ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
General
L Brands, Inc. (“we” or “the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. Founded in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio, we have evolved from an apparel-based specialty retailer to a segment leader focused on women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty categories. We sell our merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and the United Kingdom ("U.K."), which are primarily mall-based; through websites; and through international franchise, license and wholesale partners (collectively, "partners").
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria’s Secret, including PINK, is the leading specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel with fashion-inspired collections, prestige fragrances, celebrated supermodels and world-famous runway shows. We sell our Victoria’s Secret products at more than 1,100 Victoria’s Secret stores in the U.S., Canada and U.K. and online at www.VictoriasSecret.com. Additionally, Victoria’s Secret has more than 390 stores and various small-format locations in more than 75 other countries operating under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Bath & Body Works
Bath & Body Works is one of the leading specialty retailers of personal care, soaps, sanitizers and home fragrance products. We sell our Bath & Body Works products at more than 1,600 Bath & Body Works stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.BathandBodyWorks.com. Additionally, Bath & Body Works has 125 stores in 30 other countries operating under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Other Brands
La Senza is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate apparel. We sell our La Senza products at more than 120 La Senza stores in Canada and online at www.LaSenza.com. Additionally, La Senza has more than 220 stores in 29 other countries operating under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Henri Bendel sells handbags, jewelry and other accessory products through our New York flagship and 28 other stores, as well as online at www.HenriBendel.com.
Divestiture
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company divested its remaining ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners. For additional information, see Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Fiscal Year
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “2015,” “2014,” “2013” and “2011” refer to the 52-week periods ending January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015, February 1, 2014 and January 28, 2012, respectively. “2012” refers to the 53-week period ending February 2, 2013.
Real Estate
Company-owned Retail Stores
Our company-owned retail stores are located in shopping malls, lifestyle centers and street locations in the U.S., Canada and U.K. As a result of our strong brand and established retail presence, we have been able to lease high-traffic locations in most retail centers in which we operate. Substantially all of our stores were profitable in 2015.
The following table provides the retail businesses and the number of our company-owned retail stores in operation for each business as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.
The following table provides the changes in the number of our company-owned retail stores operated for the past five fiscal years:
Franchise, License and Wholesale Arrangements
In addition to our company-owned stores, our products are sold at hundreds of partner locations in over 80 countries. We have arrangements with unaffiliated partners to operate Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works and La Senza stores throughout the world. Under these arrangements, third parties operate stores that sell our products under our brand names. Revenue recognized under franchise and license arrangements generally consists of royalties earned and recognized upon sale of merchandise by franchise and license partners to retail customers. Revenue is generally recognized under wholesale arrangements at the time the title passes to the partner. We continue to increase the number of locations under these types of arrangements as part of our international expansion.
The following table provides the number of our international stores operated by our partners for each business as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.
Our Strengths
We believe the following competitive strengths contribute to our leading market position, differentiate us from our competitors and will drive future growth:
Industry Leading Brands
We believe that our three flagship brands, Victoria’s Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works, are highly recognized and others, including La Senza and Henri Bendel, exhibit brand recognition which provides us with a competitive advantage. These brands are aspirational at accessible price points and have a loyal customer base. These brands allow us to target markets across the economic spectrum, across demographics and across the world.
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At Victoria’s Secret, we market glamorous and sexy product lines to our customers, such as Body by Victoria, Angels and Very Sexy. While bras and panties are the core of what we do, this brand also gives our customers choices in loungewear, accessories, fragrances, personal care, swimwear and athletic attire.
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At PINK, we market products to the college-aged woman. While bras and panties are the core of what we do, this brand also gives our customers choices in loungewear, accessories, fragrances, personal care, swimwear and athletic attire.
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Bath & Body Works caters to our customers’ entire well-being, providing shower gels and lotions, aromatherapy, soaps and sanitizers, home fragrance and personal care accessories.
In-Store Experience and Store Operations
We view our customers' in-store experience as an important vehicle for communicating the image of each brand. We utilize visual presentation of merchandise, in-store marketing, music and our sales associates to reinforce the image represented by the brands.
Our in-store marketing is designed to convey the principal elements and personality of each brand. The store design, furniture, fixtures and music are all carefully planned and coordinated to create a unique shopping experience. Every brand displays merchandise uniformly to ensure a consistent store experience, regardless of location. Store managers receive detailed plans designating fixture and merchandise placement to ensure coordinated execution of the company-wide merchandising strategy.
Our sales associates and managers are a central element in creating the atmosphere of the stores by providing a high level of customer service.
Product Development, Sourcing and Logistics
We believe a large part of our success comes from frequent and innovative product launches, which include bra launches at Victoria’s Secret and La Senza and new fragrance launches at Bath & Body Works. Our merchant, design and sourcing teams have a long history of bringing innovative products to our customers. Additionally, we believe that our sourcing function (Mast Global) has a long and deep presence in the key sourcing markets including those in the U.S. and Asia, which helps us partner with the best manufacturers and get high-quality products quickly.
Experienced and Committed Management Team
We were founded in 1963 and have been led since inception by Leslie H. Wexner. Our senior management team has a wealth of retail and business experience at L Brands, Inc. and other companies such as The Gap, Inc., The Home Depot, Land's End, Levi Strauss and Yum Brands. We believe that we have one of the most experienced management teams in retail.
Additional Information
Merchandise Suppliers
During 2015, we purchased merchandise from approximately 400 suppliers located throughout the world. No supplier provided 10% or more of our merchandise purchases.
Distribution and Merchandise Inventory
Most of our merchandise is shipped to our distribution centers in the Columbus, Ohio area. We use a variety of shipping terms that result in the transfer of title to the merchandise at either the point of origin or point of destination.
Our policy is to maintain sufficient quantities of inventories on hand in our retail stores and distribution centers to enable us to offer customers an appropriate selection of current merchandise. We emphasize rapid turnover and take markdowns as required to keep merchandise fresh and current.
Information Systems
Our management information systems consist of a full range of retail, financial and merchandising systems. The systems include applications related to point-of-sale, e-commerce, merchandising, planning, sourcing, logistics, inventory management, data security and support systems including human resources and finance. We continue to invest in technology to upgrade core systems to continue to improve our efficiency and accuracy in the production and delivery of merchandise to our stores.
Seasonal Business
Our operations are seasonal in nature and consist of two principal selling seasons: Spring (the first and second quarters) and Fall (the third and fourth quarters). The fourth quarter, including the holiday season, accounted for approximately one-third of our net sales for 2015, 2014 and 2013 and is typically our most profitable quarter. Accordingly, cash requirements are highest in the third quarter as our inventories build in advance of the holiday season.
Working Capital
We fund our business operations through a combination of available cash and cash equivalents and cash flows generated from operations. In addition, our revolving credit facilities are available for additional working capital needs and investment opportunities.
Regulation
We and our products are subject to regulation by various federal, state, local and foreign regulatory authorities. We are subject to a variety of customs regulations and international trade arrangements.
Trademarks and Patents
Our trademarks and patents, which constitute our primary intellectual property, have been registered or are the subject of pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with the registries of many foreign countries and/or are protected by common law. We believe our products are identified by our intellectual property and, thus, our intellectual property is of significant value. Accordingly, we intend to maintain our intellectual property and related registrations and vigorously protect our intellectual property assets against infringement.
Segment Information
We have three reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International. For additional information, including the financial results of our reportable segments, see Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Other Information
For additional information about our business, including our net sales and profits for the last three years and selling square footage, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Competition
The sale of women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty products and accessories through retail stores is a highly competitive business with numerous competitors, including individual and chain specialty stores, department stores and discount retailers. Brand image, marketing, design, price, service, assortment and quality are the principal competitive factors in retail store sales. Our online businesses compete with numerous online merchandisers. Image presentation, fulfillment and the factors affecting retail store sales discussed above are the principal competitive factors in online sales.
Associate Relations
As of January 30, 2016, we employed approximately 87,900 associates; 65,000 of whom were part-time. In addition, temporary associates are hired during peak periods, such as the holiday season.
Executive Officers of Registrant
Set forth below is certain information regarding our executive officers.
Leslie H. Wexner, 78, has been our Chief Executive Officer since our founding in 1963 and Chairman of the Board of Directors since 1975.
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer, 52, has been our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2007.
Nicholas P. M. Coe, 53, has been our Chief Executive Officer and President of Bath & Body Works since August 2011.
Charles C. McGuigan, 59, has been our Chief Operating Officer since May 2012 and our Chief Executive Officer and President of Mast Global since February 2011.
Sharen J. Turney, 59, served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Victoria’s Secret since July 2006. On February 12, 2016, we announced her resignation and Leslie H. Wexner assumed leadership of Victoria’s Secret.
Available Information
We are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and its rules and regulations. The Exchange Act requires us to file reports, proxy statements and other information with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Copies of these reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at:
SEC Public Reference Room
100 F Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20549
Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are available, free of charge, on our website at www.lb.com.
Copies of any of the above-referenced documents will also be made available, free of charge, upon written request to:
L Brands, Inc.
Investor Relations Department
Three Limited Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43230
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this report or made by our company or our management involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our company or our management:
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general economic conditions, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions including severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
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the seasonality of our business;
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the dependence on mall traffic and the availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
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our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions;
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our ability to successfully expand internationally and related risks;
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our relationships with independent franchise, license and wholesale partners;
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our direct channel businesses;
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our ability to protect our reputation and our brand images;
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our ability to attract customers with marketing, advertising and promotional programs;
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our ability to protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;
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the highly competitive nature of the retail industry and the segments in which we operate;
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consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;
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our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:
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political instability, significant health hazards, environmental hazards or natural disasters;
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duties, taxes and other charges;
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legal and regulatory matters;
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volatility in currency exchange rates;
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local business practices and political issues;
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potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
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disruption due to labor disputes; and
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changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;
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our geographic concentration of supplier and distribution facilities in central Ohio;
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fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
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stock price volatility;
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our ability to pay dividends and related effects;
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our ability to maintain our credit rating;
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our ability to service or refinance our debt;
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our ability to retain key personnel;
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our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees and manage labor-related costs;
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the ability of our manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations;
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fluctuations in product input costs;
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fluctuations in energy costs;
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increases in the costs of mailing, paper and printing;
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claims arising from our self-insurance;
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our ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data;
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our ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplier or company information;
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our ability to comply with regulatory requirements;
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legal and compliance matters; and
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tax matters.
We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized.
The following discussion of risk factors contains “forward-looking statements.” These risk factors may be important to understanding any statement in this Form 10-K, other filings or in any other discussions of our business. The following information should be read in conjunction with Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the reader should carefully consider the following factors which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described below are not our only risks. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known or that are currently deemed to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business, operating results and/or financial condition in a material way.
Our net sales, profit results and cash flows are sensitive to, and may be affected by, general economic conditions, consumer confidence, spending patterns, weather or other market disruptions.
Our net sales, profit, cash flows and future growth may be affected by negative local, regional, national or international political or economic trends or developments that reduce the consumers’ ability or willingness to spend, including the effects of national and international security concerns such as war, terrorism or the threat thereof. In addition, market disruptions due to severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards or other major events or the prospect of these events could also impact consumer spending and confidence levels. Purchases of women’s intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products and accessories often decline during periods when economic or market conditions are unsettled or weak. In such circumstances, we may increase the number of promotional sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which our stores are located, particularly in markets where we have multiple stores, could adversely affect our business. For example, heavy snowfall, rainfall or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period might make it difficult for our customers to travel to our stores and thereby reduce our sales and profitability.
Our net sales, operating income, cash and inventory levels fluctuate on a seasonal basis.
We experience major seasonal fluctuations in our net sales and operating income, with a significant portion of our operating income typically realized during the fourth quarter holiday season. Any decrease in sales or margins during this period could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Seasonal fluctuations also affect our cash and inventory levels, since we usually order merchandise in advance of peak selling periods and sometimes before new fashion trends are confirmed by customer purchases. We must carry a significant amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season selling period. If we are not successful in selling inventory, we may have to sell the inventory at significantly reduced prices or may not be able to sell the inventory at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our net sales depend on a volume of traffic to our stores and the availability of suitable lease space.
Most of our stores are located in retail shopping areas including malls and other types of retail centers. Sales at these stores are derived, in part, from the volume of traffic in those retail areas. Our stores benefit from the ability of the retail center and other attractions in an area, including “destination” retail stores, to generate consumer traffic in the vicinity of our stores. Sales volume and retail traffic may be adversely affected by factors that we cannot control, such as economic downturns or changes in consumer demographics in a particular area, competition from internet and other retailers and other retail areas where we do
not have stores, the closing or decline in popularity of other stores in the shopping areas where our stores are located and the deterioration in the financial condition of the operators of the shopping areas or developers in which our stores are located.
Part of our future growth is significantly dependent on our ability to operate stores in desirable locations with capital investment and lease costs providing the opportunity to earn a reasonable return. We cannot be sure as to when or whether such desirable locations will become available at reasonable costs. Some of our store locations, such as our Victoria's Secret flagship stores, require significant upfront capital investment and have material lease commitments. Additionally, we are dependent upon the suitability of the lease spaces that we currently use. The leases that we enter into are generally non-cancelable leases with initial terms of ten years. If we determine that it is no longer economical to operate a store and decide to close it, we may remain obligated under the applicable lease for, among other things, payment of the base rent for the balance of the lease term.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow and our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our ability to grow depends in part on new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions.
Our continued growth and success will depend in part on our ability to open and operate new stores and expand and remodel existing stores on a timely and profitable basis. Accomplishing our new and existing store expansion goals will depend upon a number of factors, including the ability to partner with developers and landlords to obtain suitable sites for new and expanded stores at acceptable costs, the hiring and training of qualified personnel and the integration of new stores into existing operations. There can be no assurance we will be able to achieve our store expansion goals, manage our growth effectively, successfully integrate the planned new stores into our operations or operate our new, remodeled and expanded stores profitably. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow and results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our plans for international expansion include risks that could impact our results and reputation.
We intend to further expand into international markets, including mainland China and other international markets, through partner arrangements and/or company-owned stores. The risks associated with our expansion into international markets include difficulties in attracting customers due to a lack of customer familiarity with our brands, our lack of familiarity with local customer preferences and seasonal differences in the market. Further, entry into other markets may bring us into competition with new competitors or with existing competitors with an established market presence. Other risks include general economic conditions in specific countries or markets, disruptions or delays in shipments, changes in diplomatic and trade relationships, political instability and foreign governmental regulation. Such expansions will also have upfront investment costs that may not be accompanied by sufficient revenues to achieve typical or expected operational and financial performance.
We also have risks related to identifying suitable partners. In addition, certain aspects of these arrangements are not directly within our control, such as the ability of these third parties to meet their projections regarding store openings and sales and their compliance with federal and local law. We cannot ensure the profitability or success of our expansion into international markets.
Further, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. See “Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations” below.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our licensees, franchisees and wholesalers could take actions that could harm our business or brand images.
We have global representation through independently owned stores operated by our partners. Although we have criteria to evaluate and select prospective partners, the level of control we can exercise over our partners is limited, and the quality and success of their operations may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. For example, our partners may not have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to successfully operate stores in a manner consistent with our standards and may not hire and train qualified store managers and other personnel. Our brand image and reputation may suffer materially, and our sales could decline if our partners do not operate successfully. These risks could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our direct channel businesses include risks that could have an effect on our results.
Our direct operations are subject to numerous risks that could have a material adverse effect on our results. Risks include, but are not limited to, the difficulty in recreating the in-store experience through our direct channels; domestic or international resellers purchasing merchandise and reselling it outside our control; our ability to anticipate and implement innovations in
technology and logistics in order to appeal to existing and potential customers who increasingly rely on multiple channels to meet their shopping needs; the failure of and risks related to the systems that operate our web infrastructure, websites and the related support systems, including computer viruses, theft of customer information, privacy concerns, telecommunication failures and electronic break-ins and similar disruptions; and risks related to the fulfillment of direct-to-consumer orders such as not adequately predicting customer demand.
Our failure to maintain efficient and uninterrupted order-taking and fulfillment operations could also have a material adverse effect on our results. The satisfaction of our online customers depends on their timely receipt of merchandise. If we encounter difficulties with the distribution facilities, or if the facilities were to shut down for any reason, including as a result of fire or other natural disaster or work stoppage, we could face shortages of inventory; incur significantly higher costs and longer lead times associated with distributing our products to our customers; and cause customer dissatisfaction.
Any of these issues could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our ability to protect our reputation could have a material effect on our brand images.
Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to our brand images. Our reputation could be jeopardized if we fail to maintain high standards for merchandise quality and integrity. Any negative publicity, including information publicized through traditional or social media platforms and similar venues such as blogs, websites and other forums, may affect our reputation and brand and, consequently, reduce demand for our merchandise, even if such publicity is unverified or inaccurate.
Failure to comply with ethical, social, product, labor and environmental standards, or related political considerations, could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer actions, including boycotts. Failure to comply with local laws and regulations, to maintain an effective system of internal controls, to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplier or company information or to provide accurate and timely financial statement information could also hurt our reputation. Damage to our reputation or loss of consumer confidence for any of these or other reasons could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation.
If our marketing, advertising and promotional programs are unsuccessful, or if our competitors are more effective with their programs than we are, our revenue or results of operations may be adversely affected.
Customer traffic and demand for our merchandise is influenced by our advertising, marketing and promotional activities, the name recognition and reputation of our brands and the location of and service offered in our stores. Although we use marketing, advertising and promotional programs to attract customers through various media including television, social media, database marketing and print, some of our competitors may expend more for their programs than we do, or use different approaches than we do, which may provide them with a competitive advantage. Our programs may not be effective or could require increased expenditures, which could have a material adverse effect on our revenue and results of operations.
Our ability to adequately protect our trade names, trademarks and patents could have an impact on our brand images and ability to penetrate new markets.
We believe that our trade names, trademarks and patents are important assets and an essential element of our strategy. We have obtained or applied for federal registration of these trade names, trademarks and patents and have applied for or obtained registrations in many foreign countries. There can be no assurance that we will obtain such registrations or that the registrations we obtain will prevent the imitation of our products or infringement of our intellectual property rights by others. In particular, the laws of certain foreign countries may not protect proprietary rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. If any third-party copies our products or our stores in a manner that projects lesser quality or carries a negative connotation, it could have a material adverse effect on our brand image and reputation as well as our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our ability to compete favorably in our highly competitive segment of the retail industry could impact our results.
The sale of women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care products and accessories is highly competitive. We compete for sales with a broad range of other retailers, including individual and chain specialty stores, department stores and discount retailers. In addition to the traditional store-based retailers, we also compete with direct marketers or retailers that sell similar lines of merchandise and who target customers through online channels. Brand image, marketing, design, price, service, assortment, quality, image presentation and fulfillment are all competitive factors in both the store-based and online channels.
Some of our competitors may have greater financial, marketing and other resources available. In many cases, our competitors sell their products in stores that are located in the same shopping malls and centers as our stores. In addition to competing for sales, we compete for favorable site locations and lease terms in shopping malls and centers.
Increased competition could result in price reductions, increased marketing expenditures and loss of market share, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our ability to remain current with fashion trends and launch new product lines successfully could impact the image and relevance of our brands.
Our success depends in part on management’s ability to effectively anticipate and respond to changing fashion preferences and consumer demands and to translate market trends into appropriate, saleable product offerings in advance of the actual time of sale to the customer. Customer demands and fashion trends change rapidly. If we are unable to successfully anticipate, identify or react to changing styles or trends or we misjudge the market for our products or any new product lines, our sales will be lower, potentially resulting in significant amounts of unsold finished goods inventory. In response, we may be forced to increase our marketing promotions or price markdowns. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our brand image and reputation as well as our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may be impacted by our ability to adequately source, distribute and sell merchandise and other materials on a global basis.
We source merchandise and other materials directly in international markets and in our domestic market. We distribute merchandise and other materials globally to our partners in international locations and to our stores. Many of our imports and exports are subject to a variety of customs regulations and international trade arrangements, including existing or potential duties, tariffs or safeguard quotas. We compete with other companies for production facilities.
We also face a variety of other risks generally associated with doing business on a global basis. For example:
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political instability, significant health hazards, environmental hazards or natural disasters which could negatively affect international economies, financial markets and business activity;
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imposition of new or retaliatory trade duties, sanctions or taxes and other charges on imports or exports;
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evolving or complex legal and regulatory matters;
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volatility in currency exchange rates;
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local business practice and political issues (including issues relating to compliance with domestic or international labor standards) which may result in adverse publicity or threatened or actual adverse consumer actions, including boycotts;
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potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
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disruption due to labor disputes; and
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changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation or other factors.
We also rely upon third-party transportation providers for substantially all of our product shipments, including shipments to and from our distribution centers, our stores and to our customers. Our utilization of these delivery services for shipments is subject to risks, including increases in fuel prices, which would increase our shipping costs, and employee strikes and inclement weather, which may impact our transportation providers' ability to provide delivery services that adequately meet our shipping needs.
Our future performance will depend upon these and the other factors listed above which are beyond our control and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We rely on a number of supplier and distribution facilities located in the same vicinity, making our business susceptible to local and regional disruptions or adverse conditions.
To achieve the necessary speed and agility in producing our beauty, personal care and home fragrance products, we rely heavily on supplier and distribution facilities in close proximity to our headquarters in central Ohio. As a result of geographic concentration of the supplier and distribution facilities that we rely upon, our operations are susceptible to local and regional factors, such as accidents, system failures, economic and weather conditions, natural disasters, demographic and population changes, and other unforeseen events and circumstances. Any significant interruption in the operations of these facilities could lead to inventory issues or increased costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to our sales, profits, assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. In addition, our royalty arrangements are calculated based on sales in local currency and, as such, we are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Although we use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge certain foreign currency risks, these measures may not succeed in offsetting all of the short-term negative impact of foreign currency rate movements on our business and results of operations. Hedging would generally not be effective in offsetting the long-term impact of sustained shifts in foreign exchange rates on our business results. As a result, the fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar against other currencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our stock price may be volatile.
Our stock price may fluctuate substantially as a result of variations in our actual or projected performance or the financial performance of other companies in the retail industry. Any guidance that we provide is based on goals that we believe, at the time guidance is given, are reasonably attainable. If, or when, we announce actual results that differ from those that have been predicted by us, outside investment analysts or others, our stock price could be adversely affected. Investors who rely on these predictions when making investment decisions with respect to our securities do so at their own risk.
In addition, the stock market may experience price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated or disproportionate to operating performance.
If we are unable to pay quarterly dividends at intended levels, our reputation and stock price may be harmed.
Our dividend program requires the use of a portion of our cash flow. Our ability to pay dividends will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future. This ability may be subject to certain economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. Our Board of Directors may, at its discretion, decrease the level of dividends or entirely discontinue the payment of dividends at any time. Any failure to pay dividends after we have announced our intention to do so may negatively impact our reputation, investor confidence in us and negatively impact our stock price.
Our ability to maintain our credit rating could affect our ability to access capital and could increase our interest expense.
The credit ratings agencies periodically review our capital structure and the quality and stability of our earnings. A deterioration in our capital structure or the quality and stability of our earnings could result in a downgrade of our credit rating. Any negative ratings actions could constrain the capital available to our company or our industry and could limit our access to funding for our operations. We are dependent upon our ability to access capital at rates and on terms we determine to be attractive. If our ability to access capital becomes constrained, our interest costs will likely increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Additionally, changes to our credit rating could affect our future interest costs.
We may be impacted by our ability to service or refinance our debt.
We currently have substantial indebtedness. Some of our debt agreements contain covenants which require maintenance of certain financial ratios and also, under certain conditions, restrict our ability to pay dividends, repurchase common shares and make other restricted payments as defined in those agreements. Our cash flow from operations provides the primary source of funds for our debt service payments. If our cash flow from operations declines, we may be unable to service or refinance our current debt.
We may be impacted by our ability to recruit, train and retain key personnel.
We believe we have benefited substantially from the leadership and experience of our senior executives, including Leslie H. Wexner, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on our business. Competition for key personnel in the retail industry is intense, and our future success will also depend on our ability to recruit, train and retain other qualified key personnel.
We may be impacted by our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees and manage labor-related costs.
We believe our competitive advantage is providing a positive, engaging and satisfying experience for each individual customer, which requires us to have highly trained and engaged employees. Our success depends in part upon our ability to attract, develop and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including store personnel and talented merchants. The turnover rate in the retail industry is generally high, and qualified individuals of the requisite caliber and number needed to fill these
positions may be in short supply in some areas. Competition for such qualified individuals or changes in labor and healthcare laws could require us to incur higher labor costs. Our inability to recruit a sufficient number of qualified individuals in the future may delay planned openings of new stores or affect the speed with which we expand. Delayed store openings, significant increases in employee turnover rates or significant increases in labor-related costs could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may be impacted by our manufacturers' ability to manufacture and deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations.
We purchase products through contract manufacturers and importers and directly from third-party manufacturers. Factors outside our control, such as manufacturing or shipping delays or quality problems, could disrupt merchandise deliveries and result in lost sales, cancellation charges or excessive markdowns.
In addition, quality problems could result in a product liability judgment or a widespread product recall that may negatively impact our sales and profitability for a period of time depending on product availability, competition reaction and consumer attitudes. Even if the product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertions could adversely impact our reputation with existing and potential customers and our brand image.
Our business could also suffer if our third-party manufacturers fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations. While our internal and vendor operating guidelines promote ethical business practices and our employees periodically visit and monitor the operations of our third-party manufacturers, we do not control these manufacturers or their practices. The violation of labor, environmental or other laws by a third-party manufacturer used by us, or the divergence of a third-party manufacturer’s or partner’s labor or environmental practices from those generally accepted as ethical or appropriate, could interrupt or otherwise disrupt the shipment or finished products to us or damage our reputation.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our results may be affected by fluctuations in product input costs.
Product input costs, including manufacturing, freight, labor and raw materials, fluctuate. These fluctuations may result in an increase in our production costs. We may not be able to, or may elect not to, pass these increases on to our customers which may adversely impact our profit margins. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our results may be affected by fluctuations in energy costs.
Energy costs have fluctuated dramatically in the past. These fluctuations may result in an increase in our transportation costs for distribution, utility costs for our retail stores and costs to purchase products from our manufacturers. A continual rise in energy costs could adversely affect consumer spending and demand for our products and increase our operating costs, both of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may be impacted by increases in costs of mailing, paper and printing.
Postal rate increases and paper and printing costs will affect the cost of our order fulfillment and promotional mailings. We rely on discounts from the basic postal rate structure, such as discounts for bulk mailings and sorting. Future paper and postal rate increases could adversely impact our earnings if we are unable to recover these costs or if we are unable to implement more efficient printing, mailing, delivery and order fulfillment systems. These risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We self-insure certain risks and may be impacted by unfavorable claims experience.
We are self-insured for various types of insurable risks including associate medical benefits, workers’ compensation, property, general liability and automobile up to certain stop-loss limits. Claims are difficult to predict and may be volatile. Any adverse claims experience could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We significantly rely on our ability to implement and sustain information technology systems and to protect associated data.
Our success depends, in part, on the secure and uninterrupted performance of our information technology systems. Our information technology systems, as well as those of our service providers, are vulnerable to damage from a variety of sources, including telecommunication failures, malicious human acts and natural disasters. Moreover, despite network security measures, some of our servers and those of our service providers are potentially vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses and similar disruptive problems. Additionally, these types of problems could result in a breach of confidential customer, merchandise, financial or other important information which could result in damage to our reputation and/or litigation. The increased use of smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices may also heighten these and other operational risks. Despite the precautions we have taken, unanticipated problems may nevertheless cause failures in our information technology systems. Sustained or repeated system disruptions that interrupt our ability to process orders and deliver products to the stores, impact our consumers' ability to access our websites in a timely manner or expose confidential customer, merchandise, financial or other important information could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In addition, from time to time, we make modifications and upgrades to the information technology systems for point-of-sale, e-commerce, merchandising, planning, sourcing, logistics, inventory management and support systems including human resources and finance. Modifications involve replacing legacy systems with successor systems, making changes to legacy systems or acquiring new systems with new functionality. We are aware of inherent risks associated with replacing these systems, including not accurately capturing data and system disruptions. Information technology system disruptions, if not anticipated and appropriately mitigated, could have a material adverse effect on our operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplier or company information could have an impact on our reputation and our results.
Information systems are susceptible to an increasing threat of continually evolving cybersecurity risks. Any significant compromise or breach of our data security could significantly damage our reputation with our customers, employees, investors and other third parties; cause the disclosure of confidential customer, associate, supplier or company information; cause our customers to stop shopping with us; and result in significant legal, regulatory and financial liabilities and lost revenues. While we have implemented systems and processes to protect against unauthorized access to our information systems and prevent data loss, there is no guarantee that these procedures are adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches. In addition to our own networks and databases, we use third-party service providers to store, process and transmit certain of this information on our behalf. Although we contractually require these service providers to implement and use reasonable security measures, we cannot control third parties and cannot guarantee that a security breach will not occur in their systems. We have confidential security measures in place to protect our physical facilities and information technology systems from attacks. Despite these measures, we may be vulnerable to targeted or random security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or similar events.
The regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs, such as costs related to organizational changes, implementing additional protection technologies, training employees and engaging consultants. Additionally, we could incur lost revenues and face increased litigation as a result of any potential cybersecurity breach.
These risks could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may be impacted by our ability to comply with regulatory requirements.
We are subject to numerous regulatory requirements. Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to comply with all applicable foreign and domestic laws and regulations, including those required by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act, the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”), among others. Although we have put in place policies and procedures aimed at ensuring legal and regulatory compliance, our employees, subcontractors, vendors, licensees, franchisees and suppliers could take actions that violate these laws and regulations. Any violations of such laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on our reputation, market price of our common stock, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
It can be difficult to comply with sometimes conflicting regulations in local, national or foreign jurisdictions as well as new or changing regulations. Also, changes in such laws could make operating our business more expensive or require us to change the way we do business. For example, 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 oversee regulatory changes impacting our business and our responses to changes in the law could be costly and may negatively impact our operations.
We may be adversely impacted by certain compliance or legal matters.
We, along with third parties we do business with, are subject to complex compliance and litigation risks. Actions filed against us from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, wage and hour, data privacy, securities, anti-corruption and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. The cost of defending against these types of claims against us or the ultimate resolution of such claims, whether by settlement or adverse court decision, may harm our business. Further, potential claimants may be encouraged to bring suits based on a settlement from us or adverse court decisions against us. We cannot currently assess the likely outcome of such suits, but if the outcome were negative, it could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
In addition, we may be impacted by litigation trends, including class action lawsuits involving consumers and shareholders, that could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, market price of our common stock, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We may be impacted by changes in taxation requirements.
We are subject to income tax in local, national and international jurisdictions. In addition, our products are subject to import and excise duties and/or sales or value-added taxes in many jurisdictions. We are also subject to the examination of our tax returns and other tax matters by the Internal Revenue Service and other tax authorities and governmental bodies. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these examinations. Fluctuations in tax rates and duties, changes in tax legislation or regulation or adverse outcomes of these examinations could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
The following table provides the location, use and size of our distribution, corporate and product development facilities as of January 30, 2016:
United States
Our business for the Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segments is principally conducted from office, distribution and shipping facilities located in the Columbus, Ohio area. Additional facilities are located in New York, New York and Kettering, Ohio.
Our distribution and shipping facilities consist of eight buildings located in the Columbus, Ohio area. These buildings, including attached office space, comprise approximately 6.9 million square feet.
As of January 30, 2016, we operate 2,721 retail stores located in leased facilities, primarily in malls and shopping centers, throughout the U.S. A substantial portion of these lease commitments consists of store leases generally with an initial term of 10 years. The leases expire at various dates between 2016 and 2031.
Typically, when space is leased for a retail store in a mall or shopping center, we supply all improvements, including interior walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures and decorations. The cost of improvements varies widely, depending on the design, size and location of the store. In certain cases, the landlord of the property may provide an allowance to fund all or a portion of the cost of improvements, serving as a lease incentive. Rental terms for new locations usually include a fixed minimum rent plus a percentage of sales in excess of a specified amount. We usually pay certain operating costs such as common area maintenance, utilities, insurance and taxes. For additional information, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
International
Canada
We lease offices in the Montreal, Quebec area.
As of January 30, 2016, we operate 270 retail stores located in leased facilities, primarily in malls and shopping centers, throughout the Canadian provinces. A substantial portion of these lease commitments consists of store leases generally with an initial term of 10 years. The leases expire on various dates between 2016 and 2030.
United Kingdom
As of January 30, 2016, we operate 14 retail stores in leased facilities in the U.K. These lease commitments consist of store leases with initial terms ranging from 10 to 35 years expiring on various dates between 2021 and 2045.
Other International
As of January 30, 2016, we also have global representation through stores operated by our partners:
•
221 La Senza stores in 29 countries;
•
125 Bath & Body Works stores in 30 countries;
•
19 Victoria's Secret stores in 7 Middle Eastern countries; and
•
373 Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Accessories stores and various small-format locations in more than 75 countries.
We also operate sourcing-related office facilities in various international locations.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
We are a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Actions filed against our Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, our current legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
ITEM 4.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Our common stock (“LB”) is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. As of January 30, 2016, there were approximately 40,000 shareholders of record. However, including active associates who participate in our stock purchase plan, associates who own shares through our sponsored retirement plans and others holding shares in broker accounts under street names, we estimate the shareholder base to be approximately 232,000.
The following table provides our quarterly market prices and cash dividends per share for 2015 and 2014:
________________
(a)
In February 2015, our Board of Directors declared an increase in our quarterly common stock dividend from $0.34 to $0.50 per share and a special dividend of $2 per share. Both dividends were distributed on March 6, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 20, 2015.
In February 2016, our Board of Directors declared an increase in our first quarter 2016 common stock dividend from $0.50 to $0.60 per share and a special dividend of $2 per share. Both dividends were distributed on March 4, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2016.
The following graph shows the changes, over the past five-year period, in the value of $100 invested in our common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Stock Price Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Retail Composite Index. The plotted points represent the closing price on the last day of the fiscal year indicated.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN (a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
AMONG L BRANDS, INC., THE S&P 500 INDEX AND THE S&P RETAIL COMPOSITE INDEX
_______________
(a)
This table represents $100 invested in stock or in index at the closing price on January 29, 2011, including reinvestment of dividends.
(b)
The January 30, 2016 cumulative total return includes the $2 special dividend in March 2015.
(c)
The January 31, 2015 cumulative total return includes the $1 special dividend in March 2014.
(d)
The February 2, 2013 cumulative total return includes the $1 and $3 special dividends in September 2012 and December 2012, respectively.
(e)
The January 28, 2012 cumulative total return includes the $1 and $2 special dividends in May 2011 and December 2011, respectively.
The following table provides our repurchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2015:
________________
(a)
The total number of shares repurchased includes shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs, with the remainder relating to shares repurchased in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards and the use of our stock to pay the exercise price on employee stock options.
(b)
The average price paid per share includes any broker commissions.
(c)
For additional share repurchase program information, see Note 17 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
ITEM 6.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
________________
(a)
The fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 ("2012") represents a 53-week fiscal year.
(b)
Operating income includes the effect of the following items:
(i)
In 2012, a $93 million impairment charge related to goodwill and other intangible assets for our La Senza business; a $27 million impairment charge related to long-lived stores assets for our Henri Bendel business; and $14 million of expense associated with a store closure initiative at La Senza.
(ii)
In 2011, a $232 million impairment charge related to goodwill and other intangible assets for our La Senza business; a $111 million gain related to the divestiture of 51% of our third-party apparel sourcing business;
$163 million of expense related to the charitable contribution of our remaining shares of Express to the Limited Brands Foundation; and $24 million of restructuring expenses at La Senza.
(c)
In addition to the items previously discussed in (b), net income includes the effect of the following items:
(i)
In 2015, a $69 million gain related to the divestiture of our remaining ownership interest in our third-party apparel sourcing business.
(ii)
In 2012, a $13 million gain related to $13 million in cash distributions from certain of our investments in Easton, a 1,300 acre planned community in Columbus, Ohio that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space.
(iii)
In 2011, a $147 million gain related to the charitable contribution of our remaining shares of Express to the Limited Brands Foundation; an $86 million gain related to the sale of Express common stock; and $56 million of favorable income tax benefits related to certain discrete tax matters.
For additional information on 2015 items, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
The effect of the items described in (b) and (c) above increased (decreased) earnings per share by $0.23 in 2015, $(0.38) in 2012 and $0.10 in 2011.
(d)
As further discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
(e)
As further discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.
(f)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable store sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period. Therefore, the percentage change in comparable store sales for 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2011 were calculated on a 52 to 52 week basis and the percentage change in comparable store sales for 2012 was calculated on a 53 to 53 week basis. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(g)
Number of stores and selling square feet excludes independently owned Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories, Victoria's Secret International, Bath & Body Works International and La Senza International stores operated by our partners.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") as codified in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC"). The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our operating results are generally impacted by economic changes and, therefore, we monitor the retail environment using, among other things, certain key industry performance indicators including competitor performance and mall traffic data. These can provide insight into consumer spending patterns and shopping behavior in the current retail environment and assist us in assessing our performance as well as the potential impact of industry trends on our future operating results. Additionally, we evaluate a number of key performance indicators including comparable store sales, gross profit, operating income and other performance metrics such as sales per average selling square foot and inventory per selling square foot in assessing our performance.
Executive Overview
We have a multi-year goal to grow our business and increase operating margins for our brands by focusing on these key business priorities:
•
Grow our business in North America;
•
Extend our core brands internationally; and
•
Focus on the fundamentals of our business including managing inventory, expenses and capital with discipline.
We also continue to focus on:
•
Attracting and retaining top talent;
•
Maintaining a strong cash and liquidity position while optimizing our capital structure; and
•
Returning value to our shareholders.
The following is a discussion of certain of our key business priorities:
Grow our business in North America
Our first focus is on the substantial growth opportunity in North America.
The core of Victoria’s Secret is bras and panties. We see clear opportunities for substantial growth in these categories by focusing on product newness and innovation and expanding into under-penetrated market and price segments. We also have an opportunity to expand to accommodate the full Lingerie and PINK assortment to all of our stores. In 2016, we plan to increase our square footage at Victoria's Secret North America by about 4% through expansions of existing stores and the opening of approximately 13 net new Victoria's Secret stores primarily in the U.S. In our direct channel, we have the infrastructure in place to support growth well into the future. We believe our direct channel is an important form of brand advertising given the ubiquitous nature of the internet and our large customer file.
The core of Bath & Body Works is its personal care, soaps, sanitizers and home fragrance products which together make up the majority of sales and profits for the business. We see clear opportunities for substantial growth in these categories by focusing on product newness and innovation and expanding into under-penetrated market and price segments. In 2016, we plan to increase our square footage at Bath & Body Works North America by about 5% through expansions of existing stores and the opening of approximately 27 net new Bath & Body Works stores (23 in the U.S. and 4 in Canada). Additionally, www.BathandBodyWorks.com continues to exhibit significant year-over-year growth.
Extend our core brands internationally
We believe there is substantial opportunity for international growth. We have separate, dedicated teams that have taken a methodical, "test and learn" approach to expansion. We began our international expansion with the acquisition of La Senza at the beginning of 2007, and we've continued to expand our presence outside of North America with a small number of experienced partners and a limited number of company-owned stores. In 2015, we accomplished the following:
•
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories Stores-Our partners opened 83 net new Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Accessories stores, bringing the total to 373. These stores are located in local markets, airports and tourist destinations. These stores are focused on Victoria’s Secret branded beauty and accessory products and are operated by our partners. Our partners plan to open 70 to 85 net new Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Accessories stores in 2016.
•
Victoria’s Secret International Stores-We opened four company-owned Victoria’s Secret full-assortment stores in the U.K., bringing the total in the U.K. to 14. In 2016, we plan to open four additional Victoria’s Secret full-assortment stores and one PINK store in the U.K. Additionally, a partner opened three Victoria’s Secret full-assortment stores and two PINK stores in the Middle East in 2015, bringing the total to 19. Our partners plan to open 14 to 20 more stores in 2016, including four to six PINK stores.
•
Bath & Body Works International Stores-Our partners opened 45 net new Bath & Body Works stores in 2015 bringing the total in the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Europe to 125. Our partners plan to open 52 to 72 additional stores in 2016.
Focus on the fundamentals of our business
We are focused on the fundamentals of our business which include our customers, core merchandise categories, inventory management, speed and agility, and store selling and execution. In terms of speed and agility, we are focused on inventory discipline through lead-time reductions and in-season agility to increase sales and reduce promotional activity. Finally, we continue to optimize our store selling and execution by concentrating on a better store experience and developing and retaining talented, trained and productive store associates.
2015 Overview
We had record performance in 2015. Our net sales increased $700 million to $12.154 billion driven by a comparable store sales increase of 5%. Our operating income increased $239 million to $2.192 billion and our operating income rate increased to 18.0% from 17.1% driven by growth in all segments.
For additional information related to our 2015 financial performance, see “Results of Operations - 2015 Compared to 2014.”
We also accomplished the following in 2015:
•
Increased earnings per share by 21% to $4.22;
•
Our capital expenditures of $727 million included $555 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth;
•
Continued to expand company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.S., Canada and U.K. and company-owned Bath & Body Works stores in the U.S. and Canada; and
•
Continued to expand Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret stores and Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Accessories stores with partners throughout the world.
We also are committed to returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During 2015, we paid $1.171 billion in regular and special dividends and repurchased $483 million of our common stock. Additionally, in February 2016, our Board of Directors announced an increase in our regular annual dividend to $2.40 per share, from $2 per share previously. The Board of Directors also declared a special dividend of $2 per share. We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs. Since 2000, we have returned approximately $17 billion to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
Adjusted Financial Information
In addition to our results provided in accordance with GAAP above and throughout this Form 10-K, we have provided non-GAAP measurements which present operating income, net income and earnings per share in 2015 on an adjusted basis which removes certain special items. We believe that these special items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. We use adjusted financial information as key performance measures of results of operations for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Instead, we believe that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Further, our definition of adjusted financial information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table below reconciles the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures.
________________
(a)
In the first quarter of 2015, we divested our remaining ownership interest in our third-party apparel sourcing business. We received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). For additional information see Note 7, "Equity Investments and Other" included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
2016 Outlook
The global retail sector and our business continue to face an uncertain environment and, as a result, we continue to take a conservative stance with respect to the financial management of our business. We will continue to manage our business carefully, and we will focus on the execution of the retail fundamentals.
At the same time, we are aggressively focusing on bringing compelling merchandise assortments and marketing, store and online experiences to our customers. We will look for, and capitalize on, those opportunities available to us. We believe that our brands, which lead their categories and offer high emotional content to customers at accessible prices, are well positioned heading into 2016.
Company-Owned Store Data
The following table compares 2015 company-owned store data to the comparable periods for 2014 and 2013:
The following table compares 2015 company-owned store data to the comparable periods for 2014 and 2013:
Noncompany-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the 2015 noncompany-owned store data to the comparable periods for 2014 and 2013:
Results of Operations-2015 Compared to 2014
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for 2015 in comparison to 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For 2015, operating income increased $239 million to $2.192 billion, and the operating income rate increased to 18.0% from 17.1%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for 2015 in comparison to 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.
(c)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for 2014 to 2015:
The following table compares 2015 comparable store sales to 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable store sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(c)
Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria's Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.
For 2015, our net sales increased $700 million to $12.154 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria’s Secret
For 2015, net sales increased $465 million to $7.672 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 7% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion, as well as in-store execution. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the repositioning of this category and the exit of make-up.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales increased 3% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion. The results were partially offset by a decrease in non go-forward apparel.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Bath & Body Works
For 2015, net sales increased $237 million to $3.587 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including home fragrance, Signature Collection and soaps and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness and innovation.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For 2015, net sales increased $49 million to $385 million primarily related to company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened by our partners. These results were partially offset by the negative impacts of foreign currency at Victoria’s Secret Beauty and Accessories and Victoria’s Secret U.K.
Other
For 2015, net sales decreased $51 million to $510 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza due to store closures and the negative impacts of foreign currency.
Gross Profit
For 2015, our gross profit increased $396 million to $5.204 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 42.8% from 42.0% primarily as a result of:
Victoria’s Secret
For 2015, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in store real estate.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses driven by investments in our online customer shopping experience.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Direct due to increased sales in our core categories.
Bath & Body Works
For 2015, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in store real estate.
•
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in fulfillment costs as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to favorable product pricing.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For 2015, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales due to the opening of new stores.
The gross profit rate decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to the negative impacts of foreign currency.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For 2015, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $157 million to $3.012 billion primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 24.8% from 24.9% primarily due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for 2015 and 2014:
For 2015, our interest expense increased $10 million to $334 million primarily due to an increase in average borrowings related to the October 2015 $1 billion note issuance.
Other Income
For 2015, our other income increased $69 million to $76 million primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $78 million due to the divestiture of our remaining ownership interest in our third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners.
Provision for Income Taxes
For 2015, our effective tax rate decreased to 35.2% from 36.3%. The 2015 and 2014 rates were lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate.
Results of Operations-Fourth Quarter of 2015 Compared to Fourth Quarter of 2014
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the fourth quarter of 2015 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For the fourth quarter of 2015, operating income increased $121 million to $1.078 billion, and the operating income rate increased to 24.5% from 23.5%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the fourth quarter of 2015 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.
(c)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2014 to the fourth quarter of 2015:
The following table compares fourth quarter of 2015 comparable store sales to fourth quarter of 2014:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable store sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(c)
Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria's Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.
For the fourth quarter of 2015, our net sales increased $326 million to $4.395 billion, and comparable store sales increased 6%. The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria’s Secret
For the fourth quarter of 2015, net sales increased $208 million to $2.614 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria’s Secret Stores, net sales increased 7% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie and sleep driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion, as well as in-store execution. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the repositioning of this category.
•
At Victoria’s Secret Direct, net sales increased 15% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie, sport and sleep driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Bath & Body Works
For the fourth quarter of 2015, net sales increased $116 million to $1.520 billion, and comparable store sales increased 6%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including home fragrance, Signature Collection and soaps and sanitizers.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the fourth quarter of 2015, net sales increased $6 million to $112 million primarily related to company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened in other parts of the world by our partners. These results were partially offset by a decrease in net sales at our Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories business due to the negative impacts of foreign currency, repositioning of the beauty category and a general decline in travel retail and tourism.
Other
For the fourth quarter of 2015, net sales decreased $4 million to $149 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza due to store closures and the negative impacts of foreign currency.
Gross Profit
For the fourth quarter of 2015, our gross profit increased $167 million to $2.002 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 45.6% from 45.1% primarily as a result of:
Victoria’s Secret
For the fourth quarter of 2015, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by investments in store real estate.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales in our core categories as well as a decrease in buying and occupancy expenses due to a decrease in catalogue costs.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Direct due to increased sales in our core categories and a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to the leverage associated with the decrease in catalogue costs.
Bath & Body Works
For the fourth quarter of 2015, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in store real estate.
•
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in fulfillment costs as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to favorable product pricing, partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense mentioned above.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the fourth quarter of 2015, gross profit decreased due to a decrease in the merchandise margin dollars at Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories due to the negative impacts of foreign currency, repositioning of the beauty category and a general decline in travel retail and tourism.
The gross profit rate decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to the negative impacts of foreign currency at Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the fourth quarter of 2015, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $46 million to $924 million primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 21.0% from 21.6% primarily due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014:
For the fourth quarter of 2015, our interest expense increased $19 million to $97 million primarily due to an increase in average borrowings related to the October 2015 $1 billion note issuance as well as an increase in the average borrowing rate.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the fourth quarter of 2015, our effective tax rate decreased to 35.2% from 35.8%. The 2015 and 2014 rates were lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate.
Results of Operations-2014 Compared to 2013
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for 2014 in comparison to 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For 2014, operating income increased $210 million to $1.953 billion, and the operating income rate increased to 17.1% from 16.2%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for 2014 in comparison to 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.
(c)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for 2013 to 2014:
The following table compares 2014 comparable store sales to 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable store sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(c)
Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria's Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.
For 2014, our net sales increased $681 million to $11.454 billion, and comparable store sales increased 4%. The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria’s Secret
For 2014, net sales increased $323 million to $7.207 billion, and comparable store sales increased 3%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 6% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion, as well as in-store execution. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the exit of the make-up category.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales were roughly flat due to the decrease in non go-forward apparel offset by increases in PINK, core lingerie, go-forward apparel, sport and beauty. We are shifting our focus to the core categories of the brand including lingerie, PINK and beauty. As a result, net sales in the non go-forward apparel category are declining as we reduce style counts and related inventory.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Bath & Body Works
For 2014, net sales increased $232 million to $3.350 billion, and comparable store sales increased 6%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including home fragrance, Signature Collection and soaps and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness and innovation.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by an increase in total transactions and higher average dollar sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For 2014, net sales increased $114 million to $336 million primarily related to the opening of new company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened by our partners.
Other
For 2014, net sales increased $12 million to $561 million primarily related to higher revenue from sales of merchandise to our international partners from Mast Global. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in net sales at La Senza.
Gross Profit
For 2014, our gross profit increased $379 million to $4.808 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 42.0% from 41.1% primarily as a result of:
Victoria’s Secret
For 2014, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales and less promotional activity. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit decreased due to lower merchandise margin dollars as a result of the decrease in net sales and increased promotional activity in the non go-forward apparel business.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Stores due to the decreased promotional activity, partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense at Victoria's Secret Stores mentioned above.
Bath & Body Works
For 2014, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and other product-related costs.
•
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to favorable product pricing and a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For 2014, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales due to the opening of new stores. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses for our company-owned stores due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by the opening of new stores, higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret U.K. The increase in the merchandise margin rate was partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense as a result of the opening of new stores.
Other
For 2014, gross profit decreased due to lower merchandise margin dollars at La Senza. The gross profit rate decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate at La Senza, partially offset by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For 2014, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $169 million to $2.855 billion primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and an increase in incentive compensation.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate was flat to last year.
Other Income and Expenses
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for 2014 and 2013:
For 2014, our interest expense increased $10 million to $324 million primarily due to an increase in average borrowings related to the October 2013 $500 million note issuance, partially offset by a decrease in the average borrowing rate.
Other Income
For 2014, our other income decreased $10 million to $7 million primarily due to a decrease in equity method income from our investment in the third-party apparel sourcing business and certain of our investments in Easton.
Provision for Income Taxes
For 2014, our effective tax rate decreased to 36.3% from 37.5%. The 2014 and 2013 rates were lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate.
Results of Operations-Fourth Quarter of 2014 Compared to Fourth Quarter of 2013
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the fourth quarter of 2014 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For the fourth quarter of 2014, operating income increased $94 million to $957 million, and the operating income rate increased to 23.5% from 22.6%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the fourth quarter of 2014 in comparison to the fourth quarter of 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.
(c)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 to the fourth quarter of 2014:
The following table compares fourth quarter of 2014 comparable store sales to fourth quarter of 2013:
________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable store sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(c)
Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria's Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our net sales increased $251 million to $4.069 billion, and comparable store sales increased 6%. The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria’s Secret
For the fourth quarter of 2014, net sales increased $104 million to $2.406 billion, and comparable store sales increased 4%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria’s Secret Stores, net sales increased 6% due to the performance in PINK, core lingerie and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion, as well as in-store execution. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the exit of the make-up category.
•
At Victoria’s Secret Direct, net sales decreased 2% due to the decrease in non go-forward apparel partially offset by increases in PINK, core lingerie, go-forward apparel, sport and beauty. We are shifting our focus to the core categories of the brand including lingerie, PINK and beauty. As a result, net sales in the non go-forward apparel category are declining as we reduce style counts and related inventory.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Bath & Body Works
For the fourth quarter of 2014, net sales increased $121 million to $1.404 billion, and comparable store sales increased 8%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
•
At Bath & Body Works Stores, net sales increased 8% related to increases across most categories including home fragrance, soaps and sanitizers, Signature Collection and giftsets.
•
At Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased 25% related to increases across all categories including Signature Collection, home fragrance and soaps and sanitizers.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by an increase in total transactions and higher average dollar sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the fourth quarter of 2014, net sales increased $31 million to $106 million primarily related to the opening of new company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened in other parts of the world by our partners.
Other
For the fourth quarter of 2014, net sales decreased $5 million to $153 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza.
Gross Profit
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our gross profit increased $193 million to $1.835 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 45.1% from 43.0% primarily as a result of:
Victoria’s Secret
For the fourth quarter of 2014, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales and less promotional activity. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity.
•
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit was roughly flat to last year. An increase in gross profit, due to higher merchandise margin dollars primarily due to increases in net sales in the core categories of PINK, core lingerie, go-forward apparel and sport, was offset by a decrease in net sales in the non go-forward apparel business.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Stores due to the decreased promotional activity, partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense at Victoria's Secret Stores mentioned above.
Bath & Body Works
For the fourth quarter of 2014, gross profit increased primarily driven by:
•
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and store-related activity.
•
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to favorable product pricing and a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the fourth quarter of 2014, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales due to the opening of new stores. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses for our company-owned stores due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity.
The gross profit rate increase was primarily driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret U.K. The increase in the merchandise margin rate was partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense as a result of the opening of new stores.
Other
For the fourth quarter of 2014, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by an increase in merchandise margin dollars at La Senza due to less promotional activity, favorable product pricing and improved inventory management. The gross profit rate increase was driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at La Senza primarily due to less promotional activity, favorable product pricing and improved inventory management.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $99 million to $878 million primarily driven by an increase in incentive compensation and increases in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate increased to 21.6% from 20.4% due to the factors cited above.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the fourth quarter of 2014 and 2013:
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our interest expense decreased $4 million to $78 million primarily driven by a decrease in the average borrowings related to the $213 million repayment of the November 2014 Notes as well as a decrease in the average borrowing rate.
Other Income
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our other income decreased $5 million primarily due to a decrease in equity method income from our investment in the third-party apparel sourcing business.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the fourth quarter of 2014, our effective tax rate decreased to 35.8% from 37.8%. The 2014 and 2013 rates were lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor to our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resources to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions and profit margins. Historically, sales are higher during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period.
We believe in returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During 2015, we paid $1.171 billion in regular and special dividends and repurchased $483 million of our common stock. We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs.
Our total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $356 million as of January 30, 2016. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. are repatriated to the U.S., in certain circumstances we may be subject to additional income taxes.
The following table provides our long-term debt balance, net of debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts, as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
_______________
(a)
The balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $2 million as of January 30, 2016 and $8 million as of January 31, 2015.
(b)
The balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $16 million as of January 30, 2016 and $15 million as of January 31, 2015.
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. We elected to early adopt this standard effective January 30, 2016. Upon adoption, prior period financial statements were recast to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities consistent with the retrospective application required by the standard. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease to Other Assets and
Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $47 million as of January 30, 2016 and $43 million as of January 31, 2015.
Issuance of Notes
In October 2015, we issued $1 billion of 6.875% notes due in November 2035. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The proceeds from the issuance were $988 million, which were net of issuance costs of $12 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of November 2035 and are included within Long-term Debt on the January 30, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In October 2013, we issued $500 million of 5.625% notes due in October 2023. The 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $5 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of October 2023 and are included within Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, we repaid the remaining $213 million of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facilities
We maintain a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts per year are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.50%. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is CDOR plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of January 30, 2016, we were in compliance with both of our financial covenants. The ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00, and no default or event of default existed.
During the second quarter of 2014 and the third quarter of 2013, we borrowed and repaid $5 million and $290 million, respectively, under the Revolving Facility. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during the second quarter of 2014 and third quarter of 2013 was $5 million and $140 million, respectively.
As of January 30, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility also supports our letter of credit program. We had $8 million of outstanding letters of credit as of January 30, 2016 that reduce our remaining availability under our amended credit agreements.
In addition to the Revolving Facility we maintain various revolving and term loan bank facilities with availability totaling $35 million to support our foreign operations ("Foreign Facilities"). These Foreign Facilities mature between November 15, 2016 and July 30, 2017. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate for the currency of each borrowing.
During 2015, we borrowed $7 million under the Foreign Facilities. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during 2015 was $7 million. As of January 30, 2016, there were borrowings of $7 million outstanding under the Foreign Facilities.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
In July 2014, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, we had entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2017 Notes. In 2012, we terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. The carrying values of the 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the maturity date of the Notes.
For information related to our fair value interest rate swap arrangements, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.
Working Capital and Capitalization
We believe that our available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund foreseeable requirements.
The following table provides a summary of our working capital position and capitalization as of January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
________________
(a)
As further discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.
(b)
As further discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
(c)
Letters of credit issued reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility. We have outstanding letters of credit that reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility of $8 million, $19 million and $8 million as of January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
The following table provides certain measures of liquidity and capital resources as of January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
________________
(a)
Long-term debt divided by total capitalization
(b)
As further discussed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.
(c)
Net cash provided by operating activities divided by capital expenditures
Credit Ratings
The following table provides our credit ratings as of January 30, 2016:
Our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility are linked to our credit ratings at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If we receive an upgrade or downgrade to our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P and Fitch, the borrowing costs could decrease or increase, respectively. The guarantees of our obligations under the Revolving Facility by the Guarantors and the security interests granted in our and the Guarantors’ collateral securing such obligations are released if our credit ratings are higher than a certain level. Additionally, the restrictions imposed under the Revolving Facility on our ability to make investments and to make restricted payments cease to apply if our credit ratings are higher than certain levels. Credit rating downgrades by any of the agencies do not accelerate the repayment of any of our debt.
Common Stock Share Repurchases
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our common stock under the following repurchase programs during the fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013:
In June 2015, our Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $0.6 million remaining under the February 2015 repurchase program.
In February 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the January 30, 2016 or January 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Subsequent to January 30, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program ("February 2016 repurchase program"), which included the $17 million remaining under the June 2015 repurchase program. We repurchased an additional 2.5 million shares of common stock for $211 million under the February 2016 repurchase program subsequent to January 30, 2016.
We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our share repurchase programs. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made in our discretion, taking into account a number of factors, including market conditions.
Dividend Policy and Procedures
Under the authority and declaration of our Board of Directors, we paid the following dividends during the fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Our Board of Directors will determine future dividends after giving consideration to the Company's levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating activities to fund our ordinary dividends and a combination of cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our special dividends.
Subsequent to January 30, 2016, our Board of Directors declared an increase in our first quarter 2016 ordinary dividend from $0.50 to $0.60 per share and a special dividend of $2 per share. Both dividends, totaling $748 million, were paid on March 4, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2016.
Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow activity for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 was $1.869 billion, including net income of $1.253 billion. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $457 million, share-based compensation expense of $97 million, gain on divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business of $78 million and excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation of $70 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant item in working capital was an increase in operating cash flow associated with an increase in income taxes payable of $131 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 was $1.786 billion, including net income of $1.042 billion. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $438 million, share-based compensation expense of $90 million and a decrease in deferred income taxes of $50 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant item in working capital was an increase in operating cash flow associated with a decrease in inventories of $121 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2013 was $1.248 billion, including net income of $903 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $407 million and share-based compensation expense of $85 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant item in working capital was a decrease in operating cash flow associated with an increase in inventories of $168 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities in 2015 was $443 million consisting primarily of $727 million of capital expenditures and purchases of marketable securities of $60 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of assets of $196 million, proceeds from the divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business for $85 million and proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $50 million. The capital expenditures included $555 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2014 was $699 million consisting primarily of $715 million of capital expenditures. The capital expenditures included $553 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2013 was $655 million consisting primarily of $691 million of capital expenditures partially offset by the return of capital from the third-party apparel sourcing business investment of $46 million. The capital expenditures included $551 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
We anticipate spending approximately $900 million to $1 billion for capital expenditures in 2016 with the majority relating to opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. We expect to open approximately 68 new company-owned stores in 2016, primarily in Canada and the U.S.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities in 2015 was $558 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments totaling $4 per share, or $1.171 billion, and repurchases of common stock of $483 million. These were partially offset by the net proceeds of $988 million from the 2035 Notes issuance, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $70 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $33 million.
Net cash used for financing activities in 2014 was $919 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments totaling $2.36 per share, or $691 million, the repayment of long-term debt of $213 million and repurchases of common stock of $87 million. These were partially offset by excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $43 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $34 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was $154 million consisting primarily of proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $495 million (net of issuance costs), excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $36 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $32 million. These were partially offset by quarterly dividend payments totaling $1.20 per share, or $349 million, and repurchases of common stock of $60 million.
Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations
The following table provides our contractual obligations, aggregated by type, including the maturity profile as of January 30, 2016:
________________
(a)
Long-term debt obligations relate to our principal and interest payments for outstanding notes and debentures. Interest payments have been estimated based on the coupon rate for fixed rate obligations. Interest obligations exclude amounts which have been accrued through January 30, 2016. For additional information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(b)
Operating lease obligations primarily represent minimum payments due under store lease agreements. For additional information, see Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(c)
Purchase obligations primarily include purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions.
(d)
Other liabilities primarily include future payments relating to our nonqualified supplemental retirement plan of $274 million which have been reflected under “Other” as the timing of these future payments is not known until an associate leaves the Company or otherwise requests an in-service distribution. In addition, Other liabilities also include future estimated payments associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The “Less Than 1 Year” category includes $178 million of these tax items because it is reasonably possible that the amounts could change in the next 12 months due to audit settlements or resolution of uncertainties. The remaining portion totaling $92 million is included in the “Other” category as it is not reasonably possible that the amounts could change in the next 12 months. For additional information, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, we have remaining guarantees of approximately $24 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores and Dick’s Sporting Goods under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2021. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, our guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
The following table details the guaranteed lease payments during the next five fiscal years:
Our guarantees related to Express and Limited Stores required fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. Our guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods were not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of that divestiture.
We have not recorded a liability with respect to any of these guarantee obligations as of January 30, 2016 as we concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable.
In connection with our investment in ETC, in the second quarter of 2015, we provided a guarantee of payment to an interest rate swap counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement if ETC is unable to pay. Our estimated maximum potential loss from this guarantee is $77 million. We have not recorded a liability with respect to this guarantee obligation as we concluded that payment under this guarantee was not probable as of January 30, 2016. For additional information, see Note 7, "Equity Investments and Other" and Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies" included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.
In 2015, in connection with the sale and leaseback under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, we provided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire in 2020, and the total amount of the guarantees is approximately $105 million. We recorded a liability of $3 million related to these guarantee obligations as of January 30, 2016 which is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off balance sheet arrangements as defined by Regulation 229.303 Item 303 (a) (4).
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption as of fiscal 2017 permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This guidance requires companies classified as lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. The new standard also will result in enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing leases. The standard requires modified retrospective adoption and will be effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating this standard, including the timing of adoption, and the related impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted.
We elected to early adopt this standard effective January 30, 2016. Upon adoption, prior period financial statements were recast as required by the standard to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities consistent with the retrospective application required by the standard. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease to Other Assets and Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $47 million as of January 30, 2016 and $43 million as of January 31, 2015.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance requires companies to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, and early adoption is permitted.
We elected to early adopt this standard effective January 30, 2016 using the retrospective application transition method as allowed by the standard. Upon adoption, prior period financial statements were recast to present all deferred tax asset and
liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease in current deferred income tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of approximately $35 million as of January 30, 2016 and $33 million as of January 31, 2015; an increase in noncurrent deferred income tax assets of $8 million as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015; and a decrease to noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $27 million as of January 30, 2016 and $25 million as of January 31, 2015 on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Impact of Inflation
While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, claims and contingencies, income taxes and revenue recognition. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and believes the following assumptions and estimates are most significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position.
Inventories
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost or market, on a weighted-average cost basis.
We record valuation adjustments to our inventories if the cost of inventory on hand exceeds the amount we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience. If actual demand or market conditions are different than those projected by management, future period merchandise margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected by adjustments to these estimates.
We also record inventory loss adjustments for estimated physical inventory losses that have occurred since the date of the last physical inventory. These estimates are based on management’s analysis of historical results and operating trends.
Management believes that the assumptions used in these estimates are reasonable and appropriate. A 10% increase or decrease in the inventory valuation adjustment would have impacted net income by approximately $2 million for 2015. A 10% increase or decrease in the estimated physical inventory loss adjustment would have impacted net income by approximately $3 million for 2015.
Valuation of Long-lived Assets
Property and equipment and intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying value, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset. When a decision has been made to dispose of property and equipment prior to the end of the previously estimated useful life, depreciation estimates are revised to reflect the use of the asset over the shortened estimated useful life.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment each year in the fourth quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. First, we perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that each reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we then estimate the fair value of all assets and liabilities of that reporting unit, including the implied fair value of goodwill, through either estimated discounted future cash flows or market-based methodologies. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference. Our reporting units are determined in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. Our reporting units that have goodwill are Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Direct and Bath & Body Works.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment each year in the fourth quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. We first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If we determine that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, we estimate the fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset, compare that value with its carrying amount and record an impairment charge, if any.
We estimate the fair value of property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required.
Claims and Contingencies
We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Our determination of the treatment of claims and contingencies in the Consolidated Financial Statements is based on management’s view of the expected outcome of the applicable claim or contingency. We consult with legal counsel on matters related to litigation and seek input from both internal and external experts with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business. We accrue a liability if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. If the likelihood of an adverse outcome is only reasonably possible (as opposed to probable) or if an estimate is not reasonably determinable, disclosure of a material claim or contingency is disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, taxes currently payable or refundable are accrued, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for realizable operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in our Consolidated Statement of Income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. U.S. deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed income of foreign subsidiaries where such earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested for the foreseeable future.
Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. In determining our provision for income taxes, we consider permanent differences between book and tax income and statutory income tax rates. Our effective income tax rate is affected by items including changes in tax law, the tax jurisdiction of new stores or business ventures and the level of earnings.
We follow the authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes, 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 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 which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
Our income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established an accrual is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our tax contingencies accrual and income tax provision in the period in which matters are effectively settled with tax authorities at amounts different from our established accrual, when the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available.
Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates resulting in a final tax outcome that may be materially different from that which is reflected in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Revenue Recognition
Company-owned Stores and Direct Channels
While our recognition of revenue does not involve significant judgment, revenue recognition represents an important accounting policy for our organization. We recognize revenue upon customer receipt of the merchandise. We also provide a reserve for projected merchandise returns based on prior experience. For direct channel revenues, we estimate shipments that have not been received by the customer based on shipping terms and historical delivery times.
All of our brands sell gift cards with no expiration dates to customers in retail stores, through our direct channels and through third parties. We do not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards. We recognize income from gift cards when they are redeemed by the customer. In addition, we recognize income on unredeemed gift cards when we can determine that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions (gift card breakage). We determine the gift card breakage rate based on historical redemption patterns. Gift card breakage is included in Net Sales in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Royalty and Other
We also recognize revenues associated with franchise, license and wholesale arrangements. Revenue recognized under franchise and license arrangements generally consists of royalties earned and recognized upon sale of merchandise by franchise and license partners to retail customers. Revenue is generally recognized under wholesale arrangements at the time the title passes to the partner.
We recognize revenue associated with merchandise sourcing and production services provided to third parties. Revenue is recognized at the time the title passes to the customer.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments like cross-currency swaps, forward contracts and interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposure to market risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
We have operations in foreign countries, which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. To mitigate the translation risk to our earnings and the fair value of our Canadian operations associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate, we entered into a cross-currency swap related to a Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loan. This cross-currency swap requires the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The swap arrangement matures in January 2018 at the same time as the related loan. As a result of the Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loan and the related cross-currency swap, we do not believe there is any material translation risk to our Canadian net earnings associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate.
In addition, our Canadian dollar and British pound denominated earnings are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of our merchandise sold in Canada and the U.K. is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions. Although we utilize foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset these risks, these measures may not succeed in offsetting all of the short-term impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally may not be effective in offsetting the long-term impact of sustained shifts in foreign currency rates.
Further, although our royalty arrangements with our international partners are denominated in U.S. dollars, the royalties we receive in U.S. dollars are calculated based on sales in the local currency. As a result, our royalties in these arrangements are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio primarily consists of interest-bearing instruments that are classified as cash and cash equivalents based on their original maturities. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which specifies permitted types of investments, specifies credit quality standards and maturity profiles and limits credit exposure to any single issuer. The primary objectives of our investment activities are the preservation of principal, the maintenance of liquidity and the maximization of interest income while minimizing risk. Currently, our investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank
deposits. Given the short-term nature and quality of investments in our portfolio, we do not believe there is any material risk to principal associated with increases or decreases in interest rates.
All of our long-term debt as of January 30, 2016 has fixed interest rates. We will from time to time adjust our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. As of January 30, 2016, we have interest rate swap arrangements with notional amounts of $300 million related to a portion of our 2017 Notes and $300 million related to a portion of our 2019 Notes.
The effect of the interest rate swap arrangements is to convert the respective amount of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. The variable interest rate associated with these swap arrangements fluctuates based on changes in the three-month LIBOR.
For the balance of our long-term debt that is not subject to interest rate swap arrangements, our exposure to interest rate changes is limited to the fair value of the debt issued, which would not have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As of January 30, 2016, management believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
The following table provides a summary of the principal value and fair value of long-term debt and swap arrangements as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
________________
(a)
The increase in the long-term debt is related to the October 2015 issuance of $1 billion notes due in November 2035.
(b)
The estimated fair value is based on reported transaction prices. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.
(c)
Swap arrangements are in an asset position.
Concentration of Credit Risk
We maintain cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. We monitor the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom we transact and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. We also periodically review the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
L BRANDS, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. Fiscal years are designated in the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. The results for fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013 refer to the 52-week periods ending January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria).
Based on our assessment and the COSO criteria, management believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016.
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, has issued an attestation report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young LLP’s report appears on the following page and expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of L Brands, Inc.:
We have audited L Brands, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). L Brands, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process 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. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, L Brands, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Consolidated Balance Sheets of L Brands, Inc. as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Total Equity (Deficit), and Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2016 of L Brands, Inc., and our report dated March 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grandview Heights, Ohio
March 18, 2016
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Consolidated Financial Statements
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of L Brands, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of L Brands, Inc. as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Total Equity (Deficit), and Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of L Brands, Inc. at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 30, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), L Brands, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of January 30, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated March 18, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Grandview Heights, Ohio
March 18, 2016
L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions except per share amounts)
L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except per share amounts)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF TOTAL EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(in millions except per share amounts)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
L BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Description of Business
L Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. The Company is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products and accessories. The Company sells its merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the U.S., Canada and the U.K., which are primarily mall-based, and through its websites and other channels. The Company's other international operations are primarily through franchise, license and wholesale partners. The Company currently operates the following retail brands:
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Victoria’s Secret
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PINK
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Bath & Body Works
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La Senza
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Henri Bendel
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “2015”, “2014” and “2013” refer to the 52-week periods ending January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014, respectively.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for investments in unconsolidated entities where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its share of the investee net income or loss. Losses are only recognized to the extent the Company has positive carrying value related to the investee. Carrying values are only reduced below zero if the Company has an obligation to provide funding to the investee. The Company’s share of net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s share of net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s equity investments are required to be reviewed for impairment when it is determined there may be an other than temporary loss in value.
Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company divested its remaining ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners. For additional information, see Note 7, “Equity Investments and Other.”
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents include cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than 90 days. The Company’s outstanding checks, which totaled $30 million as of January 30, 2016 and $42 million as of January 31, 2015, are included in Accounts Payable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom the Company transacts and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, the Company’s investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits.
The Company also periodically reviews the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which the Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business. The Company records an allowance for uncollectable accounts when it becomes probable that the counterparty will be unable to pay.
Marketable Equity Securities
In 2015, the Company invested $10 million in marketable equity securities which are classified as available-for-sale. The Company determines the appropriate classification of investments in equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. This investment is recorded at fair value in other current assets on the January 30, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized holding gains were $12 million as of January 30, 2016.
Inventories
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost or market, on a weighted-average cost basis.
The Company records valuation adjustments to its inventories if the cost of specific inventory items on hand exceeds the amount it expects to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience.
The Company also records inventory loss adjustments for estimated physical inventory losses that have occurred since the date of the last physical inventory. These estimates are based on management’s analysis of historical results and operating trends.
Advertising Costs
Advertising and catalogue costs are expensed at the time the promotion first appears in media, in the store or when the advertising is mailed. Advertising and catalogue costs totaled $414 million for 2015, $436 million for 2014 and $452 million for 2013.
Property and Equipment
The Company’s property and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciation/amortization is computed on a straight-line basis using the following depreciable life ranges:
When a decision has been made to dispose of property and equipment prior to the end of the previously estimated useful life, depreciation estimates are revised to reflect the use of the asset over the shortened estimated useful life. The Company’s cost of assets sold or retired and the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major renewals and betterments that extend useful lives are capitalized.
Property and equipment are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The Company has certain intangible assets resulting from business combinations and acquisitions that are recorded at cost. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives.
Intangible assets with finite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset are less than the carrying value, the Company recognizes a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment each year in the fourth quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. First, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that each reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the Company then estimates the fair value of all assets and liabilities of that reporting unit, including the implied fair value of goodwill, through either estimated discounted future cash flows or market-based methodologies. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied fair value, the Company recognizes an impairment charge equal to the difference. The Company's reporting units are determined in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. The Company's reporting units that have goodwill are Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Direct and Bath & Body Works.
Intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment each year in the fourth quarter and may be reviewed more frequently if certain events occur or circumstances change. First, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company estimates the fair value, usually determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset, compares that value with its carrying amount and records an impairment charge, if any.
If future economic conditions are different than those projected by management, future impairment charges may be required.
Leases and Leasehold Improvements
The Company has leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of minimum rentals and/or rent abatements subsequent to taking possession of the leased property. The Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis commencing upon the store possession date. The Company records the difference between the recognized rental expense and amounts payable under the leases as deferred lease credits. The Company’s liability for predetermined fixed escalations of minimum rentals and/or rent abatements totaled $150 million as of January 30, 2016 and $142 million as of January 31, 2015. These liabilities are included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company receives construction allowances from landlords related to its retail stores. These allowances are generally comprised of cash amounts received by the Company from its landlords as part of the negotiated lease terms. The Company records a receivable and a landlord allowance at the lease commencement date (date of initial possession of the store). The landlord allowance is amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease (including the pre-opening build-out period), and the receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the landlord. The Company’s unamortized portion of landlord allowances, which totaled $212 million as of January 30, 2016 and $192 million as of January 31, 2015, is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company also has leasehold improvements which are amortized over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the period from the date the assets are placed in service to the end of the initial lease term. Leasehold improvements made after the inception of the initial lease term are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining lease term, including renewal periods, if reasonably assured.
Foreign Currency Translation
The functional currency of the Company’s foreign operations is generally the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect as of the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The Company’s resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and the Consolidated Statements of Total Equity (Deficit).
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges and non-designated derivative instruments to manage exposure to foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All derivative financial instruments are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in current earnings.
For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the liability on the balance sheet.
For derivative instruments that are not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is recognized in current earnings.
Fair Value
The authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure, defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. This authoritative guidance further establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
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Level 1-Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
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Level 2-Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
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Level 3-Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The Company estimates the fair value of financial instruments, property and equipment and goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 820.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, taxes currently payable or refundable are accrued, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for realizable operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. U.S. deferred income taxes are not provided on undistributed income of foreign subsidiaries where such earnings are considered to be permanently reinvested for the foreseeable future.
In determining the Company’s provision for income taxes, the Company considers permanent differences between book and tax income and statutory income tax rates. The Company’s effective income tax rate is affected by items including changes in tax law, the tax jurisdiction of new stores or business ventures and the level of earnings.
The Company follows 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 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 which 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 and which may not accurately forecast actual outcomes.
The Company’s income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding the Company’s tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which the Company has established an accrual is audited and fully resolved or clarified. The Company adjusts its tax contingencies accrual and income tax provision in the period in which matters are effectively settled with tax authorities at amounts different from its established accrual, when the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available. The Company includes its tax contingencies accrual, including accrued penalties and interest, in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets unless the liability is expected to be paid within one year.
Changes to the tax contingencies accrual, including accrued penalties and interest, are included in Provision for Income Taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Self Insurance
The Company is self-insured for medical, workers’ compensation, property, general liability and automobile liability up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) claims. IBNR claims are estimated using historical claim information and actuarial estimates.
Noncontrolling Interest
Noncontrolling interest represents the portion of equity interests of consolidated affiliates not owned by the Company.
Share-based Compensation
The Company recognizes all share-based payments to employees and directors as compensation cost over the service period based on their estimated fair value on the date of grant.
Compensation cost is recognized over the service period for the fair value of awards that actually vest. Compensation expense for awards without a performance condition is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, using a single award approach (each award is valued as one grant, irrespective of the number of vesting tranches). Compensation expense for awards with a performance condition is recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, using a multiple award approach (each vesting tranche is valued as one grant).
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes sales upon customer receipt of the merchandise, which for direct response revenues reflects an estimate of shipments that have not yet been received by the customer based on shipping terms and estimated delivery times. The Company’s shipping and handling revenues are included in Net Sales with the related costs included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also provides a reserve for projected merchandise returns based on prior experience. Net Sales exclude sales tax collected from customers.
The Company’s brands sell gift cards with no expiration dates to customers. The Company does not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards. The Company recognizes income from gift cards when they are redeemed by the customer. In addition, the Company recognizes income on unredeemed gift cards when it can determine that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and that there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions (gift card breakage). The Company determines the gift card breakage rate based on historical redemption patterns. Gift card breakage is included in Net Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company also recognize revenues associated with franchise, license and wholesale arrangements. Revenue recognized under franchise and license arrangements generally consists of royalties earned and recognized upon sale of merchandise by franchise and license partners to retail customers. Revenue is generally recognized under wholesale arrangements at the time the title passes to the partner.
The Company recognizes revenue associated with merchandise sourcing and production services provided to third parties. Revenue is recognized at the time the title passes to the customer.
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
The Company’s costs of goods sold include merchandise costs, net of discounts and allowances, freight and inventory shrinkage. The Company’s buying and occupancy expenses primarily include payroll, benefit costs and operating expenses for its buying departments and distribution network, rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes, utilities, maintenance, fulfillment expenses and depreciation for the Company’s stores, warehouse facilities and equipment.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
The Company’s general, administrative and store operating expenses primarily include payroll and benefit costs for its store-selling and administrative departments (including corporate functions), marketing, advertising and other operating expenses not specifically categorized elsewhere in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption as of fiscal 2017 permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This guidance requires companies classified as lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. The new standard also will result in enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing leases. The standard requires modified retrospective adoption and will be effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating this standard, including the timing of adoption, and the related impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted.
The Company elected to early adopt this standard effective January 30, 2016. Upon adoption, prior period financial statements were recast as required by the standard to present debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liabilities consistent with the retrospective application required by the standard. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease to Other Assets and Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $47 million as of January 30, 2016 and $43 million as of January 31, 2015.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance requires companies to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, and early adoption is permitted.
The Company elected to early adopt this standard effective January 30, 2016 using the retrospective application transition method as allowed by the standard. Upon adoption, prior period financial statements were recast to present all deferred tax asset and liabilities as noncurrent on the balance sheet. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease in current deferred income tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of approximately $35 million as of January 30, 2016 and $33 million as of January 31, 2015; an increase in noncurrent deferred income tax assets of $8 million as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015; and a decrease to noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $27 million as of January 30, 2016 and $25 million as of January 31, 2015.
3. Earnings Per Share
Earnings per basic share are computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share include the weighted-average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted-average shares outstanding.
The following table provides shares utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
________________
(a)
These options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
4. Inventories
The following table provides details of inventories as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
5. Property and Equipment, Net
The following table provides details of property and equipment, net as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
Depreciation expense was $457 million in 2015, $438 million in 2014 and $406 million in 2013.
In 2015, the Company completed sale and leaseback transactions under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets with a carrying value of $177 million. The proceeds of $178 million from the sale of these assets are included in Proceeds from Sale of Assets within the Investing Activities section of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. For additional information, see Note 15, "Commitments and Contingencies."
6. Goodwill, Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
Goodwill
The following table provides detail regarding the composition of goodwill for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
The Company tests for goodwill impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company's reporting units with goodwill balances at January 30, 2016 were Victoria's Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Direct and Bath & Body Works.
Intangible Assets-Indefinite Lives
Intangible assets with indefinite lives represent the Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works trade names which are included in Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following table provides additional detail regarding the composition of trade names as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
Intangible Assets-Finite Lives
Intangible assets with finite lives represent certain trademarks and customer relationships. These assets were fully amortized in 2013, as such there was no amortization expense in 2014 and 2015. Amortization expense was $1 million for 2013.
7. Equity Investments and Other
Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
In 2011, the Company divested a majority ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to affiliates of Sycamore Partners. In 2015, the Company divested its remaining ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners. The Company received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). The gain is included in Other Income in the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Income and the cash proceeds are included in Proceeds from Divestiture of the Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business within the Investing Activities section of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
In 2013 and 2014, the Company received $64 million and $2 million, respectively, in dividends from the third-party apparel sourcing business while accounted for under the equity method of accounting. These dividends reduced the Company's carrying value in the investment. In 2013, $46 million is included in Return of Capital from Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business Investment within the Investing Activities section of the 2013 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, and $18 million is included in Other Assets and Liabilities within the Operating Activities section of the 2013 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In 2014, $2 million is included in Other Assets and Liabilities within the Operating Activities section of the 2014 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The Company's carrying value for this investment was $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and is included in Other Assets on the 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company's share of net income (loss) from this investment is included in Other Income on the 2013 and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Income.
Easton Investments
The Company has land and other investments in Easton, a 1,300 acre planned community in Columbus, Ohio that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space. These investments totaled $86 million as of January 30, 2016 and $101 million as of January 31, 2015 and are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in the Company’s Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”), an entity that owns and has developed a commercial entertainment and shopping center. The Company’s investment in ETC is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in ETC, but another unaffiliated member manages ETC. Certain significant decisions regarding ETC require the consent of unaffiliated members in addition to the Company.
In 2015, ETC entered into an interest rate swap with cash settlement due in February 2017. The Company provided a guarantee of payment to the counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement if ETC is unable to pay. The Company's estimated maximum potential loss from this guarantee is $77 million, which was determined primarily based upon the current interest rate and estimated fluctuations in future interest rates, developed using historical fluctuations in interest rates. The Company had no liability recorded with respect to this guarantee obligation as we concluded that payment under this guarantee was not probable as of January 30, 2016.
Also included in the Company's Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Gateway, LLC ("EG"), an entity that owns and is developing a commercial shopping center in the Easton community. The Company’s investment in EG is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in EG, but another unaffiliated member manages the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of EG including leasing, tenant relationships and maintenance of the center. Certain significant decisions regarding EG require the consent of the unaffiliated member in addition to the Company.
8. Accrued Expenses and Other
The following table provides additional information about the composition of accrued expenses and other as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
9. Income Taxes
The following table provides the components of the Company’s provision for income taxes for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
The non-U.S. component of pre-tax income, arising principally from overseas operations, was income of $267 million, $152 million and $131 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The Company's income taxes payable has been reduced by the excess tax benefits from employee stock plan awards. For stock options, the Company receives an excess income tax benefit calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant and exercise. For restricted stock, the Company receives an excess income tax benefit calculated as the tax effect of the difference between the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant and vesting. The Company had net excess tax benefits from equity awards of $70 million, $43 million and $36 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, which were reflected as increases to equity.
The following table provides the reconciliation between the statutory federal income tax rate and the effective tax rate for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Deferred Taxes
The following table provides the effect of temporary differences that cause deferred income taxes as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015. Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent the future effects on income taxes resulting from temporary differences and carryforwards at the end of the respective year.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease in current deferred income tax assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of approximately $35 million as of January 30, 2016 and $33 million as of January 31, 2015; an increase in noncurrent deferred income tax assets of $8 million as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015; and a decrease to noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of $27 million as of January 30, 2016 and $25 million as of January 31, 2015. For additional information, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."
As of January 30, 2016, the Company had available for state income tax purposes net operating loss carryforwards which expire, if unused, in the years 2016 through 2035. For those states where the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized, a valuation allowance has been provided.
As of January 30, 2016, the Company had available for non-U.S. tax purposes net operating loss carryforwards which expire, if unused, in the years 2027 through 2035. For certain jurisdictions where the Company has determined that it is more likely than not that the net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized, a valuation allowance has been provided on those net operating loss carryforwards as well as other net deferred tax assets.
As of January 30, 2016, we have not provided deferred U.S. income taxes on approximately $454 million of undistributed earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries. Any unrecognized deferred income tax liability resulting from these amounts is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future; furthermore, the undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If the Company elects to distribute these foreign earnings in the future, they could be subject to additional income taxes. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.
Income tax payments were $507 million for 2015, $526 million for 2014 and $468 million for 2013.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The following table summarizes the activity related to the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits for U.S. federal, state & non-U.S. tax jurisdictions for 2015, 2014 and 2013, without interest and penalties:
Of the $248 million, $193 million and $167 million of total unrecognized tax benefits at January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015, and February 1, 2014, respectively, approximately $217 million, $170 million and $143 million, respectively, represent the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. These amounts are net of the offsetting tax effects from other tax jurisdictions.
Of the total unrecognized tax benefits, it is reasonably possible that $178 million could change in the next 12 months due to audit settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other resolution of uncertainties. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in amounts which could be different from this estimate. In such case, the Company will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the period in which such matters are effectively settled.
The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. The Company recognized interest and penalties expense of $7 million, $1 million and $4 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company has accrued approximately $38 million and $31 million for the payment of interest and penalties as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively. Accrued interest and penalties are included within Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns as well as income tax returns in various states and in non-U.S. jurisdictions. At the end of 2015, the Company was subject to examination by the IRS for 2012 through 2014. The Company is also subject to various U.S. state and local income tax examinations for the years 2009 to 2014. Finally, the Company is subject to multiple non-U.S. tax jurisdiction examinations for the years 2005 to 2014. In some situations, the Company determines that it does not have a filing requirement in a particular tax jurisdiction. Where no return has been filed, no statute of limitations applies. Accordingly, if a tax jurisdiction reaches a conclusion that a filing requirement does exist, additional years may be reviewed by the tax authority. The Company believes it has appropriately accounted for uncertainties related to this issue.
10. Long-term Debt
The following table provides the Company’s long-term debt balance, net of debt issuance costs and unamortized discounts, as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
_______________
(a)
The balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $2 million as of January 30, 2016 and $8 million as of January 31, 2015.
(b)
The balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $16 million as of January 30, 2016 and $15 million as of January 31, 2015.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The impact of the adoption of this standard is a decrease to Other Assets and Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets of $47 million as of January 30, 2016 and $43 million as of January 31, 2015. For additional information, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."
The following table provides principal payments due on long-term debt in the next five fiscal years and the remaining years thereafter:
Cash paid for interest was $317 million in 2015, $328 million in 2014 and $300 million in 2013.
Issuance of Notes
In October 2015, the Company issued $1 billion of 6.875% notes due in November 2035. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The proceeds from the issuance were $988 million, which were net of issuance costs of
$12 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of November 2035 and are included within Long-term Debt on the January 30, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In October 2013, the Company issued $500 million of 5.625% notes due in October 2023. The 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $5 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of October 2023 and are included within Long-term Debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, the Company repaid the remaining $213 million of its 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facility
The Company maintains a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts per year are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.50%. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is CDOR plus 1.50% per annum.
In July 2014, the Company entered into an amendment and restatement ("Amendment") of its Revolving Facility. The Company incurred fees related to the Amendment of the Revolving Facility of $5 million, which were capitalized and are being amortized over the remaining term of the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of January 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with both of its financial covenants, and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
During the second quarter of 2014 and the third quarter of 2013, the Company borrowed and repaid $5 million and $290 million, respectively, under the Revolving Facility. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during the second quarter of 2014 and third quarter of 2013 was $5 million and $140 million, respectively.
As of January 30, 2016, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility supports the Company’s letter of credit program. The Company had $8 million of outstanding letters of credit as of January 30, 2016 that reduce its remaining availability under the Revolving Facility.
In addition to the Revolving Facility the Company maintains various revolving and term loan bank facilities with availability totaling $35 million to support its foreign operations ("Foreign Facilities"). These Foreign Facilities mature between November 15, 2016 and July 30, 2017. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate for the currency of each borrowing.
During 2015, the Company borrowed $7 million under the Foreign Facilities. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during 2015 was $7 million. As of January 30, 2016, there were borrowings of $7 million outstanding under the Foreign Facilities.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
For information related to the Company’s fair value interest rate swap arrangements, see Note 11, “Derivative Instruments.”
11. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Exchange Risk
In January 2007, the Company entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to approximately CAD$470 million of intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps mitigate the exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate related to the Company’s Canadian operations. The cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The cross-currency swap related to approximately CAD$170 million matures in January 2018 at the same time as the related loan and is designated as a cash flow hedge of foreign currency exchange risk. Changes in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate and the related swap settlements result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans.
In November 2014, the Company terminated the cross-currency swap of CAD$200 million related to the intercompany loan maturing in January 2015 and January 2017. The Company paid $4 million to settle the swaps. This $4 million expense related to the settlement of the swaps, as well as the foreign currency gains on these intercompany loans of $6 million, were recognized in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
The following table provides a summary of the pre-tax financial statement effect of the gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges for 2015 and 2014:
________________
(a)
Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans. No ineffectiveness was associated with these foreign exchange cash flow hedges.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges
In July 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, the Company had entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2017 Notes. In 2012, the Company terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. The carrying values of the 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the maturity date of the Notes.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
12. Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides a summary of the principal value and fair value of long-term debt as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
________________
(a)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt is based on reported transaction prices which are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities measured in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
The Company's Level 1 fair value measurements use unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. In 2015, the Company invested in marketable equity securities. These securities are classified as Level 1 fair
value measurements as they are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing
information on an ongoing basis.
The Company’s Level 2 fair value measurements are measured using market approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as applicable to the underlying instruments.
The Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements are measured using income approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include the guaranteed lease payments, discount rates, as well as the Company’s assessment of the risk of default on guaranteed leases.
Management believes that the carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and current debt approximate fair value because of their short maturity.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s lease guarantees measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for 2015 and 2014:
The Company’s lease guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of certain businesses. The fair value of these lease guarantees is impacted by economic conditions, probability of rent obligation payments, period of obligation as well as the discount rate utilized. For additional information, see Note 15, “Commitments and Contingencies.”
13. Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income includes gains and losses on derivative instruments, unrealized holding gains and losses on marketable securities classified as available-for-sale and foreign currency translation adjustments. The cumulative gains and losses on these items are included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Deficit).
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for 2015:
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for 2014:
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) above are presented net of tax as applicable.
The following table provides a summary of the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income for 2015:
14. Leases
The Company is committed to noncancelable leases with remaining terms generally from one to 10 years. A substantial portion of the Company’s leases consist of store leases generally with an initial term of 10 years. Annual store rent consists of a fixed minimum amount and/or contingent rent based on a percentage of sales exceeding a stipulated amount. Store lease terms generally require additional payments covering certain operating costs such as common area maintenance, utilities, insurance and taxes. These additional payments are excluded from the table below.
The following table provides rent expense for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
The following table provides the Company’s minimum rent commitments under noncancelable operating leases in the next five fiscal years and the remaining years thereafter:
________________
(a)
Excludes additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses generally required by store lease terms.
15. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, the Company has remaining guarantees of approximately $24 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores and Dick’s Sporting Goods under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2021. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
The Company’s guarantees related to Express and Limited Stores required fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The Company’s guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods were not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of that divestiture. A liability of $1 million was recorded for these guarantees as of January 31, 2015, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company had no liability recorded with respect to any of these guarantee obligations as of January 30, 2016 as it concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable.
In 2015, in connection with the Company's investment in ETC, the Company provided a guarantee of payment to an interest rate swap counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement in February 2017. The Company has not recorded a liability with respect to this guarantee obligation as it concluded that payment under this guarantee was not probable as of January 30, 2016. For additional information, see Note 7, "Equity Investments and Other."
In 2015, in connection with the sale and leaseback under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, the Company provided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire in 2020, and the total amount of the guarantees is approximately $105 million. The Company recorded a liability of $3 million related to these guarantee obligations as of January 30, 2016, included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
16. Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for substantially all of its associates within the U.S. Participation in the tax-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age and service requirements. Participation in the non-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age, service, job level and compensation requirements.
The qualified plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible annual compensation and years of service. Associate contributions and Company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional Company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $64 million for 2015, $59 million for 2014 and $56 million for 2013.
The non-qualified plan is an unfunded plan which provides benefits beyond the Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified defined contribution plans. The plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to a maximum percentage of eligible compensation. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible compensation and years of service. The plan also permits participating associates to defer additional compensation up to a maximum amount which the Company does not match. Associates’ accounts are credited with interest using a fixed rate determined by the Company and reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, prior to the beginning of each year. Associate contributions and the related interest vest immediately. Company contributions, along with related interest, are subject to vesting based on years of service. Associates may elect in-service distributions for the unmatched additional deferred compensation component only. The remaining vested portion of associates’ accounts in the plan will be distributed upon termination of employment in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a specified period of up to 10 years.
The following table provides the Company’s annual activity for this plan and year-end liability, included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015:
Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $30 million for 2015, $24 million for 2014 and $22 million for 2013.
17. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock Repurchases
Under the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the following repurchase programs during the fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013:
In June 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $0.6 million remaining under the February 2015 repurchase program.
In February 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the January 30, 2016 or January 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Subsequent to January 30, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program, which included the $17 million remaining under the June 2015 repurchase program. The Company repurchased an additional 2.5 million shares of common stock for $211 million under the February 2016 repurchase program subsequent to January 30, 2016.
Dividends
Under the authority and declaration of the Board of Directors, the Company paid the following dividends during the fiscal years 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Subsequent to January 30, 2016, the Board of Directors declared an increase in the first quarter 2016 ordinary dividend from $0.50 to $0.60 per share and a special dividend of $2 per share. Both dividends, totaling $748 million, were paid on March 4, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2016.
18. Share-based Compensation
Plan Summary
In 2015, the Company's shareholders approved the 2015 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan ("2015 Plan"). The 2015 Plan replaces the 2011 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan. The 2015 plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock, performance units and unrestricted shares. The Company grants stock options at a price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. Stock options have a maximum term of 10 years. Stock options generally vest ratably over 3 to 5 years. Restricted stock generally vests (the restrictions lapse) at the end of a three-year period or on a graded basis over a five-year period.
Under the Company’s plans, approximately 156 million options, restricted and unrestricted shares have been authorized to be granted to employees and directors. Approximately 17 million options and shares were available for grant as of January 30, 2016.
From time to time the Company's Board of Directors will declare special dividends. For additional information, see Note 17, "Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)." In accordance with the anti-dilutive provisions of the stock plan, in these circumstances the Company adjusts both the exercise price and the number of share-based awards outstanding as of the record date of the special dividends. The aggregate fair value, the aggregate intrinsic value and the ratio of the exercise price to the market price are approximately equal immediately before and after the adjustments. Therefore, no compensation expense is recognized.
Stock Options
The following table provides the Company’s stock option activity for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016:
________________
(a)
The number of options expected to vest includes an estimate of expected forfeitures.
Intrinsic value for stock options is the difference between the current market value of the Company’s stock and the option strike price. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $63 million for 2015, $52 million for 2014 and $69 million for 2013.
The total fair value at grant date of option awards vested was $11 million for 2015 and 2014 and $10 million for 2013.
The Company’s total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to nonvested options was $19 million as of January 30, 2016. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.0 years.
The weighted-average estimated fair value of stock options granted was $15.27 per share for 2015, $11.74 per share for 2014 and $9.71 per share for 2013.
Cash received from stock options exercised was $33 million for 2015, $35 million for 2014 and $32 million for 2013. Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with stock options exercised were $20 million for 2015, $21 million for 2014 and $14 million for 2013.
The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for valuation of options granted to employees and directors. The Company’s determination of the fair value of options is affected by the Company’s stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the Company’s expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors.
The following table contains the weighted-average assumptions used during 2015, 2014 and 2013:
The majority of the Company’s stock-based compensation awards are granted on an annual basis in the first quarter of each year. The expected volatility assumption is based on the Company’s analysis of historical volatility. The risk-free interest rate assumption is based upon the average daily closing rates during the period for U.S. treasury notes that have a life which approximates the expected life of the option. The dividend yield assumption is based on the Company’s history and expectation of dividend payouts in relation to the stock price at the grant date. The expected life of employee stock options represents the weighted-average period the stock options are expected to remain outstanding.
Restricted Stock
The following table provides the Company’s restricted stock activity for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016:
The Company’s total intrinsic value of restricted stock vested was $217 million for 2015, $128 million for 2014 and $106 million for 2013.
The Company’s total fair value at grant date of awards vested was $80 million for 2015, $56 million for 2014 and $40 million for 2013. Fair value of restricted stock awards is based on the market value of an unrestricted share on the grant date adjusted for anticipated dividend yields.
As of January 30, 2016, there was $129 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to unvested restricted stock. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.7 years.
Tax benefits realized from tax deductions associated with restricted stock vested were $82 million for 2015, $46 million for 2014 and $40 million for 2013.
Income Statement Impact
The following table provides share-based compensation expense included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for 2015, 2014 and 2013:
Share-based compensation expense is based on awards that are ultimately expected to vest. The Company estimates forfeitures at the time of grant and adjusts, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on historical experience and expected future termination rates.
The tax benefit associated with recognized share-based compensation expense was $33 million for 2015, $30 million for 2014 and $29 million for 2013.
19. Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International.
The Victoria’s Secret segment sells women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty products under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand names. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold through retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and its website, www.VictoriasSecret.com.
The Bath & Body Works segment sells personal care, soaps, sanitizers and home fragrance products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Company, C.O. Bigelow and other brand names. Bath & Body Works merchandise is sold at retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and through its website, www.BathandBodyWorks.com.
The Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segment includes the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores located outside of the U.S. and Canada. These businesses include the following:
•
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature Victoria's Secret branded beauty and accessories products;
•
Victoria's Secret International stores, comprised of company-owned stores in the U.K., as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements; and
•
Bath & Body Works International stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Other consists of the following:
•
Mast Global, a merchandise sourcing and production function serving the Company and its international partners;
•
La Senza, comprised of company-owned stores in Canada, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature women's intimate apparel;
•
Henri Bendel, operator of 29 specialty stores, which feature handbags, jewelry and other accessory products; and
•
Corporate functions including non-core real estate, equity investments and other governance functions such as treasury and tax.
The following table provides the Company’s segment information as of and for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014:
________________
(a)
Assets are allocated to the operating segments based on decision making authority relevant to the applicable assets.
(b)
Amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs and ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. For additional information, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."
The Company’s international sales include sales from company-owned stores, royalty revenue from franchise and license arrangements, wholesale revenues and direct sales shipped internationally. Certain of these sales are subject to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency. The Company's international sales across all segments totaled $1.314 billion in 2015, $1.349 billion in 2014 and $1.212 billion in 2013. The Company’s internationally based long-lived assets were $319 million as of January 30, 2016 and $293 million as of January 31, 2015.
20. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following table provides summarized quarterly financial data for 2015:
________________
(a)
Includes the effect of a pre-tax gain of $78 million ($69 million net of tax) included in other income, related to the sale of our remaining interest in the third-party apparel sourcing business.
(b)
Due to changes in stock prices during the year and timing of issuances and repurchases of shares, the cumulative total of quarterly net income per share amounts may not equal the net income per share for the year.
The following table provides summarized quarterly financial data for 2014:
________________
(a)
Due to changes in stock prices during the year and timing of issuances and repurchases of shares, the cumulative total of quarterly net income per share amounts may not equal the net income per share for the year.
21. Code of Conduct, Related Person Transaction Policy and Associated Matters
The Company has a code of conduct that is applicable to all employees of the Company, including the CEO and Chief Financial Officer, and to members of the Board of Directors. Any amendments to the code or any waivers from any provisions of the code granted to executive officers or directors will be promptly disclosed to stockholders through posting on the Company’s website at www.lb.com.
Under the Company’s Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Policy”), subject to certain exceptions, directors and executive officers of the Company are required to notify the Company of the existence or potential existence of any financial or commercial transaction, agreement or relationship involving the Company in which a director or executive officer or his or her immediate family members has a direct or indirect material interest. Each such transaction must be approved by the Board or a committee consisting solely of independent directors after consideration of all material facts and circumstances.
The Company is engaged in several projects designed to increase its speed and agility in producing products that satisfy its customers. In the case of its beauty, personal care and home fragrance businesses, the development of supplier facilities in close proximity to its headquarters and distribution facilities in central Ohio has been an integral part of capturing the many business benefits of speed and agility. The New Albany Company (“NACO”), a business beneficially owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wexner, is in the business of developing real estate, including industrial parks, and has sold land (and may in the future sell land) to certain vendors or third party developers in connection with the continuing development of an industrial park focused on the foregoing business categories (the “Beauty Park”) in New Albany, Ohio. The Audit Committee monitors such vendor and third party transactions on an ongoing basis to assure that they are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally.
In light of the Company’s highly favorable experience with vendors at the Beauty Park and its growth plans for the beauty, personal care and home fragrance businesses, the Company believes that certain new facilities required to achieve such projected growth should be located as close as possible to the Beauty Park. The Company identified certain land owned by NACO that, together with certain other adjacent parcels owned by a number of third parties in immediate proximity to the Beauty Park, would be desirable for the Company to acquire for future growth. Because of the Wexners’ interest in NACO, the matter was referred to, and evaluated and negotiated by, the Audit Committee in accordance with the Policy. In 2014, the Audit Committee negotiated the purchase of certain NACO land for approximately $21 million, and the assumption from NACO of contracts to purchase certain adjacent parcels directly from third parties for approximately $7 million, and determined that these transactions were fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally. In 2015, certain additional property immediately adjacent to the foregoing parcels became available, and the Company believed that it would be desirable to acquire such property for future growth. This potential transaction was also referred to the Audit Committee for evaluation and, if appropriate, negotiation. The Audit Committee subsequently negotiated with NACO the purchase of such property for approximately $5.3 million, and an existing building located in New Albany that was historically associated with the Bath & Body Works brand for approximately $250,000, and determined that these transactions were fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally. The determinations made by the Audit Committee in 2014 and 2015 under the Policy with respect to these transactions between the Company and NACO were made in reliance on, among other things, advice from independent counsel and real estate appraisers and advisors, including opinions received from an independent financial advisor with specialized expertise in commercial real estate that such transactions were fair to the Company from a financial point of view.
22. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to January 30, 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $500 million share repurchase program, which included the $17 million remaining under the June 2015 repurchase program. The Company repurchased an additional 2.5 million shares of common stock for $211 million under the February 2016 repurchase program subsequent to January 30, 2016. Additionally, the Company declared the first quarter 2016 ordinary dividend of $0.60 per share and a special dividend of $2 per share. The dividends totaled $748 million. For additional information, see Note 17, "Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)."
23. Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes and 2035 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The Company is a holding company, and its most significant assets are the stock of its subsidiaries. The Guarantors represent: (a) substantially all of the sales of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, (b) more than 90% of the assets owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, other than real property, certain other assets and intercompany investments and balances, and (c) more than 95% of the accounts receivable and inventory directly owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries: the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the years ended January 30, 2016, January 31, 2015 and February 1, 2014. The Company adopted ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, and ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, effective January 30, 2016. As such, amounts for all periods presented have been recast to include the retrospective application of these standards. For additional information, see Note 2, "New Accounting Pronouncements."
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(in millions)
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as of January 30, 2016 is set forth in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting as of January 30, 2016 is set forth in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the fourth quarter 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III
ITEM 10.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Information regarding our directors is set forth under the captions “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS-Nominees and Directors”, “-Director Independence”, “-Board Leadership Structure ”, “-Risk Oversight; Certain Compensation Matters”, “-Information Concerning the Board of Directors”, “-Committees of the Board of Directors”, “-Meetings of the Company's Non-Management Directors”, “-Communications with the Board”, “-Attendance at Annual Meetings”, “-Code of Conduct and Related Person Transaction Policy”, “-Copies of the Company’s Code of Conduct, Corporate Governance Principles and Related Person Transaction Policy and Committee Charters”, and “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is set forth under the caption “SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding executive officers is set forth herein under the caption “Executive Officers of Registrant” in Part I.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Information regarding executive compensation is set forth under the caption “COMPENSATION-RELATED MATTERS” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is set forth under the captions “SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND MANAGEMENT” in the Proxy Statement and “SHARE OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
The following table summarizes share and exercise price information about L Brands’ equity compensation plans as of January 30, 2016.
________________
(1)
Includes the following plans: L Brands, Inc. 2015 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan, L Brands, Inc. 2011 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan and L Brands, Inc. 1993 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan (2009 Restatement). There are no shares remaining available for grant under the 2011 Plan or 1993 Plan.
(2)
Does not include outstanding rights to receive Common Stock upon the vesting of restricted share awards or settlement of deferred stock units.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is set forth under the caption “ELECTION OF DIRECTORS-Nominees and Directors” and “-Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services is set forth under the captions “INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS-Audit Fees”, “-Audit Related Fees”, “-Tax Fees”, “-All Other Fees” and “-Pre-approval Policies and Procedures” in the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
________________
**
Identifies management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.
(b)
Exhibits.
The exhibits to this report are listed in section (a)(3) of Item 15 above.
(c)
Not applicable.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or l5(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.
Date: March 18, 2016
L BRANDS, INC. (Registrant)
By:
/s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer *
*
Mr. Burgdoerfer is the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.
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 indicated on January 30, 2016:
Signature
Title
/s/ LESLIE H. WEXNER**
Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Leslie H. Wexner
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ E. GORDON GEE**
Director
E. Gordon Gee
/s/ DENNIS S. HERSCH**
Director
Dennis S. Hersch
/s/ DONNA A. JAMES**
Director
Donna A. James
/s/ DAVID T. KOLLAT**
Director
David T. Kollat
/s/ WILLIAM R. LOOMIS, JR.**
Director
William R. Loomis, Jr.
/s/ JEFFREY H. MIRO**
Director
Jeffrey H. Miro
/s/ MICHAEL G. MORRIS**
Director
Michael G. Morris
/s/ STEPHEN S. STEINOUR**
Director
Stephen S. Steinour
/s/ ALLAN R. TESSLER**
Director
Allan R. Tessler
/s/ ABIGAIL S. WEXNER**
Director
Abigail S. Wexner
/s/ RAYMOND ZIMMERMAN**
Director
Raymond Zimmerman
**
The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this report on behalf of each of the above-indicated directors of the registrant pursuant to powers of attorney executed by such directors.
By:
/s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer
Attorney-in-fact
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
L BRANDS, INC.
(exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT INDEX