Edgar Filing: STAPLES INC

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x Quarterly Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended: October 28, 2006

o Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number: 0-17586

STAPLES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

04-2896127
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Five Hundred Staples Drive, Framingham, MA 01702

(Address of principal executive office and zip code)

508-253-5000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

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

Large accelerated filer x Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o

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

The registrant had 722,631,581 shares of Staples common stock outstanding as of November 10, 2006.

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q
October 28, 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
Part I — Financial Information:

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited):
Consolidated Balance Sheets		3
Consolidated Statements of Income		4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		6-16

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		17-23

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		23

Item 4. Controls and Procedures		24

Part II — Other Information		25

Signatures		29

Exhibit Index		30

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)

	October 28,			Restated
	2006			January 28,
	(Unaudited)			2006
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	804,744		$	977,822
Short-term investments	516,234			593,082
Receivables, net	717,769			576,672
Merchandise inventories, net	1,909,252			1,706,372
Deferred income tax asset	128,180			149,257
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	155,371			141,339
Total current assets	4,231,550			4,144,544
Property and equipment:
Land and buildings	775,754			705,978
Leasehold improvements	946,436			884,853
Equipment	1,472,756			1,330,181
Furniture and fixtures	727,269			672,931
Total property and equipment	3,922,215			3,593,943
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	2,036,965			1,835,549
Net property and equipment	1,885,250			1,758,394
Lease acquisition costs, net of accumulated amortization	34,743			34,885
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization	223,238			240,395
Goodwill	1,381,348			1,378,752
Other assets	275,190			175,750
Total assets	$	8,031,319		$	7,732,720
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,525,562		$	1,435,815
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	958,790			1,041,201
Debt maturing within one year	201,997			2,891
Total current liabilities	2,686,349			2,479,907
Long-term debt	320,640			527,606
Deferred income tax liability	8,050			5,845
Other long-term obligations	257,560			233,426
Minority interest	6,697			4,335
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued	—			—
Common stock, $.0006 par value, 2,100,000,000 shares authorized; issued 845,100,211 shares at October 28, 2006 and 829,695,100 shares at January 28, 2006	507			498
Additional paid-in capital	3,228,351			2,937,362
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments	119,898			87,085
Retained earnings	3,668,926			3,192,630
Less: Treasury stock at cost - 121,225,929 shares at October 28, 2006, and 99,253,565 shares at January 28, 2006	(2,265,659		)	(1,735,974		)
Total stockholders’ equity	4,752,023			4,481,601
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	8,031,319		$	7,732,720

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

(Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
				Restated						Restated
	October 28,			October 29,			October 28,			October 29,
	2006			2005			2006			2005

Sales	$	4,756,550		$	4,245,519		$	12,874,870		$	11,616,535
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	3,394,092			3,024,821			9,226,811			8,344,599
Gross profit	1,362,458			1,220,698			3,648,059			3,271,936

Operating and other expenses:
Operating and selling	757,790			695,306			2,138,922			1,955,855
General and administrative	199,066			168,700			559,113			506,286
Amortization of intangibles	3,421			3,178			9,667			10,021
Total operating expenses	960,277			867,184			2,707,702			2,472,162

Operating income	402,181			353,514			940,357			799,774

Other income (expense):
Interest income	12,317			15,928			42,929			40,718
Interest expense	(10,934		)	(14,910		)	(36,678		)	(39,948		)
Miscellaneous expense	(62		)	(927		)	(921		)	(1,086		)
Income before income taxes and minority interest	403,502			353,605			945,687			799,458
Income tax expense	113,555			129,066			308,742			291,802
Income before minority interest	289,947			224,539			636,945			507,656
Minority interest	19			53			(234		)	251
Net income	$	289,928		$	224,486		$	637,179		$	507,405

Earnings Per Share:

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.40		$	0.31		$	0.88		$	0.69
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.39		$	0.30		$	0.86		$	0.67
Dividends declared per common share	$	—		$	—		$	0.22		$	0.17

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

(Unaudited)

	39 Weeks Ended
				Restated
	October 28,			October 29,
	2006			2005
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	637,179		$	507,405
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	247,832			223,429
Stock-based compensation	130,912			93,477
Deferred tax benefit	(62,484		)	(22,870		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	(25,523		)	(21,093		)
Other	5,139			4,404
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in receivables	(134,543		)	(73,434		)
Increase in merchandise inventories	(184,154		)	(106,333		)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets	(22,721		)	(5,323		)
Increase in accounts payable	76,694			120,804
Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities	(54,075		)	(3,746		)
Increase in other long-term obligations	14,549			16,082
Net cash provided by operating activities	628,805			732,802

Investing Activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(352,186		)	(289,338		)
Increase in investment, net of cash acquired	(2,596		)	(16,636		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(40,560		)
Purchase of short-term investments	(5,820,743		)	(6,037,124		)
Proceeds from the sale of short-term investments	5,897,590			5,950,498
Net cash used in investing activities	(277,935		)	(433,160		)

Financing Activities:
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans	135,323			102,929
Payments on borrowings	(3,104		)	(18,850		)
Cash dividends paid	(160,883		)	(123,402		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	25,523			21,093
Purchase of treasury stock, net	(529,685		)	(504,221		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(532,826		)	(522,451		)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	8,878			(4,231		)

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(173,078		)	(227,040		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	977,822			997,310
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	804,744		$	770,270

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note A — Basis of Presentation

The accompanying interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Staples, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Staples”, “the Company”, “we”, “our” or “us”). These financial statements are for the period covering the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ending October 28, 2006 (also referred to as the “third quarter of 2006” and “year-to-date 2006”, respectively) and the period covering the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ending October 29, 2005 (also referred to as the “third quarter of 2005” and “year-to-date 2005”, respectively). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation. Certain previously reported amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation.

All share and per share amounts reflect, or have been restated to reflect, the three-for-two common stock split that was effected in the form of a common stock dividend distributed on April 15, 2005.

The Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”) as of January 29, 2006 using the modified retrospective method. As a result, the consolidated financial statements for the third quarter of 2005 and year-to-date 2005 have been restated to reflect the adoption of this standard. The impact on net income and earnings per share from the adoption of SFAS No. 123R is consistent with the pro forma amounts previously disclosed in our quarterly reports.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such interim financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006.

Note B — New Accounting Pronouncement

In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertain income tax positions that are recognized in a company’s financial statements in accordance with the provisions of FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes”. FIN 48 also provides guidance on the derecognition of uncertain positions, financial statement classification, accounting for interest and penalties, accounting for interim periods and new disclosure requirements. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Note C — Employee Benefit Plans

Stock Option Review

During the third quarter of 2006, the Company and its Audit Committee, assisted by outside counsel, conducted a review of its historical stock option granting practices during the period from 1997 to the present. Based on the results of the review, the Company has recorded a $10.8 million expense ($8.6 million net of taxes) in the third quarter to reflect the cumulative impact of accounting errors due to the use of incorrect measurement dates, without restating any historical financial statements. The Company has concluded that the use of incorrect measurement dates was not the result of intentional wrongdoing and has taken steps to improve the controls over its option granting processes.

The amount of this correction in any single year would have been no more than 0.6% of operating income for that year. We recorded the cumulative impact of these errors as a charge in the third quarter of 2006 without restating any historical financial statements. This charge increased cost of goods sold and occupancy costs by $0.3 million, operating and selling expenses by $3.9 million, general and administrative expenses by $6.6 million, and reduced income tax expense by $2.2 million, resulting in an $8.6 million reduction in net income for the third quarter of 2006.

Employee Stock Purchase Plans

The Amended and Restated 1998 Employee Stock Purchase Plan authorizes a total of up to 15.8 million shares of the Company’s common stock to be sold to participating employees and the Amended and Restated International Employee Stock Purchase Plan authorizes a total of up to 1.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock to be sold to participating employees of non-U.S. subsidiaries of the Company. Under both plans, participating employees may purchase shares of common stock at 85% of its market price at the beginning or end of an offering period, whichever is lower, through payroll deductions in an amount not to exceed 10% of an employee’s annual base compensation.

Stock Award Plans

The Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) was implemented in July 2004 and replaces the amended and restated 1992 Equity Incentive Plan (the “1992 Plan”) and the amended and restated 1990 Director Stock Option Plan (the “1990 Plan”). Unexercised options under both the 1992 Plan and the 1990 Plan remain outstanding. In addition to these unexercised options, the 2004 Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 62.3 million shares of the Company’s common stock to management and employees using various forms of awards, including nonqualified options and restricted stock, subject to certain restrictions. All employee stock awards are made using registered shares. As of February 27, 1997, Staples’ 1987 Stock Option Plan (the “1987 Plan”) expired; however, unexercised options under this plan remain outstanding. Options outstanding under these plans have an exercise price equal to the market price of the common stock on the date of grant. Some options outstanding are exercisable at various percentages of the total shares subject to the option starting one year after the grant, while other options are exercisable in their entirety three to five years after the grant date. All options expire ten years after the grant date, subject to earlier termination in the event of employment termination.

Stock Options

Information with respect to stock options granted under the above plans is as follows:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price Per Share		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (in thousands)
Outstanding at January 29, 2006	68,472,992		$	15.68
Granted	58,750		24.21
Exercised	(4,401,217	)	12.22
Canceled	(823,799	)	18.44
Outstanding at April 29, 2006	63,306,726		$	15.90
Granted	4,292,883		24.47
Exercised	(2,018,310	)	13.28
Canceled	(741,526	)	19.72
Outstanding at July 29, 2006	64,839,773		$	16.50
Granted	49,500		24.73
Exercised	(2,918,910	)	13.82
Canceled	(555,308	)	21.32
Outstanding at October 28, 2006	61,415,055		$	16.59	$	563,609
Exercisable at October 28, 2006	37,191,155		$	14.07	$	435,101

The weighted average fair value of options granted during both the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006 was $7.94 and $7.86, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three and nine months ended October 29, 2005 was $6.61 and $6.45, respectively.

The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable options for common stock:

		Options Outstanding			Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number Outstanding	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable	Weighted Average Exercise Price
$0.00 - $9.00	1,622,243	1.98	$	6.93	1,621,726	$	6.93
$9.001 - $10.00	5,580,214	4.28	9.72		5,543,241	9.72
$10.001 - $11.00	6,405,102	5.11	10.51		6,339,126	10.51
$11.001 - $13.00	8,753,313	6.34	12.13		6,831,898	12.12
$13.001 - $14.00	3,513,293	2.89	13.37		3,440,399	13.37
$14.001 - $19.00	2,441,574	4.36	16.24		1,936,674	16.10
$19.001 - $20.00	11,217,043	7.45	19.16		5,057,202	19.16
$20.001 - $21.00	3,857,694	3.54	20.67		3,485,422	20.66
$21.001 - $22.00	12,917,461	8.66	21.31		2,789,078	21.31
$22.001 - $25.00	5,107,118	9.45	24.19		146,389	22.46
$0.00 - $25.00	61,415,055	6.41	$	16.59	37,191,155	$	14.07

For stock options granted prior to May 1, 2005, the fair value for these options was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For stock options granted on or after May 1, 2005, the fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using a binomial valuation model. The binomial model considers characteristics of fair value option pricing that are not available under the Black-Scholes model. Similar to the Black-Scholes model, the binomial model takes into account variables such as expected volatility, dividend yield rate, and risk free interest rate. However, in addition, the binomial model considers the contractual term of the option, the probability that the option will be exercised prior to the end of its contractual life, and the probability of termination or retirement of the option holder in computing the value of the option. For these reasons, the Company believes that the binomial model provides a fair value that is more representative of actual experience and future expected experience than that value calculated using the Black-Scholes model.

The fair value of options granted in each year was estimated at the date of grant using the following weighted average assumptions:

	13 and 39 Weeks Ended
	October 28 2006		October 29, 2005
Risk free interest rate	5.1	%	3.8	%
Expected dividend yield	0.8	%	0.8	%
Expected stock volatility	31	%	33	%
Expected life of options	5.1 years		5.0 years

The expected stock volatility factor was calculated using an average of historical and implied volatility measures to reflect the different periods in the Company’s history that would impact the value of the stock options granted to employees.

The fair value of stock options is expensed over the applicable vesting period using the straight line method. In connection with the purchase of shares under the employee stock purchase plan and the issuance of stock options, Staples recognized $32.8 million and $76.3 million in compensation expense for the three months and nine months ended October 28, 2006, respectively and $21.0 million and $58.3 million in compensation expense for the three months and nine months ended October 29, 2005, respectively. At October 28, 2006, the Company had $141.5 million of stock options to be expensed over the period through September 2010.

Restricted Stock

In 2003, the Company began granting restricted shares in lieu of special grants of stock options in order to better align management and shareholder interests. All shares underlying awards of restricted stock are restricted in that they are not transferable (i.e., they may not be sold) until they vest. Subject to limited exceptions, if the employees who received the

restricted stock leave Staples prior to the vesting date for any reason, the shares of restricted stock will be forfeited and returned to Staples. The fair value of restricted shares is based upon the market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant and is expensed over the applicable vesting period using the straight line method. The following table summarizes the Company’s restricted stock activities in the nine months ended October 28, 2006:

	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Per Share
Outstanding at January 29, 2006	2,018,614		$	18.45
Granted	13,500		24.16
Released	(525,000	)	19.75
Forfeited	—		—
Outstanding at April 29, 2006	1,507,114		$	18.05
Granted	4,876,949		24.50
Released	(34,076	)	20.50
Forfeited	(249	)	21.10
Outstanding at July 29, 2006	6,349,738		$	22.99
Granted	104,169		24.02
Released	(16,175	)	22.75
Forfeited	(265,997	)	20.52
Outstanding at October 28, 2006	6,171,735		$	23.11

In connection with the issuance of restricted stock, Staples recognized $10.8 million and $17.7 million in compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006 compared to $3.3 and $9.3 million for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2005, respectively. At October 28, 2006, Staples had $98.7 million of restricted shares to be expensed over the period through September 2009.

Performance Accelerated Restricted Stock (“PARS”)

PARS are shares of Staples common stock that may be issued to employees (including officers) of Staples. The shares, however, are restricted in that they are not transferable (i.e., they may not be sold) by the employee until they vest, generally after the end of five years. Such vesting date may accelerate if Staples achieves certain compound annual earnings per share growth over a certain number of interim years. Subject to limited exceptions, if the employee leaves Staples prior to the vesting date for any reason, PARS will be forfeited by the employee and will be returned to Staples. Once PARS have vested, they become unrestricted and may be transferred and sold. Based on the terms of these awards, the Company accounts for PARS using fixed plan accounting and recognizes compensation expense over the expected life of the award on a straight-line basis.

The fair value of PARS is based upon the market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant. As of October 28, 2006, Staples had 972,170 PARS that were issued during fiscal year 2005. The shares have a weighted-average fair market value of $21.72 and initially vest in March 2010 or will accelerate in full in March 2007, 2008 or 2009. PARS issued in fiscal year 2004 have a weighted-average fair market value of $19.79 and vested in March 2006 as a result of Staples achieving its target earnings per share growth for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2006.

In connection with the issuance of PARS, Staples recognized $6.8 million and $19.1 million in compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006, respectively, and $4.9 million and $14.9 million for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2005, respectively.

Performance Shares

In fiscal 2006, the Company began issuing performance shares. Performance shares are restricted stock awards that vest only if the Company meets minimum performance targets. For the 2006 performance share awards, the performance target has been established based on cumulative returns on net assets over a three year period. If, at the end of the 2008 fiscal year, the Company achieves 100% of the performance target, all of the 2006 performance share awards will vest; if the Company achieves at least 90% of the performance target or exceeds the performance target, then a percentage of the performance shares, from 90% up to 200%, will vest. If the Company does not achieve at least 90% of the performance target, then none of the performance share awards will vest.

The fair value of performance shares is based upon the market price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant. As of October 28, 2006, Staples had 541,200 performance shares that were issued during fiscal year 2006. The shares have a weighted-average fair market value of $23.43. In connection with the issuance of performance shares, Staples recognized $3.1 million and $5.2 million in compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006.

Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan

Staples’ Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”) is available to all United States based employees of Staples who meet minimum age and length of service requirements. Company contributions are based upon a matching formula applied to employee contributions that are made in the form of Company common stock and vest ratably over a five year period.

In connection with this plan, Staples recognized $3.4 million and $12.6 million in compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 28, 2006 and $3.8 million and $10.9 million in compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 29, 2005.

Note D — Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated as hedges of net investments in foreign subsidiaries (net of the related tax effects), which are reported separately in stockholders’ equity (in thousands):

	13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
	October 28, 2006			October 29, 2005			October 28, 2006			October 29, 2005
Net income	$	289,928		$	224,486		$	637,179		$	507,405
Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net	2,232			10,840			36,472			(29,886		)
Change in the fair value of derivatives	(2,541		)	(9,041		)	(6,309		)	(14,660		)
Tax effect of changes in the fair value of derivatives	1,067			3,797			2,650			6,158
Total comprehensive income	$	290,686		$	230,082		$	669,992		$	469,017

Note E — Stockholders’ Equity

On February 22, 2005, the Board approved a three-for-two common stock split to be effected in the form of a stock dividend of Staples common stock to shareholders of record as of March 29, 2005. The stock dividend was distributed on April 15, 2005. All share and per share data has been restated to reflect the effect of this three-for-two common stock split.

Note F — Computation of Earnings Per Common Share

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of and year-to-date 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

	13 Weeks Ended				39 Weeks Ended
	October 28, 2006		October 29, 2005		October 28, 2006		October 29, 2005
Numerator:
Net income	$	289,928	$	224,486	$	637,179	$	507,405
Denominator:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	718,172		729,572		722,469		733,019
Effect of dilutive securities:Effect of dilutive securities:
Employee stock options and restricted stock	18,063		17,980		19,066		18,746
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution	736,235		747,552		741,535		751,765

Basic earnings per common share	$	0.40	$	0.31	$	0.88	$	0.69
Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.39	$	0.30	$	0.86	$	0.67

Note G — Credit Agreement

On October 13, 2006, Staples entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A and other lending institutions. The Agreement amends and restates the Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2004 which provided for a maximum borrowing of $750.0 million and was due to expire in December 2009 (the “Prior Agreement”). As of October 13, 2006, no borrowings were outstanding under the Prior Agreement and approximately $68.0 million of letters of credit were issued thereunder. These letters of credit were continued under the Agreement following the amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement.

The Agreement provides for a maximum borrowing of $750.0 million which, upon approval of the lenders, Staples may increase to $1.0 billion, and expires on October 13, 2011. This maximum borrowing amount may be reduced from time to time according to the terms of the Agreement. Borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement may be syndicated loans, competitive bid loans, or swing line loans, the combined sum of which may not exceed the maximum borrowing amount. Amounts borrowed under the Agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until October 13, 2011.

Borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement as syndicated loans will bear interest, payable quarterly or, if earlier, at the end of any interest period, at either (a) the base rate, described in the Agreement as the higher of the annual rate of the lead bank’s prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (b) the Eurocurrency rate (a publicly published rate) plus a percentage spread based on the Company’s credit rating and fixed charge coverage ratio. Borrowings made as competitive bid loans bear the competitive bid rate as specified in the applicable competitive bid. Swing line loans bear interest that is the lesser of the base rate or the swing line rate as quoted by the administrative agent under the terms of the Agreement. Under the Agreement, Staples agrees to pay a facility fee, payable quarterly, at rates that range from 0.060% to 0.125% depending on the Company’s credit rating and fixed charge coverage ratio, and when applicable, a utilization fee. The payments under this Agreement are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s publicly issued notes (see Note I).

Note H — Segment Reporting

Staples has three reportable segments: North American Retail, North American Delivery, and International Operations. Staples’ North American Retail segment consists of the U.S. and Canadian business units that operate office products stores. The North American Delivery segment consists of the U.S. and Canadian business units that sell and deliver office products and services directly to customers, and includes Staples Business Delivery, Quill and Staples’ Contract operations (Staples National Advantage and Staples Business Advantage). The International Operations segment consists of operating units that operate office products stores and that sell and deliver office products and services directly to customers in 19 countries in Europe, South America and Asia.

Staples evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or loss from operations before stock-based compensation, interest and income taxes, the impact of changes in accounting principles and non-recurring items (“business unit income”). Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at Staples’ cost; therefore, there is no intercompany profit or loss recognized on these transactions.

The following is a summary of sales and business unit income by reportable segment for the third quarter of and year-to-date 2006 and 2005 and a reconciliation of business unit income to consolidated income before income taxes (in thousands):

	13 Weeks Ended						39 Weeks Ended
	October 28, 2006			October 29, 2005			October 28, 2006			October 29, 2005
	Sales						Sales
North American Retail	$	2,672,716		$	2,450,926		$	7,016,454		$	6,468,839
North American Delivery	1,497,887			1,285,905			4,218,161			3,617,436
International Operations	585,947			508,688			1,640,255			1,530,260
Total reportable segments	$	4,756,550		$	4,245,519		$	12,874,870		$	11,616,535

	Business Unit Income						Business Unit Income
North American Retail	$	288,876		$	251,777		$	627,494		$	546,662
North American Delivery	161,494			133,822			432,240			354,030
International Operations	8,736			943			11,535			(7,441		)
Business unit income	$	459,106		$	386,542		$	1,071,269		$	893,251
Stock-based compensation	(56,925		)	(33,028		)	(130,912		)	(93,477		)
Total reportable segments	402,181			$	353,514		$	940,357		799,774
Interest and other expense, net	1,321			91			5,330			(316		)
Income before income taxes and minority interest	$	403,502		$	353,605		$	945,687		$	799,458

Note I — Guarantor Subsidiaries

Under the terms of the Company’s 7.375% senior notes and 7.125% senior notes, certain subsidiaries guarantee repayment of the debt. The 7.375% senior notes and 7.125% senior notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured, joint and several basis by Staples the Office Superstore, LLC, Staples the Office Superstore East, Inc., Staples Contract & Commercial, Inc. and Staples the Office Superstore, Limited Partnership, all of which are wholly owned subsidiaries of Staples (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The term of the guarantees is equivalent to the term of the related debt. The following condensed consolidating financial data is presented for the holders of the 7.375% senior notes and 7.125% senior notes and illustrates the composition of Staples, Inc. (the “Parent Company”), the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and the non-guarantor subsidiaries for the third quarter of and year-to-date 2006 and 2005. The non-guarantor subsidiaries represent more than an inconsequential portion of the consolidated assets and revenues of Staples.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the Parent Company on the equity method for purposes of the supplemental consolidating presentation. Earnings of subsidiaries are, therefore, reflected in the Parent Company’s investment accounts and earnings. The principal elimination entries eliminate the Parent Company’s investment in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of October 28, 2006

(in thousands)

						Non-
	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	345,358		$	40,561	$	418,825	$	—		$	804,744
Short-term investments	516,234			—		—		—			516,234
Merchandise inventories	—			1,202,748		706,504		—			1,909,252
Other current assets	119,134			432,109		450,077		—			1,001,320
Total current assets	980,726			1,675,418		1,575,406		—			4,231,550
Net property, equipment and other assets	462,090			1,094,124		862,207		—			2,418,421
Goodwill	175,625			96,737		1,108,986		—			1,381,348
Investment in affiliates and intercompany, net	(812,239		)	2,996,190		2,316,283		(4,500,234		)	—
Total assets	$	806,202		$	5,862,469	$	5,862,882	$	(4,500,234	)	$	8,031,319

Total current liabilities	$	275,943		$	1,500,561	$	909,845	$	—		$	2,686,349
Total long-term liabilities	48,072			410,605		127,573		—			586,250
Minority interest	—			—		6,697		—			6,697
Total stockholders’ equity	482,187			3,951,303		4,818,767		(4,500,234		)	4,752,023
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	806,202		$	5,862,469	$	5,862,882	$	(4,500,234	)	$	8,031,319

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of January 28, 2006

(in thousands)

						Non-
	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
Cash and cash equivalents	$	479,704		$	49,390	$	448,728	$	—		$	977,822
Short-term investments	593,082			—		—		—			593,082
Merchandise inventories	—			1,048,654		657,718		—			1,706,372
Other current assets	138,792			325,075		403,401		—			867,268
Total current assets	1,211,578			1,423,119		1,509,847		—			4,144,544
Net property, equipment and other assets	353,275			989,490		866,659		—			2,209,424
Goodwill	173,029			96,737		1,108,986		—			1,378,752
Investment in affiliates and intercompany, net	(356,423		)_	2,678,919		1,445,313		(3,767,809		)	—
Total assets	$	1,381,459		$	5,188,265	$	4,930,805	$	(3,767,809	)	$	7,732,720

Total current liabilities	$	280,730		$	1,266,571	$	932,606	—			$	2,479,907
Total long-term liabilities	30,781			608,371		127,725		—			766,877
Minority interest	—			—		4,335		—			4,335
Total stockholders’ equity	1,069,948			3,313,323		3,866,139		(3,767,809		)	4,481,601
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,381,459		$	5,188,265	$	4,930,805	$	(3,767,809	)	$	7,732,720

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the 13 weeks ended October 28, 2006

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Consolidated
Sales	$	—		$	3,153,448	$	1,603,102	$	4,756,550
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	2,557			2,256,675		1,134,860		3,394,092
Gross profit	(2,557		)	896,773		468,242		1,362,458
Operating and other expenses	83,060			580,100		295,796		958,956
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest	(85,617		)	316,673		172,446		403,502
Income tax expense	—			81,419		32,136		113,555
Income (loss) before minority interest	(85,617		)	235,254		140,310		289,947
Minority interest	—			—		19		19
Net income (loss)	$	(85,617	)	$	235,254	$	140,291	$	289,928

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the 13 weeks ended October 29, 2005

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Consolidated
Sales	$	—		$	2,813,534	$	1,431,985	$	4,245,519
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	1,789			2,006,491		1,016,541		3,024,821
Gross profit	(1,789		)	807,043		415,444		1,220,698
Operating and other expenses	31,960			522,693		312,440		867,093
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest	(33,749		)	284,350		103,004		353,605
Income tax expense	—			107,499		21,567		129,066
Income (loss) before minority interest	(33,749		)	176,851		81,437		224,539
Minority interest	—			—		53		53
Net income (loss)	$	(33,749	)	$	176,851	$	81,384	$	224,486

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Sales	$	—		$	8,542,471	$	4,332,399		$	12,874,870
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	6,643			6,171,645		3,048,523			9,226,811
Gross profit	(6,643		)	2,370,826		1,283,876			3,648,059
Operating and other expenses	203,623			1,594,275		904,474			2,702,372
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest	(210,266		)	776,551		379,402			945,687
Income tax expense	—			205,291		103,451			308,742
Income (loss) before minority interest	(210,266		)	571,260		275,951			636,945
Minority interest	—			—		(234		)	(234		)
Net income (loss)	$	(210,266	)	$	571,260	$	276,185		$	637,179

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income

For the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor		Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries		Subsidiaries		Consolidated
Sales	$	—		$	7,679,788	$	3,936,747	$	11,616,535
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs	5,150			5,551,958		2,787,491		8,344,599
Gross profit	(5,150		)	2,127,830		1,149,256		3,271,936
Operating and other expenses	75,802			1,488,732		907,944		2,472,478
Income (loss) before income taxes and minority interest	(80,952		)	639,098		241,312		799,458
Income tax expense	—			241,236		50,566		291,802
Income (loss) before minority interest	(80,952		)	397,862		190,746		507,656
Minority interest	—			—		251		251
Net income (loss)	$	(80,952	)	$	397,862	$	190,495	$	507,405

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the 39 weeks ended October 28, 2006

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	383,156		$	222,610		$	23,039		$	628,805
Investing Activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(50,117		)	(241,980		)	(60,089		)	(352,186		)
Investment in joint venture	—			—			(2,596		)	(2,596		)
Purchase of short-term investments	(5,820,743		)	—			—			(5,820,743		)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	5,897,590			—			—			5,897,590
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities	26,730			(241,980		)	(62,685		)	(277,935		)
Financing Activities:
Payments on borrowings	(3,104		)	—			—			(3,104		)
Purchase of treasury stock, net	(529,685		)	—			—			(529,685		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	14,117			10,541			865			25,523
Cash dividends paid	(160,883		)	—			—			(160,883		)
Other	135,323			—			—			135,323
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(544,232		)	10,541			865			(532,826		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			8,878			8,878
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(134,346		)	(8,829		)	(29,903		)	(173,078		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	479,704			49,390			448,728			977,822
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	345,358		$	40,561		$	418,825		$	804,744

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the 39 weeks ended October 29, 2005

(in thousands)

	Staples, Inc.			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor
	(Parent Co.)			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	498,205		$	118,131		$	116,466		$	732,802
Investing Activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment	(55,001		)	(136,164		)	(98,173		)	(289,338		)
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			—			(40,560		)	(40,560		)
Increase in investment, net of cash acquired	—			—			(16,636		)	(16,636		)
Purchase of short-term investments	(6,037,124		)	—			—			(6,037,124		)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments	5,950,498			—			—			5,950,498
Cash used in investing activities	(141,627		)	(136,164		)	(155,369		)	(433,160		)
Financing Activities:
Payments on borrowings	(18,850		)	—			—			(18,850		)
Purchase of treasury stock, net	(504,221		)	—			—			(504,221		)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements	10,401			9,835			857			21,093
Cash dividends paid	(123,402		)	—			—			(123,402		)
Other	102,929			—			—			102,929
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(533,143		)	9,835			857			(522,451		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	—			—			(4,231		)	(4,231		)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(176,565		)	(8,198		)	(42,277		)	(227,040		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	529,275			44,300			423,735			997,310
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	352,710		$	36,102		$	381,458		$	770,270

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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

Overview

Our business is comprised of three segments: North American Retail, North American Delivery and International Operations. Our North American Retail segment consists of the U.S. and Canadian business units that operate office products stores. The North American Delivery segment consists of the U.S. and Canadian business units that sell and deliver office products and services directly to customers, and includes Staples Business Delivery, Quill, and our Contract operations (Staples National Advantage and Staples Business Advantage). The International Operations segment consists of operating units that operate office products stores and that sell and deliver office products and services directly to customers in 19 countries in Europe, South America and Asia.

Beginning in fiscal 2006, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123 (revised 2004) (“SFAS No. 123R”) on a modified retrospective basis. Our results for the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date 2006 reflect and our results for the third quarter of 2005 and year-to-date 2005 have been restated to reflect the impact of adopting SFAS No. 123R.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and, in particular, this management discussion and analysis contain or incorporate a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), including statements regarding:

· expected future revenues, operations, expenditures, generation of cash and cash needs;

· future activity under our stock repurchase program and payment of future cash dividends;

· the projected number, timing and cost of new store openings;

· estimates of the potential markets for our products and services, including the anticipated drivers for future growth;

· sales and marketing plans;

· projected credit profile;

· potential mergers or acquisitions and acquisition strategy; and

· projected improvements to our infrastructure and impact of such improvements on our business and operations.

In addition, any statements contained in or incorporated by reference into this report that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “estimates” and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industry and markets in which we operate and management’s beliefs and assumptions, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements included in this report. We cannot guarantee that we actually will achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements made. There are a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, those set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Results of Operations

We have provided below a summary of our operating results at the consolidated level, followed by an overview of our segment performance. Our results for the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date 2006 reflect, and our results for the third quarter of 2005 and year-to-date 2005 have been restated to reflect the impact of SFAS No. 123R.

Consolidated Performance:

Net income for the third quarter of 2006 was $289.9 million or $0.39 per diluted share compared to $224.5 million or $0.30 per diluted share for the third quarter of 2005, an increase in third quarter net income of 29%. Net income for year-to-date 2006 was $637.2 million or $0.86 per diluted share compared to $507.4 million or $0.67 per diluted share for year-to-date 2005, an increase in year-to-date net income of 26%. Our results for the third quarter of and year-to-date 2006 include a $33.3 million ($0.04 per diluted share for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006) reduction in income taxes related to the favorable resolution of certain foreign and domestic tax matters and an $8.6 million charge, net of taxes ($0.01 per diluted share for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006) to correct the measurement dates used to calculate prior years’ stock-based compensation (see Note C). We achieved the results for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 by continuing to execute our strategy of driving profitable sales growth, improving profit margins and increasing asset productivity. This includes delivering on our “Easy” brand promise to make buying office products easy for our customers in order to differentiate us from our competitors. Our commitment to customer service, our focus on higher margin Staples brand products, strong results in our copy and print center business, the continued success of our customer acquisition efforts, supply chain improvements and expense management were also key drivers of our results in the third quarter and year-to-date 2006.

Sales: Sales for the third quarter of 2006 were $4.8 billion, an increase of 12.0% from the third quarter of 2005. Sales for year-to-date 2006 were $12.9 billion, an increase of 10.8% from year-to-date 2005. Comparable sales for our North American retail locations increased 4% for the third quarter and 3% for year-to-date 2006 and comparable sales for our International retail locations increased 5% for the third quarter of 2006 and 2% for year-to-date 2006. We had 1,838 open stores as of October 28, 2006 compared to 1,748 stores as of October 29, 2005 and 1,780 stores as of January 28, 2006. This includes 37 stores opened during the third quarter of 2006 and 59 stores opened and 1 store closed during year-to-date 2006. North American Delivery sales increased 16.5% for the third quarter of 2006 and 16.6% for year-to-date 2006. The increase in total sales also reflects a positive impact of foreign currency of $61.0 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $116.1 million for year-to-date 2006.

Our strong sales growth in the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 reflects our performance in core office supplies, ink and toner, paper, portable computers, computer peripherals, furniture and our copy and print center business. The increase also reflects our continued focus on customer service as well as the continued success of our customer acquisition and retention efforts in our North American Delivery business.

Gross Profit: Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 28.6% for the third quarter of 2006 and 28.3% for year-to-date 2006 compared to 28.8% and 28.2% for the corresponding periods in 2005. The decrease in the gross profit rate for the third quarter of 2006 from the gross profit rate for the third quarter of 2005 is primarily due to continuing costs associated with the opening of three new fulfillment centers, partially offset by sales in higher margin categories including core office supplies, copy and print services and Staples brand products as well as supply chain initiatives which lower the cost of moving products from vendors to our customers. The increase in the gross profit rate for year-to-date 2006 reflects increased sales in higher margin categories including core office supplies, copy and print services and Staples brand products as well as supply chain initiatives which lower the cost of moving product from our vendors to our customers partially offset by the costs associated with the opening of our new fulfillment centers.

Operating and Selling Expenses: Operating and selling expenses, which consist of payroll, advertising and other operating expenses, were 15.9% of sales for the third quarter of 2006 and 16.6% for year-to-date 2006 compared to 16.4% and 16.8% for the corresponding periods in 2005. The decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of sales for the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date 2006 primarily reflects our continued focus on expense management and leveraging of fixed expenses on higher sales.

General and Administrative Expenses: General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 4.2% for the third quarter of 2006 and 4.3% for year-to-date 2006 compared to 4.0% for the third quarter of 2005 and 4.4% for year-to-date 2005. The increase in the third quarter of 2006 primarily reflects the correction of measurement dates used to calculate prior years’ stock-based compensation (see Note C), partially offset by strong expense control and leveraging of fixed expenses on higher sales. The decrease for year-to-date 2006 primarily reflects strong expense control and leveraging of fixed expenses on higher sales, partially offset by the correction of measurement dates used to calculate prior years’ stock-based compensation.

Amortization of Intangibles: Amortization of intangibles was $3.4 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $9.7 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $3.2 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $10.0 million for year-to-date 2005, reflecting the amortization of customer-related intangible assets and noncompetition agreements.

Interest income: Interest income was $12.3 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $42.9 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $15.9 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $40.7 million for year-to-date 2005. The decrease in interest income in the third quarter of fiscal 2006 is primarily due to a reduction in our average cash and short term investment portfolio in the third quarter of 2006 compared with the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by higher interest rates. The increase in interest income for year-to-date 2006 compared to year-to-date 2005 is due to an increase in interest rates, partially offset by the reduction in our average cash and short-term investment portfolio.

Interest expense: Interest expense was $10.9 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $36.7 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $14.9 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $39.9 million for year-to-date 2005. The decrease in interest expense for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 is primarily due to a reduction in our outstanding borrowings for our International operations in the third quarter of 2006 compared to the third quarter of 2005, partially offset by higher interest rates. We use interest rate swap agreements to convert our fixed rate debt obligations into variable rate obligations. As a result of rising interest rates, these interest rate swap agreements had a negative impact on interest expense for the third quarter and year to date 2006. Excluding the impact of our interest rate swap agreements, interest expense would have been $10.9 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $36.5 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $16.4 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $46.2 million for year-to-date 2005.

Miscellaneous expense: Miscellaneous expense was $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $0.9 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2005 and $1.1 million for year-to-date 2005. These amounts primarily reflect foreign exchange gains and losses recorded in the respective periods.

Income Taxes: Our effective tax rate was 28.1% for the third quarter of 2006 and 32.6% for year-to-date 2006, compared to 36.5% for the third quarter and year-to-date 2005. Our effective tax rate for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 reflects an adjustment for a change in estimate regarding certain tax uncertainties as well as the favorable resolution of certain foreign and domestic tax matters, which were recorded as discrete items for the third quarter. Our effective tax rate applicable to results from continuing operations, excluding the impact of discrete items, is 36.0%. The decrease in our effective tax rate, excluding the effect of the discrete items, resulted from changes in the mix of our earnings.

Segment Performance:

The following tables provide a summary of our sales and business unit income by reportable segment (see reconciliation of business unit income to consolidated income before income taxes in Note H to our Consolidated Financial Statements):

	(Amounts in thousands)				October 28,		October 29,
	13 Weeks Ended				2006		2005
	October 28, 2006		October 29, 2005		Increase From Prior Year		Increase From Prior Year
Sales:
North American Retail	$	2,672,716	$	2,450,926	9.0	%	8.7	%
North American Delivery	1,497,887		1,285,905		16.5	%	18.3	%
International Operations	585,947		508,688		15.2	%	4.0	%
Total sales	$	4,756,550	$	4,245,519	12.0	%	10.8	%

	(Amounts in thousands)
	13 Weeks Ended						October 28,		October 29,
	October 28,			October 29,			2006		2005
	2006			2005			% of Sales		% of Sales
Business Unit Income:
North American Retail	$	288,876		$	251,777		10.8	%	10.3	%
North American Delivery	161,494			133,822			10.8	%	10.4	%
International Operations	8,736			943			1.5	%	0.2	%
Business unit income	$	459,106		$	386,542		9.7	%	9.1	%
Stock-based compensation	(56,925		)	(33,028		)	(1.2	)%	(0.8	)%
Total reportable segments	$	402,181		$	353,514		8.5	%	8.3	%

	(Amounts in thousands)				October 28,		October 29,
	39 Weeks Ended				2006		2005
	October 28, 2006		October 29, 2005		Increase From Prior Year		Increase From Prior Year
Sales:
North American Retail	$	7,016,454	$	6,468,839	8.5	%	8.9	%
North American Delivery	4,218,161		3,617,436		16.6	%	17.7	%
International Operations	1,640,255		1,530,260		7.2	%	12.5	%
Total sales	$	12,874,870	$	11,616,535	10.8	%	12.0	%

	(Amounts in thousands)
	39 Weeks Ended						October 28,		October 29,
	October 28,			October 29,			2006		2005
	2006			2005			% of Sales		% of Sales
Business Unit Income:
North American Retail	$	627,494		$	546,662		8.9	%	8.5	%
North American Delivery	432,240			354,030			10.2	%	9.8	%
International Operations	11,535			(7,441		)	0.7	%	(0.5	%)
Business unit income	$	1,071,269		$	893,251		8.3	%	7.7	%
Stock-based compensation	(130,912		)	(93,477		)	(1.0	)%	(0.8	)%
Total reportable segments	$	940,357		$	799,774		7.3	%	6.9	%

North American Retail: Sales for North American Retail increased 9.0% for the third quarter of 2006 and 8.5% for year-to-date 2006 compared to the third quarter and year-to-date 2005. The growth for the third quarter primarily reflects an increase in comparable store sales of 4% as well as non-comparable store sales for stores opened in the prior year and throughout year-to-date 2006. Growth for year-to-date 2006 primarily reflects non-comparable store sales for the net stores opened in the prior year and throughout year-to-date 2006 as well as an increase in comparable store sales of 3%. We added a net 37 stores to the North American store base in the third quarter of 2006 and 54 stores during year-to-date 2006. As of October 28, 2006, the North American store base included 1,576 open stores compared to 1,491 stores as of October 29, 2005 and 1,522 stores as of January 28, 2006. The increase in sales also reflects the positive impact of Canadian exchange rates to the U.S. dollar of $33.1 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $103.7 million for year-to-date 2006. Our comparable store sales growth for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 reflects positive performance in core office supplies, portable computers, our copy and print center business, ink and toner and computer peripherals. Business unit income as a percentage of sales increased to 10.8% for the third quarter of 2006 and 8.9% for year-to-date 2006 from 10.3% for the third quarter of 2005 and 8.5% for year-to-date 2005. The increase in business unit income for the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date 2006 primarily reflects increased sales in higher margin categories including core office supplies, copy and print services and Staples brand products and supply chain initiatives which lower the cost of moving product from our vendors to our customers, partially offset by planned investments in marketing.

North American Delivery: Sales for North American Delivery increased 16.5% for the third quarter of 2006 and 16.6% for year-to-date 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in 2005. The sales growth for the third quarter and year-to-date 2006 reflects the continued success of our customer acquisition and retention efforts, increased penetration of existing customers and more effective marketing spend. Business unit income increased to 10.8% of sales for the third quarter of 2006 and 10.2% for year-to-date 2006 from 10.4% in the third quarter of 2005 and 9.8% for year-to-date 2005.

The increase in business unit income primarily reflects more efficient and effective marketing spend; our continued focus on higher margin Staples brand products; our supply chain efforts focused on improving our perfect order metric, decreasing the number of trips per order and lowering our reliance on wholesalers; continued increases in the number of orders placed electronically; and leveraging of fixed expenses on higher sales, partially offset by the costs associated with the opening of three new fulfillment centers in 2006.

International Operations: Sales for International Operations increased 15.2% for the third quarter of 2006 and 7.2% for year-to-date 2006 compared to the corresponding periods in 2005. The increase for the third quarter of 2006 reflects growth in local currency in our International delivery businesses, the positive impact of foreign exchange rates to the U.S. dollar of $24.6 million, an increase in comparable store sales of 5% as well as non-comparable store sales for stores opened in the prior year and throughout the third quarter of 2006. The increase for year-to-date 2006 reflects growth in local currency in our International delivery businesses, non-comparable store sales for stores opened in the prior year and throughout the first three quarters of 2006 as well as an increase in comparable stores sales of 2%. There was no overall impact of foreign exchange rates to the U.S. dollar for year-to-date 2006. As of October 28, 2006, the European store base included 262 open stores compared to 257 stores as of October 29, 2005 and 258 stores as of January 28, 2006. Business unit income increased to $8.7 million for the third quarter of 2006 and $11.5 million for year-to-date 2006 from $0.9 million for the third quarter of 2005 and a loss of $7.4 million for year-to-date 2005. The increase in business unit income for the third quarter of 2006 primarily reflects improved sales and focus on expense management across our international businesses. The improvement for year-to-date 2006 reflects prior year costs associated with the integration of the Office World stores and the integration of our two delivery businesses in the United Kingdom, which reduced business unit income for year-to-date 2005, as well as improved sales and focus on expense management across our international businesses.

Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based compensation increased to $56.9 million in the third quarter of 2006 and $130.9 million for 2006 from $33.0 million in the third quarter of 2005 and $93.5 million for year-to-date 2005. Stock-based compensation includes expenses associated with our employee stock purchase plans, the issuance of stock options, restricted shares, performance shares, as well as the company match in the employee 401(K) savings plan. The increase in this expense for the third quarter of 2006 and year-to-date 2006 is due to an increase in the market value of our common stock, changes in the mix of stock awards granted and the correction of measurement dates used to calculate prior years’ stock-based compensation (see Note C).

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Preparation of these statements requires management to make significant judgments and estimates. Some accounting policies have a significant impact on amounts reported in these financial statements. A summary of significant accounting policies and a description of accounting policies that are considered critical may be found in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006, filed on February 28, 2006, in Note A of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Excluding our adoption of SFAS No. 123R with respect to stock-based compensation, there have been no material changes to our application of critical accounting policies and significant judgments and estimates since January 28, 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows

Cash provided by operations was $628.8 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $732.8 million for year-to-date 2005. The decrease in operating cash flow from 2005 to 2006 is primarily due to an increase in working capital partially offset by an increase in net income.

Cash used in investing activities was $277.9 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to cash used in investing activities of $433.2 million for year-to-date 2005. This change is primarily due to fluctuations in our short-term investment portfolio.

Cash used in financing activities was $532.8 million for year-to-date 2006 compared to $522.5 million for year-to-date 2005. The change in cash used in financing activities is primarily related to the number of shares purchased under our

share repurchase program and the payment of our annual cash dividend, partially offset by cash received upon the exercise of employee stock options. On April 20, 2006 we paid a cash dividend of $0.22 per outstanding common share, or $160.9 million in the aggregate, to shareholders of record on March 31, 2006. The dividend declared and paid in 2006 represents an increase of 32% over the per share value of the cash dividend declared and paid in 2005. Under our share repurchase programs, we repurchased 21.3 million shares for $512.8 million in year-to-date 2006 and 23.1 million shares for $490.9 million in the year to date 2005.

Sources of Liquidity

We utilize cash generated from operations, short-term investments and our main revolving credit facility to cover seasonal fluctuations in cash flows and to support our various growth initiatives.

We had $2.13 billion available in total credit, cash and short-term investments at October 28, 2006, which consisted of $807.5 million of available credit and $1.32 billion of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments.

A summary, as of October 28, 2006, of balances available under credit agreements and debt outstanding is presented below (amounts in thousands):

	Available Credit		Debt Outstanding

Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Facility effective through October 2011	$	679,155	$	—
Senior Notes due August 2007	—		200,000
Senior Notes due October 2012	—		325,000
Uncommitted lines of credit	50,000		—
Other lines of credit	78,308		134
Capital leases and other notes payable	—		9,966
Total	$	807,463	$	535,100

On October 13, 2006, we entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A and other lending institutions. The Agreement amends and restates the Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 14, 2004 which provided for a maximum borrowing of $750.0 million and was due to expire in December 2009 (the “Prior Agreement”). As of October 13, 2006, no borrowings were outstanding under the Prior Agreement and approximately $68.0 million of letters of credit were issued thereunder. These letters of credit were continued under the Agreement following the amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement.

The Agreement provides for a maximum borrowing of $750.0 million which, upon approval of the lenders, we may increase to $1.0 billion, and expires on October 13, 2011. This maximum borrowing amount may be reduced from time to time according to the terms of the Agreement. Borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement may be syndicated loans, competitive bid loans, or swing line loans, the combined sum of which may not exceed the maximum borrowing amount. Amounts borrowed under the Agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until October 13, 2011.

Borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement as syndicated loans will bear interest, payable quarterly or, if earlier, at the end of any interest period, at either (a) the base rate, described in the Agreement as the higher of the annual rate of the lead bank’s prime rate or the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, or (b) the Eurocurrency rate (a publicly published rate) plus a percentage spread based on our credit rating and fixed charge coverage ratio. Borrowings made as competitive bid loans bear the competitive bid rate as specified in the applicable competitive bid. Swing line loans bear interest that is the lesser of the base rate or the swing line rate as quoted by the administrative agent under the terms of the Agreement. Under the Agreement, we agree to pay a facility fee, payable quarterly, at rates that range from 0.060% to 0.125% depending on our credit rating and fixed charge coverage ratio, and when applicable, a utilization fee. The payments under this Agreement are guaranteed by the same subsidiaries that guarantee our publicly issued notes (see Note I).

We have letters of credit issued under our revolving credit facility in the ordinary course of business. At October 28, 2006, we had $70.8 million of open letters of credit, thus reducing the available credit under our revolving credit facility from $750.0 million to $679.2 million.

We expect that our cash generated from operations, together with our current cash, short-term investments and funds available under our main revolving credit facility, will be sufficient to fund our planned store openings and other recurring operating cash needs for at least the next twelve months.

Uses of Capital

As a result of our strong financial position, in addition to investing in our existing businesses and pursuing strategic acquisitions, we also expect to continue to return capital to our shareholders through our stock repurchase program and an annual cash dividend.

We expect to open approximately 50 new stores during the fourth quarter of 2006. We estimate that our cash requirements, including pre-opening expenses, net inventory, leasehold improvements and fixtures, will be approximately $1.3 million for each new store. We also plan to continue to make investments in information systems and distribution centers to improve operational efficiencies and customer service. We currently plan to spend approximately $150 million on capital expenditures during the fourth quarter of 2006.

Historically, we have primarily grown organically, and while we do not expect this to change, we may also use capital to engage in strategic acquisitions or joint ventures in markets where we currently have a presence and in new geographic markets that could become significant to our business in future years. We do not expect to rely on acquisitions to achieve our targeted growth plans. While we will consider many types of acquisitions on an opportunistic basis, we target acquisitions that are small, aligned with our existing businesses, focused on both strengthening our presence in existing markets and expanding our presence into new geographies that could become long-term meaningful drivers of our business and financed from our operating cash flows. In connection with such targeted acquisitions, we plan to exercise the same discipline as we use for other investments, pursuing those that we believe will earn a return above our internal return on net assets hurdle rate within a two to three year time frame.

We anticipate that we will spend approximately $525 million a year on capital expenditures for the next few years to fund organic growth and ongoing operations. With this level of capital spending and an acquisition strategy that is not projected to require significant amounts of capital, it is likely that the cash we generate from operations will exceed our investing needs, thereby strengthening our credit profile. To use this excess cash to benefit our stockholders, we implemented a share repurchase program and an annual cash dividend. In the third quarter of 2005, we announced a repurchase program under which we may repurchase up to $1.5 billion of Staples common stock through February 2, 2008. We paid our annual cash dividend of $0.22 per share of common stock on April 20, 2006 to shareholders of record on March 31, 2006, resulting in a total dividend payment of $160.9 million. While it is our intention to pay annual cash dividends in years following 2006, any decision to pay future cash dividends will be made by our Board of Directors and will depend upon our earnings, financial condition and other factors.

Inflation and Seasonality

While neither inflation nor deflation has had, and we do not expect either to have, a material impact upon our operating results, there can be no assurance that our business will not be affected by inflation or deflation in the future. Our business is somewhat seasonal, with sales and profitability slightly lower during the first and second quarters of our fiscal year.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

At October 28, 2006, there had not been a material change in any of the market risk information disclosed by us in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006. More detailed information concerning market risk can be found under the sub-caption “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks” of the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” on page B-11 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2006.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October 28, 2006. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and management necessarily applies its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Based on the evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of October 28, 2006, the Company’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of such date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

No change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended October 28, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1 — Not Applicable

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Our market is highly competitive and we may not continue to compete successfully.

The office products market is highly competitive. We compete with a variety of local, regional, national and international retailers, dealers and distributors for customers, employees, locations, products, services and other important aspects of our business. In most of our geographic markets, we compete with other high-volume office supply chains such as Office Depot and OfficeMax that are similar in concept to us in terms of pricing strategy and product selection, as well as mass merchants such as Wal-Mart, warehouse clubs such as Costco, computer and electronics superstores such as Best Buy and other discount retailers. In addition, both our retail stores and delivery operations compete with numerous mail order firms, contract stationer businesses, electronic commerce distributors, local dealers and direct manufacturers such as Dell. Many of our competitors have increased their presence in our markets in recent years. Some of our current and potential competitors are larger than we are and have substantially greater financial resources that may be devoted to sourcing, promoting and selling their products. Increased competition or improved performance by our competitors could reduce our market share, profit margin and projected operating results, and could adversely affect our business and financial performance in other ways.

We may be unable to continue to open new stores and enter new markets successfully.

An important part of our business plan is to increase our number of stores and enter new geographic markets. We currently plan to open approximately 50 new stores during the last quarter of fiscal 2006. For our growth strategy to be successful, we must identify and lease favorable store sites, hire and train associates and adapt management and operational systems to meet the needs of our expanded operations. These tasks may be difficult to accomplish successfully. If we are unable to open new stores as quickly as planned, our future sales and profits may be adversely affected. Even if we succeed in opening new stores, these new stores may not achieve the same sales or profit levels as our existing stores. Also, our expansion strategy includes opening new stores in markets where we already have a presence so we can take advantage of economies of scale in marketing, distribution and supervision costs. However, these new stores may result in the loss of sales in existing stores in nearby areas, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our growth may continue to strain operations, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our business has grown dramatically over the past several years and continues to grow through organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Accordingly, sales of our products and services, the number of stores that we operate, the number of countries in which we conduct business and the number of associates have grown and likely will continue to grow. This growth places significant demands on management and operational systems. If we are not successful in continuing to support our operational and financial systems, expanding our management team and increasing and effectively managing our associate base, this growth is likely to result in operational inefficiencies and ineffective management of the business and associates, which will in turn adversely affect our business and financial performance. In addition, as we grow, our business is subject to a wider array of complex state and federal regulations, and may be increasingly the target of private actions alleging violations of such regulations. This increases the cost of doing business and the risk that our business practices could unknowingly result in liabilities that may adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our operating results may be impacted by changes in the economy that impact business and consumer spending.

Our operating results are directly impacted by the health of the North American, European, South American and Asian economies. Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by current and future economic conditions, including unemployment levels, energy costs, interest rates, recession, inflation, the impact of natural disasters and terrorist activities, and other matters that influence business and consumer spending.

Our business and financial performance is dependent upon our ability to attract and retain qualified associates.

Our performance is dependent on attracting and retaining a large and growing number of quality associates. We face intense competition for qualified associates, and many of our associates are in entry-level or part-time positions with historically high rates of turnover. Our ability to meet our labor needs generally while controlling our labor costs is subject to numerous external factors, including the availability of a sufficient number of qualified persons in the work force, unemployment levels, prevailing wage rates, changing demographics, health and other insurance costs and changes in employment legislation. If we are unable to attract and retain qualified associates or our labor costs increase significantly, our business and financial performance may be adversely affected.

Our stock price may fluctuate based on market expectations.

The public trading of our stock is based in large part on market expectations that our business will continue to grow and that we will achieve certain levels of net income. If the securities analysts that regularly follow our stock lower their rating or lower their projections for future growth and financial performance, the market price of our stock is likely to drop significantly. In addition, if our quarterly financial performance does not meet the expectations of securities analysts, our stock price would likely decline. The decrease in the stock price may be disproportionate to the shortfall in our financial performance.

Our quarterly operating results are subject to significant fluctuation.

Our operating results have fluctuated from quarter to quarter in the past, and we expect that they will continue to do so in the future. Our earnings may not continue to grow at rates similar to the growth rates achieved in recent years and may fall short of either a prior fiscal period or investors’ expectations. Factors that could cause these quarterly fluctuations include the following: the extent to which sales in new stores result in the loss of sales in existing stores; the mix of products sold; pricing actions of competitors; the level of advertising and promotional expenses; extreme weather-related disruptions; and seasonality, primarily because the sales and profitability of our stores are typically slightly lower in the first and second quarter of the fiscal year than in other quarters. Most of our operating expenses, such as rent expense, advertising expense and employee salaries, do not vary directly with the amount of sales and are difficult to adjust in the short term. As a result, if sales in a particular quarter are below expectations for that quarter, we may not proportionately reduce operating expenses for that quarter, and therefore such a sales shortfall would have a disproportionate effect on our net income for the quarter.

Our expanding international operations expose us to the unique risks inherent in foreign operations.

As of October 28, 2006, we had operations in 19 countries in Europe, South America and Asia and a significant presence in Canada. As evidenced by our recent entry into the South American and Asian markets, we may also seek to expand further into other international markets. Our foreign operations encounter risks similar to those faced by our U.S. operations, as well as risks inherent in foreign operations, such as local customs and regulatory constraints, foreign trade policies, competitive conditions, foreign currency fluctuations and unstable political and economic conditions. Further, our recent acquisitions in Europe and South America and our investments in Asia have increased our exposure to these foreign operating risks, which could have an adverse impact on our international income and worldwide profitability.

Our business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks associated with our third-party vendors.

The products we sell are sourced from a wide variety of third-party vendors. We cannot control the supply, design, function or cost of many of the products that we offer for sale and are dependent on the availability and pricing of key products, including without limitation paper, ink, toner and technology products. Disruptions in the availability of raw materials used in production of these products may adversely affect our sales and result in customer dissatisfaction. In addition, global sourcing of many of the products we sell is an important factor in our financial performance. Our ability to find qualified vendors and access products in a timely and efficient manner is a significant challenge, especially with respect to goods sourced outside the United States. Political instability, the financial instability of suppliers, merchandise quality issues, trade restrictions, tariffs, currency exchange rates, transport capacity and costs, inflation and other factors relating to foreign trade are beyond our control. These and other issues affecting our vendors could adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Our expanded offering of proprietary branded products may not improve our financial performance and may expose us to product liability claims.

Our product offering includes Staples, Quill and other proprietary branded products which represented approximately 18% of our total sales in fiscal 2005. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third-party manufacturers for these products. Such third party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, or the quality of our globally sourced products may not meet our expectations. Furthermore, economic and political conditions in areas of the world where we source such products may adversely affect the availability and cost of such products. In addition, our proprietary branded products compete with other manufacturers’ branded items that we offer. As we continue to increase the number and types of proprietary branded products that we sell, we may adversely affect our relationships with our vendors, who may decide to reduce their product offerings through Staples and increase their product offerings through our competitors. Finally, if any of our customers are harmed by our proprietary branded products, they may bring product liability and other claims against us. Any of these circumstances could have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

Our debt level and operating lease commitments could impact our ability to obtain future financing and continue our growth strategy.

Our consolidated debt and operating lease obligations may have the effect generally of restricting our flexibility in responding to changing market conditions and could make us more vulnerable in the event of a downturn in our business. In addition, our level of indebtedness may have other important consequences, including: restricting our growth; making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations; limiting our ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, debt service requirements, future acquisitions or other corporate purposes; and limiting our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business. In such a situation, additional funds may not be available on satisfactory terms when needed, or at all, whether in the next twelve months or thereafter.

The California wage and hour class action lawsuit may adversely affect our business and financial performance.

Various class action lawsuits have been brought against us for alleged violations of what is known as California’s “wage and hour” law. The plaintiffs have alleged that we improperly classified both general and assistant store managers as exempt under the California wage and hour law, making such managers ineligible for overtime wages. The plaintiffs are seeking to require us to pay overtime wages to the putative class for the period from October 21, 1995 to the present. The court has granted class certification to the plaintiffs. The court’s ruling is procedural only and does not address the merits of the plaintiffs’ allegations. The trial date for the case has been scheduled for March 2007. We believe we have meritorious defenses in the litigation and expect to prevail. If, however, there is an adverse judgment from which there is no successful appeal, damages could range from $10 million to $150 million, excluding interest and attorneys’ fees.

Item 2 — Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c) The following table provides information about our purchases of our common stock during the third quarter of fiscal 2006.

Fiscal Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share(1)		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
July 30, 2006 – August 26, 2006	2,923,011	$	22.86	2,923,011	$	943,323,000
August 27, 2006 – September 30, 2006	2,899,250	$	23.92	2,899,250	$	873,985,000
October 1, 2006 – October 28, 2006	1,506,000	$	25.93	1,506,000	$	834,927,000
Total Third Quarter of Fiscal 2006	7,328,261	$	23.91	7,328,261	$	834,927,000

(1) Average price paid per share includes commissions and is rounded to the nearest two decimal places.

(2) On October 7, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors approved the repurchase by us of up to $1.5 billion of our common stock through February 2, 2008.

Item 3 — Not Applicable

Item 4 — Not Applicable

Item 5 — Not Applicable

Item 6 — Exhibits

The exhibits listed on the Exhibit Index immediately preceding such exhibits are filed or furnished as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Date: November 13, 2006		STAPLES, INC.

	By:	/s/ JOHN J. MAHONEY
		John J. Mahoney
		Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

	By:	/s/ CHRISTINE T. KOMOLA
		Christine T. Komola Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit

10.1		Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of October 13, 2006, by and among the Company, the lenders named therein, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Citibank N.A., as Syndication Agent, and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Co-Documentation Agents, with Bank of America Securities LLC having acted as sole Lead Arranger and sole Book Manager. Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 19, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.
31.1 +		Principal Executive Officer — Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 +		Principal Financial Officer — Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 ++		Principal Executive Officer — Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 ++		Principal Financial Officer — Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

+ Filed herewith.

++ Furnished herewith.