q1f13_10q.htm


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended April 28, 2012

OR

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

For the transition period from  __________________________ to __________________________

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER:                                                                000-20969


HIBBETT SPORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
20-8159608
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

451 Industrial Lane, Birmingham, Alabama  35211
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

205-942-4292
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NONE
(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 
   

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 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.

Large accelerated filer 
X
 
Accelerated filer 
 
         
Non-accelerated filer 
   
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
 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding as of May 18, 2012, were 26,256,195 shares.
 
 

 

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC.
 
INDEX
 
Page
 
 
Item 1.
     
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012
2
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011
3
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011
4
 
 
5
 
Item 2.
9
 
Item 3.
13
 
Item 4.
13
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
14
 
Item 1A.
14
 
Item 2.
14
 
Item 3.
15
 
Item 4.
15
 
Item 5.
15
 
Item 6.
15
     
 
16
     
 
17



















 
1

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements.

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands, except share and per share information)

ASSETS
 
April 28,
2012
   
January 28,
2012
 
Current Assets:
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 95,831     $ 55,138  
  Inventories, net
    180,877       195,071  
  Other current assets
    14,830       18,564  
      Total current assets
    291,538       268,773  
                 
Property and equipment
    153,460       151,732  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    114,713       112,136  
      Property and equipment, net
    38,747       39,596  
                 
Other assets, net
    5,544       5,327  
Total Assets
  $ 335,829     $ 313,696  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' INVESTMENT
               
Current Liabilities:
               
  Accounts payable
  $ 75,152     $ 73,735  
  Accrued payroll expenses
    4,719       9,875  
  Deferred rent
    3,649       3,620  
  Short-term capital lease obligations
    176       173  
  Other accrued expenses
    12,792       4,255  
      Total current liabilities
    96,488       91,658  
                 
Deferred rent
    11,288       11,571  
Other liabilities, net
    7,077       6,717  
      Total liabilities
    114,853       109,946  
                 
Stockholders' Investment:
               
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized,
               
    no shares issued
    -       -  
  Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized,
               
    37,758,995 and 37,498,128 shares issued at April 28, 2012
               
    and January 28, 2012, respectively
    378       375  
  Paid-in capital
    135,441       127,779  
  Retained earnings
    375,375       349,012  
  Treasury stock, at cost; 11,437,000 and 11,120,040 shares
               
    repurchased at April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, respectively
    (290,218 )     (273,416 )
      Total stockholders' investment
    220,976       203,750  
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Investment
  $ 335,829     $ 313,696  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.








 
2

 

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands, except per share information)
 

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 30, 2011
 
             
Net sales
  $ 232,914     $ 203,656  
Cost of goods sold, including distribution
               
 center and store occupancy costs
    144,486       127,863  
    Gross profit
    88,428       75,793  
                 
Store operating, selling and administrative
               
 expenses
    42,803       38,373  
Depreciation and amortization
    3,226       3,279  
   Operating income
    42,399       34,141  
                 
Interest expense, net
    48       56  
     Income before provision for income taxes
    42,351       34,085  
                 
Provision for income taxes
    15,988       12,748  
   Net income
  $ 26,363     $ 21,337  
                 
Earnings per share:
               
  Basic
  $ 1.00     $ 0.78  
  Diluted
  $ 0.98     $ 0.76  
                 
Weighted average shares outstanding:
               
  Basic
    26,349       27,446  
  Diluted
    26,898       27,973  

 
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.






















 
3

 

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 30, 2011
 
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
           
  Net income
  $ 26,363     $ 21,337  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
               
    provided by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation and amortization
    3,226       3,279  
    Stock-based compensation
    2,616       1,841  
    Other non-cash adjustments to net income
    (1,593 )     1,021  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities
    24,551       8,051  
        Net cash provided by operating activities
    55,163       35,529  
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
               
  Capital expenditures
    (2,459 )     (3,005 )
  Other, net
    (217 )     (262 )
        Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,676 )     (3,267 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
               
  Cash used for stock repurchases
    (13,675 )     (22,578 )
  Net payments on revolving credit facility
               
    and capital lease obligations
    (42 )     (73 )
  Proceeds from options exercised and purchase of
               
    shares under the employee stock purchase plan
    1,833       954  
  Other, net
    90       (738 )
        Net cash used in financing activities
    (11,794 )     (22,435 )
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    40,693       9,827  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    55,138       75,517  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 95,831     $ 85,344  

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.





















 
4

 

HIBBETT SPORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1.           Basis of Presentation and Accounting Policies

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Hibbett Sports, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (U.S. GAAP) for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.  References to “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to Hibbett Sports, Inc. and its subsidiaries as well as its predecessors.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.  In our opinion, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included herein contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position as of April 28, 2012 and the results of our operations and cash flows for the periods presented.

There have been no material changes in our significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 filed on March 26, 2012.

2.           Recent Accounting Pronouncements

We continuously monitor and review all current accounting pronouncements and standards from the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) of U.S. GAAP for applicability to our operations.  As of April 28, 2012, there were no new pronouncements, interpretations or staff positions that had or were expected to have a significant impact on our operations since our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 filed on March 26, 2012.

3.           Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Subtopic 820, Fair Value Measurement, establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value.  The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

 
·
Level I
– Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
·
Level II
– Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level I.
 
·
Level III
– Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities.

The table below segregates all financial assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value as of April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012 (in thousands):

   
April 28, 2012
   
January 28, 2012
 
   
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
   
Level I
   
Level II
   
Level III
 
Short-term investments
  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Long-term investments
    1,676       -       -       1,382       -       -  
  Total investments
  $ 1,676     $ -     $ -     $ 1,382     $ -     $ -  
 
Long-term investments are reported in other assets on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

4.           Debt

At April 28, 2012, we had two unsecured credit facilities, renewable in August and November 2012.  The August facility allows for borrowings up to $30.0 million at a rate equal to the higher of prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5% or LIBOR.  The November facility allows for borrowings up to $50.0 million at a rate of prime plus 2%.  Under the provisions of both facilities, we do not pay commitment fees and are not subject to covenant requirements.  We did not have any borrowings against either of these facilities during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, nor was there any debt outstanding under either of these facilities at April 28, 2012.  A total of $80.0 million was available to us at April 28, 2012.

At January 28, 2012, we had the same two unsecured facilities and corresponding terms as listed above.  We did not have any borrowings against either of these facilities during Fiscal 2012, nor was there any debt outstanding under either of these facilities at January 28, 2012.



 
5

 

5.           Stock-Based Compensation

The compensation costs that have been charged against income for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011 were as follows (in thousands):

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28,
   
April 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Stock-based compensation expense by type:
           
  Stock options
  $ 708     $ 406  
  Restricted stock awards
    1,890       1,394  
  Employee stock purchase
    18       26  
  Director deferred compensation
    -       15  
    Total stock-based compensation expense
    2,616       1,841  
  Income tax benefit recognized
    977       676  
      Stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax
  $ 1,639     $ 1,165  
 
In the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, we granted the following equity awards:

Equity Type
April 28,
 2012
April 30,
2011
Stock options
36,666
32,093
Restricted stock units
63,516
102,143
Performance-based restricted stock units
38,100
53,000
Deferred stock units
-
419

In addition, our employees purchased 3,097 and 3,239 shares of our common stock under our employee stock purchase plan during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively.
 
The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 was $19.32 per share.  The grant date fair value of shares of stock purchased through our employee stock purchase plan was $7.25 and the price paid by our employees for shares of our common stock was $38.40 during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.  The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011 was $12.65 per share.  The grant date fair value of shares of stock purchased through our employee stock purchase plan was $7.91 and the price paid by our employees for shares of our common stock was $30.44 during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.

At April 28, 2012, the total compensation costs, related to nonvested restricted stock unit awards not yet recognized was $11.9 million and the weighted-average period over which such awards are expected to be recognized was 2.88 years.  There are no future compensation costs related to nonvested stock options to be recognized at April 28, 2012.

6.           Earnings Per Share

The computation of basic earnings per share (EPS) is based on the number of weighted average common shares outstanding during the period.  The computation of diluted EPS is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus the incremental shares that would be outstanding assuming exercise of dilutive stock options and issuance of restricted stock.  The number of incremental shares is calculated by applying the treasury stock method.  The following table sets forth the weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands):

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28,
   
April 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Weighted-average shares used in basic computations
    26,349       27,446  
Dilutive equity awards
    549       527  
Weighted-average shares used in diluted computations
    26,898       27,973  


 
6

 
 
For the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, no options were excluded from the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because of an anti-dilutive effect.  We excluded 82,928 nonvested stock awards granted to certain employees from the computation of diluted weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding because they are subject to certain performance-based annual vesting conditions which had not been achieved by April 28, 2012.  Assuming the performance-criteria had been achieved as of April 28, 2012, the incremental dilutive impact would have been 32,229 shares.
 
7.           Stock Repurchase Program

In November 2009, the Board of Directors (Board) authorized a Stock Repurchase Program (Program) of $250.0 million to repurchase our common stock through February 2, 2013.  The Program replaced our existing plan that was adopted in August 2004.  Stock repurchases may be made in the open market or in negotiated transactions, with the amount and timing of repurchases dependent on market conditions and at the discretion of our management.

We repurchased 316,960 shares of our common stock during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 at a cost of $16.8 million, including 59,495 shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements of $3.1 million.  We repurchased 732,547 shares of our common stock during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011 at a cost of $23.7 million, including 35,547 shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements of $1.1 million.  Shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements do not reduce the Program amount remaining for future stock repurchases.  As of April 28, 2012, we had approximately $131.1 million remaining available under the Program for stock repurchases.

Under the authorization approved by the Board in August 2004, we repurchased 7,761,813 shares of our common stock at an approximate cost of $166.9 million.  Under both authorizations, we have repurchased a total of 11,437,000 shares of our common stock at an approximate cost of $290.2 million.

8.           Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Commitments.

We have entered into capital leases for certain property.  At April 28, 2012, the total capital lease obligation was $2.2 million, of which $0.2 million was classified as a short-term liability and included in short-term capital lease obligations and $2.0 million was classified as a long-term liability and included in other liabilities, net, on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.  At January 28, 2012, the total capital lease obligation was $2.2 million, of which $0.2 million was classified as short-term and included in short-term capital lease obligations and $2.0 million was classified as long-term and included in other liabilities, net, on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

During the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, we opened 7 stores and closed 4 stores increasing our lease commitments by a net of 3 retail stores.  The 7 stores we opened have initial lease termination dates between April 2017 and May 2022.  At April 28, 2012, the future minimum lease payments, excluding maintenance, insurance and real estate taxes, for our current capital and operating leases, were as follows (in thousands):

   
Capital
   
Operating
   
Total
 
Remaining Fiscal 2013
  $ 275     $ 32,566      $ 32,841  
Fiscal 2014
    366       37,488       37,854  
Fiscal 2015
    366       27,629       27,995  
Fiscal 2016
    369       18,558       18,927  
Fiscal 2017
    379       12,423       12,802  
Fiscal 2018
    379       6,634       7,013  
Thereafter
    1,064       11,767       12,831  
  Total minimum lease payments
    3,198       147,065       150,263  
Less amount representing interest
    995       -       995  
  Present value of total minimum lease payments
  $ 2,203     $ 147,065     $ 149,268  
 
Included in the above table are future minimum lease payments on our distribution center which aggregate approximately $2.6 million.  The related operating lease expires in December 2014.

Annual Bonuses and Equity Incentive Awards.

Specified officers and corporate employees of our Company are eligible to receive annual bonuses, based on measures of Company operating performance.  At April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, there was $1.1 million and $4.2 million, respectively, of annual bonus related expenses included in accrued payroll expenses.
 
7

 
 
In addition, the Compensation Committee of the Board has placed performance criteria on awards of restricted stock units (PSUs) to our Named Executive Officers.  The performance criteria are tied to performance targets with respect to future return on invested capital and earnings before interest and taxes over a specified period of time.  These PSUs are expensed under the provisions of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation, and are evaluated each quarter to determine the probability that the performance conditions set within will be met.

Legal Proceedings and Other Contingencies.

We are a party to various legal proceedings incidental to our business.  We do not believe that any of these matters will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.  We cannot give assurance that one or more of these legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which they are resolved.  It is reasonably possible that losses in addition to the amount accrued could be incurred.  However, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters or make an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss based on the information currently available to the Company.  At April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, we estimated that the liabilities related to these matters were approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and accordingly, accrued $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as current liabilities on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The estimates of our liability for pending and unasserted potential claims do not include litigation costs.  It is our policy to accrue legal fees when incurred.

From time to time, we enter into certain types of agreements that require us to indemnify parties against third party claims under certain circumstances.  Generally, these agreements relate to: (a) agreements with vendors and suppliers under which we may provide customary indemnification to our vendors and suppliers in respect to actions they take at our request or otherwise on our behalf; (b) agreements to indemnify vendors against trademark and copyright infringement claims concerning merchandise manufactured specifically for or on behalf of the Company; (c) real estate leases, under which we may agree to indemnify the lessors from claims arising from our use of the property; and (d) agreements with our directors, officers and employees, under which we may agree to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their relationship with us.  We have director and officer liability insurance, which, subject to the policy’s conditions, provides coverage for indemnification amounts payable by us with respect to our directors and officers up to specified limits and subject to certain deductibles.

If we believe that a loss is both probable and estimable for a particular matter, the loss is accrued in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 450, Contingencies.  With respect to any matter, we could change our belief as to whether a loss is probable or estimable, or its estimate of loss, at any time.

9.           Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate is based on expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.  For interim financial reporting, we estimate the annual effective tax rate based on expected taxable income for the full year and record a quarterly income tax provision in accordance with the anticipated annual effective rate.  We update the estimates of the taxable income throughout the year as new information becomes available, including year-to-date financial results.  This process often results in a change to our expected effective tax rate for the year.  When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that the year-to-date provision reflects the expected annual effective tax rate.  Significant judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and in evaluating our tax positions.

At April 28, 2012, we do not anticipate any tax position generating a significant increase or decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits within 12 months of this reporting date.  We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions.  Generally, we are not subject to changes in income taxes by the U.S. federal taxing jurisdiction for years prior to Fiscal 2009 or by most state taxing jurisdictions for years prior to Fiscal 2008.





 
 
 

 





 
8

 

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

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document contains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address future events, developments and results. They include statements preceded by, followed by or including words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” or “estimate.”  For example, our forward-looking statements include statements regarding:

 
·
our expectations concerning store locations, types and size;
 
·
the trends relating to data processing costs, store traffic, transaction size and the customer experience;
 
·
the costs and possible outcomes of pending legal actions and other contingencies;
 
·
our cash needs and capital expenditures, including our intentions and ability to fund our new stores and other future capital expenditures and working capital requirements;
 
·
our ability and plans to renew or increase our revolving credit facilities;
 
·
our estimates and assumptions as they relate to the preparation of our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements including our estimates of economic and useful lives of depreciable assets and leases, our anticipated annual effective tax rate based on expected taxable income and the expected tax deductions from future employee stock option exercises; and
 
·
seasonality and the effect of inflation.

You should assume that the information appearing in this report is accurate only as of the date it was issued.  Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.  For a discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could affect our future events, developments or results, you should carefully consider the risk factors described from time to time in our other documents and reports, including the factors described under “Risk Factors,” “Business” and “Properties” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 26, 2012.  You should also read such information in conjunction with our unaudited condensed financial statements and related notes and “Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report.

Our forward-looking statements could be wrong in light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  The future events, developments or results described in this report could turn out to be materially different.  We have no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report and you should not expect us to do so.  Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts and others, we do not, by policy, selectively disclose to them any material non-public information with any statement or report issued by any analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report.  We do not, by policy, confirm forecasts or projections issued by others.  Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not our responsibility.

INVESTOR ACCESS TO COMPANY FILINGS

We make available free of charge on our website, www.hibbett.com under the heading “Investor Relations,” copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Securities Exchange Act”) as well as all Forms 4 and 5 filed by our executive officers and directors, as soon as the filings are made publicly available by the Securities and Exchange Commission on its EDGAR database at www.sec.gov.  In addition to accessing copies of our reports online, you may request a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, at no charge, by writing to:  Investor Relations, Hibbett Sports, Inc., 451 Industrial Lane, Birmingham, Alabama  35211.

General Overview

Hibbett Sports, Inc. operates sporting goods stores in small and mid-sized markets, predominantly in the Southeast, Southwest, Mid-Atlantic and the Midwest.  We offer convenient locations and a broad assortment of quality branded footwear, apparel and equipment with a high level of customer service.  As of April 28, 2012, we operated a total of 835 retail stores composed of 815 Hibbett Sports stores, 19 Sports Additions athletic shoe stores and 1 Sports & Co. superstore in 26 states.

Our primary retail format and growth vehicle is Hibbett Sports, a 5,000 square foot store located primarily in strip centers which are usually influenced by a Wal-Mart store.  Approximately 77.3% of our Hibbett Sports store base is located in strip centers, which include free-standing stores, while approximately 22.7% of our Hibbett Sports store base is located in enclosed malls.  We expect to continue our store base growth in strip centers versus enclosed malls.

 
9

 

We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday nearest to January 31 of each year. The consolidated statements of operations for fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 will include 53 weeks of operations while the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 included 52 weeks of operations.  We have operated as a public company and have been incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware since October 6, 1996.

We utilize a merchandise management system that allows us to identify and monitor trends.  However, this system does not produce U.S. GAAP financial information by product category.  Therefore, it is impracticable to provide U.S. GAAP net sales by product category.

Comparable store net sales data for the periods presented reflects sales for our traditional format Hibbett Sports and Sports Additions stores open throughout the period and the corresponding period of the prior fiscal year.  If a store remodel, relocation or expansion results in the store being closed for a significant period of time, its sales are removed from the comparable store base until it has been open a full 12 months.  Our Sports & Co. store is not and has never been included in the comparable store net sales comparison because we have not opened a superstore since September 1996 and we do not have plans to open additional superstores in the future.

Executive Summary

The strong sales trend which began in Fiscal 2011 is still continuing as we begin Fiscal 2013 as we achieved our 10th consecutive quarter of comparable store sales increases.  Our overall positive sales performance in the first quarter of Fiscal 2013 was driven by strong performances in licensed apparel, accessories, active wear and footwear; all of which posted double digit comparable store sales increases.  Net sales for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, increased 14.4% to $232.9 million compared with $203.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.  Comparable store sales increased 11.1% versus an increase of 6.8% in the first quarter of last year.  Net income for the first quarter of Fiscal 2013 increased 23.5% to $26.4 million compared with $21.3 million for the first quarter of Fiscal 2012.  Earnings per diluted share increased 29.0% to $0.98 compared with $0.76 for the first quarter of Fiscal 2012.

During the first quarter of Fiscal 2013, we opened 7 new stores, expanded 2 high performing stores and closed 4 underperforming stores, bringing the store base to 835 in 26 states as of April 28, 2012.  We ended the first quarter with $95.8 million of available cash and cash equivalents on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet and full availability under our credit facilities.  We also acquired 316,960 shares of our common stock for a total expenditure of $16.8 million under our stock repurchase authorization during the first quarter which included 59,495 shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements of $3.1 million.
 
Significant Accounting Estimates

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP.  The preparation of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements requires the use of estimates, judgments and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented.  Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.  Our significant accounting policies and estimates are described more fully in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, and filed on March 26, 2012.  There have been no changes in our accounting policies in the current period that had a material impact on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 of this Form 10-Q for the period ended April 28, 2012, for information regarding recent accounting pronouncements.

Results of Operations

Thirteen Weeks Ended April 28, 2012 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended April 30, 2011

Net sales.  Net sales increased $29.3 million, or 14.4%, to $232.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 from $203.7 million for the comparable period in the prior year.  Furthermore:

 
·
We opened 7 Hibbett Sports stores, expanded 2 high performing stores and closed 4 underperforming stores in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.  New stores and stores not in the comparable store net sales calculation increased net sales by $7.4 million during the thirteen weeks.
 
·
We experienced an 11.1% increase in comparable store net sales, which amounted to $21.9 million, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012.

 
10

 

During the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, 772 stores were included in comparable store net sales.  We are experiencing higher traffic per store, an increase in dollars per transaction and items sold per transaction.  We believe we are improving the customer service experience by satisfying more customers with our in-stock position and product assortments specific to each store.  The increase in comparable store sales was driven by strong performances in licensed apparel, accessories, active wear and footwear.

Gross profit.  Cost of goods sold includes the cost of inventory, occupancy costs for stores and occupancy and operating costs for the distribution center.  Gross profit was $88.4 million, or 38.0% of net sales, in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared with $75.8 million, or 37.2% of net sales, in the same period of the prior fiscal year.

 
·
Gross profit percentage was impacted primarily by fewer company-wide promotions in the first quarter as strong sales performance negated the need for liquidating promotions.  As more of our technology investments for inventory management are implemented, we expect to continue to see improvement in our gross profit percentage.
 
·
Distribution expense as a percentage of net sales increased 11 basis points resulting primarily from increases in data processing, fuel and contract labor costs.  In the second half of Fiscal 2012, we initiated broadband connectivity in our stores and expect the impact of these expenses to begin to leverage by the end of Fiscal 2013.  We marginally leveraged inbound freight costs as gas prices settled somewhat, but expect to see overall increases in this expense line in Fiscal 2013 based on continued volatility in the oil markets and unrest in the Middle East.
 
·
Store occupancy expense as a percentage of net sales decreased 65 basis points.  The largest decrease as a percent to net sales was rent expense as we continue to experience rent savings through lease renegotiations and from co-tenancy violations by our landlords, offset somewhat by a decrease in construction allowances which offsets rent expense.  We believe we are a valued tenant for our landlords, which enhances our ability to renegotiate lease terms at renewal, and we have had success over the last few years in doing so as our landlords are struggling to keep their properties occupied.  We expect to continue to experience rent savings through lease renegotiations in Fiscal 2013.

Store operating, selling and administrative expenses.  Store operating, selling and administrative expenses were $42.8 million, or 18.4% of net sales, for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to $38.4 million, or 18.8% of net sales, for the comparable period a year ago.  We closely monitor and carefully manage these costs.  For the first quarter:

 
·
Total salary expenses increased in dollars but decreased 58 basis points as a percentage of net sales, primarily due to the leverage resulting from the increase in net sales.  Our expectation is that these costs will remain relatively stable as a percentage to net sales.  Health insurance costs increased in the first quarter as we experienced a higher claim rate compared to last year.  We expect an overall increase in benefit costs in Fiscal 2013 compared to last year.
 
·
Stock-based compensation expense increased 23 basis points due to higher stock prices compared to last year for our annual grants, coupled with higher expected achievement for our executive officers' performance-based awards.
 
·
Credit card fees decreased 12 basis points as a percentage of net sales resulting from lower debit card processing exchange rates that will anniversary in the third quarter of this year.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization as a percentage of net sales was 1.4% in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to 1.6% for the comparable period a year ago.  We attribute the decrease in depreciation expense as a percentage of net sales to a decrease in the overall investment in leasehold improvements in recent years as more of the build-out work is being done by landlords, offset somewhat by changes in estimates of useful lives of leasehold improvements in some underperforming stores.

Provision for income taxes.  Provision for income taxes as a percentage of net sales was 6.9% in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012, compared to 6.3% for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.  This increase was primarily due to lower federal income tax credits as a result of the expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program.  The combined federal, state and local effective income tax rates as percentages of pre-tax income were 37.8% and 37.4% for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively.  The increase in rate resulted primarily from lower federal income tax credits as a result of the expiration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our capital requirements relate primarily to new store openings, stock repurchases and working capital requirements.  Historically, we have funded our cash requirements through our cash flow from operations and occasionally from borrowings under our revolving credit facilities.  Due to the low interest rates currently available, we are using excess cash on deposit to offset bank fees versus investing such funds in an equity market or in interest-bearing deposits.



 
11

 


Our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows are summarized as follows (in thousands):

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
April 28,
   
April 30,
 
   
2012
   
2011
 
Net cash provided by operating activities:
  $ 55,163     $ 35,529  
Net cash used in investing activities:
    (2,676 )     (3,267 )
Net cash used in financing activities:
    (11,794 )     (22,435 )
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 40,693     $ 9,827  
 
Operating Activities.

Typically, we use cash flow from operations to increase inventory in advance of peak selling seasons, such as winter holidays and back-to-school.  Inventory levels are reduced in connection with higher sales during the peak selling seasons and this inventory reduction, combined with proportionately higher net income, typically produces a positive cash flow.  In recent periods, we have experienced a trend of increasing free rent provisions in lieu of cash construction allowances in our leases.  We believe this is primarily the result of the tightening of commercial credit on our landlords.  Because of this, the non-cash portion of landlord allowances has also experienced increases.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $55.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 compared with net cash provided by operating activities of $35.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.  The largest sources of cash during the period were decreases in net inventory and in prepaid expenses.  The largest use of cash during the period was an increase in accrued expenses.  At April 28, 2012, the inventory level on a per store basis decreased 1.0% while total inventory increased 3.5% compared to April 30, 2011, due to a slight shift in the timing of new receipts that was planned by our merchants.  The decrease in prepaid expenses and the increase in accrued expenses is primarily the result of the timing of estimated income tax payments.  Non-cash charges included depreciation and amortization expense and stock-based compensation expense.
 
Investing Activities.

Net cash used in investing activities in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 totaled $2.7 million compared with net cash used in investing activities of $3.3 million in the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.  Capital expenditures used $2.5 million and $3.0 million of cash in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 and April 30, 2011, respectively.  We use cash in investing activities to open new stores and remodel, expand or relocate existing stores.  We opened 7 new stores and relocated or expanded 2 existing stores during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 as compared to opening 8 new stores and relocating or expanding 4 existing stores during the thirteen weeks ended April 30, 2011.

We estimate the cash outlay for capital expenditures in the fiscal year ending February 2, 2013 will be approximately $15.9 million, which relates to the opening of approximately 60 new stores, remodeling and expansion of selected existing stores and information system upgrades.  Of the total budgeted dollars for capital expenditures for Fiscal 2013, we anticipate that approximately 55% will be related to the opening of new stores and remodeling and/or relocating existing stores.  Approximately 34% will be related to information systems with the remaining 11% related primarily to transportation equipment, automobiles and security equipment for our stores.  In addition, the lease for our corporate headquarters and distribution center expires in December 2014.  We plan to own our new corporate headquarters and distribution facility at a cost estimated between $25.0 million and $30.0 million over the next 3 years.
 
As of April 28, 2012, we had an approximately $1.2 million outlay remaining on enhancements to our merchandising system relating to demand forecasting and markdown optimization.  We believe these enhancements will further advance our ability to improve gross profit across all markets and merchandise by providing another tool for managing our inventory at the store level.

Financing Activities.

Net cash used in financing activities was $11.8 million in the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $22.4 million in the prior year period.  The cash fluctuation was primarily due to the repurchase of shares of our common stock when compared to the same period last year somewhat offset by proceeds received from options exercised and shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan.  As stock options are exercised, we will continue to receive proceeds and expect a tax deduction; however, the amounts and timing cannot be predicted.

At April 28, 2012, we had two unsecured revolving credit facilities that allow borrowings up to $30.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively, and which renew in August and November 2012, respectively.  The facilities do not require a commitment or agency fee nor are there any covenant restrictions.  We plan to renew these facilities as they expire and do not anticipate any problems in doing so; however, no assurance can be given that we will be granted a renewal or terms which are acceptable to us.  We had no debt outstanding under either of these facilities as of April 28, 2012.
 
 
12

 

Based on our current operating and store opening plans and plans for the repurchase of our common stock, we believe that we can fund our cash needs for the foreseeable future through cash generated from operations and, if necessary, through periodic future borrowings against our credit facilities.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.

We have not provided any financial guarantees as of April 28, 2012.  All merchandise purchase obligations are cancelable.  We have not created, and are not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business.  We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into the financial statements.

Quarterly and Seasonal Fluctuations

We experience seasonal fluctuations in our net sales, results of operations and working capital.  Customer buying patterns around the spring sales period and the holiday season historically result in higher first and fourth quarter net sales.  In addition, our quarterly results of operations may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of new store openings, the amount and timing of net sales contributed by new stores, merchandise mix and demand for apparel and accessories driven by local interest in sporting events.

We believe that product inflation has had a beneficial impact on our financial position and results of operations presented in these interim financial statements.  However, an increase in overall inflation rates may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross profit and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales if the selling prices of our merchandise do not increase with these increased costs.  Based on current economic conditions, we expect that any increase in merchandise costs per unit will be offset by increased retail prices in Fiscal 2013.

ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Investment and Credit Availability Risk

We manage cash and cash equivalents in various institutions at levels beyond federally insured limits per institution, and we purchase investments not guaranteed by the FDIC.  Accordingly, there is a risk that we will not recover the full principal of our investments or that their liquidity may be diminished.  In an attempt to mitigate this risk, our investment policy emphasizes preservation of principal and liquidity.

We also have financial institutions that are committed to provide loans under our revolving credit facilities.  There is a risk that these institutions cannot deliver against these obligations.  For a further discussion of this risk and risks related to our deposits, see “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.

Interest Rate Risk

Our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to market risk from interest rate fluctuations on our credit facilities, which bear interest at a rate that varies with LIBOR, prime or federal funds rates.

At April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, we had no borrowings outstanding under any credit facility.  We did not incur any borrowings against our credit facilities during the thirteen or fifty-two weeks ended April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, respectively.

A 10.0% increase or decrease in market interest rates would not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act) as of April 28, 2012.  Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were designed and functioning effectively to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be disclosed in our Securities Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 
13

 
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

We have not identified any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period ended April 28, 2012, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.
Legal Proceedings.

We are a party to various legal proceedings incidental to our business.  We do not believe that any of these matters will, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.  We cannot give assurance that one or more of these legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the period in which they are resolved.  It is reasonably possible that losses in addition to the amount accrued could be incurred.  However, we cannot predict the outcome of these matters or make an estimate of the possible loss or range of loss based on the information currently available to the Company.  At April 28, 2012 and January 28, 2012, we estimated that the liabilities related to these matters were approximately $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, and accordingly, accrued $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, as current liabilities on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The estimates of our liability for pending and unasserted potential claims do not include litigation costs.  It is our policy to accrue legal fees when incurred.

From time to time, we enter into certain types of agreements that require us to indemnify parties against third party claims under certain circumstances.  Generally, these agreements relate to: (a) agreements with vendors and suppliers under which we may provide customary indemnification to our vendors and suppliers in respect to actions they take at our request or otherwise on our behalf; (b) agreements to indemnify vendors against trademark and copyright infringement claims concerning merchandise manufactured specifically for or on behalf of the Company; (c) real estate leases, under which we may agree to indemnify the lessors from claims arising from our use of the property; and (d) agreements with our directors, officers and employees, under which we may agree to indemnify such persons for liabilities arising out of their relationship with us.  We have director and officer liability insurance, which, subject to the policy’s conditions, provides coverage for indemnification amounts payable by us with respect to our directors and officers up to specified limits and subject to certain deductibles.

If we believe that a loss is both probable and estimable for a particular matter, the loss is accrued in accordance with the requirements of ASC Topic 450, Contingencies.  With respect to any matter, we could change our belief as to whether a loss is probable or estimable, or its estimate of loss, at any time.

ITEM 1A.
Risk Factors.

We operate in an environment that involves a number of risks and uncertainties which are described in our Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2012.  If any of the risks described in our Fiscal 2012 Form 10-K were to actually occur, our business, operating results and financial results could be adversely affected.  There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.

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

The following table presents our stock repurchase activity for the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012 (1):

Period
 
Total Number
of Shares Purchased
   
Average
Price per
Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Programs (in thousands)
 
January 29, 2012 to February 25, 2012
    58,865     $ 48.76       58,865     $ 141,949  
February 26, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (2)
    163,095     $ 52.59       163,095     $ 136,500  
April 1, 2012 to April 28, 2012
    95,000     $ 56.37       95,000     $ 131,145  
   Total
    316,960     $ 53.01       316,960     $ 131,145  
 
 
(1)
In November 2009, the Board authorized a Stock Repurchase Program (Program) of $250.0 million to repurchase our common stock through February 2, 2013.  As of April 28, 2012, we have approximately $131.1 million remaining available under the Program for stock repurchases.  See Note 7, “Stock Repurchase Program”.
 
 
14

 
 
 
(2)
Includes 59,495 shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements of $3.1 million.  Shares acquired from holders of restricted stock unit awards to satisfy tax withholding requirements do not reduce the Program amount remaining for future stock repurchases.
 
ITEM 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.
Other Information.

None.

ITEM 6.
Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
   
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
     
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant; incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2012.
3.2
 
Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended; incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2012.
     
   
Form of Stock Certificate
     
4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate; attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2007.
     
   
Material Contracts
     
   
None
     
   
Certifications
     
31.1
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1
*
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
     
   
Interactive Data Files
     
101.INS
**
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
     
 
*
Filed Within
 
**
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.










 
15

 


SIGNATURE


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.



 
HIBBETT SPORTS, INC.
     
Date:  June 1, 2012
By:
/s/ Gary A. Smith
   
Gary A. Smith
   
Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
   
(Principal Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)


















































 
16

 


Exhibit Index


Exhibit No.
 
Description
     
   
Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
     
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant; incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2012.
3.2
 
Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended; incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 31, 2012.
     
   
Form of Stock Certificate
     
4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate; attached as Exhibit 99.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 26, 2007.
     
   
Material Contracts
     
   
None
     
   
Certifications
     
31.1
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer
31.2
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer
32.1
*
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
     
   
Interactive Data Files
     
101.INS
**
XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
101.CAL
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
101.DEF
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
101.LAB
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase
101.PRE
**
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
     
 
*
Filed Within
 
**
In accordance with Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be part of any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.



















17