VINCE HOLDING CORP. - Quarter Report: 2015 October (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2015

Or

Commission File Number: 001-36212

VINCE HOLDING CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

500 5^th Avenue—20th Floor

New York, New York 10110

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

(212) 515-2600

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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  x    No  ¨

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 such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No   ¨

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

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DISCLOSURES REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This report on Form 10-Q, and any statements incorporated by reference herein, contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are indicated by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “plan,” “target,” “project,” “forecast,” “envision” and other similar phrases. Although we believe the assumptions and expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these assumptions and expectations may not prove to be correct and we may not achieve the results or benefits anticipated. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of actual results and our actual results may differ materially from those suggested in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control, including, without limitation: our ability to remain competitive in the areas of merchandise quality, price, breadth of selection, and customer service; our ability to anticipate and/or react to changes in customer demand and attract new customers; including in connection with making inventory commitments; our ability to control the level of sales in the off-price channels; our ability to manage current excess inventory in a way that will promote the long-term health of the brand; our ability to maintain adequate cash flow from operations, availability under our revolving credit facility or obtain other financing to meet our liquidity needs (including our obligations under the Tax Receivable Agreement); changes in consumer confidence and spending; our ability to maintain projected profit margins; unusual, unpredictable and/or severe weather conditions; the execution and management of our retail store growth, including the availability and cost of acceptable real estate locations for new store openings; the execution and management of our international expansion, including our ability to promote our brand and merchandise outside the U.S. and find suitable partners in certain geographies; our ability to expand our product offerings into new product categories including the ability to find suitable licensing partners; our ability to successfully implement our marketing initiatives; our ability to protect our trademarks in the U.S. and internationally; our ability to maintain the security of electronic and other confidential information; serious disruptions and catastrophic events; changes in global economies and credit and financial markets; competition; the impact of recent turnover in the senior management team; the fact that a number of members of the management team have less than one year of tenure with the Company, and the current senior management team has not had a long period of time working together; our ability to attract and retain a qualified permanent CFO, as well other key personnel; commodity, raw material and other cost increases; compliance with laws, regulations and orders; changes in laws and regulations; outcomes of litigation and proceedings and the availability of insurance, indemnification and other third-party coverage of any losses suffered in connection therewith; tax matters and other factors as set forth from time to time in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including those described in this report on Form 10-Q and our 2014 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 27, 2015 (our “2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K”) under the heading “Item 1A—Risk Factors.” We intend these forward-looking statements to speak only as of the time of this report on Form 10-Q and do not undertake to update or revise them as more information becomes available.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share data, unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income  

(in thousands, unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands, unaudited)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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VINCE HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(in thousands except share and per share data)

Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation

On November 27, 2013, Vince Holding Corp. (“VHC” or the “Company”), previously known as Apparel Holding Corp., closed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of its common stock and completed a series of restructuring transactions (the “Restructuring Transactions”) through which (i) Kellwood Holding, LLC acquired the non-Vince businesses, which include Kellwood Company, LLC (“Kellwood Company” or “Kellwood”), from the Company and (ii) the Company continues to own and operate the Vince business, which includes Vince, LLC. Prior to the IPO and the Restructuring Transactions, VHC was a diversified apparel company operating a broad portfolio of fashion brands, which included the Vince business and other businesses. As a result of the IPO and Restructuring Transactions, the non-Vince businesses were separated from the Vince business, and the stockholders immediately prior to the consummation of the Restructuring Transactions (the “Pre-IPO Stockholders”) retained full ownership and control of the non-Vince businesses through their ownership of Kellwood Holding, LLC. The Vince business is now the sole operating business of Vince Holding Corp.

In this interim report on Form 10-Q, “Kellwood” refers, as applicable and unless otherwise defined, to any of (i) Kellwood Company, (ii) Kellwood Company, LLC (a limited liability company to which Kellwood Company converted at the time of the Restructuring Transactions related to our IPO) or (iii) the operations of the non-Vince businesses after giving effect to our IPO and the related Restructuring Transactions.

(A) Description of Business: Vince is a leading contemporary fashion brand best known for modern effortless style and everyday luxury essentials. Established in 2002, the brand now offers a wide range of women’s and men’s apparel, women’s and men’s footwear and handbags. We reach our customers through a variety of channels, specifically through premier wholesale department stores and specialty stores in the United States (“U.S.”) and select international markets, as well as through our branded retail locations and our website. We design our products in the U.S. and source the vast majority of our products from contract manufacturers outside the U.S., primarily in Asia and South America. Products are manufactured to meet our product specifications and labor standards.

(B) Basis of Presentation: The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with VHC’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, as set forth in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries as of October 31, 2015. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The amounts and disclosures included in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise indicated, are presented on a continuing operations basis. In the opinion of management, the financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) and disclosures necessary to make the information presented therein not misleading. The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily comparable to, or indicative of, results of any other interim period or the fiscal year as a whole. As used in this report, unless the context requires otherwise, “our,” “us,” “we” and the “Company” refer to VHC and its consolidated subsidiaries.

(C) Our Business and Liquidity: During fiscal 2015 we have experienced declining sales and additional costs associated with making strategic investments for the future growth of the VINCE brand, including costs associated with the write-down of excess inventory, consulting agreements with our co-founders and the reorganization of our management team. We believe these significant investments are essential to our commitment to developing a strong foundation from which we can drive consistent profitable growth for the long term. We have also undertaken steps to enhance our liquidity position. Accordingly, on December 9, 2015 we received a Rights Offering Commitment Letter from Sun Capital Partners V, L.P. (“Sun Fund V”) that commits Sun Fund V to provide the Company with an amount equal to $65,000 of cash proceeds in the event that the Company conducts a rights offering for its common stock to its stockholders (a “Rights Offering”). Such Contribution Obligation (as defined herein) will be reduced by any proceeds received from the Rights Offering. Refer to Note 12. Related Party Transactions for additional details. Proceeds committed to us under the Rights Offering Commitment Letter from Sun Fund V will provide the Company with additional liquidity that will allow us to maintain a net debt balance sufficient to comply with any covenants under our Term Loan Facility and our Revolving Credit Facility, as well as provide additional cash for use in our operations. Refer to Note 4. Financing Arrangements and Note 5. Long-Term Debt for

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additional details regarding our debt covenants. However, failure to achieve our operational and strategic objectives could have a significant adverse effect on our operations, liquidity and compliance with debt covenants.

Note 2. Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill balances and changes therein subsequent to the January 31, 2015 condensed consolidated balance sheet are as follows (in thousands):

Identifiable intangible assets summary (in thousands):

Amortization of identifiable intangible assets was $149 and $150 for the three months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively, and $448 and $449 for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for identifiable intangible assets is expected to be $598 for each fiscal year for the next five fiscal years.

Note 3. Fair Value

Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Subtopic 820-10 defines fair value as 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. This guidance outlines a valuation framework, creates a fair value hierarchy to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements, and details the disclosures that are required for items measured at fair value. Financial assets and liabilities are to be measured using inputs from three levels of the fair value hierarchy as follows:

The Company did not have any non-financial assets or non-financial liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis at October 31, 2015 or January 31, 2015. At October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015, the Company believes that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and accounts payable approximates fair value, due to the short maturity of these items. As the Company’s debt obligations as of October 31, 2015 are at variable rates, the fair value approximates the carrying value of the Company’s debt.

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The Company’s non-financial assets, which primarily consist of goodwill, intangible assets, and property and equipment, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are reported at their carrying value. However, on a periodic basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying value may not be fully recoverable (and at least annually for goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets), non-financial assets are assessed for impairment and, if applicable, written down to (and recorded at) fair value.

Note 4. Financing Arrangements

Revolving Credit Facility

On November 27, 2013, Vince, LLC entered into a $50,000 senior secured revolving credit facility (as amended from time to time, the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Bank of America, N.A. (“BofA”) as administrative agent. Vince, LLC is the borrower and VHC and Vince Intermediate Holding, LLC, a direct subsidiary of VHC and the direct parent company of Vince, LLC (“Vince Intermediate”), are the guarantors under the Revolving Credit Facility. On June 3, 2015, Vince LLC entered into a first amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility, that among other things, increased the aggregate commitments under the facility from $50,000 to $80,000, subject to a loan cap of $70,000 until debt obligations under the Company’s term loan facility have been paid in full, and extended the maturity date from November 27, 2018 to June 3, 2020.  The Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a letter of credit sublimit of $25,000 (plus any increase in aggregate commitments) and an accordion option that allows for an increase in aggregate commitments up to $20,000. Interest is payable on the loans under the Revolving Credit Facility at either the LIBOR or the Base Rate, in each case, with applicable margins subject to a pricing grid based on an excess availability calculation. The “Base Rate” means, for any day, a fluctuating rate per annum equal to the highest of (i) the rate of interest in effect for such day as publicly announced from time to time by BofA as its prime rate; (ii) the Federal Funds Rate for such day, plus 0.50%; and (iii) the LIBOR Rate for a one month interest period as determined on such day, plus 1.0%. During the continuance of an event of default and at the election of the required lender, interest will accrue at a rate of 2% in excess of the applicable non-default rate.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains a maintenance requirement that, at any point when “Excess Availability” is less than the greater of (i) 15% percent of the adjusted loan cap or (ii) $10,000, and continuing until Excess Availability exceeds the greater of such amounts for 30 consecutive days, during which time, Vince, LLC must maintain a consolidated EBITDA (as defined in the Revolving Credit Facility) equal to or greater than $20,000. We have not been subject to this maintenance requirement as Excess Availability was greater than the required minimum.

The Revolving Credit Facility contains representations and warranties, other covenants and events of default that are customary for this type of financing, including limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens, negative pledges, guarantees, investments, loans, asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, prepayment of other debt, the repurchase of capital stock, transactions with affiliates, and the ability to change the nature of its business or its fiscal year. The Revolving Credit Facility generally permits dividends in the absence of any event of default (including any event of default arising from the contemplated dividend), so long as (i) after giving pro forma effect to the contemplated dividend, for the following six months Excess Availability will be at least the greater of 20% of the aggregate lending commitments and $10,000 and (ii) after giving pro forma effect to the contemplated dividend, the “Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” for the 12 months preceding such dividend shall be greater than or equal to 1.1 to 1.0 (provided that the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio may be less than 1.1 to 1.0 if, after giving pro forma effect to the contemplated dividend, Excess Availability for the six fiscal months following the dividend is at least the greater of 35% of the aggregate lending commitments and $15,000).  We are in compliance with applicable financial covenants.

As of October 31, 2015, $29,569 is available under the Revolving Credit Facility and there were $32,909 of borrowings outstanding and $7,522 of letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate for borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility as of October 31, 2015 was 2.3%. As of January 31, 2015, there was $23,000 of borrowings outstanding and $7,647 of letters of credit outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility.

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Note 5. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following as of October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015 (in thousands).

Term Loan Facility

On November 27, 2013, in connection with the closing of the IPO and related Restructuring Transactions, Vince, LLC and Vince Intermediate entered into a $175,000 senior secured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) with the lenders party thereto, BofA, as administrative agent, JP Morgan Chase Bank and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as joint lead arrangers, and Cantor Fitzgerald as documentation agent. The Term Loan Facility will mature on November 27, 2019. On November 27, 2013, net proceeds from the Term Loan Facility were used, at closing, to repay a promissory note (the “Kellwood Note Receivable”) issued to Kellwood Company, LLC in connection with the Restructuring Transactions which occurred immediately prior to the consummation of the IPO.

The Term Loan Facility also provides for an incremental facility of up to the greater of $50,000 and an amount that would result in the consolidated net total secured leverage ratio not exceeding 3.00 to 1.00, in addition to certain other rights to refinance or repurchase portions of the term loan. The Term Loan Facility is subject to quarterly amortization of principal equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Term Loan Facility (adjusted to reflect any prepayments), with the balance payable at final maturity. Interest is payable on loans under the Term Loan Facility at a rate of either (i) the Eurodollar rate (subject to a 1.00% floor) plus an applicable margin of 4.75% to 5.00% based on a leverage ratio or (ii) the base rate applicable margin of 3.75% to 4.00% based on a leverage ratio. During the continuance of a payment or bankruptcy event of default, interest will accrue (i) on the overdue principal amount of any loan at a rate of 2% in excess of the rate otherwise applicable to such loan and (ii) on any overdue interest or any other outstanding overdue amount at a rate of 2% in excess of the non-default interest rate then applicable to base rate loans.

The Term Loan Facility contains a requirement that Vince, LLC and Vince Intermediate maintain a “Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio” as of the last day of any period of four fiscal quarters not to exceed 3.75 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending February 1, 2014 through November 1, 2014, 3.50 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarters ending January 31, 2015 through October 31, 2015, and 3.25 to 1.00 for the fiscal quarter ending January 30, 2016 and each fiscal quarter thereafter. In addition, the Term Loan Facility contains customary representations and warranties, other covenants, and events of default, including but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, liens, negative pledges, guarantees, investments, loans, asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, prepayment of other debt, the repurchase of capital stock, transactions with affiliates, the ability to change the nature of its business or its fiscal year, and distributions and dividends. The Term Loan Facility generally permits dividends to the extent that no default or event of default is continuing or would result from the contemplated dividend and the pro forma Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio after giving effect to such contemplated dividend is at least 0.25 lower than the maximum Consolidated Net Total Leverage Ratio for such quarter. All obligations under the Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by VHC and any future material domestic restricted subsidiaries of Vince, LLC and secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of VHC, Vince, LLC and Vince Intermediate and any future material domestic restricted subsidiaries. We are in compliance with applicable financial covenants.

Through October 31, 2015, on an inception to date basis, the Company has made voluntary prepayments totaling $130,000 in the aggregate on the original $175,000 Term Loan Facility entered into on November 27, 2013. Of the $130,000 of aggregate voluntary prepayments made to date, $20,000 was paid during the nine months ended October 31, 2015. As of October 31, 2015, the Company had $45,000 of debt outstanding under the Term Loan Facility.

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Note 6. Inventory

Inventories consist of the following:

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Inventory values are reduced to net realizable value when there are factors indicating that certain inventories will not be sold on terms sufficient to recover their cost and is reflected in Cost of Goods Sold on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss.  The adjustment to net realizable value is based on management's judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience. As of October 31, 2015, the lower of cost or market reserve included a write-down of the carrying value for certain excess inventory and aged product to its estimated net realizable value, as during the three months ended August 1, 2015 the Company recorded a charge of $14,447 associated with inventory that no longer supports the Company's prospective brand positioning strategy. During the three months ended October 31, 2015, the Company recorded pre-tax income of $1,986 associated with the recovery of the inventory write-down taken in the three months ended August 1, 2015.

Note 7. Share-Based Compensation

Prior to November 27, 2013, VHC did not have convertible equity or convertible debt securities, any of which could result in share-based compensation expense. In connection with our IPO, which closed on November 27, 2013, and the separation of the Vince and non-Vince businesses, VHC assumed Kellwood Company’s remaining obligations under the 2010 Stock Option Plan of Kellwood Company (the “2010 Option Plan”) and all Kellwood Company stock options previously issued to Vince employees under such plan became options to acquire shares of VHC common stock. Additionally, VHC assumed Kellwood Company’s obligations with respect to the vested Kellwood Company stock options previously issued to Kellwood Company employees, which options were cancelled in exchange for shares of VHC common stock. Accordingly, option information presented below for previously issued Kellwood Company stock options under the 2010 Option Plan has been adjusted to account for the split of the Company’s common stock and applicable conversion to options to acquire shares of VHC common stock.

Employee Stock Plans

2010 Option Plan

Kellwood Company had convertible equity securities that result in recognition of share-based compensation expense. On June 30, 2010, the board of directors approved the 2010 Stock Option Plan. As discussed above, in connection with the closing of the IPO, VHC assumed Kellwood Company’s remaining obligations under the 2010 Option Plan; provided that none of the issued and outstanding options (after giving effect to such assumption and the stock split effected as part of the Restructuring Transactions) were exercisable until the consummation of the IPO. Additionally, prior to the consummation of the IPO and after giving effect to the assumption described in this paragraph, VHC and the Vince employees to whom options had been previously granted under the 2010 Option Plan amended the related grant agreements to eliminate, effective as of the consummation of the IPO, restrictions on the exercisability of the subject employees vested options.

Prior to the IPO, the 2010 Option Plan, as amended, provided for the grant of options to acquire up to 2,752,155 shares of Kellwood Company common stock. The options granted pursuant to the 2010 Option Plan (i) vest in five equal installments on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the employee’s continued employment, and (ii) expire on the earlier of the tenth anniversary of the grant date or upon termination of employment. We will not grant any future awards under the 2010 Option Plan. Future awards will be granted under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan described further below.

Vince 2013 Incentive Plan

In connection with the IPO, the Company adopted the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan, which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and other stock-based awards. The aggregate number of shares of common stock which may be issued or used for reference purposes under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan or with respect to which awards may be granted may not exceed 3,400,000 shares. The shares available for issuance under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan may be, in whole or in part, either authorized and unissued shares of our common stock or shares of common stock held in or acquired for our treasury. In general, if awards under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan are cancelled for any reason, or expire or terminate unexercised, the shares covered by

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such award may again be available for the grant of awards under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan. As of October 31, 2015, there were 2,209,958 shares under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan available for future grants. Options granted pursuant to the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan (i) vest in equal installments over three or four years or at 33 1/3% per year beginning in year two, over four years, subject to the employees’ continued employment, and (ii) expire on the earlier of the tenth anniversary of the grant date or upon termination as outlined in the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan.     

     On October 2, 2015 the Company completed a tender offer to exchange certain options to purchase shares of its common stock, whether vested or unvested, from eligible employees. The exchange ratio for this offer was one-to-one (one stock option exchanged for every one new stock option granted). As a result of the tender offer, 346,004 stock options were cancelled and options to purchase the same amount of shares were granted with an exercise price of $3.60. The purpose of this exchange was to foster retention of our valuable employees and better align the interests of our employees and shareholders to maximize shareholder value.

Stock Options

A summary of stock option activity under the plans during the nine months ended October 31, 2015 is as follows:

          Of the above outstanding shares, 1,913,049 are vested or expected to vest.

Restricted Stock Units

The Company also issues restricted stock units to its non-employee directors and directors not affiliated with Sun Capital (our controlling shareholder) under the Vince 2013 Incentive Plan. A summary of restricted stock unit activity during the nine months ended October 31, 2015 is as follows:

Share-Based Compensation Expense

Share-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period of each share-based payment award and the expense is included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Share-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 31, 2015 was a net reversal of $(95), primarily due to option forfeitures as a result of executive departures. Share-based compensation expense for the three months ended November 1, 2014 was $458. Share-based compensation expense for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 was $706 and $1,250, respectively.

Note 8. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the

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weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock plus the dilutive effect of share-based awards calculated under the treasury stock method. The following is a reconciliation of basic shares to diluted shares:  

For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015, 649,236 and 617,078 options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.  

For the three and nine months ended November 1, 2014, 65,561 and 34,216 options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

In the second quarter of 2015, a number of senior management departures and announced departures occurred. In connection with these departures and announced departures, the Company has certain obligations under existing employment arrangements with respect to severance and employee related benefits. As a result, the Company recognized a charge of $3,717 for these expected departures within selling, general, and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended August 1, 2015. This charge is reflected within the “unallocated corporate expenses” for segment disclosures. These amounts will be paid over a period of six to eighteen months, starting in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Payments of $783 were made during the three months ended October 31, 2015. The remaining accrual of $2,934 is included within total current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of October 31, 2015.  

We are currently party to various legal proceedings. While management currently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations or cash flows, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties.

Note 10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In July 2015, new accounting guidance on accounting for inventory was issued, which requires entities to measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the new accounting guidance on its financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, “Interest-Imputation of Interest.” The standard requires deferred financing costs to be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability, consistent with debt discounts, instead of being presented as a deferred asset in the balance sheet. ASU 2015-03 does not change the recognition and measurement guidance for deferred financing costs. Once adopted, entities are required to apply the new guidance retrospectively to all prior periods presented. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early application is permitted. The Company has elected to early adopt the standard, effective February 1, 2015 and accordingly, the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015 reflect the deferred financing costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of our long-term debt. Refer to Note 5, Long-Term Debt, for further information.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-05, “Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement,” which provides guidance on accounting for cloud computing fees. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. This guidance is effective for arrangements entered into, or materially modified, in interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Retrospective application is permitted but not required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, FASB issued revenue recognition guidance (ASU No. 2014-09). The new accounting guidance requires entities to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  In August 2015, FASB elected to defer the effective dates (ASU No. 2015-14). The updated guidance is now effective for interim and annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. Early

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adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of the new guidance on its financial statements.

Note 11. Segment Financial Information

We operate and manage our business by distribution channel and have identified two reportable segments, as further described below. We considered both similar and dissimilar economic characteristics, internal reporting and management structures, as well as products, customers, and supply chain logistics to identify the following reportable segments:

The accounting policies of our segments are consistent with those described in Note 1 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements of VHC for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10K. Unallocated corporate expenses are comprised of selling, general, and administrative expenses attributable to corporate and administrative activities, and other charges that are not directly attributable to our operating segments. Unallocated corporate assets are comprised of the carrying values of our goodwill and unamortized trademark, deferred tax assets, and other assets that will be utilized to generate revenue for both of our reportable segments.

Our wholesale segment sells apparel to our direct-to-consumer segment at cost. The wholesale intercompany sales of $8,816 and $9,077 have been excluded from the net sales totals presented below for the three months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The wholesale intercompany sales of $22,510 and $16,978 have been excluded from the net sales totals presented below for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. Furthermore, as intercompany sales are sold at cost, no intercompany profit is reflected in operating income presented below.

Summary information for our operating segments is presented below (in thousands).

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Note 12. Related Party Transactions

Shared Services Agreement

In connection with the consummation of our IPO on November 27, 2013, Vince, LLC entered into a Shared Services Agreement pursuant to which Kellwood provides support services in various operational areas, including, among other things, e-commerce operations, distribution, logistics, information technology, accounts payable, credit and collections and payroll. Since the IPO, we have been working on transitioning certain back office functions performed by Kellwood under the Shared Services Agreement. Among these functions that have transitioned to Vince are certain accounting related functions as well as benefits administration. We have also been working on developing our own information technology infrastructure and are now in the process of implementing our own enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system. We have engaged with a new e-commerce platform provider and are still developing that system.  The new ERP system is also under development.  Until those systems are implemented, we will continue to utilize the Kellwood information technology infrastructure, including e-commerce platform systems, under the Shared Services Agreement.

We are invoiced by Kellwood monthly for the services provided under the Shared Services Agreement and generally are required to pay within 15 business days of receiving such invoice. The payments will be trued-up and can be disputed once each fiscal quarter is completed. As of October 31, 2015, we have recorded $810 in other accrued expenses to recognize amounts payable to Kellwood under the Shared Services Agreement.

Tax Receivable Agreement

VHC entered into a Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Stockholders on November 27, 2013. We and our former subsidiaries have generated certain tax benefits (including NOLs and tax credits) prior to the Restructuring Transactions consummated in connection with our IPO and will generate certain section 197 intangible deductions (the “Pre-IPO Tax Benefits”), which would reduce the actual liability for taxes that we might otherwise be required to pay. The Tax Receivable Agreement provides for payments to the Pre-IPO Stockholders in an amount equal to 85% of the aggregate reduction in taxes payable realized by us and our subsidiaries from the utilization of the Pre-IPO Tax Benefits (the “Net Tax Benefit”).

For purposes of the Tax Receivable Agreement, the Net Tax Benefit equals (i) with respect to a taxable year, the excess, if any, of (A) our liability for taxes using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on the relevant company return assuming there were no Pre-IPO Tax Benefits over (B) our actual liability for taxes for such taxable year (the “Realized Tax Benefit”), plus (ii) for each prior taxable year, the excess, if any, of the Realized Tax Benefit reflected on an amended schedule applicable to such prior taxable year over the Realized Tax Benefit reflected on the original tax benefit schedule for such prior taxable year, minus (iii) for each prior taxable year, the excess, if any, of the Realized Tax Benefit reflected on the original tax benefit schedule for such prior taxable year over the Realized Tax Benefit reflected on the amended schedule for such prior taxable year; provided, however, that to the extent any of the adjustments described in clauses (ii) and (iii) were reflected in the calculation of the tax benefit payment for any subsequent taxable year, such adjustments shall not be taken into account in determining the Net Tax Benefit for any subsequent taxable year.  

The Company had expected to make a required payment under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the fourth quarter of 2015.  As a result of lower than expected cash from operations due to weaker than projected performance, and the level of projected availability under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, we concluded that we would not be able to fund the payment when due.  Accordingly, on September 1, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Tax Receivable Agreement with Sun Cardinal, LLC, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., for itself and as a representative of the other stockholders parties thereto. Pursuant to this amendment, Sun Cardinal agreed to postpone payment of the tax benefit with respect to the 2014 taxable year, currently estimated at $21,762 plus accrued interest, to September 15, 2016. As of October 31, 2015 our total obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement is estimated to be $169,765, of which $21,762 is included as a component of other accrued expenses and $148,003 is included as a component of other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. There is a remaining term of eight years under the Tax Receivable Agreement. During the three months ended October 31, 2015, we adjusted the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement in connection with the filing of our 2014 income tax returns. The return to provision adjustments resulted in a net increase of $801 to the liability under the Tax Receivable Agreement with the corresponding net increase accounted for as an adjustment to other expense, net on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. The amendment to the Tax Receivable Agreement also waived the application of a default interest rate at LIBOR plus 500 basis points per annum on the postponed payment. The interest rate on the postponed payment will remain at LIBOR plus 200 basis points per annum.

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Rights Offering Commitment Letter

On December 9, 2015 we received a Rights Offering Commitment Letter from Sun Fund V that provides the Company with an amount equal to $65,000 of cash proceeds in the event that the Company conducts a Rights Offering (the “Contribution Obligation”). Such Contribution Obligation will be reduced by any proceeds received from the Rights Offering. The Company is required, simultaneously with the funding of the Contribution Obligation by Sun Fund V, or one or more of its affiliates, to issue to Sun Fund V or one or more of its affiliates the applicable number of shares of the Company’s common stock at the lesser of (i) a price per share equal to a 20% discount to the 30 day average trading price of the Company’s common stock on The New York Stock Exchange immediately prior to the date of the Rights Offering Commitment Letter, (ii) a price per share equal to a 20% discount to the 30 day average trading price of the Company’s common stock on The New York Stock Exchange immediately prior to the commencement of the Rights Offering and (iii) the price per share at which participants in the Rights Offering are entitled to purchase shares of new common stock issued by the Company. Sun Fund V will receive customary terms and conditions, to be negotiated between Sun Fund V and the Company, for providing the Contribution Obligation. If the Rights Offering has not commenced by March 8, 2016, the Company will pay Sun Fund V an amount equal to $950 in the event that the Company completes a Rights Offering. Sun Fund V’s obligations terminate upon the earliest to occur of (A) the consummation of the Rights Offering whereby the Company receives proceeds equal to or exceeding $65,000, (B) 11:59 p.m. New York City time on April 7, 2016 if the Rights Offering has not commenced by such time, (C) 11:59 p.m. New York City time on April 30, 2016, and (D) the date Sun Fund V, or its affiliates, funds the Contribution Obligation. The Company would be required to use a portion of proceeds from the Rights Offering or the Contribution Obligation to satisfy its current obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement as amended (as discussed above), currently estimated at $21,762 plus accrued interest, and payable on September 15, 2016.

Sun Capital Consulting Agreement

On November 27, 2013, we entered into an agreement with Sun Capital Management to (i) reimburse Sun Capital Management or any of its affiliates providing consulting services under the agreement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing consulting services to us and (ii) provide Sun Capital Management with customary indemnification for any such services.

During the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015, we paid Sun Capital Management approximately $3 and $32, respectively, for reimbursement of expenses under the Sun Capital Consulting Agreement.

Executive Officers

Mark E. Brody served as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer from September 1, 2015 through October 22, 2015 when the Board approved the appointment of Brendan L. Hoffman to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Brody remained with the Company in a non-executive capacity through a transition period which ended on November 20, 2015. Mr. Brody also served as Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company from June 2015 through September 1, 2015. Mr. Brody received $63 per month and the reimbursement of reasonable cost of transportation and housing on a tax grossed-up basis during his employment with the Company. Mr. Brody also serves, and will continue to serve, as a member of the Board and received no additional compensation for serving as a director of the Company.

On September 1, 2015, David Stefko was appointed by the board of directors of the Company to serve as the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company. Mr. Stefko will receive $43 per month and the reimbursement of reasonable cost of transportation and housing on a tax grossed-up basis while he serves as the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company.  

Both Mr. Brody and Mr. Stefko were employees of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. prior to their appointment to the positions at the Company, remain covered by Sun Capital Partners, Inc.’s health and welfare benefit plans and continue to be eligible to receive a bonus under the Sun Capital Partners, Inc. annual bonus plan related to their work at Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Mr. Stefko is currently on leave of absence from his position at Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and Mr. Brody has returned to his former position. Affiliates of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. own approximately 56% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. In addition, Messrs. Brody and Stefko are partners in one or more investment partnerships that are affiliated with Sun Capital Partners, Inc. that beneficially own shares of common stock of the Company.

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Note 13.  Subsequent Events

On November 23, 2015, the Company entered into consulting services agreements with the Company’s co-founders Rea Laccone and Christopher LaPolice. Ms. Laccone and Mr. LaPolice will oversee the Company’s product, merchandising and creative efforts.

The consulting services agreements have terms that end on February 3, 2018 and provide for the following compensation: (i) a base annual consulting fee of $2,500 for Ms. Laccone and $1,125 for Mr. LaPolice; (ii) an annual cash bonus of $1,000 for Ms. Laccone and $1,125 for Mr. LaPolice, prorated for the current fiscal year, subject to the consulting term continuing through the end of each fiscal year to which the bonus relates, provided that if the consultant is terminated without cause, she or he will be entitled to a pro-rata portion of the annual bonus calculated through the date of termination; and (iii) options to acquire 200,000 shares of the Company's common stock for Ms. Laccone and 150,000 shares of the Company's common stock for Mr. LaPolice, with the options vesting as to 50% of the shares on the first anniversary of the grant date, 25% of the shares on the 18 month anniversary of the grant date and 25% of the shares on the second anniversary of the grant date, in each case subject to the consulting period continuing through such time, provided that, if the consultant is terminated without cause, she or he will pro-rata vest in the next tranche of options based on the number of months completed in the vesting term prior to such termination.

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

This discussion summarizes our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity during each of the three and nine month periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q.

For purposes of this report on Form 10-Q, “Vince,” the “Company,” “we,” and “our,” refer to Vince Holding Corp. (“VHC”) and our wholly owned subsidiaries, including Vince Intermediate Holding (“Vince Intermediate”), LLC and Vince, LLC. References to “Kellwood” refer, as applicable, to Kellwood Holding, LLC and its consolidated subsidiaries (including Kellwood Company, LLC) or the operations of the non-Vince businesses after giving effect to the restructuring transactions (the “Restructuring Transactions”) that were completed in connection with our initial public offering (the “IPO”) on November 27, 2013.

This discussion contains forward-looking statements involving risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our results to differ materially from expectations. While we believe our growth strategy offers significant opportunities, it also presents risks and challenges, including among others, the risks that we may not be able to match inventory purchases with demand, hire and train qualified associates, that our new product offerings and expanded sales channels may not maintain or enhance our brand image and that our distribution facilities and information systems may not be adequate to support our growth plans. For a more complete discussions of risks facing our business see “Item 1A—Risk Factors” of this report on Form 10-Q as well as in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Overview

Vince is a leading contemporary fashion brand best known for modern effortless style and everyday luxury essentials. Founded in 2002, the brand now offers a wide range of women’s and men’s apparel, women’s and men’s footwear, and handbags. Vince products are sold in prestige distribution worldwide, including over 2,500 distribution points across 44 countries. While we have recently experienced a slowdown in sales growth, we believe that we can generate growth by expanding our product offering, expanding our selling into international markets, and growing our own branded retail and e-commerce direct-to-consumer businesses.

On October 22, 2015, the board of directors of the Company (the “Board’) approved the appointment of Brendan L. Hoffman to serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective immediately. Mr. Hoffman brings more than 20 years of retail industry experience and most recently served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. from February 2012 to August 2014. Previously, Mr. Hoffman served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Lord & Taylor, a division of Hudson’s Bay Trading Company, from October 2008 to January 2012. Mark E. Brody served as the Interim Chief Executive Officer of the Company from September 1, 2015 through October 22, 2015 and remained with the Company in a non-executive capacity through a transition period that ended on November 20, 2015. Mr. Brody will continue to serve as a member of the Board. The Board also approved the appointment of David Stefko to serve as the Interim Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company effective September 1, 2015. The Board is currently working with executive search firms to identify potential Chief Financial Officer candidates. See “Item 1A—Risk Factors” for more information.

As of October 31, 2015, our products are sold at 2,539 doors through our wholesale partners in the U.S. and international markets and we operated 46 retail stores, including 34 full price stores and 12 outlet stores, throughout the United States.

The following is a summary of highlights during the three months ended October 31, 2015:

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We serve our customers through a variety of channels that reinforce the Vince brand image. Our diversified channel strategy allows us to introduce our products to customers through multiple distribution points that are reported in two segments: wholesale and direct-to-consumer. The following is a summary of our wholesale and direct-to-consumer net sales for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively:

Results of Operations

The following table presents our operating results as a percentage of net sales as well as earnings per share data (dollars in thousands, except per share data) for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

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Three Months Ended October 31, 2015 Compared to Three Months Ended November 1, 2014

Net sales for the three months ended October 31, 2015 were $80.9 million, decreasing $22.1 million, or 21.5%, versus $102.9 million for the three months ended November 1, 2014.

Net sales from our wholesale segment decreased $22.4 million, or 28.4%, to $56.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015, primarily driven by lower full price customer reorders, lower off price orders and higher givebacks in the third quarter. Despite the downturn in our sales performance, the contraction of our wholesale business was partially offset by an increase in net wholesale doors of 131 and added 15 additional shop-in-shops with our wholesale partners since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2014.  

Net sales from our direct-to-consumer segment increased 1.3% to $24.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015 from $24.0 million in the three months ended November 1, 2014. Non-comparable store sales contributed approximately $3.2 million of the sales growth. This growth was offset by a decline in comparable store sales of $2.9 million, or 12.5%, including e-commerce, which includes the negative impact of a shift in the timing of certain promotions from the third quarter of 2015 to the fourth quarter as well as a decline in the average order value. Since the prior year third quarter, 9 new stores have opened bringing our total retail store count to 46 as of October 31, 2015 compared to 37 as of November 1, 2014.

Gross profit decreased 21.0% to $40.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015 versus $50.6 million in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, gross margin was 49.5%, compared with 49.2% in the prior year third quarter. Gross profit and margin were favorably impacted by $2.0 million associated with the recovery of inventory write-downs taken in the second quarter. The total gross margin rate increase was primarily driven by the following factors:

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended October 31, 2015 were $27.7 million, increasing $1.8 million, or 7.1%, versus $25.8 million for the three months ended November 1, 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales was 34.2% and 25.1% for the three months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. As we continue to invest in our growth and from our recent decline in sales, our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales have deleveraged. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses compared to the prior fiscal year period is primarily due to:

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Operating income by segment for the three months ended October 31, 2015 and the three months ended November 1, 2014 is summarized in the following table:

Operating income from our wholesale segment decreased $8.3 million, or 27.3%, to $22.2 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015 from $30.6 million in the three months ended November 1, 2014. This decrease was primarily driven by the impact of the lower gross margin performance due to the sales volume decrease noted above, partly offset by the favorable impact of $4.3 million from the recovery of inventory write-downs taken in the second quarter.

Operating income from our direct-to-consumer segment decreased by $4.5 million to $1.5 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015 from $6.0 million in the three months ended November 1, 2014. The decrease resulted primarily from the impact of lower gross margins driven by higher promotional activity and the impact from inventory reserves of $(2.3) million, as well as higher selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the 9 new stores that have opened since the prior year third quarter.

Interest expense decreased $0.8 million, or 36.1%, to $1.4 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015 from $2.2 million in the three months ended November 1, 2014.  The reduction in interest expense is primarily due to the lower overall debt balances since November 1, 2014 as a result of voluntary prepayments on our Term Loan Facility and net borrowings against the Revolving Credit Facility with more favorable interest rates.

Other expense, net, was $0.9 million and $0.1 million in the three months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Stockholders (see Item 1. Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 12. Related Party Transactions).  

Provision for income taxes for the three months ended October 31, 2015 was $4.1 million as compared to $9.2 million for the three months ended November 1, 2014. Our effective tax rate on pretax income for the three months ended October 31, 2015 and the three months ended November 1, 2014 was 41.2% and 40.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the three months ended October 31, 2015 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state taxes and non-deductible expenses partly offset by the return to provision adjustment. Our effective tax rate for the three months ended November 1, 2014 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state taxes.

Nine Months Ended October 31, 2015 Compared to Nine Months Ended November 1, 2014

Net sales for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 were $220.7 million, decreasing $25.0 million, or 10.2%, versus $245.7 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2014.

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Net sales from our wholesale segment decreased $37.5 million, or 19.7%, to $153.1 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 from $190.6 million in the nine months ended November 1, 2014.  The decrease from the prior year is primarily due to the lower sell-through, lower full price customer reorders and lower off price orders in the second and third quarters. The contraction of our wholesale business was partially offset by an increase in net wholesale doors of 131 and we added 15 additional shop-in-shops with our wholesale partners since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2014.

Net sales from our direct-to-consumer segment increased $12.4 million, or 22.5%, to $67.6 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 from $55.2 million in the nine months ended November 1, 2014. Approximately $0.6 million of the sales growth is attributable to comparable store sales growth of 1.1%, including e-commerce, primarily due to an increase in transactions partly offset by a decrease in average order size. Non-comparable store sales contributed approximately $11.9 million of the sales growth and includes the impact of 9 new stores that have opened since the end of the same period in the prior fiscal year, bringing our total retail store count to 46 as of October 31, 2015 compared to 37 as of November 1, 2014.

Gross profit decreased 24.4% to $91.5 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 versus $121.1 million in the prior year. As a percentage of sales, gross margin was 41.5%, compared with 49.3% in the prior year. Gross profit and gross margin were negatively impacted by the full year $(14.8) million inventory reserve charge in the current year. Of this charge, $(12.5) million is attributable to inventory that no longer supports the Company’s prospective brand positioning strategy, with the balance relating to normal, recurring provisions based on existing accounting policy for aged inventory. The total gross margin rate decrease was primarily driven by the following factors:

Selling, general and administrative expenses for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 were $80.6 million, increasing $9.5 million, or 13.4%, versus $71.1 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2014. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales was 36.6% and 29.0% for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the current year include a $3.0 million charge for net management transition costs which consists of $3.7 million of severance expense and $0.6 million of executive search costs which were partly offset by $1.3 million of stock option forfeitures. Selling, general and administrative expenses in the prior year include $0.6 million of costs incurred by the Company related to the secondary offering by certain stockholders of the Company completed in July 2014.  As we continue to invest in our growth and from our recent decline in sales, our selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of sales have deleveraged. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses compared to the prior fiscal year period is primarily due to:

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Operating income by segment for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and the nine months ended November 1, 2014 is summarized in the following table:

Operating income from our wholesale segment decreased $30.0 million to $44.2 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 from $74.2 million in the nine months ended November 1, 2014. This decrease was driven by the lower gross margin performance due to wholesale inventory reserves of $(8.8) million and sales volume decrease noted above.

Operating income from our direct-to-consumer segment decreased by $7.9 million to $2.0 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 from $9.9 million in the nine months ended November 1, 2014. The decrease resulted primarily from the impact of inventory reserves of $(6.0) million combined with lower gross margins driven by higher promotional activity and higher selling, general and administrative expenses associated with the 9 new stores that have opened since the prior year third quarter.

Interest expense decreased $3.2 million, or 42.3%, to $4.4 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 from $7.6 million in the nine months ended November 1, 2014.  The reduction in interest expense is primarily due to the lower overall debt balances since November 1, 2014, as a result of voluntary prepayments on our Term Loan Facility and borrowings against the Revolving Credit Facility with more favorable interest rates.

Other expense, net, was $1.4 million and $0.6 million in the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The increase resulted primarily from an increase in the obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement with the Pre-IPO Stockholders (see Item 1. Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 12. Related Party Transactions).

Provision for income taxes for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 was $1.8 million, as compared to $16.7 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2014. Our effective tax rate on pretax income for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 and the nine months ended November 1, 2014 was 35.5% and 39.8%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the nine months ended October 31, 2015 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state taxes and non-deductible expenses, mostly offset by the favorable impact of recent changes to the New York City tax laws that impacted the net operating loss deferred tax assets and the return to provision adjustment. Our effective tax rate for the nine months ended November 1, 2014 differed from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily due to state taxes offset in part by changes in our valuation allowance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our sources of liquidity are our cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and borrowings available under the Revolving Credit Facility and our ability to access the capital market. Our primary cash needs are capital expenditures for new stores and related leasehold improvements, for investment in our new ERP platform and related infrastructure, meeting our debt service requirements, paying amounts due per the Tax Receivable Agreement, and funding working capital requirements. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities.

The Company had expected to make a required payment under the Tax Receivable Agreement in the fourth quarter of 2015. As a result of lower than expected cash from operations due to weaker than projected performance, and the level of projected availability under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility, we concluded that we would not be able to fund the payment when due. Accordingly, on September 1, 2015, we entered into an amendment to the Tax Receivable Agreement with Sun Cardinal, LLC, an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc., for itself and as a representative of the other stockholders parties thereto. Pursuant to this amendment, Sun Cardinal, LLC agreed to postpone payment of the tax benefit with respect to the 2014 taxable year, currently estimated at $21.8 million plus accrued interest, to September 15, 2016. The amendment to the Tax Receivable Agreement also waived the application of a default interest rate at LIBOR plus 500 basis points per annum on the postponed payment. The interest rate on the postponed payment will remain at LIBOR plus 200 basis points per annum. As of October 31, 2015 our total obligation under the Tax Receivable

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Agreement is estimated to be $169.8 million, of which $21.8 million is included as a component of other accrued expenses and $148.0 million is included as a component of other liabilities on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. There is a remaining term of eight years under the Tax Receivable Agreement. The net operating loss tax benefits subject to the Tax Receivable Agreement expire beyond the term of the Tax Receivable Agreement allowing us the opportunity to realize the full value of these benefits.

Additionally, on December 9, 2015 the Company received a Rights Offering Commitment Letter from Sun Capital Partners V, L.P. (“Sun Fund V”) that commits Sun Fund V to provide the Company with an amount equal to $65.0 million of cash proceeds (the “Contribution Obligation”) in the event the Company conducts a rights offering for its common stock to its stockholders (a “Rights Offering”). Such Contribution Obligation will be reduced by any proceeds received from the Rights Offering. The Company would be required to use a portion of the proceeds from the Rights Offering or the Contribution Obligation to satisfy its current obligation under the Tax Receivable Agreement (see above). Refer to Item 1. Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements - Note 12. Related Party Transactions for additional details.

Based upon our actions to date, management believes that cash generated from operations and the proceeds committed to us under the Rights Offering Commitment Letter from Sun Fund V, will be sufficient to comply with any covenants under our Term Loan Facility and our Revolving Credit Facility, fund our debt service requirements, fund our obligations under our Tax Receivable Agreement as amended, and fund planned capital expenditures and working capital needs for at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve our strategic initiatives in the future and failure to do so would have a significant adverse effect on our operations. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors --- Our ability to continue to have the liquidity necessary to service our debt, meet contractual payment obligations, including under the Tax Receivable Agreement and fund our operations depends on many factors, including our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, maintain adequate availability under the Revolving Credit Facility or obtain other financing.”

On November 27, 2013, in connection with the consummation of the IPO and the related Restructuring Transactions, all previously outstanding debt obligations either remained with Kellwood Company, LLC (i.e. the non-Vince businesses) or were discharged, repurchased or refinanced. In connection with the consummation of these transactions, we entered into the Term Loan Facility and Revolving Credit Facility, which are discussed further below.

Operating Activities