purchased, with the largest supplier accounting for approximately 19% of our merchandise purchased. While we believe that our relationships with our suppliers are good, suppliers may modify the terms of these relationships due to general economic conditions or otherwise.

We do not have long-term arrangements with most of our suppliers to guarantee availability of merchandise, content or services, particular payment terms or the extension of credit limits. If our current suppliers were to stop selling merchandise, content or services to us on acceptable terms, including as a result of one or more supplier bankruptcies due to poor economic conditions, we may be unable to procure the same merchandise, content or services from other suppliers in a timely and efficient manner and on acceptable terms, or at all. In addition, our business is dependent on the continued supply of textbooks. The publishing industry generally has suffered recently due to, among other things, changing consumer preferences away from the print medium and the economic climate. A significant disruption in this industry generally or a significant unfavorable change in our relationships with key suppliers could adversely impact our business. In addition, any significant change in the terms that we have with our key suppliers including, payment terms, return policies, the discount or margin on products or changes to the distribution model of textbooks, could adversely affect our financial condition and liquidity. Furthermore, certain of our merchandise is sourced indirectly from outside the United States. Political or financial instability, merchandise quality issues, product safety concerns, trade restrictions, work stoppages, tariffs, foreign currency exchange rates, transportation capacity and costs, inflation, civil unrest, natural disasters, outbreaks of pandemics and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control and could disrupt our supply of foreign-sourced merchandise.

In addition, we have significantly increased our textbook rental business, offering students a lower cost alternative to purchasing textbooks, which is also subject to certain inventory risks such as textbooks not being resold or re-rented due to delayed returns or poor condition, or faculty members not continuing to adopt or use certain textbooks.

We are dependent upon access to the capital markets, bank credit facilities, and short-term vendor financing for liquidity needs.

We must have sufficient sources of liquidity to fund working capital requirements. We believe that the combination of cash-on-hand, cash flow received from operations, funds available under our revolving senior credit facility and short-term vendor financing will be sufficient to meet our normal working capital and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months. If these sources of liquidity do not satisfy our requirements, we may need to seek additional financing. The future availability of financing will depend on a variety of factors, such as economic and market conditions, and the availability of credit. These factors could materially adversely affect our costs of borrowing, and our financial position and results of operations would be adversely impacted.

Our business relies on certain key personnel.

Management believes that our continued success will depend to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of certain of our key personnel. The loss of the services of any of these key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business. We do not maintain “key man” life insurance on any of our officers or other employees.

Our business is seasonal.

Our business is seasonal, with sales generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Less than satisfactory net sales during our peak fiscal quarters could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or operating resultsForm 10-K for the year ended April 30, 2016.


Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and our resultsUse of operations from those quarters may not be sufficient to cover any losses that may be incurred in the other fiscal quartersProceeds

Issuer Purchases of the year.

Our results also depend on the successful implementationEquity Securities


The following table provides information as of our strategic initiatives. We may not be able to implement these strategies successfully, on a timely basis or at all.

Our ability to grow depends upon a number of factors, including our ability to implement our strategic initiatives to retain and expand existing customer relationships, acquire new accounts, expand sales channels and marketing efforts, develop and market Yuzu® and other higher education digital products and adapt to changing industry trends. While we believe we have the capital resources, experience, management resources and internal systems to successfully operate our business, we may not be successful in implementing these strategies. Further, even if successfully implemented, our business strategy may not ultimately produce positive results.

We face data security risksJuly 30, 2016 with respect to personal information.

Our business involvesshares of common stock we purchased during the receipt, storage, processing and transmissionfirst quarter of personal information about customers and employees. We may share information about such persons with vendors and third parties that assist with certain aspectsFiscal 2017:

PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share (a) Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
May 1, 2016 - May 28, 2016288,833
 $9.23
 288,833
 $30,710,895
May 29, 2016 - July 2, 2016281,943
 $9.78
 281,943
 $27,966,624
July 3, 2016 - July 30, 2016105,272
 $11.17
 105,272
 $26,819,867
 676,048
 $10.03
 676,048
 

(a)This amount represents the average price paid per common share. This price includes a per share commission paid for all repurchases.
On December 14, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program of up to $50 million, in the aggregate, of our business. Also, in connection with our student financial aid platform and the processing of university debit cards, we secure and have access to certain student personal information that has been provided to us by the universities we serve. Our handling and use of personal informationoutstanding Common Stock. The stock repurchase program is regulatedcarried out at the international, federal and state levels. Privacy and information security laws, regulations, and standards such asdirection of management (which includes a plan under Rule 10b5-1 of the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard change from time to time, and compliance with them may result in cost increases due to necessary systems changes and the developmentSecurities Exchange Act of new processes and1934). The stock repurchase program may be difficult to achieve. If we fail to comply with these laws, regulationssuspended, terminated, or modified at any time. Any repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and standards, we could be subjected to legal risk. In addition, even if we fully comply with all laws, regulations and standards and even though we have taken significant steps to protect personal information, we could experience a data security breach, and our reputation could be damaged, possibly resulting in lost future sales or decreased usage of credit and debit card products. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. A party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate our or our users’ proprietary information and cause interruption in our operations. Any compromise of our data security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws or standards, significant legal and financial exposure beyond the scope or limits of insurance coverage, increased operating costs associated with remediation, equipment acquisitions or disposal and added personnel, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could harm our business or affect investor confidence. Data security breaches may also result from non-technical means, for example, actions by an employee.

Our business could be impacted by changes in federal, state, local or international laws, rules or regulations.

We are subject to general business regulations and laws relating to all aspects of our business. These regulations and laws may cover taxation, privacy, data protection, our access to student financial aid, pricing and availability of educational materials, competition and/or antitrust, content, copyrights, distribution, college distribution, mobile communications, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection, the provision of online payment services, unencumbered Internet access to our services, the design and operation of websites, digital content (including governmental investigations and litigation relating to the agency pricing model for digital content distribution), the characteristics and quality of products and services and employee benefits (including the costs associated with complying with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act). Changes in federal, state, local or international laws, rules or regulations relating to these matters could increase our costs of doing business or otherwise impact our business.

Changes in tax laws and regulations might adversely impact our businesses or financial performance.

We collected sales tax on the majority of the products and services that we sold in our respective prior fiscal years that were subject to sales tax, and we generally have continued the same policies for sales tax within the current fiscal year. While management believes that the financial statements included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q reflect management’s best current estimate of any potential additional sales tax liability based on current discussions with taxing authorities, we cannot assure you that the outcome of any discussions with any taxing authority will not result in the payment of sales taxes for prior periods or otherwise, or that the amount of any such payments will not be materially in excess of any liability currently recorded. In the future, our businesses may be subject to claims for not collecting sales tax on the products and services we currently sell for which sales tax is not collected. In addition, our provision for income taxes and our obligation to pay income tax is based on existing federal, state and local tax laws. Changes to these laws, in particular as they relate to depreciation, amortization and cost of goods sold, could have a significant impact on our income tax provision, our projected cash tax liability, or both.

Our expansion into new products, services and technologies subjects us to additional business, legal, financial and competitive risks.

We may require additional capital in the future to sustain or grow our business. Our gross profits and margins in our newer activities may be lower than in our traditional activities, and we may not be successful enough in these newer activities to recoup our investments in them. In addition, we may have limited or no experience in our newer products and services, and our customers may not adopt our new product or service offerings. Some of these offerings, such as our commercial agreement with Pearson, may present new and difficult technological challenges, and we may be subject to claims if customers of these offerings experience service disruptions or failures or other quality issues.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property rights or may be accused of infringing upon intellectual property rights of third parties.

We regard our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, trade dress, trade secrets, proprietary technology and similar intellectual property as important to our success, and we rely on trademark, copyright and patent law, domain name regulations, trade secret protection and confidentiality or license agreements to protect our proprietary rights, including our use of the Barnes & Noble trademark. Laws and regulations may not adequately protect our trademarks and similar proprietary rights. We may be unable to prevent third parties from acquiring domain names that are similar to, infringe upon or diminish the value of our trademarks and other proprietary or licensed rights.

We may not be able to discover or determine the extent of any unauthorized use of our proprietary rights. The protection of our intellectual property may require the expenditure of significant financial and managerial resources. Moreover, the steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not adequately protect our rights or prevent third parties from infringing or misappropriating our proprietary rights. We also cannot be certain that others will not independently develop or otherwise acquire equivalent or superior technology or other intellectual property rights.

Other parties also may claim that we infringe their proprietary rights. Because of the changes in Internet commerce and digital content businesses, current extensive patent coverage, and the rapid rate of issuance of new patents, it is possible that certain components of our products and business methods may unknowingly infringe existing patents or intellectual property rights of others.

Our digital content offerings depend in part on effective digital rights management technology to control access to digital content. If the digital rights management technology that we use is compromised or otherwise malfunctions, we could be subject to claims, and content providers may be unwilling to include their content in our service.

We do not own the Barnes & Noble trademark and instead rely on a license of that trademark and certain other trademarks, which license imposes limits on what those trademarks can be used to do.

In connection with the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble granted us an exclusive, perpetual, fully paid up, non-transferable and non-assignable license to use the trademarks “Barnes & Noble College,” “B&N College,” “Barnes & Noble Education” and “B&N Education” and the non-exclusive, perpetual, fully paid up, non-transferable and non-assignable license to use the marks “Barnes & Noble,” “B&N” and “BN,” solely in connection with the contract management of college and university bookstores and other bookstores associated with academic institutions and related websites as well as education products and services (including digital education products and services) and related websites. These restrictions may materially limit our ability to use the licensed marks in the expansion of our operations in the future. In addition, we are reliant on Barnes & Noble to maintain the licensed trademarks.

We rely on third-party digital content and applications, which may not be available to us on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

We contract with certain third-parties to offer their digital content. Our licensing arrangements with these third-parties do not guaranteefor general corporate purposes.

During the continuation or renewal of these arrangements on reasonable terms, if at all. Some third-party content providers currently or in the future may offer competing products and services, and could take action to make it more difficult or impossible for us to license our content in the future. Other content owners, providers or distributors may seek to limit our access to, or increase the total cost of, such content. If13 weeks ended July 30, 2016, we are unable to offer a wide variety of content at reasonable prices with acceptable usage rules, our business may be materially adversely affected.

Risks Relating to Our Recent Spin-Off from Barnes & Noble

We could have an indemnification obligation to Barnes & Noble if the Spin-Off were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment.

If, due to any of our covenants in the Tax Matters Agreement being breached, it were determined as a tax matter that the Spin-Off did not qualify for non-recognition of gain and loss, we could be required to indemnify Barnes & Noble for the resulting taxes and related expenses. In addition, Section 355(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), generally creates a presumption that the Spin-Off would be taxable to Barnes & Noble, but not to holders, if we or our stockholders were to engage in transactions that result in a 50% or greater change by vote or value in the ownership of our stock during the four-year period beginning on the date that begins two years before the date of the Spin-Off, unless it were established that such transactions and the Spin-Off were not part of a plan or series of related transactions giving effect to such a change in ownership. If the Spin-Off were taxable to Barnes & Noble due to such 50% or greater change in the ownership of our stock, Barnes & Noble would have to recognize gain in an amount up to the fair market value of our stock held by it immediately before the Spin-Off, and we generally would be required to indemnify Barnes & Noble for the tax on such gain and related expenses. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Barnes & Noble—Tax Matters Agreement” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date for more information.

We have agreed to numerous restrictions to preserve the non-recognition treatment of the Spin-Off, which may reduce our strategic and operating flexibility.

We have agreed in the Tax Matters Agreement to covenants and indemnification obligations that address compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code. These covenants and indemnification obligations may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions or engage in new businesses or other transactions that might maximize the value of our business, and could discourage or delay a strategic transaction that our stockholders may consider favorable. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Barnes & Noble—Tax Matters Agreement” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date for more information.

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from the Spin-Off.

We believe that, as an independent publicly-traded company, we will be able to, among other things, better focus our financial and operational resources on our specific business, implement and maintain a capital structure designed to meet our specific needs, design and implement corporate strategies and policies that are targeted to our business, more effectively respond to industry dynamics and create effective incentives for our management and employees that are more closely tied to our business performance. However, by separating from Barnes & Noble, we may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and have less leverage with suppliers, and we may experience other adverse events. In addition, we may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as an independent company in the time we expect, if at all.

We may be unable to make, on a timely or cost-effective basis, the changes necessary to operate as an independent publicly-traded company, and we may experience increased costs after the Spin-Off.

In the past, Barnes & Noble provided us with various corporate services. Following the Spin-Off, Barnes & Noble has no obligation to provide us with assistance other than the transition services described under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Barnes & Noble” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date. These services do not include every service that we have received from Barnes & Noble in the past, and Barnes & Noble is only obligated to provide these services for limited periods from the date of the Spin-Off. Accordingly, following the Spin-Off, we need to provide internally or obtain from unaffiliated third parties the services we previously received from Barnes & Noble prior to the Spin-Off. We may be unable to replace these services in a timely manner or on terms and conditions as favorable as those we receive from Barnes & Noble. We may be unable to successfully establish the infrastructure or implement the changes necessary to operate independently or may incur additional costs. If we fail to obtain the services necessary to operate effectively or if we incur greater costs in obtaining these services, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

We have no operating history as an independent publicly-traded company, and our historical financial information is not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved as an independent publicly-traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

We derived the historical financial information included in this Form 10-Q from Barnes & Noble’s consolidated financial statements, and this information does not necessarily reflect the results of operations and financial position we would have achieved as an independent publicly-traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future. This is primarily because of the following factors:

Prior to the Spin-Off, we operated as part of Barnes & Noble’s broader corporate organization, and Barnes & Noble performed various corporate functions for us. Our historical financial information reflects allocations of corporate expenses from Barnes & Noble for these and similar functions. These allocations may not reflect the costs we will incur for similar services in the future as an independent publicly-traded company.

We have entered into transactions with Barnes & Noble that did not exist prior to the Spin-Off and modified our existing agreements with Barnes & Noble, such as Barnes & Noble’s provision of transition services, which will cause us to incur new costs.

Our historical financial information does not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of our separation from Barnes & Noble, including changes in our cost structure, personnel needs, tax structure, financing and business operations. As part of Barnes & Noble, we enjoyed certain benefits from Barnes & Noble’s operating diversity, size, purchasing power, borrowing leverage and available capital for investments, and we lost these benefits after the Spin-Off. As an independent entity, we may be unable to purchase goods, services and technologies, such as insurance and health care benefits and computer software licenses or access capital markets on terms as favorable to us as those we obtained as part of Barnes & Noble prior to the Spin-Off.

Following the Spin-Off, we are now also responsible for the additional costs associated with being an independent publicly-traded company, including costs related to corporate governance, investor and public relations and public reporting. In addition, certain costs incurred by Barnes & Noble, including executive oversight, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, human resources, occupancy, procurement, information technology and other shared services, had historically been allocated to us by Barnes & Noble; but these allocations may not reflect the future level of these costs to us as we provide these services ourselves. Therefore, our historical financial statements may not be indicative of our future performance as an independent publicly-traded company. We cannot assure you that our operating results will continue at a similar level when we are an independent publicly-traded company. For additional information about our past financial performance and the basis of presentation of our financial statements, see “Financial Statements (Unaudited)” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this Form 10-Q as well as the historical financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date.

We may not be able to access the credit and capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed on acceptable terms.

From time to time we may need to access the long-term and short-term capital markets to obtain financing. Although we believe our current sources of capital will permit us to finance our operations for the foreseeable future on acceptable terms and conditions, we have not previously accessed the capital markets as an independent public company, and our access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors, including our financial performance, our credit ratings or absence thereof, the liquidity of the overall capital markets and the state of the economy. We cannot assure you that we will have access to the capital markets at the times and in the amounts needed or on terms acceptable to us.

Some of our contracts contain provisions requiring the consent of third parties in connection with the Spin-Off.

Some of our contracts contain provisions that required the consent of third parties to the Spin-Off. Failure to obtain such consents on commercially reasonable and satisfactory terms may impair our entitlement to the benefit of these contracts in the future.

We may have been able to receive better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we received in our agreements with Barnes & Noble.

We entered into agreements with Barnes & Noble related to our separation from Barnes & Noble, including the Separation Agreement, Transition Services Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, the Trademark License Agreement and Employee Matters Agreement, while we were still part of Barnes & Noble. Accordingly, these agreements may not reflect terms that would have resulted from arms-length negotiations between unaffiliated parties. The terms of the agreements relate to, among other things, allocations of assets, liabilities, rights, indemnifications and other obligations between Barnes & Noble and us. We may have received better terms from third parties than we received from Barnes & Noble because third parties would have competed with each other to win our

business but we are now bound by the terms of the agreements we entered into with Barnes & Noble. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date for more information.

Risks Relating to our Common Stock and the Securities Market

A market for our Common Stock did not exist before the Spin-Off, and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained now that the Spin-Off has been completed. Our stock price may fluctuate significantly.

There was no public market for our Common Stock prior to August 3, 2015, and an active trading market for the Common Stock may not develop as a result of the Spin-Off or may not be sustained in the future. The lack of an active market may make it more difficult for stockholders to sell our shares and could lead to our share price being depressed or volatile.

We cannot predict the prices at which our Common Stock may trade. The market price of our Common Stock may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our businesses;

success or failure of our business strategies, including our digital education initiative;

our quarterly or annual earnings or those of other companies in our industries;

our ability to obtain financing as needed;

announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;

changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;

the failure of securities analysts to cover our Common Stock after the Spin-Off;

changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;

the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;

investor perception of our Company and the college bookstore industry;

overall market fluctuations;

results from any material litigation or government investigation;

changes in laws and regulations (including tax laws and regulations) affecting our business;

changes in capital gains taxes and taxes on dividends affecting stockholders; and

general economic conditions and other external factors.

Furthermore, our business profile and market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of some Barnes & Noble stockholders and, as a result, these Barnes & Noble stockholders may sell, or may have sold, their shares of our Common Stock after the Spin-Off. See “Risk Factors—Substantial sales of our Common Stock may occur in connection with the Spin-Off, which could cause our stock price to decline.” Low trading volume for our Common Stock, which may occur if an active trading market does not develop, among other reasons, would amplify the effect of the above factors on our stock price volatility.

Stock markets in general have experienced volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could adversely affect the trading price of our Common Stock.

Substantial sales of the Common Stock may occur in connection with the Spin-Off, which could cause our stock price to decline.

Barnes & Noble stockholders that receivedrepurchased 3,686 shares of our Common Stock in the Spin-Off generally may sell those shares in the public market. Although we had and have no actual knowledge of any plan or intention of any significant stockholder to sell our Common Stock following the Spin-Off, it is likely that some Barnes & Noble stockholders, possibly including some of its larger stockholders, will sell their shares received in the Spin-Off if,connection with employee tax withholding obligations for reasons such as our business profile or market capitalization as an independent company, we do not fit their investment objectives, or, in the case of index funds, we are not a participant in the index in which they are investing. The sales of significant amounts of our Common Stock or the perception in the market that this will occur may decrease the market price of our Common Stock.

The concentration of our capitalvested stock ownership may limit our stockholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and may involve other risks.

A portion of our capital stock is controlled by a few stockholders. This control may limit the ability of the Company’s other stockholders to influence corporate matters and, as a result, we may take actions with which our other stockholders do not agree.

We do not intend to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, any return on your investment in our Common Stock must come from increases in the fair market value and trading price of our Common Stock.

We do not intend to pay cash dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future. We expect to retain future earnings, if any, for reinvestment in our business. Also, our credit agreements may restrict our ability to pay dividends. Whether we pay cash dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our Board and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, future prospects and any other factors our Board deems relevant. Therefore, any return on your investment in our Common Stock must come from increases in the fair market value and trading price of our Common Stock. For more information, see “Dividend Policy” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date.

Your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.

Your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that we expect to grant to our directors, officers and other employees. Prior to the Spin-Off, we approved an incentive plan that provides for the grant of Common Stock-based equity awards to our directors, officers and other employees. In addition, we may issue equity as all or part of the consideration paid for acquisitions and strategic investments that we may make in the future or as necessary to finance our ongoing operations.

Provisions in our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws and of Delaware law may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could affect the trading price of our Common Stock.

Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and our Amended and Restated By-laws contain provisions which, together with applicable Delaware law, may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that our stockholders consider favorable, including provisions that:

awards.
divide our Board into three staggered classes of directors that are each elected to three-year terms;

prohibit stockholder action by written consent;

authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our Board to increase the number of outstanding shares of capital stock, making a takeover more difficult and expensive;

provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by or at the direction of a majority of our Board or the chairman of our Board; and

require advance notice to be given by stockholders for any stockholder proposals or director nominations.

In addition, Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, may affect the ability of an “interested stockholder” to engage in certain business combinations, for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder becomes an “interested stockholder”.

These provisions may discourage, delay or prevent certain types of transactions involving an actual or a threatened acquisition or change in control of the Company, including unsolicited takeover attempts, even though the transaction may offer our stockholders the opportunity to sell their Common Stock at a price above the prevailing market price. See “Description of Our Capital Stock—Certain Provisions of Delaware Law, Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws” in our Prospectus dated July 15, 2015 and filed with SEC on that date for more information.

Our Amended and Restated By-laws designate courts in the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

Our Amended and Restated By-laws provide that, subject to limited exceptions, the state and federal courts of the State of Delaware are the sole and exclusive forum for (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or our Amended and Restated By-laws or (d) any other action asserting a claim that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person

or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of our capital stock will be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to these provisions. This provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and employees.

Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of our Amended and Restated By-laws inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions.

Item 6.    Exhibits

Item 6.Exhibits

    2.110. 1 Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2015, between Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
    3.1†Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 3, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
    3.2†Amended and Restated By-Laws of Barnes & Noble Education, Inc., filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 3, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference.
  10. 1*†Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 25, 2015, between Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and Max J. Roberts, filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015 and as amended on April 29, 2015, June 4, 2015, June 29, 2015, July 13, 2015, July 14, 2015 and July 15, 2015 (File No. 333-202298).
Equity Award Plan Performance Share Award Agreement.
 10.2*† Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 24, 2015, between Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and Barry Brover, filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015 and as amended on April 29, 2015, June 4, 2015, June 29, 2015, July 13, 2015, July 14, 2015 and July 15, 2015 (File No. 333-202298).
  10.3*†Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 24, 2015, between Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and Patrick Maloney, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015 and as amended on April 29, 2015, June 4, 2015, June 29, 2015, July 13, 2015, July 14, 2015 and July 15, 2015 (File No. 333-202298).
  10.4*†Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated June 24, 2015, between Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and William Maloney, filed as Exhibit 10.12 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015 and as amended on April 29, 2015, June 4, 2015, June 29, 2015, July 13, 2015, July 14, 2015 and July 15, 2015 (File No. 333-202298).
  10.5*†Employment Agreement, dated June 26, 2015, between Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. and Michael P. Huseby, filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 initially filed with the SEC on February 26, 2015 and as amended on April 29, 2015, June 4, 2015, June 29, 2015, July 13, 2015, July 14, 2015 and July 15, 2015 (File No. 333-202298).
31.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
Not filed herewith, but incorporated herein by reference.



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.
(Registrant)
By:
/S/ BARRY BROVER
Barry Brover
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)
By:
/S/ SEEMA PAUL
Seema Paul
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
September 8, 2016


EXHIBIT INDEX
BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.
(Registrant)

By:

10.1
 /S/ BARRY BROVER
Barry Brover
Chief Financial Officer
(principal financial officer)

By:

/S/ SEEMA PAUL
Seema Paul
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)

September 10, 2015

EXHIBIT INDEX

    2.1Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of July 14, 2015, between Barnes & Noble, Inc. and Barnes & Noble Education, Inc.
Equity Award Plan Performance Share Award Agreement.
 
31.1 Certification by the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 Certification by the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15(d)-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

40



35