Annual Report (Form 10-K), fiscal year 1994

ITEM 1. Business
General
AnnTaylor, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ann Taylor") is a leading national specialty retailer of better quality women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the Ann Taylor brand name. As of January 29, 1994, the Company operated 231 stores in 38 states and the District of Columbia.
The first Ann Taylor store was opened in New Haven, Connecticut in 1954. Over the years, the number of stores gradually expanded and by 1981 there were 36 stores. Allied Stores Corporation ("Allied Stores") acquired the then parent of Ann Taylor in 1981 and began a rapid expansion program for the Ann Taylor stores, which continued after Allied Stores was acquired by the Campeau Corporation in 1986. Ann Taylor grew significantly after 1981, with the number of stores increasing to 119 by the end of 1988, at which time Ann Taylor was acquired by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC") (the "Acquisition"). Since the Acquisition, the number of stores has increased to 231.
As a result of the Acquisition, the Company became a wholly owned subsidiary of ATSC. All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock, is owned by ATSC.
The Company's merchandising strategy focuses on achieving the "Ann Taylor look", which emphasizes classic styles, updated to reflect current fashion trends. The Company considers the Ann Taylor name a fashion brand, defining a distinctive collection of career and casual separates, weekend wear, dresses, tops, accessories and shoes, coordinated as part of a total wardrobing strategy.
The Company's total wardrobing strategy is reinforced by an emphasis on customer service. Ann Taylor sales associates assist customers in merchandise selection and wardrobe coordination, helping them achieve the Ann Taylor look while reflecting the customers' personal styles. The Company believes that its customer base consists primarily of relatively affluent, fashion-conscious women from the ages of 20 to 50, and that the majority of its customers are working women with limited time to shop who are attracted to Ann Taylor by its focused merchandising and total wardrobing strategies, personalized customer service, efficient store layouts and continual flow of new merchandise.
As of January 29, 1994, 111 stores were in regional malls, 54 stores were in upscale specialty centers, 34 stores were in village locations, 23 stores were in downtown locations and 9 stores were factory stores located in factory outlet centers.
Since becoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in February 1992, Sally Frame Kasaks has redirected the Company's merchandising and marketing efforts to enhance the position of Ann Taylor as a fashion brand. The Company's strategy has been broadened to include not only the opening of new stores in new and existing markets, but also the expansion of existing stores and the introduction of product line extensions and additional channels of distribution. The principal elements of the Company's strategy include:
- Emphasis on product design and development to reinforce the exclusivity of Ann Taylor merchandise, by expanding the Company's fabric and merchandise design team. - Renewed focus on consistent quality and fit, by strengthening the production management team responsible for technical design and factory and merchandise quality assurance. - Development of the Company's global and direct sourcing capabilities, to reduce costs and shorten lead times. The Company increased its merchandise purchases through its direct sourcing joint venture, which acts as an agent exclusively for Ann Taylor, placing orders directly with manufacturers, from 7.3% of merchandise purchased in fiscal 1992 to 23.5% in fiscal 1993. - Development of a merchandise pricing structure that emphasizes consistent everyday value rather than promotions, adding to the credibility of the Ann Taylor brand. - Introduction of product line extensions building on the strength of the Ann Taylor brand name. In fall 1992, the Company increased its presence in casual wear by introducing its own line of denim know as ATdenim, that is now sold in all Ann Taylor stores. In fall 1993, Ann Taylor petites were tested in the career separates and dress categories in 25 stores. By fall 1994, a broader range of Ann Taylor petites will be carried in approximately 100 Ann Taylor stores. In fiscal 1994, the Company also plans to test an Ann Taylor signature fragrance and related products.
- Introduction of two larger store prototypes. Most new and expanded stores will be approximately 5,500 square feet, and, in certain premier markets, new and expanded stores will be approximately 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. These new store prototypes are designed to reinforce the Ann Taylor total wardrobing concept, allow the proper presentation of Ann Taylor product extensions, and improve customer service and ease of shopping.
- Introduction of additional channels of distribution. In fiscal 1993, the Company introduced Ann Taylor Factory Stores which sell Ann Taylor merchandise designed or produced specifically for the factory stores, in addition to serving as a clearance vehicle for merchandise from Ann Taylor stores. In fiscal 1994, the Company intends to test free standing Ann Taylor shoe stores as an additional channel of distribution for Ann Taylor brand footwear. The Company also views its fashion catalog, which presently is used principally as an advertising vehicle, as a potential future channel of distribution.
- Increased investment in more sophisticated point-of-sale and inventory management systems, including the integration of the Company's merchandise planning, store assortment planning, and merchandise allocation and replenishment systems. These enhancements are designed to enable the Company to manage its business more effectively and cost efficiently by improving customer service and providing the ability to better manage inventory levels.
- Construction of a 250,000 square foot national distribution center in Louisville, Kentucky, to replace, in early 1995, the Company's existing 90,000 square foot distribution facilities in Connecticut.
ITEM 2.



ITEM 2. Properties
As of January 29, 1994, the Company had 231 stores, all of which were leased. The leases typically provide for an initial five- to ten-year term and grant the Company the right to extend the term for one or two additional five-year periods. In most cases, the Company pays a minimum rent plus a contingent rent based on the store's net sales in excess of a specified threshold. The contingent rental payment is typically 5% of net sales in excess of the applicable threshold. Substantially all of the leases require the Company to pay insurance, utilities and repair and maintenance expenses and contain tax escalation clauses.
The Company also leases corporate offices at 142 West 57th Street, New York and office space and its distribution center in New Haven. The lease for the distribution facility expires on March 31, 1995, with an option to extend this lease for an additional three months. In early 1994, the Company announced that it will be purchasing property in Louisville, Kentucky on which it will construct a 250,000 square foot facility that will replace the Company's existing distribution center facilities in Connecticut in early 1995.
ITEM 3.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
Ann Taylor has been named as a defendant in several legal actions arising from its normal business activities. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse effect on the financial position or results of operations of the Company.
PART II
ITEM 5.


ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
There is no public market for the common stock of the Company. All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock, is owned by ATSC.
The payment of dividends by the Company to ATSC is subject to certain restrictions under the Company's bank credit agreement (the "Bank Credit Agreement"), and the indenture relating to the $110,000,000 principal amount AnnTaylor, Inc. 8-3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000 ("8-3/4% Notes").
ITEM 7.


ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FISCAL 1993 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1992
The Company's net sales increased to $501,649,000 in 1993 from $468,381,000 in 1992, an increase of $33,268,000, or 7.1%. The increase in net sales was attributable to the inclusion of a full year of operating results for the 20 stores opened during 1992, the opening of 13 new stores and expansion of 12 stores in 1993 and the increase in comparable store sales. The 2.3% increase in total comparable store sales was due primarily to customer acceptance of the Company's merchandise offerings in 1993. The increase was partially offset by the closing of one store in 1993. Net sales included $29,922,000 and $25,638,000 from Ann Taylor brand shoes in 1993 and 1992, respectively.
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 45.8% in 1993 from 43.6% in 1992. This increase was attributable to reduced cost of goods sold resulting from lower markdowns associated with reduced promotional activities, higher initial markups and the elimination of the leased shoe department which had a substantially lower gross margin.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 33.8% in 1993 from 32.5% in 1992. The increase was primarily attributable to additional store tenancy and selling expenses, severance costs, agency fees and relocation expenses, and the Company's continuing investment in such areas as design and manufacturing, marketing and information systems.
Operating income increased to $49,021,000, or 9.8% of net sales, in 1993, from $42,504,000, or 9.1% of net sales, in 1992. As described below, 1993 operating income was reduced by a $2,000,000, or 0.4% of net sales, charge to earnings relating to the Company's announced relocation of its distribution center facility from New Haven, Connecticut to Louisville, Kentucky. Amortization of goodwill
from the Acquisition was $9,508,000 in 1993 and $9,504,000 in 1992. Operating income without giving effect to such amortization was $58,529,000, or 11.6% of net sales, in 1993, and $52,008,000, or 11.1% of net sales, in 1992.
In early 1994, the Company announced that it will be relocating its distribution center from New Haven, Connecticut to Louisville, Kentucky in early 1995. The Company will construct a 250,000 square foot distribution center at a cost of approximately $14,000,000. The relocation of the distribution center will affect approximately 105 employees. The Company recorded a $2,000,000 pre-tax restructuring charge ($1,140,000 net of income tax benefit) representing approximately $1,100,000 principally for severance and job training benefits, and approximately $900,000 for the write-off of the net book value of certain assets that are not expected to be utilized in the new facility. The Company selected Louisville, Kentucky as the site for its new distribution center facility because of Louisville's central location relative to the Company's stores, which is expected to result in reduced merchandise delivery times, the lower cost of construction in Louisville as compared to the Northeast, and economic incentives offered by the state of Kentucky.
Interest expense was $17,696,000, including $4,199,000 of non-cash interest expense in 1993 and $21,273,000, including $8,581,000 of non-cash interest expense in 1992. The decrease is mostly attributable to lower interest rates resulting principally from refinancing transactions entered into in 1993. As a result of these refinancing transactions, the weighted average interest rate on the Company's outstanding indebtedness at January 29, 1994 was 6.22% compared to 9.50% at January 30, 1993. After taking into account the Company's interest rate swap agreement, all of the Company's debt obligations bear interest at variable rates. Therefore, the Company's interest expense for fiscal 1993 is not necessarily indicative of interest expense for future periods.
The income tax provision was $17,189,000, or 54.5% of income before income taxes and extraordinary loss in the 1993 period compared to $11,150,000, or 65.3% of income before income taxes in 1992. The effective tax rates for both periods were higher than the statutory rates, primarily because of non-deductible goodwill. During fiscal 1993, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). Adoption of SFAS 109 did not have a material effect on the results of operations.
As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net income of $3,209,000, or 0.6% of net sales, for 1993 compared to a net income of $5,917,000, or 1.3% of net sales for 1992.
During 1993, the Company entered into a series of refinancing transactions that lowered the Company's average cost of capital. The following table summarizes these transactions:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
AnnTaylor, Inc. (the "Company") is a leading national specialty retailer of better quality women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold principally under the Ann Taylor brand name.
All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock, is owned by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC").
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Certain fiscal 1992 and 1991 amounts have been reclassified to conform to the fiscal 1993 presentation.
Fiscal Year
The Company follows the standard fiscal year of the retail industry, which is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 of the following calendar year.
Finance Service Charge Income
Income from finance service charges relating to customer receivables, which is deducted from selling, general and administrative expenses, amounted to $6,166,000 for fiscal 1993, $5,608,000 for fiscal 1992 and $5,850,000 for fiscal 1991.
Merchandise Inventories
Merchandise inventories are accounted for by the retail inventory method and are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 15 years) or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the lives of the respective leases, if shorter.
Pre-Opening Expenses Pre-opening store expenses are charged to selling, general and administrative expenses in the period incurred.
Leased Shoe Department Sales
Net sales include leased shoe department sales of $8,207,000 for fiscal 1992 and $16,056,000 for fiscal 1991. Leased shoe departments were phased out beginning August 1, 1990, and the phaseout was completed by February 1, 1993. Accordingly, there were no leased shoe department sales during fiscal 1993. The gross profit margin on leased shoe department sales was approximately 14.4%.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the interest method over the terms of the related debt.
Goodwill
Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense is based on reported results of operations before income taxes. During the first quarter of 1993, the Company adopted the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). Adoption of SFAS 109 did not have a material effect on the results of operations.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
Income Taxes (continued)
Pursuant to a Tax Sharing Agreement, ATSC and the Company have agreed to elect to file consolidated income tax returns for federal income tax purposes and may elect to file such returns in states and other relevant jurisdictions that permit such an election, for income tax purposes. With respect to such consolidated income tax returns, the Tax Sharing Agreement generally requires the Company to pay to ATSC the entire tax shown to be due on such consolidated returns, provided that the amount paid by the Company shall not exceed the amount of taxes that would have been owed by the Company on a stand- alone basis.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising expense was $6,388,000 for fiscal 1993, $5,509,000 for fiscal 1992 and $8,645,000 for fiscal 1991.
2. Restructuring
The Company recorded a $2,000,000 pre-tax restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of 1993 in connection with the announced relocation of its distribution center from New Haven, Connecticut to Louisville, Kentucky. The primary components of the restructuring charge are approximately $1,100,000 for employee related costs, principally for severance and job training benefits, and approximately $900,000 for the write-off of the estimated net book value of fixed assets at the time of relocation.
3. Extraordinary Items
In 1993, the Company entered into a series of debt refinancing transactions that resulted in an extraordinary loss of $17,244,000 ($11,121,000 net of income tax benefit). The loss was attributable to the premiums paid in connection with the purchase or discharge of the Company's 14-3/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 1999 ("Discount Notes") and its 13-3/4% Subordinated Notes due 1999 ("Notes") and the purchase of $10,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 8-3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000 ("8-3/4% Notes"), and the write-off of deferred financing costs.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
3. Extraordinary Items (continued)
During May 1991, ATSC completed an initial public offering of its common stock (the "ATSC IPO"). The net proceeds of the ATSC IPO were used to repurchase outstanding Discount Notes and Notes. Subsequent to the repurchase, ATSC contributed the notes to the Company for retirement. The contribution was credited to additional paid-in capital. The repurchase and write-off of related deferred financing costs resulted in an extraordinary loss of $25,900,000 ($16,835,000 net of income tax benefit) in the second quarter of 1991.
4. Long-term Debt
The following summarizes long-term debt outstanding at January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993:
The bank credit agreement entered into on June 28, 1993 between the Company and Bank of America, as agent for a syndicate of banks (the "Bank Credit Agreement") provides for an $80,000,000 term loan ("Term Loan") and a $55,000,000 revolving credit facility ("Revolving Credit Facility") (collectively, the "Bank Loans").
The Term Loan is subject to regularly scheduled semi-annual repayments of principal, which commenced on January 15, 1994. The Company made the semi-annual payment of $6,000,000 in January 1994, and an additional payment of $20,000,000 which reduced the originally scheduled payments to $8,757,000 in fiscal years 1994 and 1995, $11,676,000 in fiscal years 1996 and 1997, and $13,134,000 in fiscal year 1998.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. Long-term Debt (continued) Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility may be repaid at any time and are not subject to scheduled repayment prior to January 1999. The maximum amount that may be borrowed under this facility is reduced by the amount of commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the Bank Credit Agreement. Amounts borrowed under the Revolving Credit Facility mature on January 15, 1999; however, the Company is required to reduce the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility to $20,000,000 or less for a 30-day period in fiscal 1994 and to $15,000,000 or less for a 30-day period each year thereafter. At January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993, the amount available under the Revolving Credit Facility was $46,150,000 and $35,320,000, respectively. The Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at the Company's option, Bank of America's (1) Base Rate plus .875%, or (2) Eurodollar rate plus 1.875%. In addition, the Company is required to pay Bank of America a quarterly commitment fee of .375% per annum of the unused revolving loan commitment. At January 29, 1994, the $54,000,000 outstanding under the Term Loan bore interest at the weighted average rate of 5.13% per annum and the $2,000,000 outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at the rate of 6.875% per annum. Under the terms of the Bank Credit Agreement, Bank of America obtained a pledge of the Company's common stock and a security interest in certain assets. The Bank Credit Agreement requires, with certain exceptions, that any net proceeds from the sale of assets and debt or equity securities be applied to repay borrowings. In addition, the Bank Credit Agreement contains financial and other covenants, including limitations on indebtedness, liens, investments and capital expenditures, restrictions on dividends or other distributions to the parent company, and maintaining certain financial ratios and specified levels of net worth.
In the fourth quarter of 1993, the Company sold its proprietary credit card accounts receivable to AnnTaylor Funding, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, which used the receivables to secure borrowings, under a new receivables financing facility due 1996 (the "Receivables Facility"). As of January 29, 1994, $33,000,000 was outstanding under the Receivables Facility. AnnTaylor Funding, Inc. can borrow up to $40,000,000 under the Receivables Facility based on its accounts receivable balance. The interest rate as of January 29, 1994 was 3.67%. At January 29, 1994, AnnTaylor Funding, Inc. had total assets of approximately $41,000,000 all of which are subject to the security interest of the lender under the Receivables Facility.
On June 28, 1993, the Company issued $110,000,000 principal amount of its 8-3/4% Notes, the net proceeds of $107,387,000 of which were used in part to repay the outstanding indebtedness under the Company's then existing bank credit agreement. The outstanding principal amount of these notes as of January 29, 1994 was $100,000,000.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
4. Long-term Debt (continued)
The Company's obligations with respect to the Discount Notes and Notes were discharged on July 29, 1993 when the Company deposited with the trustees for the Discount Notes and Notes an aggregate of $50,734,000 in irrevocable trusts. The Discount Notes and the Notes will be redeemed with the proceeds of the trusts on or about July 15, 1994. The aggregate carrying value of the Discount Notes and Notes as of January 29, 1994 would have been $45,004,000.
In July 1993, the Company entered into a $110,000,000 (notional amount) interest rate swap agreement. Under the agreement, the Company receives a fixed rate of 4.75% and pays a floating rate based on LIBOR, as determined in six month intervals. This agreement lowered the effective interest rate on the 8-3/4% Notes by 125 basis points for the first semi-annual period ended January 1994. The swap agreement matures in July 1996. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the swap agreement; however, the Company does not anticipate non-performance by the other party, which is a major financial institution. As of January 29, 1994, fair market value of the swap agreement was approximately $780,000.
The aggregate principal payments of all long-term obligations for the next five fiscal years are as follows:
Fiscal Year (in thousands) ----------- 1994 . . . . . . . . . . . $ 8,757 1995 . . . . . . . . . . . 8,757 1996 . . . . . . . . . . . 44,676 1997 . . . . . . . . . . . 11,676 1998 . . . . . . . . . . . 15,134
At January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992, the Company had outstanding commercial and standby letters of credit with Bank of America totaling $6,850,000, $9,180,000 and $3,280,000, respectively.
In accordance with the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments", the Company determined the estimated fair value of its debt instruments using quoted market information, as available, or interest rates which are available to the Company. As judgment is involved, the estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
5. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the fiscal years ended January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992 is as follows:
6. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company occupies its retail stores, distribution center and administrative facilities under operating leases, most of which are non-cancellable. Some leases contain renewal options for periods ranging from one to ten years under substantially the same terms and conditions as the original leases. Most of the leases require the Company to pay taxes, insurance and certain common area and maintenance costs in addition to the future minimum lease payments shown below. Most of the store leases require the Company to pay a specified minimum rent, plus a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's net sales in excess of a certain threshold.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases at January 29, 1994 are as follows:
Fiscal Year (in thousands) -----------
1994 . . . . . . . . . . $30,504 1995 . . . . . . . . . . 27,620 1996 . . . . . . . . . . 26,054 1997 . . . . . . . . . . 23,416 1998 . . . . . . . . . . 21,613 1999 and thereafter . . 82,242 -------- Total . . . . . .$211,449 =======
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
6. Commitments and Contingencies (continued) Rent expense for the fiscal years ended January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992 was as follows:
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
7. Income Taxes (continued)
The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes and the provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate for the fiscal years ended January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992 is as follows:
The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company's deferred tax asset as of January 29, 1994 are as follows:
Deferred tax assets: (in thousands)
Current: Inventory . . . . . . . . . . $ 981 Accrued expenses . . . . . . 1,288 Restructuring . . . . . . . . 700 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . 781 ----- Total current . . . . . . . . . $ 3,750 ===== Noncurrent: Depreciation . . . . . . . . $ 125 Rent expense . . . . . . . . 1,375 ----- Total noncurrent . . . . . . . $ 1,500 =====
For 1992 deferred income tax benefits have been provided for temporary differences which result from recording certain transactions in different years for income tax purposes than for financial reporting purposes. Such transactions principally relate to merchandise inventories, accounts receivable, fixed assets and accrued expenses.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
8. Retirement Plans Savings Plan. During 1989, the Company adopted a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan for substantially all employees. Participants may contribute to the plan an aggregate of up to 10% of their annual earnings. The Company makes a matching contribution of 50%, with respect to the first 3% of each participant's annual earnings contributed to the plan. The Company's contributions to the plan for fiscal 1993, fiscal 1992 and fiscal 1991 were $199,000, $111,000 and $111,000, respectively.
Pension Plan. Substantially all employees of the Company are covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan established during 1989. The pension plan is a "cash balance pension plan". An account balance is established for each participant which is credited with a benefit based on compensation and years of service with the Company. The Company's funding policy for the plan is to contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for benefits based on accrued service and projected pay increases. Plan assets consist primarily of cash, equity and fixed income securities.
The following table sets forth the funded status of the Pension Plan at January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions":
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
9. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
Transactions with Merrill Lynch and its Affiliates
At January 29, 1994 certain affiliates of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML&Co.") held approximately 52% of ATSC's outstanding common stock and as a result have the voting power to determine the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company and otherwise control the business and affairs of the Company and ATSC. Two of the members of the Boards of Directors of the Company and ATSC are officers of Merrill Lynch Capital Partners, Inc. ("ML Capital Partners") and serve as representatives of certain limited partnerships controlled directly or indirectly by ML Capital Partners, together with certain affiliates of ML&Co. See Note 11.
ATSC paid an underwriting commission of approximately $3,357,000 to Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") in connection with the ATSC IPO. In addition, ATSC paid a commission of approximately $599,000 to Merrill Lynch in connection with the repurchase of the subordinated debt securities with the proceeds from the ATSC IPO.
In January 1993, in connection with the settlement of the class action lawsuit, ATSC, Merrill Lynch and ML&Co., among others, entered into an agreement pursuant to which ML&Co. paid $750,000 and ATSC paid the balance of the settlement to or for the benefit of the plaintiffs. ATSC also reimbursed Merrill Lynch $128,000 for certain costs incurred by it in connection with the class action in fiscal 1992, pursuant to ATSC's indemnification obligations.
The Company paid commissions aggregating approximately $2,692,000 to Merrill Lynch in connection with the issuance of the 8-3/4% Notes, and repurchases of Discount Notes, Notes and 8-3/4% Notes.
Transactions with CAT
The Company commenced a joint venture known as CAT U.S., Inc. ("CAT") with Cygne Designs, Inc., which was formed for the purpose of sourcing the Company's merchandise directly with manufacturers. As of January 29, 1994, the Company owned a 40% interest in CAT which is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting, an increase of 20% from January 30, 1993. CAT places orders directly with manufacturers exclusively as agent for the Company. Merchandise purchased by the Company through CAT was $67,202,000 or 23.5%, and $19,091,000, or 7.3%, of all merchandise purchased by the Company in 1993 and 1992, respectively. Accounts payable to CAT in the ordinary course of business was approximately $3,100,000 as of January 29, 1994.
ANNTAYLOR, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
10. Stockholder's Equity
The following summarizes the changes in stockholder's equity during fiscal 1993, fiscal 1992 and fiscal 1991:
11. Subsequent Events
ATSC intends to file a registration statement for a sale of its common stock in the first quarter of 1994. 1,000,000 shares will be sold by ATSC and 4,000,000 shares are expected to be sold by certain stockholders of ATSC affiliated by ML&Co.