Edgar Filing: Michaels Companies, Inc.

mik_Current folio_10Q

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

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

For the quarterly period ended October 29, 2016

Commission file number 001-36501

THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

A Delaware Corporation

IRS Employer Identification No. 37-1737959

8000 Bent Branch Drive

Irving, Texas 75063

(972) 409-1300

The Michaels Companies, Inc. (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.

The Michaels Companies, Inc. has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

The Michaels Companies, Inc. is a large accelerated filer.

The Michaels Companies, Inc. is not a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

As of November 28, 2016, 204,607,815 shares of The Michaels Companies, Inc.’s common stock were outstanding.

994

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THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

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Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

		Page

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 (unaudited)	3

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 29, 2016, January 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015 (unaudited)	4

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 (unaudited)	5

	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	6

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	18

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	28

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	28

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	29

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	29

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	29

Item 6.	Exhibits	30

Signatures		31

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Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net sales	$	1,227,206	$	1,168,423	$	3,446,438	$	3,230,293
Cost of sales and occupancy expense		760,598		702,825		2,124,383		1,949,577
Gross profit		466,608		465,598		1,322,055		1,280,716
Selling, general and administrative		318,580		308,704		939,093		879,974
Store pre-opening costs		1,704		1,042		4,238		4,326
Operating income		146,324		155,852		378,724		396,416
Interest expense		31,538		33,840		95,711		105,967
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs		6,887		—		7,292		6,072
Other expense, net		259		112		188		171
Income before income taxes		107,640		121,900		275,533		284,206
Provision for income taxes		31,181		45,103		92,692		104,960
Net income	$	76,459	$	76,797	$	182,841	$	179,246

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		(3,650)		88		5,800		(2,819)
Comprehensive income	$	72,809	$	76,885	$	188,641	$	176,427

Earnings per common share:
Basic	$	0.37	$	0.37	$	0.88	$	0.86
Diluted	$	0.37	$	0.37	$	0.88	$	0.85
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic		203,864		207,323		205,580		206,629
Diluted		205,313		209,510		207,293		209,325

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)



	October 29,		January 30,		October 31,
ASSETS	2016		2016		2015
Current Assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	149,970	$	409,391	$	114,746
Merchandise inventories		1,394,092		1,002,607		1,277,053
Prepaid expenses and other		85,681		77,000		85,709
Accounts receivable, net		36,927		9,484		9,337
Income tax receivables		26,757		1,231		19,566
Total current assets		1,693,427		1,499,713		1,506,411
Property and equipment, at cost		1,759,229		1,661,234		1,645,328
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(1,347,027)		(1,282,727)		(1,259,921)
Property and equipment, net		412,202		378,507		385,407
Goodwill		119,074		94,290		94,290
Other intangible assets, net		24,457		471		488
Deferred income taxes		30,293		40,399		41,457
Other assets		12,016		9,897		10,480
Total assets	$	2,291,469	$	2,023,277	$	2,038,533

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	714,198	$	457,704	$	557,170
Accrued liabilities and other		378,270		377,606		370,671
Current portion of long-term debt		24,900		24,900		24,900
Income taxes payable		—		44,640		6,285
Total current liabilities		1,117,368		904,850		959,026
Long-term debt		2,734,758		2,744,942		2,897,367
Other liabilities		98,866		97,580		92,065
Total liabilities		3,950,992		3,747,372		3,948,458

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ Deficit:
Common stock, $0.06775 par value, 350,000 shares authorized; 204,584 shares issued and outstanding at October 29, 2016; 208,996 shares issued and outstanding at January 30, 2016; and 208,922 shares issued and outstanding at October 31, 2015		13,703		13,979		13,970
Additional paid-in-capital		468,627		592,420		582,833
Accumulated deficit		(2,125,597)		(2,308,438)		(2,492,104)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(16,256)		(22,056)		(14,624)
Total stockholders’ deficit		(1,659,523)		(1,724,095)		(1,909,925)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	2,291,469	$	2,023,277	$	2,038,533

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(Unaudited)


	39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	182,841	$	179,246
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		86,679		85,382
Share-based compensation		11,884		9,483
Debt issuance costs amortization		5,308		6,455
Accretion of long-term debt, net		(217)		(98)
Deferred income taxes		10,106		7,553
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs		7,292		6,072
Losses on disposition of property and equipment		56		—
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		(7,485)		(14,039)
Changes in assets and liabilities, excluding acquired net assets:
Merchandise inventories		(306,925)		(318,365)
Prepaid expenses and other		(7,554)		(13,583)
Accounts receivable		(4,764)		3,415
Other assets		(353)		(43)
Accounts payable		233,266		119,064
Accrued interest		6,716		5,345
Accrued liabilities and other		(18,613)		(34,540)
Income taxes		(63,001)		(22,412)
Other liabilities		1,280		(1,065)
Net cash provided by operating activities		136,516		17,870

Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment		(82,163)		(89,726)
Acquisition of Lamrite West, net of cash acquired		(151,100)		—
Purchase of long-term investment		(1,325)		(5,000)
Net cash used in investing activities		(234,588)		(94,726)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of PIK notes		—		(184,467)
Payments on term loan credit facility		(12,450)		(18,675)
Borrowings on asset-based revolving credit facility		42,000		45,040
Payments on asset-based revolving credit facility		(42,000)		(45,040)
Payment of debt issuance costs		(11,542)		—
Payment of dividends		(415)		(492)
Proceeds from stock options exercised		15,860		21,398
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		7,485		14,039
Common stock repurchased		(160,287)		(20,428)
Other financing activities		—		1,932
Net cash used in financing activities		(161,349)		(186,693)

Net change in cash and equivalents		(259,421)		(263,549)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period		409,391		378,295
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	149,970	$	114,746

Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	83,958	$	94,452
Cash paid for taxes	$	144,483	$	119,674

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

All expressions of the “Company”, “us”, “we”, “our”, and all similar expressions are references to The Michaels Companies, Inc. and our consolidated, wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires. Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Michaels Companies, Inc. and our wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and other items) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.

We report on the basis of a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references to fiscal year mean the year in which that fiscal year began. References to “fiscal 2016” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2017 and references to “fiscal 2015” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2016. In addition, all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2016” relate to the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2015” relate to the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2015. Finally, all references to “the nine months ended October 29, 2016” relate to the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and all references to “the nine months ended October 31, 2015” relate to the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2015. Because of the seasonal nature of our business, the results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to our fiscal 2016 presentation, including the reclassification of current deferred income taxes to non-current deferred income taxes and the reclassification of certain unamortized debt issuance costs from non-current assets to a direct reduction of the related long-term debt obligation as a result of new accounting standards adopted in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

Share Repurchase Program

In March 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock on the open market. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date, and the timing and number of repurchase transactions under the program will depend on market conditions, corporate considerations, debt agreements and regulatory requirements. Shares repurchased under the program are held as treasury shares until retired. As of October 29, 2016, we have repurchased 5.9 million shares for an aggregate amount of $156.5 million. In December 2016, the Board of Directors revised the existing share repurchase program and authorized the Company to purchase an

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additional $300.0 million of the Company’s common stock, increasing the total amount of availability under the share repurchase program to $343.5 million.

Accounting Pronouncements Recently Adopted

In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-05, “Intangibles — Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement” (“ASU 2015-05”). ASU 2015-05 provides guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The new guidance does not change the accounting for a customer’s accounting for service contracts. We adopted ASU 2015-05 in the first quarter of fiscal 2016 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory” (“ASU 2016-16”). ASU 2016-16 requires entities to recognize income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. ASU 2016-16 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the new standard but do not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements once implemented.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies how companies should present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the new standard but do not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements once implemented.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-09 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, “Liabilities – Extinguishment of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products” (“ASU 2016-04”). ASU 2016-04 requires that breakage on prepaid stored-value product liabilities (for example, prepaid gift cards) be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in Topic 606: Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-04 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. This standard is to be applied either using a modified retrospective approach or retrospectively to each period presented. We have evaluated the new standard and it will not have a material impact to the consolidated financial statements once implemented.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"). Under ASU 2016-02, an entity will be required to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on its balance sheet and disclose key

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information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 offers specific accounting guidance for a lessee, a lessor and sale and leaseback transactions. Lessees and lessors are required to disclose qualitative and quantitative information about leasing arrangements to enable a user of the financial statements to assess the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted. At adoption, this update will be applied using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the impact that ASU 2016-02 will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605)”, and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” (“ASU 2016-08”) which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”) which provides further guidance on identifying performance obligations and improves the operability and understandability of the licensing implementation guidance. In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”) which narrowly amended the revenue recognition guidance regarding collectability, noncash consideration, presentation of sales tax and transition. The guidance under these standards is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. These standards are to be applied retrospectively, with early application permitted for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period. We are currently evaluating the new standards but do not anticipate a material impact to the consolidated financial statements once implemented.

2. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

As defined in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, Fair Value Measurements (“ASC 820”), fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for fair value measurements. These valuation techniques are based upon observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect less transparent active market data, as well as internal assumptions. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

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

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

Level 3—Instruments with significant unobservable inputs.

The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates their estimated fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.

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The table below provides the carrying and fair values of our Amended Term Loan Credit Facility (as defined in Note 3) and our 5.875% senior subordinated notes maturing in 2020 (“2020 Senior Subordinated Notes”) as of October 29, 2016. The fair values of our Amended Term Loan Credit Facility and our 2020 Senior Subordinated Notes were determined based on quoted market prices which are considered Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.


	Notional		Fair
	Value		Value
	(in thousands)
Term loan credit facility	$	2,269,700	$	2,286,723
Senior subordinated notes		510,000		526,575

3. DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):


			October 29,		January 30,		October 31,
	Interest Rate		2016		2016		2015
Term loan credit facility	Variable		$	2,269,700	$	2,282,150	$	2,438,375
Senior subordinated notes	5.875	%		510,000		510,000		510,000
Total debt				2,779,700		2,792,150		2,948,375
Less unamortized discount/premium and debt costs				(20,042)		(22,308)		(26,108)
Total debt, net				2,759,658		2,769,842		2,922,267
Less current portion				(24,900)		(24,900)		(24,900)
Long-term debt			$	2,734,758	$	2,744,942	$	2,897,367

Term Loan Credit Facility

On September 28, 2016, Michaels Stores, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an amendment with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and other lenders to amend and restate our term loan credit facility. The amended and restated credit agreement, together with the related security, guarantee and other agreements, is referred to as the “Amended Term Loan Credit Facility”. The Amended Term Loan Credit Facility matures on January 28, 2023 and provides for senior secured financing of $2,269.7 million, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan credit facility at the time of the amendment. MSI has the right under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility to request additional term loans (a) in the aggregate amount of up to $750.0 million or (b) at MSI’s election, an amount of additional term loans if the consolidated secured debt ratio (as defined in the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility) is no more than 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of the most recently ended four quarter period, subject to certain adjustments. The lenders under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility will not be under any obligation to provide any such additional term loans. Our obligations under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility are secured by a second priority security interest in the current assets of the borrowers and facility guarantors and a first priority security interest in all other assets, subject to certain exceptions.

Borrowings under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum, at MSI’s option, of either (a) a margin of 1.75% plus a base rate defined as the highest of (1) the prime rate of Deutsche Bank, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, and (3) the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1% or (b) a margin of 2.75% plus the applicable LIBOR. Subsequent to the first fiscal quarter following the amendment, the applicable margin will be 1.50% for base rate loans and 2.50% for LIBOR loans if our consolidated secured debt ratio is below 1.50:1.00 for the applicable quarter.

There are no limitations on dividends and certain other restricted payments so long as (a) no event of default shall have occurred and be continuing and (b) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such restricted payment(s) and the application of proceeds therefrom, the consolidated total leverage ratio is less than or equal to 3.75 to 1.00.

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Revolving Credit Facility

On May 27, 2016, MSI entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and other lenders to amend various terms of our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“Restated Revolving Credit Facility”). The amended credit agreement, together with the related security, guarantee and other agreements, is referred to as the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility provides for senior secured financing of up to $850.0 million, subject to a borrowing base. We have the right to request up to $200.0 million of additional commitments under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, although the lenders are not obligated to provide any such additional commitments. The borrowing base under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility equals the sum of: (i) 90% of eligible credit card receivables, (ii) 85% of eligible trade receivables, (iii) 90% to 92.5% of the appraised value of eligible inventory, plus (iv) 90% to 92.5% of the lesser of (a) the appraised value of eligible inventory supported by letters of credit, and (b) the face amount of the letters of credit, less (v) certain reserves. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility matures in May 2021, subject to a springing maturity date if certain of our outstanding indebtedness has not been repaid, redeemed, refinanced, cash collateralized or if the necessary availability reserves have not been established prior to such time. Our obligations under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility are secured by (subject to certain exceptions) a first priority security interest in the current assets of the borrowers and facility guarantors and a second priority security interest in all other assets.

As of October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, the borrowing base under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility was $850.0 million and $650.0 million, respectively, of which MSI had unused borrowing capacity of $792.7 million and $586.7 million, respectively. As of October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, outstanding standby letters of credit, which reduce our borrowing base, totaled $57.3 million and $63.3 million, respectively. There were no outstanding borrowings under our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility as of October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015.

Debt Issuance Costs

Accumulated amortization of debt issuance costs was $62.4 million, $61.0 million and $59.7 million as of October 29, 2016, January 30, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively.

4. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

The following table includes detail regarding changes in the composition of accumulated other comprehensive loss (in thousands):


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Beginning of period	$	(12,606)	$	(14,712)	$	(22,056)	$	(11,805)
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		(3,650)		88		5,800		(2,819)
End of period	$	(16,256)	$	(14,624)	$	(16,256)	$	(14,624)

5. INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate was 29.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and 37.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended October 29, 2016 was 33.6% compared to 36.9% in the same period in the prior year. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and the nine months ended October 29, 2016 is lower than the same periods in the prior year primarily due to benefits realized associated with our direct sourcing initiatives implemented in the current year, certain federal tax credits recognized and a decrease in state taxes.

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6. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and meet the criteria of a participating security as defined by ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share.” Under the two-class method, net income per share is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, net income is allocated to both common and participating securities based on their respective weighted-average shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding plus the potential dilutive impact from the exercise of stock options and restricted stock units. Common equivalent shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is anti-dilutive. There were 2.7 million and 0.9 million anti-dilutive shares during the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. There were 2.0 million and 0.5 million anti-dilutive shares during the nine months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except per share data):


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income	$	76,459	$	76,797	$	182,841	$	179,246
Less income related to unvested restricted shares		(462)		(237)		(1,180)		(661)
Income available to common stockholders - Basic	$	75,997	$	76,560	$	181,661	$	178,585

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic		203,864		207,323		205,580		206,629

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.37	$	0.37	$	0.88	$	0.86

Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income	$	76,459	$	76,797	$	182,841	$	179,246
Less income related to unvested restricted shares		(459)		(233)		(1,171)		(651)
Income available to common shareholders - Diluted	$	76,000	$	76,564	$	181,670	$	178,595

Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Basic		203,864		207,323		205,580		206,629
Effect of dilutive stock options and restricted stock units		1,449		2,187		1,713		2,696
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - Diluted		205,313		209,510		207,293		209,325

Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.37	$	0.37	$	0.88	$	0.85

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7. SEGMENTS AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

We consider Michaels-U.S., Michaels-Canada, Aaron Brothers, Pat Catan’s and Darice to be our operating segments for purposes of determining reportable segments based on the criteria of ASC 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”). We determined that Michaels-U.S., Michaels-Canada, Aaron Brothers and Pat Catan’s have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria set forth in ASC 280. Therefore, we combine these operating segments into one reporting segment. Darice does not meet the materiality criteria in ASC 280 and, therefore, is not disclosed as a reportable segment.

Our net sales by country are as follows (in thousands):


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
United States	$	1,118,273	$	1,064,855	$	3,152,477	$	2,944,119
Canada		108,933		103,568		293,961		286,174
Total	$	1,227,206	$	1,168,423	$	3,446,438	$	3,230,293

Our chief operating decision makers evaluate historical operating performance and forecast future periods’ operating performance based on operating income and earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs (“EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs)”). We believe these metrics more closely reflect the operating effectiveness of factors over which management has control. A reconciliation of EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) to net income is presented below (in thousands):


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net income	$	76,459	$	76,797	$	182,841	$	179,246
Interest expense		31,538		33,840		95,711		105,967
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs		6,887		—		7,292		6,072
Provision for income taxes		31,181		45,103		92,692		104,960
Depreciation and amortization		28,211		29,433		86,679		85,382
Interest income		(68)		(46)		(521)		(226)
EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs)	$	174,208	$	185,127	$	464,694	$	481,401

8. CONTINGENCIES

Rea Claim

On September 15, 2011, MSI was served with a lawsuit filed in the California Superior Court in and for the County of Orange (“Superior Court”) by four former store managers as a class action proceeding on behalf of themselves and certain former and current store managers employed by MSI in California. The lawsuit alleged that MSI improperly classified its store managers as exempt employees and as such failed to pay all wages, overtime and waiting time penalties and failed to provide accurate wage statements. The lawsuit also alleged that the foregoing conduct was in breach of various laws, including California’s unfair competition law. On December 3, 2013, the Superior Court entered an order certifying a class of approximately 200 members. MSI successfully removed the case to the United States District Court for the Central District of California and on May 8, 2014, the class was decertified. The named plaintiffs’ claims were resolved in September 2014, but the individual claims of 25 former class members remain pending in the Central District of California. In addition, a separate representative action brought on behalf of store managers throughout the state is

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pending in the California Superior Court, County of San Diego. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to defend the lawsuits vigorously. We do not believe the resolution of the lawsuits will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Fair Credit Reporting Claim

On December 11, 2014, MSI was served with a lawsuit, Christina Graham v. Michaels Stores, Inc., filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey by a former employee. The lawsuit is a purported class action, bringing plaintiff’s individual claims, as well as claims on behalf of a putative class of applicants who applied for employment with Michaels through an online application, and on whom a background check for employment was procured. The lawsuit alleges that MSI violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”) and the New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act by failing to provide the proper disclosure and obtain the proper authorization to conduct background checks. Since the initial filing, another named plaintiff joined the lawsuit, which was amended in February 2015, Christina Graham and Gary Anderson v. Michaels Stores, Inc., with substantially similar allegations. The plaintiffs seek statutory and punitive damages as well as attorneys’ fees and costs.

Following the filing of the Graham case in New Jersey, five additional purported class action lawsuits with six plaintiffs were filed, Michele Castro and Janice Bercut v. Michaels Stores, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Michelle Bercut v. Michaels Stores, Inc. in the Superior Court of California for Sonoma County, Raini Burnside v. Michaels Stores, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, Sue Gettings v. Michaels Stores, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, and Barbara Horton v. Michaels Stores, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. All of the plaintiffs alleged violations of the FCRA. In addition, the Castro, Horton and Janice Bercut lawsuits also alleged violations of California’s unfair competition law. The Burnside, Horton and Gettings lawsuits, as well as the claims by Michele Castro, have been dismissed. The Graham, Janice Bercut and Michelle Bercut lawsuits were transferred for centralized pretrial proceedings to the District of New Jersey.

The Company intends to defend the remaining lawsuits vigorously. We cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss, or range of loss, related to the lawsuits, if any.

Data Security Incident

Five putative class actions were filed against MSI relating to the January 2014 data breach. The plaintiffs generally alleged that MSI failed to secure and safeguard customers’ private information including credit and debit card information, and as such, breached an implied contract and violated the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act (and other states’ similar laws). The plaintiffs are seeking damages including declaratory relief, actual damages, punitive damages, statutory damages, attorneys’ fees, litigation costs, remedial action, pre and post judgment interest, and other relief as available. The cases are as follows: Christina Moyer v. Michaels Stores, Inc., was filed on January 27, 2014; Michael and Jessica Gouwens v. Michaels Stores, Inc., was filed on January 29, 2014; Nancy Maize and Jessica Gordon v. Michaels Stores, Inc., was filed on February 21, 2014; and Daniel Ripes v. Michaels Stores, Inc., was filed on March 14, 2014. These four cases were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. On March 18, 2014, an additional putative class action was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Mary Jane Whalen v. Michaels Stores, Inc., but was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff on April 11, 2014 without prejudice to her right to re‑file a complaint. On April 16, 2014, an order was entered consolidating the Illinois actions. On July 14, 2014, the Company’s motion to dismiss the consolidated complaint was granted.

On December 2, 2014, Whalen filed a new lawsuit against MSI related to the data breach in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Mary Jane Whalen v. Michaels Stores, Inc., seeking damages including declaratory relief, monetary damages, statutory damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, injunctive relief, pre and post judgment interest, and other relief as available. The Company filed a motion to dismiss which was granted on December 28, 2015, and judgment was entered in favor of the Company on January 8, 2016. Plaintiff filed a notice of

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appeal on January 27, 2016, appealing the judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The appeal is pending.

The Company intends to defend this lawsuit vigorously. We cannot reasonably estimate the potential loss, or range of loss, related to the lawsuit, if any.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Claim

On April 21, 2015, the United States Department of Justice, on behalf of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (the “CPSC”), filed a complaint against MSI and Michaels Stores Procurement Company, Inc. (“MSPC”) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The complaint seeks civil penalties for an alleged failure to timely report a potential product safety hazard to the CPSC related to the breakage of certain glass vases. The complaint also alleges the report contained a material misrepresentation and seeks injunctive relief requiring MSI and MSPC to, among other things, establish internal recordkeeping and compliance monitoring systems. We believe we have meritorious defenses and intend to defend the lawsuit vigorously. We do not believe the resolution of the lawsuit will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

General

In addition to the litigation discussed above, we are now, and may be in the future, involved in various other lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of business. The results of litigation are inherently unpredictable. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in diversion of significant resources.

For some of the matters disclosed above, as well as other lawsuits involving the Company, we are able to estimate a range of losses in excess of the amounts recorded, if any, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. As of October 29, 2016, the aggregate estimated loss is approximately $13 million, which includes amounts recorded by the Company.

9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Affiliates of, or funds advised by, Bain Capital Partners, LLC (“Bain Capital”) and The Blackstone Group L.P. (“The Blackstone Group”, together with Bain Capital and their applicable affiliates, the “Sponsors”) own approximately 50% of our outstanding common stock as of October 29, 2016.

The Blackstone Group owns a majority equity position in RGIS, a vendor we utilize to count our store inventory. Payments associated with this vendor during the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $2.2 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Payments made during the nine months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 were $5.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively. These expenses are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The Blackstone Group owns an equity position in Vistar, a vendor we utilize for all of the candy-type items in our stores. Payments associated with this vendor during the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $5.0 million and $5.1 million, respectively. Payments made during the nine months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 were $17.9 million and $18.0 million, respectively. These expenses are recognized in cost of sales and occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as the sales are incurred.

The Blackstone Group owns a majority equity position in Excel Trust, Inc., Blackstone Real Estate DDR Retail Holdings III, LLC and Blackstone Real Estate RC Retail Holdings, LLC, vendors we utilize to lease certain properties. Payments associated with these vendors during the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $1.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Payments made during the nine months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 were $3.5

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million and $2.5 million, respectively. These expenses are included in cost of sales and occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

Certain affiliates of The Blackstone Group have significant influence over US Xpress Enterprises, Inc., a vendor we utilize for transportation services. Payments associated with this vendor during the third quarters of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 were $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively. Payments made during the nine months ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015 were $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. These expenses are recognized in cost of sales and occupancy expense in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income as the sales are incurred.

Four of our current directors, Joshua Bekenstein, Nadim El Gabbani, Lewis S. Klessel and Peter F. Wallace, are affiliates of Bain Capital or The Blackstone Group. As such, some or all of such directors may have an indirect material interest in payments with respect to debt securities of the Company that have been purchased by affiliates of Bain Capital and The Blackstone Group. As of October 29, 2016, affiliates of The Blackstone Group held $26.3 million of our Amended Term Loan Credit Facility.

10. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our debt covenants restrict MSI, and certain subsidiaries of MSI, from various activities including the incurrence of additional debt, payment of dividends and the repurchase of MSI’s capital stock (subject to certain exceptions), among other things. The following condensed consolidated financial information represents the financial information of MSI and its wholly-owned subsidiaries subject to these restrictions. The information is presented in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12-04 under the SEC’s Regulation S-X.

Michaels Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)


	October 29,		January 30,		October 31,
ASSETS	2016		2016		2015
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents	$	145,217	$	404,650	$	110,007
Merchandise inventories		1,394,092		1,002,607		1,277,053
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		139,786		87,573		114,591
Total current assets		1,679,095		1,494,830		1,501,651
Property and equipment, net		412,202		378,507		385,407
Goodwill		119,074		94,290		94,290
Other assets		68,401		56,004		58,164
Total assets	$	2,278,772	$	2,023,631	$	2,039,512

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	714,198	$	457,704	$	557,170
Accrued liabilities and other		377,092		375,992		369,183
Current portion of long-term debt		24,900		24,900		24,900
Other current liabilities		36,263		89,996		44,525
Total current liabilities		1,152,453		948,592		995,778
Long-term debt		2,734,758		2,744,942		2,897,367
Other liabilities		103,615		95,400		92,065
Total stockholders’ deficit		(1,712,054)		(1,765,303)		(1,945,698)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit	$	2,278,772	$	2,023,631	$	2,039,512

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Michaels Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(in thousands)


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net sales	$	1,227,206	$	1,168,423	$	3,446,438	$	3,230,293
Cost of sales and occupancy expense		760,598		702,825		2,124,383		1,949,577
Gross profit		466,608		465,598		1,322,055		1,280,716
Selling, general and administrative		318,438		308,467		937,849		879,196
Other operating expense		1,704		1,042		4,238		4,326
Operating income		146,466		156,089		379,968		397,194
Interest and other expense		38,689		33,978		103,207		102,393
Income before income taxes		107,777		122,111		276,761		294,801
Provision for income taxes		31,232		45,181		93,149		108,886
Net income	$	76,545	$	76,930	$	183,612	$	185,915

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustment and other		(3,650)		88		5,800		(2,819)
Comprehensive income	$	72,895	$	77,018	$	189,412	$	183,096

Michaels Stores, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)


	39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	148,191	$	21,924

Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment		(82,163)		(89,726)
Acquisition of Lamrite West, net of cash acquired		(151,100)		—
Purchase of long-term investment		(1,325)		(5,000)
Net cash used in investing activities		(234,588)		(94,726)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net repayments of debt		(54,450)		(63,715)
Net borrowings of debt		42,000		45,040
Payment of dividend to Michaels Funding, Inc.		(156,529)		(188,046)
Other financing activities		(4,057)		15,971
Net cash used in financing activities		(173,036)		(190,750)

Net change in cash and equivalents		(259,433)		(263,552)
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period		404,650		373,559
Cash and equivalents at end of period	$	145,217	$	110,007

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11. ACQUISITION

On February 2, 2016, we acquired Lamrite for $150.0 million, prior to certain purchase price adjustments, utilizing our cash on hand. Lamrite operates an international wholesale business under the Darice brand name and 35 arts and crafts retail stores (32 as of the acquisition date), located primarily in Ohio and the surrounding states, under the Pat Catan’s brand name. We incurred integration related costs of $1.6 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and $7.6 million during the nine months ended October 29, 2016. These expenses have been included in SG&A in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. The acquisition resulted in goodwill primarily related to the expected benefits resulting from enhancements to our private brand development capability, direct sourcing initiatives and business-to-business capabilities, as well as the value of the existing Lamrite workforce. The goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The fair values of the intangible assets acquired were primarily determined by using the income approach. The income approach indicates value for a subject based on the present value of cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Projected cash flows are discounted at a market rate of return that reflects the relative risk of achieving the cash flows and the time value of money. The fair value of inventory was determined based on the estimated selling price of the inventory less the expected costs of selling efforts and a reasonable profit margin.

The following table summarizes the cash consideration for the acquisition of Lamrite (in thousands):


Purchase contract amount	$	150,000
Additional consideration to Lamrite shareholders for taxes		6,500
Working capital and other adjustments		(3,090)
Total purchase consideration	$	153,410

The following table summarizes the fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed from the acquisition of Lamrite as of February 2, 2016 (in thousands):


Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,310
Trade accounts receivable		22,254
Merchandise inventory		83,700
Other current assets		1,202
Property, plant and equipment		25,367
Net favorable leases		2,450
Intangible assets (1)		21,800
Other assets		306
Current liabilities (2)		(30,490)
Other long-term liabilities		(273)
Fair value of net assets acquired		128,626
Goodwill		24,784
Total purchase consideration	$	153,410

(1)

Includes customer relationships, trade and brand names and proprietary product designs. Intangible assets include $9.4 million of assets that are being amortized over a range of 6 to 18 years.

(2)

Includes accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued payroll and accrued taxes.

Since the date of acquisition, the results of Lamrite's operations have been included in the Company’s results of operations. The Company has not presented pro forma financial information for prior periods because the impact on our previously reported consolidated financial statements would not have been material.

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...

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company (and the related notes thereto included elsewhere in this quarterly report), and the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company (and the related notes thereto) and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 (“Annual Report”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) under the Securities Act of 1934 on March 17, 2016.

All of the “Company”, “us”, “we”, “our”, and similar expressions are references to The Michaels Companies, Inc. (“Michaels”) and our consolidated wholly-owned subsidiaries, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires.

We report on the basis of a 52- or 53-week fiscal year, which ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. All references to fiscal year mean the year in which that fiscal year began. References to “fiscal 2016” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 28, 2017 and references to “fiscal 2015” relate to the 52 weeks ended January 30, 2016. In addition, all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2016” relate to the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and all references to “the third quarter of fiscal 2015” relate to the 13 weeks ended October 31, 2015. Finally, all references to “the first nine months of fiscal 2016” relate to the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 and all references to “the first nine months of fiscal 2015” relate to the 39 weeks ended October 31, 2015. Because of the seasonal nature of our business, the results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016 are not indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

Overview

We are the largest arts and crafts specialty retailer in North America (based on store count) providing materials, project ideas and education for creative activities under the retail brands of Michaels, Aaron Brothers and Pat Catan’s. We also operate an international wholesale business under the Darice brand name and a market-leading vertically-integrated custom framing business. At October 29, 2016, we operated 1,221 Michaels stores, 112 Aaron Brothers stores and 35 Pat Catan’s stores.

On February 2, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Lamrite West, Inc. and certain of its affiliates and subsidiaries (“Lamrite”) for $150.0 million, prior to certain purchase price adjustments, utilizing our cash on hand. Lamrite operates an international wholesale business under the Darice brand name (“Darice”) and 35 arts and crafts retail stores, located primarily in Ohio and the surrounding states, under the Pat Catan’s brand name (“Pat Catan’s”). We expect Lamrite to generate revenues of more than $200 million in fiscal 2016. The acquisition is expected to enhance our private brand development capabilities, accelerate our direct sourcing initiatives and strengthen our business-to-business capabilities.

Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 5.0% compared to the same period in the prior year. The increase in net sales was due to a $65.2 million increase related to the acquisition of Lamrite in February 2016 and the opening of 19 additional stores (net of closures) since October 31, 2015, partially offset by a 2.0% decrease in comparable store sales. Gross profit as a percent of net sales decreased 180 basis points to 38.0% during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to higher promotional activity, an increase in distribution related costs and lower margins associated with Lamrite’s wholesale business. The decline was partially offset by an increase in retail prices and sourcing efficiencies. Operating income as a percent of net sales decreased 1.4% to 11.9% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to 13.3% in the same period in the prior year. The decrease is due primarily to the decline in gross profit margin, an increase in selling, general and administrative costs associated with the acquisition of Lamrite, inclusive of $1.6 million of integration costs, and an increase in professional fees.

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Comparable Store Sales

Comparable store sales represents the change in net sales for stores open the same number of months in the comparable period of the previous year, including stores that were relocated or expanded during either period, as well as e-commerce sales. A store is deemed to become comparable in its 14th month of operation in order to eliminate grand opening sales distortions. A store temporarily closed more than two weeks is not considered comparable during the month it is closed. If a store is closed longer than two weeks but less than two months, it becomes comparable in the month in which it reopens, subject to a mid-month convention. A store closed longer than two months becomes comparable in its 14th month of operation after its reopening. Pat Catan’s stores will not be included in comparable store sales until the 13th month after the acquisition.

Operating Information

The following table sets forth certain operating data:


		13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
		October 29,			October 31,			October 29,			October 31,
		2016			2015			2016			2015
Michaels stores:
Open at beginning of period		1,209			1,186			1,196			1,168
New stores		14			10			30			29
Relocated stores opened		4			4			14			17
Closed stores		(2)			—			(5)			(1)
Relocated stores closed		(4)			(4)			(14)			(17)
Open at end of period		1,221			1,196			1,221			1,196

Aaron Brothers stores:
Open at beginning of period		112			118			117			120
Closed stores		—			—			(5)			(2)
Open at end of period		112			118			112			118

Pat Catan's stores:
Open at beginning of period		35			—			—			—
Acquired stores		—			—			32			—
New stores		—			—			3			—
Open at end of period		35			—			35			—
Total store count at end of period		1,368			1,314			1,368			1,314

Other Operating Data:
Average inventory per Michaels store (in thousands) (1)	$	1,040		$	1,041		$	1,040		$	1,041
Comparable store sales		(2.0)	%		1.5	%		(0.2)	%		1.1	%
Comparable store sales, at constant currency		(2.0)	%		3.1	%		0.1	%		2.5	%

(1)

The calculation of average inventory per Michaels store excludes our Aaron Brothers and Pat Catan’s stores.

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net sales of line items of our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. This table should be read in conjunction with the following discussion and with our consolidated financial statements, including the related notes.


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales and occupancy expense	62.0		60.2		61.6		60.4
Gross profit	38.0		39.8		38.4		39.6
Selling, general and administrative	26.0		26.4		27.2		27.2
Store pre-opening costs	0.1		0.1		0.1		0.1
Operating income	11.9		13.3		11.0		12.3
Interest expense	2.6		2.9		2.8		3.3
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs	0.6		—		0.2		0.2
Other expense, net	—		—		—		—
Income before income taxes	8.8		10.4		8.0		8.8
Provision for income taxes	2.5		3.9		2.7		3.2
Net income	6.2	%	6.6	%	5.3	%	5.5	%

13 Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended October 31, 2015

Net Sales. Net sales increased $58.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, or 5.0%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in net sales was due to a $65.2 million increase related to the acquisition of Lamrite in fiscal 2016 and a $16.6 million increase related to 19 additional stores opened (net of closures) since October 31, 2015. The increase was partially offset by a $23.0 million decrease in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales decreased 2.0% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due to a decrease in customer transactions, partially offset by an increase in average ticket.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was 38.0% of net sales in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 39.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The 180 basis point decline was primarily due to an increase in promotional activity, an increase in distribution related costs and lower margins associated with Lamrite’s wholesale business, including $0.7 million of non-recurring purchase accounting adjustments related to inventory. The decline was partially offset by an increase in retail prices and sourcing efficiencies.

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) was 26.0% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 26.4% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. SG&A increased $9.9 million to $318.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2016. The increase was due primarily to $15.8 million of expenses attributable to Lamrite’s operations, $3.7 million associated with operating 19 additional stores (net of closures), a $2.2 million increase in professional fees and $1.6 million of Lamrite integration costs. The increase was partially offset by a $13.8 million decrease in performance based compensation and lower marketing costs.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $2.3 million to $31.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to $1.9 million of interest savings from the partial redemption of our term loan credit facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and $0.4 million of interest savings due to the refinancing of our senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (“Restated Revolving Credit Facility”) in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

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Losses on Early Extinguishments of Debt and Refinancing Costs. We recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $6.9 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 related to the amendment of our term loan credit facility.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 29.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 37.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The effective income tax rate for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was lower than the same period in the prior year primarily due to benefits realized associated with our direct sourcing initiatives implemented in the current year, certain federal tax credits recognized and a decrease in state taxes.

39 Weeks Ended October 29, 2016 Compared to the 39 Weeks Ended October 31, 2015

Net Sales. Net sales increased $216.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, or 6.7%, compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The increase in net sales was due to a $172.7 million increase related to the acquisition of Lamrite in fiscal 2016 and a $50.3 million increase related to 19 additional stores opened (net of closures) since October 31, 2015. The increase was partially offset by a $6.9 million decrease in comparable store sales. Comparable store sales decreased 0.2% compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015 due to a decrease in customer transactions, partially offset by an increase in average ticket.

Gross Profit. Gross profit was 38.4% of net sales in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to 39.6% in the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The 130 basis point decline was primarily due to an increase in promotional activity, an increase in distribution related costs and lower margins associated with Lamrite’s wholesale business, including $2.9 million of non-recurring purchase accounting adjustments related to inventory. The decline was partially offset by an increase in retail prices and sourcing efficiencies.

Selling, General and Administrative. SG&A was flat at 27.2% of net sales in both the first nine months of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. SG&A increased $59.1 million to $939.1 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2016. The increase was due primarily to $46.5 million of expenses attributable to Lamrite’s operations, $11.6 million associated with operating 19 additional stores (net of closures), $7.6 million of Lamrite integration costs and a $6.3 million increase in professional fees. The increase was partially offset by a $17.3 million decrease in performance based compensation and lower marketing costs.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $10.3 million to $95.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to $5.4 million of interest savings due to the partial redemption of our term loan credit facility in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015, $3.6 million of interest savings from the redemption of our remaining outstanding 7.50%/8.25% PIK Toggle Notes due 2018 (“PIK Notes”) during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and $0.7 million of interest savings from the refinancing of our Restated Revolving Credit Facility in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Losses on Early Extinguishments of Debt and Refinancing Costs. We recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $7.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016, consisting of $6.9 million related to the amendment of our term loan credit facility and $0.4 million related to the refinancing of our Restated Revolving Credit Facility. We recorded a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $6.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015 related to the redemption of our remaining outstanding PIK Notes, consisting of $3.6 million of redemption premiums and $2.5 million to write off related debt issuance costs.

Provision for Income Taxes. The effective tax rate was 33.6% for the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to 36.9% for the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The effective tax rate is lower than the same period in the prior year primarily due to benefits realized associated with our direct sourcing initiatives implemented in the current year, certain federal tax credits recognized and a decrease in state taxes.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We require cash principally for day-to-day operations, to finance capital investments, to purchase inventory, to service our outstanding debt and for seasonal working capital needs. We expect that our available cash, cash flow generated from operating activities and funds available under our Amended Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) will be sufficient to fund planned capital expenditures, working capital requirements, debt repayments, debt service requirements and anticipated growth for the foreseeable future. Our ability to satisfy our liquidity needs and to continue to refinance or reduce debt could be adversely affected by the occurrence of any of the events described under Item 1A. Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 or our failure to meet our debt covenants. Our Amended Revolving Credit Facility provides senior secured financing of up to $850.0 million, subject to a borrowing base. As of October 29, 2016, the borrowing base was $850.0 million, of which we had $57.3 million of outstanding standby letters of credit and $792.7 million of unused borrowing capacity. Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $150.0 million at October 29, 2016, of which $37.5 million was held by our foreign subsidiaries. If it were necessary to repatriate these funds for use in the U.S., we would be required to pay U.S. taxes on the amount of undistributed earnings in our foreign subsidiaries. However, it is our intent to indefinitely reinvest these funds outside the U.S.

On February 2, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Lamrite for $150.0 million, prior to certain purchase price adjustments, utilizing our cash on hand. Lamrite operates an international wholesale business under the Darice brand name and 35 arts and crafts retail stores, located primarily in Ohio and the surrounding states, under the Pat Catan’s brand name. We expect Lamrite to generate revenues of more than $200 million in fiscal 2016. The acquisition is expected to enhance our private brand development capabilities, accelerate our direct sourcing initiatives and strengthen our business-to-business capabilities.

On May 27, 2016, Michaels Stores, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and other lenders to amend various terms of our Restated Revolving Credit Facility. The amended credit agreement, together with the related security, guarantee and other agreements, is referred to as the “Amended Revolving Credit Facility”. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility provides for senior secured financing of up to $850.0 million, subject to a borrowing base. We have the right to request up to $200.0 million of additional commitments under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility, although the lenders are not obligated to provide any such additional commitments. The borrowing base under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility equals the sum of: (i) 90% of eligible credit card receivables, (ii) 85% of eligible trade receivables, (iii) 90% to 92.5% of the appraised value of eligible inventory, plus (iv) 90% to 92.5% of the lesser of (a) the appraised value of eligible inventory supported by letters of credit and (b) the face amount of the letters of credit, less (v) certain reserves. The Amended Revolving Credit Facility matures in May 2021, subject to a springing maturity date if certain of our outstanding indebtedness has not been repaid, redeemed, refinanced, cash collateralized or if the necessary availability reserves have not been established prior to such time. Our obligations under the Amended Revolving Credit Facility are secured by (subject to certain exceptions) a first priority security interest in the current assets of the borrowers and facility guarantors and a second priority security interest in all other assets.

On September 28, 2016, MSI entered into an amendment with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and other lenders to amend and restate our term loan credit facility. The amended and restated credit agreement, together with the related security, guarantee and other agreements, is referred to as the “Amended Term Loan Credit Facility”. The Amended

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Term Loan Credit Facility matures on January 28, 2023 and provides for senior secured financing of $2,269.7 million, the outstanding principal amount of the term loan credit facility at the time of the amendment. MSI has the right under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility to request additional term loans (a) in the aggregate amount of up to $750.0 million or (b) at MSI’s election, an amount of additional term loans if the consolidated secured debt ratio (as defined in the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility) is no more than 3.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of the most recently ended four quarter period, subject to certain adjustments. The lenders under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility will not be under any obligation to provide any such additional term loans. Our obligations under the Amended Term Loan Credit Facility are secured by a second priority security interest in the current assets of the borrowers and facility guarantors and a first priority security interest in all other assets, subject to certain exceptions.

We had total outstanding debt of $2,779.7 million at October 29, 2016, of which $2,269.7 million was subject to variable interest rates and $510.0 million was subject to fixed interest rates.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk and prevent us from meeting our obligations. Management reacts strategically to changes in economic conditions and monitors compliance with debt covenants to seek to mitigate any potential material impacts to our financial condition and flexibility.

We intend to use excess operating cash flows to invest in growth opportunities, repurchase outstanding shares and repay portions of our indebtedness, depending on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. As such, we and our subsidiaries, affiliates and significant shareholders may, from time to time, seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt (including publicly issued debt) through cash purchases and/or exchanges, in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, by tender offer or otherwise. If we use our excess cash flows to repay our debt, it will reduce the amount of excess cash available for additional capital expenditures.

Cash Flow from Operating Activities

Cash flows provided by operating activities was $136.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2016 compared to $17.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2015. The improvement was primarily due to the timing of vendor payments and lower interest payments as a result of debt redemptions, partially offset by an increase in estimated federal tax payments and integration costs incurred as a result of the acquisition of Lamrite on February 2, 2016.

Inventory at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased $117.0 million, or 9.2%, to $1,394.1 million, compared to $1,277.1 million at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in inventory was primarily due to $95.4 million in additional inventory from the acquisition of Lamrite. Average inventory per Michaels store (inclusive of distribution centers, in-transit and inventory for the Company’s e-commerce site) was $1.0 million, flat compared to average inventory per store at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

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Cash Flow from Investing Activities

The following table includes capital expenditures paid during the periods presented (in thousands):


	39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015
New and relocated stores and stores not yet opened (1)	$	17,810	$	20,061
Existing stores		35,395		38,251
Information systems		18,144		24,240
Corporate and other		10,814		7,174
	$	82,163	$	89,726

(1)

In the first nine months of fiscal 2016, we incurred capital expenditures related to the opening of 44 Michaels stores, including the relocation of 14 stores, and the opening of three Pat Catan’s stores. In the first nine months of fiscal 2015, we incurred capital expenditures related to the opening of 46 Michaels stores, including the relocation of 17 stores.

Contractual Obligations

The Company acquired $76.9 million of Lamrite’s lease commitments in connection with the acquisition. There have been no other material changes to our contractual obligations described in our Annual Report.

Non-GAAP Measures

The following table sets forth certain non-GAAP measures the Company uses to manage our performance and measure compliance with certain debt covenants. The Company defines “EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs)” as net income before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs. The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) adjusted for certain defined amounts in accordance with the Company’s Amended Term Loan Credit Facility and Amended Revolving Credit Facility (collectively, the “Adjustments”).

The Company has presented EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) and Adjusted EBITDA to provide investors with additional information to evaluate our operating performance and our ability to service our debt. Adjusted EBITDA is a required calculation under the Company’s Amended Term Loan Credit Facility and its Amended Revolving Credit Facility (together the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”). As it relates to the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, Adjusted EBITDA is used in the calculations of fixed charge coverage and leverage ratios, which, under certain circumstances determine mandatory repayments or maintenance covenants and may restrict the Company’s ability to make certain payments (characterized as restricted payments), investments (including acquisitions) and debt repayments.

As EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) and Adjusted EBITDA are not measures of operating performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), these measures should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income, as an indicator of operating performance, or net cash provided by operating activities as an indicator of liquidity. Our computation of EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) and Adjusted EBITDA may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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The following table shows a reconciliation of EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs) and Adjusted EBITDA to net income and net cash provided by operating activities (in thousands):


	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 29,		October 31,		October 29,		October 31,
	2016		2015		2016		2015
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	160,940	$	100,941	$	136,516	$	17,870
Depreciation and amortization		(28,211)		(29,433)		(86,679)		(85,382)
Share-based compensation		(5,294)		(3,258)		(11,884)		(9,483)
Debt issuance costs amortization		(1,548)		(2,089)		(5,308)		(6,455)
Accretion of long-term debt, net		93		32		217		98
Deferred income taxes		(9,487)		(1,039)		(10,106)		(7,553)
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs		(6,887)		—		(7,292)		(6,072)
Losses on disposition of property and equipment		(21)		—		(56)		—
Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation		214		1,087		7,485		14,039
Changes in assets and liabilities		(33,340)		10,556		159,948		262,184
Net income		76,459		76,797		182,841		179,246
Interest expense		31,538		33,840		95,711		105,967
Losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs		6,887		—		7,292		6,072
Provision for income taxes		31,181		45,103		92,692		104,960
Depreciation and amortization		28,211		29,433		86,679		85,382
Interest income		(68)		(46)		(521)		(226)
EBITDA (excluding losses on early extinguishments of debt and refinancing costs)		174,208		185,127		464,694		481,401
Adjustments:
Share-based compensation		5,294		3,258		11,884		9,483
Severance costs		2,181		331		3,101		1,493
Store pre-opening costs		1,716		1,059		4,284		4,369
Store remodel costs		905		315		895		2,142
Foreign currency transaction losses		146		137		694		114
Store closing costs		924		449		3,076		88
Lamrite integration costs		1,586		—		7,605		—
Other (1)		898		436		2,424		2,912
Adjusted EBITDA	$	187,858	$	191,112	$	498,657	$	502,002

(1)

Other adjustments primarily relate to items such as moving and relocation expenses, franchise taxes, sign on bonuses and certain legal expenses.

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Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The above discussion, as well as other portions of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Any statements contained herein (including, but not limited to, statements to the effect that Michaels or its management “anticipates”, “plans”, “estimates”, “expects”, “believes”, “intends” and other similar expressions) that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements and should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report. Such forward-looking statements are based upon management’s current knowledge and assumptions about future events and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from anticipated results, prospects, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside of our control and are difficult to predict. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the following:

risks related to the effect of economic uncertainty;

our substantial outstanding indebtedness of $2.8 billion could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our $2.3 billion variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our notes and credit facilities;

restrictions in our debt agreements that limit our flexibility in operating our business, as our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions and require that we maintain specified financial ratios upon the occurrence of certain events;

changes in customer demand could materially adversely affect our sales, results of operations and cash flow;

our failure to adequately maintain security and prevent unauthorized access to electronic and other confidential information, which could result in an additional data breach, could materially adversely affect our financial condition and operating results;

competition, including internet-based competition, could negatively impact our business;

our reliance on foreign suppliers increases our risk of not obtaining adequate, timely and cost-effective product supplies;

how well we manage our business;

our ability to open new stores and increase comparable store sales growth, as our growth depends on our strategy of expanding our base of retail stores; and, if we are unable to continue this strategy, our ability to increase our sales, profitability and cash flow could be impaired;

damage to the reputation of the Michaels brand or our private and exclusive brands could adversely affect our sales;

a weak fourth quarter would materially adversely affect our results of operations;

risks associated with the suppliers from whom our products are sourced may fail us and transitioning to other qualified vendors could materially adversely affect our revenue and profit growth;

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unexpected or unfavorable consumer responses to our promotional or merchandising programs could materially adversely affect our sales, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition;

our marketing programs, e-commerce initiatives and use of consumer information are governed by an evolving set of laws and enforcement trends and unfavorable changes in those laws or trends, or our failure to comply with existing or future laws, could substantially harm our business and results of operations;

product recalls and/or product liability, as well as changes in product safety and other consumer protection laws, may adversely impact our operations, merchandise offerings, reputation, results of operation, cash flow, and financial condition;

changes in regulations or enforcement, or our failure to comply with existing or future regulations, may adversely impact our business;

significant increases in inflation or commodity prices such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, steel, wood, and paper may adversely affect our costs, including cost of merchandise;

we may be subject to information technology system failures or network disruptions, or our information systems may prove inadequate, resulting in damage to our reputation, business operations and financial condition;

improvements to our supply chain may not be fully successful;

changes in newspaper subscription rates may result in reduced exposure to our circular advertisements;

disruptions in the capital markets could increase our costs of doing business;

our real estate leases generally obligate us for long periods, which subjects us to various financial risks;

we have co-sourced certain of our information technology, accounts payable, payroll, accounting and human resources functions, and may co-source other administrative functions, which makes us more dependent upon third parties;

we are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. and Canadian dollar, which is the functional currency of our Canadian subsidiaries;

we are dependent upon the services of our senior management team;

failure to attract and retain quality sales, distribution center and other team members in appropriate numbers as well as experienced buying and management personnel could adversely affect our performance;

our results may be adversely affected by serious disruptions or catastrophic events, including geo-political events and weather;

any difficulty executing or integrating an acquisition, a business combination or a major business initiative could adversely affect our business or results of operations;

our holding company structure makes us, and certain of our direct and indirect subsidiaries, dependent on the operations of our, and their, subsidiaries to meet our financial obligations; and

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investment funds affiliated with the Sponsors own approximately 50% of the outstanding shares of our common stock and as a result will have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted for stockholder approval, including the ability to direct the election of all of the members of our Board of Directors, and they may have interests that differ from those of other stockholders.

For more details on factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements, please see the Risk Factors section of our Annual Report. Except as required by applicable law, we disclaim any intention to, and undertake no obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statement.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Foreign Currency Risk

We are exposed to fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. and Canadian dollar, which is the functional currency of our Canadian subsidiaries. Our sales, costs and expenses of our Canadian subsidiaries, when translated into U.S. dollars, can fluctuate due to exchange rate movement. A 10% increase or decrease in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar would have increased or decreased net income by approximately $6 million for the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2016.

Interest Rate Risk

We have market risk exposure arising from changes in interest rates on our Amended Term Loan Credit Facility and our Amended Revolving Credit Facility. The interest rates on our Amended Term Loan Credit Facility and our Amended Revolving Credit Facility will reprice periodically, which will impact our earnings and cash flow. The interest rate on our 2020 Senior Subordinated Notes is fixed. Based on our overall interest rate exposure to variable rate debt outstanding as of October 29, 2016, a 1% change in interest rates would impact income before income taxes by approximately $23 million for fiscal 2016. A 1% change in interest rates would impact the fair value of our long-term fixed rate debt by approximately $13 million. A change in interest rates would not materially affect the fair value of our variable rate debt as the debt reprices periodically.

Inflation Risk

We do not believe inflation and changing commodity prices have had a material impact on our net sales, income from continuing operations, plans for expansion or other capital expenditures for any period presented in this report. However, we cannot be sure inflation and changing commodity prices will not have an adverse impact on our operating results, financial condition, plans for expansion or other capital expenditures in future periods.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be timely disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely fashion. We note the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information

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required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that such information is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms.

Change in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 29, 2016 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information regarding legal proceedings is incorporated by reference from Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the Risk Factors described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides certain information with respect to our purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock during the third quarter of fiscal 2016:


					Approximate Dollar Value
				Total Number of	of Shares That May
				Shares Purchased	Yet Be Purchased
	Total Number of	Average Price		as Part of Publicly	Under the Plan (b)
Period	Shares Purchased (a)	Paid per Share		Announced Plan (b)	(in thousands)
July 31, 2016 - August 27, 2016	14,055	$	25.40	—	$	73,071
August 28, 2016 - October 1, 2016	1,254,359		24.68	1,196,697		43,530
October 2, 2016 - October 29, 2016	1,949		24.56	—		43,530
Total	1,270,363	$	24.69	1,196,697	$	43,530

(a)

These amounts reflect the following transactions during the third quarter of fiscal 2016: (i) the repurchase of 1,196,697 shares as part of our publicly announced share repurchase program and (ii) the surrender of shares of common stock to the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards.

(b)

In March 2016, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to purchase up to $200.0 million of the Company’s common stock on the open market. The share repurchase program does not have an expiration date. The Company intends to retire shares repurchased under the program.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a)

Exhibits:


Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

10.1		Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Independent Directors under the 2014 Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed herewith).

10.2		Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 28, 2016, among Michaels Stores, Inc., Michaels Funding, Inc., various subsidiary of Michaels Stores, Inc., Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent and collateral agent, the 2016 Converting Replacement Term B-1 Loan Lenders (as defined therein), the 2016 New Replacement Term B-1 Loan Lenders (as defined therein), the 2106 Converting Replacement Term B-2 Loan Lenders (as defined therein), the 2016 New Replacement Term B-2 Loan Lenders (as defined therein) certain lenders constituting the New Required Lenders (as defined therein) and other agents named therein (previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed by Michaels Stores, Inc. on September 30, 2016, SEC File No. 001-36501).

31.1		Certifications of Carl S. Rubin pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

31.2		Certifications of Denise A. Paulonis pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to §302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

32.1		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

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 Label Linkbase

101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	THE MICHAELS COMPANIES, INC.

	By:	/s/ Carl S. Rubin
		Carl S. Rubin
		Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)

	By:	/s/ Denise A. Paulonis
		Denise A. Paulonis
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

Date: December 7, 2016