BUCKLE INC - Quarter Report: 2014 November (Form 10-Q)

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 November 1, 2014

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 incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer 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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for a shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. (See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

þ Large accelerated filer; o Accelerated filer; o Non-accelerated filer; o Smaller reporting company

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 December 5, 2014, was 48,379,703.

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	17

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	25

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	25


Part II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	26

Item 1A.	Risk Factors	26

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	26

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	26

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	26

Item 5.	Other Information	26

Item 6.	Exhibits	26

Signatures		27

THE BUCKLE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)




ASSETS	November 1, 2014			February 1, 2014

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	182,267		$	164,868
Short-term investments	25,811			20,197
Receivables	13,052			4,318
Inventory	147,221			124,141
Prepaid expenses and other assets	31,667			28,613
Total current assets	400,018			342,137

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	420,868			393,656
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(249,556		)	(235,087		)
	171,312			158,569

LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS	44,310			43,436
OTHER ASSETS	2,013			2,151

	$	617,653		$	546,293

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable	$	53,501		$	37,147
Accrued employee compensation	24,484			36,933
Accrued store operating expenses	13,018			9,983
Gift certificates redeemable	15,943			23,131
Income taxes payable	7,978			16,187
Total current liabilities	114,924			123,381

DEFERRED COMPENSATION	14,248			12,797
DEFERRED RENT LIABILITY	40,212			37,564
OTHER LIABILITIES	9,618			10,621
Total liabilities	179,002			184,363

COMMITMENTS

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common stock, authorized 100,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; 48,374,622 and 48,336,392 shares issued and outstanding at November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively	484			483
Additional paid-in capital	130,266			124,134
Retained earnings	308,654			238,151
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(753		)	(838		)
Total stockholders’ equity	438,651			361,930

	$	617,653		$	546,293

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Amounts in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)




	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013

SALES, Net of returns and allowances	$	292,201	$	286,761	$	799,601	$	789,002

COST OF SALES (Including buying, distribution, and occupancy costs)	164,409		160,536		459,684		451,283

Gross profit	127,792		126,225		339,917		337,719

OPERATING EXPENSES:
Selling	52,950		51,991		147,055		144,225
General and administrative	10,289		10,176		30,326		30,776
	63,239		62,167		177,381		175,001

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS	64,553		64,058		162,536		162,718

OTHER INCOME, Net	226		361		831		1,218

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	64,779		64,419		163,367		163,936

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES	24,163		23,835		60,936		60,656

NET INCOME	$	40,616	$	40,584	$	102,431	$	103,280


EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic	$	0.85	$	0.85	$	2.14	$	2.17

Diluted	$	0.84	$	0.85	$	2.13	$	2.15

Basic weighted average shares	47,891		47,707		47,890		47,703
Diluted weighted average shares	48,079		47,984		48,064		47,959

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)




	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013

NET INCOME	$	40,616	$	40,584	$	102,431	$	103,280

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME, NET OF TAX:
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax of $0, $0, $50, and $95, respectively	—		—		85		162
Other comprehensive income	—		—		85		162

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$	40,616	$	40,584	$	102,516	$	103,442

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)




	Number of Shares	Common Stock		Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Total

FISCAL 2014
BALANCE, February 2, 2014	48,336,392	$	483	$	124,134		$	238,151		$	(838	)	$	361,930

Net income	—	—		—			102,431			—			102,431
Dividends paid on common stock, ($0.66 per share)	—	—		—			(31,928		)	—			(31,928		)
Common stock issued on exercise of stock options	12,010	—		—			—			—			—
Issuance of non-vested stock, net of forfeitures	26,220	1		(1		)	—			—			—
Amortization of non-vested stock grants, net of forfeitures	—	—		5,940			—			—			5,940
Income tax benefit related to exercise of stock options	—	—		193			—			—			193
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	—	—		—			—			85			85

BALANCE, November 1, 2014	48,374,622	$	484	$	130,266		$	308,654		$	(753	)	$	438,651


FISCAL 2013
BALANCE, February 3, 2013	48,059,269	$	481	$	117,391		$	172,711		$	(934	)	$	289,649

Net income	—	—		—			103,280			—			103,280
Dividends paid on common stock, ($0.60 per share)	—	—		—			(28,996		)	—			(28,996		)
Common stock issued on exercise of stock options	18,190	—		—			—			—			—
Issuance of non-vested stock, net of forfeitures	251,823	2		(2		)	—			—			—
Amortization of non-vested stock grants, net of forfeitures	—	—		7,450			—			—			7,450
Income tax benefit related to exercise of stock options	—	—		319			—			—			319
Change in unrealized loss on investments, net of tax	—	—		—			—			162			162

BALANCE, November 2, 2013	48,329,282	$	483	$	125,158		$	246,995		$	(772	)	$	371,864

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)




	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014			November 2, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	102,431		$	103,280
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	23,259			23,986
Amortization of non-vested stock grants, net of forfeitures	5,940			7,450
Deferred income taxes	(2,197		)	(2,756		)
Other	439			102
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables	(2,559		)	(475		)
Inventory	(23,080		)	(42,437		)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(1,918		)	(2,224		)
Accounts payable	16,189			14,245
Accrued employee compensation	(12,449		)	(16,402		)
Accrued store operating expenses	3,035			2,617
Gift certificates redeemable	(7,188		)	(7,069		)
Income taxes payable	(14,353		)	(13,564		)
Deferred rent liabilities and deferred compensation	4,099			2,567

Net cash flows from operating activities	91,648			69,320

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment	(36,277		)	(25,161		)
Change in other assets	138			142
Purchases of investments	(38,969		)	(23,787		)
Proceeds from sales/maturities of investments	32,617			21,431

Net cash flows from investing activities	(42,491		)	(27,375		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Excess tax benefit from stock option exercises	170			284
Payment of dividends	(31,928		)	(28,996		)

Net cash flows from financing activities	(31,758		)	(28,712		)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	17,399			13,233

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	164,868			117,608

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$	182,267		$	130,841

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THIRTEEN AND THIRTY-NINE WEEKS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2014 AND NOVEMBER 2, 2013

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)

(Unaudited)


1.	Management Representation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated 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 Company and additional footnotes are reflected in the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, included in The Buckle, Inc.'s 2013 Form 10-K.

The Company follows generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) established by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). References to GAAP in these notes are to the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).


2.	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 segment. The Company had 461 stores located in 44 states throughout the continental United States as of November 1, 2014 and 452 stores in 43 states as of November 2, 2013. During the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014, the Company opened 14 new stores, substantially remodeled 17 stores, and closed 3 stores; which includes 5 new stores and 8 substantial remodels during the third quarter. During the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013, the Company opened 13 new stores, substantially remodeled 5 stores, and closed 1 store; which includes 1 new store, 2 substantial remodels, and 1 store closure during the third quarter.

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



	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Merchandise Group	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013

Denims	46.6	%	48.5	%	42.6	%	43.9	%
Tops (including sweaters)	31.1		30.3		30.6		30.1
Accessories	8.3		8.2		8.4		8.3
Sportswear/Fashions	1.9		1.9		8.3		8.1
Footwear	6.1		5.9		6.1		6.1
Outerwear	3.2		2.9		1.7		1.7
Casual bottoms	1.3		1.0		1.1		0.9
Other	1.5		1.3		1.2		0.9
	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%


3.	Earnings 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.



	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirteen Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014						November 2, 2013
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share Amount			Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share Amount

Basic EPS	$	40,616	47,891	$	0.85		$	40,584	47,707	$	0.85
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Stock options and non-vested shares	—		188	(0.01		)	—		277	—
Diluted EPS	$	40,616	48,079	$	0.84		$	40,584	47,984	$	0.85



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014						November 2, 2013
	Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share Amount			Income		Weighted Average Shares	Per Share Amount

Basic EPS	$	102,431	47,890	$	2.14		$	103,280	47,703	$	2.17
Effect of Dilutive Securities:
Stock options and non-vested shares	—		174	(0.01		)	—		256	(0.02		)
Diluted EPS	$	102,431	48,064	$	2.13		$	103,280	47,959	$	2.15


4.	Investments

The following is a summary of investments as of November 1, 2014:



	Amortized Cost or Par Value		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Other-than- Temporary Impairment		Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-Sale Securities:
Auction-rate securities	$	10,050	$	—	$	(1,196	)	$	—	$	8,854

Held-to-Maturity Securities:
State and municipal bonds	$	47,019	$	232	$	(5	)	$	—	$	47,246

Trading Securities:
Mutual funds	$	12,540	$	1,708	$	—		$	—	$	14,248

The following is a summary of investments as of February 1, 2014:



	Amortized Cost or Par Value		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses			Other-than- Temporary Impairment		Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-Sale Securities:
Auction-rate securities	$	10,975	$	—	$	(1,331	)	$	—	$	9,644

Held-to-Maturity Securities:
State and municipal bonds	$	41,192	$	210	$	(2	)	$	—	$	41,400

Trading Securities:
Mutual funds	$	11,769	$	1,028	$	—		$	—	$	12,797

The auction-rate securities were invested as follows as of November 1, 2014:



Nature	Underlying Collateral	Par Value

Municipal revenue bonds	100% insured by AAA/AA/A-rated bond insurers	$	7,050
Municipal bond funds	Fixed income instruments within issuers' money market funds	50
Student loan bonds	Student loans guaranteed by state entities	2,950
Total par value		$	10,050

As of November 1, 2014, the Company’s auction-rate securities portfolio was 80% AA/Aa-rated and 20% A-rated.

The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity as of November 1, 2014 is as follows:



	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Held-to-Maturity Securities
Less than 1 year	$	25,811	$	25,839
1 - 5 years	21,208		21,407
	$	47,019	$	47,246

As of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, $8,854 and $9,644 of available-for-sale securities and $21,208 and $20,995 of held-to-maturity securities are classified in long-term investments. Trading securities are held in a Rabbi Trust, intended to fund the Company’s deferred compensation plan, and are classified in long-term investments.

The Company’s investments in auction-rate securities (“ARS”) are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair market value. As of November 1, 2014, the reported investment amount is net of $1,196 of temporary impairment to account for the impairment of certain securities from their stated par value. The $1,196 temporary impairment is reported, net of tax, as an “accumulated other comprehensive loss” of $753 in stockholders’ equity as of November 1, 2014. For the investments considered temporarily impaired, all of which have been in loss positions for over a year, the Company believes that these ARS can be successfully redeemed or liquidated in the future at par value plus accrued interest. The Company believes it has the ability and maintains its intent to hold these investments until such recovery of market value occurs; therefore, the Company believes the current lack of liquidity has created the temporary impairment in valuation and has classified the investments in long-term investments.

As of November 1, 2014, the Company had $10,050 invested in ARS, at par value, which was reported at its estimated fair value of $8,854. As of February 1, 2014, the Company had $10,975 invested in ARS, at par value, which was reported at its estimated fair value of $9,644. ARS have a long-term stated maturity, but are reset through a “dutch auction” process that occurs every 7 to 49 days, depending on the terms of the individual security. Until February 2008, the ARS market was highly liquid. During February 2008, however, a significant number of auctions related to these securities failed, meaning that there was not enough demand to sell the entire issue at auction. The failed auctions have limited the current liquidity of certain of the Company’s investments in ARS. The Company does not, however, anticipate that further auction failures will have a material impact on the Company’s ability to fund its business. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, the Company was able to successfully liquidate ARS with a par value of $925. The Company reviews all investments for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least quarterly or as indicators of impairment exist. Indicators of impairment include the duration and severity of decline in market value. In addition, the Company considers qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the investee, the credit rating of the investee, and the current and expected market and industry conditions in which the investee operates.

As of both November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, all of the Company’s investments in ARS were classified in long-term investments.


5.	Fair Value Measurements

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. Financial assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:


•	Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Short-term and long-term investments with active markets or known redemption values are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs.


•	Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs (either directly or indirectly) such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or inputs that are corroborated by market data.

•

Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and are projections, estimates, or interpretations that are supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets. The Company has concluded that certain of its ARS represent Level 3 valuation and should be valued using a discounted cash flow analysis. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, and expected holding periods of the ARS. As of November 1, 2014, the unobservable inputs used by the Company and its independent third-party valuation consultant in valuing its Level 3 investments in ARS included:


◦	Durations until redemption ranging from 3.1 to 5.7 years, with a weighted average of 4.8 years.


◦	Discount rates ranging from 3.93% to 4.93%, with a weighted average of 4.53%.

As of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the Company held certain assets that are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis including available-for-sale and trading securities. The Company’s available-for-sale securities include its investments in ARS, as further described in Note 4. The failed auctions, beginning in February 2008, related to certain of the Company’s investments in ARS have limited the availability of quoted market prices. The Company has determined the fair value of its ARS using Level 1 inputs for known or anticipated subsequent redemptions at par value, Level 2 inputs using observable inputs, and Level 3 using unobservable inputs where the following criteria were considered in estimating fair value:


•	Pricing was provided by the custodian or third-party broker for ARS;


•	Sales of similar securities;


•	Quoted prices for similar securities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active - including markets where there are few transactions for the asset, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly;


•	Pricing was provided by a third-party valuation consultant (using Level 3 inputs).

In addition, the Company considers other factors including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the investee, the credit rating, insurance, guarantees, collateral, cash flows, and the current and expected market and industry conditions in which the investee operates. Management believes it has used information that was reasonably obtainable in order to complete its valuation process and determine if the Company’s investments in ARS had incurred any temporary and/or other-than-temporary impairment as of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014.

Future fluctuations in fair value of ARS that the Company judges to be temporary, including any recoveries of previous write-downs, would be recorded as an adjustment to “accumulated other comprehensive loss.” The value and liquidity of ARS held by the Company may be affected by continued auction-rate failures, the credit quality of each security, the amount and timing of interest payments, the amount and timing of future principal payments, and the probability of full repayment of the principal. Additional indicators of impairment include the duration and severity of the decline in market value. The interest rates on these investments will be determined by the terms of each individual ARS. The material risks associated with the ARS held by the Company include those stated above as well as the current economic environment, downgrading of credit ratings on investments held, and the volatility of the entities backing each of the issues.

The Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
November 1, 2014	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Available-for-sale securities:
Auction-rate securities	$	—	$	177	$	8,677	$	8,854
Trading securities (including mutual funds)	14,248		—		—		14,248
Totals	$	14,248	$	177	$	8,677	$	23,102



	Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
February 1, 2014	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Total
Available-for-sale securities:
Auction-rate securities	$	—	$	177	$	9,467	$	9,644
Trading securities (including mutual funds)	12,797		—		—		12,797
Totals	$	12,797	$	177	$	9,467	$	22,441

Securities included in Level 1 represent securities which have a known or anticipated upcoming redemption as of the reporting date and those that have publicly traded quoted prices. ARS included in Level 2 represent securities which have not experienced a successful auction subsequent to the end of fiscal 2007. The fair market value for these securities was determined by applying a discount to par value based on auction prices for similar securities and by utilizing a discounted cash flow model, using market-based inputs, to determine fair value. The Company used a discounted cash flow model to value its Level 3 investments, using estimates regarding recovery periods, yield, and liquidity. The assumptions used are subjective based upon management’s judgment and views on current market conditions, and resulted in $1,173 of the Company’s recorded temporary impairment as of November 1, 2014. The use of different assumptions would result in a different valuation and related temporary impairment charge.

Changes in the fair value of the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows:



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2014
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Available-for-Sale Securities			Trading Securities
	Auction-rate Securities			Mutual Funds		Total

Balance, beginning of year	$	9,467		$	—	$	9,467
Total gains and losses:
Included in other comprehensive income	135			—		135
Purchases, Issuances, Sales, and Settlements:
Sales	(925		)	—		(925		)
Balance, end of quarter	$	8,677		$	—	$	8,677



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013
	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Available-for-Sale Securities			Trading Securities
	Auction-rate Securities			Mutual Funds		Total

Balance, beginning of year	$	10,690		$	—	$	10,690
Total gains and losses:
Included in other comprehensive income	257			—		257
Purchases, Issuances, Sales, and Settlements:
Sales	(50		)	—		(50		)
Balance, end of quarter	$	10,897		$	—	$	10,897

There were no transfers of securities between Levels 1, 2, or 3 during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 or November 2, 2013. The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the beginning of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred.

The carrying value of cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the low level of risk these assets present and their relatively liquid nature, particularly given their short maturities. The Company also holds certain financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets, including held-to-maturity securities. Held-to-maturity securities consist of state and municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and certificates of deposit. The fair values of these debt securities are based on quoted market prices and yields for the same or similar securities, which the Company determined to be Level 2 inputs. As of November 1, 2014, the fair value of held-to-maturity securities was $47,246 compared to the carrying amount of $47,019. As of February 1, 2014, the fair value of held-to-maturity securities was $41,400 compared to the carrying amount of $41,192.

The carrying values of receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other current liabilities approximates fair value because of their short-term nature. From time to time, the Company measures certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, specifically long-lived assets evaluated for impairment. These are typically store specific assets, which are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate impairment may exist due to the questionable recoverability of the carrying values of long-lived assets. If expected future cash flows related to a store’s assets are less than their carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value of the store's assets. The fair value of the store's assets is estimated utilizing an income-based approach based on the expected cash flows over the remaining life of the store's lease. The amount of impairment related to long-lived assets was immaterial as of both November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively.


6.	Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The Company had non-cash investing activities during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 of ($165) and ($710), respectively. The non-cash investing activity relates to the change in the balance of unpaid purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable as of the end of the period. The liability for unpaid purchases of property, plant, and equipment included in accounts payable was $1,469 and $1,304 as of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively. Amounts reported as unpaid purchases are recorded as cash outflows from investing activities for purchases of property, plant, and equipment in the consolidated 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 November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 of $77,316 and $76,691, respectively.


7.	Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has several stock option plans which allow for granting of stock options to employees, executives, and directors. The options are in the form of non-qualified stock options and are granted with an exercise price equal to the market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options generally expire ten years from the date of grant. The Company also has a restricted stock plan that allows for the granting of non-vested shares of common stock to employees and executives and a restricted stock plan that allows for the granting of non-vested shares of common stock to non-employee directors.

As of November 1, 2014, 635,315 shares were available for grant under the various stock option plans, of which 447,457 shares were available for grant to executive officers. Also as of November 1, 2014, 1,113,076 shares were available for grant under the Company’s various restricted stock plans, of which 1,101,452 shares were available for grant to executive officers.

Compensation expense was recognized during fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 for equity-based grants, based on the grant date fair value of the awards. The fair value of grants of non-vested common stock awards is the stock price on the date of grant.

Information regarding the impact of compensation expense related to grants of non-vested shares of common stock is as follows:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013

Stock-based compensation expense, before tax	$	1,933	$	2,433	$	5,940	$	7,450

Stock-based compensation expense, after tax	$	1,218	$	1,533	$	3,742	$	4,694

FASB ASC 718 requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of the compensation cost recognized for stock options exercised during the period to be classified as financing cash inflows. This amount is shown as “excess tax benefit from stock option exercises” on the consolidated statements of cash flows. For the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013, the excess tax benefit realized from exercised stock options was $170 and $284, respectively.

A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation activity related to stock options for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014 is as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life		Aggregate Intrinsic Value

Outstanding - beginning of year	17,091		$	4.12
Granted	—		—
Expired/forfeited	—		—
Exercised	(12,010	)	0.01
Outstanding - end of quarter	5,081		$	13.82	3.26	years	$	180

Exercisable - end of quarter	5,081		$	13.82	3.26	years	$	180

No stock options were granted during fiscal 2014 or fiscal 2013. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 was $544 and $882, respectively. As of November 1, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense as all outstanding stock options were vested.

Non-vested shares of common stock granted during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 were granted pursuant to the Company’s 2005 Restricted Stock Plan and the Company’s 2008 Director Restricted Stock Plan. Shares granted under the 2005 Plan typically 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 for the fiscal year. Shares granted under the 2008 Director Plan vest 25% on the date of grant and then in equal portions on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant.

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 period ended November 1, 2014 is as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Non-Vested - beginning of year	463,799		$	44.19
Granted	266,600		44.32
Forfeited	(240,380	)	47.03
Vested	(6,750	)	45.67
Non-Vested - end of quarter	483,269		$	42.83

As of November 1, 2014, there was $8,414 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 2.0 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013 was $293 and $2,400, respectively. During the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014, 240,200 shares (representing all of the shares granted during fiscal 2013 under the 2005 Restricted Stock Plan) were forfeited because the Company did not achieve either of the performance targets established for the fiscal 2013 grants.


8.	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. The new revenue recognition standard 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. ASU 2014-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and is to be applied retrospectively. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that adopting this new accounting guidance will have on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

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 Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto of the Company included in this Form 10-Q. All references herein to the “Company”, “Buckle”, “we”, “us”, or similar terms refer to The Buckle, Inc. and its subsidiary. 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 consolidated financial statements.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

Company 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. Online sales are excluded from comparable store sales. 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, short-term investments, 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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth certain financial data expressed as a percentage of net sales and the percentage change in the dollar amount of such items compared to the prior period:



	Percentage of Net Sales						Percentage of Net Sales For
	For Thirteen Weeks Ended				Percentage		For Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended				Percentage
	November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		Increase/(Decrease)		November 1, 2014		November 2, 2013		Increase/(Decrease)

Net sales	100.0	%	100.0	%	1.9	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	1.3	%
Cost of sales (including buying, distribution, and occupancy costs)	56.3	%	56.0	%	2.4	%	57.5	%	57.2	%	1.9	%
Gross profit	43.7	%	44.0	%	1.2	%	42.5	%	42.8	%	0.7	%
Selling expenses	18.1	%	18.1	%	1.8	%	18.4	%	18.3	%	2.0	%
General and administrative expenses	3.5	%	3.6	%	1.1	%	3.8	%	3.9	%	(1.5	)%
Income from operations	22.1	%	22.3	%	0.8	%	20.3	%	20.6	%	(0.1	)%
Other income, net	0.1	%	0.2	%	(37.4	)%	0.1	%	0.2	%	(31.8	)%
Income before income taxes	22.2	%	22.5	%	0.6	%	20.4	%	20.8	%	(0.3	)%
Provision for income taxes	8.3	%	8.3	%	1.4	%	7.6	%	7.7	%	0.5	%
Net income	13.9	%	14.2	%	0.1	%	12.8	%	13.1	%	(0.8	)%

Net sales increased from $286.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to $292.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, a 1.9% increase. Comparable store net sales for the thirteen week quarter ended November 1, 2014 decreased by $0.8 million, or 0.3%, compared to the prior year thirteen week period ended November 2, 2013. The comparable store sales decline for the quarter was primarily attributable to a 4.9% reduction in the number of transactions at comparable stores, partially offset by a 2.5% increase in the average retail price per piece of merchandise sold during the quarter and a 2.2% increase in the average number of units sold per transaction. Sales growth for the thirteen week period was, therefore, attributable to the inclusion of a full quarter of operating results for the 1 new store opened after the first half of fiscal 2013, to the opening of 14 new stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, and to growth in online sales. Online sales for the quarter (which are not included in comparable store sales) increased 3.8% to $22.8 million for the thirteen week period ended November 1, 2014 compared to $22.0 million for the thirteen week period ended November 2, 2013.

Net sales increased from $789.0 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 to $799.6 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, a 1.3% increase. Comparable store net sales for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014 decreased by $3.7 million, or 0.5%, compared to the prior year thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013. The comparable store sales decline for the thirty-nine week period was primarily attributable to a 4.0% reduction in the number of transactions at comparable stores, partially offset by a 1.1% increase in the average retail price per piece of merchandise sold during the period and a 2.6% 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 three quarters of operating results for the 13 new stores opened during fiscal 2013, to the opening of 14 new stores during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, and to growth in online sales. Online sales for the year-to-date period (which are not included in comparable store sales) increased 2.8% to $61.4 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014 compared to $59.7 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013. Average sales per square foot decreased 0.9% from $324.46 for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013 to $321.58 for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014. Total square footage as of November 1, 2014 was 2.332 million compared to 2.273 million as of November 2, 2013.

The Company's average retail price per piece of merchandise sold increased $1.30, or 2.5%, during the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2013. This $1.30 increase was primarily attributable to the following changes (with their corresponding effect on the overall average price per piece): a 13.0% increase in average footwear price points ($0.38), a 1.5% increase in average denim price points ($0.36), a 3.3% increase in average knit shirt price points ($0.36), a 4.2% increase in average accessory price points ($0.18), and increased average price points in certain other merchandise categories ($0.07); which were partially offset by a shift in the merchandise mix (-$0.05). These changes are primarily a reflection of merchandise shifts in terms of brands and product styles, fabrics, details, and finishes.

For the year-to-date period, the Company's average retail price per piece of merchandise sold increased $0.54, or 1.1%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. This $0.54 increase was primarily attributable to the following changes (with their corresponding effect on the overall average price per piece): a 1.7% increase in average denim price points ($0.34), a 7.2% increase in average footwear price points ($0.20), a 1.3% increase in average knit shirt price points ($0.14), a 3.1% increase in average accessory price points ($0.12), and increased average price points in certain other merchandise categories ($0.08); which were partially offset by a shift in the merchandise mix (-$0.34). These changes are primarily a reflection of merchandise shifts in terms of brands and product styles, fabrics, details, and finishes.

Gross profit after buying, distribution, and occupancy expenses increased from $126.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to $127.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, a 1.2% increase. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit declined from 44.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to 43.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to deleveraged occupancy, buying, and distribution expenses as a result of the comparable store sales decline (0.30%, as a percentage of net sales). Merchandise margins for the quarter were essentially flat in comparison to the same period a year ago.

Year-to-date, gross profit increased from $337.7 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013 to $339.9 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014, a 0.7% increase. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit declined from 42.8% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 to 42.5% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily attributable to deleveraged occupancy, buying, and distribution expenses as a result of the comparable store sales decline (0.30%, as a percentage of net sales). Merchandise margins for the year-to-date period were essentially flat in comparison to the same period a year ago.

Selling expenses increased from $52.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to $53.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, a 1.8% increase. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses remained flat at 18.1% for both the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and the third quarter of fiscal 2014. An increase in store payroll expense (0.25%, as a percentage of net sales) was offset by reductions in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual (0.20%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other selling expenses (0.05%, as a percentage of net sales).

Year-to-date, selling expenses increased from $144.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 to $147.1 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, a 2.0% increase. As a percentage of net sales, selling expenses increased from 18.3% in fiscal 2013 to 18.4% in fiscal 2014. Increases in store payroll expense (0.25%, as a percentage of net sales) and certain other selling expenses (0.05%, as a percentage of net sales) were partially offset by a reduction in expense related to the incentive bonus accrual (0.20%, as a percentage of net sales).

General and administrative expenses increased from $10.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to $10.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014, a 1.1% increase. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased from 3.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to 3.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The reduction was primarily attributable to a reduction in equity compensation expense (0.20%, as a percentage of net sales) which was partially offset by increases in certain other general and administrative expenses (0.10%, as a percentage of net sales).

Year-to-date, general and administrative expenses decreased from $30.8 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 to $30.3 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, a 1.5% decrease. As a percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased from 3.9% in fiscal 2013 to 3.8% in fiscal 2014. The reduction was primarily attributable to a reduction in equity compensation expense (0.20%, as a percentage of net sales) which was partially offset by increases in certain other general and administrative expenses (0.10%, as a percentage of net sales).

As a result of the above changes, the Company's income from operations was $64.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $64.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Income from operations was 22.1% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 22.3% of net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Year-to-date, income from operations was $162.5 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014 compared to $162.7 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013. Income from operations was 20.3% of net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 compared to 20.6% of net sales for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013.

Other income decreased from $0.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 to $0.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Other income for the year-to-date period decreased from $1.2 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2013 to $0.8 million for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2014. The Company's other income is derived primarily from investment income related to the Company's cash and investments.

Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income was 37.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 37.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, bringing net income to $40.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $40.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

Income tax expense was also 37.3% of pre-tax income for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 compared to 37.0% for the first three quarters of fiscal 2013, bringing year-to-date net income to $102.4 million for fiscal 2014 compared to $103.3 million for fiscal 2013.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of November 1, 2014, the Company had working capital of $285.1 million, including $182.3 million of cash and cash equivalents and $25.8 million of short-term investments. The Company's cash receipts are generated from retail sales and from investment income, and the Company's primary ongoing cash requirements are for inventory, payroll, occupancy costs, dividend payments, new store expansion, remodeling, and other capital expenditures. Historically, the Company's primary source of working capital has been cash flow from operations. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, the Company's cash flow from operations was $91.6 million and $69.3 million, respectively.

The uses of cash for both thirty-nine week periods primarily include payment of annual bonuses accrued at fiscal year end, changes in inventory and accounts payable for build-up of inventory levels, dividend payments, construction costs for new and remodeled stores, other capital expenditures, and purchases of investment securities.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 and 2013, the Company invested $26.2 million and $17.5 million, respectively, in new store construction, store renovation, and store technology upgrades. The Company also spent $10.1 million and $7.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 and 2013, respectively, in capital expenditures for the corporate headquarters and distribution facility. Capital spending for the corporate headquarters and distribution center during the first three quarters of fiscal 2013 includes $5.4 million for the purchase of a new corporate airplane as a replacement for a plane that was sold by the Company in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, capital spending includes expenditures related to the construction of a new office building as a part of the Company's home office campus in Kearney, Nebraska. The new building is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014.

During the remainder of fiscal 2014, the Company anticipates completing approximately 3 additional store construction projects, including approximately 2 new stores and approximately 1 store to be substantially remodeled and/or relocated. Management estimates that total capital expenditures during fiscal 2014 will be approximately $48.0 to $53.0 million, which includes primarily planned new store and store remodeling projects, IT investments, and the construction of a new office building as a part of the Company's home office campus in Kearney, Nebraska. The Company believes that existing cash and cash equivalents, investments, 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 November 1, 2014, had total cash and investments of $252.4 million, including $44.3 million of long-term investments. The Company does not currently have plans for a merger or acquisition and has fairly consistent plans for new store expansion and remodels. Based upon past results and current plans, management does not anticipate any large swings in the Company's need for cash in the upcoming years.

Future conditions, however, 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 $25.0 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 $20.0 million. Borrowings under the line of credit provide for interest to be paid at a rate based on LIBOR. The Company has, from time to time, borrowed against these lines of credit. There were no bank borrowings during the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 or 2013. The Company had no bank borrowings as of November 1, 2014 and was in compliance with the terms and conditions of the line of credit agreement.

Auction-Rate Securities - As of November 1, 2014, total cash and investments included $8.9 million of auction-rate securities (“ARS”), which compares to $9.6 million of ARS as of February 1, 2014. All of the $8.9 million in ARS was classified in long term investments as of November 1, 2014. ARS have a long-term stated maturity, but are reset through a “dutch auction” process that occurs every 7 to 49 days, depending on the terms of the individual security. During February 2008, a significant number of auctions related to these securities failed, meaning that there was not enough demand to sell the entire issue at auction. The failed auctions have limited the current liquidity of the Company's investments in ARS. The Company does not anticipate, however, that further auction failures will have a material impact on the Company's ability to fund its business.

ARS are reported at fair market value, and as of November 1, 2014, the reported investment amount is net of a $1.2 million temporary impairment to account for the impairment of certain securities from their stated par value. The Company reported the $1.2 million temporary impairment, net of tax, as an “accumulated other comprehensive loss” of $0.8 million in stockholders' equity as of November 1, 2014. The Company has accounted for the impairment as temporary, as it currently believes that these ARS can be successfully redeemed or liquidated in the future at par value plus accrued interest.

The Company reviews all investments for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least quarterly or as indicators of impairment exist. The value and liquidity of ARS held by the Company may be affected by continued auction-rate failures, the credit quality of each security, the amount and timing of interest payments, the amount and timing of future principal payments, and the probability of full repayment of the principal. Additional indicators of impairment include the duration and severity of the decline in market value. The interest rates on these investments will be determined by the terms of each individual ARS. The material risks associated with the ARS held by the Company include those stated above as well as the current economic environment, downgrading of credit ratings on investments held, and the volatility of the entities backing each of the issues. In addition, the Company considers qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the investee, the credit rating of the investee, and the current and expected market and industry conditions in which the investee operates. The Company believes it has the ability and intent to hold these investments until recovery of market value occurs or until the ultimate maturity of the investments.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon The Buckle, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires that management make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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, investments, incentive bonuses, 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 consolidated 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. The critical accounting policies and estimates utilized by the Company in the preparation of its condensed consolidated financial statements for the period ending November 1, 2014 have not changed materially from those utilized for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014, included in The Buckle Inc.’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Revenue Recognition. Retail store sales are recorded upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. Online sales are recorded when merchandise is delivered to the customer, with the time of delivery being based on estimated shipping time from the Company’s distribution center to the customer. Shipping fees charged to customers are included in revenue and shipping costs are included in selling expenses. The Company recognizes 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 or certificate is redeemed for merchandise. A current liability for unredeemed gift cards and certificates is recorded at the time the card or certificate is purchased. The liability recorded for unredeemed gift certificates and gift cards was $15.9 million and $23.1 million as of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The amounts of the gift certificate and gift card liabilities are determined using the outstanding balances from the prior three and four years of issuance, respectively. The Company records breakage as other income when the probability of redemption, which is based on historical redemption patterns, is remote.

The Company establishes a liability for estimated merchandise returns based upon the historical average sales return percentage. Customer returns could potentially exceed the historical average, thus reducing future net sales results and potentially reducing future net earnings. The accrued liability for reserve for sales returns was $0.9 million as of November 1, 2014 and $0.8 million as of February 1, 2014. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included as part of “accrued store operating expenses” on the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Inventory. Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using an 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 account for merchandise obsolescence and markdowns that could affect market value, based on assumptions using calculations applied to current inventory levels within each different markdown level. 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 adjustment to inventory for markdowns and/or obsolescence was $9.2 million as of November 1, 2014 and $7.4 million as of February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company is not aware of any events, conditions, or changes in demand or price that would indicate that its inventory valuation may not be materially accurate at this time.

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. As of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, the Company’s non-current deferred tax liability includes a $0.9 million valuation allowance recorded to reduce the value of the Company’s capital loss carryforward to its expected realizable amount prior to expiration.

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 expense 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 consolidated balance sheets and amortizes the deferred rent over the terms of the leases as reductions to rent expense on the consolidated 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 expense on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases on the consolidated 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 consolidated balance sheets and the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or are reasonably probable to be achieved.

Investments. Investments classified as short-term investments include securities with a maturity of greater than three months and less than one year. Available-for-sale securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity (net of the effect of income taxes), using the specific identification method, until they are sold.

The Company reviews impairment to determine the classification of potential impairments as either temporary or other-than-temporary. A temporary impairment results in an unrealized loss being recorded in other comprehensive income. An impairment that is considered other-than-temporary would be recognized in net income. The Company considers various factors in reviewing impairment, including the duration and severity of the decline in market value. In addition, the Company considers qualitative factors including, but not limited to, the financial condition of the investee, the credit rating of the investee, the current and expected market and industry conditions in which the investee operates, and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the investments for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. The Company believes it has the ability and maintains its intent to hold these investments until recovery of market value occurs or until the ultimate maturity of the investments.

The Company determined the fair value of ARS using Level 1 inputs for known or anticipated subsequent redemptions at par value, Level 2 inputs using observable inputs, and Level 3 using unobservable inputs, where the following criteria were considered in estimating fair value:


•	Pricing was provided by the custodian or third party broker for ARS;


•	Sales of similar securities;


•	Quoted prices for similar securities in active markets;


•	Quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active - including markets where there are few transactions for the asset, the prices are not current, or price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers, or in which little information is released publicly;


•	Pricing was provided by a third-party valuation consultant (using Level 3 inputs).

The Company has concluded that certain of its ARS represent Level 3 valuation and should be valued using a discounted cash flow analysis. The assumptions used in preparing the discounted cash flow model include estimates for interest rates, timing and amount of cash flows, and expected holding periods of the ARS. As of November 1, 2014, the unobservable inputs used by the Company and its independent third-party valuation consultant in valuing its Level 3 investments in ARS included:


•	Durations until redemption ranging from 3.1 to 5.7 years, with a weighted average of 4.8 years.


•	Discount rates ranging from 3.93% to 4.93%, with a weighted average of 4.53%.

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, 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 operating lease obligations shown in the table below represent future cash payments to landlords required to fulfill the Company’s minimum rent requirements. Such amounts are actual cash requirements by year and are not reported net of any tenant improvement allowances received from landlords.

The following table identifies the material obligations and commitments as of November 1, 2014:



	Payments Due by Period
Contractual obligations (dollar amounts in thousands):	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		4-5 years		After 5 years

Purchase obligations	$	19,706	$	16,878	$	2,200	$	578	$	50
Deferred compensation	14,248		—		—		—		14,248
Operating leases	404,287		63,320		121,260		99,000		120,707
Total contractual obligations	$	438,241	$	80,198	$	123,460	$	99,578	$	135,005

The Company has available an unsecured line of credit of $25.0 million, of which $20.0 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 first three quarters of fiscal 2014 or the first three quarters of fiscal 2013. The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $3.4 million and $3.2 million as of November 1, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively. The Company has no other off-balance sheet arrangements.

SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

The Company's business is seasonal, with the holiday 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 2013, 2012, and 2011, the holiday and back-to-school seasons accounted for approximately 35% 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 thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2014 and November 2, 2013. Quarterly results may vary significantly depending on a variety of factors including the timing and amount of sales and costs associated with the opening of new stores, the timing and level of markdowns, the timing of store closings, the remodeling of existing stores, competitive factors, and general economic conditions.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

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.

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk - To the extent that the Company borrows under its line of credit facility, the Company would be exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. As of November 1, 2014, no borrowings were outstanding under the line of credit facility. The Company is not a party to any derivative financial instruments. Additionally, the Company is exposed to market risk related to interest rate risk on the cash and investments in interest-bearing securities. These investments have carrying values that are subject to interest rate changes that could impact earnings to the extent that the Company did not hold the investments to maturity. If there are changes in interest rates, those changes would also affect the investment income the Company earns on its cash and investments. For each one-quarter percent decline in the interest/dividend rate earned on cash and investments (approximately a 50% change in the rate earned), the Company’s net income would decrease approximately $0.3 million, or less than $0.01 per share. This amount could vary based upon the number of shares of the Company’s stock outstanding and the level of cash and investments held by the Company.

Other Market Risk – At November 1, 2014, the Company held $10.1 million, at par value, of investments in auction-rate securities (“ARS”). The Company concluded that a $1.2 million temporary impairment existed related to these securities as of November 1, 2014. Given current market conditions in the ARS market, the Company may incur additional temporary or other-than-temporary impairment in the future if market conditions persist and the Company is unable to recover the cost of its investments in ARS.

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 the Company’s 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 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.

THE BUCKLE, INC.

PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings: None

Item 1A. Risk Factors:

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed under “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014.

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 November 1, 2014:



	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

Aug. 3, 2014 to Aug. 30, 2014	-	-	-	543,900
Aug. 31, 2014 to Oct. 4, 2014	-	-	-	543,900
Oct. 5, 2014 to Nov. 1, 2014	-	-	-	543,900
	-	-	-

The Board of Directors authorized a 1,000,000 share repurchase plan on November 20, 2008. The Company has 543,900 shares remaining to complete this authorization.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities: None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures: 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.

Exhibit 101 includes the following materials from The Buckle, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity; (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail.

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.

Date:	December 11, 2014	By:	/s/ DENNIS H. NELSON
			DENNIS H. NELSON,
			President and CEO
			(principal executive officer)

Date:	December 11, 2014	By:	/s/ KAREN B. RHOADS
			KAREN B. RHOADS,
			Senior Vice President of Finance and CFO
			(principal accounting officer)