8-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) February 18, 2016
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington
 
001-15059
 
91-0515058
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
 
(Commission
File Number)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
 
98101
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (206) 628-2111
Inapplicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
___ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
___ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
___ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
___ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))





ITEM 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition
On February 18, 2016, Nordstrom, Inc. issued an earnings release announcing its results of operations for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016, its financial position as of January 30, 2016, and its cash flows for the year ended January 30, 2016. A copy of this earnings release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
ITEM 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure
On February 18, 2016, Nordstrom, Inc. issued an earnings release announcing its results of operations for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016, its financial position as of January 30, 2016, and its cash flows for the year ended January 30, 2016. A copy of this earnings release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
The information furnished in this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall such information be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing, except as shall be expressly set forth by a specific reference in such filing.
ITEM 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits
99.1
 
Nordstrom earnings release dated February 18, 2016 relating to the Company's results of operations for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016, its financial position as of January 30, 2016, and its cash flows for the year ended January 30, 2016.






SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
 
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
/s/ Robert B. Sari
Robert B. Sari
Executive Vice President,
General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
 


Date: February 18, 2016





EXHIBIT INDEX
 
 
 
EXHIBIT
 
 
NUMBER
 
DESCRIPTION
 
 
 
99.1
 
Nordstrom earnings release dated February 18, 2016 relating to the Company's results of operations for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016, its financial position as of January 30, 2016, and its cash flows for the year ended January 30, 2016.





Exhibit


Exhibit 99.1


FOR RELEASE:
 
INVESTOR CONTACT: 
 
Trina Schurman
February 18, 2016 at 1:05 PM PST
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc.
 
 
 
 
(206) 303-6503
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MEDIA CONTACT:
 
Dan Evans
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom, Inc.
 
 
 
 
(206) 303-3036
Nordstrom Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2015 Earnings In-Line with Expectations
Achieved Sales Growth of 7.5% and Comparable Sales Increase of 2.7% for the Year

SEATTLE, Wash. (February 18, 2016) – Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN) today reported earnings per diluted share for the fourth quarter ended January 30, 2016 of $1.00, which included asset impairment charges of $0.17 that were not included in the Company's outlook. Fourth quarter net sales increased 5.2 percent and comparable sales increased 1.0 percent, consistent with a comparable sales increase of 0.9 percent in the third quarter.
For fiscal 2015, earnings per diluted share were $3.15. Excluding impairment charges, earnings were in-line with the Company's outlook of $3.30 to $3.40. Fiscal 2015 net sales increased 7.5 percent and comparable sales increased 2.7 percent, in-line with the Company's outlook of 2.5 to 3.0 percent.
During the year, the Company achieved a number of milestones in executing its customer strategy:
gained market share in both its full-price and off-price businesses
opened its first international flagship store in Vancouver, B.C., the most successful opening in Nordstrom history
grew Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook by approximately 50 percent, reaching $0.5 billion or 13 percent of its off-price business
opened its third fulfillment center in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, located within two-day delivery of approximately half the U.S. population
returned $2.4 billion to shareholders through share repurchase and dividends
FOURTH QUARTER SUMMARY
Fourth quarter net earnings were $180 million and earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) were $324 million compared with net earnings of $255 million and EBIT of $465 million for the same quarter last year.
Retail EBIT decreased $105 million compared with the same quarter last year. This included impairment charges of $50 million primarily related to its full-line store in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in addition to other retail and technology assets.
Credit EBIT decreased $36 million compared with the same quarter last year primarily related to a reduction in net revenue from the revenue-sharing program agreement with TD Bank, N.A. (TD).
Total Company net sales of $4.1 billion for the fourth quarter increased 5.2 percent and comparable sales increased 1.0 percent.
Full-price net sales, which consist of U.S. full-line stores and Nordstrom.com, increased 0.7 percent and comparable sales increased 0.2 percent. Top-performing merchandise categories included Beauty and Shoes. Coats, younger customer-focused departments, denim and dresses continued to reflect strength in Women's Apparel. The Midwest and West were the top-performing full-price geographic regions.
Full-line store net sales decreased 2.5 percent and comparable sales decreased 3.2 percent. 
Nordstrom.com net sales increased 11 percent.
Off-price net sales, which consist of Nordstrom Rack stores and Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook, increased 12 percent and comparable sales increased 3.6 percent. The East was the top-performing off-price geographic region.




Nordstrom Rack net sales increased 6.9 percent while comparable sales decreased 3.0 percent.
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook net sales increased 50 percent.
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, of 34.8 percent decreased 184 basis points compared with the same period in fiscal 2014 primarily due to increased markdowns from lower than planned sales and in response to an elevated promotional environment during the holiday season.
Ending inventory growth of 12 percent exceeded net sales growth of 5.2 percent. While the Company made the appropriate adjustments to end the year with overall inventory below plan, it has incorporated the impact of a continued promotional environment in its operating plans.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, of 28.2 percent increased 71 basis points compared with the same period in fiscal 2014 due to asset impairment charges. Excluding these charges, selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, decreased by approximately 50 basis points.
During the quarter, the Company repurchased 12.0 million shares of its common stock for $675 million. A total of $0.8 billion remains under its existing share repurchase board authorization. The actual number, price, manner and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
FULL YEAR SUMMARY
Full year net earnings were $600 million and EBIT were $1.1 billion compared with net earnings of $720 million and EBIT of $1.3 billion in fiscal 2014.
Retail EBIT decreased $203 million relative to last year. This included the impact of the Trunk Club acquisition and ongoing entry into Canada, which represented an incremental reduction of $76 million, in addition to impairment charges of $59 million.
Credit EBIT decreased $19 million relative to last year due to the sale of the credit card receivables. This reflected a reduction in net revenue from the revenue-sharing program agreement and transactional expenses of $35 million, partially offset by an increase of $64 million related to the reclassification of its receivables.
Total Company net sales of $14.1 billion for fiscal 2015 increased 7.5 percent and comparable sales increased 2.7 percent.
Full-price net sales increased 2.6 percent and comparable sales increased 2.3 percent.
Full-line store net sales decreased 0.6 percent and comparable sales decreased 1.1 percent.
Nordstrom.com net sales increased 15 percent.
Off-price net sales increased 14 percent and comparable sales increased 4.3 percent.
Nordstrom Rack net sales increased 10 percent while comparable sales decreased 1.0 percent.
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook net sales increased 47 percent.
Gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, of 35.0 percent decreased 92 basis points compared with fiscal 2014 primarily due to increased markdowns from lower than planned sales and in response to an elevated promotional environment during the second half of the year.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, of 29.6 percent increased 77 basis points compared with fiscal 2014 due to growth initiatives related to Trunk Club and Canada in addition to impairment charges and higher fulfillment costs supporting online growth.
The Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program continued to play an important role in reaching new customers and strengthening existing customer relationships. The Company opened over one million new accounts in 2015. With 4.7 million active members, sales from members represented 40 percent of sales.
Return on invested capital (ROIC) for the 12 months ended January 30, 2016 was 10.7 percent compared with 12.6 percent in the prior 12-month period. This decrease reflected reduced earnings in addition to increased investments supporting growth initiatives. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the closest GAAP measure is included below.




EXPANSION UPDATE
Nordstrom has announced plans to open the following stores in fiscal 2016, consisting of three new full-line stores, 20 new Nordstrom Rack stores, one full-line store relocation and two Nordstrom Rack store relocations:
Location
 
Store Name
 
Square
Footage
(000's)
 
Timing
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom - U.S.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Honolulu, Hawaii1
 
Ala Moana Center
 
186
 
March 11
Austin, Texas
 
The Domain
 
123
 
September 30
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom - Canada
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toronto, Ontario
 
Toronto Eaton Centre
 
220
 
September 16
Toronto, Ontario
 
Yorkdale Shopping Centre
 
196
 
October 21
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lafayette, Louisiana
 
Ambassador Town Center
 
25
 
March 10
Orem, Utah
 
University Crossing
 
30
 
March 10
Virginia Beach, Virginia
 
Pembroke Mall
 
33
 
March 10
Colorado Springs, Colorado
 
Chapel Hills East
 
31
 
April 28
Folsom, California
 
Palladio at Broadstone
 
33
 
April 28
Tucson, Arizona
 
Wilmot Plaza
 
25
 
April 28
Allentown, Pennsylvania
 
Hamilton Crossing
 
35
 
Fall
Braintree, Massachusetts
 
The Marketplace at Braintree
 
35
 
Fall
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
1600 Commons
 
36
 
Fall
Honolulu, Hawaii
 
Waikiki Trade Center
 
34
 
Fall
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania2
 
King of Prussia Town Center
 
35
 
Fall
La Jolla, California
 
The Shops at La Jolla Village
 
32
 
Fall
Langhorne, Pennsylvania
 
Lincoln Plaza
 
27
 
Fall
New Orleans, Louisiana
 
Outlet Collection at Riverwalk
 
35
 
Fall
Novi, Michigan
 
West Oaks
 
33
 
Fall
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
 
The Block Northway
 
40
 
Fall
Rosemount, Illinois
 
Fashion Outlets
 
28
 
Fall
Sacramento, California3
 
Howe ‘Bout Arden Center
 
35
 
Fall
Santa Rosa, California
 
Coddingtown Mall
 
31
 
Fall
Staten Island, New York
 
Empire Outlets
 
34
 
Fall
Tustin, California
 
The Market Place
 
33
 
Fall
Albuquerque, New Mexico
 
Winrock Town Center
 
34
 
TBD
1 Nordstrom plans to relocate its full-line store at Ala Moana Center in Honolulu to another location within the same center.
2 Nordstrom plans to relocate its Rack store at The Overlook at King of Prussia in King of Prussia to the nearby King of Prussia Town Center.
3 Nordstrom plans to relocate its Rack store at Howe ‘Bout Arden Center to another location within the same center.
Number of stores
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Nordstrom full-line – U.S.
118
 
116
Nordstrom full-line – Canada
3
 
1
Nordstrom Rack
194
 
167
Other1
8
 
8
Total
323
 
292
1 Other includes our Trunk Club clubhouses, Jeffrey boutiques and our Last Chance store.
 
 
 
 
Gross square footage
28,610,000
 
27,061,000




FISCAL YEAR 2016 OUTLOOK
In response to its current sales trends, Nordstrom has made adjustments to its operating plan, which included a reduction in expenses and capital investments. The Company's expectations for fiscal 2016 are as follows:
Net sales increase (percent)
3.5 to 5.5
Comparable sales increase (percent)
0 to 2
Retail EBIT increase (percent)1
3 to 10
Credit EBIT
$70 to $80 million
Earnings per diluted share (excluding the impact of any future share repurchase)
$3.10 to $3.35
1 Excluding impairment charges of $59 million in 2015, Retail EBIT is expected to have a decrease of 3 percent to an increase of 3 percent relative to last year.

In the first half of fiscal 2016, the Company expects earnings per diluted share to decrease by approximately 30 percent relative to the same period last year due to the following:
the impact of the sale of the credit receivables in October 2015
the impact of growth initiatives, including its East coast fulfillment center which opened in August 2015 and new store pre-opening expenses
the shift of the Anniversary Sale event from the second quarter in 2015 to the second and third quarters in 2016
CONFERENCE CALL INFORMATION
The Company's senior management will host a conference call to discuss fourth quarter 2015 results and fiscal 2016 outlook at 4:45 p.m. Eastern Standard Time today. To listen to the live call online and view the speakers' prepared remarks, the conference call slides and Performance Summary document, visit the Investor Relations section of the Company's corporate website at http://investor.nordstrom.com. An archived webcast with the speakers' prepared remarks, the conference call slides and Performance Summary document will be available in the Quarterly Earnings section for one year. Interested parties may also dial 201-689-8354. A telephone replay will be available beginning approximately three hours after the conclusion of the call by dialing 877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 and entering Conference ID 13628630, until the close of business on February 25, 2016.
ABOUT NORDSTROM
Nordstrom, Inc. is a leading fashion specialty retailer based in the U.S. Founded in 1901 as a shoe store in Seattle, today Nordstrom operates 323 stores in 39 states, including 121 full-line stores in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico; 194 Nordstrom Rack stores; two Jeffrey boutiques; and one clearance store. Nordstrom also serves customers online through Nordstrom.com, Nordstromrack.com and HauteLook. The Company also owns Trunk Club, a personalized clothing service serving customers online at TrunkClub.com and its five clubhouses. Nordstrom, Inc.'s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol JWN.
Certain statements in this news release contain or may suggest "forward-looking" information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, anticipated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017, anticipated annual total and comparable sales rates, anticipated new store openings in existing, new and international markets, anticipated Return on Invested Capital and trends in our operations. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon factors including, but not limited to: successful execution of our customer strategy, including expansion into new domestic and international markets, acquisitions, investments in our stores and online, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from growth initiatives and our ability to provide a seamless experience across all channels; timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels, all of which may be impacted by the financial health of third parties; our ability to manage the investment opportunities in our online business and our ability to manage related organizational changes; our ability to maintain relationships with our employees and to effectively attract, develop and retain our future leaders; effective inventory management processes and systems, disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to control costs; the impact of any systems failures, cybersecurity and/or security breaches, including any security breach of our systems or those of a third-party provider that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information or compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; successful execution of our information technology strategy; our ability to effectively utilize data in strategic planning and decision making; efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources; our ability to realize the expected benefits, respond to potential risks and appropriately manage potential costs associated with the program agreement with TD Bank, N.A.; our ability to safeguard our reputation and maintain our vendor relationships; the impact of economic and market conditions and the resultant impact on consumer spending patterns; our ability to respond to the business environment, fashion trends and consumer preferences, including changing expectations of service and experience in stores and




online; the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns in the highly competitive retail industry; weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, national security or other market disruptions, or the prospects of these events and the resulting impact on consumer spending patterns; our compliance with applicable banking-related laws and regulations, employment laws and regulations, certain international laws and regulations, other laws and regulations applicable to us, including the outcome of claims and litigation and resolution of tax matters, and ethical standards; impact of the current regulatory environment and financial system and health care reforms; compliance with debt covenants, availability and cost of credit, changes in interest rates, and debt repayment patterns, personal bankruptcies; and the timing price, manner and amounts of share repurchases by the Company, if any, or any share issuances by the Company, including issuances associated with option exercises or other matters. Our SEC reports, including our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015, our Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended May 2, 2015, August 1, 2015 and October 31, 2015, and our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016, to be filed with the SEC on or about March 14, 2016, contain other information on these and other factors that could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.




NORDSTROM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(unaudited; amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
 
Quarter Ended
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Net sales
$
4,143

 
$
3,938

 
$
14,095

 
$
13,110

Credit card revenues, net
51

 
105

 
342

 
396

Total revenues
4,194

 
4,043

 
14,437

 
13,506

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,700
)
 
(2,494
)
 
(9,168
)
 
(8,406
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,170
)
 
(1,084
)
 
(4,168
)
 
(3,777
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
324

 
465

 
1,101

 
1,323

Interest expense, net
(30
)
 
(34
)
 
(125
)
 
(138
)
Earnings before income taxes
294

 
431

 
976

 
1,185

Income tax expense
(114
)
 
(176
)
 
(376
)
 
(465
)
Net earnings
$
180

 
$
255

 
$
600

 
$
720

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
1.01

 
$
1.35

 
$
3.22

 
$
3.79

Diluted
$
1.00

 
$
1.32

 
$
3.15

 
$
3.72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
178.1

 
189.9

 
186.3

 
190.0

Diluted
180.7

 
194.3

 
190.1

 
193.6







NORDSTROM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited; amounts in millions)
 
January 30, 2016

January 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
595

 
$
827

Accounts receivable, net
196

 
2,306

Merchandise inventories
1,945

 
1,733

Current deferred tax assets, net

 
256

Prepaid expenses and other
278

 
102

Total current assets
3,014

 
5,224

 
 
 
 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
3,735

 
3,340

Goodwill
435

 
435

Other assets
514

 
246

Total assets
$
7,698

 
$
9,245

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
1,324

 
$
1,328

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
416

 
416

Other current liabilities
1,161

 
1,048

Current portion of long-term debt
10

 
8

Total current liabilities
2,911

 
2,800

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
2,795

 
3,123

Deferred property incentives, net
540

 
510

Other liabilities
581

 
372

 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 173.5 and 190.1 shares issued and outstanding
2,539

 
2,338

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings
(1,610
)
 
166

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(58
)
 
(64
)
Total shareholders' equity
871

 
2,440

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
7,698

 
$
9,245






NORDSTROM, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited; amounts in millions)
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016

January 31, 2015
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
600

 
$
720

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
576

 
508

Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net
(79
)
 
(76
)
Deferred income taxes, net
142

 
7

Stock-based compensation expense
70

 
68

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation
15

 
20

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
(15
)
 
(22
)
Bad debt expense
26

 
41

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(56
)
 
(161
)
Proceeds from sale of credit card receivables originated at Nordstrom
1,297

 

Merchandise inventories
(203
)
 
(176
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(126
)
 
(4
)
Accounts payable
(2
)
 
15

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
(2
)
 
18

Other current liabilities
50

 
155

Deferred property incentives
156

 
110

Other liabilities
2

 
(3
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
2,451


1,220

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(1,082
)
 
(861
)
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties
34

 
(8
)
Proceeds from sale of credit card receivables originated at third parties
890



Other, net
14

 
(20
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(144
)

(889
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts
16

 
34

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(8
)
 
(7
)
Defeasance of long-term debt
(339
)
 

Increase (decrease) in cash book overdrafts
23

 
(4
)
Cash dividends paid
(1,185
)
 
(251
)
Payments for repurchase of common stock
(1,192
)
 
(610
)
Proceeds from issuances under stock compensation plans
94

 
141

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
15

 
22

Other, net
37

 
(23
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,539
)

(698
)
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(232
)
 
(367
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
827

 
1,194

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
595

 
$
827







NORDSTROM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS — RETAIL BUSINESS
(unaudited; dollar amounts in millions)
Retail Business
Our Retail Business includes our Nordstrom branded U.S. and Canada full-line stores and Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom Rack stores, Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook, Trunk Club, Jeffrey and our Last Chance clearance store. It also includes unallocated corporate center expenses. The following table summarizes the results of our Retail Business for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016 compared with the quarter and year ended January 31, 2015:
 
Quarter Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
Amount
 
% of net sales1
 
Amount
 
% of net sales1
Net sales
$
4,143

 
100.0
%
 
$
3,938

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,698
)
 
(65.1
%)
 
(2,492
)
 
(63.3
%)
Gross profit
1,445

 
34.9
%
 
1,446

 
36.7
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,136
)
 
(27.4
%)
 
(1,032
)
 
(26.2
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
309

 
7.5
%
 
414

 
10.5
%
Interest expense, net
(30
)
 
(0.7
%)
 
(29
)
 
(0.7
%)
Earnings before income taxes
$
279

 
6.7
%
 
$
385

 
9.8
%
 
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
Amount
 
% of net sales1
 
Amount
 
% of net sales1
Net sales
$
14,095

 
100.0
%
 
$
13,110

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(9,161
)
 
(65.0
%)
 
(8,401
)
 
(64.1
%)
Gross profit
4,934

 
35.0
%
 
4,709

 
35.9
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(4,016
)
 
(28.5
%)
 
(3,588
)
 
(27.4
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
918

 
6.5
%
 
1,121

 
8.6
%
Interest expense, net
(112
)
 
(0.8
%)
 
(120
)
 
(0.9
%)
Earnings before income taxes
$
806

 
5.7
%
 
$
1,001

 
7.6
%
1 Subtotals and totals may not foot due to rounding.
The following table summarizes net sales within our Retail Business:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.
$
2,203

 
$
2,259

 
$
7,633

 
$
7,682

Nordstrom.com
782

 
705

 
2,300

 
1,996

Nordstrom
2,985

 
2,964

 
9,933

 
9,678

Nordstrom Rack
960

 
899

 
3,533

 
3,215

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
169

 
112

 
532

 
360

Other retail1
127

 
56

 
378

 
116

Total Retail segment
4,241

 
4,031

 
14,376

 
13,369

Corporate/Other
(98
)
 
(93
)
 
(281
)
 
(259
)
Total net sales
$
4,143

 
$
3,938

 
$
14,095

 
$
13,110

1 Other retail includes Nordstrom Canada full-line stores, Trunk Club and Jeffrey boutiques.





NORDSTROM, INC.
STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS — CREDIT
(unaudited; dollar amounts in millions)
Credit
On October 1, 2015, we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio to TD. Prior to the close of the credit card receivable transaction, credit card revenues included finance charges, interchange fees, late fees and other revenue earned through operation of the Nordstrom private label and Nordstrom Visa credit cards. Following the close of the credit card receivable transaction, and pursuant to the program agreement with TD, we receive our portion of ongoing credit card revenue from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables. Asset amortization and deferred revenue recognition associated with assets and liabilities recorded as part of the transaction are also recorded in credit card revenues, net.
Substantially all of our U.S. Visa and private label receivables were reclassified as "held for sale" during the second quarter of 2015, and resulted in the reversal of the allowance for credit losses on those receivables.
The following tables summarize the results of our Credit segment for the quarter and year ended January 30, 2016 compared with the quarter and year ended January 31, 2015:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Credit card revenues, net
$
51

 
$
105

 
$
342

 
$
396

Credit expenses
(36
)
 
(54
)
 
(159
)
 
(194
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
15

 
51

 
183

 
202

Interest expense

 
(5
)
 
(13
)
 
(18
)
Earnings before income taxes
$
15

 
$
46

 
$
170

 
$
184

 
Quarter Ended
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Allowance at beginning of period
$
1

 
$
75

 
$
75

 
$
80

Bad debt expense

 
13

 
26

 
41

Write-offs

 
(18
)
 
(49
)
 
(70
)
Recoveries

 
5

 
13

 
24

Reversal of allowance for credit losses

 

 
(64
)
 

Allowance at end of period
$
1

 
$
75

 
$
1

 
$
75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annualized net write-offs as a percentage of average credit card receivables1
N/A

 
2.2
%
 
N/A

 
2.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
30 days or more delinquent as a percentage of ending credit card receivables1
 
 
 
 
N/A

 
2.1
%
1 Current period information is no longer meaningful given the remaining credit card receivables are insignificant.





NORDSTROM, INC.
RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE)
(unaudited; dollar amounts in millions)
We believe ROIC is a useful financial measure for investors in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our use of capital and believe ROIC is an important component of shareholders' return over the long term. In addition, we incorporate ROIC in our executive incentive compensation measures. For the 12 fiscal months ended January 30, 2016, our ROIC decreased to 10.7% compared with 12.6% for the 12 fiscal months ended January 31, 2015. This decrease reflected reduced earnings in addition to increased investments supporting growth initiatives.
ROIC is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, return on assets, net earnings, total assets or other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our method of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from other companies’ methods and therefore may not be comparable to those used by other companies. The financial measure calculated under GAAP which is most directly comparable to ROIC is return on assets. The following is a reconciliation of the components of ROIC and return on assets:
 
12 Fiscal Months Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Net earnings
$
600

 
$
720

Add: income tax expense
376

 
465

Add: interest expense
125

 
139

Earnings before interest and income tax expense
1,101

 
1,324

 
 
 
 
Add: rent expense
176

 
137

Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases1
(94
)
 
(74
)
Net operating profit
1,183

 
1,387

 
 
 
 
Less: estimated income tax expense2
(456
)
 
(544
)
Net operating profit after tax
$
727

 
$
843

 
 
 
 
Average total assets3
$
9,076

 
$
8,860

Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities4
(2,993
)
 
(2,730
)
Less: average deferred property incentives3
(548
)
 
(502
)
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases5
1,236

 
1,058

Average invested capital
$
6,771

 
$
6,686

 
 
 
 
Return on assets
6.6
%
 
8.1
%
ROIC
10.7
%
 
12.6
%
1 Capitalized operating leases is our best estimate of the asset base we would record for our leases that are classified as operating if they had met the criteria for a capital lease or we had purchased the property. Asset base is calculated as described in footnote 5 below.
2 Based upon our effective tax rate multiplied by the net operating profit for the 12 fiscal months ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.
3 Based upon the trailing 12-month average.
4 Based upon the trailing 12-month average for accounts payable, accrued salaries, wages and related benefits, and other current liabilities.
5 Based upon the trailing 12-month average of the monthly asset base. The asset base for each month is calculated as the trailing 12 months of rent expense multiplied by eight. The multiple of eight times rent expense is a commonly used method of estimating the asset base we would record for our capitalized operating leases described in footnote 1.







NORDSTROM, INC.
ADJUSTED DEBT TO EBITDAR (NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE)
(unaudited; dollar amounts in millions)
Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is one of our key financial metrics, and we believe that our debt levels are best analyzed using this measure. Our goal is to manage debt levels to maintain an investment-grade credit rating and operate with an efficient capital structure. In evaluating our debt levels, this measure provides a reflection of our credit worthiness that could impact our credit rating and borrowing costs. We also have a debt covenant that requires an adjusted debt to EBITDAR leverage ratio of less than four times. As of January 30, 2016, our Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR was 2.2, compared with 2.1 as of January 31, 2015. This increase was primarily driven by a reduction in earnings before interest and income taxes.
Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, debt to net earnings, net earnings, debt or other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our method of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from other companies' methods and therefore may not be comparable to those used by other companies. The financial measure calculated under GAAP which is most directly comparable to Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is debt to net earnings. The following is a reconciliation of the components of Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR and debt to net earnings:
 
20151
 
20141
Debt
$
2,805

 
$
3,131

Add: estimated capitalized operating lease liability2
1,405

 
1,095

Less: fair value hedge adjustment included in long-term debt
(24
)
 
(36
)
Adjusted Debt
$
4,186

 
$
4,190

 
 
 
 
Net earnings
$
600

 
$
720

Add: income tax expense
376

 
465

Add: interest expense, net
125

 
138

Earnings before interest and income taxes
1,101

 
1,323

 
 
 
 
Add: depreciation and amortization expenses
576

 
508

Add: rent expense
176

 
137

Add: non-cash acquisition-related charges
9

 
12

EBITDAR
$
1,862

 
$
1,980

 
 
 
 
Debt to Net Earnings
4.7

 
4.3

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR
2.2

 
2.1

1 The components of Adjusted Debt are as of January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, while the components of EBITDAR are for the 12 months ended January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015.
2 Based upon the estimated lease liability as of the end of the period, calculated as the trailing 12 months of rent expense multiplied by eight. The multiple of eight times rent expense is a commonly used method of estimating the debt we would record for our leases that are classified as operating if they had met the criteria for a capital lease or we had purchased the property.





NORDSTROM, INC.
FREE CASH FLOW (NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURE)
(unaudited; amounts in millions)
Free Cash Flow is one of our key liquidity measures, and when used in conjunction with GAAP measures, provides investors with a meaningful analysis of our ability to generate cash from our business. For the year ended January 30, 2016, Free Cash Flow increased to $1,131 compared with $96 for the year ended January 31, 2015.
Free Cash Flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, operating cash flows or other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our method of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from other companies' methods and therefore may not be comparable to those used by other companies. The financial measure calculated under GAAP which is most directly comparable to Free Cash Flow is net cash provided by operating activities. The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow:
 
Year Ended
 
January 30, 2016
 
January 31, 2015
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
2,451

 
$
1,220

Less: capital expenditures
(1,082
)
 
(861
)
Less: cash dividends paid
(1,185
)
 
(251
)
Add: proceeds from sale of credit card receivables originated at third parties
890

 

Add (Less): change in credit card receivables originated at third parties
34

 
(8
)
Add (Less): change in cash book overdrafts
23

 
(4
)
Free Cash Flow
$
1,131

 
$
96

 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
$
(144
)
 
$
(889
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(2,539
)
 
(698
)