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

FORM 10-Q

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

For the Quarterly Period Ended October 28, 2006

o     TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Transition Period from ____________ to ____________

Commission File Number: 001-12951

 THE BUCKLE, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Nebraska
47-0366193
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)

2407 West 24th Street, Kearney, Nebraska
68845-4915
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (308) 236-8491

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

___________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)
          
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. (See definition of “accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Check one.
oLarge accelerated filer; þ  Accelerated filer; o Non-accelerated filer

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).
Yes o No þ

The number of shares outstanding of the Registrant's Common Stock, as of November 24, 2006, was 19,272,685.
 


THE BUCKLE, INC.

FORM 10-Q
INDEX

   
Pages
 
Part I. Financial Information (unaudited)
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
3
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
 
 
Condition and Results of Operations
14
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
22
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
22
     
 
Part II. Other Information
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
23
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
23
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
23
     
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
23
     
Item 5.
Other Information
23
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
23
     
Signatures
24


2

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
 
BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited) 


   
October 28,
 
January 28,
 
 
 
2006
 
2006
 
ASSETS 
         
CURRENT ASSETS:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
10,053
 
$
23,438
 
Short-term investments
   
131,299
   
134,672
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $62 and $94, respectively
   
5,164
   
4,824
 
Inventory
   
99,974
   
68,731
 
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
8,100
   
6,894
 
Total current assets
   
254,590
   
238,559
 
               
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
   
213,714
   
199,618
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(118,538
)
 
(108,222
)
     
95,176
   
91,396
 
               
LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
   
37,936
   
41,654
 
OTHER ASSETS
   
2,624
   
2,657
 
               
   
$
390,326
 
$
374,266
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
             
Accounts payable
 
$
19,126
 
$
11,119
 
Accrued employee compensation
   
10,943
   
20,096
 
Accrued store operating expenses
   
4,755
   
3,725
 
Gift certificates redeemable
   
3,793
   
5,495
 
Income taxes payable
   
7,139
   
4,696
 
Total current liabilities
   
45,756
   
45,131
 
               
DEFERRED COMPENSATION
   
3,203
   
2,518
 
DEFERRED RENT LIABILITY
   
29,320
   
26,824
 
Total liabilities
   
78,279
   
74,473
 
               
COMMITMENTS
             
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
             
Common stock, authorized 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and
             
outstanding; 19,200,516 and 19,339,153 shares, respectively
   
192
   
193
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
26,741
   
39,651
 
Retained earnings
   
285,114
   
261,948
 
Unearned compensation - restricted stock
   
-
   
(1,999
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
312,047
   
299,793
 
               
   
$
390,326
 
$
374,266
 

See notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.
 
3

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 28,
 
October 29,
 
October 28,
 
October 29,
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2006
 
2005
 
                   
SALES, Net of returns and allowances
 
$
143,084
 
$
138,067
 
$
355,088
 
$
347,744
 
                           
COST OF SALES (Including buying,
                         
distribution and occupancy costs)
   
84,435
   
81,818
   
223,344
   
217,999
 
                           
Gross profit
   
58,649
   
56,249
   
131,744
   
129,745
 
                           
OPERATING EXPENSES:
                         
Selling
   
28,095
   
27,060
   
72,102
   
69,674
 
General and administrative
   
4,713
   
4,096
   
12,254
   
12,074
 
     
32,808
   
31,156
   
84,356
   
81,748
 
                           
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
   
25,841
   
25,093
   
47,388
   
47,997
 
                           
OTHER INCOME, Net
   
2,193
   
1,116
   
6,059
   
3,853
 
                           
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
   
28,034
   
26,209
   
53,447
   
51,850
 
                           
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
   
10,373
   
9,619
   
19,793
   
19,086
 
                           
NET INCOME
 
$
17,661
 
$
16,590
 
$
33,654
 
$
32,764
 
                           
                           
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
                         
Basic
 
$
0.92
 
$
0.85
 
$
1.75
 
$
1.66
 
                           
Diluted
 
$
0.89
 
$
0.82
 
$
1.69
 
$
1.59
 
                           
Basic weighted average shares
   
19,167
   
19,458
   
19,280
   
19,756
 
Diluted weighted average shares
   
19,799
   
20,184
   
19,961
   
20,597
 
 
See notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.
 
4

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


   
 
 
Additional
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
 
Paid-in
 
Retained
 
Unearned
 
 
 
 
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Compensation
 
Total
 
                       
FISCAL 2006
                     
BALANCE, January 28, 2006
 
$
193
 
$
39,651
 
$
261,948
 
$
(1,999
)
$
299,793
 
                                 
Reclassify unearned compensation
   
-
   
(1,999
)
 
-
   
1,999
   
-
 
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
33,654
   
-
   
33,654
 
Dividends paid on common stock,
                               
($0.17 per share)
   
-
   
-
   
(6,647
)
 
-
   
(6,647
)
($0.20 per share)
   
-
   
-
   
(3,841
)
 
-
   
(3,841
)
Common stock (166,913 shares)
                               
issued on exercise of stock options
   
2
   
3,124
   
-
   
-
   
3,126
 
Issuance of non-vested stock (136,000 shares)
   
1
   
(1
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
 
Amortization of non-vested stock grants
   
-
   
908
   
-
   
-
   
908
 
Forfeiture of non-vested stock (5,350 shares)
   
-
   
(12
)
 
-
   
-
   
(12
)
Stock option expense
   
-
   
1,110
   
-
   
-
   
1,110
 
Common stock (436,200 shares)
                               
purchased and retired
   
(4
)
 
(16,040
)
 
-
   
-
   
(16,044
)
                                 
BALANCE, October 28, 2006
 
$
192
 
$
26,741
 
$
285,114
 
$
-
 
$
312,047
 
                                 
FISCAL 2005
                               
BALANCE, January 29, 2005
 
$
217
 
$
26,857
 
$
305,854
 
$
-
 
$
332,928
 
                                 
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
32,764
   
-
   
32,764
 
Dividends paid on common stock,
                               
($0.12 per share)
   
-
   
-
   
(2,264
)
 
-
   
(2,264
)
($0.15 per share)
   
-
   
-
   
(2,925
)
 
-
   
(2,925
)
($0.17 per share)
   
-
   
-
   
(3,321
)
 
-
   
(3,321
)
Common stock (787,778 shares)
                               
issued on exercise of stock options
   
7
   
11,415
   
-
   
-
   
11,422
 
Issuance of non-vested stock (77,500 shares)
   
1
   
2,669
   
-
   
(2,670
)
 
-
 
Amortization of non-vested stock grants
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
504
   
504
 
Common stock (3,018,875 shares)
                               
purchased and retired
   
(30
)
 
(641
)
 
(83,970
)
 
-
   
(84,641
)
                                 
BALANCE, October 29, 2005
 
$
195
 
$
40,300
 
$
246,138
 
$
(2,166
)
$
284,467
 

See notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.
 
5

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in Thousands)
(Unaudited)


   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 28,
 
October 29,
 
 
 
2006
 
2005 (1)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
         
Net income
 
$
33,654
 
$
32,764
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows
             
from operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
13,619
   
12,525
 
Compensation expense - non-vested stock
   
908
   
504
 
Compensation expense - stock options
   
1,110
   
-
 
Forfeiture of restricted stock
   
(12
)
 
-
 
Excess tax benefit from employee stock option exercises
   
(1,153
)
 
-
 
Other
   
135
   
(90
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
Accounts receivable
   
(340
)
 
(1,375
)
Inventory
   
(31,243
)
 
(33,006
)
Prepaid expenses
   
(1,206
)
 
(377
)
Accounts payable
   
7,500
   
4,188
 
Accrued employee compensation
   
(9,153
)
 
(5,104
)
Accrued store operating expenses
   
1,030
   
422
 
Gift certificates redeemable
   
(1,702
)
 
(1,447
)
Long-term liabilities and deferred compensation
   
3,181
   
2,059
 
Income taxes payable
   
2,443
   
2,221
 
               
Net cash flows from operating activities
   
18,771
   
13,284
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(17,032
)
 
(19,975
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
5
   
182
 
Change in other assets
   
33
   
-
 
Purchases of investments
   
(49,648
)
 
(59,613
)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of investments
   
56,739
   
152,235
 
               
Net cash flows from investing activities
   
(9,903
)
 
72,829
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
   
3,126
   
11,422
 
Excess tax benefit from employee stock option exercises
   
1,153
   
-
 
Purchases of common stock
   
(16,044
)
 
(84,641
)
Payment of dividends
   
(10,488
)
 
(8,510
)
               
Net cash flows from financing activities
   
(22,253
)
 
(81,729
)
               
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
   
(13,385
)
 
4,384
 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period
   
23,438
   
16,196
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period
 
$
10,053
 
$
20,580
 
             
 
(1) As restated, see note 6.
 
See notes to unaudited condensed financial statements.
 
6

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005

1.       
Management Representation - The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. Because of the seasonal nature of the business, results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year's operations. The accounting policies followed by The Buckle, Inc. (the “Company”) and additional footnotes are reflected in the financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006, included in The Buckle, Inc.'s 2005 Form 10-K/A.

2.    
Stock-Based Compensation - The Company has several stock option plans which allow for granting of stock options to employees, executives and directors; as described more fully in the notes included in the Company’s 2005 Annual Report. As of October 28, 2006, 317,795 shares were available for grant under the various stock option plans, of which 201,800 were available for grant to executive officers. Also as of October 28, 2006, 16,850 shares were available for grant under the Company’s 2005 Restricted Stock Plan, all of which were available for grant to executive officers.

During fiscal 2006, the Company granted 136,000 shares of non-vested common stock under its 2005 Restricted Stock Plan. These grants resulted in $125 and $406 of compensation expense recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006, respectively. Due to participants terminating their employment prior to the vesting date, 5,200 of these shares were forfeited. The remaining shares will vest over a period of four years only upon certification by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors that the Company has achieved its pre-established performance targets based on growth in fiscal 2006 pre-bonus, pre-tax net income.

During fiscal 2005, the Company granted 77,500 shares of non-vested common stock under its 2005 Restricted Stock Plan. These grants resulted in $219 and $490 of compensation expense recognized during thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006, respectively. The same grants resulted in $85 and $504 of compensation expense recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 29, 2005, respectively. Due to participants terminating their employment, 150 of these shares were forfeited and the vesting for 3,400 of these shares was accelerated. Upon certification by the Compensation Committee that the Company achieved its performance target for fiscal 2005, 20% of the non-forfeited shares vested on March 24, 2006, with the remaining non-forfeited, non-accelerated shares vesting 20% on February 3, 2007, 30% on February 2, 2008, and 30% on January 31, 2009.

Beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”) utilizing the modified prospective approach and did not restate financial results for prior periods. Upon adoption of SFAS 123(R), management determined that the cumulative effect adjustment from estimated forfeitures was immaterial and, as such, no cumulative effect was recorded. Compensation expense was recognized in each of the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 for new awards, based on the grant date fair value, as well as for the portion of awards granted in previous fiscal years that was not vested as of the beginning of the fiscal year. The fair value of non-vested common stock awards is the stock price on the date of grant, while the fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The adoption of SFAS 123(R) resulted in $327 and $1,110 of stock option compensation expense recognized during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006, respectively. Stock option expense is allocated to cost of sales, selling expense, and general and administrative expense in a method similar to that of allocating accrued incentive bonus expense. As a result of adopting SFAS No. 123(R), stock option compensation expense reduced the Company’s fiscal 2006 third quarter after-tax net income by $205, or $.01 per share for both basic and diluted earnings per share, and its fiscal 2006 year-to-date after-tax net income by $694, or $.04 per share for both basic and diluted earnings per share.

7

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005

Prior to fiscal 2006, the Company accounted for its equity awards under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. For all periods prior to fiscal 2006, there is no recorded expense from the issuance of stock options, as all options granted under the various plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005.

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 
 
   
October 29, 2005
 
 October 29, 2005
 
            
Net income, as reported
 
$
16,590
 
$
32,764
 
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense
             
included in reported net income, net of related
             
tax effects
   
53
   
419
 
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
             
expense determined under fair value based method
             
for all awards, net of related tax effects
   
(512
)
 
(1,839
)
               
Pro forma net income
 
$
16,131
 
$
31,344
 
               
Earnings per share:
             
Basic - as reported
 
$
0.85
 
$
1.66
 
               
Basic - pro forma
 
$
0.83
 
$
1.59
 
               
Diluted - as reported
 
$
0.82
 
$
1.59
 
               
Diluted - pro forma
 
$
0.80
 
$
1.52
 

The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 was $14.95 per option. The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted during the thirty-nine week period ended October 29, 2005 was $13.48 per option. The fair value of options granted during each of the thirty-nine week periods was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions:

   
2006
 
2005
 
           
Risk-free interest rate (1)
   
4.50 - 5.00
%
 
4.25
%
Dividend yield (2)
   
1.60 - 2.00
%
 
1.70
%
Expected volatility (3)
   
45.0
%
 
50.0
%
Expected lives (4)
   
7.0 years
   
7.0 years
 
 
(1) Based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected lives of stock options.
 
(2) Based on expected dividend yield as of the date of grant.
 
(3) Based on historical volatility over a period consistent with the expected lives of options.
 
(4) Based on historical and expected exercise behavior.
8

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005
 
Options granted during the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 and thirty-nine week period ended October 29, 2005 were granted under the Company’s 1993 Director Stock Option Plan. Grants were made with an option price equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and a contractual term of ten years. Options granted under the plan typically vest 25% on the date of grant and 25% on each of the next three successive anniversaries of the date of grant. Stock options granted in prior fiscal years, that were not vested as of the beginning of fiscal 2006, were also granted with an option price equal to the market value on the date of grant, have ten-year contractual terms, and generally vest no later than three years from the date of grant. A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation activity related to stock options for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 is as follows:

   
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted
 
Aggregate
 
 
 
Weighted
 
Aggregate
 
 
 
 
 
Average
 
Intrinsic
 
 
 
Average
 
Intrinsic
 
 
 
 
 
Exercise
 
Value
 
 
 
Exercise
 
Value
 
 
 
Number
 
Price
 
(in thousands)
 
Number
 
Price
 
(in thousands)
 
                           
Outstanding - beginning
                                     
of year
   
2,543,911
 
$
21.39
         
3,457,219
 
$
19.40
       
Granted
   
18,300
   
34.59
         
18,000
   
28.28
       
Expired/terminated
   
(10,446
)
 
25.53
         
(24,574
)
 
26.39
       
Exercised
   
(166,913
)
 
18.73
         
(787,778
)
 
14.50
       
                                       
Outstanding - end of quarter
   
2,384,852
 
$
21.66
 
$
41,772
   
2,662,867
 
$
20.85
 
$
36,824
 
Exercisable - end of quarter
   
1,958,672
 
$
20.57
 
$
36,459
   
2,066,742
 
$
19.34
 
$
31,699
 
 
The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of October 28, 2006:
 
   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
 
Range of
Exercise Prices
   
Number
Outstanding
 
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Number
Exercisable 
 
 Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life 
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
8.670
 
  9.292
   
47,800
   
0.27
   
9.26
   
47,800
   
0.27
   
9.26
 
11.750
 
17.010
   
471,260
   
4.89
   
16.46
   
471,260
   
4.89
   
16.46
 
17.188
 
23.950
   
1,127,494
   
3.19
   
20.93
   
1,127,494
   
3.19
   
20.93
 
25.750
 
41.870
   
738,298
   
5.19
   
26.92
   
312,118
   
6.57
   
27.19
 
         
2,384,852
   
4.09
years
$
21.66
   
1,958,672
   
4.07
years
$
20.57
 

 
The total intrinsic value of value of options exercised during the thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October, 29 2005, respectively, was $3,634 and $20,153. The Company received cash from the exercise of stock options during the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006 of $3,126. Cash received for the thirty-nine week period ended October 29, 2005 was $11,422. The excess tax benefit realized from the exercise of options was $1,153 for the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006. As of October 28, 2006, there was $1,470 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock options. It is expected that this expense will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.0 years.

9


THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005

A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation activity related to grants of non-vested shares of common stock for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 is as follows:

   
2006
 
2005
 
       
Weighted
     
Weighted
 
       
Average
     
Average
 
       
Grant Date
     
Grant Date
 
   
Number
 
Fair Value
 
Number
 
Fair Value
 
                   
Non-Vested - beginning
                         
of year
   
77,500
 
 34.47
(1)
 
-
   
n/a
 
Granted
   
136,000
   
35.25
   
77,500
   
34.47
(1)
Forfeited
   
(5,350
)
 
35.23
   
-
   
n/a
 
Vested
   
(18,190
)
 
34.47
(1)
 
-
   
n/a
 
                           
Non-Vested - end of quarter
   
189,960
 
$
35.01
   
77,500
 
$
 34.47
(1)
 
(1) Non-vested shares granted during fiscal 2005. In accordance with APB No. 25, these awards have been valued using the closing price of the Company's common stock at the end of the performance period.
 
As of October 28, 2006, there was $3,109 of unrecognized compensation expense related to grants of non-vested shares. It is expected that this expense will be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.8 years.
 
3.      
Description of the Business - The Company is a retailer of medium to better priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion conscious young men and women. The Company operates its business as one reportable industry segment. The Company had 352 stores located in 38 states throughout the central, northwestern and southern regions of the United States as of October 28, 2006, and 337 stores in 38 states as of October 29, 2005. During the third quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company opened six new stores and substantially renovated six stores. During the third quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company opened four new stores and substantially renovated three stores.

The following is information regarding the Company’s major product lines, stated as a percentage of the Company’s net sales:
 

   
Percentage of Net Sales
 
 Percentage of Net Sales
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
Merchandise Group
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
                    
Denims
   
47.6
%
 
44.2
%
 
43.6
%
 
41.7
%
Tops (including sweaters)
   
31.5
   
30.0
   
30.7
   
30.3
 
Accessories
   
8.1
   
9.4
   
8.6
   
9.6
 
Footwear
   
6.6
   
8.2
   
7.5
   
8.6
 
Sportswear/Fashions
   
1.5
   
0.8
   
5.5
   
4.4
 
Casual bottoms
   
1.7
   
2.6
   
2.3
   
2.7
 
Outerwear
   
2.9
   
4.7
   
1.7
   
2.6
 
Other
   
0.1
   
0.1
   
0.1
   
0.1
 
                           
     
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

10

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005

4.    
Net Income Per Share - Basic earnings per share data are based on the weighted average outstanding common shares during the period. Diluted earnings per share data are based on the weighted average outstanding common shares and the effect of all dilutive potential common shares, including stock options and non-vested shares. Options to purchase 300 shares of common stock for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006, are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the options would be considered anti-dilutive. There were no anti-dilutive options for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 29, 2005.


   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
 
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
   
 
 
 
 
Per Share
 
 
 
 
 
Per Share
 
 
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Income
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Basic EPS
                         
Net income
 
$
17,661
   
19,167
 
$
0.92
 
$
16,590
   
19,458
 
$
0.85
 
                                       
Effect of Dilutive
                                     
Securities
                                     
Stock options and
                                     
non-vested shares
   
-
   
632
   
(0.03
)
 
-
   
726
   
(0.03
)
                                       
Diluted EPS
 
$
17,661
   
19,799
 
$
0.89
 
$
16,590
   
20,184
 
$
0.82
 
 
 
   
 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended    
 
 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended    
 
   
 October 28, 2006     
 
 October 29, 2005    
 
             
 Per Share
           
 Per Share
 
   
 Income 
 
 Shares
 
 Amount
 
 Income
 
 Shares
 
 Amount
 
Basic EPS
                               
Net income
 
$
33,654
   
19,280
 
$
1.75
 
$
32,764
   
19,756
 
$
1.66
 
                                       
Effect of Dilutive
                                     
Securities
                                     
Stock options and
                                     
non-vested shares
   
-
   
681
   
(0.06
)
 
-
   
841
   
(0.07
)
                                       
Diluted EPS
 
$
33,654
   
19,961
 
$
1.69
 
$
32,764
   
20,597
 
$
1.59
 


11

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005

5.    
Related Party Transactions - On March 24, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement with Daniel J. Hirschfeld, founder and Chairman, to purchase a total of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding stock from Mr. Hirschfeld. The shares represented approximately 13.8% of the Company’s total shares of Common Stock then outstanding. The shares were purchased for $28.00 per share, or a total purchase price of $84 million. The Company retired the purchased shares, reducing the total shares outstanding and reducing Mr. Hirschfeld’s ownership percentage to approximately 53%. 

The stock repurchase transaction was negotiated by a Special Committee of The Buckle, Inc.’s Board of Directors. The Special Committee, comprised of all of the Company’s independent Directors, approved the transaction. In connection with this transaction, the Special Committee received a written fairness opinion from Houlihan Lokey Howard & Zukin Financial Advisors, Inc., an international investment bank.
 
 6.    Restatement of Financial Statements

Subsequent to the issuance of its fiscal 2004 financial statements and during the completion of its fiscal 2005 year-end control procedures relating to the accounting for and disclosure of cash and cash equivalents, management discovered an error related to the prior presentation of investments held in auction-rate securities, which are highly liquid investments that are reset through a “dutch auction” process that occurs every 7 to 49 days, depending on the terms of the individual security, on the balance sheet and in the statement of cash flows. As a result, the balance sheet as of January 29, 2005 and the statements of cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2005 and January 31, 2004 were restated in the Company’s fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

Subsequent to filing the fiscal 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and as a result of control procedures performed during the first quarter of fiscal 2006 relating to the accounting for and disclosure of cash and cash equivalents, management discovered additional errors in the prior presentation of investments held in auction-rate securities and the classification of certain other investment securities. These additional errors were identified and corrected prior to the filing of the Company’s Interim Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2006.

The correction of these additional errors resulted in a decrease in cash and cash equivalents and an increase in short-term and long-term investments on the balance sheet as of January 28, 2006 and corresponding adjustments to cash flows from investing activities on the statement of cash flows for the thirty-nine week period ended October 29, 2005. The additional errors did not impact the statements of income or statements of stockholders’ equity. The statement of cash flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005 has been restated in this Interim Report on Form 10-Q in order to reflect the correction of these additional errors.

The following is a summary of the significant effects of the restatement:

   
Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
As
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
previously
         
Fiscal quarter ended October 29, 2005
 
reported
 
Adjustments
 
As restated
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                
Purchases of investments
 
$
(16,310
)
$
(43,303
)
$
(59,613
)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of investments
   
21,439
   
130,796
   
152,235
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
   
(83,109
)
 
87,493
   
4,384
 

12

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED OCTOBER 28, 2006 AND OCTOBER 29, 2005
 
 7.    Other Income

The following table summarizes the Company’s Other Income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods included in the statements of income:

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
 
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
                   
Interest/dividends from investments
 
$
2,093
 
$
1,061
 
$
5,033
 
$
3,642
 
Insurance proceeds
   
-
   
-
   
470
   
-
 
VISA/Mastercard settlement
   
-
   
-
   
356
   
-
 
Miscellaneous
   
100
   
55
   
200
   
211
 
Other Income, net
 
$
2,193
 
$
1,116
 
$
6,059
 
$
3,853
 

Other income for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 included proceeds received from the settlement of Hurricane Katrina insurance claims and settlement of a lawsuit related to Visa/Mastercard interchange fees. These proceeds had a $0.02 per share impact on both the Company’s reported after-tax basic and diluted earnings per share for the quarter ended July 29, 2006.

8.    Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The Interpretation provides a consistent recognition threshold and measurement attribute, as well as clear criteria for subsequently recognizing, derecognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions for financial statement purposes. The Interpretation also requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 will be effective at the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this pronouncement on the financial statements.
 
9.    Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The Company had non-cash investing activities during the thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 of $507 and $0, respectively. The non-cash investing activity related to unpaid purchases of property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable as of the end of the quarter. Amounts reported as unpaid purchases are recorded as cash outflows from investing activities for purchases of property, plant and equipment in the statement of cash flows in the period they are paid.

Additional cash flow information for the Company includes cash paid for income taxes during the thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006 and October 29, 2005 of $17,816 and $16,865, respectively.

13

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and notes thereto of the Company included in this Form 10-Q. The following is management’s discussion and analysis of certain significant factors which have affected the Company’s financial condition and results of operations during the periods included in the accompanying financial statements.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Management considers the following items to be key performance indicators in evaluating Company performance.

Comparable Store Sales - Stores are deemed to be comparable stores if they were open in the prior year on the first day of the fiscal period being presented. Stores which have been remodeled, expanded and/or relocated, but would otherwise be included as comparable stores, are not excluded from the comparable store sales calculation. Management considers comparable store sales to be an important indicator of current company performance, helping leverage certain fixed costs when results are positive. Negative comparable store sales results could reduce net sales and have a negative impact on operating leverage, thus reducing net earnings.

Net Merchandise Margins - Management evaluates the components of merchandise margin including initial markup and the amount of markdowns during a period. Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of initial markups or any significant increase in the Company’s use of markdowns, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s gross margin and results of operations.

Operating Margin - Operating margin is a good indicator for management of the Company’s success. Operating margin can be positively or negatively affected by comparable store sales, merchandise margins, occupancy costs and the Company’s ability to control operating costs.

Cash Flow and Liquidity (working capital) - Management reviews current cash and short-term investments along with cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities to determine the Company’s short-term cash needs for operations and expansion. The Company believes that existing cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund current and long-term anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the next several years.

14

 

THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The table below sets forth the percentage relationships of sales and various expense categories in the Statements of Income for each of the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2006, and October 29, 2005:

   
Percentage of Net Sales
 
Percentage
 
Percentage of Net Sales
 
Percentage
 
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Increase/
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
Increase/
 
 
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
(Decrease)
 
October 28, 2006
 
October 29, 2005
 
(Decrease)
 
                           
Net sales
   
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
3.6
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
2.1
%
Cost of sales (including buying,
                                     
distribution and occupancy costs)
   
59.0
%
 
59.3
%
 
3.2
%
 
62.9
%
 
62.7
%
 
2.5
%
Gross profit
   
41.0
%
 
40.7
%
 
4.3
%
 
37.1
%
 
37.3
%
 
1.5
%
Selling expenses
   
19.6
%
 
19.6
%
 
3.8
%
 
20.3
%
 
20.0
%
 
3.5
%
General and administrative expenses
   
3.3
%
 
3.0
%
 
15.1
%
 
3.4
%
 
3.5
%
 
1.5
%
Income from operations
   
18.1
%
 
18.1
%
 
3.0
%
 
13.4
%
 
13.8
%
 
-1.3
%
Other income, net
   
1.5
%
 
0.8
%
 
96.6
%
 
1.7
%
 
1.1
%
 
57.3
%
Income before income taxes
   
19.6
%
 
18.9
%
 
7.0
%
 
15.1
%
 
14.9
%
 
3.1
%
Provision for income taxes
   
7.3
%
 
7.0
%
 
7.8
%
 
5.6
%
 
5.5
%
 
3.7
%
Net income
   
12.3
%
 
11.9
%
 
6.5
%
 
9.5
%
 
9.4
%
 
2.7
%
 
Net sales increased from $138.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $143.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, a 3.6% increase. Comparable store sales decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.1%, for the thirteen week period ended October 28, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. The comparable store sales decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of transactions at comparable stores during the period, partially offset by a 6.1% increase in the average retail price per piece of merchandise sold during the period and a 2.7% increase in the average number of units sold per transaction. The comparable store sales decrease for the period was offset by growth attributable to the inclusion of a full three months of operating results for eight new stores opened after the second quarter of fiscal 2005, to the opening of fifteen new stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 and to growth in online sales.  
 
Net sales increased from $347.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 to $355.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006, a 2.1% increase. Comparable store sales decreased by $7.0 million, or 2.1%, for the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006, compared to the same period in the prior year. The comparable store sales decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of transactions at comparable stores during the period, partially offset by a 4.9% increase in the average retail price per piece of merchandise sold during the period and a 3.2% increase in the average number of units sold per transaction. Sales growth for the thirty-nine week period was, therefore, attributable to the inclusion of a full nine months of operating results for 15 new stores opened during fiscal 2005, to the opening of 15 new stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 and to growth in online sales. Average sales per square foot decreased 3.1% from $209 for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2005, to $202 for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 28, 2006.
 
The Company’s average retail price per piece of merchandise sold increased $2.46, approximately 6.1%, during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2005. This $2.46 increase was primarily attributable to the following changes (with their corresponding effect on the overall average price per piece): a 5.9% increase in denim price points ($1.13), an 8.1% increase in knit shirt price points ($0.70), a 17.0% increase in woven shirt price points ($0.32), a 3.2% increase in accessory price points ($0.11) and a shift in the merchandise mix ($0.19). These changes are primarily a reflection of merchandise shifts in terms of brands; product styles, fabrics, details and finishes; and the mix of branded versus private label merchandise.

15

 
 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The Company’s average retail price per piece of merchandise sold increased $1.83, approximately 4.9%, during the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2005. This $1.83 increase was primarily attributable to the following changes (with their corresponding effect on the overall average price per piece): a 6.1% increase in denim price points ($0.98), a 3.8% increase in knit shirt price points ($0.33), a 9.9% increase in woven shirt price points ($0.18), a 4.7% increase in footwear price points ($0.13), a 3.9% increase in accessory price points ($0.13) and a shift in the merchandise mix ($0.10). These changes are primarily a reflection of merchandise shifts in terms of brands; product styles, fabrics, details and finishes; and the mix of branded versus private label merchandise.

Gross profit after buying, occupancy and distribution expenses increased $2.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 to $58.6 million, a 4.3% increase. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit increased from 40.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to 41.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase in gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, resulted primarily from a 0.8% improvement (as a percentage of net sales) in actual merchandise margins achieved through timely sell-through on new products and a slight increase in sales of private label merchandise, which achieves higher margins as a result of greater initial markup. Gross profit was also impacted by a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual. These improvements were partially offset by increases in occupancy expense (0.3%, as a percentage of net sales) and distribution expense (0.3%, as a percentage of net sales).

Year-to-date, gross profit increased $2.0 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2006 to $131.7 million, a 1.5% increase. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased from 37.3% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 to 37.1% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006. The decrease in gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, resulted primarily from de-leveraged occupancy expense (0.6%, as a percentage of net sales) and distribution expense (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales). These increases were partially offset by a 0.4% improvement, as a percentage of net sales, in actual merchandise margins and a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in the incentive bonus accrual.
 
Selling expenses increased from $27.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $28.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006, a 3.8% increase. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense was 19.6% for both the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Increases in store salaries (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), stock option compensation expense as a result of result of FASB Statement 123(R) adoption during fiscal 2006 (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other selling expenses were offset by a 0.4% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual and reductions in certain other selling expenses.
 
Year-to-date, selling expense increased from $69.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 to $72.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006, a 3.5% increase. As a percentage of net sales, selling expense increased from 20.0% in fiscal 2005 to 20.3% in fiscal 2006. The increase in selling expense, as a percentage of net sales, resulted primarily from increases in internet-related fulfillment and marketing expenses (0.3%, as a percentage of net sales), stock option compensation expense (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), store salaries (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), store fixture expense (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), bankcard fees (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other selling expenses. These increases were partially offset by a 0.6% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in the incentive bonus accrual, a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in advertising spending and a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in payroll tax expense, as well as reductions in certain other selling expenses.
 
General and administrative expenses increased from $4.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to $4.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, a 15.1% increase. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses increased from 3.0% for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 to 3.3% for the third quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase in general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, resulted primarily from increases in equity compensation expense (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), compensation expense related to unrealized gains in the Company’s non-qualified deferred compensation plan (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales), home office payroll expense (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales), professional fees (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other general and administrative expenses (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales). These increases were partially offset by a 0.3% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual and a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in corporate aircraft expenses.

16

 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
 
Year-to-date, general and administrative expense increased from $12.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005 to $12.3 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006, a 1.5% increase. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expense decreased from 3.5% in fiscal 2005 to 3.4% in fiscal 2006. The reduction in general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, resulted primarily from a 0.3% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual, a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in professional fees (primarily related to fees incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2005 as a result of the Company’s stock repurchase from its founder) and a 0.1% reduction, as a percentage of net sales, in corporate aircraft expenses. These reductions were partially offset by increases in equity compensation expense (0.2%, as a percentage of net sales), home office payroll expense (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other general and administrative expenses (0.1%, as a percentage of net sales).

As a result of the above changes, the Company's income from operations increased 3.0% to $25.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to $25.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Income from operations was 18.1% of net sales for both the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and the third quarter of fiscal 2005. Income from operations, for the thirty-nine week period ended October 28, 2006, decreased 1.3% to $47.4 million compared to $48.0 million for the same thirty-nine week period in fiscal 2005. Income from operations was 13.4% of net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 compared to 13.8% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005.

Other income for the quarter ended October 28, 2006, increased $1.1 million or 96.6% from the quarter ended October 29, 2005. For the year-to-date period ended October 28, 2006, other income increased $2.2 million or 57.3%. The increase in other income for both the third quarter and year-to-date periods of fiscal 2006 compared to the same periods in the prior year was primarily due to an increase in income earned on the Company’s cash and investments, resulting from higher interest rates and higher balances of cash and investments. Other income for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 also included proceeds received from the settlement of Hurricane Katrina insurance claims and the settlement of a lawsuit related to Visa/Mastercard interchange fees, as further described in Note 7.

Income tax expense, as a percentage of pre-tax income, was 37.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to 36.7% for the third quarter of fiscal 2005, bringing net income to $17.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 compared to $16.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. For the first three quarters of fiscal 2006, income tax expense was 37.0% of pre-tax income compared to 36.8% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005, bringing net income to $33.7 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 compared to $32.8 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2005.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of October 28, 2006, the Company had working capital of $208.8 million, including $10.1 million of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $131.3 million. The Company's primary ongoing cash requirements are for inventory, payroll, occupancy costs, dividend payments, new store expansion and remodeling. Historically, the Company's primary source of working capital has been cash flow from operations. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company's cash flow provided by operating activities was $18.8 million and $13.3 million, respectively.

17


THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 

The uses of cash for both thirty-nine week periods include payment of annual bonuses accrued at fiscal year end, changes in inventory and accounts payable for build up of inventory levels, dividend payments and construction costs for new and remodeled stores. The reduction in cash flow for the first nine months of fiscal 2006 compared to the first nine months of fiscal 2005 resulted primarily from fewer proceeds from sales/maturities of investments (net of purchases of investments), reduced proceeds from the exercise of stock options and increased cash dividend payments, partially offset by a reduction in inventory build-up, an increase in accounts payable, reduced purchases of property and equipment, and a reduction in purchases of common stock, resulting from the repurchase of three million shares of common stock the first quarter of fiscal 2005, for a cash payout of $84 million.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company invested $15.2 million and $13.8 million, respectively, in new store construction, store renovation and store technology upgrades. The Company also spent approximately $1.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 in capital expenditures for its corporate headquarters and distribution center compared to $6.2 million spent in the first three quarters of fiscal 2005.
 
During the remainder of fiscal 2006, the Company anticipates completing approximately three additional store construction projects, including approximately two new stores and approximately one store to be remodeled and/or relocated. As of October 28, 2006, eleven additional lease contracts have been signed.
 
Management now estimates that total capital expenditures during fiscal 2006 will be approximately $21.0 million. The Company believes that existing cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund current and long-term anticipated capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the next several years. The Company has a consistent record of generating positive cash flow each year and, as of October 28, 2006, had total cash and investments of $179.3 million. The Company does not currently have plans for a merger, acquisition or accelerated store expansion. The Company’s plans for new store expansion and remodels/relocations during the next three years are reasonably consistent with its past three fiscal years’ average. Based upon past results and current plans, management does not anticipate any material changes in the Company’s need for cash in the upcoming year. However, future conditions may reduce the availability of funds based upon factors such as a decrease in demand for the Company’s product, change in product mix, competitive factors and general economic conditions as well as other risks and uncertainties which would reduce the Company’s sales, net profitability and cash flows. Also, the Company’s acceleration in store openings and/or remodels, or the Company entering into a merger, acquisition or other financial related transaction, could reduce the amount of cash available for further capital expenditures and working capital requirements.

The Company has available an unsecured line of credit of $17.5 million with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. for operating needs and letters of credit. The line of credit provides that outstanding letters of credit cannot exceed $10 million. Borrowings under the line of credit provide for interest to be paid at a rate equal to the prime rate established by the Bank. The Company has, from time to time, borrowed against these lines during periods of peak inventory build-up. There were no bank borrowings during the first three quarters of fiscal 2006 or 2005.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon The Buckle, Inc.’s financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires that management make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the financial statement date, and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period. The Company regularly evaluates its estimates, including those related to inventory and income taxes. Management bases its estimates on past experience and on various other factors that are thought to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes that the estimates and judgments used in preparing these financial statements were the most appropriate at that time. Presented below are those critical accounting policies that management believes require subjective and/or complex judgments that could potentially affect reported results of operations.


18


THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


1.    
Revenue Recognition. Sales are recorded upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. The Company accounts for layaway sales in accordance with SAB No. 101, Revenue Recognition, recognizing revenue from sales made under its layaway program upon delivery of the merchandise to the customer.   Revenue is not recorded when gift cards and gift certificates are sold, but rather when a card is redeemed for merchandise. A current liability for unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates is recorded at the time of purchase. The liability recorded for unredeemed gift cards and gift certificates was $3.8 million and $5.5 million as of October 28, 2006, and January 28, 2006, respectively.

The Company establishes a liability for estimated merchandise returns based upon historical average sales return percentage, applying the percentage using the assumption that merchandise returns will occur within nine days following the sale. Customer returns could potentially exceed historical average and returns may occur after the time period reserved for, thus reducing future net sales results and potentially reducing future net earnings. The accrued liability for reserve for sales returns was $310,000 at October 28, 2006, and $308,000 at January 28, 2006.

2.    
Inventory. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the average cost method that approximates the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Management makes adjustments to inventory and cost of goods sold, based upon estimates, to reserve for merchandise obsolescence and markdowns that could affect market value, based on assumptions using calculations applied to current inventory levels within each of four different markdown levels. Management also reviews the levels of inventory in each markdown group and the overall aging of the inventory versus the estimated future demand for such product and the current market conditions. Such judgments could vary significantly from actual results, either favorably or unfavorably, due to fluctuations in future economic conditions, industry trends, consumer demand and the competitive retail environment. Such changes in market conditions could negatively impact the sale of markdown inventory causing further markdowns or inventory obsolescence, resulting in increased cost of goods sold from write-offs and reducing the Company’s net earnings. The liability recorded as a reserve for markdowns and/or obsolescence was $6.5 million as of each October 28, 2006 and January 28, 2006. We are not aware of any events, conditions or changes in demand or price that would indicate that our inventory valuation may not be materially accurate at this time.

3.    
Income Taxes. The Company records a deferred tax asset and liability for expected future tax consequences resulting from temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. The Company considers future taxable income and ongoing tax planning in assessing the value of its deferred tax assets. If the Company determines that it is more than likely that these assets will not be realized, the Company would reduce the value of these assets to their expected realizable value, thereby decreasing net income. Estimating the value of these assets is based upon the Company’s judgment. If the Company subsequently determined that the deferred tax assets, which had been written down, would be realized in the future, such value would be increased. Adjustment would be made to increase net income in the period such determination was made.

4.    
Operating Leases. The Company leases retail stores under operating leases. Most lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and/or contingent rent provisions. For purposes of recognizing lease incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, the Company uses the date of initial possession to begin amortization, which is generally when the Company enters the space and begins to make improvements in preparation of intended use. For tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays, the Company records a deferred rent liability on the balance sheets and amortizes the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense on the statements of income.
 
For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, the Company records minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the statements of income. Certain leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. The Company records a contingent rent liability on the balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or are reasonably probable to be achieved.

19


THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS,
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
 
As referenced in the tables below, the Company has contractual obligations and commercial commitments that may affect the financial condition of the Company. Based on management’s review of the terms and conditions of its contractual obligations and commercial commitments, there is no known trend, demand, commitment, event or uncertainty that is reasonably likely to occur which would have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations or cash flows. In addition, the commercial obligations and commitments made by the Company are customary transactions which are similar to those of other comparable retail companies.
 
The following tables identify the material obligations and commitments as of October 28, 2006:
 

   
Payments Due by Period
 
Contractual obligations (dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After 5 years
 
Long term debt and purchase obligations
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Deferred compensation
 
$
3,203
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
3,203
 
Operating leases
 
$
219,574
 
$
35,323
 
$
66,804
 
$
52,096
 
$
65,351
 
Total contractual obligations
 
$
222,777
 
$
35,323
 
$
66,804
 
$
52,096
 
$
68,554
 

   
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
 
Other Commercial Commitments (dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
4-5 years
 
After 5 years
 
Lines of credit
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
Total commercial commitments
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
 
The Company has available an unsecured line of credit of $17.5 million of which $10 million is available for letters of credit, which is excluded from the preceding table. Certain merchandise purchase orders require that the Company open letters of credit. When the Company takes possession of the merchandise, it releases payment on the letters of credit. The amounts of outstanding letters of credit reported reflect the open letters of credit on merchandise ordered, but not yet received or funded. The Company believes it has sufficient credit available to open letters of credit for merchandise purchases. There were no bank borrowings during the third quarter of fiscal 2006 or the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $556 and $895 at October 28, 2006 and January 28, 2006, respectively. The Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

20


THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

The Company's business is seasonal, with the Christmas season (from approximately November 15 to December 30) and the back-to-school season (from approximately July 15 to September 1) historically contributing the greatest volume of net sales. For fiscal years 2003, 2004, and 2005, the Christmas and back-to-school seasons accounted for approximately 40%, 38% and 37% of the Company's fiscal year net sales. Although the operations of the Company are influenced by general economic conditions, the Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the results of operations during the thirteen-week periods ended October 28, 2006, and October 29, 2005.
 
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS 123(R)”), “Share-Based Payment,” which was effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. SFAS 123(R) requires an entity to recognize compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of share-based payments granted to employees. The Company adopted SFAS 123(R) effective with the first quarter of fiscal 2006 utilizing the modified prospective approach, with the Black-Scholes option pricing model used to calculate the fair value of stock options. Compensation expense was recorded for new awards based on their grant date fair value. Additionally, for the portion of previously issued and outstanding awards, that were not vested as of the beginning of the fiscal year, compensation expense was recorded based on previously disclosed SFAS 123 methodologies and valuations, beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The adoption of “SFAS No. 123(R): Share-Based Payments” had a $0.01 and $0.04 per share impact on both the Company’s reported after-tax basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter and for the first three quarters of fiscal 2006, respectively. The adoption had no impact on reported basic or diluted per share net earnings for the third quarter or first three quarters of fiscal 2005, as the Company has elected to utilize the modified prospective approach.

On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation 48 (“FIN 48”), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. The Interpretation provides a consistent recognition threshold and measurement attribute, as well as clear criteria for subsequently recognizing, derecognizing and measuring uncertain tax positions for financial statement purposes. The Interpretation also requires expanded disclosure with respect to the uncertainty in income taxes. FIN 48 will be effective at the beginning of the Company’s 2007 fiscal year. The Company is currently assessing the effect of this pronouncement on the financial statements.
 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

Information in this report, other than historical information, may be considered to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “1995 Act”). Such statements are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the safe-harbor provisions of the 1995 Act. In connection with these safe-harbor provisions, this management’s discussion and analysis contains certain forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s current views and estimates of future economic conditions, company performance and financial results. The statements are based on many assumptions and factors that could cause future results to differ materially. Such factors include, but are not limited to, changes in product mix, changes in fashion trends, competitive factors and general economic conditions, economic conditions in the retail apparel industry, as well as other risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company’s business and the retail industry in general. Any changes in these factors could result in significantly different results for the Company. The Company further cautions that the forward-looking information contained herein is not exhaustive or exclusive. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, which may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company.
 

21


THE BUCKLE, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The Company has evaluated the disclosure requirements of Item 305 of S-K “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” and has concluded that the Company has no market risk sensitive instruments for which these additional disclosures are required.

ITEM 4 - CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company maintains a system of disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that material information, which is required to be timely disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management in a timely manner. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) was performed as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.

Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the Company’s reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, 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 were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

22


THE BUCKLE, INC.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings:      None

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds: 
 
The following table sets forth information concerning purchases made by the Company of its common stock for each of the months in the fiscal quarter ended October 28, 2006:
 
   
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased
Under Publicly
Announced Plans
 
July 30, to August 26, 2006
   
119,300
   
34.71
   
119,300
   
476,800
 
August 27, to September 30, 2006
   
198,600
   
36.22
   
198,600
   
278,200
 
October 1, to October 28, 2006
   
24,800
   
37.97
   
24,800
   
253,400
 
                           

 
The shares yet to be purchased are remaining from a 1,000,000 share repurchase plan, authorized by the Board of Directors.

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities:       None

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:        None
 
Item 5.  Other Information:        None

Item 6.   Exhibits: 
 
(a)
Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 certifications, as well as Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
23


THE BUCKLE, INC.


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
 
THE BUCKLE, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated: December 7, 2006    /s/ DENNIS H. NELSON
 
DENNIS H. NELSON, President and CEO
   

     
Dated: December 7, 2006    /s/ KAREN B. RHOADS
 
KAREN B. RHOADS, Vice President of Finance and CFO
   
 
24