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FOOT LOCKER, INC. - Quarter Report: 2015 August (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: August 1, 2015

 

OR

 

¨  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  ¨

 

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  ¨

 

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 ¨ Non-accelerated filer  ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes  ¨   No  þ
 
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of August 28, 2015: 139,381,505

 

 

 

  

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 23
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
  Item 1. Legal Proceedings 23
  Item 1A. Risk Factors 23
  Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 23
  Item 6. Exhibits 23
SIGNATURE   24
INDEX OF EXHIBITS 25

 

 

 

  

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

($ in millions, except shares)

 

   August 1,   August 2,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   (Unaudited)   (Unaudited)   * 
ASSETS               
                
Current assets               
Cash and cash equivalents  $970   $957   $967 
Merchandise inventories   1,317    1,335    1,250 
Other current assets   268    260    239 
    2,555    2,552    2,456 
Property and equipment, net   644    604    620 
Deferred taxes   222    247    221 
Goodwill   156    162    157 
Other intangible assets, net   46    61    49 
Other assets   81    72    74 
   $3,704   $3,698   $3,577 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY               
                
Current liabilities               
Accounts payable  $359   $392   $301 
Accrued and other liabilities   380    356    393 
Current portion of capital lease obligations   2    3    2 
    741    751    696 
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases   130    134    132 
Other liabilities   254    231    253 
Total liabilities   1,125    1,116    1,081 
Shareholders’ equity               
Common stock and paid-in capital: 172,536,861; 170,311,573 and 170,529,401 shares, respectively   1,060    961    979 
Retained earnings   3,013    2,577    2,780 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (338)   (182)   (319)
Less: Treasury stock at cost: 33,207,045; 26,640,176 and 29,665,213 shares, respectively   (1,156)   (774)   (944)
Total shareholders’ equity   2,579    2,582    2,496 
   $3,704   $3,698   $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   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Sales  $1,695   $1,641   $3,611   $3,509 
                     
Cost of sales   1,142    1,116    2,388    2,338 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   331    343    676    698 
Depreciation and amortization   36    36    71    72 
Impairment charge       2        3 
Interest expense, net   1    1    2    2 
Other income, net       (1)   (1)   (2)
    1,510    1,497    3,136    3,111 
                     
Income before income taxes   185    144    475    398 
Income tax expense   66    52    172    144 
Net income  $119   $92   $303   $254 
Basic earnings per share:                    
Net income  $0.85   $0.63   $2.17    1.75 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding   139.6    144.5    139.8    145.0 
                     
Diluted earnings per share:                    
Net income  $0.84   $0.63   $2.14   $1.73 
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution   141.3    146.4    141.7    147.0 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Net income  $119   $92   $303   $254 
                     
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax                    
                     
Foreign currency translation adjustment:                    
Translation adjustment arising during the period, net
of income tax
   (23)   (19)   (22)    
                     
Cash flow hedges:                    
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of income tax       (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, $1, $2, and $2 million, respectively   3    2    4    4 
Comprehensive income  $99   $74   $284   $258 

 

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

($ in millions)

 

   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014 
From Operating Activities:          
Net income  $303   $254 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Non-cash impairment charge       3 
Depreciation and amortization   71    72 
Share-based compensation expense   11    12 
Qualified pension plan contributions       (2)
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation   (24)   (9)
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Merchandise inventories   (75)   (115)
Accounts payable   61    130 
Accrued and other liabilities   (16)   4 
Other, net   3    13 
Net cash provided by operating activities   334    362 
           
From Investing Activities:          
Capital expenditures   (116)   (93)
Sales and maturities of short-term investments       9 
Net cash used in investing activities   (116)   (84)
           
From Financing Activities:          
Purchase of treasury shares   (205)   (136)
Dividends paid on common stock   (70)   (64)
Issuance of common stock   38    13 
Treasury stock issued under employee stock purchase plan   5    5 
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation   24    9 
Repayments of obligations under capital leases   (1)   (2)
Net cash used in financing activities   (209)   (175)
           
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on Cash and Cash Equivalents   (6)   (4)
Net change in Cash and Cash Equivalents   3    99 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of year   967    858 
Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of interim period  $970   $957 
           
Cash paid during the period:          
Interest  $5   $5 
Income taxes  $178   $155 

 

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

 

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. 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, corporate expense, non-operating income, and net interest expense.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales                    
Athletic Stores  $1,503   $1,468   $3,184   $3,125 
Direct-to-Customers   192    173    427    384 
Total sales  $1,695   $1,641   $3,611   $3,509 
                     
Operating Results                    
Athletic Stores (1)   $176   $149   $443   $396 
Direct-to-Customers (2)    27    14    67    42 
Division profit   203    163    510    438 
Less: Corporate expense, net   17    19    34    40 
Operating profit   186    144    476    398 
Other income (3)        1    1    2 
Interest expense, net   1    1    2    2 
Income before income taxes  $185   $144   $475   $398 

 

(1)Included in the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 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 both the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 is a $2 million impairment charge related to the CCS tradename.

 

(3)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.

 

3. 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.

 

5

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

3. Goodwill – (continued)

 

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

 

   August 1,   August 2,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Athletic Stores  $17   $20   $17 
Direct-to-Customers   139    142    140 
   $156   $162   $157 

 

4. Other Intangible Assets, net

 

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

 

   August 1, 2015   August 2, 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  $121   $(111)  $10   $152   $(136)  $16   $128   $(116)  $12 
Trademarks   21    (12)   9    21    (11)   10    21    (12)   9 
Favorable leases   7    (4)   3    8    (4)   4    7    (4)   3 
   $149   $(127)  $22   $181   $(151)  $30   $156   $(132)  $24 
                                              
Indefinite life intangible assets: (1)                                             
Runners Point Group trademarks             24              30              25 
Other trademarks                           1               
             $24             $31             $25 
Other intangible assets, net            $46             $61             $49 

 

(1)   The change in the ending balances 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 presented.

 

For the twenty-six week period ended August 1, 2015, activity included amortization of $2 million and a $1 million decrease related to foreign currency exchange fluctuations.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
($ in millions)  2015   2014   2015   2014 
Amortization expense  $1   $1   $2   $3 

 

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

 

   ($ in millions) 
Remainder of 2015  $2 
2016   4 
2017   3 
2018   3 
2019   3 
2020   2 

 

6

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

5. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

 

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

 

   August 1,   August 2,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Foreign currency translation adjustments  $(97)  $57   $(75)
Cash flow hedges   (4)   (2)   (3)
Unrecognized pension cost and postretirement benefit   (236)   (236)   (240)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale security   (1)   (1)   (1)
   $(338)  $(182)  $(319)

 

The changes in AOCL for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 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   (22)   (1)           (23)
Reclassified from AOCL           4        4 
Other comprehensive income/(loss)   (22)   (1)   4        (19)
Balance as of August 1, 2015  $(97)   (4)   (236)   (1)  $(338)

 

Reclassifications from AOCL for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 were as follows:

 

   ($ in millions) 
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss:     
Pension benefits - amortization of actuarial loss  $7 
Postretirement benefits - amortization of actuarial gain   (1)
Net periodic benefit cost (see Note 9)   6 
Income tax benefit   (2)
Net of tax  $4 

 

6. 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 7, 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.

 

7

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6. Financial Instruments – (continued)

 

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. 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, all of the Company’s hedged forecasted transactions are less than twelve months, and the Company expects 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 not significant for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015 and was a $1 million loss for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, and therefore increased AOCL. At August 1, 2015, there was a $4 million loss included in AOCL. The notional value of the contracts outstanding at August 1, 2015 was $82 million, and these contracts extend through July 2016.

 

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 income of $1 million and $2 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively. For the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2014, the net change in fair value resulted in $1 million of income and was not significant for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014. The notional value of the contracts outstanding at August 1, 2015 was $105 million and these contracts extend through November 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 any of the periods presented. No such contracts were outstanding at August 1, 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 contracts outstanding at August 1, 2015 was $2 million and these contracts extend through May 2016.

 

8

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

6. Financial Instruments – (continued)

 

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  August 1,   August 2,   January 31, 
($ in millions)  Caption  2015   2014   2015 
Hedging Instruments:                  
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current liabilities  $5   $3   $4 
Non-Hedging Instruments:                  
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current assets  $1   $   $ 
Foreign exchange forward contracts  Current liabilities  $   $   $1 

 

7. 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 August 1, 2015   At August 2, 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     
Foreign exchange forward contracts       1                             
Total Assets  $   $7   $   $    6   $   $   $6   $ 
                                              
Liabilities                                             
Foreign exchange forward contracts       5            3            5     
Total Liabilities  $   $5   $   $   $3   $   $   $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.

 

9

 

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

7. Fair Value Measurements- (continued)

 

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

 

   August 1,   August 2,   January 31, 
   2015   2014   2015 
   ($ in millions) 
Carrying value  $132   $137   $134 
Fair value  $157   $163   $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.

 

8. 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   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding   139.6    144.5    139.8    145.0 
Effect of Dilution:                    
Stock options and awards   1.7    1.9    1.9    2.0 
Weighted-average common shares assuming dilution   141.3    146.4    141.7    147.0 

 

Options to purchase 0.7 million and 0.8 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. Options to purchase 0.6 million and 0.5 million shares of common stock were not included in the computation for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. These options were not included because the effect would have been antidilutive. Contingently issuable shares of 0.4 million have not been included as the vesting conditions have not been satisfied as of both August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014.

 

9. 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.

 

10

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

9. Pension and Postretirement Plans- (continued)

 

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   Twenty-six weeks   Thirteen weeks   Twenty-six weeks 
   ended   ended   ended   ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
($ in millions)  2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Service cost  $4   $4   $8   $8   $   $   $   $ 
Interest cost   6    7    12    14    1        1     
Expected return on plan assets   (10)   (9)   (19)   (19)                
Amortization of net loss (gain)   4    3    7    7    (1)       (1)   (1)
Net benefit expense (income)  $4   $5   $8   $10   $   $   $   $(1)

 

No contributions were made to the plans during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015. The Company continually evaluates the amount and timing of any future contributions. During the third quarter of 2015, the Company contributed $4 million to the U.S. qualified plan. The Company currently does not expect any further pension plan contributions during the current year.

 

10. 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   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Options and shares purchased under the employee stock purchase plan  $3   $3   $6   $6 
Restricted stock and restricted stock units   2    3    5    6 
Total share-based compensation expense  $5   $6   $11   $12 
                     
Tax benefit recognized  $1   $2   $3   $4 
Excess income tax benefit from settled equity-classified share-based awards reported as a cash flow from financing activities            $24   $9 

 

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 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Weighted-average risk free rate of interest   1.51%   2.11%   0.19%   0.15%
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   1.6%   2.0%   1.7%   2.2%
Weighted-average fair value  $16.01   $14.88   $9.53   $6.60 

 

11

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

10. Share-Based Compensation – (continued)

 

The information in the following table covers options granted under the Company’s stock option plans for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 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   682         62.11 
Exercised   (1,672)        22.49 
Expired or cancelled   (51)        48.20 
Options outstanding at August 1, 2015   4,528    6.6   $32.35 
Options exercisable at August 1, 2015   3,305    5.7   $24.54 
Options vested and expected to vest at August 1, 2015   4,479    6.6   $32.09 
Options available for future grant at August 1, 2015   13,104           

 

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   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
  

($ in millions)

 
Exercised  $29   $4   $65   $15 

 

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:

 

   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Outstanding  $173   $130 
Outstanding and exercisable  $152   $112 
Vested and expected to vest  $172   $130 

 

As of August 1, 2015, there was $11 million of total unrecognized compensation cost, related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

 

The cash received from option exercises for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 was $15 million and $38 million, respectively. The cash received from option exercises for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was $3 million and $13 million, respectively. The total tax benefit realized from option exercises was $11 million and $25 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, and was $1 million and $5 million for the corresponding prior-year periods.

 

12

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

10. Share-Based Compensation – (continued)

 

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at August 1, 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    872    4.1   $13.28    872   $13.28 
$ 18.84 to $24.75    1,054    5.1   $19.68    1,054   $19.68 
$ 30.92 to $36.59    1,249    7.0   $32.79    1,075   $32.56 
$ 45.08 to $62.11    1,353    9.1   $54.10    304   $45.38 
      4,528    6.6   $32.35    3,305   $24.54 

 

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 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 581,713 and 742,514 RSU awards outstanding as of August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively.

 

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; for performance-based restricted stock, dividends will be accumulated and paid after the performance criteria are met. No dividends are paid 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 share and RSU activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 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   126    61.61 
Vested   (312)   32.33 
Expired or cancelled   (63)   38.10 
Nonvested at August 1, 2015   789   $43.95 
Aggregate value ($ in millions)  $35      
Weighted-average remaining contractual life (in years)   1.3 years      

 

The weighted grant-date fair value per share was $61.61 and $45.24 for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. The total value of awards for which restrictions lapsed for both the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014 was $10 million and $14 million, respectively. As of August 1, 2015, there was $13 million of total unrecognized compensation cost net of forfeitures related to nonvested restricted awards.

 

13

 

  

FOOT LOCKER, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

11. 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.

 

Certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are 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 assert claims similar to those asserted in Pereira and seek 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, which was approved by the court during the second quarter of 2015.

 

The Company and the Company’s U.S. retirement plan are defendants in a class action (Osberg v. Foot Locker, 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 current claims are 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 has not yet delivered a decision.

 

Management does not believe that the outcome of any such legal proceedings pending against the Company or its consolidated subsidiaries, including Cortes, Kissinger, and 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. 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.

 

14

 

 

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 August 1, 2015, the Company operated 3,419 stores as compared with 3,423 and 3,460 stores at January 31, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. During the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, the Company opened 58 stores, remodeled or relocated 120 stores, and closed 62 stores.

 

A total of 75 franchised stores were operating at August 1, 2015, as compared with 78 and 74 stores at January 31, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. 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.

 

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 $54 million, or 3.3 percent, to $1,695 million for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015, from $1,641 million for the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2014. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, sales of $3,611 million increased 2.9 percent from sales of $3,509 million for the twenty-six week period ended August 2, 2014.

 

Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods increased 9.9 percent and 8.9 percent, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Comparable-store sales increased by 9.6 percent and 8.7 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively.

 

15

 

  

Gross Margin

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
Gross margin rate   32.6%   32.0%   33.9%   33.4%
Basis point increase in the gross margin rate   60         50      
Components of the increase-                    
Lower occupancy and buyers’ compensation expense rate   40         40      
Merchandise margin rate improvement   20         10      

 

The gross margin rate improved by 60 and 50 basis points for the thirteen and twenty six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively. The improvement in the gross margin rate was primarily the result of leveraging the fixed rent and salary elements within our cost of sales. A higher merchandise margin rate also contributed to the gross margin rate improvement, and reflected an overall lower markdown rate partially offset by a lower initial markup rate driven by vendor and category mix.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (SG&A)

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
SG&A  $331   $343   $676   $698 
$ Change  $(12)       $(22)     
% Change   (3.5)%        (3.2)%     
SG&A as a percentage of sales   19.5%   20.9%   18.7%   19.9%

 

SG&A decreased by $12 million and $22 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, SG&A expense increased by $9 million and $25 million and represented an improvement of 140 and 100 basis points, as a rate of sales, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. The SG&A rate improvements reflected continued disciplined expense management.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Depreciation and Amortization  $36   $36   $71   $72 
% change   %        (1.4)%     

 

Depreciation and amortization remained unchanged for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, depreciation and amortization decreased $1 million as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, depreciation and amortization increased by $3 million and $4 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 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.

 

16

 

 

Interest Expense, Net

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Interest expense  $2   $2   $5   $5 
Interest income   (1)   (1)   (3)   (3)
Interest expense, net  $1   $1   $2   $2 

 

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

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded income tax provisions of $66 million and $172 million, which represented effective tax rates of 35.8 percent and 36.2 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively. For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, the Company recorded income tax provisions of $52 million and $144 million, which represented effective tax rates of 36.3 percent and 36.2 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 twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014 are tax benefits of $1 million from reserve releases due to settlements of tax examinations.

 

For the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015, the Company recorded discrete items of approximately $1 million representing tax benefits related to an adjustment to deductible compensation costs due to executive changes and a Canadian provincial tax rate change.

 

The effective tax rate, excluding the reserve releases and other discrete items, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 increased as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods primarily due to a higher proportion of income earned in higher-tax jurisdictions.

 

The Company currently expects its third quarter and full year tax rate to approximate 36.5 percent, excluding the effect of any additional nonrecurring items that may occur. The actual tax rates will primarily depend 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 August 1, 2015, net income increased by $27 million, or 29.3 percent, to $119 million as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, net income increased by $49 million, or 19.3 percent, to $303 million as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. The improved performance, on a constant currency basis, represents a 33.7 percent and 32.5 percent flow-through of increased sales to pre-tax income, for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 1, 2015, reflecting leveraging of fixed costs and controlling operating expenses.

 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures

 

No adjustments have been made to the 2015 results. During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded charges totaling $2 million, after tax, or $0.01 per diluted share, for costs associated with the integration of Runners Point Group and an impairment charge 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.

 

17

 

 

Accordingly, the Company excluded these costs to arrive at its non-GAAP results. The non-GAAP financial measure is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company believes this non-GAAP information is a useful measure to investors because it provides for a more direct comparison of the results. Presented below are GAAP and non-GAAP results for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively.

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net income, as reported  $119   $92   $303   $254 
After-tax adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP:                    
Runners Point Group integration costs               1 
Impairment of intangibles       1        2 
Net income, non-GAAP  $119   $93   $303   $257 
Diluted EPS, as reported  $0.84   $0.63   $2.14   $1.73 
After-tax adjustments to arrive at non-GAAP:                    
Runners Point Group integration costs                
Impairment of intangibles       0.01        0.02 
Diluted EPS, non-GAAP  $0.84   $0.64   $2.14   $1.75 

 

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, corporate expense, non-operating income, and net interest expense. The following table summarizes results by segment:

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales                    
Athletic Stores  $1,503   $1,468   $3,184   $3,125 
Direct-to-Customers   192    173    427    384 
   $1,695   $1,641   $3,611   $3,509 

Operating Results

                    
Athletic Stores(1)   $176   $149   $443    396 
Direct-to-Customers(2)   27    14    67   $42 
Division profit   203    163    510    438 
Less: Corporate expense   17    19    34    40 
Operating profit   186    144    476    398 
Other income (3)        1    1    2 
Earnings before interest expense and income taxes   186    145    477    400 
Interest expense, net   1    1    2    2 
Income before income taxes  $185   $144   $475   $398 

 

(1) Included in the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 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 both the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 is a $2 million impairment charge related to the CCS tradename.
   
(3) 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.

 

18

 

 

Athletic Stores

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,  

August 1,

  

August 2,

 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales  $1,503   $1,468   $3,184   $3,125 
$ Change  $35        $59      
% Change   2.4%        1.9%     
Division profit  $176   $149   $443   $396 
Division profit margin   11.7%   10.1%   13.9%   12.7%

 

Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, Athletic Stores segment sales increased by 9.6 percent and 8.4 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Comparable-store sales increased by 8.6 percent and 7.5 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively.

 

Our international divisions, particularly Foot Locker Europe, led the increase in comparable-store sales for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. All major countries for Foot Locker Europe experienced comparable-sales gains for both the quarter and year-to-date periods. These increases were primarily related to sales of men’s basketball and lifestyle running shoes.

 

While the overall results of Runners Point continue to be accretive to our results, their comparable-store sales are running below the average pace of our other banners operating in Europe, due in part to the segmentation process that is underway. The segmentation process includes defining product offerings for each of these banners and executing upon our multi-banner strategy in this market. The Runners Point stores are being shifted towards performance and lifestyle running footwear, while Sidestep is shifting to lifestyle and casual footwear. While sales at Runners Point and Sidestep have been negatively affected in the short term, we believe that as customers become familiar with our product offerings, these actions will position each of the banners operating in Germany for future growth.

 

Domestically, comparable-store sales for both the quarter and year-to-date periods also increased. The increase was led by Foot Locker, Footaction, and Kids Foot Locker. Running and basketball were the strongest drivers of footwear sales. The key marquee players shoes and Jordan styles continue to drive the increases in basketball footwear. Sales also benefited from the continued expansion of various shop-in-shop partnerships with our key vendors. Lady Foot Locker/SIX:02 generated a comparable-store sales gain for its fifth consecutive quarter, with a positive gain for both quarter and year-to-date periods. Lady Foot Locker/SIX:02’s overall sales for the quarter were essentially flat, while the year-to-date period reflected a sales decline due to net store closures, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. The focus on serving the female customer’s fitness-driven lifestyle has resonated with customers, as both footwear and apparel increased on a comparable-store basis. Champs Sports generated a gain in comparable-store sales for the quarter with increased footwear sales partially offset by declines in apparel and accessories. For the year-to-date period, Champs Sports experienced a modest comparable-store sales decline, primarily attributable to the decrease in apparel sales due to a fashion shift away from licensed products.

 

Athletic Stores division profit increased by 18.1 percent and 11.9 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods. Division profit, as a percentage of sales, was 11.7 percent for the thirteen weeks ended August 1, 2015, representing a 160 basis point improvement as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, the improvement was 120 basis points as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. These increases primarily reflect improved sales, an improved gross margin rate driven by improved leverage of fixed occupancy expenses, and diligent expense management. Included in the results of the Athletic Stores segment for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 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.

 

19

 

 

Direct-to-Customers

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
  

August 1,

   August 2,  

August 1,

  

August 2,

 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Sales  $192   $173   $427   $384 
$ Change  $19        $43      
% Change   11.0%        11.2%     
Division profit  $27   $14   $67   $42 
Division profit margin   14.1%   8.1%   15.7%   10.9%

 

Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, Direct-to-Customers segment sales increased by 12.5 percent and 12.9 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. Comparable sales increased by 18.8 percent and 18.6 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 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. Sales at each of the U.S. store-banner websites increased significantly for both the quarter and year-to-date periods, increasing collectively over 40 percent, reflecting the continued success and expansion of the connectivity of store banners to the e-commerce sites. Footwear and apparel categories were led by basketball, casual, and training styles, which all posted strong comparable sales gains during the period. These increases were partially offset by the 2014 closure of the CCS direct business.

 

Direct-to-Customers division profit for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 increased by $13 million to $27 million and increased by $25 million to $67 million, respectively, as compared with the corresponding prior-year period. Division profit, as a percentage of sales, was 14.1 percent and 15.7 percent for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, as compared with 8.1 percent and 10.9 percent for the corresponding prior-year period. 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 period was also negatively affected by the CCS business results.

 

Corporate Expense

 

   Thirteen weeks ended   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2,   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Corporate expense  $17   $19   $34   $40 
$ Change  $(2)       $(6)     

 

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 and $6 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, which was unchanged from the prior-year amounts.

 

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 $2 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively, thus reducing corporate expense. Excluding this change, as compared with the corresponding prior-year periods, corporate expense decreased by $1 million and $4 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, respectively. The $4 million decrease in corporate expense for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 was primarily related to a $2 million charge to increase legal reserves recorded in the first quarter of 2014, and prior-year costs related to the integration of Runners Point Group of $1 million.

 

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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 August 1, 2015, approximately $851 million remained available under the Company’s current $1 billion share repurchase program.

 

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

 

   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 2,   August 2, 
       2015    2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash provided by operating activities  $334   $362 
$ Change  $(28)     

 

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 twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015. The increase of cash paid for taxes of $23 million reflected higher amounts paid due to the Company’s earnings growth.

 

Investing Activities

 

   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash used in investing activities  $116   $84 
$ Change  $32      

 

Capital expenditures represented a $23 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 $233 million, which includes $172 million related to the remodeling or relocation of existing stores and approximately 100 new store openings, as well as $61 million for the development of information systems, websites, infrastructure, and our headquarters relocation. The increased full-year forecast from the amount previously disclosed primarily reflects the upcoming relocation of the corporate headquarters within New York City. The prior year included $9 million from the sales and maturities of short-term investments.

 

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Financing Activities

 

   Twenty-six weeks ended 
   August 1,   August 2, 
   2015   2014 
   ($ in millions) 
Net cash used in financing activities  $209   $175 
$ Change  $34      

 

During the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015, the Company repurchased 3,490,000 shares of its common stock for $205 million, as compared with 2,864,533 shares repurchased for $136 million in the corresponding prior-year period. The Company declared and paid dividends during the first two quarters of 2015 and 2014 of $70 million and $64 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 $43 million and $18 million for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. In connection with stock option exercises and share-based compensation programs, the Company recorded excess tax benefits of $24 million and $9 million as a financing activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014, respectively. The increased excess tax benefit primarily reflected a higher number of stock option exercises during the first half of 2015. The activity for the twenty-six weeks ended August 1, 2015 and August 2, 2014 also reflects payments made on capital lease obligations of $1 million and $2 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

 

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.

 

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.

 

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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 August 1, 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 August 1, 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.

 

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 August 1, 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)
 
May 3, 2015 through May 30, 2015   445,105   $61.89    445,105   $899,835,824 
May 31, 2015 through July 4, 2015   480,230   $63.55    475,895   $869,588,500 
July 5, 2015 through August 1, 2015   274,964   $69.38    269,000   $850,922,919 
    1,200,299   $64.27    1,190,000      

 

(1) These columns reflect shares acquired in satisfaction of the tax withholding obligation of holders of restricted stock awards which vested during the quarter, shares repurchased pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 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.

 

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

 

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FOOT LOCKER, INC.

INDEX OF EXHIBITS

 

Number   Description
10.1†*   Senior Executive Employment Agreement, dated August 10, 2015, by and between Pawan Verma and the Company.
     
10.2†*   Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated August 10, 2015, by and between Pawan Verma and the Company.
     
10.3†*   Nonstatutory Stock Option Award Agreement, dated August 10, 2015, by and between Pawan Verma and the Company.
     
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.
     
  Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
     
*   Filed herewith.
     
**   Furnished herewith.

 

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