Press release

Barnes & Noble Education Reports Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2021 Financial Results

0
Sponsored by Businesswire

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today reported sales and earnings for the second quarter of fiscal year 2021, which ended on October 31, 2020.

BNED’s fiscal 2021 second quarter results were significantly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as many schools continued to adjust their learning model and restrict on-campus activities in response to the pandemic. Fewer students returned to campus this fall, as many schools implemented a remote learning model and curtailed on-campus classes and activities. While many big-conferences resumed their sport activities, fan attendance at the games was either eliminated or severely restricted, which further impacted the Company’s high-margin general merchandise business. Additionally, sales were impacted by overall enrollment declines in higher education.

The COVID-19 impact on higher education remains a fluid situation and BNED remains committed to supporting its campus partners through its flexible offerings and ability to quickly pivot to ensure uninterrupted service as institutions manage the safety of their campuses and the Company manages the safety of its campus stores.

Financial highlights for the second quarter 2021:

  • Consolidated second quarter sales of $595.5 million decreased 22.9%, as compared to the prior year period; year to date consolidated sales of $799.5 million decreased 26.8%, as compared to the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter GAAP net income of $7.5 million, compared to GAAP net income of $35.9 million in the prior year period; year to date GAAP net loss of $39.1 million, compared to GAAP net income of $3.8 million in the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $11.1 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $37.8 million in the prior year period; year to date non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $(30.6) million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted Earnings of $7.8 million in the prior year period.
  • Consolidated second quarter non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $24.5 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $74.5 million in the prior year period; year to date non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA loss of $13.5 million, compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA $49.4 million in the prior year period.

Operational highlights for the second quarter 2021:

  • BNC First Day® year-over-year revenue increased 77%, benefitting from the accelerated move to digital courseware.
  • Successfully launched BNC First Day Complete at twelve campuses for the Fall 2020 term. The Company expects to transition additional colleges and universities to the First Day Complete model for Spring 2021.
  • Gained over 120,000 gross subscribers for the bartleby® suite of services year to date, with DSS revenue increasing 14%.
  • Continued to drive bartleby growth through search engine optimization (SEO) and partnerships with Blackboard and VitalSource, demonstrating a strong channel for growth to supplement fewer in-person selling opportunities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Continued to attract new clients and generate new business growth, signing over $70 million in net new business to date this fiscal year and expanding BNED’s footprint by 47 BNC institutions and 31 K-12 schools.
  • Continued development of the Company’s next generation eCommerce platform; expected phased roll-out throughout calendar year 2021 to grow high-margin general merchandise sales.

“Our teams continued to make tremendous progress in growing and enhancing our offerings and services this quarter, despite the many challenges presented by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. As students adjusted to a blended learning environment on campuses nationwide this fall, our flexible offerings ensured that students were equipped with their course materials regardless of whether their schools resumed classes on campus, remotely or adopted a hybrid learning model,” said Michael P. Huseby, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, BNED. “Our bartleby direct-to-student offerings became increasingly relevant in this environment, providing students with the academic support they need. We continue to scale our bartleby solutions through our existing channels, such as in-store sales and SEO, in addition to leveraging new channels, such as our recently announced Blackboard Assist partnership, to ensure we are providing widespread access to digital learning support at a time when students need it most.”

“As anticipated, we experienced lower physical textbook revenues, as well as a substantial year over year decline in our higher margin general merchandise business this quarter due to the pandemic. In addition to fewer students on campus, our general merchandise business was impacted by the cancellation of many athletic and in-store social events,” continued Mr. Huseby. “We expect the impacts of COVID-19 to extend into the new year, and as such, we are continuing to manage expenses and liquidity prudently. Our current liquidity position remains strong despite the challenging climate. As students, faculty and institutions continue to adapt to an educational landscape that is changing each day, we remain well-positioned to provide invaluable services and support to ensure all of our customers have the tools they need for success.”

Second Quarter 2021 and Year to Date Results

Results for the 13 and 26 weeks of fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2020 are as follows:

$ in millions

13 and 26 Weeks Selected Data (unaudited)

 

13 Weeks

Q2 2021

 

13 Weeks

Q2 2020

 

26 Weeks

2021

 

26 Weeks

2020

Total Sales

$595.5

 

$772.2

 

$799.5

 

$1,091.9

Net Income (Loss)

$7.5

 

$35.9

 

($39.1)

 

$3.8

Non-GAAP(1)

Adjusted EBITDA

$24.5

 

$74.5

 

($13.5)

 

$49.4

Adjusted Earnings

$11.1

 

$37.8

 

($30.6)

 

$7.8

(1) These non-GAAP financial measures have been reconciled in the attached schedules to the most directly comparable GAAP measures as required under SEC rules regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures.

The Company has three reportable segments: Retail, Wholesale and Digital Student Solutions (DSS). Unallocated shared-service costs, which include various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, continue to be presented as Corporate Services. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Retail Segment Results

Retail sales in the second quarter decreased by $165.2 million, or 22.3%, as compared to the prior year period. Comparable store sales in the Retail segment decreased 28.1% for the quarter, inclusive of a 52% general merchandise comparable sales decline, primarily due to fewer students on campus, curtailed campus activities and significant restrictions on attendance at sporting events.

Retail non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter decreased by $44.2 million to $18.3 million, as compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $62.6 million in the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to lower textbook sales and lower sales of higher-margin general merchandise products, partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses.

Wholesale Segment Results

Wholesale sales of $36.4 million for the quarter decreased by $3.8 million, or 9.5%, as compared to $40.2 million in the prior year period. The decrease is primarily due to decreased gross sales, partially offset by lower returns and allowances, both impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wholesale non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $6.6 million, as compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $7.9 million in the prior year period. This decrease was primarily driven by lower sales and lower gross margins, partially offset by lower selling and administrative expenses.

DSS Segment Results

DSS sales of $5.9 million for the quarter increased by $0.7 million, or 14.0%, as compared to $5.2 million in the prior year period. The increase is primarily due to an increase in sales of bartleby subscriptions.

DSS non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA was $0.7 million for the quarter, as compared to non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA of $0.3 million in the prior year period, benefitting from the increase in bartleby subscriptions.

Other

Expenses for Corporate Services, which includes unallocated shared-service costs, such as various corporate level expenses and other governance functions, were $5.5 million for the quarter as compared to $5.7 million in the prior period.

Intercompany gross margin eliminations of $4.4 million reflected in non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA, compared to $9.3 million in the prior year period, are lower due to a decrease in inter-segment sales from Wholesale to Retail.

Additional Events

Pursuant to BNED’s cooperation agreement with Outerbridge, the Company nominated, and stockholders approved Zachary Levenick as an independent director at the Company’s 2020 Annual Meeting that was held on October 22, 2020.

Conference Call

A conference call with Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. senior management will be webcast at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 and can be accessed at the Barnes & Noble Education corporate website at investor.bned.com or www.bned.com.

Barnes & Noble Education expects to report fiscal 2021 third quarter results on or about March 4, 2021.

ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC.

Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, a digital direct-to-student learning ecosystem, wholesale capabilities and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty and institutions as they make tomorrow a better, more inclusive and smarter world. For more information, visit www.bned.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release 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, including any statements made in regards to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events and trends discussed in this press release 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: risks associated with COVID-19 and the governmental responses to it, including its impact across our businesses on demand and operations, as well as on the operations of our suppliers and other business partners, and the effectiveness of our actions taken in response to these risks; general competitive conditions, including actions our competitors and content providers may take to grow their businesses; a decline in college enrollment or decreased funding available for students; decisions by colleges and universities to outsource their physical and/or online bookstore operations or change the operation of their bookstores; implementation 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 including new digital channels, and enhancements to higher education digital products, and the inability to achieve the expected cost savings; the risk of price reduction or change in format of course materials by publishers, which could negatively impact revenues and margin; the general economic environment and consumer spending patterns; decreased consumer demand for our products, low growth or declining sales; the strategic objectives, successful integration, anticipated synergies, and/or other expected potential benefits of various acquisitions may not be fully realized or may take longer than expected; the integration of the operations of various acquisitions into our own may also increase the risk of our internal controls being found ineffective; changes to purchase or rental terms, payment terms, return policies, the discount or margin on products or other terms with our suppliers; our ability to successfully implement our strategic initiatives including our ability to identify, compete for and execute upon additional acquisitions and strategic investments; risks associated with operation or performance of MBS Textbook Exchange, LLC’s point-of-sales systems that are sold to college bookstore customers; technological changes; risks associated with counterfeit and piracy of digital and print materials; our international operations could result in additional risks; our ability to attract and retain employees; 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 managed bookstore, physical and/or online store contracts and higher-than-anticipated store closings; disruptions to our information technology systems, infrastructure and data due to computer malware, viruses, hacking and phishing attacks, resulting in harm to our business and results of operations; disruption of or interference with third party web service providers and our own proprietary technology; work stoppages or increases in labor costs; possible increases in shipping rates or interruptions in shipping service; product shortages, including decreases in the used textbook inventory supply associated with the implementation of publishers’ digital offerings and direct to student textbook consignment rental programs, as well as the risks associated with the impacts that public health crises may have on the ability of our suppliers to manufacture or source products, particularly from outside of the United States; changes in domestic and international laws or regulations, including U.S. tax reform, changes in tax rates, laws and regulations, as well as related guidance; enactment of laws or changes in enforcement practices which may restrict or prohibit our use of texts, emails, interest based online advertising, recurring billing or similar marketing and sales activities; 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, tax-related proceedings, or audits; changes in accounting standards; and the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the section titled “Risk Factors” in Part I – Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 2, 2020. 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 press release.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

We have three reportable segments: Retail, Wholesale and DSS as follows:

  • The Retail Segment operates 1,439 college, university, and K-12 school bookstores, comprised of 768 physical bookstores and 671 virtual bookstores. Our bookstores typically operate under agreements with the college, university, or K-12 schools to be the official bookstore and the exclusive seller of course materials and supplies, including physical and digital products. The majority of the physical campus bookstores have school-branded e-commerce sites which we operate and which offer students access to affordable course materials and affinity products, including emblematic apparel and gifts. The Retail Segment also offers inclusive access programs, in which course materials, including e-content, are offered at a reduced price through a course materials fee, and delivered to students on or before the first day of class. Additionally, the Retail Segment offers a suite of digital content and services to colleges and universities, including a variety of open educational resource-based courseware.
  • The Wholesale Segment is comprised of our wholesale textbook business and is one of the largest textbook wholesalers in the country. The Wholesale Segment centrally sources, sells, and distributes new and used textbooks to approximately 3,400 physical bookstores (including our Retail Segment’s 768 physical bookstores) and sources and distributes new and used textbooks to our 671 virtual bookstores. Additionally, the Wholesale Segment sells hardware and a software suite of applications that provides inventory management and point-of-sale solutions to approximately 400 college bookstores.
  • The Digital Student Solutions (“DSS”) Segment includes direct-to-student products and services to assist students to study more effectively and improve academic performance. The DSS Segment is comprised of the operations of Student Brands, LLC, a leading direct-to-student subscription-based writing services business, and bartleby®, a direct-to-student subscription-based offering providing textbook solutions, expert questions and answers, tutoring and test prep services.

Corporate Services represents unallocated shared-service costs which include corporate level expenses and other governance functions, including executive functions, such as accounting, legal, treasury, information technology, and human resources.

All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31,

2020

 

October 26,

2019

 

October 31,

2020

 

October 26,

2019

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales and other

$

551,832

 

 

$

718,543

 

 

$

745,042

 

 

$

1,020,770

 

Rental income

43,653

 

 

53,685

 

 

54,457

 

 

71,115

 

Total sales

595,485

 

 

772,228

 

 

799,499

 

 

1,091,885

 

Cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product and other cost of sales

452,475

 

 

553,070

 

 

618,240

 

 

791,401

 

Rental cost of sales

27,725

 

 

32,208

 

 

35,112

 

 

41,877

 

Total cost of sales

480,200

 

 

585,278

 

 

653,352

 

 

833,278

 

Gross profit

115,285

 

 

186,950

 

 

146,147

 

 

258,607

 

Selling and administrative expenses

91,972

 

 

113,404

 

 

162,015

 

 

211,095

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

13,193

 

 

15,546

 

 

27,256

 

 

31,425

 

Impairment loss (non-cash) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

433

 

Restructuring and other charges (a)

3,387

 

 

1,569

 

 

9,058

 

 

3,035

 

Operating income (loss)

6,733

 

 

56,431

 

 

(52,182)

 

 

12,619

 

Interest expense, net

912

 

 

1,446

 

 

3,565

 

 

3,978

 

Income before income taxes

5,821

 

 

54,985

 

 

(55,747)

 

 

8,641

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

(1,694)

 

 

19,054

 

 

(16,610)

 

 

4,865

 

Net income (loss)

$

7,515

 

 

$

35,931

 

 

$

(39,137)

 

 

$

3,776

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (Loss) per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.75

 

 

$

(0.81)

 

 

$

0.08

 

Diluted

$

0.15

 

 

$

0.74

 

 

$

(0.81)

 

 

$

0.08

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

48,804

 

 

47,853

 

 

48,608

 

 

47,717

 

Diluted

49,428

 

 

48,758

 

 

48,608

 

 

48,412

 

(a)

For additional information, see Note (a) – (d) in the Non-GAAP disclosure information of this Press Release.

 

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31,

2020

 

October 26,

2019

 

October 31,

2020

 

October 26,

2019

Percentage of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product sales and other

92.7

%

 

93.0

%

 

93.2

%

 

93.5

%

Rental income

7.3

%

 

7.0

%

 

6.8

%

 

6.5

%

Total sales

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

 

100.0

%

Cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product and other cost of sales (a)

82.0

%

 

77.0

%

 

83.0

%

 

77.5

%

Rental cost of sales (a)

63.5

%

 

60.0

%

 

64.5

%

 

58.9

%

Total cost of sales

80.6

%

 

75.8

%

 

81.7

%

 

76.3

%

Gross profit

19.4

%

 

24.2

%

 

18.3

%

 

23.7

%

Selling and administrative expenses

15.4

%

 

14.7

%

 

20.3

%

 

19.3

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

2.2

%

 

2.0

%

 

3.4

%

 

2.9

%

Impairment loss (non-cash)

%

 

%

 

%

 

%

Restructuring and other charges

0.6

%

 

0.2

%

 

1.1

%

 

0.3

%

Operating income (loss)

1.2

%

 

7.3

%

 

(6.5)

%

 

1.2

%

Interest expense, net

0.2

%

 

0.2

%

 

0.4

%

 

0.4

%

Income before income taxes

1.0

%

 

7.1

%

 

(6.9)

%

 

0.8

%

Income tax (benefit) expense

(0.3)

%

 

2.5

%

 

(2.1)

%

 

0.4

%

Net income (loss)

1.3

%

 

4.6

%

 

(4.8)

%

 

0.4

%

(a)

Represents the percentage these costs bear to the related sales, instead of total sales.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

October 31,

2020

 

October 26,

2019

ASSETS

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

7,353

 

 

$

24,594

 

Receivables, net

167,493

 

 

162,538

 

Merchandise inventories, net

457,677

 

 

475,422

 

Textbook rental inventories

50,736

 

 

68,167

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

23,762

 

 

18,494

 

Total current assets

707,021

 

 

749,215

 

Property and equipment, net

93,130

 

 

105,156

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

286,038

 

 

289,722

 

Intangible assets, net

166,140

 

 

184,188

 

Goodwill

4,700

 

 

4,700

 

Deferred tax assets, net

8,231

 

 

8,039

 

Other noncurrent assets

31,734

 

 

39,235

 

Total assets

$

1,296,994

 

 

$

1,380,255

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

314,042

 

 

$

387,704

 

Accrued liabilities

134,181

 

 

197,220

 

Current operating lease liabilities

121,518

 

 

107,721

 

Total current liabilities

569,741

 

 

692,645

 

Long-term operating lease liabilities

198,990

 

 

179,613

 

Other long-term liabilities

48,329

 

 

50,677

 

Long-term borrowings

99,500

 

 

 

Total liabilities

916,560

 

 

922,935

 

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

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, 53,316 and 52,139 shares, respectively; outstanding, 49,064 and 48,298 shares, respectively

533

 

 

521

 

Additional paid-in-capital

735,647

 

 

730,501

 

Accumulated deficit

(321,964)

 

 

(240,801)

 

Treasury stock, at cost

(33,782)

 

 

(32,901)

 

Total stockholders’ equity

380,434

 

 

457,320

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

1,296,994

 

 

$

1,380,255

 

 

 

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Sales Information

(Unaudited)

Total Sales

The components of the sales variances for the 13 and 26 week periods are as follows:

 

Dollars in millions

 

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Retail Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New stores (a)

 

$

27.6

 

 

 

$

39.3

 

 

 

$

35.4

 

 

 

$

46.7

 

 

Closed stores (a)

 

(16.4

)

 

 

(24.5

)

 

 

(21.9

)

 

 

(32.9

)

 

Comparable stores (b)

 

(196.5

)

 

 

(45.5

)

 

 

(302.7

)

 

 

(52.3

)

 

Textbook rental deferral

 

16.4

 

 

 

1.5

 

 

 

10.1

 

 

 

2.3

 

 

Service revenue (c)

 

1.0

 

 

 

(2.0

)

 

 

(3.7

)

 

 

(2.5

)

 

Other (d)

 

2.7

 

 

 

(10.9

)

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

(15.9

)

 

Retail Sales subtotal:

 

$

(165.2

)

 

 

$

(42.1

)

 

 

$

(281.1

)

 

 

$

(54.6

)

 

Wholesale Sales:

 

$

(3.8

)

 

 

$

(0.6

)

 

 

$

4.2

 

 

 

$

(18.3

)

 

DSS Sales

 

$

0.7

 

 

 

$

0.3

 

 

 

$

1.2

 

 

 

$

 

 

Eliminations (e)

 

$

(8.4

)

 

 

$

(0.1

)

 

 

$

(16.7

)

 

 

$

12.5

 

 

Total sales variance

 

$

(176.7

)

 

 

$

(42.5

)

 

 

$

(292.4

)

 

 

$

(60.4

)

 

(a)

The following is a store count summary for physical stores and virtual stores:

 

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Number of Stores:

Physical

Stores

 

Virtual

Stores

 

Physical

Stores

 

Virtual

Stores

 

Physical

Stores

 

Virtual

Stores

 

Physical

Stores

 

Virtual

Stores

Number of stores at beginning of period

772

 

 

670

 

 

777

 

 

714

 

 

772

 

 

647

 

 

772

 

 

676

 

Stores opened

5

 

 

11

 

 

2

 

 

9

 

 

29

 

 

51

 

 

40

 

 

55

 

Stores closed

9

 

 

10

 

 

7

 

 

59

 

 

33

 

 

27

 

 

40

 

 

67

 

Number of stores at end of period

768

 

 

671

 

 

772

 

 

664

 

 

768

 

 

671

 

 

772

 

 

664

 

(b)

For Comparable Store Sales details, see below.

(c)

Service revenue includes brand partnerships, shipping and handling, and revenue from other programs.

(d)

Other includes inventory liquidation sales to third parties, marketplace sales and certain accounting adjusting items related to return reserves, and other deferred items.

(e)

Eliminates Wholesale sales and service fees to Retail and Retail commissions earned from Wholesale.

Comparable Sales – Retail Segment

Comparable store sales variances by category for the 13 and 26 week periods are as follows:

Dollars in millions

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Textbooks (Course Materials)

$

(101.6)

 

 

(19.0)

%

 

$

(43.9)

 

 

(7.7)

%

 

$

(112.5)

 

 

(17.5)

%

 

$

(55.4)

 

 

(8.0)

%

General Merchandise

(97.2)

 

 

(52.0)

%

 

(0.2)

 

 

(10.0)

%

 

(184.8)

 

 

(58.6)

%

 

5.7

 

 

1.9

%

Trade Books

(6.3)

 

 

(62.3)

%

 

(1.4)

 

 

(12.1)

%

 

(14.0)

 

 

(73.2)

%

 

(2.6)

 

 

(11.9)

%

Total Comparable Store Sales

$

(205.1)

 

 

(28.1)

%

 

$

(45.5)

 

 

(5.9)

%

 

$

(311.3)

 

 

(31.8)

%

 

$

(52.3)

 

 

(5.1)

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comparable store sales includes sales from physical stores that have been open for an entire fiscal year period and virtual store sales for the period, does not include sales from closed stores for all periods presented, and digital agency sales are included on a gross basis. We believe the current comparable store sales calculation method reflects the manner in which management views comparable sales, as well as the seasonal nature of our business.

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Non-GAAP Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Adjusted Earnings

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Net income (loss)

$

7,515

 

 

$

35,931

 

 

$

(39,137)

 

 

$

3,776

 

Reconciling items, after-tax (below)

3,560

 

 

1,903

 

 

8,496

 

 

3,983

 

Adjusted Earnings (Non-GAAP)

$

11,075

 

 

$

37,834

 

 

$

(30,641)

 

 

$

7,759

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciling items, pre-tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Impairment loss (non-cash) (a)

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

433

 

Content amortization (non-cash) (b)

1,222

 

 

998

 

 

2,386

 

 

1,909

 

Restructuring and other charges (c)

3,387

 

 

1,569

 

 

9,058

 

 

3,035

 

Reconciling items, pre-tax

4,609

 

 

2,567

 

 

11,444

 

 

5,377

 

Less: Pro forma income tax impact (d)

1,049

 

 

664

 

 

2,948

 

 

1,394

 

Reconciling items, after-tax

$

3,560

 

 

$

1,903

 

 

$

8,496

 

 

$

3,983

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Net income (loss)

$

7,515

 

 

$

35,931

 

 

$

(39,137)

 

 

$

3,776

 

Add:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

13,193

 

 

15,546

 

 

27,256

 

 

31,425

 

Interest expense, net

912

 

 

1,446

 

 

3,565

 

 

3,978

 

Income tax (benefit) expense

(1,694)

 

 

19,054

 

 

(16,610)

 

 

4,865

 

Impairment loss (non-cash) (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

433

 

Content amortization (non-cash) (b)

1,222

 

 

998

 

 

2,386

 

 

1,909

 

Restructuring and other charges (c)

3,387

 

 

1,569

 

 

9,058

 

 

3,035

 

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP)

$

24,535

 

 

$

74,544

 

 

$

(13,482)

 

 

$

49,421

 

(a)

During the 26 weeks ended October 26, 2019, we recognized an impairment loss (non-cash) of $433 in the Retail Segment related to net capitalized development costs for a project which are not recoverable.

 

(b)

Represents amortization of content development costs (non-cash) recorded in cost of goods sold in the consolidated financial statements.

 

(c)

During the 26 weeks ended October 31, 2020 and October 26, 2019, we recognized restructuring and other charges totaling $9,058 and $3,035, respectively, comprised primarily of severance and other employee termination and benefit costs associated with the elimination of various positions as part of cost reduction objectives, and professional service costs for restructuring, process improvements, and shareholder activist activities.

 

(d)

Represents the income tax effects of the non-GAAP items.

 

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Non-GAAP Information

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP)

$

24,535

 

 

$

74,544

 

 

$

(13,482)

 

 

$

49,421

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures (a)

9,142

 

 

10,946

 

 

16,197

 

 

19,255

 

Cash interest paid

1,240

 

 

2,419

 

 

3,200

 

 

4,029

 

Cash taxes paid (refund)

85

 

 

721

 

 

6,022

 

 

(5,877)

 

Free Cash Flow (non-GAAP)

$

14,068

 

 

$

60,458

 

 

$

(38,901)

 

 

$

32,014

 

(a)

Purchases of property and equipment are also referred to as capital expenditures. 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. The following table provides the components of total purchases of property and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital Expenditures

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Physical store capital expenditures

$

2,825

 

 

$

4,599

 

 

$

5,962

 

 

$

8,117

 

Product and system development

2,901

 

 

4,102

 

 

5,226

 

 

7,444

 

Content development costs

1,752

 

 

1,548

 

 

2,828

 

 

2,233

 

Other

1,664

 

 

697

 

 

2,181

 

 

1,461

 

Total Capital Expenditures

$

9,142

 

 

$

10,946

 

 

$

16,197

 

 

$

19,255

 

BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Segment Information

(In thousands, except percentages)

(Unaudited)

 

Segment Information (a)

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

$

576,514

 

$

741,769

 

$

735,290

 

$

1,016,425

Wholesale

36,387

 

40,210

 

116,681

 

112,519

DSS

5,947

 

5,215

 

11,819

 

10,589

Eliminations

(23,363)

 

(14,966)

 

(64,291)

 

(47,648)

Total

$

595,485

 

$

772,228

 

$

799,499

 

$

1,091,885

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail (b)

$

95,704

 

$

161,150

 

$

112,049

 

$

223,473

Wholesale

10,714

 

12,535

 

27,471

 

27,453

DSS (b)

5,692

 

4,929

 

11,392

 

10,070

Eliminations

4,397

 

9,334

 

(2,379)

 

(480)

Total

$

116,507

 

$

187,948

 

$

148,533

 

$

260,516

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

$

77,380

 

$

98,578

 

$

134,365

 

$

182,393

Wholesale

4,146

 

4,593

 

7,937

 

9,352

DSS

5,003

 

4,615

 

9,039

 

8,728

Corporate Services

5,501

 

5,668

 

10,745

 

10,675

Eliminations

(58)

 

(50)

 

(71)

 

(53)

Total

$

91,972

 

$

113,404

 

$

162,015

 

$

211,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (c)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

$

18,324

 

$

62,572

 

$

(22,316)

 

$

41,080

Wholesale

6,568

 

7,942

 

19,534

 

18,101

DSS

689

 

314

 

2,353

 

1,342

Corporate Services

(5,501)

 

(5,668)

 

(10,745)

 

(10,675)

Eliminations

4,455

 

9,384

 

(2,308)

 

(427)

Total

$

24,535

 

$

74,544

 

$

(13,482)

 

$

49,421

(a)

See Explanatory Note in this Press Release for Segment descriptions.

 

(b)

For the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 31, 2020, the Retail Segment gross margin excludes $192 and $402, respectively of amortization expense (non-cash) related to content development costs. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 31, 2020, the DSS Segment gross margin excludes $1,030 and $1,984, respectively, of amortization expense (non-cash) related to content development costs.

 

For the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 26, 2019, the Retail Segment gross margin excludes $210 and $394 respectively of amortization expense (non-cash) related to content development costs. For the 13 and 26 weeks ended October 26, 2019, the DSS Segment gross margin excludes $788 and $1,515, respectively, of amortization expense (non-cash) related to content development costs.

 

(c)

For additional information, see “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information” in the Non-GAAP disclosure information of this Press Release.

Percentage of Segment Sales

13 weeks ended

 

26 weeks ended

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

 

October 31, 2020

 

October 26, 2019

Gross margin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

16.6

%

 

21.7

%

 

15.2

%

 

22.0

%

Wholesale

29.4

%

 

31.2

%

 

23.5

%

 

24.4

%

DSS

95.7

%

 

94.5

%

 

96.4

%

 

95.1

%

Elimination

(18.8

)%

 

(62.4

)%

 

3.7

%

 

1.0

%

Total gross margin

19.6

%

 

24.3

%

 

18.6

%

 

23.9

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling and administrative expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail

13.4

%

 

13.3

%

 

18.3

%

 

17.9

%

Wholesale

11.4

%

 

11.4

%

 

6.8

%

 

8.3

%

DSS

84.1

%

 

88.5

%

 

76.5

%

 

82.4

%

Corporate Services

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Elimination

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

 

N/A

 

Total selling and administrative expenses

15.4

%

 

14.7

%

 

20.3

%

 

19.3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Information – Adjusted Earnings, Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow

To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), in the Press Release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1, the Company uses the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted Earnings (defined as net income adjusted for certain reconciling items), Adjusted EBITDA (defined by the Company as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted for additional items subtracted from or added to net income) and Free Cash Flow (defined by the Company as Adjusted EBITDA less capital expenditures, cash interest and cash taxes).

These non-GAAP financial measures are not intended as substitutes for and should not be considered superior to measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, the Company’s use of these non-GAAP financial measures may be different from similarly named measures used by other companies, limiting their usefulness for comparison purposes.

The Company’s management reviews these non-GAAP financial measures as internal measures to evaluate the Company’s performance and manage the Company’s operations. The Company’s management believes that these measures are useful performance measures which are used by the Company to facilitate a comparison of on-going operating performance on a consistent basis from period-to-period. The Company’s management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures provide for a more complete understanding of factors and trends affecting the Company’s business than measures under GAAP can provide alone, as it excludes certain items that do not reflect the ordinary earnings of its operations. The Company’s Board of Directors and management also use Adjusted EBITDA as one of the primary methods for planning and forecasting overall expected performance, for evaluating on a quarterly and annual basis actual results against such expectations, and as a measure for performance incentive plans. The Company’s management believes that the inclusion of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Earnings results provides investors useful and important information regarding the Company’s operating results. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow provides useful additional information concerning cash flow available to meet future debt service obligations and working capital requirements and assists investors in their understanding of the Company’s operating profitability and liquidity as the Company manages to the business to maximize margin and cashflow.

The non-GAAP measures included in the Press Release attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 has been reconciled to the comparable GAAP measures as required under Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) rules regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures. 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 the Company’s on-going operating performance. The Company urges investors to carefully review the GAAP financial information included as part of the Company’s Form 10-K dated May 2, 2020 filed with the SEC on July 14, 2020, which includes consolidated financial statements for each of the three years for the period ended May 2, 2020 (Fiscal 2020, Fiscal 2019, and Fiscal 2018) and the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended August 1, 2020 filed with the SEC on September 3, 2020.