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FOOT LOCKER, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 October (Form 10-Q)

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________________________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)  

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended: October 31, 2015

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

Commission File Number: 1-10299

______________________________________

 

 

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

______________________________________

 

New York 13-3513936
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

112 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10120

(Address of principal executive offices, Zip Code)

 

(212-720-3700)

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) 

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  þ   No  o

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  o   No  þ
 
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 27, 2015: 137,261,732

 

 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
    Item 1.   Financial Statements  
        Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets  1
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations  2
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 3
        Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  4
        Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements  5
    Item 2.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  15
    Item 4.   Controls and Procedures  24
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION   
    Item 1. 1.    Legal Proceedings  24
    Item 1A.   Risk Factors  24
    Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  25
    Item 6.    Exhibits  25
SIGNATURE      26
   
INDEX OF EXHIBITS 27
               

 

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($ in millions, except shares)

 

   October 31,   November 1,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   * 
ASSETS               
                
Current assets               
Cash and cash equivalents  $878   $916   $967 
Merchandise inventories   1,336    1,324    1,250 
Other current assets   277    244    239 
    2,491    2,484    2,456 
Property and equipment, net   664    613    620 
Deferred taxes   256    237    221 
Goodwill   156    160    157 
Other intangible assets, net   46    56    49 
Other assets   82    68    74 
   $3,695   $3,618   $3,577 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
                
Current liabilities               
Accounts payable  $258   $287   $301 
Accrued and other liabilities   401    358    393 
Current portion of capital lease obligations   1    3    2 
    660    648    696 
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases   130    132    132 
Other liabilities   358    236    253 
Total liabilities   1,148    1,016    1,081 
Shareholders’ equity               
Common stock and paid-in capital: 173,333,777; 170,469,434 and 170,529,401 shares, respectively   1,099    971    979 
Retained earnings   3,058    2,665    2,780 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (343)   (221)   (319)
Less: Treasury stock at cost: 34,772,045; 27,323,176 and 29,665,213 shares, respectively   (1,267)   (813)   (944)
Total shareholders’ equity   2,547    2,602    2,496 
   $3,695   $3,618   $3,577 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

 

* The balance sheet at January 31, 2015 has been derived from the previously reported audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in Foot Locker, Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015.

 

1 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Sales  $1,794   $1,731   $5,405   $5,240 
                     
Cost of sales   1,187    1,157    3,575    3,495 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   352    353    1,028    1,051 
Depreciation and amortization   38    34    109    106 
Litigation and impairment charges   100        100    3 
Interest expense, net   1    1    3    3 
Other income, net   (1)   (1)   (2)   (3)
    1,677    1,544    4,813    4,655 
                     
Income before income taxes   117    187    592    585 
Income tax expense   37    67    209    211 
Net income  $80   $120   $383   $374 
                     
Basic earnings per share:                    
Net income  $0.57   $0.84   $2.74    2.59 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding   139.3    143.6    139.6    144.5 
                     
Diluted earnings per share:                    
Net income  $0.57   $0.82   $2.71   $2.55 
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution   140.9    145.7    141.4    146.6 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Net income  $80   $120   $383   $374 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax                    
                     
Foreign currency translation adjustment:                    
Translation adjustment arising during the period, net of income tax   (10)   (42)   (32)   (42)
                     
Cash flow hedges:                    
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of income tax   2    1    1    1 
                     
Pension and postretirement adjustments:                    
Amortization of net actuarial gain/loss included in net periodic benefit costs, net of income tax expense of $1, $2, $3, and $4 million, respectively   3    2    7    6 
Comprehensive income  $75   $81   $359   $339 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014 
From Operating Activities:          
Net income  $383   $374 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Non-cash impairment charge       3 
Depreciation and amortization   109    106 
Share-based compensation expense   17    18 
Qualified pension plan contributions   (4)   (2)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation   (33)   (11)
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Merchandise inventories   (96)   (124)
Accounts payable   (39)   28 
Accrued and other liabilities   (12)   (7)
Other, net   89    54 
Net cash provided by operating activities   414    439 
           
From Investing Activities:          
Capital expenditures   (173)   (138)
Acquisition, net of cash acquired   (1)    
Sales and maturities of short-term investments       9 
Net cash used in investing activities   (174)   (129)
           
From Financing Activities:          
Purchase of treasury shares   (316)   (174)
Dividends paid on common stock   (105)   (96)
Issuance of common stock   63    17 
Treasury stock issued under employee stock purchase plan   5    5 
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation
   33    11 
Repayments of obligations under capital leases   (2)   (3)
Net cash used in financing activities   (322)   (240)
           
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on Cash and Cash Equivalents   (7)   (12)
Net change in Cash and Cash Equivalents   (89)   58 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of year   967    858 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of interim period  $878   $916 
           
Cash paid during the period:          
Interest  $5   $5 
Income taxes  $240   $200 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements contained in this report are unaudited. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods of the fiscal year ending January 30, 2016 and of the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015. Certain items included in these statements are based on management’s estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Foot Locker, Inc.’s (the “Company”) Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2015, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 30, 2015.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This amendment changes how deferred taxes are recognized by eliminating the requirement of presenting deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet. Instead, the requirement will be to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. ASU 2015-17 can be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company plans on early adopting ASU 2015-17 prospectively during fiscal year 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an effect on our results of operations or cash flows, as this represents only a change in balance sheet classification.

 

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material effect on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements.

 

2. Acquisitions

 

On August 3, 2015, the Company completed an insignificant asset acquisition from Futura Sport AG for total consideration of $2 million, of which $1 million was paid during the third quarter of 2015. The Company expects to make the remaining payment of $1 million during the fourth quarter for the remainder of the purchase price. The assets acquired include store fixtures, lease agreements, and inventory for 10 Runners Point and Sidestep franchise stores in Switzerland. The purchase price allocation has been completed as of October 31, 2015.

 

3. Segment Information

 

The Company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on its method of internal reporting. The Company has two reportable segments, Athletic Stores and Direct-to-Customers. The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is division results. Division profit reflects income before income taxes, pension litigation charge, corporate expense, non-operating income, and net interest expense.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales                    
Athletic Stores  $1,571   $1,521   $4,755   $4,646 
Direct-to-Customers   223    210    650    594 
Total sales  $1,794   $1,731   $5,405   $5,240 

 

5 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3. Segment Information – (continued)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Operating Results                    
Athletic Stores (1)   $206   $181   $649   $577 
Direct-to-Customers (2)    31    25    98    67 
Division profit   237    206    747    644 
Less:   Litigation charge (3)    100        100     
Corporate expense, net   20    19    54    59 
Operating profit   117    187    593    585 
Other income (4)    1    1    2    3 
Interest expense, net   1    1    3    3 
Income before income taxes  $117   $187   $592   $585 

 

(1) Included in the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 is a non-cash impairment charge of $1 million to fully write down the remaining value of the tradename related to the Company’s stores in the Republic of Ireland.
   
(2)

Included in the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 is a $2 million non-cash impairment charge related to the CCS tradename. 

   
(3) Included in the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 is a pre-tax litigation charge of $100 million relating to a pension litigation matter described further in Note 12, Legal Proceedings.
   
(4) Other income includes non-operating items, such as lease termination gains, royalty income, and the changes in fair value, premiums paid, and realized gains associated with foreign currency option contracts.

 

4. Goodwill

 

Annually during the first quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, the Company reviews goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment. The annual review of goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives performed during the first quarter of 2015 did not result in the recognition of impairment.

 

The following table provides a summary of goodwill by reportable segment. The change in the balance primarily represents foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

 

   October 31,   November 1,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Athletic Stores  $17   $19   $17 
Direct-to-Customers   139    141    140 
   $156   $160   $157 

 

5. Other Intangible Assets, net

 

The components of finite-lived intangible assets and intangible assets not subject to amortization are as follows:

 

   October 31, 2015   November 1, 2014   January 31, 2015 
($ in millions) 

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

  

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

  

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

 
Amortized intangible assets: (1), (2)                                             
Lease acquisition costs  $119   $(109)  $10   $143   $(129)  $14   $128   $(116)  $12 
Trademarks   21    (12)   9    21    (11)   10    21    (12)   9 
Favorable leases   7    (4)   3    7    (4)   3    7    (4)   3 
   $147   $(125)  $22   $171   $(144)  $27   $156   $(132)  $24 

 

6 

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

5. Other Intangible Assets, net – (continued)

 

   October 31, 2015   November 1, 2014   January 31, 2015 
($ in millions) 

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

  

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

  

Gross

value

  

Accum.

amort.

  

Net

Value

 
Indefinite life intangible assets: (1)                                     
Runners Point Group trademarks             24              28              25 
Other trademarks                           1               
             $24             $29             $25 
Other intangible assets, net            $46             $56             $49 

  

(1)    The change in the ending balances also reflects the effect of foreign currency fluctuations due primarily to the movements of the euro in relation to the U.S. dollar.
(2)   During 2014, the Company exited the CCS e-commerce business; as such, the fully amortized customer relationship intangible of $21 million was removed from the amounts presented above for all periods.   

 

For the thirty-nine week period ended October 31, 2015, activity included amortization of $3 million and a $1 million decrease related to foreign currency exchange fluctuations. This was partially offset by $1 million of lease acquisition additions primarily related to our European businesses, which are being amortized over a weighted-average life of 8 years.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
($ in millions)  2015   2014   2015   2014 
Amortization expense  $1   $2   $3   $5 

 

Estimated future amortization expense for finite life intangible assets is as follows:

 

   ($ in millions) 
Remainder of  2015  $1 
2016   4 
2017   3 
2018   3 
2019   3 
2020   3 

 

6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), net of tax, is comprised the following:

 

   October 31,   November 1,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  $(107)  $15   $(75)
Cash flow hedges   (2)   (1)   (3)
Unrecognized pension cost and postretirement benefit   (233)   (234)   (240)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale security   (1)   (1)   (1)
   $(343)  $(221)  $(319)

 

7 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss – (continued)

 

The changes in AOCL for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

($ in millions)  Foreign
currency
translation
adjustments
   Cash flow
hedges
   Items related to
pension and
postretirement
benefits
   Unrealized loss
on available-for-
sale security
   Total 
Balance as of January 31, 2015  $(75)   (3)   (240)   (1)  $(319)
OCI before reclassification   (32)   1    1        (30)
Reclassified from AOCL           6        6 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)   (32)   1    7        (24)
Balance as of October 31, 2015  $(107)   (2)   (233)   (1)  $(343)

  

Reclassifications from AOCL for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 were as follows:

 

   ($ in millions) 
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss:     
Pension benefits -  amortization of actuarial loss  $10 
Postretirement benefits -  amortization of actuarial gain   (1)
Net periodic benefit cost (see Note 10)   9 
Income tax benefit   (3)
Net of tax  $6 

 

7. Financial Instruments

 

The Company operates internationally and utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to mitigate its foreign currency exposures, primarily related to third-party and intercompany forecasted transactions. As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to the risk that counterparties will fail to meet their contractual obligations. To mitigate this counterparty credit risk, the Company has a practice of entering into contracts only with major financial institutions selected based upon their credit ratings and other financial factors. The Company monitors the creditworthiness of counterparties throughout the duration of the derivative instrument. Additional information is contained within Note 8, Fair Value Measurements.

 

Derivative Holdings Designated as Hedges

 

For a derivative to qualify as a hedge at inception and throughout the hedged period, the Company formally documents the nature of the hedged items and the relationships between the hedging instruments and the hedged items, as well as its risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions, and the methods of assessing hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness. In addition, for hedges of forecasted transactions, the significant characteristics and expected terms of a forecasted transaction must be specifically identified, and it must be probable that each forecasted transaction would occur. If it were deemed probable that the forecasted transaction would not occur, the gain or loss on the derivative instrument would be recognized in earnings immediately. No such gains or losses were recognized in earnings for any of the periods presented. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period, which management evaluates periodically.

 

The primary currencies to which the Company is exposed are the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, and Australian dollar. For the most part, merchandise inventories are purchased by each geographic area in their respective local currency. The exception to this is the United Kingdom, whose merchandise inventory purchases are denominated in euros. For option and foreign exchange forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges of the purchase of inventory, the effective portion of gains and losses is deferred as a component of AOCL and is recognized as a component of cost of sales when the related inventory is sold. The amount reclassified to cost of sales related to such contracts was not significant for any of the periods presented.

 

8 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

7. Financial Instruments – (continued)

 

The effective portion of gains or losses associated with other forward contracts is deferred as a component of AOCL until the underlying transaction is reported in earnings. The ineffective portion of gains and losses related to cash flow hedges recorded to earnings was also not significant for any of the periods presented. When using a forward contract as a hedging instrument, the Company excludes the time value of the contract from the assessment of effectiveness. At each quarter-end, substantially all of the Company’s hedged forecasted transactions are less than twelve months, and the Company expects substantially all derivative-related amounts reported in AOCL to be reclassified to earnings within twelve months.

 

The net change in the fair value of the foreign exchange derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedges of the purchase of inventory was a gain of $2 million and $1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, and therefore decreased AOCL. At October 31, 2015, there was a $2 million loss included in AOCL. For both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014, the net change resulted in a loss of $1 million. The notional value of the foreign exchange contracts designed as hedges outstanding at October 31, 2015 was $93 million, and these contracts mature at various dates through January 2017.

 

Derivative Holdings Not Designated as Hedges

 

The Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts that are not designated as hedges in order to manage the costs of foreign-currency denominated merchandise purchases and intercompany transactions. Changes in the fair value of these foreign exchange forward contracts are recorded in earnings immediately within selling, general and administrative expenses. The net change in fair value resulted in expense of $3 million and $1 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively. The net change in fair value was not significant for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2014 and resulted in $1 million of income for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014. The notional value of the foreign exchange contracts not designed as hedges outstanding at October 31, 2015 was $15 million, and these contracts mature at various dates through December 2015.

 

The Company mitigates the effect of fluctuating foreign exchange rates on the reporting of foreign-currency denominated earnings by entering into currency option contracts. Changes in the fair value of these foreign currency option contracts, which are not designated as hedges, are recorded in earnings immediately within other income. The realized gains, premiums paid, and changes in the fair market value recorded were not significant for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015. The realized gain was $1 million for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014. No such contracts were outstanding at October 31, 2015.

 

Additionally, the Company enters into diesel fuel forward and option contracts to mitigate a portion of the Company’s freight expense due to the variability caused by fuel surcharges imposed by our third-party freight carriers. Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recorded in earnings immediately. The effect was not significant for any of the periods presented. The notional value of the diesel fuel forward contracts outstanding at October 31, 2015 was $1 million and these contracts mature at various dates through May 2016.

 

Fair Value of Derivative Contracts

The following represents the fair value of the Company’s derivative contracts. Many of the Company’s agreements allow for a netting arrangement. The following is presented on a gross basis, by type of contract:

 

   Balance Sheet  October 31,   November 1,   January 31, 
($ in millions)  Caption  2015   2014   2015 
Hedging Instruments:                  
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current liabilities  $3   $2   $4 
Non-Hedging Instruments:                  
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current assets  $2   $   $ 
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current liabilities  $3   $   $1 

 

9 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

8. Fair Value Measurements

 

The Company’s financial assets recorded at fair value are categorized as follows:

 

  Level 1 – Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

 

  Level 2 Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
     
  Level 3 – Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers are unobservable.

 

The following tables provide a summary of the Company’s recognized assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

   At October 31, 2015   At November 1, 2014   At January 31, 2015 
   ($ in millions) 
   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3 
Assets                                             
Auction rate security       6            6            6     
Total Assets  $   $6   $   $   $6   $   $   $6   $ 
                                              
Liabilities                                             
Foreign exchange forward contracts       4            2            5     
Total Liabilities  $   $4   $   $   $2   $   $   $5   $ 

 

Securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported, net of tax, in other comprehensive income, unless unrealized losses are determined to be other than temporary. The fair value of the auction rate security is determined by using quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets and accordingly is classified as a Level 2 instrument.

 

The Company’s derivative financial instruments are valued using market-based inputs to valuation models. These valuation models require a variety of inputs, including contractual terms, market prices, yield curves, and measures of volatility and, therefore, are classified as Level 2 instruments.

 

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 assets and liabilities for any of the periods presented.

 

The carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt and obligations under capital leases were as follows:

 

   October 31,   November 1,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Carrying value  $131   $135   $134 
Fair value  $157   $161   $163 

 

The fair value of long-term debt is determined by using model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value drivers are observable in active markets and, therefore, are classified as Level 2. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and other current receivables and payables approximate their fair value.

 

10 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

9. Earnings Per Share

 

The Company accounts for and discloses earnings per share using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net income for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding at the end of the period. Restricted stock awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are considered participating securities and are included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period used in the basic earnings per share computation plus dilutive common stock equivalents.

 

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding   139.3    143.6    139.6    144.5 
Effect of Dilution:                    
Stock options and awards   1.6    2.1    1.8    2.1 
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution   140.9    145.7    141.4    146.6 

 

The number of options excluded from the computation was not significant for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015, and was 0.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015. The number of options excluded from the computation was not significant for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014. These options were not included because the effect would have been antidilutive. Contingently issuable shares of 0.3 million and 0.4 million have not been included as the vesting conditions have not been satisfied as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

 

10. Pension and Postretirement Plans

 

The Company has defined benefit pension plans covering certain of its North American employees, which are funded in accordance with the provisions of the laws where the plans are in effect. In addition, the Company has a defined benefit pension plan covering certain individuals of the Runners Point Group.

 

In addition to providing pension benefits, the Company sponsors postretirement medical and life insurance plans, which are available to most of its retired U.S. employees. These medical and life insurance plans are contributory and are not funded.

 

The following are the components of net periodic pension benefit cost and net periodic postretirement benefit income, which is recognized as part of SG&A expense:

       
   Pension Benefits   Postretirement Benefits 
   Thirteen weeks   Thirty-nine weeks   Thirteen weeks   Thirty-nine weeks 
   ended   ended   ended   ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
($ in millions)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Service cost  $5   $3   $13   $11   $   $   $   $ 
Interest cost   6    7    18    21            1     
Expected return on plan assets   (10)   (9)   (29)   (28)                
Amortization of net loss (gain)   3    5    10    12        (1)   (1)   (2)
Net benefit  expense (income)  $4   $6   $12   $16   $   $(1)  $   $(2)

 

On August 14, 2015, the Company made a contribution of $4 million to the U.S. qualified plan. The Company continually evaluates the amount and timing of any future contributions. The Company currently does not expect any further pension plan contributions during the current year. Actual contributions are dependent on several factors, including the outcome of the ongoing pension litigation. See Note 12, Legal Proceedings, for further information.

 

11 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11. Share-Based Compensation

 

Total compensation expense included in SG&A, and the associated tax benefits recognized related to the Company’s share-based compensation plans were as follows:

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October  31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Options and shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan  $3   $3   $9   $9 
Restricted stock and restricted stock units   3    3    8    9 
Total share-based compensation expense  $6   $6   $17   $18 
                     
Tax benefit recognized  $3   $1   $6   $5 
Excess income tax benefit from settled equity-classified share-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities            $33   $11 

 

Valuation Model and Assumptions

 

The Company uses a Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of share-based awards. The Black-Scholes option-pricing model incorporates various and highly subjective assumptions, including expected term and expected volatility. The following table shows the Company’s assumptions used to compute the share-based compensation expense:

 

   Stock Option Plans   Stock Purchase Plan 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Weighted-average risk free rate of interest   1.52%   2.12%   0.22%   0.14%
Expected volatility   30%   39%   24%   24%
Weighted-average expected award life   6.0 years    6.1 years    1.0 year    1.0 year 
Dividend yield   1.61%   2.0%   1.7%   2.0%
Weighted-average fair value  $16.07   $14.91   $10.20   $7.11 

 

The information in the following table covers options granted under the Company’s stock option plans for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015:

 

   Shares   Weighted-
Average Term
  

Weighted-Average

Exercise

Price

 
  

(in thousands, except price per share and

weighted-average term)

 
Options outstanding at the beginning of the year   5,569        $25.89 
Granted   694         62.29 
Exercised   (2,447)        25.64 
Expired or cancelled   (55)        48.68 
Options outstanding at October 31, 2015   3,761    6.3   $32.44 
Options exercisable at October 31, 2015   2,531    5.1   $22.13 
Options vested and expected to vest at October 31, 2015   3,720    6.3   $32.17 
Options available for future grant at October 31, 2015   13,037           

 

12 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11. Share-Based Compensation – (continued)

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised (the difference between the market price of the Company’s common stock on the exercise date and the price paid by the optionee to exercise the option) is presented below:

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
  

($ in millions) 

 
Exercised  $31   $6   $96   $21 

 

The aggregate intrinsic value for stock options outstanding and for stock options exercisable (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period and the exercise price of the options, multiplied by the number of in-the-money stock options) is presented below:

 

   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Outstanding  $133   $170 
Outstanding and exercisable  $116   $138 
Vested and expected to vest  $133   $169 

 

As of October 31, 2015 there was $9 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

 

The cash received from option exercises for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 was $25 million and $63 million, respectively. The cash received from option exercises for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 was $4 million and $17 million, respectively. The total tax benefit realized from option exercises was $12 million and $37 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, and was $2 million and $7 million for the corresponding prior-year periods.

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at October 31, 2015:

 

   Options Outstanding   Options Exercisable 
Range of Exercise
Prices
  Number
Outstanding
   Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
   Weighted- 
Average
Exercise
Price
   Number 
Exercisable
   Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
   (in thousands, except prices per share and contractual life) 
  $9.85  to  $18.80   870    3.9   $13.28    870   $13.28 
$18.84  to  $24.75   899    4.8   $19.81    899   $19.81 
$30.92  to  $36.59   790    6.7   $32.84    616   $32.44 
$45.08  to  $73.21   1,202    8.9   $55.47    146   $45.70 
    3,761    6.3   $32.44    2,531   $22.13 

 

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

 

Restricted shares of the Company’s common stock and restricted stock units (“RSU”) may be awarded to certain officers and key employees of the Company. RSU awards generally are made to executives outside of the United States and to nonemployee directors. Additionally, RSU awards are made in connection with the Company’s long-term incentive program. Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company’s common stock provided that the vesting conditions are satisfied. There were 588,308 and 734,295 RSU awards outstanding as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

 

13 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11. Share-Based Compensation – (continued)

 

Generally, awards fully vest after the passage of time, typically three years. However, RSU awards made in connection with the Company’s long-term incentive program vest after the attainment of both certain performance metrics and the passage of time. Restricted stock is considered outstanding at the time of grant and the holders have voting rights. Dividends are paid to holders of restricted stock that vest with the passage of time. With regard to performance-based restricted stock, dividends will be accumulated and paid after the performance criteria are met. No dividends are paid or accumulated on RSU awards.

 

Compensation expense is recognized using the fair market value at the date of grant and is amortized over the vesting period, provided the recipient continues to be employed by the Company.

 

Restricted stock and RSU activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 is summarized as follows:

 

   Number of Shares    Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value per Share
 
   (in thousands, except price per share) 
Nonvested at the beginning of the year   1,038   $37.96 
Granted   154    63.72 
Vested   (312)   32.33 
Expired or cancelled   (68)   37.97 
Nonvested at October 31, 2015   812   $45.02 
Aggregate value ($ in millions)  $37      
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years)                  1.1 years      

  

The weighted grant-date fair value per share was $63.72 and $45.24 for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively . The total value of awards for which restrictions lapsed for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 was $10 million and $14 million, respectively. As of October 31, 2015, there was $12 million of total unrecognized compensation cost net of forfeitures related to nonvested restricted awards.

 

12. Legal Proceedings

 

Legal proceedings pending against the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries consist of ordinary, routine litigation, including administrative proceedings, incidental to the business of the Company or businesses that have been sold or disposed of by the Company in past years. These legal proceedings include commercial, intellectual property, customer, environmental, and employment-related claims.

 

The Company and the Company’s U.S. retirement plan are defendants in a class action (Osberg v. Foot Locker Inc. et ano., filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York) in which the plaintiff alleges that, in connection with the 1996 conversion of the retirement plan to a defined benefit plan with a cash balance formula, the Company and the retirement plan failed to properly advise plan participants of the “wear-away” effect of the conversion. Plaintiff’s claims were for breach of fiduciary duty under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and violation of the statutory provisions governing the content of the Summary Plan Description. The trial was held in July 2015 and the court issued a decision in September 2015 in favor of the class on the foregoing claims. The court ordered that the Plan be reformed. The Company is appealing the court’s decision, and the judgment has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. As a result of this development, the Company has determined that it is probable a liability exists. The Company’s reasonable estimate of this liability is a range between $100 million and $200 million, with no amount within that range more probable than any other amount. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company recorded a charge of $100 million pre-tax ($61 million after-tax) in the third quarter of 2015. This amount has been classified as a long-term liability. The Company will continue to vigorously defend itself in this case. In light of the uncertainties involved in this matter, there is no assurance that the ultimate resolution will not differ from the amount currently accrued by the Company. 

 

14 

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

12. Legal Proceedings – (continued)

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries were defendants in a number of lawsuits filed in state and federal courts containing various class action allegations under federal or state wage and hour laws, including allegations concerning unpaid overtime, meal and rest breaks, and uniforms. In Pereira v. Foot Locker, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the plaintiff alleged that the Company permitted unpaid off-the-clock hours in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act and state labor laws and sought compensatory and punitive damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys’ fees and costs. Additional purported wage and hour class actions were filed against the Company that asserted claims similar to those asserted in Pereira and sought similar remedies. With the exception of Hill v. Foot Locker filed in state court in Illinois, Kissinger v. Foot Locker filed in state court in California, and Cortes v. Foot Locker filed in federal court in New York, all of these actions were consolidated by the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation with Pereira under the caption In re Foot Locker, Inc. Fair Labor Standards Act and Wage and Hour Litigation. The Company and plaintiffs entered into a settlement agreement resolving Hill and the consolidated cases that was approved by the court during the second quarter of 2015. Additionally, during the third quarter of 2015, the Company and plaintiffs in Cortes and Kissinger entered into settlement agreements that have also been approved by the respective courts.

 

Management does not believe that the outcome of any such legal proceedings pending against the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries, including Osberg, as described above, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations, taken as a whole, based upon current knowledge and taking into consideration current accruals. Litigation is inherently unpredictable, and judgments could be rendered or settlements entered into that could adversely affect the Company’s operating results or cash flows in a particular period.

 

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

 

Business Overview

 

Foot Locker, Inc., through its subsidiaries, operates in two reportable segments – Athletic Stores and Direct-to-Customers.

 

The Athletic Stores segment is one of the largest athletic footwear and apparel retailers in the world, with formats that include Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, SIX:02, Kids Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Footaction, Runners Point, and Sidestep.

 

The Direct-to-Customers segment is multi-branded and multi-channeled. This segment sells, through its affiliates, directly to customers through its Internet and mobile sites and catalogs. Eastbay, one of the affiliates, is among the largest direct marketers in the United States. The Direct-to-Customers segment operates the websites for eastbay.com, final-score.com, eastbayteamsales.com, as well as websites aligned with the brand names of its store banners (footlocker.com, footlocker.ca, footlocker.eu, ladyfootlocker.com, six02.com, kidsfootlocker.com, champssports.com, footaction.com, runnerspoint.com, and sidestep-shoes.com). Additionally, this segment includes sp24.com, a clearance website for our European e-commerce business.

 

Store Count

 

At October 31, 2015, the Company operated 3,432 stores as compared with 3,423 and 3,474 stores at January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

 

A total of 64 franchised stores were operating at October 31, 2015, as compared with 78 and 73 stores at January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company completed an acquisition from Futura Sport AG of 10 Runners Point and Sidestep stores, which were previously franchise stores.

 

Revenue from the franchised stores was not significant for any of the periods presented. These stores are not included in the Company’s operating store count above.

 

15 

 

 

Sales

 

All references to comparable-store sales for a given period relate to sales of stores that were open at the period-end and had been open for more than one year. The computation of comparable-store sales also includes the sales of the Direct-to-Customers segment. Stores opened or closed during the period are not included in the comparable-store base; however, stores closed temporarily for relocation or remodeling are included. Computations exclude the effect of foreign currency fluctuations.

 

Sales increased by $63 million, or 3.6 percent, to $1,794 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015, from $1,731 million for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2014. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, sales of $5,405 million increased 3.1 percent from sales of $5,240 million for the corresponding prior-year period. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for both the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods increased 8.9 percent as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Comparable-store sales increased by 8.7 percent for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015.

 

Gross Margin

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross margin rate   33.8%   33.2%   33.9%   33.3%
Basis point increase in the gross margin rate   60         60      
Components of the increase-                    
Merchandise margin rate improvement   50         30      
Lower occupancy and buyers’ compensation expense rate   10         30      

  

The gross margin rate improved by 60 basis points for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, the gross margin rate improved by 80 and 70 basis points for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively. The improvement in the gross margin rate for both the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 was primarily the result of a higher merchandise margin rate, which primarily reflected a lower markdown rate. In addition, the prior year merchandise margin rate was negatively affected by the liquidation of CCS merchandise. Further, the occupancy and buyers compensation expense rate decreased 10 and 30 basis points for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, which was the result of leveraging the fixed rent and salary elements within our cost of sales.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
  

($ in millions)

 
SG&A  $352   $353   $1,028   $1,051 
$ Change  $(1)       $(23)     
% Change   (0.3)%        (2.2)%     
SG&A as a percentage of sales   19.6%   20.4%   19.0%   20.1%

  

SG&A decreased by $1 million and $23 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, SG&A expense increased by $18 million and $43 million and represented an improvement of 70 and 90 basis points, as a percentage of sales, for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. The SG&A rate improvements reflected continued disciplined expense management.

 

16 

 

  

Depreciation and Amortization

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Depreciation and Amortization  $38   $34   $109   $106 
$ Change  $4        $3     
% Change   11.8%        2.8%     

  

Depreciation and amortization increased by $4 million and $3 million for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, depreciation and amortization increased by $6 million and $10 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. On a constant currency basis, the increase in depreciation and amortization reflected increased capital spending.

 

Pension Litigation Charge

 

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $100 million pension litigation charge ($61 million after-tax or $0.43 per diluted share). This charge relates to a class action in which the plaintiffs alleged that the Company failed to properly disclose the effects of the 1996 conversion of the retirement plan to a defined benefit plan with a cash balance formula. In September 2015, the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs and issued a decision ordering that the pension plan be reformed. The Company is appealing the court’s decision, and the judgment has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. The Company’s reasonable estimate of this liability is a range between $100 million and $200 million, with no amount within that range more probable than any other amount. Therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company recorded a charge of $100 million pre-tax. Please see Item 1. “Financial Statements,” Note 12, Legal Proceedings for further information.

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Interest expense  $3   $3   $8   $8 
Interest income   (2)   (2)   (5)   (5)
Interest expense, net  $1   $1   $3   $3 

  

Interest expense and interest income were unchanged as compared with the prior year.

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded income tax provisions of $37 million and $209 million, which represented effective tax rates of 31.7 percent and 35.3 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014, the Company recorded income tax provisions of $67 million and $211 million, which represented effective tax rates of 35.8 percent and 36.1 percent, respectively. The Company’s interim provision for income taxes is measured using an annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items that occur within the periods presented.

 

The Company regularly assesses the adequacy of its provisions for income tax contingencies in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance on accounting for income taxes. As a result, the Company may adjust the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits considering new facts and developments, such as changes to interpretations of relevant tax law, assessments from taxing authorities, settlements with taxing authorities, and lapses of statutes of limitation. Included in both the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 are tax benefits of $1 million from reserve releases due to expiration of statutes of limitation. Included in both the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 are tax benefits of $2 million from reserve releases due to settlements of tax examinations and lapse of statutes of limitation.

 

17 

 

  

During the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a pension-related litigation charge of $100 million with a related tax benefit of $39 million. This litigation charge reduced the overall effective rate because it reduced the proportion of the Company’s worldwide income taxed in the United States, where the tax rates are the highest. Additionally, the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 includes tax benefits totaling $1 million related to an adjustment to deductible compensation costs due to executive changes and a Canadian provincial tax rate change.

 

Excluding the impact of the litigation charge, reserve releases, and other discrete items, the effective tax rate for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 was essentially unchanged as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods.

 

The Company currently expects its fourth quarter and full-year tax rate to approximate 36 percent, excluding the effect of any additional nonrecurring items that may occur. The actual tax rates will depend primarily on the level and mix of income earned in the United States as compared with its international operations.

 

Net Income

 

For the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015, net income decreased by $40 million to $80 million as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. For the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, net income increased by $9 million to $383 million as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. These changes include the pension litigation charge. Excluding the pension litigation charge and other non-GAAP adjustments, net income increased by $20 million or 16.5 percent and $66 million or 17.5 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods.

 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

 

The following tables present certain Non-GAAP measures. The Company believes this non-GAAP information is a useful measure to investors because it provides for a more direct comparison of the results. The non-GAAP financial information is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

The Company estimates the tax effect of the non-GAAP adjustments by applying its marginal rate to each of the respective items. Presented below are GAAP and non-GAAP results for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net income, as reported  $80   $120   $383   $374 
After-tax adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP:                    
Pension litigation charge   61        61     
Runners Point Group integration costs       1        2 
Impairment of intangibles               2 
Net income, non-GAAP  $141   $121   $444   $378 
Diluted EPS, as reported  $0.57   $0.82   $2.71   $2.55 
After-tax adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP:                    
Pension litigation charge   0.43        0.43     
Runners Point Group integration costs       0.01        0.01 
Impairment of intangibles               0.02 
Diluted EPS, non-GAAP  $1.00   $0.83   $3.14   $2.58 

 

18 

 

  

As discussed more fully above and in the notes to the financial statements, during the third quarter of 2015 the Company recorded a charge of $100 million, $61 million after-tax or $0.43 per share, related to pension litigation.

 

The non-GAAP items in the prior year include integration costs and impairment charges. For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014, the Company recorded after-tax expenses of $1 million and $2 million, respectively, for costs associated with the integration of Runners Point Group. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an after-tax impairment charge of $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, to fully write down the remaining value of the tradename related to the Company’s stores in the Republic of Ireland. Additionally, during the second quarter of 2014, the Company recorded an after-tax charge of $1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, related to the impairment of the CCS tradename, resulting from the transition of its skate business from CCS to its Eastbay brand.

 

Accordingly, the Company excluded the above items to arrive at its non-GAAP results.

 

Segment Information

 

The Company has determined that its reportable segments are those that are based on its method of internal reporting. The Company has two reportable segments, Athletic Stores and Direct-to-Customers. The Company evaluates performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is division results. Division profit reflects income before income taxes, pension litigation charge, corporate expense, non-operating income, and net interest expense. The following table summarizes results by segment:

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales                    
Athletic Stores  $1,571   $1,521   $4,755   $4,646 
Direct-to-Customers   223    210    650    594 
   $1,794   $1,731   $5,405   $5,240 
Operating Results                    
Athletic Stores (1)   $206   $181   $649   $577 
Direct-to-Customers (2)    31    25    98    67 
Division profit   237    206    747    644 
Less:   Litigation charge (3)   100        100     
Corporate expense, net   20    19    54    59 
Operating profit   117    187    593    585 
Other income (4)    1    1    2    3 
Earnings before interest expense and income   118    188    595    588 
Interest expense, net   1    1    3    3 
Income before income taxes  $117   $187   $592   $585 

 

(1)

Included in the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 is a non-cash impairment charge of $1 million to fully write down the remaining value of the tradename related to the Company’s stores in the Republic of Ireland.
   

(2)

Included in the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 is a $2 million non-cash impairment charge related to the CCS tradename. 

   

(3)

  

 

Included in the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 is a pre-tax litigation charge of $100 million relating to the pension litigation matter. Please see Item 1. “Financial Statements,” Note 12, Legal Proceedings for further information.

(4)

Other income includes non-operating items, such as lease termination gains, royalty income, and the changes in fair value, premiums paid, and realized gains associated with foreign currency option contracts. 

 

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Athletic Stores

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,  

October 31,

  

November 1,

 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
  

($ in millions)

 
Sales  $1,571   $1,521   $4,755   $4,646 
$ Change  $50        $109      
% Change   3.3%        2.3%     
Division profit  $206   $181   $649   $577 
Division profit margin   13.1%   11.9%   13.6%   12.4%

 

Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, Athletic Stores segment sales increased by 9.1 percent and 8.6 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Comparable-store sales increased by 8.0 percent and 7.7 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, which was led by our international divisions and was largely driven by the performance of Foot Locker Europe. Foot Locker Europe posted double-digit comparable-store gains in all major categories and in almost all countries. Lifestyle running, basketball, and classic court styles continued to be the main drivers of the increase in footwear sales, while both branded and private-label apparel performed well.

 

Runners Point and Sidestep comparable-store sales declined for both the quarter and year-to-date periods, due to the continued segmentation process and the overreliance on a few key running styles. Our segmentation process includes better defining product offerings for each of these banners and executing upon our multi-banner strategy in the European market. We are broadening the assortment in the Runners Point stores beyond performance running to include more lifestyle running products, while the Sidestep stores are being shifted to lifestyle and casual footwear. Management believes that this segmentation process, along with initiatives to provide more diversified product assortments, will position these banners for future growth. Management will monitor the results of this business during the fourth quarter and will assess, if necessary, the impact of various initiatives on the projected performance of this division, which may include an impairment review.

 

Domestically, all formats generated comparable-store sales gains for the quarter and year-to-date periods, with the exception of Footaction, which generated a slightly negative result for the quarter. Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker led the overall domestic comparable-store sales increases. Lifestyle running and basketball (led by Jordan and key marquee player styles) continue to be the strongest drivers of footwear sales for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Sales also benefited from the continued expansion of various shop-in-shop partnerships with our key vendors. Court classics and boots also contributed to the comparable-store sales increase during the third quarter. Footaction’s comparable-store sales experienced a slight decline for the quarter and a modest increase for the year-to-date period. Footaction is in the early stages of remodeling its store fleet, which has resulted in comparable-store sales being negatively affected during the quarter as a few large stores were closed during this time for remodels. Lady Foot Locker/SIX:02 produced a positive comparable-store sales gain for the sixth consecutive quarter, with a comparable-store gain for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. Champs Sports also generated a comparable-store sales gain for the quarter and year-to-date periods, with increased footwear sales partially offset by declines in apparel and accessories. The decline in Champs Sports’ apparel sales primarily reflects the continuation of the customer’s shift away from licensed apparel.

 

Athletic Stores division profit increased by 13.8 percent and 12.5 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Division profit, as a percentage of sales, was 13.1 percent and 13.6 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively. This represents a 120 basis point improvement for both the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 2015, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. These increases primarily reflect improved sales, an improved gross margin rate driven by improved merchandise margin, and continued diligent expense management. Included in the results for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2014 is a $1 million impairment charge to fully write down the remaining value of the tradename related to the Company’s stores in the Republic of Ireland.

 

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Direct-to-Customers

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,  

October 31,

  

November 1,

 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
  

($ in millions)

 
Sales  $223   $210   $650   $594 
$ Change  $13        $56      
% Change   6.2%        9.4%     
Division profit  $31   $25   $98   $67 
Division profit margin   13.9%   11.9%   15.1%   11.3%

 

Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, Direct-to-Customers segment sales increased by 7.6 percent and 11.0 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. Comparable sales increased by 13.4 percent and 16.8 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively.

 

These increases were primarily the result of continued strong sales performance of the Company’s domestic store-banner websites, coupled with growth from the international e-commerce businesses, particularly in Europe. Our U.S. store-banner website sales increased significantly, with collective gains of nearly 30 percent and 40 percent for the quarter and year-to-date periods, respectively, reflecting the continued success and expansion of the connectivity of store banners to the e-commerce sites. Footwear continues to be our strongest category and was led by basketball, casual, and training styles, which all posted strong comparable sales gains during the quarter and year-to-date periods. These increases were partially offset by the 2014 closure of the CCS direct business.

 

Direct-to-Customers division profit for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 increased by $6 million and $31 million, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Division profit, as a percentage of sales, was 13.9 percent and 15.1 percent for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, as compared with 11.9 percent and 11.3 percent for the corresponding prior-year periods. The increase primarily reflected strong flow-through of sales to profit, resulting from improved gross margins due to more full-price selling and diligent expense management. Included in the prior-year results was a $2 million tradename impairment charge related to the CCS e-commerce business, which was triggered by the Company’s decision to transition the skate business to the Eastbay banner. Division profit in the prior-year periods was also negatively affected by the CCS business results.

 

Corporate Expense

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1,  

October 31,

   November 1, 
   2015   2014  

2015

   2014 
  

($ in millions)

 
Corporate expense  $20   $19   $54   $59 
$ Change  $1        $(5)     

 

Corporate expense consists of unallocated SG&A, as well as depreciation and amortization related to the Company’s corporate headquarters, centrally managed departments, unallocated insurance and benefit programs, certain foreign exchange transaction gains and losses, and other items.

 

Depreciation and amortization included in corporate expense was $3 million for both the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and was $8 million and $9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The allocation of corporate expense to the operating divisions is adjusted annually based upon an internal study; accordingly, the allocation increased by $1 million and $3 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, respectively, thus reducing corporate expense. Excluding the corporate allocation change as well as depreciation and amortization, corporate expense, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods, increased by $2 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015 and decreased by $1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015.

21 

 

  

The $2 million increase in corporate expense for the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015 was primarily related to an increase in legal accruals coupled with costs incurred in connection with the spring 2016 relocation of our corporate headquarters within New York City. The $1 million decrease in corporate expense for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 was primarily related to prior-year costs incurred for the integration of Runners Point Group of $2 million. This was partially offset by $1 million of current year costs relating to the corporate headquarters relocation.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity has been cash flow from earnings, while the principal uses of cash have been to: fund inventory and other working capital requirements; finance capital expenditures related to store openings, store remodelings, Internet and mobile sites, information systems, and other support facilities; make retirement plan contributions, quarterly dividend payments, and interest payments; and fund other cash requirements to support the development of its short-term and long-term operating strategies. The Company generally finances real estate with operating leases. Management believes its cash, cash equivalents, and future cash flow from operations will be adequate to fund these requirements.

 

The Company may also from time to time repurchase its common stock or seek to retire or purchase outstanding debt through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. Share repurchases and retirement of debt, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, and other factors. The amounts involved may be material. As of October 31, 2015, approximately $740 million remained available under the Company’s current $1 billion share repurchase program.

 

As discussed further in the Legal Proceedings note under “Item 1. Financial Statements,” the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $100 million ($61 million after-tax) in the third quarter of 2015. In light of the uncertainties involved in this matter, there is no assurance that the ultimate resolution will not differ from the amount currently accrued by the Company. The $100 million charge has been classified as a long-term liability due to the uncertainty involved with the resolution of this litigation as the appeals process can be lengthy. Additionally, the timing and the amount of any future contributions to the pension plan is dependent on the funded status of the plan and various other factors, such as interest rates and the performance of the plan’s assets. The pension plan is sufficiently funded to absorb a $100 million liability and, accordingly, we do not anticipate the need to make any pension contributions in the near term.

 

Any material adverse change in customer demand, fashion trends, competitive market forces, or customer acceptance of the Company’s merchandise mix and retail locations, uncertainties related to the effect of competitive products and pricing, the Company’s reliance on a few key vendors for a significant portion of its merchandise purchases and risks associated with global product sourcing, economic conditions worldwide, the effects of currency fluctuations, as well as other factors listed under the heading “Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” could affect the ability of the Company to continue to fund its needs from business operations.

 

Operating Activities

  

   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
   October 31,   November 1, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $414   $439 
$ Change  $(25)     

  

The amount provided by operating activities reflects net income adjusted for non-cash items and working capital changes. Adjustments to net income for non-cash items include non-cash impairment charges, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense, and share-based related tax benefits. The decrease from the prior year reflects working capital changes and an increase in cash paid for income taxes during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015. The increase of cash paid for taxes of $41 million reflected higher amounts paid due to the Company’s earnings growth.

22 

 

  

Investing Activities

 

   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
  

October 31,

   November 1, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash used in investing activities  $174   $129 
$ Change  $45      

 

Capital expenditures represented a $35 million increase from the prior year, which reflected a higher number of store projects in the current year, as well as increased spending on corporate technology projects. The Company’s full year forecast for capital expenditures is $228 million, which includes $174 million related to the remodeling or relocation of existing stores and approximately 110 new store openings, as well as $54 million for the development of information systems, websites, infrastructure, and our corporate headquarters relocation within New York City. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company completed an asset acquisition for $2 million involving 10 Runners Point and Sidestep stores in Switzerland, of which $1 million will be paid during the fourth quarter. The prior year included $9 million from the sales and maturities of short-term investments.

 

Financing Activities

 

   Thirty-nine weeks ended 
  

October 31,

   November 1, 
  

2015

   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash used in financing activities  $322   $240 
$ Change  $82      

 

During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 5,050,000 shares of its common stock for $316 million, as compared with 3,547,553 shares repurchased for $174 million in the corresponding prior-year period. The Company declared and paid dividends during the first three quarters of 2015 and 2014 of $105 million and $96 million, respectively. This represents quarterly rates of $0.25 and $0.22 per share for 2015 and 2014, respectively. Additionally, the Company received proceeds from the issuance of common stock in connection with employee stock programs of $68 million and $22 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. In connection with stock option exercises and share-based compensation programs, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $33 million and $11 million as a financing activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. The increased excess tax benefit primarily reflected a higher number of stock option exercises during the first three quarters of 2015 as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. The activity for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 also reflects payments made on capital lease obligations of $2 million and $3 million, respectively.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

There have been no significant changes to the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates from the information provided in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Descriptions of the recently issued accounting principles are included Item 1. “Financial Statements” in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

23 

 

  

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Other than statements of historical facts, all statements which address activities, events, or developments that the Company anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as future capital expenditures, expansion, strategic plans, financial objectives, dividend payments, stock repurchases, growth of the Company’s business and operations, including future cash flows, revenues, and earnings, and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and factors which are detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the effects of currency fluctuations, customer demand, fashion trends, competitive market forces, uncertainties related to the effect of competitive products and pricing, customer acceptance of the Company’s merchandise mix and retail locations, the Company’s reliance on a few key suppliers for a majority of its merchandise purchases (including a significant portion from one key supplier), pandemics and similar major health concerns, unseasonable weather, deterioration of global financial markets, economic conditions worldwide, deterioration of business and economic conditions, any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activities in the United States or in other parts of the world and related U.S. military action overseas, the ability of the Company to execute its business and strategic plans effectively with regard to each of its business units, and risks associated with global product sourcing, including political instability, changes in import regulations, and disruptions to transportation services and distribution.

 

For additional discussion on risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s management performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), and completed an evaluation as of October 31, 2015 of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as that term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information relating to the Company that is required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to management, including the CEO and CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

During the quarter ended October 31, 2015, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that materially affected or are reasonably likely to affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

Information regarding the Company’s legal proceedings is contained in the Legal Proceedings note under Item 1. “Financial Statements.”

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There were no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

24 

 

  

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

 

The following table provides information with respect to shares of the Company’s common stock that the Company repurchased during the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015:

 

Date Purchased  Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased(1)
   Average
Price Paid
per Share (1)
   Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced
Program (2)
   Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
may yet be
Purchased Under the
Program (2)
 
August 2, 2015 through August 29, 2015   100,340   $70.04    100,340   $843,894,883 
August 30, 2015 through October 3, 2015   698,910   $72.21    698,910   $793,426,324 
October 4, 2015 through October 31, 2015   760,750   $69.85    760,750   $740,284,926 
    1,560,000   $70.92    1,560,000      

 

(1) These columns reflect shares acquired in open market purchases. The calculation of the average price paid per share includes all fees, commissions, and other costs associated with the repurchase of such shares.
(2) On February 17, 2015, the Board of Directors approved a new 3-year, $1 billion share repurchase program extending through January 2018.

 

Item 6. Exhibits
 
(a) Exhibits
  The exhibits that are in this report immediately follow the index.

 

25 

 

  

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

Date: December 9, 2015 FOOT LOCKER, INC. 
   
  /s/ Lauren B. Peters 
  LAUREN B. PETERS
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 

 

 

26 

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

  

Number   Description
     
12*   Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
 
15*   Accountants’ Acknowledgement.
     
31.1*   Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2*   Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32**   Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
99*   Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
     
101.INS*  

XBRL Instance Document.

 
101.SCH*  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

     
101.CAL*  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

     
101.DEF*  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

     
101.LAB*  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

     
101.PRE*  

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

     
*   Filed herewith.
**   Furnished herewith.

 

27