Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Apparel - Retail / Henry Boot

Henry Boot

boot · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker boot
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Apparel - Retail
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2017 Annual Report · Henry Boot
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45103 Merrill A269364.indd   1

7/7/17   6:27 PM

2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Boot Barn is an authentic 

i f estyle
 r e tail brand

in the truest sense.

l

Western
Lifestyle

Country
Values

Strong 
American 
Work
Ethic

We understand and serve the western lifestyle, country 
values and strong American work ethic that our 
customers represent. That is how we have become America’s 
largest western and work wear retailer.

45103 Merrill A269364.indd   2

7/7/17   6:27 PM

 
Dear Shareholders, 

Fiscal 2017 was a year of both challenge and achievement.  While our earnings fell short of our initial 

expectations, we grew our sales, store base and digital footprint considerably.  For the year, revenue grew by more 
than 10%, we added 12 new Boot Barn stores and we added a leading e-commerce brand, Country Outfitter, to 
our online portfolio.  While we continued to battle the impact of low commodity prices in some of our key markets 
as well as the overall softness in the retail environment, our investments in our digital channel, improvements in 
merchandising and our in-store environment, and new store openings set a foundation for sales and earnings 
growth over the long term and have strengthened our position as the leading western and work wear retailer in 
the United States.   

In 2017, our team continued to build a national lifestyle brand and made progress on each of Boot Barn’s 

four strategic growth initiatives, including the following: 

1.  Strengthening our omni-channel leadership 

Double-digit growth in e-commerce sales helped us increase our e-commerce sales to $115 million, now 
representing more than 18% of total sales.   We connected our digital channel with our physical stores by rolling 
out our “We Have It Promise,” or WHIP, tablets which enable in-store customers to access merchandise from our 
e-commerce fulfillment centers and, in many cases, directly from our vendors.  We also acquired the website and 
customer list of a leading pure-play e-commerce business called Country Outfitter, which expanded our customer 
base to a broader demographic and increased our online presence.  Finally, we began the consolidation of the Boot 
Barn, Sheplers, and Country Outfitter e-commerce businesses onto a common front-end and fulfillment platform.  
While the migration of Sheplers to the new platform created a disruption in the business, we expect these issues 
to be resolved in short order which should enable us to achieve the planned operational efficiencies and deliver a 
more compelling customer experience.  

2.  Driving same-store sales growth 

Despite the combination of a soft retail environment and the headwinds we have faced in markets that 

rely on oil and other commodities, we were able to achieve slightly positive same-store sales growth for the year.  
Our double-digit e-commerce growth offset a modest decline in retail store sales while we maintained a mostly full 
price promotional stance.  Sales growth in work apparel and work boots was particularly strong as our commercial 
accounts and a broader work boot and apparel selection were well received by our customers.  Additionally, the 
entire Boot Barn team worked in concert to drive sales by focusing on the needs of our Hispanic customers, 
enhancing our customers’ in-store experiences, and updating the Boot Barn brand creative aesthetic with the goal 
of broadening our target customer group.  In fiscal 2018 we plan to launch a Boot Barn branded credit card to 
increase customer loyalty and drive increased sales.   

3.  Increasing the penetration of our private brands  

We made significant progress during the year to expand our private brand offering to our customers by 
developing high-quality products that complement the assortment offered by our third party branded vendors. 
Our private brand penetration grew to 11% of total sales, driven by a broader assortment of core western 
merchandise under the Cody Core brand and an extremely compelling line of top quality exotic skin boots under 
the Cody Exotic label.  Our private brands Cody James and Shyanne now represent two of our top 5 selling product 
lines.  We also introduced our private brands to sheplers.com during the year and will introduce private brands to 
countryoutfitter.com during fiscal 2018.  We expect to continue to grow our private brand penetration to 
complement the merchandise assortment offered by our third party branded vendor partners which will enable us 
to create competitive differentiation and to enhance merchandise margin.  

4.  Expanding our store base 

Adding new stores continues to be an important growth driver for sales and market share for Boot Barn.  

During the year we opened 12 new Boot Barn stores, including our first stores in the states of Alabama and 
Washington.  The addition of these new stores brought our store count to 219 stores across 31 states at year end.   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As we look ahead to fiscal 2018, I feel confident that our current momentum, combined with the growth 

we expect from our strategic initiatives, will continue to strengthen our position as the leading player in the 
industry.  In conclusion, I would like to thank our investors who continue to support Boot Barn, our hundreds of 
store associates in the field, the organizations in the Store Support Centers in Irvine, Wichita, Fontana, and Frisco, 
and our customers across the country and around the world.  I am looking forward to a prosperous year in Fiscal 
2018! 

Sincerely, 

Jim

 
UNITED STATES 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 
Washington, D.C. 20549 
FORM 10-K 

(Mark One) 
 

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

 

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

For the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 

For the transition period from                              to                           

Commission file number: 001-36711 
BOOT BARN HOLDINGS, INC. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

Delaware 

(State or other jurisdiction of 
incorporation or organization) 

90-0776290 
(I.R.S. Employer 
Identification No.) 

15345 Barranca Pkwy 
Irvine, CA 92618 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 453-4400 

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

Title of each class 
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value 

Name of each exchange on which registered 
New York Stock Exchange 

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes     No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes     No  

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     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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such 
shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes     No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained 

herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III 
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  

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

Large accelerated filer  

Accelerated filer  

Non-accelerated filer  
(Do not check if a 
smaller reporting company) 

Smaller reporting company          

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying 

with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  

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

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the end of its most recently completed 
second fiscal quarter was approximately $136.1 million. Shares held by each officer, director and person owning more than 10% of the outstanding voting 
and non-voting stock have been excluded from this calculation because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates of the registrant. This determination 
of potential affiliate status is not necessarily a conclusive determination for other purposes. Shares held include shares of which certain of such persons 
disclaim beneficial ownership. 

The number of outstanding shares of the registrant’s common stock, $.0001 par value, as of June 5, 2017 was 26,587,805. 

Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 

120 days after the end of the 2017 fiscal year, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

     Page    

PART I 
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
PART II   
Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 
Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 
Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 
PART III  
Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13. 
Item 14. 
PART IV   
Item 15. 

  Business 
  Risk Factors 
  Unresolved Staff Comments  
  Properties 
  Legal Proceedings 
  Mine Safety Disclosures 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 

Equity Securities 

  Selected Consolidated Financial Data 
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
  Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 
  Controls and Procedures 
  Other Information 

  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
  Executive Compensation 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters 

  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
  Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

3  
14  
32  
32  
33  
33  

34  
35  
39  
56  
57  
89  
89  
89  

90  
90  
90 

90  
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90  

 
      
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Forward-Looking Statements 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements 

other than statements of historical or current fact included in this annual report are forward-looking statements. 
Forward-looking statements refer to our current expectations and projections relating to, by way of example and without 
limitation, our financial condition, liquidity, profitability, results of operations, margins, plans, objectives, strategies, 
future performance, business and industry. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not 
relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, 
“expect”, “project”, “plan”, “intend”, “believe”, “may”, “might”, “will”, “could”, “should”, “can have”, “likely” and 
other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or 
financial performance or other events, but not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. For 
example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected earnings, revenues, costs, expenditures, cash 
flows, growth rates and financial results, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, strategies 
or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation are forward-looking statements. We believe the 
risks attending any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” and 
include, among other things: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

risks related to levels of consumer spending and economic conditions; 

risks related to our ability to maintain and enhance a strong brand image and compete effectively; 

risks related to conditions in the foreign countries in which our products are manufactured and other risks 
of international trade; 

risks related to our growth, including opening new stores in new and existing geographic markets; 

risks related to our distribution model; 

risks related to our dependence on third-party suppliers; 

risks related to our exclusive product offerings; 

risks related to retention of our key executive management and other talent required for our business, as 
well as costs related to wage and benefits; 

risks related to our indebtedness; 

risks related to our management information systems; 

risks relating to our e-commerce business; 

risks relating to the seasonality of our business; 

risks relating to celebrity endorsements of our products; 

risks related to intellectual property; and 

litigation costs and the outcomes of litigation. 

We derive many of our forward-looking statements from our current operating budgets and forecasts, which are 

based upon detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very 
difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our 
actual results. For these reasons, we caution readers not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. 

1 

See “Risk Factors” for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for a 

discussion of other risks and uncertainties. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess 
the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual 
results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. All forward-looking 
statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others 
made in this annual report and in our other Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings and public 
communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by us in the context of these risks and 
uncertainties. 

We caution you that the risks and uncertainties identified by us may not be all of the factors that are important 
to you. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements included in this annual report are made only as of the date hereof. 
Our forward-looking statements do not reflect the potential impact of any future acquisitions, mergers, dispositions, joint 
ventures or investments that we may make. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking 
statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. 

Fiscal Year 

We operate on a fiscal calendar that results in a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday of March 

unless April 1st is a Saturday, in which case the fiscal year ends on April 1st. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter 
includes thirteen weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, the first, second and third quarters each include 
thirteen weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes fourteen weeks of operations. The data presented contains 
references to fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016, and fiscal 2015, which represent our fiscal years ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 
2016 and March 28, 2015, respectively. Fiscal 2017 was a 53-week period and fiscal 2016 and 2015 were each 52-week 
periods. 

2 

 
 
Item 1.    Business. 

Our Company 

PART I 

We are the largest lifestyle retail chain devoted to western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories 

in the U.S. With 219 stores in 31 states as of April 1, 2017, we have approximately three times as many stores as our 
nearest direct competitor that sells primarily western and work wear, and believe we have the potential to grow our store 
base to 500 domestic locations. Our stores, which are typically freestanding or located in strip centers, average 11,389 
square feet and feature a comprehensive assortment of brands and styles, coupled with attentive, knowledgeable store 
associates. We target a broad and growing demographic, ranging from passionate western and country enthusiasts to 
workers seeking dependable, high-quality footwear and apparel. We strive to offer an authentic, one-stop shopping 
experience that fulfills the everyday lifestyle needs of our customers and, as a result, many of our customers make 
purchases in both the western and work wear sections of our stores. Our store environment, product offering and 
marketing materials represent the aesthetics of the true American West, country music and rugged, outdoor work. These 
threads are woven together in our motto, “Be True”, which communicates the genuine and enduring spirit of the Boot 
Barn brand. 

Our product offering is anchored by an extensive selection of western and work boots and is complemented by a 
wide assortment of coordinating apparel and accessories. Many of the items that we offer are basics or necessities for our 
customers’ daily lives and typically represent enduring styles that are not meaningfully impacted by changing fashion 
trends. Accordingly, approximately 70% of our store inventory is kept in stock through automated replenishment 
programs. The vast majority of our merchandise both in stores and on bootbarn.com is sold at full price and is not subject 
to typical inventory markdowns. Sheplers E-commerce, defined below, is more promotional and offers a greater 
assortment of products at discounted prices. Our boot selection, which comprises approximately one-third of each store’s 
selling square footage space, is merchandised on self-service fixtures with western boots arranged by size and work 
boots arranged by brand. This allows us to display the full breadth of our inventory and deliver a convenient shopping 
experience. We also carry market-leading assortments of denim, western shirts, cowboy hats, belts and belt buckles, 
western-style jewelry and accessories. Our western assortment includes many of the industry’s most sought-after brands, 
such as Ariat, Dan Post, Justin, Lucchese, Miss Me, Montana Silversmiths, Stetson, Resistol and Wrangler. Our work 
assortment includes rugged footwear, outerwear, overalls, denim and shirts for the most physically demanding jobs 
where durability, performance and protection matter, including safety-toe boots and flame-resistant and high-visibility 
clothing. Among the top work brands sold in our stores are Carhartt, Georgia Boot, Timberland Pro and Wolverine. Our 
merchandise is also available on our e-commerce websites, www.bootbarn.com, www.sheplers.com and 
www.countryoutfitter.com. 

Boot Barn was founded in 1978 and, over the past 39 years, has grown both organically and through successful 

strategic acquisitions of competing chains. We have rebranded and remerchandised the acquired chains under the Boot 
Barn banner. We believe that our business model and scale provide us with competitive advantages that have contributed 
to our consistent and strong financial performance, generating sufficient cash flow to support national growth. 

Recent Acquisitions and Corporate Transactions 

RCC Acquisition   

          On August 31, 2012, we acquired RCC Western Stores, Inc., a western and work-related retail chain of 
29 stores located in 12 states ("RCC"). We refer to the acquisition as the "RCC Acquisition".   

Through the RCC Acquisition, we increased our store base by 33% and expanded our geographic footprint into 

the Midwest and Southeast. In addition, we achieved significant benefits from the RCC Acquisition as a result of 
improved purchasing efficiencies from suppliers and corporate support efficiencies. All of the RCC stores were 
rebranded under the Boot Barn banner.   

3 

        
Baskins Acquisition 

On May 25, 2013, we acquired Baskins Acquisition Holdings, LLC, a western and work-related retail chain of 

30 stores located in Texas and Louisiana (“Baskins”). We refer to the acquisition as the “Baskins Acquisition”.   

Through the Baskins Acquisition, we entered the Texas market, which is the number one market for western 

boots, apparel and accessories. All of the Baskins stores were rebranded under the Boot Barn banner and merchandised 
to be consistent with our existing stores. 

Reorganization 

As of June 8, 2014, WW Top Investment Corporation held all of the outstanding shares of common stock of 

WW Holding Corporation, which held 95.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Boot Barn Holding 
Corporation. Boot Barn Holding Corporation held all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Boot Barn, Inc., 
which is our primary operating subsidiary. To simplify our organizational structure, we completed a reorganization on 
June 9, 2014, whereby WW Holding Corporation was merged with and into WW Top Investment Corporation and then 
Boot Barn Holding Corporation was merged with and into WW Top Investment Corporation (the “Reorganization”). As 
a result of this Reorganization, Boot Barn, Inc. became a direct wholly owned subsidiary of WW Top Investment 
Corporation, and the minority stockholders that formerly held 5.0% of Boot Barn Holding Corporation became holders 
of 5.0% of WW Top Investment Corporation. The legal name of WW Top Investment Corporation was subsequently 
changed to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 

Initial Public Offering 

On October 29, 2014, we completed our initial public offering of 5,000,000 shares of our common stock. In 

addition, on October 31, 2014, the underwriters of the initial public offering exercised their option to purchase an 
additional 750,000 shares of common stock from us. As a result, 5,750,000 shares of common stock were issued and sold 
by us at a price of $16.00 per share. 

Sheplers Acquisition 

On June 29, 2015, we acquired Sheplers Inc. and Sheplers Holding Corporation (collectively with Sheplers, Inc. 

“Sheplers”), a western lifestyle company with 25 retail locations across the United States and an e-commerce business. 
We refer to the acquisition as the “Sheplers Acquisition”. We financed the acquisition and refinanced approximately 
$172 million of our and Sheplers’ existing indebtedness in part with an initial borrowing of $57 million under a new 
$125 million syndicated senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility for which Wells Fargo Bank, National 
Association (“June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver”), is agent, and a $200 million syndicated senior secured term loan for 
which GCI Capital Markets LLC (“2015 Golub Term Loan”) is agent. Borrowings under the credit agreements were 
initially used to pay costs and expenses related to the Sheplers Acquisition and the closing of such credit agreements, and 
may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes. Commencing on June 29, 2015, our consolidated 
financial statements include the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Sheplers. The purchase price 
was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values as of the closing date of the Sheplers 
Acquisition, which resulted in the recognition of goodwill. 

Through the Sheplers Acquisition, we added eight new markets, expanded both our Texas (Dallas and San 

Antonio) and Denver markets, and greatly increased our omni-channel capabilities as Sheplers had a leading e-commerce 
platform (“Sheplers E-commerce”). We rebranded 19 of the 25 retail stores acquired through the Sheplers Acquisition, 
and closed six stores during fiscal 2016.     

Country Outfitter Asset Acquisition 

On February 16, 2017, Sheplers Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. entered into an 

asset purchase agreement with Acumen Brands, Inc., who owned and historically operated as one of its unincorporated 
business divisions a multi-faceted e-commerce retail business, www.countryoutfitter.com, under the “Country Outfitter” 

4 

name. As part of the purchase agreement, we agreed to purchase all rights and interest in the www.countryoutfitter.com 
website and tradename, along with the associated social media platforms. We additionally purchased a customer email 
list and assumed Country Outfitter’s merchandise credits.   

The Country Outfitter e-commerce website sells primarily country and western fashion merchandise. The 

Country Outfitter assets were purchased for $1.8 million of cash and assumed liabilities. The Company now operates 
www.countryoutfitter.com as a website separate from its other e-commerce channels, www.bootbarn.com and 
www.sheplers.com.   

Our Competitive Strengths 

We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors and provide a solid foundation for 

future growth: 

Powerful lifestyle brand.    The Boot Barn brand is built on western lifestyle values that are core to American 
culture. Our deep understanding of this lifestyle enables us to create long-lasting relationships with our customers who 
embody these ideals. Our brand is highly visible through our sponsorship of rodeos, stock shows, concerts and country 
music artists. We sponsor local community rodeos, national rodeos and other country and western events. We sell our 
products through pop-up shops at several of the largest events that we sponsor. We believe these grassroots marketing 
efforts make our brand synonymous with the western lifestyle, validate our brand’s authenticity and establish Boot Barn 
as the trusted specialty retailer for all of our customers’ everyday needs. 

Strong e-commerce positioning.    We offer a compelling shopping experience to our customers, including 219 

brick-and-mortar stores combined with multiple websites including bootbarn.com, sheplers.com and 
countryoutfitter.com. Bootbarn.com offers a compelling every-day low price shopping experience catered towards a 
lifestyle customer with western roots and a strong work influence. Sheplers.com offers a broad value proposition 
assortment targeted to a more promotional customer. Countryoutfitter.com has a curated assortment appealing to a more 
fashion-based country lifestyle customer. Each of our e-commerce platforms has distinct brand positioning and provides 
a differentiated shopping experience to our customers. 

Fast growing specialty retailer of western and work wear in the U.S.    Our broad geographic footprint, which 
currently spans 31 states, provides us with significant economies of scale, enhanced supplier relationships, the ability to 
recruit and retain high quality store associates and the ability to reinvest in our business at levels that we believe exceed 
those of our competition. 

Attractive, loyal customer base.    Our customers come to us for many aspects of their everyday footwear and 

clothing needs because of the breadth and availability of our product offering. In fiscal 2011 we implemented our 
customer loyalty program, B Rewarded, to enhance our connection and relationship with our customers. Our loyalty 
program has grown rapidly since inception and includes approximately 4.5 million members who have purchased 
merchandise from us. A vast majority of our sales are made to these customers. We leverage this database, which 
provides useful information about our customers, to enhance our marketing activities across our channels, refine our 
merchandising and planning efforts and assist in our selection of sites for new stores. 

Differentiated shopping experience.    We deliver a one-stop shopping experience that engages our customers 
and, we believe, fulfills their lifestyle needs. Our stores are designed to create an inviting and engaging experience and 
include prominent storefront signage, a simple and easy-to-shop layout and a large and conveniently arranged 
self-service selection of boots. We offer significant inventory breadth and depth across a range of boots, apparel and 
accessories. Additionally, all of our stores are equipped with touch screen devices that allow our customers to access 
millions of additional boots, apparel and other items from our e-commerce warehouse inventory as well as the inventory 
at most of our larger third-party vendors. We believe that our strong, long-lasting supplier relationships enhances our 
ability to provide a compelling merchandise assortment with a strong in-stock position both in-store and online. Our 
knowledgeable store associates are passionate about our merchandise and deliver a high level of service to our 
customers. These elements help promote customer loyalty and drive repeat visits. 

5 

 
 
Compelling merchandise assortment and strategy.    We believe we offer a diverse merchandise assortment 

that features the most sought-after western and work wear brands, well-regarded niche brands and exclusive private 
brands across a range of merchandise categories including boots, apparel and accessories. We have a core assortment of 
styles that serves as a foundation for our merchandising strategy and we augment and tailor that assortment by region to 
cater to local preferences. In fiscal 2017, the vast majority of our merchandise sales in stores and on bootbarn.com were 
at full price, which we believe demonstrates the strength of our brand and the less discretionary nature of our product 
offering. Sheplers E-commerce is more promotional and offers a greater assortment of products at discounted prices.   

Portfolio of exclusive private brands.    We have leveraged our scale, merchandising experience and customer 
knowledge to launch a portfolio of private brands exclusive to us, including Shyanne, Cody James, Moonshine Spirit by 
Brad Paisley, American Worker, El Dorado and BB Ranch. Our private brands are currently available in stores, on 
bootbarn.com and sheplers.com and offer high-quality western and work boots as well as apparel and accessories for 
men, ladies and kids. We also intend to sell our private brands on countryoutfitter.com. Each of our private brands, 
which address product and price segments that we believe are underserved by third-party brands, offers exclusive 
products to our customers and achieves better merchandise margins than the third-party brands that we carry. Customer 
receptivity and demand for our private brands has been strong, demonstrated by the private brands’ increasing 
penetration and sales momentum across our store base and e-commerce channels. 

Versatile store model with compelling unit economics.    We have successfully opened and currently operate 

stores that generate strong cash flow, consistent store-level financial results and an attractive return on investment across 
a variety of geographies, markets, store sizes and location types. We operate stores in markets characterized as 
agribusiness centers and ranch regions, and in other various geographies throughout the United States. Our stores are 
also successful in small, rural towns and major metropolitan areas. 

Our new store model requires an average net cash investment of approximately $0.8 million and targets an 

average payback period of three years. Our lean operating structure, coupled with our strong supplier relationships, has 
allowed us to grow with minimal supply chain investments as most of our products ship directly from our suppliers to 
our stores. We believe that our proven retail model and attractive unit economics support our ability to grow our store 
footprint in both new and existing markets across the U.S. 

Highly experienced management team and passionate organization.    Our senior management team has 
extensive experience across all key retail disciplines and has been instrumental in developing a robust and scalable 
infrastructure to support our growth. In addition to playing an important role in developing our long-term growth 
initiatives, our senior management team embraces the genuine and enduring qualities of the western and work lifestyle 
and has created a positive culture of enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit which is shared by team members throughout 
our entire organization.   

Our Growth Strategies 

We are pursuing several strategies to continue our profitable growth, including: 

Continuing omni-channel leadership.    Our growing national footprint, social media following and broader 

marketing efforts drive traffic to our stores and e-commerce websites. We operate sheplers.com and countryoutfitter.com 
along with bootbarn.com as an alternative to shopping in the stores, which allows us to reach customers outside our 
geographic footprint. We continue to make investments in both online and in-store advertising, aimed at increasing 
traffic to our e-commerce websites, which reached over 26 million visits in total in fiscal 2017, and increasing the 
amount of merchandise purchased by customers who visit our websites, while improving the shopping experience for our 
customers. Additionally, all of our stores are equipped with touch screen devices that allow our customers to access 
millions of additional boots, apparel and other items from our e-commerce warehouse inventory as well as the inventory 
at most of our larger third-party vendors, purchase these items in store, and, in most cases, receive free shipping. We 
further continue to make investments in our e-commerce infrastructure, including adding automation to our warehouses 
to support expanding e-commerce growth. Our e-commerce sales as a portion of total consolidated net sales in fiscal 
2017 increased from 14.6% in fiscal 2016 to 18.4% in fiscal 2017.   

6 

Driving same store sales growth.    We believe that we can continue to grow our same store sales by increasing 

our brand awareness, driving additional traffic to our stores and increasing the amount of merchandise purchased by 
customers while visiting our stores. Our management team has launched several initiatives to accelerate growth, enhance 
our store associates’ selling skills, drive store-level productivity and increase customer engagement through our loyalty 
program. 

Building our private brand portfolio.    We believe we can achieve gross margin enhancement by increasing 

the penetration of our private brand sales. As of April 1, 2017, our private brands include Shyanne, Cody James, 
Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley, American Worker, El Dorado and BB Ranch, and are sold in our stores, on 
bootbarn.com and on sheplers.com. Looking forward, we intend to make our private brands available on 
countryoutfitter.com as well. Each of our private brands, which address product and price segments that we believe are 
underserved by third-party brands, offers exclusive products to our customers and achieves better merchandise margins 
than the third-party brands that we carry.     

Expanding our store base.    Driven by our compelling store economics, we believe that there is a significant 

opportunity to expand our store base in the U.S. During fiscal 2017, we opened 12 stores. Based on an extensive internal 
analysis, we believe that we have the potential to grow our domestic store base from 219 stores as of April 1, 2017 to 
500 domestic locations. We currently plan to target store openings in new and existing markets and in adjacent and 
underserved markets that we believe will be receptive to our concept. Over the past several years, we have made 
investments in personnel, information technology, warehouse infrastructure and e-commerce platforms to support the 
expansion of our operations. 

Leveraging our economies of scale.    We believe that we have a variety of opportunities to increase the 
profitability of our business over time. Our ability to leverage our infrastructure and drive store-level productivity due to 
economies of scale is expected to be a primary driver of our improvement in profitability. We intend to continually refine 
our merchandise mix and increase the penetration of our private brands to help differentiate us from our competitors and 
achieve higher merchandise margins. We also expect to capitalize on additional economies of scale in purchasing and 
sourcing as we grow our geographic footprint and online presence. 

Enhancing brand awareness.    We intend to enhance our brand awareness and customer loyalty in a number of 

ways, such as continuing to grow our store base and our online and social media initiatives. We use broadcast media 
such as radio, television and outdoor advertisements to reach customers in new and existing markets. We also maintain 
our strong market position through our grassroots marketing efforts, including sponsorship of rodeos, stock shows and 
other western industry events, as well as our association with country music, including partnerships with Brad Paisley 
and up-and-coming country musicians. We have an effective social media strategy with high customer engagement, as 
evidenced by our growing fan base on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter.   

Our Market Opportunity 

We participate in the large, growing and highly fragmented western and work wear markets of the broader 

apparel and footwear industry. We offer a variety of boots, apparel and accessories that are basics or necessities for our 
customers’ daily lives. Many of our customers are employed in the agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing and 
construction industries, and are often country and western enthusiasts. We believe that growth in the western wear 
market has been and will continue to be driven by the growth of western events, such as rodeos, the popularity of country 
music and the continued strength and endurance of the western lifestyle. We believe that growth in the work wear market 
has been and will continue to be driven by increasing activity in the construction sector and the return of domestic 
manufacturing. Additionally, government regulations for workplace safety have driven and, we believe, will continue to 
drive, sales in specific categories, such as safety-toe boots and flame-resistant and high-visibility clothing for various 
industrial and outdoor occupations. 

7 

 
Our Sales Channels 

During fiscal 2017, we continued to enhance our omni-channel capabilities, primarily as a result of the 
continued growth of the significant e-commerce business we acquired as part of the Sheplers Acquisition in fiscal 2016. 
Our current omni-channel presence consists of both brick and mortar stores as well as an e-commerce platform, 
including www.bootbarn.com, www.sheplers.com and www.countryoutfitter.com. 

Our stores 

As a lifestyle retail concept, our stores offer a broad array of merchandise to outfit an entire family, while 

working during the week, relaxing on the weekend, or dressing up for an evening out. Our stores are easy to navigate 
with clear sight lines to all major product categories. Our preferred store layout has ladies’ and children’s apparel on the 
right side of the store and men’s western and men’s work apparel on the left side. Our basic denim is usually 
merchandised on shelving placed on the exterior walls, while our premium-priced, more stylized denim and clothing are 
prominently displayed on floor fixtures and mannequins. We utilize the space in the front of the store for accessories 
such as hats, belts, jewelry, handbags, home merchandise, gifts and various impulse purchase items. 

Boots, our signature category, anchor the rear of the store with an expansive assortment displayed on fixtures up 
to six shelves in height. We offer virtually all of our boots in pairs out on the sales floor. To reflect the typical purchasing 
decision process of each of our customer segments, we arrange all western boots by size and all work boots by brand. 
While our knowledgeable and friendly store associates are readily available to assist our customers, the store design 
facilitates a self-service shopping experience. 

Our stores are generally located in or near high visibility, power and large neighborhood shopping centers with 

trade areas of five or more miles. Our stores average 11,389 square feet and feature a comprehensive assortment of 
brands and styles, coupled with attentive, knowledgeable store associates. Our stores are designed and managed to drive 
profitability and, we believe, create a compelling customer shopping experience. 

During fiscal 2017, we opened 12 stores. As of April 1, 2017, our retail footprint included 219 stores in the U.S. 

Two of our stores are operated under the “American Worker” name. Our American Worker stores primarily feature 
work-related footwear, apparel and accessories. We do not currently intend to open additional American Worker stores. 

8 

 
The following table shows the number of stores in each of the 31 states in which we operated as of April 1, 

2017: 

State 
Alabama 
Arizona 
California 
Colorado 
Florida 
Georgia 
Idaho 
Illinois 
Indiana 
Iowa 
Kansas 
Kentucky 
Louisiana 
Minnesota 
Missouri 
Montana 
Nebraska 
Nevada 
New Mexico 
North Carolina 
North Dakota 
Oklahoma 
Oregon 
South Carolina 
South Dakota 
Tennessee 
Texas 
Utah 
Washington 
Wisconsin 
Wyoming 
Total 

E-commerce 

      Number of    

stores 

  1  
  13  
  41  
  13  
  7  
  2  
  3  
  1  
  2  
  4  
  4  
  3  
  6  
  2  
  2  
  4  
  2  
  10  
  7  
  4  
  6  
  2  
  3  
  3  
  3  
  9  
  48  
  2  
  1  
  1  
  10  
  219  

Our e-commerce websites are a natural extension of our brand and in-store experience, allowing us to further 

build awareness in our current markets and reach customers not served by our current geographic footprint. Our 
e-commerce platforms are highly scalable and have exhibited substantial growth. During fiscal 2017, we had over 
26 million visits to our websites and we sold merchandise to customers in all 50 states. Approximately 6.4% of our total 
e-commerce revenue for fiscal 2017 was generated from customers outside of the United States. Such foreign-source 
revenue constituted approximately 1.4% of our overall net sales in fiscal 2017. 

Our growing national footprint and broader marketing efforts drive traffic to our bootbarn.com website, which 

in turn also drives traffic to our stores. We believe that many customers, especially those shopping for boots, browse 
online at bootbarn.com and then visit our stores to make their purchases to ensure a proper fit. As a multi-channel 
retailer, we are implementing technology initiatives that integrate in-store and e-commerce platforms into one seamless 
customer experience. As an example, this year we implemented in-store touch-screen devices to expand the product 
offering available to our in-store customers, including additional styles, colors and sizes not carried in the store. In fiscal 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
2017, we continued to enhance customer service by improving real-time inventory sharing among our stores and 
bootbarn.com. 

The bootbarn.com business is an every-day low price model, while sheplers.com is more promotional and offers 
a greater assortment of products at discounted prices. For all of our e-commerce channels, we communicate information 
on current promotions and upcoming events on our e-commerce websites, which helps drive purchases online and traffic 
to our stores. We continue to improve follow-up email communication related to order confirmations, as well as offer 
boot care and other accessories associated with boot purchases. 

Store expansion opportunities and site selection 

We have substantial experience in opening stores in new and existing geographic markets and as of April 1, 

2017 have successfully added, on a net basis, 67 new stores through a combination of organic growth and strategic 
acquisitions during our last three fiscal years. We evaluate potential new locations in light of a variety of criteria, 
including local demographics and population, the area’s industrial base, the existing competitive landscape, occupancy 
costs, store visibility, traffic, environmental considerations, co-tenancy and accessibility. We also consider a region’s 
total store potential to help ensure efficiencies in store management and media spending. Most of our stores are in 
high-traffic and highly visible locations and many have freeway signage. Stores located in metropolitan areas are 
typically established in high-density neighborhoods, and stores located in rural areas are typically established near 
highways or major thoroughfares. 

Based on an extensive internal analysis of our current customer base, store performance drivers and competitor 

penetration, we believe that the U.S. market can support 500 locations. We utilized multiple methods for measuring 
market size, including a review of demographic and psychographic factors on a state-by-state basis. We supplemented 
that data by analyzing our share of the geographic markets in which we currently operate and extrapolating that share to 
new geographic markets. Based on our market analysis, we have created a regional and state-by-state development plan 
to strategically extend our store portfolio. Careful consideration was given to operational constraints and merchandising 
differences in new and existing markets, while balancing the relevant risks associated with opening stores in those 
markets. 

Over the past several years, we have invested in construction and real estate resources, information technology 

and warehouse infrastructure to support the expansion of our operations. In addition, we have developed a model for new 
stores that assumes a leased 8,000 to 12,000 square foot space, requires an average net cash investment of approximately 
$0.8 million and targets an average payback period of three years. We believe that under this model we can grow our 
store base by approximately 10% annually over the next several years without substantially modifying our current 
resources and infrastructure. 

Store Management and Training 

We have a strong culture focused on providing superior customer service. We believe that our store associates 

and managers form the foundation of the Boot Barn brand. We recruit people who are welcoming, friendly and 
service-oriented, and who often live the western lifestyle or have a genuine affinity for it. We have a positive culture of 
enthusiasm and entrepreneurial spirit throughout the Company, which is particularly strong in our stores. Given the 
lifestyle nature of the Boot Barn brand, we have developed a natural connection between our customers and our store 
associates. 

Given the importance of both fit and function in selling much of our product, we utilize a well-developed sales, 
service and product training program. We provide over 20 hours of training for new store associates, as well as ongoing 
product, sales and leadership training. Additionally, we provide home office and supplier-led workshops on products, 
selling skills and leadership at our annual three-day store manager meeting. Our store management training programs 
emphasize building skills that lead to effective store management and overall leadership. Our store managers are 
responsible for hiring and staffing our stores and are empowered with the sales, customer service and operational tools 
necessary to monitor employee and store performance. We believe that our continued investments in training our 
employees help drive loyalty from our store associates and, in turn, our customers. We are committed to providing the 

10 

right merchandise solution for each of our customers based on the ultimate end use of our products. Our goal is to train 
each of our store associates to be able to guide a customer throughout a store and provide helpful knowledge on product 
fit, functions and features across our departments. Rather than rely heavily on sales commissions and supplier-specific 
incentive programs, we utilize a system under which the vast majority of a store associate’s compensation is based on an 
hourly wage. We believe that this produces a team-oriented culture, creates a less pressured selling environment and 
helps ensure that our store associates are focused on the specific needs of our customers. 

Merchandising 

Strategy 

We seek to establish our stores as a one-stop destination for western and work-related footwear, apparel and 

accessories. Our merchandising strategy is to offer a core assortment of products, brands and styles by store, department 
and price point. We augment and tailor this assortment by region to cater to local preferences such as toe profiles for 
western boots, styling for western apparel, and functions and features for work apparel and work boots depending on 
climate and the local industries served. In addition, we actively maintain a balance between third party brands and our 
own brands that, we believe, offers our customers a compelling mix between selection, product and value. 

Our business is moderately seasonal and as a result our revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter. The third 
quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the Christmas shopping season, has historically produced higher sales and 
disproportionately higher operating results than the other quarters of our fiscal year. Historically, neither the western nor 
the work component of our business has been meaningfully impacted by fashion trends or seasonality. We believe that 
many of our customers are driven primarily by utility and brand, and our best-selling styles tend to be items that carry 
over from year to year with only minor updates. On average, over the last three fiscal years we have generated 
approximately 33% of our net sales during our third fiscal quarter. 

We have a minimal amount of seasonal merchandise that could necessitate significant markdowns. This allows 

us to implement automated replenishment systems for approximately 70% of our store merchandise, meaning that, as 
sales are captured in a store’s point of sale system, recommended purchase orders are systematically generated for 
approval by our merchandising group, ensuring our strong in-stock inventory position. As a result, demand and margins 
for the majority of our products are fairly predictable, which reduces our inventory risk. 

Our products 

During fiscal 2017, our products contributed to overall sales in the following manner: 

•  Gender:    Men’s merchandise accounted for approximately 60% of our sales with the balance being ladies, 

kids and unisex merchandise. 

• 

Styling:    Western styles comprised approximately 70% of our sales, with work-related and other styles 
making up the balance. 

•  Product category:    Boots accounted for just over half of our sales, with apparel comprising an additional 

32% and the balance consisting of hats, gifts, accessories and home merchandise. 

Throughout our long history we have maintained collaborative relationships with our key suppliers. These 

relationships, coupled with our scale, have allowed us to carry a wide selection of popular and niche brands, including 
Ariat, Carhartt Workwear, Cinch, Corral, Dan Post, Georgia Boot, Justin Boots, Keen, Lucchese, Old Gringo, Rocky, 
Stetson, Timberland, Tony Lama, Wolverine and Wrangler. In many cases, we are one of the largest accounts of our 
suppliers and have become important as the largest specialty retailer of western and work wear in the U.S. As a result, 
we have several advantages relative to our competitors, including increased buying power and access to first-to-market 
or limited edition products. This provides us with competitive differentiation and the ability to generate higher 
merchandise margins. 

11 

Our scale has also allowed us to introduce our own proprietary western wear brands, Shyanne and Cody James, 

which offer high-quality western boots, shirts, jackets and hats for women and men, respectively. We also have an 
exclusive license agreement with country music star Brad Paisley, who designs a collection of boots, apparel and 
accessories for us, Moonshine Spirit By Brad Paisley, that reflect his lifestyle and personality. We develop private brand 
merchandise for our work wear business under the name American Worker, and for our home and gift category under the 
name BB Ranch. We created these brands to address segments that we believe are underserved by third-party brands. We 
have a dedicated product development team that designs and sources merchandise from suppliers around the world. 
These product assortments are exclusive to Boot Barn and are merchandised and marketed as if they were third-party 
brands both in our stores, and on bootbarn.com and sheplers.com. In fiscal 2017, sales from our private brand products 
accounted for approximately 10.7% of our consolidated sales including our stores and e-commerce channels. These 
private brands differentiate us from our competitors and produce higher incremental merchandise margins than the 
third-party brands that we carry. 

Planning and allocation 

We believe that we have assembled a talented and experienced team in both the buying and merchandise 

planning functions. The experience of our team is critical to understanding the technical requirements of our 
merchandise based on region and use, such as the appropriate safety toe regulations for work boots in a particular 
industry. The team is constantly managing our replenishment model to ensure a high in-stock position by stock keeping 
unit, or SKU, on a store-by-store basis. Our merchandising team optimizes the product selection, mix and depth across 
our stores by analyzing demand on a market-by-market basis, continuously reviewing our sell-through results, 
communicating with our suppliers about local market preferences and new products, shopping our competitors’ stores, 
and immersing themselves in trade and western lifestyle events including rodeos, country music concerts and other 
industry-specific activities. Our merchandising team also makes frequent visits to our stores and partners with our 
regional, district and store managers to refine the merchandise assortment by region. Our team has demonstrated the 
ability to effectively manage merchandising, pricing and promotional strategies across our store base. 

To keep the product assortment fresh, we reposition a small portion of our merchandise on the sales floor every 

month. To drive traffic to our stores and create in-store energy and excitement, we execute a promotional calendar that 
showcases select brands or merchandise categories throughout the year and rotates on a monthly cadence. Our 
promotional activity also enables us to consistently engage with our customers both online and in-store, as well as 
through our various marketing media. Our ability to optimize the price for each merchandise category on a 
market-by-market basis, helps us to maximize profitability while remaining price competitive. While our promotional 
activity is important for customer engagement, the vast majority of our merchandise sales in stores and on bootbarn.com 
were at full price, which we believe demonstrates the strength of our brand and the less discretionary nature of our 
product offering. Sheplers E-commerce is more promotional and offers a greater assortment of products at discounted 
prices.   

Marketing and Advertising 

Our marketing strategy is designed to build brand awareness, acquire new customers, enhance customer loyalty 

and drive in-store and online transactions. We customize our marketing mix for each of our markets and purposes. For 
example, during store grand openings we engage in additional local community outreach and advertise in local print 
media in select markets. We primarily use the following forms of media: 

Radio and television—We purchase spots on regional radio stations, primarily country music channels, to draw 
customers to nearby locations. We also maintain relationships with several country music artists in order to capitalize on 
the popularity of country music, using our stores and marketing communications to promote their album sales or 
concerts. In return, these country music artists often make in-store appearances or mention us on social media and 
occasionally give private performances. We also purchase television spots to create awareness in new markets and 
occasionally help support grand openings of new stores. 

Direct mail—We conduct several direct mail campaigns, and during fiscal 2017, we sent out approximately 7.9 

million mailers, ranging in size from postcards to catalogs of nearly 60 pages. 

12 

E-mail—We e-mail our e-commerce customers and members of our B Rewarded loyalty program as part of our 

cross-channel effort to drive traffic to our stores and websites. We sent over 890 million e-mails in fiscal 2017. 

Social media—We also have a marketing strategy that has produced a fast-growing social media presence, as 

evidenced by our growing fan base on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter. Our posts celebrate country and 
western life and humor, and routinely get thousands of likes, hundreds of shares and dozens of comments each.   

Event sponsorship—We typically sponsor community-based western events each year within the regional 
footprint of our store locations. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, a well-known 20 day celebration of western 
heritage, is one of our most prominent sponsorships and attracts more than two million visitors to Houston, Texas, where 
we operate eighteen stores in the area. We also sponsored the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo this year, an 18-day 
event with more than two million attendees. Other prominent sponsorships include Cheyenne Frontier Days, the largest 
outdoor rodeo in the U.S., the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and related National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, 
Nevada, Professional Bull Riders and the National High School Rodeo Association, which supports rodeos for 
competitors in high school and junior high school. At more prominent events, we often set up pop up shops as large as 
9,000 square feet, which allows participants to purchase our merchandise.   

Distribution 

Our suppliers ship most of our in-store merchandise directly to our stores and a substantial portion of our 

e-commerce merchandise to our e-commerce customers. The remaining units are either shipped from our distribution 
center located in Fontana, California, or from the distribution center in Wichita, Kansas, that we acquired as a result of 
the Sheplers Acquisition. Our distribution center in California is used to fulfill bootbarn.com orders and to distribute our 
private brand and volume discount purchases to our stores. In addition, our California distribution center also helps to 
provide inventory for sponsored events and new store openings. Our Wichita, Kansas distribution center is used to fulfill 
Sheplers E-commerce and countryoutfitter.com orders, and will also be used to fulfill bootbarn.com orders once the site 
is upgraded to our new e-commerce platform. In accordance with our automated replenishment programs, third-party 
suppliers typically deliver merchandise to our stores daily, ensuring in-stock merchandise availability and a steady flow 
of new inventory for our customers.   

Competition 

The retail industry for western and work wear is highly fragmented and characterized by primarily regional 

competitors. We estimate that there are thousands of independent specialty stores scattered across the country. We 
believe that we compete primarily with smaller regional chains and independents on the basis of product quality, brand 
recognition, price, customer service and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer demand. In addition, as we expand 
our e-commerce sales channel, we are competing to an increasing degree with online retailers and the e-commerce 
offerings of traditional competitors. We also compete with farm supply stores and, to a lesser degree, mass merchants, 
some of which are significantly larger than us, but most of which realize only a small percentage of their total revenues 
from the sale of western and work wear. We have approximately three times as many stores as our nearest direct 
competitor that sells primarily western and work wear and we believe that our nationally recognized lifestyle brand, 
economies of scale, breadth and depth of inventory across a variety of categories, strong in-stock position, portfolio of 
authentic private brands, enhanced supplier partnerships, exclusive offerings and ability to recruit and retain high quality 
store associates favorably differentiates us from our competitors. 

Information technology 

We have made significant investments to create a scalable information technology platform to support growth 

in our retail and e-commerce sales without further near-term investments in our information technology infrastructure. In 
2008, we installed a new Enterprise Resource Planning system, which we now refer to as Aptos Retail. We use this 
system for integrated point-of-sale, merchandising, planning, sales audit, customer relationship management, inventory 
control, loss prevention, purchase order management and business intelligence. We operate Aptos Retail on a 
software-as-a-service platform. This approach allows us to regularly upgrade to the most recent software release with 

13 

minimal operational disruption, nominal systems infrastructure investment and a relatively small in-house information 
technology department. Aptos Retail also interfaces with our accounting system, Microsoft Dynamics.   

We have also invested in an information technology platform for our e-commerce channels. At the end of fiscal 

2017, we upgraded our e-commerce platform to more recent versions of Oracle’s Retail Order Management System in 
concert with Salesforce.com’s (formerly Demandware) Commerce Cloud “front end” user interface solution. The 
upgrade of our e-commerce platform will act as the foundation for all of our digital store fronts including bootbarn.com, 
sheplers.com, and countryoutfitter.com.   

Intellectual property 

We regard our trademarks as having value and as being important to our marketing efforts. We have registered 

our trademarks in the U.S., including our brand name “Boot Barn” and our private label brands. We also have a 
registered trademark for the “Sheplers” and “Country Outfitter” brand names. We have sought foreign trademark 
protection by registering the Boot Barn trademark in Hong Kong, where we operate one of our subsidiaries, Boot Barn 
International (Hong Kong) Limited. We also own the domain name for our websites, www.bootbarn.com, 
www.sheplers.com and www.countryoutfitter.com. Our policy is to pursue registration of our trademarks and to 
rigorously defend their infringement by third parties.   

Our employees 

As of April 1, 2017, we employed approximately 1,200 full-time and 1,800 part-time employees, of which 

approximately 300 were employed at our Store Support Center and distribution center and approximately 2,700 were 
employed at our stores. The number of employees, especially part-time employees, fluctuates depending upon our 
seasonal needs. None of our employees are represented by a labor union and we consider our relationship with our 
employees to be good. We have never experienced a strike or significant work stoppage. 

Regulation and legislation 

We are subject to labor and employment laws, laws governing truth-in-advertising, privacy laws, safety 

regulations and other laws at the federal, state and local level, including consumer protection regulations, such as the 
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, that regulate retailers and govern the promotion and sale of 
merchandise and the operation of stores and warehouse facilities. We monitor changes in these laws and believe that we 
are in material compliance with all applicable laws. 

We source many of our private brand products from outside the U.S. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act 

and other similar anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations generally prohibit companies and their 
intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. 
Our policies and our supplier compliance agreements mandate compliance with applicable law, including these laws and 
regulations. 

Item 1A.    Risk Factors   

You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other 
information in this annual report, including our consolidated financial statements, and related notes included elsewhere 
in this annual report. If any of the following risks are realized, our business, financial condition, results of operations 
and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In that event, the price of our common stock could decline, and 
you could lose part or all of your investment. 

14 

Risks Related To Our Business 

Our sales could be severely impacted by decreases in consumer spending due to declines in consumer confidence, 
local economic conditions in our markets or changes in consumer preferences. 

We depend upon consumers feeling confident about spending discretionary income on our products to drive our 

sales. Consumer spending may be adversely impacted by economic conditions, such as consumer confidence in future 
economic conditions, interest and tax rates, employment levels, salary and wage levels, the availability of consumer 
credit, the level of housing, energy and food costs and general business conditions. These risks may be exacerbated for 
retailers like us who focus on specialty footwear, apparel and accessories. Our financial performance is particularly 
susceptible to economic and other conditions in California and other western states where we have a significant number 
of stores. Many of our stores operate in geographic areas where the local economies depend to a significant degree on oil 
and other commodity extraction, and many of our customers are employed in these industries. Our financial performance 
is accordingly susceptible to economic and other conditions relating to output and employment in these areas. Our 
financial performance also is impacted by conditions in the construction sector, domestic manufacturing and the 
transportation and warehouse sectors, the growth of which we believe is an important driver of our work wear business. 
In addition, our financial performance may be negatively affected if the popularity of the western and country lifestyle 
subsides, or if there is a general trend in consumer preferences away from boots and other western or country products in 
favor of another general category of footwear or attire. If this were to occur or if periods of decreased consumer spending 
persist, our sales could decrease, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results 
of operations and prospects. 

Our business largely depends on a strong brand image, and if we are unable to maintain and enhance our brand 
image, particularly in markets where we have newly acquired stores and in new markets where we have limited brand 
recognition, we may be unable to increase or maintain our level of sales. 

We believe that our brand image and brand awareness have contributed significantly to the success of our 

business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand image, particularly in markets where we have newly 
acquired stores and in new markets where we have limited brand recognition, is important to maintaining and expanding 
our customer base. Our ability to successfully integrate newly acquired and newly opened stores into their surrounding 
communities, to expand into new markets or to maintain the strength and distinctiveness of our brand image in our 
existing markets will be adversely impacted if we fail to connect with our target customers. Our efforts to rebrand newly 
acquired stores could result in reduced sales and profitability of such stores. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image 
may require us to make substantial investments in areas such as merchandising, marketing, store operations, community 
relations, store graphics and employee training, which could adversely affect our cash flow and which may ultimately be 
unsuccessful. Furthermore, our brand image could be jeopardized if we fail to maintain high standards for merchandise 
quality, if we fail to comply with local laws and regulations or if we experience negative publicity or other negative 
events that affect our image and reputation. Some of these risks may be beyond our ability to control, such as the effects 
of negative publicity regarding our suppliers. Failure to successfully market and maintain our brand image in new and 
existing markets could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

We face intense competition in our industry and we may be unable to compete effectively. 

The retail industry for western and work wear is highly fragmented and characterized by primarily regional 

competitors. We estimate that there are thousands of independent specialty stores scattered across the country. We 
believe that we compete primarily with smaller regional chains and independents on the basis of product quality, brand 
recognition, price, customer service and the ability to identify and satisfy consumer demand. In addition, as we expand 
our e-commerce sales channel, we are competing to an increasing degree with online retailers and the e-commerce 
offerings of traditional competitors. We also compete with farm supply stores and, to a lesser degree, mass merchants. 
Competition with some or all of these retailers could require us to lower our prices or risk losing customers. In addition, 
significant or unusual promotional activities by our competitors may force us to respond in-kind and adversely impact 
our operating cash flow and gross profit. As a result of these factors, current and future competition could have a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

15 

 
Many of the mass merchants and online retailers that sell some western or work wear products have greater 
financial, marketing and other resources than we currently do, and in the case of online retailers, lower overhead and 
overall cost structure. Therefore these competitors may be able to devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of 
these products, generate national brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can, which would 
put us at a competitive disadvantage if they decide to expand their offerings of these product lines. Moreover, we do not 
possess exclusive rights to many of the elements that comprise our in-store experience and product offerings. Our 
competitors may seek to emulate facets of our business strategy, including our in-store experience, which could result in 
a reduction of some competitive advantages or special appeal that we might possess. In addition, most of our suppliers 
sell products to us on a non-exclusive basis. As a result, our current and future competitors may be able to duplicate or 
improve on some or all of the in-store and e-commerce product offerings that we believe are important in differentiating 
our stores, our e-commerce offerings and our customers’ shopping experience. If our competitors were to duplicate or 
improve on some or all of our in-store experience, or our in-store and e-commerce product offerings, our competitive 
position and our business could suffer. 

Most of our merchandise is produced in foreign countries, making the price and availability of our merchandise 
susceptible to international trade risks and other international conditions. 

The majority of our private brand products are manufactured in foreign countries, including Mexico and China. 

In addition, we purchase most of our third-party branded merchandise from domestic suppliers that have a majority of 
their merchandise made in foreign countries. The countries, specifically Mexico and China, in which our merchandise 
currently is manufactured or may be manufactured in the future could become subject to trade restrictions imposed by 
the U.S., including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes and customs restrictions, which could increase the cost or 
reduce the supply of products available to us and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations. Recently, uncertainty has increased regarding tax and trade policies, border adjustments, tariffs and 
government regulations affecting trade between the U.S. and other countries, such as Mexico and China. Significant tax 
law changes are also being evaluated by the U.S. government. Such tax law changes, including a border adjustment tax, 
if enacted, could materially increase our income tax expense, which would have a material adverse effect on our 
financial condition and results of operations. In addition, major developments in tax policy or trade relations, particularly 
with respect to Mexico and China, could result in the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the 
imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported products. Any increase in the cost of our merchandise or limitation on the 
amount of merchandise we are able to purchase could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and 
results of operations. 

Our failure to adapt to new challenges that arise when expanding into new geographic markets could adversely affect 
our ability to profitably operate those stores and maintain our brand image. 

Our expansion into new geographic markets could result in competitive, merchandising, distribution and other 

challenges that are different from those we encounter in the geographic markets in which we currently operate. In 
addition, to the extent that our store count increases, we may face risks associated with market saturation of our product 
offerings and locations. Our suppliers may also restrict their sales to us in new markets to the extent they are already 
saturating that market with their products through other retailers or their own stores. There can be no assurance that any 
newly opened stores will be received as well as, or achieve net sales or profitability levels comparable to those of, our 
existing stores in the time periods estimated by us, or at all. If our stores fail to achieve, or are unable to sustain, 
acceptable net sales and profitability levels, our business may be materially harmed, we may incur significant costs 
associated with closing those stores and our brand image may be negatively impacted. 

Our continued growth depends upon successfully opening new stores as well as integrating any acquired stores, and 
our failure to successfully open new stores or integrate acquired stores could negatively affect our business and stock 
price. 

We have grown our store count rapidly in recent years, both organically and through strategic acquisitions of 

competing chains. Our ability to successfully open and operate new stores is subject to a variety of risks and 
uncertainties, such as: 

16 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

identifying suitable store locations, the availability of which is beyond our control; 

obtaining acceptable lease terms; 

sourcing sufficient levels of inventory; 

selecting the appropriate merchandise to appeal to our customers; 

hiring, training and retaining store employees; 

assimilating new store employees into our corporate culture; 

•  marketing the new stores’ locations and product offerings effectively; 

• 

• 

avoiding construction delays and cost overruns in connection with the build out of new stores; 

avoiding other costs in opening new stores, such as rebranding acquired locations and environmental 
liabilities; 

•  managing and expanding our infrastructure to accommodate growth; and 

• 

integrating the new stores with our existing buying, distribution and other support operations. 

Our failure to successfully address these challenges could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations. We opened or acquired 12 stores in fiscal 2017, 47 stores in fiscal 2016 and 18 stores 
in fiscal 2015. We plan to open 12 new stores in fiscal 2018. However, there can be no assurance that we will open the 
planned number of new stores in fiscal 2018 or thereafter, or that any such stores will be profitable. This expansion will 
place increased demands on our operational, managerial and administrative resources. These increased demands could 
cause us to operate our existing business less effectively, which in turn could cause the financial performance of our 
existing stores to deteriorate. In addition, we currently plan to open some new stores within existing markets. Some of 
these new stores may open close enough to our existing stores that a segment of customers will stop shopping at our 
existing stores and instead shop at the new stores, causing sales and profitability at those existing stores to decline. If this 
were to occur with a number of our stores, this could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results 
of operations. 

In addition to opening new stores, we may acquire and rebrand stores. Acquiring and integrating stores involves 

additional risks that could adversely affect our growth and results of operation. Newly acquired stores may be 
unprofitable and we may incur significant costs and expenses in connection with any acquisition including systems 
integration and costs relating to remerchandising and rebranding the acquired stores. Integrating newly acquired chains 
or individual stores may divert our senior management’s attention from our core business. Our ability to integrate newly 

17 

 
acquired stores will depend on the successful expansion of our existing financial controls, distribution model, 
information systems, management and human resources and on attracting, training and retaining qualified employees. 

As we expand our business, we may be unable to generate significant amounts of cash from operations. 

As we expand our business, we will need significant amounts of cash from operations to pay our existing and 

future lease obligations, build out new store space, purchase inventory, pay personnel, pay for the increased costs 
associated with operating as a public company and, if necessary, further invest in our infrastructure and facilities. We 
primarily rely on cash flow generated from existing stores and our e-commerce businesses to fund our current operations 
and our growth. It typically takes several months and a significant amount of cash to open a new store. For example, our 
new store model requires an average net cash investment of approximately $0.8 million. If we continue to open a large 
number of stores relatively close in time, the cost of these store openings and the cost of continuing operations could 
reduce our cash position. An increase in our net cash outflow for new stores could adversely affect our operations by 
reducing the amount of cash available to address other aspects of our business. 

We cannot assure you that any new stores that we open will become profitable in the anticipated time frame, or 
at all. Not all of our stores are currently profitable. We cannot assure you that our existing stores, which may be currently 
profitable, will not cease to be profitable in the future. 

If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund these activities, and sufficient 

funds are not otherwise available from our current credit facility or future credit facilities, we may need additional equity 
or debt financing. If such financing is not available to us on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our 
business or to respond to competitive pressures would be limited and we could be required to delay, curtail or eliminate 
planned store openings. Moreover, if we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into 
equity securities, your ownership may be diluted. Any debt financing we may incur may impose covenants that restrict 
our operations, and will require interest payments that would create additional cash demands and financial risk for us. 

Any significant change in our distribution model could initially have an adverse impact on our cash flows and results 
of operations. 

Our suppliers ship most of our in-store merchandise directly to our stores and a substantial portion of our 

e-commerce merchandise to our e-commerce customers. In the future, as part of our long‑term strategic planning, we 
may change our distribution model to increase the amount of merchandise that we self‑distribute through a centralized 
distribution center. Changing our distribution model to increase distributions from a centralized distribution center to our 
stores and customers would initially involve significant capital expenditures, which would increase our borrowings and 
interest expense or temporarily reduce the rate at which we open new stores. In addition, if we are unable to successfully 
integrate a new distribution model into our operations in a timely manner, our supply chain could experience significant 
disruptions, which could reduce our sales and adversely impact our results of operations. 

If we fail to maintain good relationships with our suppliers or if our suppliers are unable or unwilling to provide us 
with sufficient quantities of merchandise at acceptable prices, our business and operations may be adversely affected. 

Our business is largely dependent on continued good relationships with our suppliers, including suppliers for 

our third-party branded products and manufacturers for our private brand products. During fiscal 2017, merchandise 
purchased from our top three suppliers accounted for approximately 23%, 9% and 6% of our sales. We operate on a 
purchase order basis for our private brand and third-party branded merchandise and do not have long-term written 
agreements with our suppliers. Accordingly, our suppliers can refuse to sell us merchandise, limit the type or quantity of 
merchandise that they sell to us, enter into exclusivity arrangements with our competitors or raise prices at any time, 
which could have an adverse impact on our business. Deterioration in our relationships with our suppliers could have a 
material adverse impact on our business, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire desired 
merchandise in sufficient quantities on terms acceptable to us in the future. Also, some of our suppliers sell products 
directly from their own retail stores or e-commerce websites, and therefore directly compete with us. These suppliers 
may decide at some point in the future to discontinue supplying their merchandise to us, supply us less desirable 

18 

 
 
 
merchandise or raise prices on the products they do sell us. If we lose key suppliers and are unable to find alternative 
suppliers to provide us with substitute merchandise for lost products, our business may be adversely affected. 

Our plans to improve and expand our exclusive product offerings may be unsuccessful, and implementing these plans 
may divert our operational, managerial, financial and administrative resources, which could harm our competitive 
position and reduce our revenue and profitability. 

We currently plan to grow our business by improving and expanding our exclusive product offerings, which 
includes introducing new brands and growing and expanding our existing brands. The principal risks to our ability to 
successfully carry out our plans to improve and expand our product offering are that: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

introduction of new products may be delayed, which may allow our competitors to introduce similar 
products in a more timely fashion, which could hinder our ability to be viewed as the exclusive provider of 
certain western and work apparel brands and items; 

the third-party suppliers of our exclusive product offerings may not maintain adequate controls with respect 
to product specifications and quality, which may lead to costly corrective action and damage to our brand 
image; 

if our expanded exclusive product offerings fail to maintain and enhance our distinctive brand identity, our 
brand image may be diminished and our sales may decrease; and 

implementation of these plans may divert our management’s attention from other aspects of our business 
and place a strain on our operational, managerial, financial and administrative resources, as well as our 
information systems. 

In addition, our ability to successfully improve and expand our exclusive product offerings may be affected by 

economic and competitive conditions, changes in consumer spending patterns and changes in consumer preferences. 
These plans could be abandoned, cost more than anticipated and divert resources from other areas of our business, any of 
which could impact our competitive position and reduce our revenue and profitability. 

We purchase merchandise based on sales projections and our purchase of too much or too little inventory may 
adversely affect our overall profitability. 

We must actively manage our purchase of inventory. We generally order our seasonal and private brand 

merchandise several months in advance of it being received and offered for sale. If there is a significant decrease in 
demand for these products or if we fail to accurately predict consumer demand, including by disproportionately 
increasing the penetration of our private brand merchandise, we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional 
sales to dispose of excess inventory. This could have an adverse effect on our margins and operating income. 
Conversely, if we fail to purchase a sufficient quantity of merchandise, we may not have an adequate supply of products 
to meet consumer demand, thereby causing us to lose sales or adversely affecting our customer relationships. Any failure 
on our part to anticipate, identify and respond effectively to changing consumer demand and consumer shopping 
preferences could adversely affect our results of operations. 

A rise in the cost of fabric, raw materials, labor or transportation could increase our cost of merchandise and cause 
our results of operations and margins to decline. 

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of fabrics and raw materials, such as cotton and leather, that 

our suppliers use to manufacture our products, as well as the cost of labor and transportation, could have adverse impacts 
on our cost of merchandise and our ability to meet our customers’ demands. In particular, because key components of 
our products are cotton and leather, any increases in the cost of cotton or leather may significantly affect the cost of our 
products and could have an adverse impact on our cost of merchandise. We may be unable to pass all or any of these 
higher costs on to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. 

19 

 
If our suppliers and manufacturers fail to use acceptable labor or other practices, our reputation may be harmed, 
which could negatively impact our business. 

We purchase merchandise from independent third-party suppliers and manufacturers. If any of these suppliers 
have practices that are not legal or accepted in the U.S., consumers may develop a negative view of us, our brand image 
could be damaged and we could become the subject of boycotts by our customers or interest groups. Further, if the 
suppliers violate labor or other laws of their own country, these violations could cause disruptions or delays in their 
shipments of merchandise. For example, much of our merchandise is manufactured in China and Mexico, which have 
different labor practices than the U.S. We do not independently investigate whether our suppliers are operating in 
compliance with all applicable laws and therefore we rely upon the suppliers’ representations set forth in our purchase 
orders and supplier agreements concerning the suppliers’ compliance with such laws. In addition, regulatory 
developments regarding the use of “conflict minerals,” certain minerals originating from the Democratic Republic of 
Congo and adjoining countries, could affect the sourcing and availability of raw materials used by suppliers and subject 
us to costs associated with the regulations, including for the diligence pertaining to the presence of any conflict minerals 
used in our products, possible changes to products, processes or sources of our inputs, and reporting requirements. If our 
goods are manufactured using illegal or unacceptable labor practices in these countries, or other countries from which 
our suppliers source the products we purchase, our ability to supply merchandise for our stores without interruption, our 
brand image and, consequently, our sales may be adversely affected. 

If we lose key management personnel, our operations could be negatively impacted. 

We depend upon the leadership and experience of our executive management team. If we are unable to retain 

existing management personnel who are critical to our success, it could result in harm to our supplier and employee 
relationships, the loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated recruitment and training costs. The 
loss of the services of any of our key management personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and 
prospects, and could be viewed negatively by investors and analysts, which could cause the price of our common stock 
to decline. We may be unable to find qualified individuals to replace key management personnel on a timely basis, 
without incurring increased costs or at all. We do not intend to purchase key person life insurance covering any 
employee. If we lose the services of any of our key management personnel or we are unable to attract additional 
qualified personnel, we may be unable to successfully manage our business. 

If we cannot attract, train and retain qualified employees, our business could be adversely affected. 

Our success depends upon the quality of the employees we hire. We recruit people who are welcoming, friendly 

and service-oriented, and who often live the western lifestyle or have a genuine affinity for it. Employees in many 
positions must have knowledge of our merchandise and the skill necessary to excel in a customer service environment. 
The turnover rate in the retail industry is typically high and finding qualified candidates to fill positions may be difficult. 
Our planned growth will require us to hire and train even more personnel. If we cannot attract, train and retain corporate 
employees, district managers, store managers and store associates with the qualifications we deem necessary, our ability 
to effectively operate and expand may be adversely affected. In addition, we rely on temporary and seasonal personnel to 
staff our distribution center. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to find adequate temporary or seasonal personnel 
to staff our operations when needed, which may strain our existing personnel and negatively impact our operations. 

Higher wage and benefit costs could adversely affect our business. 

Changes in federal and state minimum wage laws and other laws relating to employee benefits, including recent 

legislative proposals relating to healthcare reform, could cause us to incur additional wage and benefit costs. Increased 
labor costs brought about by changes in minimum wage laws, other regulations or prevailing market conditions would 
increase our expenses and have an adverse impact on our profitability. 

20 

 
 
 
 
The concentration of our stores and operations in certain geographic locations subjects us to regional economic 
conditions and natural disasters that could adversely affect our business. 

Our Store Support Center and distribution centers are located in California, Kansas and Texas. If we encounter 

any disruptions to our operations at these locations or if they were to shut down for any reason, including due to fire, 
tornado or other natural disaster, then we may be prevented from effectively operating our stores and our e-commerce 
businesses. Furthermore, the risk of disruption or shutdown at our buildings in California are greater than they might be 
if they were located in another region, as southern California is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes and 
wildfires. Any disruption or shutdown at our locations could significantly impact our operations and have a material 
adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.   

In addition, of the 219 stores that we operated as of April 1, 2017, 102 of these stores were located in Arizona, 
California and Texas. The geographic concentration of our stores may expose us to economic downturns in those states 
where our stores are located. For example, a recession in any area where we own several stores could adversely affect 
our ability to generate or increase operating revenues. In addition, our stores located in North Dakota, Wyoming, 
Colorado, Texas and surrounding areas are likely to be adversely impacted by the economic downturn affecting the oil, 
gas, and commodities industries. Any negative impact upon or disruption to the operations of stores in these states could 
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

Our leverage may reduce our cash flow available to grow our business.   

As of April 1, 2017, we had an aggregate of $229.8 million of total outstanding indebtedness. Our obligations to 

pay principal and interest under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan will reduce our 
available cash flow, limiting our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions and increasing any 
additional borrowing costs.   

Our borrowings under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan are at variable rates, 
exposing us to interest rate risk. 

The June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan provide for variable interest rates. As a 

result, if interest rates increase, our debt service obligations under the current credit facilities could increase even though 
the amount borrowed remained the same, which would adversely impact our net income.   

The June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan contain restrictions and limitations that could 
significantly impact our ability to operate our business.   

The June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan contain covenants that, among other 
things, may, under certain circumstances, place limitations on the dollar amounts paid or other actions relating to:   

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

payments in respect of, or redemptions or acquisitions of, debt or equity issued by Boot Barn or its 
subsidiaries, including the payment of dividends on our common stock; 

incurring additional indebtedness; 

incurring guarantee obligations; 

paying dividends; 

creating liens on assets; 

entering into sale and leaseback transactions; 

•  making investments, loans or advances; 

21 

• 

• 

• 

entering into hedging transactions; 

engaging in mergers, consolidations or sales of all or substantially all of their respective assets; and 

engaging in certain transactions with affiliates. 

In addition, the Company is required to satisfy certain financial ratios as set forth in these agreements. Our 

ability to satisfy these financial ratios will depend on our ongoing financial and operating performance, which in turn 
will be subject to economic conditions and to financial, market and competitive factors, many of which are beyond our 
control. Our ability to comply with these ratios in future periods will also depend on our ability to successfully 
implement our overall business strategy and realize contemplated synergies.   

Various risks, uncertainties and events beyond our control could affect our ability to comply with the covenants 
contained in our current credit facilities. Failure to comply with any of these covenants could result in a default under the 
June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan and under other agreements containing cross-default 
provisions. A default would permit lenders to accelerate the maturity of the debt under these agreements and to foreclose 
upon any collateral securing the debt. Under these circumstances, we might not have sufficient funds or other resources 
to satisfy all of our obligations. In addition, the limitations imposed by financing agreements on our ability to incur 
additional debt and to take other actions might significantly impair our ability to obtain other financing.   

We are required to make significant lease payments for our stores, Store Support Center and distribution center, 
which may strain our cash flow. 

We do not own any real estate. Instead, we lease all of our retail store locations as well as our Store Support 
Center and distribution centers. The store leases generally have a base lease term of five or 10 years, with one or more 
renewal periods of five years, on average, exercisable at our option. Many of our leases have early cancelation clauses 
which permit us to terminate the lease if certain sales thresholds are not met in certain periods of time. Our costs under 
these leases are a significant amount of our expenses and are growing rapidly as we expand the number of locations and 
the cost of leasing existing locations rises. In fiscal 2017, our total operating lease expense was $41.3 million, and we 
expect this amount to continue to increase as we open more stores. We are required to pay additional rent under many of 
our lease agreements based upon achieving certain sales thresholds for each store location. We are generally responsible 
for the payment of property taxes and insurance, utilities and common area maintenance fees. Many of our lease 
agreements also contain provisions which increase the rent payments on a set time schedule, causing the cash rent paid 
for a location to escalate over the term of the lease. In addition, rent costs could escalate when multi-year leases are 
renewed at the expiration of their lease term. These costs are significant, recurring and increasing, which places a 
consistent strain on our cash flow. 

We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our 

business does not generate sufficient cash flows from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise 
available to us from borrowings under our current credit facility, future credit facilities or from other sources, we may be 
unable to service our operating lease expenses, grow our business, respond to competitive challenges or fund our other 
liquidity and capital needs, which would harm our business. 

Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term leases. If an existing or future store is 

not profitable, and we decide to close it, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the 
applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. We may fail to 
identify suitable store locations, the availability of which is beyond our control, to replace such closed stores. In addition, 
as our leases expire, we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could 
cause us to close stores in desirable locations. Twenty-two of our 219 store leases will reach their termination date during 
fiscal 2018, and none of these leases contain an option to automatically extend the lease term. If we are unable to enter 
into new leases or renew existing leases on terms acceptable to us or be released from our obligations under leases for 
stores that we close, our business, profitability and results of operations may be harmed. 

22 

We may be unable to maintain same store sales or net sales per square foot, which may cause our results of 
operations to decline. 

The investing public may use same store sales or net sales per square foot projections or results, over a certain 

period of time, such as on a quarterly or yearly basis, as an indicator of our profitability growth. See Item 7, 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation for further discussion of “same 
store sales”. Our same store sales can vary significantly from period to period for a variety of reasons, such as the age of 
stores, changing economic factors, unseasonable weather, pricing, the timing of the release of new merchandise and 
promotional events and increased competition. These factors could cause same store sales or net sales per square foot to 
decline period to period or fail to grow at expected rates, which could adversely affect our results of operations and cause 
the price of our common stock to be volatile during such periods. 

Any inability to balance our private brand merchandise with the third-party branded merchandise that we sell may 
have an adverse effect on our net sales and gross profit. 

In fiscal 2017, sales from our private brand products accounted for approximately 10.7% of our consolidated 

sales including our stores and e-commerce channels. As of April 1, 2017, two of our five top selling brands were private 
brand merchandise. Our private brand merchandise generally has a higher gross margin than the third-party branded 
merchandise that we offer. As a result, we intend to attempt to increase the penetration of our private brands in the 
future. However, carrying our private brands limits the amount of third-party branded merchandise we can carry and, 
therefore, there is a risk that our customers’ perception that we offer many major brands will decline or that our suppliers 
of third-party branded merchandise may decide to discontinue supplying, or reduce the supply of, their merchandise. If 
this occurs, it could have a material adverse effect on net sales and profitability. 

If our management information systems fail to operate or are unable to support our growth, our operations could be 
disrupted. 

We rely upon our management information systems in almost every aspect of our daily business operations. For 

example, our management information systems serve an integral part in enabling us to order merchandise, process 
merchandise at our distribution center and retail stores, perform and track sales transactions, manage personnel, pay 
suppliers and employees, operate our e-commerce businesses and report financial and accounting information to 
management. In addition, we rely on our management information systems to enable us to leverage our costs as we grow. 
If our management information systems fail to operate or are unable to support our growth, our store operations and e-
commerce businesses could be severely disrupted, and we could be required to make significant additional expenditures 
to remediate any such failure. 

We rely on UPS and the United States Postal Service to deliver our e-commerce merchandise to our customers and 
our business could be negatively impacted by disruptions in the operations of these third-party service providers. 

We rely on UPS and the United States Postal Service to deliver our e-commerce merchandise to our customers. 

Relying on these third-party delivery services puts us at risk from disruptions in their operations, such as employee 
strikes, inclement weather and their inability to meet our shipping demands. If we are forced to use other delivery 
services, our costs could increase and we may be unable to meet shipment deadlines. Moreover, we may be unable to 
obtain terms as favorable as those received from the transportation providers we currently use, which would further 
increase our costs. In addition, if our products are not delivered to our customers on time, our customers may cancel their 
orders or we may lose business from these customers in the future. These circumstances may negatively impact our 
financial condition and results of operations. 

Use of social media may adversely impact our reputation or subject us to fines or other penalties. 

There has been a substantial increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, social media 
websites and other forms of internet-based communication, which allow individuals access to a broad audience of 
consumers and other interested persons. Negative commentary regarding us or the brands that we sell may be posted on 
social media platforms or similar devices at any time and may harm our reputation or business. Consumers value readily 

23 

available information concerning retailers and their goods and services and often act on such information without further 
investigation and without regard to its accuracy. The harm may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for 
redress or correction. In addition, social media platforms provide users with access to such a broad audience that 
collective action against our stores, such as boycotts, can be more easily organized. If such actions were organized, we 
could suffer reputational damage as well as physical damage to our stores and merchandise. 

We also use social media platforms as marketing tools. For example, we maintain Facebook, Instagram, 
Snapchat and Twitter accounts. As laws and regulations rapidly evolve to govern the use of these platforms and devices, 
the failure by us, our employees or third parties acting at our direction to abide by applicable laws and regulations in the 
use of these platforms and devices could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations or 
subject us to fines or other penalties. 

Our e-commerce businesses subject us to numerous risks that could have an adverse effect on our results of 
operations. 

Our e-commerce businesses and their continued growth subject us to certain risks that could have an adverse 

effect on our results of operations, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

diversion of traffic from our stores; 

increased e-commerce competition;   

liability for online content; 

government regulation of the Internet; and 

risks related to the computer systems that operate our e-commerce websites and related support 
systems, including computer viruses, electronic data theft and similar disruptions. 

During fiscal 2017, we completed the migration of sheplers.com to our upgraded e-commerce platform. We will 

continue to integrate countryoutfitter.com with the software we now use for sheplers.com and upgrade bootbarn.com to 
the same e-commerce platform. Our sales could be adversely affected by any disruption or downtime caused by the 
integration of new software or software upgrades. In addition, any data loss caused by such integration or upgrade could 
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. 

As we expand our e-commerce operations, we face the risk of increased losses from credit card fraud. We do 

not carry insurance against the risk of credit card fraud, so under current credit card practices, we may be liable for 
fraudulent credit card transactions even though the associated financial institution has approved payment of the orders. If 
we are unable to deter or control credit card fraud, or if credit card companies require more burdensome terms or refuse 
to accept credit card charges from us, our net income could be reduced. A breach of our e-commerce security measures 
could also reduce demand for our services. 

In addition, we rely upon email distributions to advertise our stores and e-commerce businesses and use various 
data-mining techniques to effectively target these emails. Spam filters or other blocking applications designed to enable 
consumers to limit incoming email from advertisers may inhibit our ability to effectively reach large audiences of 
existing and potential customers via email. This may adversely affect our ability to generate new business and acquire 
new customers. 

Our sales can significantly fluctuate based upon shopping seasons, which may cause our results of operations to 
fluctuate disproportionately on a quarterly basis. 

Because of a traditionally higher level of sales during the Christmas shopping season, our sales are typically 

higher in the third fiscal quarter than they are in the other fiscal quarters. We also incur significant additional costs and 

24 

expenses during our third fiscal quarter due to increased staffing levels and higher purchase volumes. Accordingly, the 
results of a single fiscal quarter should not be relied on as an indication of our annual results or future performance. In 
addition, any factors that harm our third fiscal quarter results of operations could have a disproportionate effect on our 
results of operations for the entire fiscal year. 

We buy and stock merchandise based upon seasonal weather patterns and therefore unseasonable or extreme 
weather could negatively impact our sales, financial condition and results of operations. 

We buy and stock merchandise for sale based upon expected seasonal weather patterns. If we encounter 

unseasonable weather, such as warmer winters or cooler summers than would be considered typical, these weather 
variations could cause some of our merchandise to be inconsistent with what consumers wish to purchase, causing our 
sales to decline. In addition, weather conditions affect the demand for our products, which in turn has an impact on 
prices. In past years, weather conditions, including unseasonably warm weather in winter months, and extreme weather 
conditions, including snow and ice storms, flood and wind damage, hurricanes, tornadoes, extreme rain and droughts, 
have affected our sales and results of operations both positively and negatively. Furthermore, extended unseasonable 
weather conditions, particularly in California or Texas, will likely have a greater impact on our sales because of our store 
concentration in those regions. Our strategy is to remain flexible and to react to unseasonable and extreme weather 
conditions by adjusting our merchandise assortments and redirecting inventories to stores affected by the weather 
conditions. Should such a strategy not be effective, unseasonable or extreme weather may have a material adverse effect 
on our financial condition and results of operations. 

If we fail to obtain and retain high-visibility sponsorship or endorsement arrangements with celebrities, or if the 
reputation of any of the celebrities that we partner with is impaired, our business may suffer. 

A principal component of our marketing program is to partner with well-known country music artists and other 

celebrities for sponsorship and endorsement arrangements. Although we have partnered with several well-known 
celebrities in this manner, some of these persons may not continue their endorsements, may not continue to succeed in 
their fields or may engage in activities which could bring disrepute on themselves and, in turn, on us and our brand 
image and products. We also may not be able to attract and partner with new celebrities that may emerge in the future. 
Competition for endorsers is significant and adverse publicity regarding us or our industry could make it more difficult 
to attract and retain endorsers. Any of these failures by us or the celebrities that we partner with could adversely affect 
our business and revenues. 

Our management information systems and databases could be disrupted by system security failures, cyber threats 
or by the failure of, or lack of access to, our Enterprise Resource Planning system. These disruptions could 
negatively impact our sales, increase our expenses and/or harm our reputation. 

Hackers, computer programmers and internal users may be able to penetrate our network security and create 

system disruptions, cause shutdowns and misappropriate our confidential information or that of our employees and third 
parties, including our customers. Therefore, we could incur significant expenses addressing problems created by security 
breaches to our network. This risk is heightened because we collect and store customer information for marketing 
purposes, as well as debit and credit card information. We must, and do, take precautions to secure customer information 
and prevent unauthorized access to our database of confidential information. However, if unauthorized parties, including 
external hackers or computer programmers, gain access to our database, they may be able to steal this confidential 
information. Our failure to secure this information could result in costly litigation, adverse publicity or regulatory action, 
or result in customers discontinuing the use of debit or credit cards in our stores, or customers not shopping in our stores 
or on our e-commerce websites altogether. These consequences could have a material adverse effect on our financial 
condition and results of operations. In addition, sophisticated hardware and operating system software and applications 
that we procure from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture that could unexpectedly interfere with 
our operations. The cost to alleviate security risks and defects in software and hardware and to address any problems that 
occur could negatively impact our sales, distribution and other critical functions, as well as our financial results. 

25 

We operate our Enterprise Resource Planning system on a software-as-a-service platform, and we use this 

system for integrated point-of-sale, merchandising, planning, sales audit, customer relationship management, inventory 
control, loss prevention, purchase order management and business intelligence. Accordingly, we depend on this system, 
and the third-party provider of this service, for many aspects of our operations. If this service provider or this system 
fails, or if we are unable to continue to have access to this system on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our 
operations would be severely disrupted until an equivalent system could be identified, licensed or developed, and 
integrated into our operations. This disruption would have a material adverse effect on our business. 

Our failure to maintain adequate internal controls over our financial and management systems may cause errors 
in our financial reporting. These errors may cause a loss of investor confidence and result in a decline in the price 
of our common stock. 

Our public company reporting obligations and our anticipated growth may place additional burdens on our 

financial and management systems, internal controls and employees. As a public company, we are required to maintain 
internal control over financial reporting. Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we are required to file a 
report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. 

Implementing and maintaining internal controls is time consuming and costly. If we identify any material 

weaknesses or deficiencies that aggregate to a material weakness in our internal controls, we will have to implement 
appropriate changes to these controls, which may require specific compliance training for our directors, officers and 
employees, require the hiring of additional finance, accounting, legal and other personnel, entail substantial costs to 
modify our existing accounting systems and take a significant period of time to complete. Such changes may not, 
however, be effective in maintaining the adequacy of our internal controls, and any failure to maintain that adequacy, or 
consequent inability to produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis, could increase our operating costs and 
could materially impair our ability to operate our business. If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over 
financial reporting, including because of an inability to remediate any such material weakness, if our management is 
unable to report that our internal control over financial reporting is effective when required, investors may lose 
confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports and the market price of our common stock could be 
negatively affected. As a result, our failure to maintain effective internal controls could result in us being subject to 
regulatory action and a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements, both of which in turn 
could cause the market value of our common stock to decline and affect our ability to raise capital. 

If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights, our financial results may be negatively impacted. 

Our success depends in large part on our brand image. Our name, logo, domain name and our private brands 

and other intellectual property are valuable assets that differentiate us from our competitors. We currently rely on a 
combination of copyright, trademark, trade dress and unfair competition laws to establish and protect our intellectual 
property rights, but the steps taken by us to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate to prevent infringement of 
our trademarks and proprietary rights by others, including imitation and misappropriation of our brand. Additional 
obstacles may arise as we expand our product lines and geographic scope. Moreover, litigation may be necessary to 
protect or enforce these intellectual property rights, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, 
causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. The 
unauthorized use or misappropriation of our intellectual property or our failure to protect our intellectual property rights 
could damage our brand image and the goodwill we have created, which could cause our sales to decline. 

26 

 
We have not registered any of our intellectual property outside of the U.S. with the exception of the Boot Barn 
tradename which was registered in Hong Kong as part of our Boot Barn International (Hong Kong) Limited subsidiary. 
We cannot prohibit other companies from using our other trademarks in foreign countries. Use of these other trademarks 
in foreign countries could negatively impact our identity in the U.S. and cause our sales to decline. 

We may be subject to liability if we, or our suppliers, infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third 
parties. 

We may be subject to claims that our activities or the products that we sell infringe upon the intellectual 

property rights of others. Any such claims can be time consuming and costly to defend, and may divert our 
management’s attention and resources, even if the claims are meritless. If we were to be found liable for any such 
infringement, we could be required to enter into costly settlements or license agreements and could be subject to 
injunctions preventing further infringement. Such infringement claims could harm our brand image. In addition, any 
payments that we are required to make and any injunction with which we are required to comply as a result of such 
infringement actions could adversely affect our financial results. 

We purchase merchandise from suppliers that may be subject to design copyrights or design patents, or 
otherwise may incorporate protected intellectual property. We are not involved in the manufacture of any of the 
merchandise we purchase from our suppliers for sale to our customers, and we do not independently investigate whether 
these suppliers legally hold intellectual property rights to merchandise that they are manufacturing or distributing. As a 
result, we rely upon the suppliers’ representations set forth in our purchase orders and supplier agreements concerning 
their right to sell us the products that we purchase from them. If a third party claims to have licensing rights with respect 
to merchandise we purchased from a supplier, or if we acquire unlicensed merchandise, we could be obligated to remove 
such merchandise from our stores, incur costs associated with destruction of such merchandise if the distributor or 
supplier is unwilling or unable to reimburse us and be subject to liability under various civil and criminal causes of 
action, including actions to recover unpaid royalties and other damages and injunctions. Any of these results could harm 
our brand image and have a material adverse effect on our business and growth. 

Litigation costs and the outcome of litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business. 

Our business is characterized by a high volume of customer traffic and by transactions involving a wide variety 

of product selections, each of which exposes us to a high risk of consumer litigation. From time to time we may be 
subject to litigation claims through the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to, 
employment matters, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, footwear, apparel and accessory 
safety standards, security of customer and employee personal information, contractual relations with suppliers, marketing 
and infringement of trademarks and other intellectual property rights. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by 
third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may be necessary, which could result in 
substantial costs and diversion of our resources, causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 
results of operations or cash flows. 

Union attempts to organize our employees could negatively affect our business. 

Currently, none of our employees are represented by a union. However, if some or all of our workforce were to 
unionize and the terms of the collective bargaining agreement were significantly different from our current compensation 
arrangements, it could increase our costs and adversely impact our profitability. Moreover, participation in labor unions 
could put us at increased risk of labor strikes and disruption of our operations. Responding to unionization attempts may 
distract management and our workforce. Any of these changes could adversely affect our business, financial condition, 
results of operations or cash flows. 

Violations of or changes in laws, including employment laws and laws related to our merchandise, could make 
conducting our business more expensive or change the way we do business. 

We are subject to numerous regulations, including labor and employment, customs, truth-in-advertising, 

consumer protection, environmental and occupational safety requirements and zoning and occupancy laws and 

27 

 
ordinances that regulate retailers generally, that govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and/or that 
regulate the operation of stores and warehouse facilities. If these regulations were violated by our management, 
employees or suppliers, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our 
goods, be subject to fines or penalties or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and 
hurt our business and results of operations. 

Similarly, changes in laws could make operating our business more expensive or require us to change the way 
we do business. In addition, changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs 
for certain merchandise, or additional labor costs associated with readying merchandise for sale. It may be difficult for us 
to foresee regulatory changes impacting our business and our actions needed to respond to changes in the law could be 
costly and may negatively impact our operations. 

We may engage in strategic transactions that could negatively impact our liquidity, increase our expenses and 
present significant distractions to our management. 

We have made strategic acquisitions in the past and may in the future consider strategic transactions and 

business arrangements, including, but not limited to, acquisitions, asset purchases, partnerships, joint ventures, 
restructurings, divestitures and investments. The success of such a transaction is based on our ability to make accurate 
assumptions regarding the valuation, operations, growth potential, integration and other factors relating to the respective 
business. Acquisitions may result in difficulties in assimilating acquired companies and may result in the diversion of 
our capital and our management’s attention from other business issues and opportunities. We may be unable to 
successfully integrate operations that we acquire, including their personnel, financial systems, distribution, operations 
and general operating procedures. Any such transaction may require us to incur non-recurring or other charges, may 
increase our near and long-term expenditures and may pose significant integration challenges or disrupt our management 
or business, which could harm our operations and financial results. 

Terrorism or civil unrest could negatively affect our business. 

Terrorist attacks, threats of terrorist attacks or civil unrest involving public areas could cause people to avoid 

visiting some areas where our stores are located. Further, armed conflicts or acts of war throughout the world may create 
uncertainty, causing consumers to spend less on discretionary purchases, including on footwear, apparel and accessories, 
or disrupt our ability to obtain merchandise for our stores. Such decreases in consumer spending or disruptions in our 
ability to obtain merchandise would likely decrease our sales and materially adversely affect our financial condition and 
results of operations. 

If our goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets become impaired, we may be required to record a significant 
charge to earnings. 

We have a significant amount of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Our goodwill balance as of 

April 1, 2017 of $193.1 million was generated by the initial acquisition of Boot Barn Holding Corporation and the 
subsequent acquisitions of RCC, Baskins, and Sheplers. Our intangible asset balance as of April 1, 2017 was $64.5 
million. We test goodwill and intangible assets for impairment at least annually or more frequently if indicators of 
impairment exist. Long-lived assets are tested for impairment only if indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill, intangible 
assets and long-lived assets are considered to be impaired when the net book value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair 
value. An impairment of a significant portion of our goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets could materially 
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 

Risks Related To Ownership of Our Common Stock 

The market price and trading volume of our common stock has been and may continue to be volatile, which could 
result in rapid and substantial losses for our stockholders, and you may lose all or part of your investment. 

The market for specialty retail stocks can be highly volatile. Since our IPO in October 2014 through April 1, 

2017, our common stock has traded as high as $34.43 and as low as $5.20. An active, liquid and orderly market for our 

28 

common stock may not be sustained, which could depress the trading price of our common stock or cause it to be highly 
volatile or subject to wide fluctuations. The market price of our common stock has and may continue to fluctuate or may 
decline significantly in the future and you could lose all or part of your investment. Some of the factors that could 
negatively affect our share price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock include: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

variations in our quarterly or annual financial results and operating performance and the performance of our 
competitors; 

publication of research reports or recommendations by securities or industry analysts about us, our 
competitors or our industry, or a lack of such securities analyst coverage; 

our failure or our competitors’ failure to meet analysts’ projections or guidance; 

ratings downgrades by any securities analysts who follow our common stock; 

our levels of same store sales; 

sales or anticipated sales of large blocks of our common stock; 

changes to our management team; 

regulatory developments negatively affecting our industry; 

changes in stock market valuations of our competitors; 

the development and sustainability of an active trading market for our common stock; 

the public’s response to press releases or other public announcements by us or third parties, including our 
filings with the SEC; 

the performance and successful integration of any new stores that we open or acquire; 

actions by competitors; 

announcements by us or our competitors of new product offerings or significant acquisitions; 

short selling of our common stock by investors; 

limited “public float” in the hands of a small number of persons whose sales or lack of sales of our 
common stock could result in positive or negative pricing pressure on the market price for our common 
stock; 

fluctuations in the stock markets generally and in the market for shares in the retail sector particularly; and 

changes in general market and economic conditions. 

Further, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against companies following periods of 
volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation, should it materialize, could result in substantial costs and divert our 
management’s attention and resources, and could also require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments or to 
settle litigation. The threat or filing of class action litigation could cause the price of our common stock to decline. 

29 

Freeman Spogli & Co. holds a significant amount of our common stock, which may prevent other stockholders from 
influencing corporate decisions and may result in conflicts of interest that cause the price of our common stock to 
decline. 

Freeman Spogli & Co. controls approximately 51.0% of the total voting power of our outstanding common 

stock. As a result, Freeman Spogli & Co. is in a position to dictate, or significantly influence, the outcome of any 
corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and mergers, acquisitions and other 
significant corporate transactions. Freeman Spogli & Co., acting alone or in conjunction with other stockholders, may be 
able to delay or prevent a change of control from occurring, even if the change of control would benefit our stockholders. 
It is also possible that the interests of Freeman Spogli & Co. may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and 
the interests of our stockholders. This ownership concentration may adversely impact the trading of our common stock 
because of a perceived conflict of interest that may exist, thereby depressing the value of our common stock. 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains provisions renouncing our interest and expectancy in 
certain corporate opportunities identified by or presented to Freeman Spogli & Co. 

Freeman Spogli & Co. and its affiliates are in the business of providing capital to growing companies, and they 
may acquire interests in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business. Our amended 
and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Freeman Spogli & Co. and its affiliates will not have any duty to 
refrain from (1) engaging, directly or indirectly, in our line of business or (2) doing business with any of our customers 
or suppliers. In the event that Freeman Spogli & Co. or its affiliates (other than in the capacity as one of our officers or 
directors) acquires knowledge of a potential business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for us, then 
Freeman Spogli & Co. does not have any duty to communicate or offer such business opportunity to us and may take any 
such opportunity for itself or offer it to another person. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation also 
provides that Freeman Spogli & Co. and its officers, directors and employees will not be liable to us or to any of our 
stockholders for breach of any fiduciary or other duty by engaging in any such activity and we will waive and renounce 
any claim based on such activity. This provision applies even if the business opportunity is one that we might reasonably 
be deemed to have pursued or had the ability or desire to pursue if granted the opportunity to do so. These potential 
conflicts of interest could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or 
prospects if attractive business opportunities are allocated by Freeman Spogli & Co. to itself or its other affiliates instead 
of to us. 

Future sales of our common stock by existing stockholders could cause the price of our common stock to decline. 

The market price for our common stock may decline as a result of a potential sale of a substantial number of 

shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur. As of April 1, 2017, we 
had 26,561,523 shares of common stock outstanding. These shares are freely tradable, subject to the limitations of 
Rule 144, in the public markets, which could depress the value of our common stock. In addition, Freeman Spogli & Co. 
has the contractual right to require us to register its shares of common stock for resale.     

Anti-takeover provisions in our corporate organizational documents and current credit facility and under Delaware 
law may delay, deter or prevent a takeover of us and the replacement or removal of our management, even if such a 
change of control would benefit our stockholders. 

The anti-takeover provisions under Delaware law, as well as the provisions contained in our corporate 

organizational documents, may make an acquisition of us more difficult. For example: 

• 

• 

our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes a provision authorizing our board of 
directors to issue blank check preferred stock without stockholder approval, which, if issued, would 
increase the number of outstanding shares of our capital stock and make it more difficult for a stockholder 
to acquire us; 

our amended and restated bylaws provide that director vacancies and newly created directorships can only 
be filled by an affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office; 

30 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our amended and restated bylaws require advance notice of stockholder proposals and director 
nominations; 

our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our board of directors may adopt, 
amend, add to, modify or repeal our amended and restated bylaws without stockholder approval; 

our amended and restated bylaws do not permit our stockholders to act by written consent without a 
meeting unless that action is taken with regard to a matter that has been approved by our board of directors 
or requires the approval only of certain classes or series of our stock; 

our amended and restated certificate of incorporation contains a requirement that, to the fullest extent 
permitted by law, certain proceedings against or involving us or our directors, officers or employees must 
be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware unless we consent in writing to an 
alternative forum; 

our amended and restated bylaws do not permit our stockholders to call special meetings; and 

the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, may prevent any stockholder or 
group of stockholders owning at least 15% of our common stock from completing a merger or acquisition 
of us. 

Our debt instruments also contain provisions that could have the effect of making it more difficult or less 
attractive for a third party to acquire control of us. Our current credit facility provides that a change of control constitutes 
an event of default under such credit facility and would permit the lenders to declare the indebtedness incurred 
thereunder to be immediately due and payable. Our future credit facilities may contain similar provisions. The need to 
repay all such indebtedness may deter potential third parties from acquiring us. 

Under these various provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated 
bylaws and current credit facility, a takeover attempt or third-party acquisition of us, including a takeover attempt that 
may result in a premium over the market price for shares of our common stock, could be delayed, deterred or prevented. 
In addition, these provisions may prevent the market price of our common stock from increasing in response to actual or 
rumored takeover attempts and may also prevent changes in our management. As a result, these anti-takeover and change 
of control provisions may limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. 

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research and reports or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research 
and reports about our business, the price and trading volume of our common stock could decline. 

The trading market for our common stock is influenced by the research and reports that securities or industry 
analysts publish about us or our business. If securities or industry analyst coverage of one or more of the analysts who 
covers us downgrades our common stock or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the price of 
our common stock would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of us or fails to publish reports 
on us regularly, demand for our common stock could decrease, which could cause the price of our common stock and 
trading volume to decline. 

We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends on our common stock, which may make our common stock less 
desirable to investors and decrease its value. 

We intend to retain all of our available funds for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not 
anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay 
cash dividends on our common stock will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon many 
factors, including our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, legal requirements and restrictions that may 
be imposed by the terms of our current credit facility and in any future financing instruments. Therefore, you may only 

31 

receive a return on your investment in our common stock if the market price increases above the price at which you 
purchased it, which may never occur. 

We take advantage and will continue to take advantage of the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to 
“emerging growth companies”, which may make our common stock less attractive to investors. 

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 provides that, so long as a company qualifies as an “emerging 

growth company”, it will, among other things: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

be exempt from the provisions of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requiring that its independent 
registered public accounting firm provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of its internal controls 
over financial reporting; 

be exempt from the “say on pay” and “say on golden parachute” advisory vote requirements of the 
Dodd-Frank Act; 

be exempt from certain disclosure requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to compensation of its 
executive officers and be permitted to omit the detailed compensation discussion and analysis from proxy 
statements and reports filed under the Exchange Act; and 

be permitted to provide a reduced level of disclosure concerning executive compensation and be exempt 
from any rules that may be adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board requiring 
mandatory audit firm rotations or a supplement to the auditor’s report on the financial statements. 

If we remain an emerging growth company, we may take advantage of these exemptions. We cannot predict if 

investors will find our common stock less attractive if we elect to rely on these exemptions, or if taking advantage of 
these exemptions would result in less active trading or more volatility in the price of our common stock. Also, as a result 
of our taking advantage of some or all of the reduced regulatory and reporting requirements that are available to us as 
long as we qualify as an emerging growth company, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that 
fully comply with regulatory and reporting requirements upon the public company effective dates. 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2. Properties 

Our Store Support Center, e-commerce operations and distribution centers are located in California, Kansas, 

and Texas. As of April 1, 2017, our Store Support Center is in Irvine, California, where we occupy a 84,580 square foot 
building. The lease will expire August 31, 2022, and contains an option to renew for five years beyond the lease expiry 
date. Our bootbarn.com e-commerce distribution center is located in a 199,245 square-foot building in Fontana, 
California, where we currently hold inventory to provide staging and storage space to support our private brand 
initiatives, bulk purchasing programs, event sales and new store openings. Our Fontana, California lease expires 
February 28, 2021, and contains two options to renew, each for a period of five years. We also moved our office in 
Frisco, Texas to a 3,021 square foot space in one of our stores. In Wichita, Kansas, we lease a 10,000 square foot call 
center to support our e-commerce businesses, a 20,000 square foot building containing additional office space, and a 
90,000 square foot distribution center for Sheplers E-commerce.   

Most of our stores are occupied under operating leases. The store leases generally have a base lease term of five 

or 10 years, with one or more renewal periods of five years, on average, exercisable at our option. Twenty-two of our 
219 store leases will reach their termination date during fiscal 2018, and none of these leases contain an option to 
automatically extend the lease term. We are generally responsible for the payment of property taxes and insurance, 
utilities and common area maintenance fees.  

32 

 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

On April 28, 2016, two employees, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated employees, filed a 
wage-and-hour class action, which includes claims for penalties under California’s Private Attorney General Act, in the 
Fresno County Superior Court, Case No. 16 CE CG 01330, alleging violations of California’s wage and hour, overtime, 
meal break and statement of wages rules and regulations, among other things. On April 10, 2017, the Company reached a 
settlement with the employees for an amount that is not material to the consolidated financial statements. The amount of 
the settlement has been accrued as of April 1, 2017.   

Additionally, we are involved, from time to time, in litigation that is incidental to our business. We have 

reviewed these matters to determine if reserves are required for losses that are probable and reasonable to estimate in 
accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. We evaluate such reserves, if any, based upon several criteria, 
including the merits of each claim, settlement discussions and advice from outside legal counsel, as well as 
indemnification of amounts expended by our insurers or others, if any.   

During the normal course of our business, we have made certain indemnifications and commitments under 
which we may be required to make payments for certain transactions. These indemnifications include those given to 
various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility leases, and indemnifications 
to our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State of Delaware. The majority of 
these indemnifications and commitments do not provide for any limitation of the maximum potential future payments we 
could be obligated to make, and their duration may be indefinite. We have not recorded any liability for these 
indemnifications and commitments in the consolidated balance sheets as the impact is expected to be immaterial. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

33 

 
 
PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 

Securities 

Our common stock has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “BOOT” since 
October 30, 2014, the day after our initial public offering. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices of 
our common stock, as reported by the NYSE, for each quarterly period of our two most recent fiscal years: 

Fiscal 2017 

Fiscal 2016 

1st Quarter 
2nd Quarter 
3rd Quarter 
4th Quarter 

  High       Low 

      High       Low 
  $  10.10 
    13.11 
    17.26 
    13.91 

$   5.59  $  31.59 
  7.84      34.43 
  10.59      18.74 
  8.81      13.09 

$   21.80 
   17.55 
    9.11 
    5.20 

As of June 5, 2017, we had approximately 28 stockholders of record. The number of stockholders of record is 

based upon the actual number of stockholders registered at such date and does not include holders of shares in “street 
names” or persons, partnerships, associations, corporations or other entities identified in security position listings 
maintained by depositories. 

Dividends 

Our common stock began trading on October 30, 2014, following our initial public offering. Since that time, we 

have not declared any cash dividends, and we do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the Company’s Proxy Statement for 

the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after the close of the 
fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 (the “2017 Proxy Statement”). 

Stock Performance Graph 

The graph set forth below compares the cumulative stockholder return on our common stock between 
October 30, 2014 (the day after our initial public offering) and April 1, 2017 to the cumulative return of (i) the NYSE 
Composite Total Return index and (ii) an index of peer and comparable companies as determined by the Company 
(“Peer Group”). The companies currently comprising the Peer Group are: The Buckle, Inc.; Caleres, Inc. (Formerly 
known as Brown Shoe Co, Inc.); Cabela’s, Inc.; DSW, Inc.; Finish Line, Inc.; Foot Locker, Inc.; Genesco, Inc.; Tractor 
Supply Co.; Wolverine World Wide, Inc.; and Zumiez, Inc. This graph assumes an initial investment of $100 on 
October 30, 2014 in our common stock, the NYSE Composite Total Return index and the Peer Group, and assumes the 
reinvestment of dividends, if any. The graph also assumes that the initial price of our common stock, the NYSE 
composite Total Return index and the Peer Group on October 30, 2014 were the closing prices on that trading day. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return 
Assumes Initial Investment of $100 
April 2017 

200	

180	

160	

140	

120	

100	

80	

60	

40	

20	

—
10/30/14

3/28/15

3/26/16

4/1/17

Boot	 Barn	Holdings, Inc.	

NYSE	Composite—Total Return	

Peer	Group	

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 
NYSE Composite—Total Return 
Peer Group 

Item 6. Selected Consolidated Financial Data 

October 30, 
2014 

March 28, 
2015 

March 26, 
2016 

Cumulative Total Return 

  100   
  100   
  100   

  133.01   
  102.80   
  115.14   

  53.52  
  97.53  
  109.27  

April 1, 
2017 
  56.68 
  114.09 
  109.84 

The following tables present our selected consolidated financial and other data as of and for the periods 

indicated. We have derived the selected consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended April 1, 
2017, March 26, 2016, and March 28, 2015, and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of April 1, 2017, and 
March 26, 2016 from the audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report. The selected 
consolidated balance sheet data as of March 28, 2015, March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, and the selected 
consolidated statement of operations data for the fiscal years ended March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, are derived 
from audited consolidated financial statements that are not included elsewhere in this report. The historical results 
presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for any future period. 

The consolidated statement of operations data and consolidated balance sheet data include the financial 
position, results of operations and cash flows of RCC, Baskins and Sheplers since their respective dates of acquisition in 
August 2012, May 2013 and June 2015, respectively. 

35 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
You should read the following selected consolidated financial and other data in conjunction with the 
consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and the information under “Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this report. 

(in thousands, except per share and 
selected store data) 

Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment 

Total cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Acquisition-related expenses(2) 

Total operating expenses 

Income from operations 
Interest expense, net 
Other income, net 

Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense   

Net income   

Net income attributed to non-controlling interest 

Net income attributed to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 
Net income per share:(3) 

Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

Weighted average shares outstanding:(3) 

Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

Other Financial Data (unaudited): 
EBITDA(4) 
Adjusted EBITDA(4) 
Adjusted EBIT(4) 
Capital expenditures 

Selected Store Data (unaudited): 
Same Store Sales growth/(decline) 
Stores operating at end of period 
Total retail store square footage, end of 
period (in thousands) 
Average store square footage, end of period 
Average net sales per store (in thousands)(5) 

Fiscal Year Ended(1) 

  April 1, 
2017 

  March 26, 
2016 

  March 28, 
2015 

  March 29,   March 30,  

2014 

2013 

  $   629,816  
       439,930  
  —  

$   569,020  
     396,317  
  (500) 

$   402,684  
     267,907  
—  

       439,930  

     395,817  

     267,907  

       189,886  

     173,203  

     134,777  

$   345,868  
     231,796  
  867  
     232,663  
     113,205  

$   233,203  
     151,357  
  9,199  
     160,556  
  72,647  

       152,068  
  —  

     142,078  
  891  

       152,068  

     142,969  

  37,818  
  14,699  
  —  

  23,119  
  8,922  

  14,197  

  —  

  30,234  
  12,923  
  —  

  17,311  
  7,443  

  9,868  

  —  

  99,341  
—  

  99,341  

  35,436  
  13,291  
  51  

  22,196  
  8,466  

  13,730  

  4  

  $    14,197  

$ 

  9,868  

$    13,726  

$ 

  91,998  
  671  
  92,669  
  20,536  
  11,594  
  39  
  8,981  
  3,321  
  5,660  
  283  
  5,377  

  $ 
  $ 

  0.54  
  0.53  

$ 
$ 

  0.38  
  0.37  

$ 
$ 

  0.56  
  0.54  

$ 
$ 

  0.28  
  0.28  

  62,609  
  1,138  
  63,747  
  8,900  
  7,415  
  21  
  1,506  
  826  
  680  
  34  
  646  

  0.03  
  0.03  

$ 

$ 
$ 

  26,459  
  26,939  

  26,170  
  26,955  

  22,126  
  22,888  

  18,929  
  19,175  

  18,757  
  18,757  

  $    54,528  
  $    59,167  
  $    42,457  
  $    22,293  

$    44,250  
$    59,554  
$    45,538  
$    36,127  

$    44,694  
$    48,232  
$    39,025  
$    14,074  

$    28,704  
$    40,271  
$    32,142  
$    11,400  

$    14,509  
$    28,933  
$    23,345  
  3,848  
$ 

  0.3 %    
  219  

  (0.1)%    
  208  

  7.3 %    
  169  

  6.7 %    
  152  

  11.9 %  
  117  

  2,494  
  11,389  
  2,330  

  2,389  
  11,488  
  2,312  

$ 

  1,816  
  10,748  
  2,259  

$ 

  $ 

  1,642  
  10,801  
  2,162  

$ 

  1,082  
  9,251  
  1,861  

$ 

36 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
    
  
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
    
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
(in thousands) 
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Working capital(6) 
Total assets 
Total debt, net 
Stockholders’ equity 

      April 1,      March 26,     March 28,  March 29, 

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

  $ 

  8,035   $ 

    102,803  
    565,581  
    225,853  
    179,909  

  1,118 
  7,195   $   1,448  $ 
  75,134    
  56,325 
  93,575  
  326,128      289,482 
    539,326  
  89,826      125,743 
    242,429  
  84,575 
    161,490  

  142,422    

(1)  We operate on a fiscal calendar that results in a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday of March 

unless April 1st is a Saturday, in which case the fiscal year ends on April 1st. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter 
includes thirteen weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, the first, second and third quarters each include 
thirteen weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes fourteen weeks of operations. The data presented 
contains references to fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016, fiscal 2015, fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, which represent our fiscal 
years ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016, March 28, 2015, March 29, 2014 and March 30, 2013, respectively. 
Fiscal 2017 was a 53-week period and fiscal 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were each 52-week periods. The data 
includes the activities of RCC from August 2012, Baskins from May 2013, and Sheplers from June 2015, their 
respective dates of acquisition. 

(2)  Represents costs incurred in connection with the acquisitions of RCC, Baskins and Sheplers. 

(3)  The indicated data gives effect to the 25-for-1 stock split of our common stock effected October 27, 2014.   

(4)  EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with 
GAAP. We define EBITDA as net income adjusted to exclude income tax expense, net interest expense and 
depreciation and intangible asset amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted to exclude certain 
non-cash expenses, such as stock-based compensation and the non-cash accrual for future award redemptions, and 
other costs and expenses that are not directly related to our operations, including acquisition-related expenses, 
acquisition-related integration costs, amortization of inventory fair value adjustment, loss on disposal of assets and 
contract termination costs, store impairment charges, secondary offering costs and other due diligence expenses. 
Similar to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBIT excludes the aforementioned adjustments while maintaining the 
impact of depreciation and amortization on our financial results. We include EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and 
Adjusted EBIT in this report because they are important financial measures used by our management, board of 
directors and lenders to assess our operating performance. See “Item 7—Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations—How We Assess the Performance of Our Business—EBITDA, 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT” for more information about management’s use of these measures and why 
we consider them to be important. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT should not be considered in 
isolation or as alternatives to net income or any other measure of financial performance calculated and presented in 
accordance with GAAP. Given that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT are measures not deemed to be 
in accordance with GAAP and are susceptible to varying calculations, our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and 
Adjusted EBIT may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, including companies in our 
industry, because other companies may calculate EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT in a different 
manner than we calculate these measures. The following table presents a reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted 

37 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
    
 
  
 
 
 
 
EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT to our net income, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and 
presented in accordance with GAAP, for each of the periods indicated: 

(in thousands) 
EBITDA Reconciliation (Unaudited): 
Net income 

Income tax expense 
Interest expense, net 
Depreciation and intangible asset amortization 

EBITDA 

Non-cash stock-based compensation(a) 
Non-cash accrual for future award redemptions(b) 
Acquisition-related expenses(c) 
Acquisition-related integration costs(d) 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment(e) 
Loss on disposal of assets and contract termination 
costs(f) 
Store impairment charge(g) 
Secondary offering costs(h) 
Other due diligence expenses(i) 

Adjusted EBITDA 

Depreciation and intangible asset amortization 

Adjusted EBIT 

Fiscal Year Ended(1) 

April 1,   March 26,    March 28,    March 29,    March 30,  

2017 

2016 

2015 

2014 

2013 

$ 14,197   $ 
  8,922  
   14,699  
   16,710  
   54,528  
  3,023  
  85  
  —  
  —  
  —  

  9,868   $  13,730   $ 
  7,443  
   12,923  
   14,016  
   44,250  
  2,881  
  4  
  891  
   10,338  
  (500) 

  8,466  
   13,291  
  9,207  
   44,694  
  2,048  
  (49) 
  —  
  —  
  —  

  5,660  $ 
  3,321 
   11,594 
  8,129 
   28,704 
  1,291 
  591 
  671 
  6,167 
  867 

  680 
  826 
  7,415 
  5,588 
     14,509 
  787 
  219 
  1,138 
  2,061 
  9,199 

  1,373  
  —  
  317  
  —  

  367  
  1,164  
  —  
  —  

  322 
  — 
  — 
  698  
$ 59,167   $  59,554   $  48,232   $  40,271  $    28,933 
     (5,588) 
  (16,710) 
     (9,207) 
$ 42,457   $  45,538   $  39,025   $  32,142  $    23,345  

  1,980 
  — 
  — 
  — 

  134  
  —  
  541  
  864  

  (14,016) 

     (8,129)

(a)  Represents non-cash compensation expenses related to stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock 

units granted to certain of our employees and directors. 

(b)  Represents the non-cash accrual for future award redemptions in connection with our customer loyalty program. 

(c)  Includes direct costs and fees related to the acquisitions of RCC, Baskins and Sheplers, which we acquired in 

August 2012, May 2013 and June 2015, respectively. 

(d)  Represents certain store integration, remerchandising, inventory obsolescence and corporate consolidation costs 

incurred in connection with the integration of RCC, Baskins and Sheplers, which we acquired in August 2012, May 
2013 and June 2015, respectively. Fiscal 2016 includes an adjustment to normalize the gross margin impact of sales 
of discontinued inventory from Sheplers, which was sold at a discount or written off. The adjustment assumes such 
inventory was sold at Sheplers’ normalized margin rate.   

(e)  Represents the amortization of purchase-accounting adjustments that adjusted the value of inventory acquired to its 

fair value. 

(f)  Represents loss on disposal of assets and contract termination costs from store closures and unused office and 

warehouse space. 

(g)  Represents the store impairment charge recorded at three stores in order to reduce the carrying amount of the assets 

to their estimated fair values. 

(h)  Represents professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with a Form S-1 Registration Statement filed in 

July 2015 and withdrawn in November 2015, and a secondary offering conducted in February 2015. 

38 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
(i)  Represents professional fees and expenses incurred in connection with a prior due diligence process of Sheplers. 

(5)  Average net sales per store are calculated by dividing net sales for the applicable period by the number of stores 

operating at the end of the period. For the purpose of calculating net sales per store, e-commerce sales and certain 
other revenues are excluded from net sales. 

(6)  Working capital is calculated as current assets, excluding cash and cash equivalents, minus current liabilities, 

excluding the current portion of debt under our credit facilities.   

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the 
accompanying notes included elsewhere in this annual report, as well as the information presented under “Selected 
Consolidated Financial Data”. The statements in the following discussion and analysis regarding expectations about 
our future performance, liquidity and capital resources and any other non-historical statements in this discussion and 
analysis are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and 
uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” 
elsewhere in this annual report. Our actual results could differ materially from those contained in or implied by any 
forward-looking statements. 

Overview 

We are the largest lifestyle retail chain devoted to western and work-related footwear, apparel and accessories 

in the U.S. As of April 1, 2017, we operated 219 stores in 31 states, as well as an e-commerce channel, consisting of 
www.bootbarn.com, www.sheplers.com and www.countryoutfitter.com. Our stores feature a comprehensive assortment 
of brands and styles, coupled with attentive, knowledgeable store associates. Our product offering is anchored by an 
extensive selection of western and work boots and is complemented by a wide assortment of coordinating apparel and 
accessories. Many of the items that we offer are basics or necessities for our customers’ daily lives and typically 
represent enduring styles that are not meaningfully impacted by changing fashion trends. 

We strive to offer an authentic, one-stop shopping experience that fulfills the everyday lifestyle needs of our 
customers, and as a result, many of our customers make purchases in both the western and work wear sections of our 
stores. We target a broad and growing demographic, ranging from passionate western and country enthusiasts, to 
workers seeking dependable, high-quality footwear and clothing. Our broad geographic footprint, which comprises 
approximately three times as many stores as our nearest direct competitor that sells primarily western and work wear, 
provides us with significant economies of scale, enhanced supplier relationships, the ability to recruit and retain high 
quality store associates and the ability to reinvest in our business at levels that we believe exceed those of our 
competition. 

For a discussion of factors that affect the comparability of our results of operations, see “Item 1—Business—

Recent Acquisitions and Corporate Transactions.” 

Growth Strategies and Outlook 

We plan to continue to expand our business, increase our sales growth and profitability and enhance our 

competitive position by executing the following strategies: 

• 

• 

• 

continuing omni-channel leadership; 

driving same store sales growth; 

building our private brand portfolio; 

39 

• 

• 

• 

expanding our store base; 

enhancing brand awareness; and 

increasing profitability. 

Since the founding of Boot Barn in 1978, we have grown both organically and through successful strategic 
acquisitions of competing chains. We have rebranded and remerchandised the acquired chains under the Boot Barn 
banner, resulting in sales increases over their original concepts. We believe that our business model and scale provide us 
with competitive advantages that have contributed to our consistent financial performance, generating sufficient cash 
flow to support national growth. 

How We Assess the Performance of Our Business 

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The 

key indicators we use to evaluate the financial condition and operating performance of our business are net sales and 
gross profit. In addition, we also review other important metrics, such as same store sales, new store openings, selling, 
general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT. See “Item 6, Selected 
Consolidated Financial Data” for our definition of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT, and for a 
reconciliation of our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT to net income, the most directly comparable 
financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. See “EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted 
EBIT” below for further discussion of why we present EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT.   

Net sales 

Net sales reflect revenue from the sale of our merchandise at retail locations, as well as sales of merchandise 

through our e-commerce websites. We recognize revenue upon the purchase of merchandise by customers at our stores 
and upon delivery of the product in the case of our e-commerce websites. Net sales also include shipping and handling 
fees for e-commerce shipments that have been delivered to our customers. Net sales are net of returns on sales during the 
period as well as an estimate of returns and award redemptions expected in the future stemming from current period 
sales. Revenue from the sale of gift cards is deferred until the gift cards are used to purchase merchandise. 

Our business is moderately seasonal and as a result our revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter. In addition, 
our revenues in any given quarter can be affected by a number of factors including the timing of holidays and weather 
patterns. The third quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the Christmas shopping season, has historically produced 
higher sales and disproportionately higher operating results than the other quarters of our fiscal year. In addition, neither 
the western nor the work component of our business has been meaningfully impacted by fashion trends or seasonality 
historically. We believe that many of our customers are driven primarily by utility and brand, and our best-selling styles. 

Same store sales 

The term “same store sales” generally refers to net sales from stores that have been open at least 13 full fiscal 

months as of the end of the current reporting period, although we include or exclude stores from our calculation of same 
store sales in accordance with the following additional criteria: 

• 

• 

• 

stores that are closed for five or fewer days in any fiscal month are included in same store sales; 

stores that are closed temporarily, but for more than five days in any fiscal month, are excluded from same 
store sales beginning in the fiscal month in which the temporary closure begins until the first full month of 
operation once the store re-opens; 

stores that are closed temporarily and relocated within their respective trade areas are included in same 
store sales; 

40 

• 

• 

stores that are permanently closed are excluded from same store sales beginning in the month preceding 
closure; and 

acquired stores are added to same store sales beginning on the later of (a) the first day of the first fiscal 
month following its applicable acquisition date and (b) the first day of the first fiscal month after the store 
has been open for at least 13 full fiscal months regardless of whether the store has been operated under our 
management or predecessor management. 

If the criteria described above are met, then all net sales of an acquired store, excluding those net sales before 
our acquisition of that store, are included for the period presented. However, when an acquired store is included for the 
period presented, the net sales of such acquired store for periods before its acquisition are included (to the extent 
relevant) for purposes of calculating “same stores sales growth” and illustrating the comparison between the applicable 
periods. Pre-acquisition net sales numbers are derived from the books and records of the acquired company, as prepared 
prior to the acquisition, and have not been independently verified by us. 

In addition to retail store sales, same store sales also includes e-commerce sales, e-commerce shipping and 

handling revenue and actual retail store or e-commerce sales returns. We exclude gift card escheatment, provision for 
sales returns and future loyalty award redemptions from sales in our calculation of net sales per store. Sales as a result of 
an asset acquisition, such as Country Outfitter, will be excluded from same-store sales until the 13th full fiscal month 
subsequent to the Company’s acquisition of such assets.   

Measuring the change in year-over-year same store sales allows us to evaluate how our store base is performing. 

Numerous factors affect our same store sales, including: 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

national and regional economic trends; 

our ability to identify and respond effectively to regional consumer preferences; 

changes in our product mix; 

changes in pricing; 

competition; 

changes in the timing of promotional and advertising efforts; 

holidays or seasonal periods; and 

•  weather. 

Opening new stores is an important part of our growth strategy. We opened 12, 22 and 18 new stores in fiscal 
2017, 2016 and 2015, and acquired 0, 25 and 0 stores in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. We also closed one 
Boot Barn store, two Boot Barn stores and six Sheplers stores, and one Boot Barn store in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively. We anticipate that a percentage of our net sales in the near future will come from stores not included in our 
same store sales calculation. Accordingly, same store sales are only one measure we use to assess the success of our 
business and growth strategy. Some of our competitors and other retailers may calculate “same” or “comparable” store 
sales differently than we do. As a result, data in this annual report regarding our same store sales may not be comparable 
to similar data made available by other retailers. 

New store openings 

New store openings reflect the number of stores, excluding acquired stores, that are opened during a particular 
reporting period. In connection with opening new stores, we incur pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs consist of costs 

41 

incurred prior to opening a new store and primarily consist of manager and other employee payroll, travel and training 
costs, marketing expenses, initial opening supplies and costs of transporting initial inventory and certain fixtures to store 
locations, as well as occupancy costs incurred from the time that we take possession of a store site to the opening of that 
store. Occupancy costs are included in cost of goods sold and the other pre-opening costs are included in SG&A 
expenses. All of these costs are expensed as incurred. 

New stores often open with a period of high sales levels, which subsequently decrease to normalized sales 

volumes. In addition, we experience typical inefficiencies in the form of higher labor, advertising and other direct 
operating expenses, and as a result, store-level profit margins at our new stores are generally lower during the start-up 
period of operation. The number and timing of store openings has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant 
impact on our results of operations. In assessing the performance of a new store, we review its actual sales against the 
sales that we projected that store to achieve at the time we initially approved its opening. We also review the actual 
number of stores opened in a fiscal year against the number of store openings that we included in our budget at the 
beginning of that fiscal year. 

Gross profit 

Gross profit is equal to our net sales less our cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes the cost of 
merchandise, obsolescence and shrinkage provisions, store and warehouse occupancy costs (including rent, depreciation 
and utilities), inbound and outbound freight, supplier allowances, occupancy-related taxes, compensation costs for 
merchandise purchasing and warehouse personnel, and other inventory acquisition-related costs. These costs are 
significant and can be expected to continue to increase as we grow. The components of our reported cost of goods sold 
may not be comparable to those of other retail companies, including our competitors. 

Our gross profit generally follows changes in net sales. We regularly analyze the components of gross profit, as 

well as gross profit as a percentage of net sales. Specifically, we examine the initial markup on purchases, markdowns 
and reserves, shrinkage, buying costs, distribution costs and occupancy costs. Any inability to obtain acceptable levels of 
initial markups, or a significant increase in our use of markdowns or in inventory shrinkage, or a significant increase in 
freight and other inventory acquisition costs could have an adverse impact on our gross profit and results of operations. 

Gross profit is also impacted by shifts in the proportion of sales of our private brand products compared to 

third-party brand products, as well as by sales mix shifts within and between brands and between major product 
categories such as footwear, apparel or accessories. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses 

Our selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses are composed of labor and related expenses, other 
operating expenses, and general and administrative expenses not included in cost of goods sold. Specifically, our SG&A 
expenses include the following: 

•  Labor and related expenses—Labor and related expenses include all store-level salaries and hourly labor 
costs, including salaries, wages, benefits and performance incentives, labor taxes and other indirect labor 
costs. 

•  Other operating expenses—Other operating expenses include all operating costs, including those for 

advertising, pay-per-click, marketing campaigns, operating supplies, utilities, and repairs and maintenance, 
as well as credit card fees and costs of third-party services. 

•  General and administrative expenses—General and administrative expenses comprise expenses associated 
with corporate and administrative functions that support the development and operations of our stores, 
including compensation and benefits, travel expenses, corporate occupancy costs, stock compensation 
costs, legal and professional fees, insurance and other related corporate costs. 

42 

The components of our SG&A expenses may not be comparable to those of our competitors and other retailers. 

We expect our selling, general and administrative expenses will increase in future periods as a result of incremental 
share-based compensation, legal, accounting and other compliance-related expenses and increases resulting from growth 
in the number of our stores. 

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT 

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT are important financial measures used by our management, 
board of directors and lenders to assess our operating performance. We use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted 
EBIT as key performance measures because we believe that they facilitate operating performance comparisons from 
period to period by excluding potential differences primarily caused by the impact of variations from period to period in 
tax positions, interest expense and depreciation and amortization, as well as, in the case of Adjusted EBITDA, excluding 
certain non-cash expenses, such as stock-based compensation and the non-cash accrual for future award redemptions, 
and other costs and expenses that are not directly related to our operations, including acquisition-related expenses, 
acquisition-related integration costs, amortization of inventory fair value adjustment, loss on disposal of assets and 
contract termination costs, store impairment charges, secondary offering costs, and other due diligence expenses. Similar 
to Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBIT excludes the aforementioned adjustments while maintaining the impact of 
depreciation and amortization on our financial results. See “Item 6, Selected Consolidated Financial Data” for a 
reconciliation of our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT to net income, the most directly comparable 
financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Because EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and 
Adjusted EBIT facilitate internal comparisons of our historical operating performance on a more consistent basis, we 
also use EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT for business planning purposes, in calculating covenant 
compliance for our credit facilities, in determining incentive compensation for members of our management and in 
evaluating acquisition opportunities. In addition, we believe that EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT and 
similar measures are widely used by investors, securities analysts, ratings agencies and other parties in evaluating 
companies in our industry as a measure of financial performance and debt-service capabilities. Given that EBITDA, 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT are measures not deemed to be in accordance with GAAP and are susceptible to 
varying calculations, our EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT may not be comparable to similarly titled 
measures of other companies, including companies in our industry, because other companies may calculate EBITDA, 
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBIT in a different manner than we calculate these measures. 

Fiscal Year 

We operate on a fiscal calendar which results in a 52- or 53-week fiscal year ending on the Saturday closest to 

March 31 unless April 1st is a Saturday, in which case the fiscal year ends on April 1st. In a 52-week fiscal year, each 
quarter includes thirteen weeks of operations; in a 53-week fiscal year, the first, second and third quarters each include 
thirteen weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes fourteen weeks of operations. For ease of reference, we 
identify our fiscal years by reference to the calendar year in which the fiscal year ends. 

Events Impacting Future Results 

During the fourth quarter, we completed the migration of sheplers.com to our upgraded e-commerce platform. 
This migration resulted in a disruption in sales at sheplers.com arising from the transition of the e-commerce site to the 
new software platform. Although we are working to improve the site performance and return sheplers.com to positive 
growth, this disruption could potentially impact our future results of operations.   

Results of Operations 

The following table summarizes key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated, both in 
dollars and as a percentage of our net sales. The following discussion contains references to fiscal 2017, fiscal 2016 and 
fiscal 2015, which represent our fiscal years ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016 and March 28, 2015. Fiscal 2017 was 

43 

a 53-week period and fiscal 2016 and 2015 were each 52-week periods. The data includes the activity of Sheplers from 
June 2015, the date of acquisition. 

(dollars in thousands) 

Consolidated Statements of Operations Data: 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment 
Total cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Acquisition-related expenses 
Total operating expenses 
Income from operations 
Interest expense, net 
Other income, net 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net income 

Percentage of Net Sales(1): 
Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment 
Total cost of goods sold 
Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Acquisition-related expenses 
Total operating expenses 
Income from operations 
Interest expense, net 
Other income, net 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net income 

(1)  Percentages may not total 100% due to rounding. 

Fiscal 2017 compared to Fiscal 2016 

Fiscal Year Ended 

April 1, 
2017 

      March 26, 

      March 28, 

2016 

2015 

  $    629,816  
     439,930  
  —  
     439,930  
     189,886  

     152,068  
  —  
     152,068  
  37,818  
  14,699  
  —  
  23,119  
  8,922  
  14,197  

  $ 

$    569,020  
     396,317  
  (500) 
     395,817  
     173,203  

     142,078  
  891  
     142,969  
  30,234  
  12,923  
  —  
  17,311  
  7,443  
  9,868  

$ 

$    402,684  
     267,907  
  —  
     267,907  
     134,777  

  99,341  
  —  
  99,341  
  35,436  
  13,291  
  51  
  22,196  
  8,466  
  13,730  

$ 

  100.0 %   
  69.9 %   
  — %   
  69.9 %   
  30.1 %   

  24.1 %   
  — %   
  24.1 %   
  6.0 %   
  2.3 %   
  — %   
  3.7 %   
  1.4 %   
  2.3 %   

  100.0 %   
  69.6 %   
  (0.1)%   
  69.6 %   
  30.4 %   
  —  
  25.0 %   
  0.2 %   
  25.1 %   
  5.3 %   
  2.3 %   
  — %   
  3.0 %   
  1.3 %   
  1.7 %   

  100.0 %   
  66.5 %   
  — %   
  66.5 %   
  33.5 %   
  —  
  24.7 %   
  — %   
  24.7 %   
  8.8 %   
  3.3 %   
  — %   
  5.5 %   
  2.1 %   
  3.4 %   

Net sales. Net sales in fiscal 2017 increased by $60.8 million, or 10.7%, to $629.8 million compared to 

$569.0 million in fiscal 2016. Net sales increased due to 12 months of sales contributions from Sheplers (compared to 
nine months in the prior-year period), additional sales from the 53rd week, the opening of 12 new stores in fiscal 2017 
and a 0.3% increase in consolidated same store sales. This consolidated same store sales growth was partially offset by 
the closure of one store over the last twelve months.   

Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $16.7 million, or 9.6%, to $189.9 million in fiscal 2017 from 
$173.2 million in fiscal 2016. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 30.2% and 30.4% for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 
2016, respectively. The gross profit increase was a result of 12 months of sales contributions from Sheplers in fiscal 

44 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
     
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
2017, additional sales from the 53rd week, and the opening of 12 new stores. Additionally contributing to the increase are 
acquisition-related integration costs of $4.8 million incurred in the prior-year period that were not incurred in fiscal 
2017. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. SG&A expenses increased by $10.0 million, or 7.0%, to 

$152.1 million in fiscal 2017 from $142.1 million in fiscal 2016. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 
24.1% for fiscal 2017 compared to 25.0% for fiscal 2016. The increase in SG&A expense was primarily related to twelve 
months of Sheplers operations versus nine months in the prior-year period and increases in operations required to support 
higher sales volume. The decrease in rate is primarily due to acquisition-related expenses and integration costs, loss on 
disposal of assets, and SEC filing costs incurred in fiscal 2016 that were not incurred in fiscal 2017, partially offset by 
store impairment charges of $1.2 million incurred in fiscal 2017.   

Income from operations. Income from operations increased $7.6 million, or 25.1%, to $37.8 million for the 
fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 from $30.2 million for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016. As a percentage of net 
sales, income from operations was 6.0% and 5.3% for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. The change in income 
from operations was attributable to the factors noted above. 

Interest expense. Interest expense, net, increased by $1.8 million, or 13.7%, to $14.7 million in fiscal 2017 from 

$12.9 million in fiscal 2016. The increase in interest expense, net was primarily the result of twelve months of higher 
outstanding debt and interest rates associated with the refinanced debt associated with the Sheplers Acquisition as 
compared to nine months in fiscal 2016, partially offset by a $1.4 million write-off of debt issuance costs and debt 
discount incurred in the prior year period. 

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $8.9 million in fiscal 2017 compared to $7.4 million in fiscal 
2016. The increase in our income tax expense is primarily attributable to the $5.8 million increase in income before 
income taxes for fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016. Our effective tax rate was 38.6% and 43.0% for fiscal 2017 and 
fiscal 2016, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 was due to discrete items 
related to non-deductible Sheplers’ acquisition costs and increases in the blended state tax rate for fiscal 2016 that did 
not occur in fiscal 2017.   

Net income. Net income increased to $14.2 million in fiscal 2017 from net income of $9.9 million in fiscal 

2016. The change in net income was attributable to the factors noted above. 

Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.4 million, or 0.7%, to $59.2 million for fiscal 2017 from 

$59.6 million for fiscal 2016. The decrease was primarily a result of the year-over-year decline in gross profit when 
adjusting the prior-period gross profit for acquisition-related integration costs of $4.8 million.   

Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015 

Net sales. Net sales in fiscal 2016 increased by $166.3 million, or 41.3%, to $569.0 million compared to 
$402.7 million in fiscal 2015. The increase in net sales was the result of contributions from recently acquired Sheplers of 
$126.9 million and 22 new stores opened during fiscal 2016, partially offset by closures of six Sheplers stores and two 
Boot Barn stores. Consolidated same store sales during the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 declined 0.1%, driven by 
the softening of local economies dependent on oil and other commodities and unseasonably warm weather.   

Gross profit. Gross profit increased by $38.4 million, or 28.5%, to $173.2 million in fiscal 2016 from 
$134.8 million in fiscal 2015. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit was 30.5% and 33.5% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 
2015, respectively. The gross profit increase was a result of the addition of the Sheplers’ business and the opening of 22 
new stores. Gross profit rate was lower primarily due to the addition of the lower margin Sheplers’ business, and an 
increase in acquisition-related integration costs of $4.8 million. The acquisition-related integration costs represent certain 
store integration, remerchandising, inventory obsolescence and corporate consolidation costs incurred in connection with 
the integration of Sheplers.   

45 

Selling, general and administrative expenses. SG&A expenses increased by $42.7 million, or 43.0%, to 

$142.1 million in fiscal 2016 from $99.3 million in fiscal 2015. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A expenses were 
25.0% for fiscal 2016 compared to 24.7% for fiscal 2015. The increase in SG&A expenses was primarily due to store-
related costs, acquisition-related integration costs of $5.5 million from the integration of Sheplers, loss on disposal of 
assets of $0.9 million and public company costs of $1.5 million.   

Acquisition-related expenses.    Acquisition-related expenses for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 were $0.9 

million, which relate to the Sheplers Acquisition. We did not incur any acquisition-related expenses in fiscal 2015. See 
Note 3, “Business Combinations”, to our audited financial statements included in this Annual Report, for further 
discussion of the Sheplers Acquisition.   

Income from operations.    Income from operations decreased $5.2 million, or 14.7%, to $30.2 million for the 
fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 from $35.4 million for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2015. As a percentage of net 
sales, income from operations was 5.3% and 8.8% for fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, respectively. The change in income 
from operations was attributable to the factors noted above.   

Interest expense. Interest expense, net decreased by $0.4 million, or 2.8%, to $12.9 million in fiscal 2016 from 

$13.3 million in fiscal 2015. The decrease in interest expense, net was primarily due to additional interest expense 
incurred in fiscal 2015 related to a higher interest rate, pre-payment penalties and accelerated amortization of deferred 
loan fees in connection with the $81.9 million paydown of a loan from Golub Capital LLC in the prior year, offset by a 
higher debt balance in fiscal 2016.   

Income tax expense. Income tax expense was $7.4 million in fiscal 2016 compared to $8.5 million in fiscal 
2015. The decrease in our income tax expense is primarily attributable to the $4.9 million decrease in income before 
income taxes for fiscal 2016 as compared to fiscal 2015. Our effective tax rate was 43.0% and 38.1% for fiscal 2016 and 
fiscal 2015, respectively. The higher effective tax rate for fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 was due to discrete items 
related to non-deductible Sheplers’ acquisition costs and increases in the blended state tax rate for fiscal 2016 and 
discrete items that decreased taxes for fiscal 2015.   

Net income. Net income decreased to $9.9 million in fiscal 2016 from net income of $13.7 million in fiscal 

2015. The change in net income was attributable to the factors noted above.   

Adjusted EBITDA.    Adjusted EBITDA increased $11.3 million, or 23.5%, to $59.6 million for fiscal 2016 from 
$48.2 million for fiscal 2015. The increase was primarily a result of the additional Adjusted EBITDA contributions from 
the acquired Sheplers business and 22 new stores that opened during fiscal 2016. These increases were partially offset by 
additions to SG&A required to support the expanded business operations and increased costs associated with being a 
public company.   

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

We rely on cash flows from operating activities and our credit facility as our primary sources of liquidity. Our 
primary cash needs are for inventories, operating expenses, capital expenditures associated with opening new stores and 
remodeling or refurbishing existing stores, improvements to our distribution facilities, marketing and information 
technology expenditures, debt service and taxes. We have also used cash for acquisitions, the subsequent rebranding and 
integration of the stores acquired in those acquisitions and costs to consolidate the corporate offices. In addition to cash 
and cash equivalents, the most significant components of our working capital are accounts receivable, inventories, 
accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities. We believe that cash flows from operating activities 
and the availability of cash under our credit facilities or other financing arrangements will be sufficient to cover working 
capital requirements, anticipated capital expenditures and other anticipated cash needs for at least the next 12 months. 

Our liquidity is moderately seasonal. Our cash requirements generally increase in our third fiscal quarter as we 
incur additional marketing expenses and increase our inventory in advance of the Christmas shopping season. Our cash 
flows from operations increased in fiscal 2017, primarily as a result of a decrease in inventory purchases and a $4.3 
million increase in net income in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016.   

46 

Although we did not have any material capital expenditure commitments as of the end of fiscal 2017, we are 
planning to continue to open new stores, remodel and refurbish our existing stores, and make improvements to our e-
commerce and information technology infrastructure, which will result in increased capital expenditures. We estimate 
that our capital expenditures in fiscal 2018 will be between $15 million to $17.0 million, net of landlord tenant 
allowances, and we anticipate that we will use cash flows from operations to fund these expenditures.   

Prior Credit Facilities 

Revolving Credit Facility (PNC Bank, N.A.)   

On December 11, 2011, we obtained a collateral-based revolving line of credit with PNC Bank, N.A. (the “PNC 

Line of Credit”), which we amended on August 31, 2012 and May 31, 2013. The PNC Line of Credit included a 
$5.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. On April 15, 2014, we amended the PNC Line of Credit to increase the 
borrowing capacity from $60.0 million to up to $70.0 million. The available borrowing under the PNC Line of Credit 
was based on the collective value of eligible inventory and credit card receivables multiplied by specific advance rates. 
Total interest expense incurred on the PNC Line of Credit for fiscal 2015 was $2.6 million. On February 23, 2015, the 
proceeds from the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility were used to pay the entire $50.8 million outstanding 
balance of the PNC Line of Credit.   

Term Loan Due May 2019 (Golub Capital LLC)   

We entered into a loan and security agreement with Golub Capital LLC on May 31, 2013, as amended by the first 
amendment to the term loan and security agreement dated September 23, 2013 (the “2013 Golub Loan”). On April 14, 
2014, we entered into an amended and restated term loan and security agreement for the 2013 Golub Loan. The amended 
and restated loan and security agreement increased the borrowings on the 2013 Golub Loan from $99.2 million to 
$130.0 million, with the proceeds used to fund a portion of the $41.3 million dividend to stockholders and cash payment 
to holders of vested options that was paid in April 2014. See Note 9, “Stock-Based Compensation” to our audited 
financial statements included in this Annual Report. On November 5, 2014, we amended the 2013 Golub Loan to reduce 
the applicable LIBOR Floor from 1.25% to 1.00% which changed the current interest rate from 7.00% to 6.75%. Total 
interest expense incurred on the 2013 Golub Loan for fiscal 2015 was $6.8 million.   

On November 5, 2014, we used $81.9 million of the net proceeds from the IPO to repay a portion of the principal 
balance on the 2013 Golub Loan. We incurred a pre-payment penalty of $0.6 million and accelerated amortization of 
debt issuance costs of $1.7 million, which was recorded to interest expense in fiscal 2015.   

On February 23, 2015, proceeds from the credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“February 2015 Wells Fargo 

Credit Facility”) were used to pay the entire $47.3 million outstanding balance of the 2013 Golub Loan. We incurred 
prepayment penalties of $1.1 million to the lenders under our prior credit facilities. Total debt issuance costs from the 
PNC Line of Credit and the 2013 Golub Loan of $1.4 million were written off to interest expense in fiscal 2015.   

$150 Million Credit Facility (Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.)   

On February 23, 2015, we and Boot Barn, Inc., our wholly-owned primary operating subsidiary, entered into the 

February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility, which consisted of a $75.0 million revolving credit facility, including a 
$5.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit, and a $75.0 million term loan, and also provided us with the ability to incur 
additional incremental term loans of up to $50.0 million, provided that certain conditions are met, including compliance 
with certain covenants. On June 29, 2015, we repaid all outstanding borrowings under the February 2015 Wells Fargo 
Credit Facility and terminated such facility in connection with the refinancing discussed below.   

Total interest expense incurred in fiscal 2016 on the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility was $0.8 million.   

Current Credit Facility 

June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and Golub Term Loan   

47 

   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
 
On June 29, 2015, we, as guarantor, and our wholly-owned primary operating subsidiary, Boot Barn, Inc., 

refinanced our $150 million February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility with the $125 million syndicated senior secured 
asset-based revolving credit facility for which Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver”), is agent, and the $200 million syndicated senior secured term loan for which GCI Capital Markets LLC 
(“2015 Golub Term Loan”) is agent. The borrowing base of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver is calculated on a 
monthly basis and is based on the amount of eligible credit card receivables, commercial accounts, inventory, and 
available reserves. Borrowings under the credit agreements were initially used to pay costs and expenses related to the 
Sheplers Acquisition and the closing of such credit agreements, and may be used for working capital and other general 
corporate purposes.   

Borrowings under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, either 

(i) the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans, or (ii) the base rate plus 
an applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the highest of (a) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, 
(b) the Wells Fargo prime rate and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable margin is calculated based on a 
pricing grid that in each case is linked to quarterly average excess availability. For LIBOR Loans, the applicable margin 
ranges from 1.00% to 1.25%, and for base rate loans it ranges from 0.00% to 0.25%. We also pay a commitment fee of 
0.25% per annum of the actual daily amount of the unutilized revolving loans. The interest on the June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver is payable in quarterly installments ending on June 29, 2020, the maturity date as of April 1, 2017. On May 26, 
2017, the Company entered into an amendment to the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver (the “2017 Wells Amendment”), 
increasing the aggregate revolving credit facility to $135.0 million and extending the maturity date to the earlier of May 
26, 2022 or 90 days prior to the maturity of the 2015 Golub Term Loan, which is currently scheduled to mature on June 
29, 2021. The amount outstanding under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 
was $33.3 million and $48.8 million, respectively. Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 
on the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver was $1.5 million and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended 
April 1, 2017 was 1.9%. Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 on the June 2015 Wells 
Fargo Revolver was $0.9 million, and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 was 
1.7%. 

Borrowings under the 2015 Golub Term Loan bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at our option, either (a) 
LIBOR plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%, or (b) the base rate plus an applicable 
margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the greater of (i) the higher of (x) the prime rate and (y) the 
federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (ii) the sum of one-month LIBOR plus 1.00%. The applicable margin is 4.5% for 
LIBOR Loans and 3.5% for base rate loans. The principal and interest on the 2015 Golub Term Loan is payable in 
quarterly installments ending on the maturity date of the term loan, June 29, 2021. Quarterly principal payments of 
$500,000 are due each quarter. Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 on the 2015 Golub 
Term Loan was $11.2 million and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 was 5.5%. 
Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 on the 2015 Golub Term Loan was $8.3 million, 
and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 was 5.5%. 

All obligations under each of the 2015 Golub Term Loan and the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver are 

unconditionally guaranteed by us and each of our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (other than certain immaterial 
subsidiaries) which are not named as borrowers under the 2015 Golub Term Loan or the June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver, as applicable.   

The priority with respect to collateral under each of the 2015 Golub Term Loan and the June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver is subject to the terms of an intercreditor agreement among the lenders under the 2015 Golub Term Loan and 
the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver.   

Each of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan contains customary provisions relating 

to mandatory prepayments, restricted payments, voluntary payments, affirmative and negative covenants, and events of 
default. In addition, the terms of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver require the Company to maintain, on a 
consolidated basis, a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.00:1.00 during such times as a covenant 
trigger event shall exist. The terms of the 2015 Golub Term Loan require the Company to maintain, on a consolidated 

48 

   
   
   
   
   
   
basis, a maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of April 1, 2017 of 4.25:1.00. On May 26, 2017, the 
Company entered into an amendment to the 2015 Golub Term Loan (the “2017 Golub Amendment”). The 2017 Golub 
Amendment changes the maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio requirements to 4.75:1.00 as of July 1, 2017, 
stepping down to 4.50:1.00 as of December 30, 2017 and 4.00:1.00 as of December 29, 2018 and for all subsequent 
periods. The June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and 2015 Golub Term Loan also require the Company to pay additional 
interest of 2.0% per annum upon triggering certain specified events of default set forth therein. For financial accounting 
purposes, the requirement for the Company to pay a higher interest rate upon an event of default is an embedded 
derivative. As of April 1, 2017, the fair value of these embedded derivatives was estimated and was not significant. 

As of April 1, 2017, we were in compliance with the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term 

Loan covenants. 

Cash Position and Cash Flow 

Cash and cash equivalents were $8.0 million as of April 1, 2017 compared to $7.2 million as of March 26, 

2016. 

The following table presents summary cash flow information for the periods indicated: 

April 1, 
2017 

Fiscal Year Ended 
     March 26, 

      March 28, 

2016 
(In thousands) 

2015 

Net cash provided by/(used in): 

Operating activities 
Investing activities 
Financing activities 

Net increase in cash 

Operating activities 

$    41,151   $ 
     (23,598) 
     (16,713) 

  $ 

  840   $ 

     (182,668) 
  155,486  

  32,929   $    11,508  
     (14,074) 
  2,896  
  330  

  5,747   $ 

Cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash items including 

depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation, plus the effect on cash of changes during the year in our assets 
and liabilities. 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $41.2 million for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017. The 
significant components of cash flows provided by operating activities were net income of $14.2 million, the add-back of 
non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $16.7 million, stock-based compensation expense of $3.0 million, 
and amortization and write-off of debt issuance fees and debt discount of $1.1 million. Other liabilities, accounts payable 
and accrued expenses and other current liabilities increased by $15.2 million due to the timing of payments. The above 
was partially offset by an increase in inventories of $12.8 million due to the growth of the company and an increase in 
prepaid expenses and other current assets of $3.8 million due to the timing of payments. 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $32.9 million for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016. The 

significant components of cash flows provided by operating activities were net income of $9.9 million, the add-back of 
non-cash depreciation and amortization expense of $14.0 million, stock-based compensation expense of $2.9 million, 
amortization and write-off of debt issuance fees and debt discount of $2.3 million and the excess tax benefit related to 
the exercise of stock options of $3.6 million. Accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
increased by $11.9 million due to the timing of payments. Prepaid expenses and other current assets decreased by $7.5 
million primarily due to a decrease in prepaid rent as a result of the timing of rent payments. The above was offset by an 
increase in inventories of $16.1 million due to the growth of the company.   

49 

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
     
 
   
 
   
 
  
  
 
Investing activities 

Cash used in investing activities consists primarily of purchases of property and equipment but also includes 

funds used to effect business combinations and asset acquisitions made by the Company. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $23.6 million for fiscal 2017, which was primarily attributable to 

purchases of property and equipment during the period for $22.3 million and acquisition of Country Outfitter assets for 
$1.3 million. 

Net cash used in investing activities was $182.7 million for fiscal 2016, which was attributable to the Sheplers 

Acquisition, net of cash acquired, for $146.5 million and purchases of property and equipment during the period for 
$36.1 million. 

Financing activities 

Cash provided by financing activities consists primarily of advances and repayments on our term loan and credit 

facility. 

Net cash used in financing activities was $16.7 million for fiscal 2017. We reduced our line of credit 
borrowings by $15.5 million and repaid $2.4 million on our debt and capital lease obligations during the period. We also 
received $1.3 million from the exercise of stock options. 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $155.5 million for fiscal 2016. We increased our loan borrowings 
by $200.9 million and our line of credit borrowings by $32.6 million. We paid $6.5 million of debt issuance fees related 
to these borrowings and repaid $77.9 million on our debt and capital lease obligations during the period. We also 
received $2.7 million from the exercise of stock options, and a $3.6 million excess tax benefit from the exercise of those 
options.   

Other obligations 

Contractual obligations. We enter into long-term contractual obligations and commitments in the normal course 

of business, primarily non-cancelable capital and operating leases. 

As of April 1, 2017, our contractual cash obligations over the next several periods are set forth below. 

(In thousands) 

Total 

Payments Due by Period 
1 - 2 
Years 

Less Than 1 
Year 

3 - 5 
Years 

More Than 
5 Years 

Capital lease and financing transaction obligations 
Operating lease obligations 
Debt and line of credit (1) 
Interest expense on debt (1) 
Total 

  1,273  $    2,603  $ 

  $    13,420  $ 
    187,940 
    229,774 
  48,688 

  3,992  $    5,552  
   33,785  
  —  
  —  
  $   479,822  $   48,807  $   86,454  $   305,224  $   39,337 

    63,507 
   223,774 
    13,951 

  33,845 
  2,000 
  11,689 

  56,803 
  4,000 
  23,048 

(1)  Contractual obligations associated with the Company’s interest expense, debt and line of credit reflect the revised 

maturity date and increase to the aggregate revolving credit facility on the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver as a 
result of the 2017 Wells Amendment discussed above and in Note 8, “Revolving Credit Facilities and Long-Term 
Debt”. 

Capital lease obligations relate to property and equipment leases that expire at various dates through fiscal 

2024. The financing transaction obligation relates to the acquisition of two retail stores, two office buildings, one 
distribution center facility and land as part of the Sheplers Acquisition. The financing transaction lease expires in fiscal 

50 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
        
        
       
        
        
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2028 and includes renewal options and certain default provisions requiring us to perform repairs and maintenance, make 
timely rent payments and insure the buildings and equipment.   

We lease our stores, facilities and certain other equipment under non-cancelable operating leases. These include 

recently acquired operating leases as part of the Sheplers Acquisition, expire at various dates through fiscal 2031, and 
contain various provisions for rental adjustments, including, in certain cases, adjustments based on increases in the 
Consumer Price Index. They also generally contain renewal provisions for varying periods. Our future operating lease 
obligations would change if we were to exercise these renewal provisions or if we were willing to enter into additional 
operating leases.   

Debt consists of $196.5 million outstanding under our 2015 Golub Term Loan and $33.3 million outstanding 

under our June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver as of April 1, 2017. Our 2015 Golub Term Loan provides for regularly 
scheduled principal payments that began on September 25, 2015. Payments with respect to the June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver are due on June 29, 2020.   

Interest expense on debt consists of scheduled interest payments under our 2015 Golub Term Loan and June 

2015 Wells Fargo Revolver. The interest expense relating to our 2015 Golub Term Loan was calculated using a 5.50% 
interest rate applied to the term loan balance of $196.5 million as of April 1, 2017, and a 5.50% interest rate applied to 
the respective balance of the term loan for each period thereafter. The interest expense relating to our June 2015 Wells 
Fargo Revolver was determined using a calculated weighted average interest rate of 2.01% applied to the revolving line 
of credit balance of $33.3 million on April 1, 2017, the last day of the fiscal year.     

Off-balance sheet arrangements. We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, except for operating 

leases and purchase obligations.   

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the appropriate application of certain 
accounting policies, some of which require us to make estimates and assumptions about future events and their impact on 
amounts reported in our financial statements. Since future events and their impact cannot be determined with absolute 
certainty, our actual results will inevitably differ from our estimates. 

We believe that the application of our accounting policies, and the estimates inherently required therein, are 

reasonable. Our accounting policies and estimates are reevaluated on an ongoing basis and adjustments are made when 
facts and circumstances dictate a change. 

The policies and estimates discussed below involve the selection or application of alternative accounting 
policies that are material to our financial statements. With respect to critical accounting policies, even a relatively minor 
variance between actual and expected experience can potentially have a materially favorable or unfavorable impact on 
subsequent results of operations. However, our historical results for the periods presented in our financial statements 
have not been materially impacted by such variances. Our accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 to our 
consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Management has 
discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with our board of directors. 

We have certain accounting policies that require more significant management judgment and estimates than 

others. These include our accounting policies with respect to revenue recognition, inventories, goodwill, intangible and 
long-lived assets, stock-based compensation and income taxes, which are more fully described below. 

Revenue recognition 

Sales are recognized at the time of purchase by customers at our retail store locations. Sales are recorded net of 

taxes collected from customers. For e-commerce sales, revenue is recognized at the estimated time that the customer 
takes title of the merchandise and assumes the risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable is reasonably assured, 
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and the sales price is fixed or determinable, which generally occurs upon 

51 

   
   
   
 
receipt by the customer of the goods. On average, customers receive goods within approximately five days of being 
ordered. The estimate of the transit times for these shipments is based on shipping terms and historical delivery times. 
Shipping and handling fees billed to customers for online sales are included in net sales and the related shipping and 
handling costs are classified as cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations. 

We reserve for projected merchandise returns based upon historical experience and various other assumptions 

that we believe to be reasonable. Customers can return merchandise purchased in-store within 30 days of the original 
purchase date, return merchandise purchased at bootbarn.com and countryoutfitter.com within 60 days of the original 
purchase date, and return Sheplers E-commerce merchandise within 90 days of the original purchase date. Merchandise 
returns are often resalable merchandise and the purchase price is generally refunded by issuing the same tender used in 
the original purchase. Merchandise exchanges of the same product and price are not considered merchandise returns and, 
therefore, are not included in the population when calculating our sales returns reserve. We record the impact of 
adjustments to our sales return reserve quarterly within total net sales. Should the returns rate as a percentage of net sales 
significantly change in future periods, it could have a material impact on our results of operations. 

We maintain a customer loyalty program at the stores and bootbarn.com. Under the program, customers 

accumulate points based on purchase activity. For customers to maintain their active point balance, they must make a 
qualifying purchase of merchandise at least once in a 365-day period. Once a loyalty program member achieves a certain 
point level, the member earns awards that may be redeemed for credits on merchandise purchases. To redeem awards, 
the member must make a qualifying purchase of merchandise within 60 days of the date the award was granted. 
Unredeemed awards and accumulated partial points are accrued as unearned revenue and as an adjustment to net sales. If 
actual redemptions ultimately differ from accrued redemption levels, or if we further modify the terms of the program in 
a way that affects expected redemption value and levels, we could record adjustments to the unearned revenue accrual, 
which would affect net sales. 

We recognize the sales from gift cards, gift certificates and store credits as they are redeemed for merchandise. 

Prior to redemption, we maintain an unearned revenue liability for gift cards, gift certificates and store credits until we 
are released from such liability, including potential obligations arising under state escheatment laws. Our gift cards, gift 
certificates and store credits do not have expiration dates, and unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store credits are 
subject to state escheatment laws. We retain the percentage of the value of such unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates 
and store credits not escheated and recognize these amounts in net sales. 

Inventories 

Inventories, which consist primarily of general consumer merchandise held for sale, are valued at the lower of 
cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method and includes the cost of merchandise and 
import related costs, including freight, duty and agent commissions. 

During each accounting period, we record adjustments to our inventories, which are reflected in cost of goods 
sold, if the cost of specific inventory items on hand exceeds the amount that we expect to realize from the ultimate sale 
or disposal of the inventory. A periodic review of inventory is performed in order to determine if inventory is properly 
stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. This adjustment calculation requires us to make assumptions and 
estimates, which are based on factors such as average selling cycle and seasonality of merchandise, the historical rate at 
which merchandise has sold below cost during the average selling cycle, and the value and nature of merchandise 
currently priced below original cost. A provision is recorded to reduce the cost of inventories to the estimated net 
realizable values, if appropriate. 

To the extent that management’s estimates differ from actual results, additional markdowns may be required 

that could reduce our gross profit, operating income and the carrying value of inventories. 

We also record an inventory shrinkage reserve calculated as a percentage of net sales for estimated merchandise 

losses for the period between the last physical inventory count and the balance sheet date. These estimates are based on 
historical percentages and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in shrinkage trends. We perform 
periodic physical inventory counts for our entire chain of stores and our distribution center and adjust the inventory 

52 

shrinkage reserve accordingly. If actual physical inventory losses differ significantly from the estimate, our results of 
operations could be adversely impacted. The inventory shrinkage reserve reduces the value of total inventory and is a 
component of inventories on the consolidated balance sheets. 

Goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets 

Goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Goodwill is recorded as the difference, if any, between the 
aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair value of the acquired net tangible and intangible assets. 
Intangible assets with indefinite lives include the Boot Barn trademark that was acquired as part of the Recapitalization, 
the Sheplers trademark acquired as part of the Sheplers Acquisition, the cost to register the Boot Barn trademark in Hong 
Kong as part of our Boot Barn International (Hong Kong) Limited subsidiary, and the www.countryoutfitter.com website 
trademark we acquired as part of our asset acquisition in February of fiscal 2017. We test goodwill and indefinite lived 
intangible assets for impairment at least annually on the first day of the fourth quarter or more frequently if indicators of 
impairment exist, in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Goodwill 
and Other. This guidance provides us the option to first assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, 
industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events 
to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (a 
“Step 0” analysis). If, based on a review of qualitative factors it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying value, we perform “Step 1” of the traditional two-step goodwill impairment test by 
comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. 

If we proceed to conduct a two-step goodwill impairment test, the first step of the impairment test involves 

comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. We evaluate the fair value of the reporting unit by 
using market based analysis to review market capitalization and by reviewing a discounted cash flow analysis using 
management’s assumptions. Our entire operations represent one reporting unit. We determine the fair value of our 
reporting unit using the income approach and market approach to valuation, as well as other generally accepted valuation 
methodologies. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, we perform the 
second step of the goodwill impairment test. The second step of the goodwill impairment test involves comparing the 
implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying value of that goodwill. The amount by which the 
carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, will be recognized as an impairment loss. 

Definite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets. Definite-lived intangible assets consist of certain 

trademarks, customer lists, non-compete agreements, and below-market leases. Definite-lived intangible assets are 
recorded at their fair value as of the acquisition date with amortization computed utilizing the straight-line method over 
the assets’ estimated useful lives, with the exception of customer lists, which are amortized based on the estimated 
attrition rate. The period of amortization for non-compete agreements is four to five years, customer lists is three to five 
years, and below-market leases is four to 19 years. 

Long-lived assets consist of leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, software 

and vehicles. Long-lived assets are subject to depreciation and amortization. We assess potential impairment of our 
definite-lived intangible assets and long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 
asset’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered important that could trigger an impairment 
review include a current-period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses and 
a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the use of a long-lived 
asset or asset group. Other factors include a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant 
negative industry or economic trend. This evaluation is performed based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows 
from operating activities compared with the carrying value of the related assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows are 
less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized, measured by the difference between the carrying value 
and the estimated fair value of the assets, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available 
and in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements 
(“ASC 820”). 

53 

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or 
assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our 
estimates and assumptions, our operating results could be adversely affected by additional impairment charges. 

Stock-based compensation 

We account for employee stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units in accordance with 

relevant authoritative literature. Stock options are granted with exercise prices equal to or greater than the market value, 
as reported on the New York Stock Exchange (or on any other national securities exchange on which our common stock 
is then listed) on the date of grant as authorized by our board of directors. Stock options granted have five year vesting 
provisions. Stock option grants are generally subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to vesting. We have 
selected the Black-Scholes option pricing model for estimating the grant date fair value of stock option awards granted. 
We have considered the retirement and forfeiture provisions of the options and utilized the simplified method to estimate 
the expected life of the options. We base the risk-free interest rate on the yield of a zero-coupon U.S. Treasury security 
with a maturity equal to the expected life of the option from the date of the grant. We estimate the volatility of the share 
price of our common stock by considering the historical volatility of the stock of similar public entities. In determining 
the appropriateness of the public entities included in the volatility assumption, we considered a number of factors, 
including the entity’s life cycle stage, growth profile, size, financial leverage and products offered. Stock-based 
compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award, net of estimated forfeitures, and is 
recognized as expense over the requisite service period based on the number of years for which the requisite service is 
expected to be rendered. 

The fair value of our restricted stock awards and restricted stock units is the closing price of our common stock 

on the grant date.   

To estimate the value of our common stock prior to our initial public offering, we utilized a discounted cash 
flow analysis, a market approach of comparable companies in our industry and a comparable acquisitions analysis in 
order to determine our enterprise value. The discounted cash flow method involves cash flow projections that are 
discounted at an appropriate rate. The market approach involves companies in our industry that we determine to be 
comparable. Comparable acquisitions analysis involves analyzing sales of controlling interests in companies that we 
determine are comparable. In conducting this valuation, we also took into consideration recent valuation reports of 
third-party valuation specialists prepared for us, as well as any significant internal and external events occurring 
subsequent to those reports that may have caused the value of our common stock to increase or decrease since the dates 
of those reports. Estimates used in our valuation of share-based compensation are highly complex and subjective. 
Valuations and estimates of our common stock value are no longer necessary since we became a publicly traded 
company, as we now rely on market price to determine the market value of our common stock. 

Income taxes 

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), which 

requires the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are attributable to differences between financial statement and income tax reporting. Deferred tax assets, net of 
any valuation allowances, represent the future tax return consequences of those differences and for operating loss and tax 
credit carryforwards, which will be deductible when the assets are recovered. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a 
valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In 
assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of 
the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the 
generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We 
consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in 
making this assessment. 

We account for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which clarifies the accounting for 
uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. It prescribes a recognition threshold and 
measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be 

54 

taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting 
in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Such changes in recognition or measurement might result in the recognition 
of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period. 

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in 

the accompanying statement of operations. See Note 13 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 
8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our tax disclosures. 

Recent accounting pronouncements   

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued a new 

revenue recognition standard, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts with Customers, that will supersede nearly all 
existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The revenue recognition standard will allow for the recognition of 
revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration 
to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard permits the use of 
either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. On 
August 8, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, and 
permits early adoption as long as the adoption date is not before the original public entity effective date. The standard is 
effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has not yet 
selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated 
financial statements.   

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of 
Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 eliminates the requirement to bifurcate deferred taxes between current 
and non-current on the balance sheet and requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the 
balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and for 
interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments for ASU-2015-17 can be applied retrospectively or 
prospectively and early adoption is permitted. This accounting standard will be effective for the Company beginning in 
the quarter ending July 1, 2017 and will be adopted prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this 
standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The FASB issued this ASU to 

increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease 
liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key 
information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim 
periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is 
currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several 
aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of 
awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, ASU 2016-09 
is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early 
adoption is permitted. This accounting standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the quarter ending July 1, 
2017 and the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, included in ASC 

Topic 805, Business Combinations, which revises the definition of a business and provides a new framework for 
determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The 
revised definition clarifies that outputs must be the result of inputs and substantive processes that provide goods or 
services to customers, other revenue, or investment income. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and 
interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the 

55 

   
 
 
 
new definition of a business during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, and it did not have a material impact on its 
consolidated financial statements. 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks 

Interest rate risk 

We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with borrowings under our credit facilities, which bear interest 
at variable rates. As of April 1, 2017, we had $33.3 million in outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility 
and $196.5 million under our term loan facility. The impact of a 1.0% rate change on the outstanding balance as of April 
1, 2017 would be approximately $2.3 million. 

Foreign exchange rate risk 

We currently purchase all of our merchandise through domestic and international suppliers on a U.S. 
dollar-denominated basis. We do not hedge using any derivative instruments and historically have not been impacted by 
changes in exchange rates. 

Impact of inflation 

Our results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical cost. While it is difficult to 

accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe that the 
effects of inflation, if any, on our results of operations and financial condition have been immaterial. 

56 

 
 
 
Item 8. Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016 and March 28, 

2015 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Fiscal Years Ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016 

and March 28, 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016 and March 28, 

2015 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

    58 
  59 

  60 

  61 

  62 
  63 

57 

 
 
 
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of   
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 
Irvine, California 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (formerly WW Top 
Investment  Corporation)  and  subsidiaries  (the  “Company”)  as  of  April  1,  2017  and  March  26,  2016,  and  the  related 
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
April 1, 2017. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to 
express an opinion on the financial statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether 
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to 
perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.    Our audits included consideration of internal control 
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the 
purpose  of  expressing  an  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting. 
Accordingly,  we  express  no  such  opinion.  An  audit  also  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates 
made by management. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management,  as  well  as  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.  We  believe  that  our  audits  provide  a 
reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position 
of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, and the results of their operations 
and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended April 1, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles 
generally accepted in the United States of America.   

  /s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP 
  Costa Mesa, California   
  June 6, 2017 

58 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Balance Sheets 

(In thousands, except per share data) 

April 1, 
2017 

     March 26, 

2016 

Assets 
Current assets: 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Accounts receivable, net 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 

Total current assets 

Property and equipment, net 
Goodwill 
Intangible assets, net 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
Current liabilities: 
Line of credit 
Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
Current portion of notes payable, net   

Total current liabilities 

Deferred taxes 
Long-term portion of notes payable, net 
Capital lease obligations 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10) 

  $ 

  8,035   $ 
  4,354  
       189,096  
  22,818  
       224,303  
  82,711  
       193,095  
  64,511  
  961  

  7,195  
  4,131  
     176,335  
  15,558  
     203,219  
  76,076  
     193,095  
  64,861  
  2,075  
  $   565,581   $    539,326  

  $ 

  33,274   $ 
  77,482  
  35,983  
  1,062  
       147,801  
  20,961  
       191,517  
  7,825  
  17,568  
       385,672  

  48,815  
  66,553  
  35,896  
  1,035  
     152,299  
  12,255  
     192,579  
  8,272  
  12,431  
     377,836  

Stockholders’ equity: 
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; April 1, 2017 - 100,000 shares authorized, 26,575 
shares issued; March 26, 2016 - 100,000 shares authorized, 26,354 shares issued 
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, no shares issued or 
outstanding 
Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Less: Common stock held in treasury, at cost, 14 and 4 shares at April 1, 2017 and March 
26, 2016, respectively 
Total stockholders’ equity 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

  3  

  3  

  —  
       142,184  
  37,791  

  —  
     137,893  
  23,594  

  —  
  (69) 
     161,490  
       179,909  
  $   565,581   $    539,326  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

59 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
     
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
    
  
 
   
 
 
 
     
 
   
 
 
     
 
   
 
     
 
   
 
    
  
    
  
    
  
   
 
 
 
 
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Operations 

(In thousands, except per share amounts) 

Net sales 
Cost of goods sold 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment 

Total cost of goods sold 

Gross profit 
Operating expenses: 
Selling, general and administrative expenses 
Acquisition-related expenses 
Total operating expenses 

Income from operations 
Interest expense, net 
Other income, net 
Income before income taxes 
Income tax expense 
Net income   
Net income attributed to non-controlling interest 
Net income attributed to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 

Earnings per share: 
Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

Weighted average shares outstanding: 

Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

  April 1, 

2017 

Fiscal Year Ended 
  March 26,    March 28, 

2016 

2015 

 $   629,816   $  569,020   $   402,684  
  267,907  
    396,317  
      439,930  
  —  
  (500) 
  —  
  267,907  
    395,817  
      439,930  
  134,777  
    173,203  
      189,886  

      152,068  
  —  
      152,068  
  37,818  
  14,699  
  —  
  23,119  
  8,922  
  14,197  
  —  

    142,078  
  891  
    142,969  
  30,234  
  12,923  
  —  
  17,311  
  7,443  
  9,868  
  —  
  9,868   $

 $    14,197   $

  99,341  
  —  
  99,341  
  35,436  
  13,291  
  51  
  22,196  
  8,466  
  13,730  
  4  
  13,726  

 $ 
 $ 

  0.54   $
  0.53   $

  0.38   $
  0.37   $

  0.56  
  0.54  

  26,459  
  26,939  

  26,170  
  26,955  

  22,126  
  22,888  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

60 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
    
 
   
 
   
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
    
 
   
 
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
 
 
 
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity 

(In thousands) 

Balance at March 28, 2015 

     25,824   $ 

Balance at March 29, 2014 

Net income 
Dividend paid 
Reorganization and issuance 
of stock 
Issuance of stock in initial 
public offering, net of costs   
Issuance of restricted stock 
awards 
Stock options exercised 
Federal and state income tax 
deducted on stock options 
Stock-based compensation 
expense 

Net income 
Stock options exercised 
Shares forfeited, held in 
treasury 
Excess tax benefit 
Stock-based compensation 
expense 

Balance at March 26, 2016 
    Net income 
    Issuance of common stock 
related to stock-based 
compensation 
    Tax withholding for net 
share settlement 
    Excess tax deficiency related 
to stock-based compensation 
    Stock-based compensation 
expense   
Balance at April 1, 2017 

Common Stock 

  Additional   
Paid-In 
     Amount     Capital 

      Shares 
     18,929   $ 

  Retained     Treasury Shares     Noncontrolling  
     Earnings    Shares      Amount     

Interest 

Total 

  2   $    78,834   $    1,652      — 
    13,726    — 
  (1,652)  — 

—  
  (39,648) 

  —  
  —  

—  
—  

  $ 

  — 
 $ 
  — 
  — 

  4,087   $    84,575  
  13,730  
  (41,300) 

  4  
—  

  1,000  

  —  

  4,091  

—    — 

  — 

  (4,091) 

—  

  5,750  

  1  

  82,223  

—    — 

  — 

—  

  82,224  

  30  
  115  

  —  
  —  

—  
  464  

—    — 
—    — 

  — 
  — 

—  

  —  

  681  

—    — 

  — 

—  

  —  

  2,048  

—    — 
  3   $   128,693   $   13,726      — 
  9,868      — 
  —  
  —      — 
  —  

  —  
  2,698  

  — 
 $ 

  —     $ 
  — 
  — 

  —  
  530  

  —  
  —  

  —  
     —  

  —  
  3,621  

  —   
  (4) 
  —      — 

  —    
  —    

     26,354   $ 

  —  

  —  

  2,881  

  —  
  3   $   137,893   $   23,594   
  —  
  —  

  —      — 
  (4)
    14,197      — 

 $ 

  — 
  —     $ 
  —      

—  
—  

—  

—  
  464  

  681  

—  
  2,048  
  —   $   142,422  
  9,868  
  —  
  2,698  
  —  

  —  
  —  

  —  
  3,621  

  —  
  2,881  
  —   $   161,490  
  14,197  
  —  

  221  

  —  

  1,275  

  —   

  (3)

  —      

  —  

  1,275  

  —  

  —  

  —  

  —  

  —  

  (7) 

  —   

  (7)

  (69)     

  —      —  

  —      

  —  

  —  

  (69) 

  (7) 

  —  
  26,575   $ 

  3,023  

  —  
  —      —  
  3   $   142,184   $   37,791     (14)

  —      
 $    (69)    $ 

  —  
  3,023  
  —   $   179,909  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

61 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
   
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
     
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 

(In thousands) 

Cash flows from operating activities 
Net income   
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: 

Depreciation 
Stock-based compensation 
Excess tax benefit 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Amortization and write-off of debt issuance fees and debt discount 
Loss on disposal of property and equipment 
Store impairment charge 
Accretion of above market leases 
Deferred taxes 
Amortization of inventory fair value adjustment 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 

Accounts receivable, net 
Inventories 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
Other assets 
Accounts payable 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 
Other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Purchases of property and equipment 
Acquisition of business or assets, net of cash acquired 

Net cash used in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Borrowings/(payments) on line of credit - net 
Proceeds from loan borrowings 
Repayments on debt and capital lease obligations 
Debt issuance fees 
Net proceeds from initial public offering 
Tax withholding payments for net share settlement 
Excess tax benefits from stock options 
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 
Dividends paid 

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 
Cash paid for income taxes 
Cash paid for interest 
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities: 
Unpaid purchases of property and equipment 
Equipment acquired through capital lease 

April 1, 
2017 

Fiscal Year Ended 
     March 26,       March 28,   

2016 

2015 

  $   14,197   $

  9,868   $

  13,730  

     14,555  
  3,023  
  —  
  2,155  
  1,145  
  367  
  1,164  
  (36) 
  6,175  
  —  

  (223) 
     (12,761) 
  (3,805) 
  5  
     10,501  
  (483) 
  5,172  

  11,480  
  2,881  
  (3,621) 
  2,536  
  2,274  
  463  
  —  
  (72) 
  981  
  (500) 

  1,524  
  (16,087) 
  7,543  
  (2,713) 
  6,835  
  5,068  
  4,469  

  $   41,151   $   32,929   $

  6,615  
  2,048  
  (681) 
  2,592  
  3,684  
  134  
  —  
  (149) 
  1,402  
  —  

  (1,672) 
  (26,610) 
  (1,667) 
  (362) 
  7,364  
  3,298  
  1,782  
  11,508  

    (22,293) 
  (1,305) 

  (14,074) 
  (36,127) 
  —  
     (146,541) 
  $   (23,598)  $   (182,668)  $   (14,074) 

     (15,541) 
  —  
  (2,378) 
  —  
  —  
  (69) 
  —  
  1,275  
  —  

  32,615  
     200,938  
  (77,899) 
  (6,487) 
  —  
  —  
  3,621  
  2,698  
  —  

  $   (16,713)  $   155,486   $

  840  
  7,195  

  $   8,035   $

  5,747  
  1,448  
  7,195   $

  (12,424) 
  104,938  
     (130,326) 
  (1,361) 
  82,224  
  —  
  681  
  464  
  (41,300) 
  2,896  
  330  
  1,118  
  1,448  

  $   4,192   $
  3,296   $
  $   13,646   $   10,333   $

  $   2,421   $
  —   $
  $

  1,992   $
  38   $

  8,297  
  11,167  

  1,374  
  36  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 

62 

 
 
    
 
 
  
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
1. Business Operations 

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., formerly known as WW Top Investment Corporation (the “Company”) was formed 

on November 17, 2011, and is incorporated in the State of Delaware. The equity of the Company consists of 100,000,000 
authorized shares and 26,561,523 and 26,349,387 outstanding shares of common stock as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 
2016, respectively, with 13,435,387 shares of common stock held by Freeman Spogli & Co. as of both April 1, 2017 and 
March 26, 2016. The shares of common stock have voting rights of one vote per share. 

The Company operates specialty retail stores that sell western and work boots and related apparel and 
accessories. The Company operates retail locations throughout the U.S. and sells its merchandise via the Internet. The 
Company operated a total of 219 stores in 31 states as of April 1, 2017, 208 stores in 29 states as of March 26, 2016 and 
169 stores in 26 states as of March 28, 2015. As of the fiscal year ending April 1, 2017, all stores operate under the Boot 
Barn name, with the exception of two stores which operate under the “American Worker” name. 

As of June 8, 2014, the Company held all of the outstanding shares of common stock of WW Holding 

Corporation, which held 95.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Boot Barn Holding Corporation. On 
June 9, 2014, WW Holding Corporation was merged with and into the Company and then Boot Barn Holding 
Corporation was merged with and into the Company (“Reorganization”). As a result of this Reorganization, Boot 
Barn, Inc. became a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, and the minority stockholders that formerly held 
5.0% of Boot Barn Holding Corporation were issued a total of 1,000,000 shares of common stock and became holders of 
5.0% of the Company. Net income attributed to non-controlling interest was recorded for all periods through June 9, 
2014. Subsequent to June 9, 2014, there were no noncontrolling interests. On June 10, 2014, the legal name of the 
Company was changed from WW Top Investment Corporation to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 

Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation 

On October 19, 2014, the Company’s board of directors authorized the amendment of its certificate of 
incorporation to increase the number of shares that the Company is authorized to issue to 100,000,000 shares of common 
stock, par value $0.0001 per share. In addition, the amendment of the certificate of incorporation authorized the 
Company to issue 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, and effect a 25-for-1 stock split of 
its outstanding common stock. The amendment became effective on October 27, 2014. Accordingly, all common share 
and per share amounts in these consolidated financial statements have been adjusted to reflect the increase in authorized 
shares and the 25-for-1 stock split as though it had occurred at the beginning of the initial period presented. 

Initial Public Offering 

On October 29, 2014, the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) of 5,000,000 shares of its 
common stock. In addition, on October 31, 2014, the underwriters of the IPO exercised their option to purchase an 
additional 750,000 shares of common stock from the Company. As a result, 5,750,000 shares of common stock were 
issued and sold by the Company at a price of $16.00 per share. 

As a result of the IPO, the Company received net proceeds of approximately $82.2 million, after deducting the 

underwriting discount of $6.4 million and related fees and expenses of $3.3 million. The Company used the net proceeds 
from the IPO to pay down the principal balance of its term loan with Golub Capital LLC. See Note 8, “Revolving Credit 
Facilities and Long-Term Debt”. 

63 

 
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 

Basis of Presentation 

The Company’s consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally 

accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), include the accounts of the Company and each of its subsidiaries, including 
WW Holding Corporation, Boot Barn Holding Corporation, Boot Barn, Inc., RCC Western Stores, Inc. (“RCC”), 
Baskins Acquisition Holdings, LLC (“Baskins”), Sheplers Inc. and Sheplers Holding Corporation (collectively with 
Sheplers, Inc. “Sheplers”) and Boot Barn International (Hong Kong) Limited (“Hong Kong”). All intercompany 
accounts and transactions among the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Fiscal Year 

The Company reports its results of operations and cash flows on a 52- or 53-week basis, and its fiscal year ends 

on the last Saturday of March unless April 1st is a Saturday, in which case the fiscal year ends on April 1st. The years 
ended March 26, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”) and March 28, 2015 (“fiscal 2015”) each consisted of 52 weeks. The year ended 
April 1, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”) consisted of 53 weeks.   

Comprehensive Income 

The Company does not have any components of other comprehensive income recorded within its consolidated 
financial statements and, therefore, does not separately present a statement of comprehensive income in its consolidated 
financial statements. 

Segment Reporting 

GAAP has established guidance for reporting information about a company’s operating segments, including 

disclosures related to a company’s products and services, geographic areas and major customers. The Company operates 
in a single operating segment, which includes net sales generated from its retail stores and e-commerce websites. The 
vast majority of the Company’s identifiable assets are in the U.S. 

Use of Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at 
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. 
Among the significant estimates affecting the Company’s consolidated financial statements are those relating to revenue 
recognition, inventories, goodwill, intangible and long-lived assets, stock-based compensation and income taxes. 
Management regularly evaluates its estimates and assumptions based upon historical experience and various other factors 
that management believes 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. To the 
extent actual results differ from those estimates, the Company’s future results of operations may be affected. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or 
less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents also include receivables from credit card sales. The carrying amounts of 
cash and cash equivalents represent their fair values. 

Accounts Receivable 

The Company’s accounts receivable consist of amounts due from commercial customers for merchandise sold, 
as well as receivables from suppliers under co-operative arrangements. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts 
was less than $0.1 million for both the fiscal years ending April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016.   

64 

Inventories 

Inventory consists primarily of purchased merchandise and is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. 

Cost is determined on a first-in, first-out basis and includes the cost of merchandise and import related costs, including 
freight, duty and agent commissions. The Company assesses the recoverability of inventory through a periodic review of 
historical usage and present demand. When the inventory on hand exceeds the foreseeable demand, the value of 
inventory that, at the time of the review, is not expected to be sold is written down to its estimated net realizable value. 

The Company recorded fair value adjustments to reflect the acquired cost of inventory related to its acquisitions 

of Baskins and Sheplers. These amounts were amortized over the period that the related inventory was sold. 
Amortization of the acquired cost of inventory was zero for both fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2015, and $0.5 million for fiscal 
2016. 

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discounts 

Debt issuance costs are capitalized and amortized to interest expense over the terms of the applicable loan 

agreements using the effective interest method. Those costs related to the issuance of debt are presented as a reduction to 
the principal amount of the debt. Debt issuance costs incurred with the issuance of revolving credit lines are included in 
prepaid expenses and other current assets.   

Debt discounts arise when transaction fees are paid to the lending institution. Debt discounts are recorded as a 

reduction to the principal amount of the debt. Amortization of debt discounts is recorded as an increase to the net 
principal amount of the debt and as a charge to interest expense over the term of the applicable loan agreement using the 
effective interest method. 

Property and Equipment, net 

Property and equipment consists of leasehold improvements, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixtures, 

software and vehicles. Property and equipment is subject to depreciation and is recorded at cost less accumulated 
depreciation. Expenditures for major remodels and improvements are capitalized while minor replacements, maintenance 
and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of such assets are charged to expense. Gains or losses on disposal of 
fixed assets, when applicable, are reflected in operations. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over 
the estimated useful lives, ranging from five to ten years. Machinery and equipment is depreciated over five years. 
Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Software and vehicles are depreciated over five years. Leasehold 
improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the terms of the leases or ten years. 

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets 

Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the aggregate consideration paid for an acquisition and the fair 
value of the acquired net tangible and intangible assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually as of the first 
day of the fourth fiscal quarter or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist, in accordance with the provisions of 
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 350, Goodwill and Other. This guidance provides the option to first 
assess qualitative factors such as macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, overall 
financial performance and other relevant entity-specific events to determine whether it is more likely than not that the 
fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value (a “Step 0” analysis). If, based on a review of qualitative 
factors it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company 
performs “Step 1” of the traditional two-step goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit 
with its carrying amount.   

If the Company proceeds to conduct a two-step goodwill impairment test, the first step of the impairment test 
involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value. Management evaluates the fair value of 
the reporting unit using a market-based analysis to review market capitalization as well as reviewing a discounted cash 
flow analysis using management’s assumptions. The Company’s entire operations represent one reporting unit. The 
Company determines the fair value of its reporting unit using the income approach and market approach to valuation, as 
well as other generally accepted valuation methodologies. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the 

65 

 
reporting unit’s fair value, the Company performs the second step of the goodwill impairment test, which involves 
comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying value of that goodwill. The amount by 
which the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, if any, will be recognized as an impairment loss. 
The Company concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 2015. 

Intangible assets with indefinite lives, which include the Boot Barn, Sheplers and Country Outfitter trademarks, 

are not amortized but instead are measured for impairment at least annually, or when events indicate that impairment 
may exist. The Company calculates impairment as the excess of the carrying value of indefinite-lived intangible assets 
over their estimated fair value. If the carrying value exceeds the estimate of fair value, an impairment charge is recorded. 
The Company concluded there was no impairment of intangible assets with indefinite lives during fiscal 2017, 2016 or 
2015. 

Definite-Lived Intangible Assets 

Definite-lived intangible assets consist of certain trademarks, customer lists, non-compete agreements, and 
below-market leases. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ 
estimated useful lives, with the exception of customer lists, which are amortized based on the estimated attrition rate. 
The period of amortization for customer lists is three to five years, non-compete agreements is four to five years and 
below-market leases is four to 19 years. 

Long-Lived Assets 

Long-lived assets consist of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets. The Company assesses 

potential impairment of its long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset or asset 
group’s carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that are considered important that could trigger an impairment 
review include a current period operating or cash flow loss combined with a history of operating or cash flow losses and 
a projection or forecast that demonstrates continuing losses or insufficient income associated with the use of a long-lived 
asset or asset group. Other factors include a significant change in the manner of the use of the asset or a significant 
negative industry or economic trend. This evaluation is performed based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows 
from operating activities compared with the carrying value of the related assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows are 
less than the carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized, measured by the difference between the carrying value, 
and the estimated fair value of the assets, with such estimated fair values determined using the best information available 
and in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements. 
During fiscal 2017, the Company recorded an asset impairment charge of $1.2 million related to three of its stores. Long-
lived assets held and used with a carrying value of $1.5 million were written down to their fair value of $0.3 million, 
resulting in an asset impairment charge of $1.2 million. The fair values of these three locations were calculated based on 
the projected discounted cash flows at a similar rate that would be used by market participants in valuing these assets or 
prices of similar assets. There were no impairments of long-lived assets during fiscal 2016 or 2015. 

Stock-Based Compensation 

Stock-based compensation is accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation 

(“ASC 718”). The Company accounts for all stock-based compensation transactions using a fair-value method and 
recognizes the fair value of each award as an expense over the service period. The Company estimates the fair value of 
stock options granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The use of the Black-Scholes model requires a 
number of estimates, including the expected option term, the expected volatility in the price of the Company’s common 
stock, the risk-free rate of interest and the dividend yield on the Company’s common stock. Judgment is required in 
estimating the number of share-based awards that the Company expects will ultimately vest upon the fulfillment of 
service conditions (such as time-based vesting). The fair value of the Company’s restricted stock awards and restricted 
stock units is the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date. The consolidated financial statements 
include amounts that are based on the Company’s best estimates and judgments. The Company classifies compensation 
expense related to these awards in the consolidated statements of operations based on the department to which the 
recipient reports. 

66 

Noncontrolling Interest 

Until June 8, 2014, certain investors held approximately 5.0% of the outstanding shares of Boot Barn Holding 
Corporation. Noncontrolling interests were recorded based on an allocation of subsidiary earnings based on the relative 
ownership interest. On June 8, 2014, as a result of the Reorganization discussed in Note 1, the minority stockholders that 
formerly held 5.0% of Boot Barn Holding Corporation became holders of 5.0% of the Company. 

Revenue Recognition 

Revenue is recorded for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. E-commerce sales are 

recorded when the customer takes title of the merchandise and assumes risk of loss, collection of the relevant receivable 
is reasonably assured, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists and the sales price is fixed or determinable, which 
generally occurs upon delivery of the product. Shipping and handling revenues are included in total net sales. Shipping 
costs incurred by the Company are included as cost of goods sold. 

Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for coupon redemptions, estimated 

future award redemption and other promotions. The sales return reserve reflects an estimate of sales returns based on 
projected merchandise returns determined through the use of historical average return percentages. The total reserve for 
returns was $1.5 million, $1.3 million, and $0.7 million as of fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively and is recorded in 
accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The following table 
provides a reconciliation of the activity related to the Company’s sales returns reserve: 

Sales Returns Reserve 

(In thousands) 
Beginning balance 
Provisions 
Sales returns 
Ending balance 

April 1, 
2017 
  $   1,319   $
     30,624  
    (30,399) 

Fiscal Year Ended 
  March 26,    March 28,   

2016 

2015 

  687   $

     29,597  
    (28,965) 

  430  
  17,689  
     (17,432) 
  687  

  $   1,544   $   1,319   $

The Company maintains a customer loyalty program. Under the program, customers accumulate points based 

on purchase activity. For customers to maintain their active point balance, they must make a qualifying purchase of 
merchandise at least once in a 365-day period. Once a loyalty program member achieves a certain point level, the 
member earns awards that may be redeemed for credits on merchandise purchases. To redeem awards, the member must 
make a qualifying purchase of merchandise within 60 days of the date the award was granted. Unredeemed awards and 
accumulated partial points are accrued as unearned revenue and as an adjustment to net sales. The unearned revenue for 
this program is recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and was $2.1 
million and $2.0 million as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively. The following table provides a 
reconciliation of the activity related to the Company’s customer loyalty program: 

Customer Loyalty Program 

(In thousands) 
Beginning balance 

Current year provisions 
Current year award redemptions 

Ending balance 

Fiscal Year Ended 

  April 1, 

  March 26,   March 28,  

2017 

2015 

2016 
  $   1,975  $   1,971  $    1,950  
       6,782       5,718       4,996  
      (6,697)     (5,714)      (4,975) 
  $   2,060  $   1,975  $    1,971  

Proceeds from the sale of gift cards are deferred until the customers use the cards to acquire merchandise. Gift 

cards, gift certificates and store credits do not have expiration dates, and unredeemed gift cards, gift certificates and store 
credits are subject to state escheatment laws. The Company retains the percentage of the value of such unredeemed gift 
cards, gift certificates and store credits not escheated, and recognizes these amounts in net sales. The Company defers 
recognition of a layaway sale and its related profit to the accounting period when the customer receives the layaway 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
  
merchandise. Income from the redemption of gift cards, gift card breakage, and the sale of layaway merchandise is 
included in net sales. In fiscal 2014, the Company elected to participate in a voluntary disclosure program with the State 
of Delaware in order to settle past due unclaimed property obligations. The Company agreed with the State of Delaware 
to settle all unreported escheatment liabilities in the amount of $0.3 million. These amounts were recorded in accrued 
expenses and other current liabilities in fiscal 2014 based upon preliminary settlement amounts. The final settlement was 
reached with, and amounts were paid to, the State of Delaware in May 2014. 

Cost of Goods Sold 

Cost of goods sold includes the cost of merchandise, obsolescence and shrink provisions, store and warehouse 

occupancy costs (including rent, depreciation and utilities), inbound and outbound freight, supplier allowances, 
occupancy-related taxes, compensation costs for merchandise purchasing and warehouse personnel and other inventory 
acquisition-related costs. 

Store Opening Costs 

Store opening costs consist of costs incurred prior to opening a new store and primarily consist of manager and 
other employee payroll, travel and training costs, marketing expenses, initial opening supplies and costs of transporting 
initial inventory and certain fixtures to store locations, as well as occupancy costs incurred from the time that we take 
possession of a store site to the opening of that store. Occupancy costs are included in cost of goods sold and the other 
store opening costs are included in selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. All of these costs are 
expensed as incurred. 

Advertising Costs 

Certain advertising costs, including pay-per-click, direct mail, television and radio promotions, event 

sponsorship, in-store photographs and other promotional advertising are expensed when the marketing campaign 
commences. The Company had prepaid advertising costs of $0.4 million and $0.6 million as of April 1, 2017 and March 
26, 2016, respectively. All other advertising costs are expensed as incurred. The Company recognized $24.7 million, 
$22.0 million and $11.5 million in advertising costs during fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.   

Leases 

The Company recognizes rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis (including the effect of 

reduced or free rent and rent escalations) over the lease term. The difference between the cash paid to the landlord and 
the amount recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis is recognized as an adjustment to deferred rent in the 
consolidated balance sheets. Cash reimbursements received from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash 
payments received from landlords as lease incentives are recorded as deferred rent and are amortized using the 
straight-line method over the lease term as an offset to rent expense. Contingent rent, determined based on a percentage 
of sales in excess of specified levels, is recognized as rent expense when the achievement of the specified sales that 
triggers the contingent rent is probable. 

Income Taxes 

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”), 
which requires the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting of income taxes. Deferred tax 
assets and liabilities are attributable to differences between financial statement and income tax reporting. Deferred tax 
assets, net of any valuation allowances, represent the future tax return consequences of those differences and for 
operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, which will be deductible when the assets are recovered. Deferred tax assets 
are reduced by a valuation allowance if it is deemed more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will 
not be realized. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that 
some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is 
dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become 

68 

deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax 
planning strategies in making this assessment. 

The Company accounts for uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which clarifies the accounting 

for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements. It prescribes a recognition threshold 
and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to 
be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, 
accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Such changes in recognition or measurement might result in the 
recognition of a tax benefit or an additional charge to the tax provision in the period. 

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax 

expense line in the consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties, if incurred, are included within 
accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. There were no accrued interest or 
penalties for the fiscal years ended April 1, 2017 or March 26, 2016.   

Per Share Information 

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding 

shares of common stock. In computing diluted earnings per share, the weighted average number of common shares 
outstanding is adjusted to reflect the effect of potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. In accordance with 
ASC 718, the Company utilizes the treasury stock method to compute the dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock 
awards and restricted stock units. 

Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities 

The Company follows FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, (“ASC 820”) which 

requires disclosure of the estimated fair value of certain assets and liabilities defined by the guidance as financial 
instruments. The Company’s financial instruments consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, 
accounts payable and debt. ASC 820 defines the fair value of financial instruments as the price that would be received 
from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or 
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a 
three-level hierarchy for disclosure that is based on the extent and level of judgment used to estimate the fair value of 
assets and liabilities. 

•  Level 1 uses unadjusted quoted prices that are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

The Company’s Level 1 assets include investments in money market funds. 

•  Level 2 uses inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly 

observable through correlation with market data. These include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities 
in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; 
and inputs to valuation models or other pricing methodologies that do not require significant judgment 
because the inputs used in the model, such as interest rates and volatility, can be corroborated by readily 
observable market data. 

•  Level 3 uses one or more significant inputs that are unobservable and supported by little or no market 

activity, and reflect the use of significant management judgment. Level 3 assets and liabilities include those 
whose fair value measurements are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies 
or similar valuation techniques and significant management judgment or estimation. The Company’s 
Level 3 assets include certain acquired businesses and its Level 3 liability includes contingent 
consideration. 

Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable are classified according to the lowest level 

input that is significant to the fair value measurement. As a result, the asset or liability could be classified as Level 2 or 
Level 3 even though there may be certain significant inputs that are readily observable. The Company believes that the 

69 

recorded value of its financial instruments approximate their current fair values because of their nature and respective 
relatively short maturity dates or duration. 

Although market quotes for the fair value of the outstanding debt arrangements discussed in Note 8 “Revolving 
credit facilities and long-term debt” are not readily available, the Company believes its carrying value approximates fair 
value due to the variable interest rates, which are Level 2 inputs. There were no financial assets or liabilities requiring 
fair value measurements as of April 1, 2017 on a recurring basis. 

Concentration of Credit Risk 

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to credit risk consist principally of cash and cash 

equivalents. At times, such amounts held at banks may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance 
limits, and the Company mitigates such risk by utilizing multiple banks. 

Supplier Concentration Risk 

The Company purchases merchandise inventories from several hundred suppliers worldwide. Sales of products 

from the Company’s three largest suppliers totaled approximately 38% of net sales in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, and 
approximately 40% of net sales in fiscal 2015. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements   

In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) jointly issued a new 

revenue recognition standard, ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts with Customers, that will supersede nearly all 
existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The revenue recognition standard will allow for the recognition of 
revenue when a company transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration 
to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard permits the use of 
either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. Early adoption is not permitted. On 
August 8, 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year, and 
permits early adoption as long as the adoption date is not before the original public entity effective date. The standard is 
effective for public entities for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has not yet 
selected a transition method and is currently evaluating the effect that the updated standard will have on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of 
Deferred Taxes (“ASU 2015-17”). ASU 2015-17 eliminates the requirement to bifurcate deferred taxes between current 
and non-current on the balance sheet and requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the 
balance sheet. ASU 2015-17 is effective for public entities in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and for 
interim periods within those annual periods. The amendments for ASU-2015-17 can be applied retrospectively or 
prospectively and early adoption is permitted. This accounting standard will be effective for the Company beginning in 
the quarter ending July 1, 2017 and will be adopted prospectively. The Company does not expect the adoption of this 
standard to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The FASB issued this ASU to 

increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring lessees to recognize lease assets and lease 
liabilities on the balance sheet for those leases classified as operating leases under current U.S. GAAP and disclosing key 
information about leasing arrangements. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods, and interim 
periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is 
currently evaluating the impact the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation (Topic 718): 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 simplifies several 
aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of 
awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, ASU 2016-09 

70 

is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early 
adoption is permitted. This accounting standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the quarter ending July 1, 
2017 and the Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on its consolidated 
financial statements. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Clarifying the Definition of a Business, included in ASC 

Topic 805, Business Combinations, which revises the definition of a business and provides a new framework for 
determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The 
revised definition clarifies that outputs must be the result of inputs and substantive processes that provide goods or 
services to customers, other revenue, or investment income. The guidance will be effective for the Company's annual and 
interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted the 
new definition of a business during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, and it did not have a material impact on its 
consolidated financial statements. 

3. Asset Acquisition and Business Combination 

Asset Acquisition 

On February 16, 2017, Sheplers Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., entered into an 
asset purchase agreement with Acumen Brands, Inc., who owned and historically operated as one of its unincorporated 
business divisions a multi-faceted e-commerce retail business under the “Country Outfitter” name. As a result of the 
asset purchase agreement, Sheplers Inc. purchased the rights and interest in the www.countryoutfitter.com website and 
social media accounts along with a customer email list (collectively the “Country Outfitter Asset Acquisition”). The cash 
consideration paid for the Country Outfitter Asset Acquisition was $1.3 million. 

In allocating the purchase price, the Company recorded all assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value. 
As the acquisition did not meet the definition of a business combination under ASC 805, the Company accounted for the 
transaction as an asset acquisition. In an asset acquisition, goodwill is not recognized, but rather any excess consideration 
transferred over the fair value of the net assets acquired is allocated on a relative fair value basis to the identifiable net 
assets. 

The Company determined the estimated fair values using Level 3 inputs after review and consideration of 

relevant information, including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The 
trade name was valued using the relief from royalty method, the customer list was valued using the cost approach, and 
the merchandise credits were valued using the cost build-up approach. The following table summarizes the estimated fair 
values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date based on the purchase price allocation: 

Assets acquired: 

Intangible - trade name 
Intangible - customer list 
Total assets acquired 

Liabilities assumed: 

Other liability - merchandise credits 

Total liabilities assumed 

Net Assets acquired 

  At February 16, 2017  

(in thousands) 

   $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  1,300  
  506  
  1,806  

  501  
  501  
  1,305  

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The acquired trade name is an indefinite-lived intangible asset. The period of amortization for the acquired 

customer list is based on the estimated attrition rate of three years, consistent with the valuation of the Company’s other 
customer list intangible assets.   

Business Combination 

In allocating the purchase price of the following acquisition, the Company recorded all assets acquired and 

liabilities assumed at fair value. The excess of the purchase price over the aggregate fair values was recorded as 
goodwill. ASC 820 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. The fair value assigned to identifiable 
intangible assets acquired was based on estimates and assumptions made by management at the time of the acquisition. 

The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based 

upon their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of 
the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed such excess is allocated to goodwill. 
The Company determines the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information, including 
discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. The Company adjusts the preliminary 
purchase price allocation, as necessary, during the measurement period of up to one year after the acquisition closing 
date as it obtains more information as to facts and circumstances existing as of the acquisition date. 

The valuation on acquired intangible assets for the acquisition were completed based on Level 3 inputs. The 
acquired trademarks, customer lists, and below-market leases are subject to fair value measurements that were based 
primarily on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represent Level 3 measurements.   

Sheplers Acquisition 

On June 29, 2015, the Company completed the acquisition of Sheplers, a western lifestyle company with 25 

retail locations across the United States and an e-commerce business, for a purchase price of $147.0 million (which 
included assumption of certain indebtedness), subject to customary adjustments (the “Sheplers Acquisition”). The 
primary reason for the Sheplers Acquisition was to expand the Company’s retail operations into new and existing 
markets and grow the Company’s e-commerce business. 

The Company funded the Sheplers Acquisition by refinancing approximately $172.0 million of its and 

Sheplers’ existing indebtedness in part with an initial borrowing of $57.0 million under a $125.0 million syndicated 
senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility for which Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (“June 2015 Wells 
Fargo Revolver”), is agent, and a $200.0 million syndicated senior secured term loan for which GCI Capital Markets 
LLC (“2015 Golub Term Loan”) is agent. Borrowings under the credit agreements were initially used to pay costs and 
expenses related to the Sheplers Acquisition and the closing of the credit agreements, and may be used for working 
capital and other general corporate purposes.   

The acquisition-date fair value of the consideration transferred totaled $149.3 million, which consisted of 

$147.0 million in cash and $2.3 million of a working capital adjustment, cash acquired and other adjustments. The total 
fair value of consideration transferred for the acquisition was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets based 
upon their estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the net tangible 
and intangible assets was recorded as goodwill. The goodwill and intangibles assets are not deductible for income tax 
purposes. Such estimated fair values require management to make estimates and judgments, especially with respect to 
intangible assets.   

The fair value of each intangible and fixed asset acquired through the Sheplers Acquisition was measured in 

accordance with ASC 820. Customer lists, furniture, fixtures, office equipment, leasehold improvements, computer 
equipment and warehouse equipment were all valued using the cost approach. The trade name was valued under the 
royalty savings income approach method and inventory was valued under the comparative sales method. All operating 
leases, below-market leases, capital leases and financing obligations were valued under either the cost or income 
approach. Such fair values were determined using Level 3 inputs.   

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The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the 

acquisition date based on the purchase price allocation: 

Assets acquired: 

Cash 
Accounts receivable 
Inventory 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 
Property and equipment 
Properties under capital lease and financing transactions 
Intangible - below-market leases 
Intangible - trade name 
Intangible - customer lists 
Goodwill 
Other assets 

Total assets acquired 

Liabilities assumed: 
Accounts payable 
Accrued liabilities and other payables 
Accrued customer liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
Capital lease and financing transactions 
Other liabilities 

Total liabilities assumed 

Net Assets acquired 

  At June 29, 2015   
      (in thousands)    

   $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  2,762  
  1,792  
  30,436  
  17,711  
  10,744  
  10,528  
  500  
  9,200  
  488  
  99,998  
  128  
  184,287  

  14,554  
  5,065  
  1,318  
  1,226  
  8,853  
  3,968  
  34,984  
  149,303  

The Company incurred $0.9 million of acquisition-related costs in fiscal 2016 related to the acquisition of 

Sheplers, which are recorded in “Acquisition-related expenses” in the consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal 
year ending March 26, 2016. 

The amount of net revenue and net loss of Sheplers included in the Company’s consolidated statements of 

operations subsequent to the June 29, 2015 acquisition date was as follows: 

Net sales 
Net loss 

Supplemental As Adjusted Data (Unaudited) 

Fiscal Year Ended   

      March 26, 2016 

(in thousands) 

$ 
$ 

  126,877  
  (6,082) 

The as adjusted net sales and net income below give effect to the Sheplers Acquisition as if it had been 
consummated on March 30, 2014, the first day of the Company’s 2015 fiscal year. These amounts have been calculated 
after applying the Company’s accounting policies and adjusting the results of Sheplers to reflect the effects of 
amortization of purchased intangible assets and acquired inventory valuation step-down, refinanced debt and capital 
lease and financing transactions as of March 30, 2014 in order to complete the acquisition, and income tax expense. The 
adjustments are based upon currently available information and certain assumptions that the Company believes are 
reasonable under the circumstances. Pre-acquisition net sales and net income numbers for Sheplers are derived from their 

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books and records prepared prior to the acquisition and are not verified by the Company. This as adjusted data is 
presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to be indicative of the results of future operations or of 
the results that would have occurred had the acquisition taken place as of the date noted above.   
Fiscal Year Ended 

(in thousands) 
As adjusted net sales 
As adjusted net income 

March 26, 
2016 

March 28,   
2015 

   $ 
  $ 

  601,952    $ 
  6,449   $ 

  559,950 
  13,162 

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill is as follows (in thousands): 

Balance as of March 28, 2015 
Goodwill as a result of the Sheplers Acquisition 
Balance as of March 26, 2016 
Activity during fiscal 2017 
Balance as of April 1, 2017 

      $ 

  93,097   
  99,998  
  193,095  
  —  
  $    193,095  

4. Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consisted of the following (in thousands): 

      April 1, 

     March 26,  

Prepaid rent and property taxes 
Prepaid advertising 
Prepaid insurance 
Deferred taxes 
Income tax receivable 
Debt issuance costs 
Other 

Total prepaid expenses and other current assets 

5. Property and Equipment, Net 

Property and equipment, net, consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Land 
Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Machinery and equipment 
Furniture and fixtures 
Construction in progress 
Vehicles 

Less: Accumulated depreciation 
Property and equipment, net 

2016 

2017 
  $   3,350   $

  —  
  570  
  1,052  
  6,150  
  5,869  
  752  
  1,165  
  $   22,818   $   15,558  

  396  
  1,051  
  9,790  
  5,677  
  572  
  1,982  

 $

  April 1, 

2017 
  2,530  $
  7,998   
  50,240   
  19,101    
  36,948    
  3,418    
  941    

  March 26,    
2016 
  2,530  
  7,998  
  42,190  
  13,433  
  31,462  
  2,427  
  919  
     121,176      100,959  
      (38,465)      (24,883) 
 $   82,711  $   76,076  

Depreciation expense was $14.6 million, $11.5 million, and $6.6 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. Amortization related to assets under capital leases is included in the above depreciation expense (see Note 
11 “Leases”). 

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6. Intangible Assets, Net 

Net intangible assets consisted of the following: 

April 1, 2017 

Customer lists 
Non-compete agreements 
Below-market leases 

Total definite lived 

Trademarks—indefinite lived 
Total intangible assets 

Customer lists 
Non-compete agreements 
Below-market leases 

Total definite lived 

Trademarks—indefinite lived 
Total intangible assets 

Gross 

    Amortization     

  Carrying    Accumulated  
     Amount 

     Weighted  
  Average   
    Useful Life  
(in thousands, except for weighted average useful life)  
  4.6  
  4.8  
  11.6  

  $   4,694   $ 

Net 

  990  
  4,918  
    10,602  
    60,677  
  $  71,279   $ 

  (3,810)  $
  (915) 
  (2,043) 
  (6,768) 
  —  

  884   
  75   
  2,875   
  3,834  
     60,677  
  (6,768)  $   64,511  

March 26, 2016 

Gross 

     Amortization      

  Carrying    Accumulated  
      Amount 

  Weighted  
  Average   
     Useful Life  
(in thousands, except for weighted average useful life)  
  4.9  
  4.9  
  9.4  

Net 

  $    7,788   $ 
  1,290  
  5,248  
     14,326  
     59,377  
  $   73,703   $ 

  (968) 
  (1,702) 
  (8,842) 
  —  

  (6,172)  $    1,616   
  322   
  3,546   
  5,484  
     59,377  
  (8,842)  $   64,861  

Amortization expense for intangible assets totaled $2.2 million, $2.5 million and $2.6 million for fiscal 2017, 

2016 and 2015, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses. 

As of April 1, 2017, estimated future amortization of intangible assets was as follows: 

Fiscal year 

2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
Thereafter 
Total 

     (in thousands)  

  $ 

  $ 

  1,128   
  624  
  477  
  308  
  215  
  1,082  
  3,834  

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7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands): 

Accrued compensation 
Deferred revenue 
Sales tax liability 
Accrued interest 
Sales reward redemption liability 
Capital leases-short term 
Other 

Total accrued expenses 

      April 1, 

     March 26,  

2017 

2016 

  $   6,530   $   6,304  
  7,073  
  4,526  
  205  
  1,975  
  378  
     15,435  
  $   35,983   $   35,896  

  8,038  
  5,304  
  35  
  2,060  
  447  
     13,569  

8. Revolving Credit Facilities and Long-Term Debt   

On June 29, 2015, the Company, as guarantor, and its wholly-owned primary operating subsidiary, Boot Barn, 

Inc., refinanced the $150.0 million credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit 
Facility”) with the $125.0 million June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the $200.0 million 2015 Golub Term Loan. The 
borrowing base of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver is calculated on a monthly basis and is based on the amount of 
eligible credit card receivables, commercial accounts, inventory, and available reserves. Borrowings under the credit 
agreements were initially used to pay costs and expenses related to the Sheplers Acquisition and the closing of such 
credit agreements, and may be used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.   

Borrowings under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at the 
Company’s option, either (i) London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans, or 
(ii) the base rate plus an applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the highest of (a) the federal 
funds rate plus 0.5%, (b) the Wells Fargo prime rate and (c) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable margin is 
calculated based on a pricing grid that in each case is linked to quarterly average excess availability. For LIBOR Loans, 
the applicable margin ranges from 1.00% to 1.25%, and for base rate loans it ranges from 0.00% to 0.25%. The 
Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.25% per annum of the actual daily amount of the unutilized revolving loans. 
The interest on the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver is payable in quarterly installments ending on June 29, 2020, the 
maturity date as of April 1, 2017. On May 26, 2017, the Company entered into an amendment to the June 2015 Wells 
Fargo Revolver (the “2017 Wells Amendment”), increasing the aggregate revolving credit facility to $135.0 million and 
extending the maturity date to the earlier of May 26, 2022 or 90 days prior to the maturity of the 2015 Golub Term Loan, 
which is currently scheduled to mature on June 29, 2021. The amount outstanding under the June 2015 Wells Fargo 
Revolver as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 was $33.3 million and $48.8 million, respectively. Total interest 
expense incurred in the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 on the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver was $1.5 million, and the 
weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 was 1.9%. Total interest expense incurred in the 
fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 on the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver was $0.9 million, and the weighted average 
interest rate for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 was 1.7%. 

Borrowings under the 2015 Golub Term Loan bear interest at per annum rates equal to, at the Company’s 

option, either (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin for LIBOR loans with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%, or (b) the base rate 
plus an applicable margin for base rate loans. The base rate is calculated as the greater of (i) the higher of (x) the prime 
rate and (y) the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and (ii) the sum of one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%. The applicable margin is 
4.5% for LIBOR Loans and 3.5% for base rate loans. The principal and interest on the 2015 Golub Term Loan is payable 
in quarterly installments ending on the maturity date of the term loan, June 29, 2021. Quarterly principal payments of 
$500,000 are due each quarter. Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 on the 2015 Golub 
Term Loan was $11.2 million, and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 was 5.5%. 
Total interest expense incurred in the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 on the 2015 Golub Term Loan was $8.3 million, 
and the weighted average interest rate for the fiscal year ended March 26, 2016 was 5.5%. 

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All obligations under each of the 2015 Golub Term Loan and the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver are 
unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and each of its direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries (other than certain 
immaterial subsidiaries) which are not named as borrowers under the 2015 Golub Term Loan or the June 2015 Wells 
Fargo Revolver, as applicable.   

The priority with respect to collateral under each of the 2015 Golub Term Loan and the June 2015 Wells Fargo 

Revolver is subject to the terms of an intercreditor agreement among the lenders under the 2015 Golub Term Loan and 
the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver.   

Each of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and the 2015 Golub Term Loan contains customary provisions 
relating to mandatory prepayments, restricted payments, voluntary payments, affirmative and negative covenants, and 
events of default. In addition, the terms of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver require the Company to maintain, on a 
consolidated basis, a Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of at least 1.00:1.00 during such times as a covenant 
trigger event shall exist. The terms of the 2015 Golub Term Loan require the Company to maintain, on a consolidated 
basis, a maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as of April 1, 2017 of 4.25:1.00. On May 26, 2017, the 
Company entered into an amendment to the 2015 Golub Term Loan (the “2017 Golub Amendment”). The 2017 Golub 
Amendment changes the maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio requirements to 4.75:1.00 as of July 1, 2017, 
stepping down to 4.50:1.00 as of December 30, 2017 and 4.00:1.00 as of December 29, 2018 and for all subsequent 
periods. The June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and 2015 Golub Term Loan also require the Company to pay additional 
interest of 2.0% per annum upon triggering certain specified events of default set forth therein. For financial accounting 
purposes, the requirement for the Company to pay a higher interest rate upon an event of default is an embedded 
derivative. As of April 1, 2017, the fair value of these embedded derivatives was estimated and was not significant.   

Debt Issuance Costs and Debt Discount 

The Company paid $1.4 million of transaction fees in connection with the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit 

Facility. These transaction fees were paid to both Wells Fargo and other advisors via a reduction in the proceeds from the 
February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility and were accounted for as debt issuance costs and a debt discount at March 
26, 2016. On June 29, 2015, the note payable was repaid when the new financing was obtained, and the $1.4 million 
remaining debt issuance costs and debt discounts were written off to interest expense.   

Debt issuance costs totaling $0.9 million were incurred under the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and are 

included as assets on the consolidated balance sheets in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Total unamortized 
debt issuance costs were $0.6 million and $0.8 million as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016, respectively. These 
amounts are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver.   

Debt issuance costs and debt discount totaling $5.6 million were incurred under the 2015 Golub Term Loan and 

are included as a reduction of the current and non-current note payable on the consolidated balance sheets. Total 
unamortized debt issuance costs and debt discount were $3.9 million and $4.9 million as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 
2016, respectively. These amounts are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the 2015 Golub Term Loan.   

The following sets forth the balance sheet information related to the term loan:   

(in thousands) 
Term Loan 
Unamortized value of the debt issuance costs and debt discount 
Net carrying value 

April 1, 
2017 

  March 26,   
2016 

  $   196,500   $   198,500  
  (4,886)  
  $   192,579   $   193,614  

  (3,921)  

Total amortization expense of $1.1 million and $0.8 million related to the June 2015 Wells Fargo Revolver and 
2015 Golub Term Loan is included as a component of interest expense in the fiscal year ended April 1, 2017 and March 
26, 2016, respectively.     

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$150 Million Credit Facility (Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.)   

On February 23, 2015, the Company and Boot Barn, Inc., the Company’s wholly-owned primary operating 
subsidiary, entered into the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility, which consisted of a $75.0 million revolving 
credit facility, including a $5.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit, and a $75.0 million term loan, and also provided the 
Company with the ability to incur additional incremental term loans of up to $50.0 million, provided that certain 
conditions were met, including compliance with certain covenants. On June 29, 2015, the Company repaid all 
outstanding borrowings under the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility and terminated such facility in connection 
with the refinancing discussed above.   

Total interest expense incurred in fiscal 2016 on the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility was 

$0.8 million.   

Revolving Credit Facility (PNC Bank, N.A.)   

On December 11, 2011, the Company obtained a collateral-based revolving line of credit with PNC Bank, N.A. 

(the “PNC Line of Credit”), which the Company amended on August 31, 2012 and May 31, 2013. The PNC Line of 
Credit included a $5.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. On April 15, 2014, the Company amended the PNC Line of 
Credit to increase the borrowing capacity from $60.0 million to up to $70.0 million. The available borrowing under the 
PNC Line of Credit was based on the collective value of eligible inventory and credit card receivables multiplied by 
specific advance rates. Total interest expense incurred on the PNC Line of Credit for the fiscal year ended March 28, 
2015 was $2.6 million. On February 23, 2015, proceeds from the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility were used 
to pay the entire $50.8 million outstanding balance of the PNC Line of Credit.   

Term Loan Due May 2019 (Golub Capital LLC)   

The Company entered into a loan and security agreement with Golub Capital LLC on May 31, 2013, as 

amended by the first amendment to the term loan and security agreement dated September 23, 2013 (the “2013 Golub 
Loan”). On April 14, 2014, the Company entered into an amended and restated term loan and security agreement for the 
2013 Golub Loan. The amended and restated loan and security agreement increased the borrowings on the 2013 Golub 
Loan from $99.2 million to $130.0 million, with the proceeds used to fund a portion of the $41.3 million dividend to 
stockholders and cash payment to holders of vested options that was paid in April 2014. See Note 9, “Stock-Based 
Compensation”. On November 5, 2014, the Company amended the 2013 Golub Loan to reduce the applicable LIBOR 
Floor from 1.25% to 1.00% which changed the current interest rate from 7.00% to 6.75%. Total interest expense incurred 
on the 2013 Golub Loan for the fiscal year ended March 28, 2015 was $6.8 million.   

On November 5, 2014, the Company used $81.9 million of the net proceeds from the IPO to repay a portion of 

the principal balance on the 2013 Golub Loan. The Company incurred a pre-payment penalty of $0.6 million and 
accelerated amortization of debt issuance costs of $1.7 million, which was recorded to interest expense in fiscal 2015.   

On February 23, 2015, proceeds from the February 2015 Wells Fargo Credit Facility were used to pay the entire 
$47.3 million outstanding balance of the 2013 Golub Loan. The Company incurred prepayment penalties of $1.1 million 
to the lenders under the Company’s prior credit facilities. Total debt issuance costs from the PNC Line of Credit and the 
2013 Golub Loan of $1.4 million were written off to interest expense in fiscal 2015.   

78 

   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
Aggregate contractual maturities 

Aggregate contractual maturities for the Company’s long-term debt as of April 1, 2017 are as follows: 

Fiscal Year 

2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
Total 

9. Stock-Based Compensation 

Equity Incentive Plans 

  (in thousands)   

  $

  $

  2,000  
  2,000  
  2,000  
  2,000  
  188,500  
  196,500  

On January 27, 2012, the Company approved the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”). The 2011 Plan 

authorized the Company to issue options to employees, consultants and directors exercisable for up to a total of 
3,750,000 shares of common stock. As of April 1, 2017, all awards granted by the Company under the 2011 Plan have 
been nonqualified stock options. Options granted under the 2011 Plan have a life of 10 years and vest over service 
periods of five years or in connection with certain events as defined by the 2011 Plan. 

On October 19, 2014, the Company approved the 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, which was amended as of August 

24, 2016 (as amended, the “2014 Plan”). The 2014 Plan authorizes the Company to issue awards to employees, 
consultants and directors for up to a total of 3,600,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.0001 per share. As of April 
1, 2017, all awards granted by the Company under the 2014 Plan to date have been nonqualified stock options, restricted 
stock awards or restricted stock units. Options granted under the 2014 Plan have a life of eight years and vest over 
service periods of five years or in connection with certain events as defined by the 2014 Plan. Restricted stock awards 
granted vest over one or four years, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Restricted 
stock units vest over service periods of one or five years, as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of 
Directors.   

Pro Rata Cash Dividend, Cash Payment to Holders of Vested Options and Adjustment to Exercise Price of 
Unvested Options 

On April 11, 2014, the Company declared and subsequently paid a pro rata cash dividend to its stockholders 

totaling $39.9 million, made a cash payment of $1.4 million to holders of vested options, and lowered the exercise price 
of 1,918,550 unvested options by $2.00 per share. The cash payments totaling $41.3 million reduced retained earnings to 
zero and reduced additional paid-in capital by $39.7 million. The 2011 Plan has nondiscretionary antidilution provisions 
that require the fair value of the option awards to be equalized in the event of an equity restructuring. Consequently, the 
board of directors of the Company was obligated under the antidilution provisions to approve the reduction of the 
exercise price on the unvested options and make the cash payment to the holders of vested options. No incremental 
stock-based compensation expense was recognized for the dividend for the vested options or reduction in exercise price 
for the unvested options. 

Stock Options 

During fiscal 2017, the Company granted certain members of management options to purchase a total of 

560,892 shares under the 2014 Plan. The total grant date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2017 was $1.5 
million, with grant date fair values ranging from $2.50 to $2.95 per share. The Company is recognizing the expense 
relating to these stock options on a straight-line basis over the five-year service period of the awards. The exercise prices 
of these awards range between $7.11 and $8.38 per share. 

79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
    
    
    
   
 
 
During fiscal 2016, the Company granted certain members of management options to purchase a total of 

294,153 shares under the 2014 Plan. The total grant date fair value of stock options granted during fiscal 2016 was $2.7 
million, with grant date fair values ranging from $7.48 to $11.52 per share. The Company is recognizing the expense 
relating to these stock options on a straight-line basis over the five-year service period of the awards. The exercise prices 
of these awards range between $22.31 and $32.02 per share. 

During fiscal 2015, the Company granted certain members of management options to purchase a total of 

265,650 shares under the 2014 Plan and 237,500 shares under the 2011 Plan. The total grant date fair value of stock 
options granted during fiscal 2015 was $3.5 million, with grant date fair values ranging from $6.08 to $9.27 per share. 
The Company is recognizing the expense relating to these stock options on a straight-line basis over the five-year service 
period of the awards. The exercise prices of these awards range between $9.40 and $25.50 per share. 

On October 29, 2014, the Company granted its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) options to purchase 99,650 

shares of common stock under the 2014 Plan. These options contain both service and market conditions. Vesting of the 
options occurs if the market price of the Company’s stock achieves stated targets through the third anniversary of the 
date of grant. As of March 26, 2016, the market price targets were achieved, and the options will vest in equal amounts 
on the third, fourth and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. The fair value of the options was estimated using a Monte 
Carlo simulation model. The following significant assumptions were used as of October 29, 2014: 

Stock price 
Exercise price 
Expected option term 
Expected volatility 
Risk-free interest rate 
Expected annual dividend yield 

     $  16.00   
  $  16.00  

  6.0 years
  55.0 % 
1.8 % 
0 % 

The fair values of stock options granted in fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 were estimated on the grant dates using 

the following assumptions: 

Expected option term(1) 
Expected volatility factor(2) 
Risk-free interest rate(3) 
Expected annual dividend yield(4) 

April 1, 
2017 

  35.8 % 

- 

Fiscal Year Ended 
March 26, 
2016 

March 28, 
2015 

  5.5 years    
  36.0 %   
  1.4 %   
0 % 

  33.3 % 
  1.3 % 

- 
- 

  5.5 years    
  36.7 %   
  1.8 %   
0 % 

  37.0 %  - 
  1.4 % 

  5.5 years   
  56.2 %   
  2.0 %   
0 % 

- 

(1)  The Company has limited historical information regarding expected option term. Accordingly, the Company 

determined the expected life of the options using the simplified method. 

(2)  Stock volatility for each grant is measured using the weighted average of historical daily price changes of the 
Company’s competitors’ common stock over the most recent period equal to the expected option term of the 
Company’s awards. 

(3)  The risk-free interest rate is determined using the rate on treasury securities with the same term. 
(4)  The Company’s board of directors does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Consequently, we 

used an expected dividend yield of zero. 

The stock option awards discussed above, with the exception of options awarded to the Company’s CEO on 
October 29, 2014, were measured at fair value on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. Key 
input assumptions used to estimate the fair value of stock options include the exercise price of the award, the expected 
option term, expected volatility of the Company’s stock price over the option’s expected term, the risk-free interest rate 
over the option’s expected term and the Company’s expected annual dividend yield, if any. The Company’s estimate of 
pre-vesting forfeitures, or forfeiture rate, was based on its internal analysis, which included the award recipients’ 

80 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
positions within the Company and the vesting period of the awards. The Company will issue shares of common stock 
when the options are exercised. 

Intrinsic value for stock options is defined as the difference between the market price of the Company’s 
common stock on the last business day of the fiscal year and the weighted average exercise price of in-the-money stock 
options outstanding at the end of each fiscal period. The following table summarizes the stock award activity for the 
fiscal year ended April 1, 2017: 

Outstanding at March 26, 2016 
Granted 
Exercised 
Cancelled, forfeited or expired 
Outstanding at April 1, 2017 
Vested and expected to vest after April 1, 2017 
Exerciseable at April 1, 2017 

   Weighted 
  Average 
  Grant Date 
  Remaining 
  Weighted 
  Average 
  Contractual   
 Exercise Price(1)  Life (in Years)  

  Aggregate 
Intrinsic 
Value 
 (in thousands)  

Stock 

  Options 

    2,447,133  $ 
  560,892  $ 
    (210,177) $ 
    (254,188) $ 
    2,543,660  $ 
    2,543,660  $ 
    1,395,160  $ 

  9.87   
  7.38   
  6.05   
  13.27   
  9.29  
  9.29  
  7.64  

 $ 

  1,208  

  5.9  $ 
  5.9  $ 
  5.4  $ 

  6,475  
  6,475  
  4,463  

(1)  The grant date weighted-average exercise price reflects the reduction of the exercise price by $2.00 per share for the 

1,918,550 unvested options that were part of the April 2014 dividend discussed above. 

A summary of the status of non-vested stock options as of April 1, 2017 and changes during fiscal 2017 is 

presented below: 

Nonvested at March 26, 2016 
Granted 
Vested 
Nonvested shares forfeited 
Nonvested at April 1, 2017 

Restricted Stock   

    Weighted-  
  Average   
  Grant Date  
    Fair Value  
  5.82  
  2.60  
  4.41  
  6.16  
  4.84  

Shares 
     1,335,103   $ 
  560,892   $ 
  (535,199)  $ 
  (212,296)  $ 
     1,148,500   $ 

During fiscal 2017, the Company granted 136,732 restricted stock units to various employees under the 2014 
Plan. The shares granted to employees vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the grant date, provided that 
the respective award recipient continues to be employed by the Company through each of those dates. The shares granted 
to the Company’s directors vest on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these awards for 
fiscal 2017 totaled $1.1 million. The Company is recognizing the expense relating to these awards on a straight-line basis 
over the service period of each award, commencing on the date of grant.   

During fiscal 2016, the Company granted 86,530 restricted stock units to various employees under the 2014 

Plan. The shares granted to employees vest in five equal annual installments beginning on the grant date, provided that 
the respective award recipient continues to be employed by the Company through each of those dates. The grant date fair 
value of these awards for fiscal 2016 totaled $1.7 million. The Company is recognizing the expense relating to these 
awards on a straight-line basis over the service period of each award, commencing on the date of grant. 

81 

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
 
 
 
During fiscal 2015, the Company granted 30,313 restricted stock awards of common stock to various employees 

and one member of its Board of Directors under the 2014 Plan. The shares granted to employees vest in four equal 
annual installments beginning on the grant date, provided that the respective award recipient continues to be employed 
by the Company through each of those dates. The shares granted to the member of the Board of Directors vested in full 
upon the one-year anniversary of the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these awards totaled $0.5 million. The 
Company is recognizing the expense relating to these awards on a straight-line basis over the service period of each 
award, commencing on the date of grant. 

Stock-Based Compensation Expense 

Stock-based compensation expense was $3.0 million, $2.9 million and $2.0 million for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 
2015, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense of $0.5 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million was recorded in 
cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. All other 
stock-based compensation expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated 
statements of operations. 

As of April 1, 2017, there was $4.2 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to 
unvested stock options, with a weighted-average remaining recognition period of 2.77 years. As of April 1, 2017, there 
was $1.8 million of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to restricted stock, with a weighted-
average remaining recognition period of 3.54 years. 

10. Commitments and Contingencies 

The Company is involved, from time to time, in litigation that is incidental to its business. The Company has 
reviewed these matters to determine if reserves are required for losses that are probable and reasonable to estimate in 
accordance with FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies. The Company evaluates such reserves, if any, based upon 
several criteria, including the merits of each claim, settlement discussions and advice from outside legal counsel, as well 
as indemnification of amounts expended by the Company’s insurers or others, if any.   

On April 28, 2016, two employees, on behalf of themselves and all other similarly situated employees, filed a 
wage-and-hour class action, which includes claims for penalties under California’s Private Attorney General Act, in the 
Fresno County Superior Court, Case No. 16 CE CG 01330, alleging violations of California’s wage and hour, overtime, 
meal break and statement of wages rules and regulations, among other things. On April 10, 2017, the Company reached a 
settlement with the employees for an amount that is not material to the consolidated financial statements. The amount of 
the settlement has been accrued as of April 1, 2017.   

During the normal course of its business, the Company has made certain indemnifications and commitments 
under which the Company may be required to make payments for certain transactions. These indemnifications include 
those given to various lessors in connection with facility leases for certain claims arising from such facility leases, and 
indemnifications to directors and officers of the Company to the maximum extent permitted under the laws of the State 
of Delaware. The majority of these indemnifications and commitments do not provide for any limitation of the maximum 
potential future payments the Company could be obligated to make, and their duration may be indefinite. The Company 
has not recorded any liability for these indemnifications and commitments in the consolidated balance sheets as the 
impact is expected to be immaterial. 

82 

 
 
11. Leases 

Operating Leases 

The following is a schedule by year of non-cancelable future minimum rental payments under operating leases 

as of April 1, 2017 (in thousands): 

2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
Thereafter 
Total 

Total 

     Related      
All 
     party(1)      
other 
  $  101   $   33,744   $    33,845  
  30,184  
  30,184  
  26,619  
  26,619  
  25,314  
  25,314  
  21,276  
  21,276  
  50,702  
  50,702  
  $  101   $  187,839   $   187,940  

  —  
  —  
  —  
  —  
  —  

(1)  See Note 14 “Related Party Transactions”. 

Minimum rent payments consist primarily of future minimum lease commitments related to store operating 
leases. Minimum lease payments do not include common area maintenance, insurance or tax payments. Rent expense 
related to operating leases was $41.3 million, $38.1 million and $27.3 million for the fiscal years ended April 1, 2017, 
March 26, 2016 and March 28, 2015, respectively, and includes common area maintenance and contingent rent 
payments. 

Capital Leases and Financing Transactions 

As of April 1, 2017, the Company had non-cancelable capital leases for property and equipment rentals with 
principal and interest payments due monthly. The liability under capital lease arrangements as of April 1, 2017 totals 
$0.9 million.   

During fiscal 2016, the Company acquired leases related to two retail stores, two office buildings, one 
distribution center facility and land as part of the Sheplers Acquisition. On July 30, 2007, Sheplers sold these properties 
to an unrelated third-party real estate company and simultaneously entered into an arrangement with the third-party real 
estate company to lease back these properties. Sheplers maintained continuing involvement in these properties such that 
this sale did not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting treatment. This transaction is recorded as a financing transaction 
with the assets and related financing obligation recorded on the balance sheet. The lease expires in fiscal 2028 and 
includes renewal options and certain default provisions requiring the Company to perform repairs and maintenance, 
make timely rent payments and insure the buildings and equipment. The liability under the financing transaction as of 
April 1, 2017 totals $7.4 million. 

The total liability under capital lease and financing transactions as of April 1, 2017 is $8.3 million and is 

included as capital lease obligations in the consolidated balance sheet. The current portion of the capital lease 
arrangements is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The interest 
rates range from 6.1% to 11.0%.     

83 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
As of April 1, 2017, future minimum capital lease and financing transaction payments are as follows: 

Fiscal Year 

(in thousands) 

2018 
2019 
2020 
2021 
2022 
Thereafter 
Total 
Less: Imputed interest 
Present value of capital leases and financing transaction 
Less: Current capital leases and financing transaction 
Noncurrent capital leases and financing transaction 

  $ 

  $ 

  1,273  
  1,296  
  1,307  
  1,331  
  1,356  
  6,857  
  13,420  
  (5,148) 
  8,272  
  (447) 
  7,825  

The net property and equipment involved in the Company’s capital leases and financing transaction are 

included in property and equipment as follows: 

(in thousands) 
Buildings 
Land 
Site Improvements 
Equipment 
Property and equipment, gross 
Less: accumulated depreciation 
Property and equipment, net 

April 1, 

2017 

$ 

$ 

  7,588  
  2,530  
  410  
  63  
  10,591  
  (1,272)  
  9,319  

March 26,   
2016 

$ 

  7,588  
  2,530  
  410  
  63  
  10,591  
  (551) 
$    10,040  

Other liabilities, which relate to long-term lease liabilities, are as follows: 

(in thousands) 
Above-market leases 
Long-term deferred rent 
Capital lease residual value 
Total other liabilities 

12. Defined Contribution Plan 

      April 1, 

     March 26,  

2017 

2016 

  $

  9   $

  45  
  8,418  
  3,968  
  $   17,568   $   12,431  

     13,591  
  3,968  

The Boot Barn 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is a qualified plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue 
Code. The 401(k) Plan provides a matching contribution for all employees that work a minimum of 1,000 hours per year. 
Contributions to the plan are based on certain criteria as defined in the agreement, governing the 401(k) Plan. 
Participating employees are allowed to contribute up to the statutory maximum set by the Internal Revenue Service. The 
Company provides a safe harbor matching contribution that matches 100% of employee contributions up to 3% of their 
respective wages and then 50% of further contributions up to 5% of their respective wages. Contributions to the plan and 
charges to selling, general and administrative expenses were $0.6 million, $0.4 million and $0.4 million, for fiscal 2017, 
2016, and 2015, respectively. 

84 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
13. Income Taxes 

Income tax expense consisted of the following: 

Fiscal Year Ended 

(in thousands) 
Current: 
Federal 
State 
Foreign 

Total current 

Deferred: 
Federal 
State 
Foreign 

Total deferred 

Total income tax expense 

  April 1,    March 26,   March 28,  
      2017 

      2016 

2015 

  $  2,274   $   2,533   $   6,542  
     1,203  
     1,105  
  —  
  8  
     7,745  
     3,646  

  464  
  8  
    2,746  

    5,946  
  231  
  (1) 
    6,176  

     1,461  
     3,736  
     (740)  
  65  
  —  
  (4) 
  721  
     3,797  
  $  8,922   $   7,443   $   8,466  

The reconciliation between the Company’s effective tax rate on income from operations and the statutory tax 

rate is as follows: 

Expected provision at statutory U.S. federal tax rate 
State and local income taxes, net of federal tax benefit 
Change in tax rates 
State credits 
Acquisition costs 
Permanent items 
Other 

Effective tax rate 

Fiscal Year Ended 
  April 1,   March 26,   March 28, 
2016 
     2017       
  35.0 %   
     35.0 %  
  4.7  
  3.0  
  1.0  
  (1.2)  
  —  
  —  
  1.8  
  —  
  1.7  
  0.3  
  (1.2) 
  1.5  
  43.0 %   
     38.6 %  

2015 
  35.0 %   
  3.7  
  0.5  
  —  
  —  
  —  
  (1.1) 
  38.1 %   

Differences between the effective tax rate and the statutory rate relate primarily to state taxes and permanent 

items. 

85 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
    
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
     
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
Deferred taxes reflect the net tax effects of the temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and 
liabilities for financial reporting and the amount used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s 
net deferred tax liabilities as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016 consisted of the following (in thousands): 

     April 1 

     March 26,   

2017 

2016 

Deferred tax assets: 
State taxes 
Accrued liabilities 
Award program liabilities 
Deferred revenue 
Inventory 
Stock options 
Net operating loss carryforward 
Other 
Total deferred tax assets 
Deferred tax liabilities: 
Depreciation and amortization 
Prepaid expenses 
Total deferred tax liabilities 
Valuation allowance 

Deferred income taxes, net 

  $

  237   $

  3,479  
  782  
  1,233  
  3,421  
  2,574  
  7,232  
  584  
     19,542  

  232  
  2,909  
  768  
  731  
  2,602  
  1,960  
  11,611  
  510  
     21,323  

    (29,551)  
  (926)  
    (30,477)  
  (235)  

    (25,531)  
  (784)  
    (26,315)  
  —  
  $  (11,170)   $   (4,992)  

As of April 1, 2017, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state tax purposes of 

$15.6 million and $15.1 million, respectively. These net operating loss carryforwards expire at various dates beginning in 
2018.   

Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred income tax assets to the amounts 

expected to be realized. To this end, the Company has considered and evaluated its sources of taxable income, including 
forecasted future taxable income, and the Company has concluded that a valuation allowance is required for state net 
operating losses and credits it expects to expire unused. The Company will continue to evaluate the need for a valuation 
allowance at each period end. 

The Company applies ASC 740, which contains a two-step approach to recognizing and measuring uncertain 

tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available 
evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related 
appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more 
than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company considers many factors when evaluating and 
estimating its tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments. At April 1, 2017 and March 26, 
2016, no amounts were necessary to be recorded for any unrecognized tax liabilities nor any tax benefits. 

The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties accrued on any unrecognized tax benefits as a 

component of income tax expense. To the extent that accrued interest and penalties do not ultimately become payable, 
amounts accrued will be reduced and reflected as a reduction of the overall income tax provision in the period that such 
determination is made. The Company does not have any accrued interest or penalties associated with any unrecognized 
tax benefits as of April 1, 2017 and March 26, 2016. 

The Company does not anticipate a significant change in its uncertain tax benefits over the next 12 months.     

The major jurisdictions in which the Company files income tax returns include the U.S. federal jurisdiction, as 
well as various state jurisdictions within the U.S. The Company’s fiscal years 2012 through 2016 returns are subject to 
examination by the U.S. federal and various state tax authorities.   

86 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
14. Related Party Transactions 

During fiscal 2017, the Company had capital expenditures with a specialty retail vendor in the flooring market 

that as of April 1, 2017 is 30.3% owned by Freeman Spogli, our majority stockholder. These capital expenditures 
amounted to $0.2 million in fiscal 2017 and were recorded as property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance 
sheet. There were no costs incurred with this vendor in the prior year period. 

The Company was party to a lease agreement for a store owned by one minority stockholder of the Company 

for the fiscal years ended March 26, 2016 and March 28, 2015. The Company paid $0.2 million for this lease during each 
of the fiscal years ended March 26, 2016 and March 28, 2015. These lease payments were included in cost of goods sold 
in the consolidated statements of operations. As of April 1, 2017, the individual party to the lease was no longer a 
minority stockholder of the Company and therefore not a related party.   

15. Earnings Per Share 

Earnings per share is computed under the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic 

earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the 
period. Diluted earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock plus 
the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method, whereby 
proceeds from such exercise, unamortized compensation and hypothetical excess tax benefits, if any, on share-based 
awards are assumed to be used by the Company to purchase the common shares at the average market price during the 
period. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock is applicable only in periods of net income. 

The components of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock, in aggregate, for fiscal 2017, 2016 

and 2015 are as follows: 

April 1, 
2017 

Fiscal Year Ended 
  March 26,   March 28, 

2016 

2015 

(in thousands, except per share data) 
Net income attributed to Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 
Less: Cash payment to holders of vested options 
Net income available for common stockholders 
Weighted average basic shares outstanding 
Dilutive effect of options and restricted stock 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 
Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

  —  

  —  

  $  14,197   $   9,868   $   13,726 
    (1,443)
  $  14,197   $   9,868   $   12,283 
     22,126 
  762 
     22,888 
  0.56 
  0.54 

     26,170  
  785  
     26,955  

    26,459  
  480  
    26,939  

  0.54   $
  0.53   $

  0.38   $
  0.37   $

  $
  $

Options to purchase approximately 694,278, 476,333, and 425,431 shares of common stock during the fiscal 

years ended April 1, 2017, March 26, 2016 and March 28, 2015 were outstanding, but were not included in the 
computation of weighted average diluted common shares outstanding as the effect of doing so would have been anti-
dilutive. 

87 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
  
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
16. Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) 

The tables below set forth selected quarterly financial data for each of the last two fiscal years. 

Fiscal 2017 

Fiscal 2016 

Fourth   

Third 

Second   

First 

Fourth   

Third 

Second   

First 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

quarter 

$ 163,003  $ 199,431  $ 133,969  $  133,414  $ 149,466  $ 193,842  $ 129,712  $    96,000  
  30,779  

  64,179  

  42,372  

  49,328  

  40,750  

  36,446  

  63,363  

  35,873  

  8,063  

  20,863  

  4,443  

  4,450  

  5,617  

  20,193  

  (411) 

  4,835  

  2,588  

  10,507  

  479  

  624  

  1,012  

  9,928  

  (3,343) 

  2,271  

$ 
$ 

  0.10  $ 
  0.10  $ 

  0.40  $ 
  0.39  $ 

  0.02  $ 
  0.02  $ 

  0.02  $ 
  0.02  $ 

  0.04  $ 
  0.04  $ 

  0.38  $ 
  0.37  $ 

  (0.13) $ 
  (0.13) $ 

  0.09  
  0.08  

  26,535  
  27,068  

  26,495 
  27,165 

  26,427 
  26,897 

  26,373 
  26,616 

  26,329 
  26,630 

  26,326 
  26,871 

  26,159 
  26,159 

  25,865  
  26,973  

  30.3 %   

  31.8 %   

  27.2 %  

  30.5 %  

  28.3 %   

  33.1 %   

  27.7 %   

  32.1 % 

  4.9 %   

  10.5 %   

  3.3 %  

  3.3 %  

  3.8 %   

  10.4 %   

  (0.3)%   

  5.0 % 

  1.6 %   

  5.3 %   

  0.4 %  

  0.5 %  

  0.7 %   

  5.1 %   

  (2.6)%   

  2.4 % 

  219  

  219  

  212  

  210  

  208  

  206  

  201  

  176  

  (0.9)%   

  0.2 %   

  1.8 %  

  0.4 %  

  (1.2)%   

  (2.0)%   

  0.1 %   

  5.6 % 

(in thousands, except 
select store data) 
Net sales 
Gross profit 
Income (loss) from 
operations 
Net income (loss) 

Earnings/(loss) per 
share: 

Basic shares 
Diluted shares 
Weighted average 
shares outstanding: 
Basic shares 
Diluted shares 

Percentage of net 
sales: 
Gross profit 
Income (loss) from 
operations 
Net income (loss) 

Select store data: 
Stores operating at 
end of quarter 
Same store sales 
(decline) growth   

17. Subsequent Events 

On May 26, 2017, the Company entered into the 2017 Wells Amendment and the 2017 Golub Amendment. See 

Note 8, “Revolving Credit Facilities and Long Term Debt”, for further discussion of these amendments. 

88 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under 

the Exchange Act) designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or 
submit under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the 
rules and forms of the SEC, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive 
Officer (our principal executive officer) and our Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer and principal 
accounting officer), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. 

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has 

evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures under the Exchange Act as of April 1, 2017, the 
end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of April 1, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. 

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We are responsible for establishing and maintaining internal control over financial reporting (as defined in 

Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide 
reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for 
external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Because of its inherent limitations, 
internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of 
the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls 
may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or 
procedures may deteriorate. 

Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief 

Financial Officer, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as at April 1, 2017. In 
making this assessment, our management used the Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) as issued by the 
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management 
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of April 1, 2017.   

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Registrant’s registered public accounting firm 

due to an exemption established by rules of the Commission for emerging growth companies. 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarterly period 
ended April 1, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over 
financial reporting. 

Item 9B. Other Information 

None. 

89 

 
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

The information required by this item will be contained in our proxy statement to be filed with the SEC in 

connection with our 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”), which is expected to be filed not 
later than 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended April 1, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. 

In addition, our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Ethics that applies to all of our directors, 

employees and officers, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting 
Officer. The current version of the Code of Business Ethics is available on our website under the Investor Relations 
section at www.bootbarn.com. In accordance with the rules adopted by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, we 
intend to promptly disclose any amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Business Ethics, or waivers of such 
provisions granted to executive officers and directors, on our website under the Investor Relations section at 
www.bootbarn.com. The information contained on or accessible through our website is not incorporated by reference 
into this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation 

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters 

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information required by this Item will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by 

reference. 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 

Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules 

PART IV 

See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 
Financial statement schedules have been omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or because the 
information required in those schedules either is not material or is included in the consolidated financial statements or the 
accompanying notes. 

Exhibits 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying index to exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this 

Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

90 

 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

SIGNATURES 

Date: June 6, 2017 

BOOT BARN HOLDINGS, INC. 

By: /s/ JAMES G. CONROY 
  Name:  James G. Conroy 

Title:  President, CEO and Director 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. 

Signature 

Title 

/s/ JAMES G. CONROY 
James G. Conroy 

  President, CEO and Director (Principal Executive 

Officer) 

Date 

June 6, 2017 

/s/ GREGORY V. HACKMAN 
Gregory V. Hackman 

  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial 

Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) 

June 6, 2017 

/s/ GREG BETTINELLI 
Greg Bettinelli 

/s/ BRAD J. BRUTOCAO 
Brad J. Brutocao 

/s/ CHRISTIAN B. JOHNSON 
Christian B. Johnson 

/s/ BRENDA I. MORRIS 
Brenda I. Morris 

/s/ J. FREDERICK SIMMONS 
J. Frederick Simmons 

/s/ PETER STARRETT 
Peter Starrett 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

June 6, 2017 

June 6, 2017 

June 6, 2017 

June 6, 2017 

June 6, 2017 

June 6, 2017 

91 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 

2.1(1)

EXHIBIT INDEX 

Description 

Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Boot Barn, Inc., Rodeo Acquisition Corp., Sheplers 
Holding Corporation and Gryphon Partners III, L.P. as Guarantor and the Sellers’ Representative, dated as 
of May 29, 2015 

3.1(2)  Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant 
3.2(3)  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant 

3.2.1(4)  Amendment, effective March 23, 2015, to Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant 

4.1(3)  Specimen Common Stock Certificate 
4.2(3)

Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and the stockholders 
listed therein 

10.1†(5)  Amended and Restated Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan 
10.2†(3)

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive 
Plan 
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Issuance Agreement under the Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 2014 Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement, by and between Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Brenda 
Morris 

10.3†(6)

10.4†(3)

10.5†(3)  Form of Stock Option Agreement, by and between Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and James G. Conroy 
10.6†(3)  Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan 
10.7†(3)  Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan 
10.8†(7)

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated April 7, 2015, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and 
James G. Conroy 
Continued Employment Agreement, dated January 2, 2014, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and Paul 
Iacono 
Continued Employment Agreement, effective as of January 26, 2015, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and 
Paul Iacono 
Employment Agreement, effective as of May 11, 2014, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and Laurie 
Grijalva 

10.9†(3)

10.10†(8)

10.11†(2)

10.12†(2)  Letter Agreement, dated July 2, 2014, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and Laurie Grijalva 
10.13†(8)

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 26, 2015, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. and Gregory 
V. Hackman 

10.14†(8)  Form of Stock Option Agreement, by and between Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. and Gregory V. Hackman 

10.15(3)

10.16+(3)

10.17+(3)

NSB Software as a Service Master Agreement, dated February 26, 2008, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. 
and NSB Retail Solutions Inc. 
Carrier Agreement P720025535-01, effective as of September 30, 2013, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. 
and United Parcel Service Inc., including all Addendums thereto 
Carrier Agreement P780025560-02, effective as of September 30, 2013, by and between Boot Barn, Inc. 
and United Parcel Service Inc., including all Addendums thereto 

10.18(3)  Form of Amended and Restated Indemnification Agreement 

10.19+(9)

10.19.1+(11)

10.20(9)

Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and among Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., 
GCI Capital Markets LLC, as Administrative Agent, Sole Lead Arranger, Sole Bookrunner and 
Syndication Agent, and the other Lenders named therein. 
First Amendment to Credit Agreement and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 26, 2017, by and 
among Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., Golub Capital Markets LLC, as Administrative Agent, 
Sole Lead Arranger, Sole Bookrunner and Syndication Agent, and the other Lenders named therein.   
Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015 , by and among Boot Barn, Inc. as Borrower, Boot Barn 
Holdings, Inc. and certain Subsidiaries of Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. as Guarantors, in favor of GCI Capital 
Markets LLC, as Administrative Agent. 

92 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 
Number 
10.21+(9)

10.22(9)

10.23(9)

10.24(9)

10.24.1(10)

10.24.2+(11)

10.25(9)

10.26(9)

10.27(9)

10.28(9)

Description 
Collateral Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and among Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc. 
and certain of its Subsidiaries as Grantors, in favor of GCI Capital Markets LLC, as Administrative 
Agent. 
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015 by Sheplers, Inc., in favor of GCI Capital 
Markets LLC, as Administrative Agent. 
Trademark Security Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015 by Boot Barn, Inc., in favor of GCI Capital 
Markets LLC, as Administrative Agent. 
Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and among the Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., 
Sheplers Holding Corporation, Sheplers, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative 
Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Sole Lead 
Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, and the other Lenders named therein 
Amendment No. 1, dated as of January 25, 2017, to Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and 
among the Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., Sheplers Holding Corporation, Sheplers, Inc., Wells 
Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender, and 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, and the other 
Lenders named therein. 
Amendment No. 2, dated as of May 26, 2017, to Credit Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and 
among the Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., Sheplers Holding Corporation, Sheplers, Inc., Wells 
Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent, Swingline Lender and Issuing Lender, and 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner, and the other 
Lenders named therein. 
Guaranty Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015 by and among Boot Barn, Inc. and Sheplers, Inc. as 
Borrowers, Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Sheplers Holdings Corporation and certain of their Subsidiaries as 
Guarantors, in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. 
Collateral Agreement dated as of June 29, 2015, by and among Boot Barn Holdings, Inc., Boot Barn, Inc., 
Sheplers Holding Corporation, Sheplers, Inc. and certain of their Subsidiaries as Grantors, in favor of 
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. 
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2015, by Sheplers, Inc., in favor of Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. 
Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 29, 2015, by Boot Barn, Inc., in favor of Wells Fargo 
Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent. 

21.1  List of subsidiaries 
23.1  Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP 
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to 
32.1
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

32.2

101.INS  XBRL Instance Document 
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 
101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 
101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 
101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document 
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document 

93 

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
† 

Indicates management contract or compensation plan. 

+  Portions of this exhibit (indicated by asterisks) have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment 

and the omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC. 

(1)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2015.   

(2)  Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10- Q filed on December 9, 2014. 

(3)  Incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-19908. 

(4)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 26, 2015. 

(5)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 25, 2016.   

(6)  Incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 4, 2015.   

(7)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2015. 

(8)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 9, 2015. 

(9)  Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 2, 2015. 

(10) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 27, 2017. 

(11) Incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 1, 2017.     

94 

 
 
executive offfiicers:

corporate information

James G. Conroy
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Gregory V. Hackman
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

Laurie Grijalva
Chief Merchandising Officer

board of directors:

Peter Starrett
Chairman of the Board of Directors 
President
Peter Starrett Associates

James G. Conroy
President and Chief Executive Officer
Boot Barn Holdings, Inc.

Greg Bettinelli
Partner
Upfront Ventures

Brad J. Brutocao
Partner 
Freeman Spogli & Co.

Christian B. Johnson
Partner
Freeman Spogli & Co.

Brenda I. Morris
Chief Financial Officer
Apex Parks Group

J. Frederick Simmons 
Partner 
Freeman Spogli & Co.

Corporate Address
15345 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618
www.bootbarn.com

Ticker Symbol
NYSE: BOOT

Transfer Agent
Computershare
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX  77845
800.962.4284
www-us.computershare.com/
investor/contact

Auditors
Deloitte & Touche LLP
695 Town Center Dr. Ste 1200
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.436.7100

Investor Relations
investor.bootbarn.com

Boot barn 
store portfolio

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