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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 April 30, 2016
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: 001-15059
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington
 
91-0515058
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
 
98101
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
206-628-2111
(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 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 ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
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
Common stock outstanding as of May 25, 2016: 173,435,074 shares
 
 

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NORDSTROM, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).
NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net sales

$3,192

 

$3,115

Credit card revenues, net
57

 
100

Total revenues
3,249

 
3,215

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,100
)
 
(1,999
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,043
)
 
(971
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
106

 
245

Interest expense, net
(31
)
 
(33
)
Earnings before income taxes
75

 
212

Income tax expense
(29
)
 
(84
)
Net earnings

$46

 

$128

 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic

$0.27

 

$0.67

Diluted

$0.26

 

$0.66

 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
173.1

 
190.6

Diluted
175.7

 
194.9

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.
NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net earnings

$46

 

$128

Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax
1

 
2

Foreign currency translation adjustment
27

 
5

Comprehensive net earnings

$74

 

$135

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.


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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
April 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$470

 

$595

 

$769

Accounts receivable, net
224

 
196

 
2,266

Merchandise inventories
2,125

 
1,945

 
2,017

Current deferred tax assets, net
—

 
—

 
256

Prepaid expenses and other
173

 
278

 
110

Total current assets
2,992

 
3,014

 
5,418

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land, property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $5,170, $5,108 and $4,793)
3,789

 
3,735

 
3,445

Goodwill
435

 
435

 
447

Other assets
483

 
514

 
252

Total assets

$7,699

 

$7,698

 

$9,562

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable

$1,456

 

$1,324

 

$1,573

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
320

 
416

 
312

Other current liabilities
1,150

 
1,161

 
1,057

Current portion of long-term debt
10

 
10

 
8

Total current liabilities
2,936

 
2,911

 
2,950

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
2,776

 
2,795

 
3,138

Deferred property incentives, net
536

 
540

 
540

Other liabilities
576

 
581

 
379

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 173.4, 173.5 and 191.0 shares issued and outstanding
2,582

 
2,539

 
2,422

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings
(1,677
)
 
(1,610
)
 
190

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(30
)
 
(58
)
 
(57
)
Total shareholders’ equity
875

 
871

 
2,555

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$7,699

 

$7,698

 

$9,562

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
(Accumulated

 
Accumulated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deficit)

 
Other

 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Retained

 
Comprehensive

 
 
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Earnings

 
Loss

 
Total

Balance at January 30, 2016
173.5

 

$2,539

 

($1,610
)
 

($58
)
 

$871

Net earnings
—

 
—

 
46

 
—

 
46

Other comprehensive earnings
—

 
—

 
—

 
28

 
28

Dividends ($0.37 per share)
—

 
—

 
(63
)
 
—

 
(63
)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans
0.7

 
28

 
—

 
—

 
28

Stock-based compensation
0.2

 
15

 
—

 
—

 
15

Repurchase of common stock
(1.0
)
 
—

 
(50
)
 
—

 
(50
)
Balance at April 30, 2016
173.4

 

$2,582

 

($1,677
)
 

($30
)
 

$875

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other

 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Retained

 
Comprehensive

 
 
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Earnings

 
Loss

 
Total

Balance at January 31, 2015
190.1

 

$2,338

 

$166

 

($64
)
 

$2,440

Net earnings
—

 
—

 
128

 
—

 
128

Other comprehensive earnings
—

 
—

 
—

 
7

 
7

Dividends ($0.37 per share)
—

 
—

 
(71
)
 
—

 
(71
)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans
1.2

 
67

 
—

 
—

 
67

Stock-based compensation
0.1

 
17

 
—

 
—

 
17

Repurchase of common stock
(0.4
)
 
—

 
(33
)
 
—

 
(33
)
Balance at May 2, 2015
191.0

 

$2,422

 

$190

 

($57
)
 

$2,555

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings

$46

 

$128

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
155

 
137

Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net
(17
)
 
(22
)
Deferred income taxes, net
6

 
(10
)
Stock-based compensation expense
20

 
19

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation
—

 
10

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
(1
)
 
(10
)
Bad debt expense
—

 
10

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(27
)
 
16

Merchandise inventories
(212
)
 
(248
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
94

 
(11
)
Accounts payable
192

 
239

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
(100
)
 
(106
)
Other current liabilities
(6
)
 
1

Deferred property incentives
13

 
50

Other liabilities
8

 
5

Net cash provided by operating activities
171

 
208

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(205
)
 
(259
)
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties
—

 
16

Other, net
31

 
4

Net cash used in investing activities
(174
)
 
(239
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts
—

 
16

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(2
)
 
(2
)
Decrease in cash book overdrafts
(33
)
 
(10
)
Cash dividends paid
(63
)
 
(71
)
Payments for repurchase of common stock
(50
)
 
(28
)
Proceeds from issuances under stock compensation plans
28

 
58

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
1

 
10

Other, net
(3
)
 
—

Net cash used in financing activities
(122
)
 
(27
)
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(125
)
 
(58
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
595

 
827

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$470

 

$769

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes (refund), net

($83
)
 

$57

Interest, net of capitalized interest
17

 
30

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies described and applied in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), and reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are, in management’s opinion, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015 are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2016 has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2015 Annual Report. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnote disclosures contained in our 2015 Annual Report.
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to our Anniversary Sale in July and the holidays in the fourth quarter, our sales are typically higher in the second and fourth quarters than in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year. In 2016, our Anniversary Sale will shift to the last week of July and the first week of August, which will move one week of event sales to the third quarter. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which was subsequently modified in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date. The core principle of ASU No. 2014-09 is that companies should recognize revenue when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers occurs in an amount that reflects what the company expects to receive. It requires additional disclosures to describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers. In early 2016, the FASB issued additional ASUs which clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, on identifying performance obligations and licensing and on the revenue recognition criteria. This guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact the provisions will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification dictates whether lease expense is to be recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. This ASU is effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2019. Though we are currently evaluating the impact of these provisions, we expect it will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact the provisions will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 2: CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLE TRANSACTION
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 Bank, N.A. (“TD”) and we entered into a long-term program agreement under which TD is the exclusive issuer of our U.S. consumer credit cards.
In connection with the close of the credit card receivables transaction, we completed the defeasance of our $325 Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in order to provide the credit card receivables to TD free and clear. At close, we received $2.2 billion in cash consideration reflecting the par value of the receivables sold and incurred $32 in transaction-related expenses during the third quarter of 2015. Pursuant to the agreement, we are obligated to offer and administer our loyalty program and perform other account servicing functions. In return, we receive a portion of the ongoing credit card revenue, net of credit losses, from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables.
We recorded certain assets and liabilities associated with the arrangement. The beneficial interest asset is carried at fair value (see Note 5: Fair Value Measurements) and is amortized over approximately four years based primarily on the payment rate of the associated receivables. The deferred revenue and investment in contract asset are recognized/amortized over seven years on a straight line basis, following the delivery of the contract obligations and expected life of the agreement. We record each of these items in credit card revenue, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
NOTE 3: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
 
April 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Credit card receivables and other, net

$225

 

$197

 

$2,336

Allowance for credit losses
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(70
)
Accounts receivable, net

$224

 

$196

 

$2,266

Credit card receivables and other, net as of April 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016 consist of employee credit card receivables and receivables from non-Nordstrom-branded cards. As of May 2, 2015, credit card receivables and other, net also included U.S. Visa and private label receivables sold to TD on October 1, 2015. There have been no material changes to the delinquency status or net credit losses of the receivables sold.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 4: DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
Debt
A summary of our long-term debt, including capital leases, is as follows:
 
April 30, 2016


January 30, 2016


May 2, 2015

Secured
 
 
 
 
 
Series 2011-1 Class A Notes, 2.28%, due October 2016

$—

 

$—

 

$325

Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020
29

 
30

 
35

Other
4

 
5

 
9

Total secured debt
33

 
35

 
369

 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured
 
 
 
 
 
Net of unamortized discount:
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018
649

 
649

 
649

Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020
499

 
499

 
499

Senior notes, 4.00%, due October 2021
500

 
500

 
499

Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028
300

 
300

 
300

Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038
146

 
146

 
146

Senior notes, 5.00%, due January 2044
601

 
600

 
598

Other
58

 
76

 
86

Total unsecured debt
2,753

 
2,770

 
2,777

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
2,786

 
2,805

 
3,146

Less: current portion
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(8
)
Total due beyond one year

$2,776

 

$2,795

 

$3,138

As a condition of closing the credit card receivable transaction (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction), we defeased $325 in secured Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in order to provide the receivables to TD free and clear.
Credit Facilities
As of April 30, 2016, we had total short-term borrowing capacity of $800, which is our $800 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“revolver”) that expires in April 2020, with an option to extend for an additional year. Under the terms of our revolver, we pay a variable rate of interest and a commitment fee based on our debt rating. The revolver is available for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We have the option to increase the revolving commitment by up to $200, to a total of $1,000, provided that we obtain written consent from the lenders. As of April 30, 2016, we had no issuances outstanding under our commercial paper program and no borrowings outstanding under our revolver.
The revolver requires that we maintain an adjusted debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) leverage ratio of less than four times. As of April 30, 2016, we were in compliance with this covenant.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 5: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We disclose our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets by level within the fair value hierarchy as defined by applicable accounting standards:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Other observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by market data that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
We recorded a beneficial interest asset when we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction). We determined the fair value of the beneficial interest asset based on a discounted cash flow model using Level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. Inputs and assumptions include the discount rate, payment rate, credit loss rate and revenues and expenses associated with the program agreement. Given our review of market participant capital structures in the banking and credit card industries and our historical and expected portfolio performance, we used the following ranges of input assumptions to determine the fair value as of April 30, 2016:
 
Minimum

 
Maximum

Discount rate
12
%
 
12
%
Monthly payment rate
6
%
 
13
%
Annual credit loss rate
2
%
 
4
%
Annual revenues as a percent to credit card receivables
12
%
 
18
%
Annual expenses as a percent to credit card receivables
4
%
 
9
%
We recognized $10 of amortization expense for the quarter ended April 30, 2016 on the beneficial interest asset which had a fair value of $27 at April 30, 2016. Amortization primarily reflects payments received on the receivables sold and is recorded in credit card revenues, net.
We did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 2, 2015.
Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certificates of deposit and approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using quoted market prices of the same or similar issues and, as such, this is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement. The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value estimate of our long-term debt, including current maturities:
 
April 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Carrying value of long-term debt

$2,786

 

$2,805

 

$3,146

Fair value of long-term debt
3,085

 
3,077

 
3,606

Non-financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We also measure certain non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, primarily goodwill, investment in contract asset and long-lived tangible and intangible assets, in connection with periodic evaluations for potential impairment. There were no material impairment charges for these assets for the quarters ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015. We estimate the fair value of goodwill, investment in contract asset and long-lived tangible and intangible assets using primarily unobservable inputs and, as such, these are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.
NOTE 6: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Plans for our Manhattan full-line store, which we currently expect to open in 2019, ultimately include owning a condominium interest in a mixed-use tower and leasing certain nearby properties. As of April 30, 2016, we had approximately $201 of fee interest in land, which is expected to convert to a condominium interest once the store is constructed. We have committed to make future installment payments based on the developer meeting pre-established construction and development milestones. In the unlikely event that this project is not completed, the opening may be delayed and we may be subject to future losses or capital commitments in order to complete construction or to monetize our investment in the land.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 7: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On October 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1,000 of our outstanding common stock, through March 1, 2017. During the quarter ended April 30, 2016, we repurchased 1.0 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $50 and had $761 remaining in share repurchase capacity as of April 30, 2016. 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 (“SEC”) rules.
In May 2016, subsequent to quarter end, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, which will be paid on June 15, 2016.
NOTE 8: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Stock options

$8

 

$9

Restricted stock units
6

 
4

Acquisition-related stock compensation
4

 
5

Other
2

 
1

Total stock-based compensation expense, before income tax benefit
20

 
19

Income tax benefit
(6
)
 
(6
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit

$14

 

$13

The following table summarizes our grants:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016
 
May 2, 2015
 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

Stock options
2.5



$16

 
1.7

 

$21

Restricted stock units
0.7

 

$49

 
0.4

 

$78

Performance share units1
0.1

 

$44

 
0.1

 
N/A

1 Performance share units granted in 2015 were liability-based awards, therefore the weighted-average grant-date fair value is not meaningful.
NOTE 9: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net earnings

$46

 

$128

 
 
 
 
Basic shares
173.1

 
190.6

Dilutive effect of stock options and other
2.6

 
4.3

Diluted shares
175.7

 
194.9

 
 
 
 
Earnings per basic share

$0.27

 

$0.67

Earnings per diluted share

$0.26

 

$0.66

 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive stock options and other
6.8

 
1.7


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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 10: SEGMENT REPORTING
The following tables set forth information for our reportable segments: 
 
 
Retail

 
Corporate/Other

 
Retail
Business

 
Credit

 
Total

Quarter Ended April 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 

$3,258

 

($66
)
 

$3,192

 

$—

 

$3,192

Credit card revenues, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
57

 
57

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
189

 
(99
)
 
90

 
16

 
106

Interest expense, net
 
—

 
(31
)
 
(31
)
 
—

 
(31
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
189

 
(130
)
 
59

 
16

 
75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended May 2, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net sales
 

$3,191

 

($76
)
 

$3,115

 

$—

 

$3,115

Credit card revenues, net
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
100

 
100

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
280

 
(83
)
 
197

 
48

 
245

Interest expense, net
 
—

 
(28
)
 
(28
)
 
(5
)
 
(33
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
280

 
(111
)
 
169

 
43

 
212

The following table summarizes net sales within our reportable segments:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.

$1,582

 

$1,699

Nordstrom.com
495

 
480

Nordstrom
2,077

 
2,179

 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
894

 
831

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
166

 
117

Off-price
1,060

 
948

 
 
 
 
Other retail1
121

 
64

Total Retail segment
3,258

 
3,191

Corporate/Other
(66
)
 
(76
)
Total net sales

$3,192

 

$3,115

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

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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:
Strategic and Operational
•
successful execution of our customer strategy, including expansion into new domestic and international markets, acquisitions, investments in our stores and online as well as investments in technology, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from growth initiatives and our ability to provide a seamless experience across all channels,
•
timely and effective execution of our ecommerce initiatives and ability to manage the costs and organizational changes associated with this evolving business model,
•
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 maintain relationships with our employees and to effectively attract, develop and retain our future leaders,
•
effective inventory management processes and systems, fulfillment 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 costs associated with our program agreement with TD,
•
our ability to safeguard our reputation and maintain our vendor relationships,
•
our ability to respond to the business environment, fashion trends and consumer preferences, including changing expectations of service and experience in stores and online, and evolve our business model,
•
the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns in the highly competitive retail industry,
•
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,
Economic and External
•
the impact of economic and market conditions and the resultant impact on consumer spending patterns,
•
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,
Legal and Regulatory
•
our compliance with applicable domestic and international laws, regulations and ethical standards, including those related to banking, employment and tax and the outcome of claims and litigation and resolution of such matters,
•
impact of the current regulatory environment and financial system and health care reforms, and
•
compliance with debt covenants, availability and cost of credit, changes in our credit rating, changes in interest rates, debt repayment patterns and personal bankruptcies.
These and other factors, including those factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

OVERVIEW
Our first quarter results were impacted by lower than expected sales. We had a comparable sales decrease of 1.7%, which fell short of our plan. In response to the sales trends, we have worked aggressively to improve our inventory position. This resulted in ending the quarter with inventory growth of 5.4% relative to total net sales growth of 2.5%, an improvement from the negative 7% spread in the fourth quarter of 2015. While we were disciplined in our planned expenses, our results included unexpected credit chargeback expenses related to an industry change in liability rules and severance charges to realign our corporate support functions.
We continue to expand our reach to serve more customers. We opened six Nordstrom Rack stores in the quarter, which exceeded sales expectations, and when combined with Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook performance, off-price net sales increased 11.8%. We plan to open 15 more new Nordstrom Rack stores this fall. We’re building on the continued success of our Canada expansion with two full-line stores opening this fall in Toronto, the most productive market in Canada and one of the top markets in North America. In the U.S., we plan to open our second full-line store in Austin, Texas, which is a dynamic and growing market.
Our Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program is an important enabler of growth to increase our engagement with new and existing customers. On average our loyalty customers spend four times more and shop three times more than non-members. On May 18th, we launched an expanded program, providing customers the flexibility to earn rewards regardless of how they choose to pay. Our expanded program is expected to drive top-line sales growth and, more importantly, enable us to better engage with our customers.
For the balance of the year, we are prioritizing our resources to assure that every dollar spent is meaningful to the customer experience. Our efforts include continued focus on product relevance, inventory and expense discipline, operational efficiencies and the continual evaluation and prioritization of our capital initiatives. Specifically:
•
We’ve seen strength in our new and emerging brands and are dedicated to offering differentiated products and will continue to introduce and grow relevant brands that are compelling to customers.
•
While we continue to invest in our future growth and view technology as a top priority, we are executing on efficiency opportunities and have implemented a new technology operating model that is expected to optimize productivity and reduce complexity.
•
We are realigning our corporate support functions, which is expected to reduce costs while improving our focus and execution. In our supply chain, we are making changes to improve the unit economics of product delivered to our customers, which includes refining our online assortment and improving our merchandise allocation between stores and fulfillment centers.
•
Given the changes we are seeing in our industry, we completed a review of our five-year capital plan, resulting in approximately $400, or 10%, of reduced spend primarily related to new stores and remodels over the next few years.
While we recognize that the pace of change is increasing, our unwavering goal to serve our customers remains unchanged. We will continue to make the tough but necessary decisions that will ensure we are set up for continued success. We are confident that through our initiatives we are competitively positioned to deliver the products and experiences our customers want, which in turn will deliver long-term value to our shareholders.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our reportable segments are Retail and Credit. We analyze our results of operations through earnings before interest and income taxes for our Retail Business and Credit, while interest expense, income taxes, earnings per share and return on invested capital are discussed on a total Company basis.
Retail Business
Our Retail Business includes our Nordstrom U.S. and Canada full-line stores, Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom Rack stores, Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook, Trunk Club, Jeffrey and our Last Chance clearance store. For purposes of discussion and analysis of our results of operations of our Retail Business, we combine our Retail segment results with revenues and expenses in the “Corporate/Other” column of Note 10: Segment Reporting in Item 1 (collectively, the “Retail Business”).
Certain metrics we use to evaluate the Retail Business may not be calculated in a consistent manner among industry peers. Provided below are definitions of metrics we present within our analysis of the Retail Business:
•
Comparable Sales – sales from stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year. Total Company comparable sales include sales from our online channels.
•
Gross Profit – net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs.
•
Inventory Turnover Rate – annual cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (for all segments) divided by the trailing 4-quarter average inventory.
•
Total Sales Per Square Foot – net sales divided by weighted-average square footage.
•
4-wall Sales Per Square Foot – sales for Nordstrom U.S. and Canada full-line stores, Nordstrom Rack stores, Trunk Club clubhouses, Jeffrey boutiques and our Last Chance store divided by their weighted-average square footage.
Summary
The following table summarizes the results of our Retail Business: 
 
 
Quarter Ended
 
 
April 30, 2016
 
May 2, 2015
 
 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

Net sales
 

$3,192

 
100.0
%
 

$3,115

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
 
(2,099
)
 
(65.8
%)
 
(1,997
)
 
(64.1
%)
Gross profit
 
1,093

 
34.2
%
 
1,118

 
35.9
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(1,003
)
 
(31.4
%)
 
(921
)
 
(29.6
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
 

$90

 
2.8
%
 

$197

 
6.3
%
1 Subtotals and totals may not foot due to rounding.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Retail Business Net Sales
In our ongoing effort to enhance the customer experience, we are focused on providing customers with a seamless experience across our channels. While our customers may engage with us through multiple channels, we know they value the overall Nordstrom brand experience and view us simply as Nordstrom, which is ultimately how we view our business. To provide additional transparency into our net sales by channel, we present the following summary of our Retail Business:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net sales by channel:
 
 
 
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.

$1,582

 

$1,699

Nordstrom.com
495

 
480

Full-price
2,077

 
2,179

 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
894

 
831

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
166

 
117

Off-price
1,060

 
948

 
 
 
 
Other retail1
121

 
64

Retail segment
3,258

 
3,191

Corporate/Other
(66
)
 
(76
)
Total net sales

$3,192

 

$3,115

 
 
 
 
Net sales increase
2.5
%
 
9.8
%
 
 
 
 
Comparable sales increase (decrease) by channel:
 
 
 
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.
(7.7
%)
 
0.5
%
Nordstrom.com
3.1
%
 
19.8
%
Full-price
(5.4
%)
 
4.2
%
Nordstrom Rack
(0.8
%)
 
(0.2
%)
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
41.8
%
 
51.2
%
Off-price
4.6
%
 
4.9
%
Total Company
(1.7
%)
 
4.4
%
 
 
 
 
Sales per square foot:
 
 
 
Total sales per square foot

$111

 

$115

4-wall sales per square foot
89

 
94

Full-line sales per square foot - U.S.
76

 
83

Nordstrom Rack sales per square foot
123

 
130

1 Other retail includes Nordstrom Canada full-line stores, Trunk Club and Jeffrey boutiques.
Total Company net sales increased 2.5% for the first quarter ended 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, while comparable sales decreased 1.7% for the first quarter ended 2016. During the quarter, we relocated one full-line store and opened six Nordstrom Rack stores.
Full-price net sales, which consists of U.S. full-line and Nordstrom.com channels, decreased 4.7% for the first quarter ended 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, while comparable sales decreased 5.4%. These decreases were driven by softer sales across stores and online, merchandise categories and regions. On a comparable basis, full-price experienced a decrease in the total number of items sold, partially offset by an increase in the average selling price per item sold. The top-performing merchandise category was Beauty. The younger customer-focused departments in Women's Apparel continued to reflect strength with positive comparable sales increases. The Midwest was the top-performing full-price geographic region.
U.S. full-line stores’ net sales decreased 6.9% and comparable sales decreased 7.7% for the quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. Nordstrom.com net sales increased 3.1% for the quarter ended April 30, 2016, on top of last year’s 19.8% increase.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Within our off-price offering, Nordstrom Rack net sales increased 7.5%, for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, attributable to 23 new store openings since the end of the first quarter of 2015. Nordstrom Rack comparable sales decreased 0.8% for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016. Also on a comparable basis, the number of transactions decreased at Nordstrom Rack, partially offset by an increase in the average transaction size. Accessories was the top-performing merchandise category, while the Northeast was the top-performing geographic region. Nordstrom Rack sales per square foot decreased 5.2% for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016 primarily due to store expansion.
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook continued to experience outsized growth, with a net sales increase of 41.8%.
Retail Business Gross Profit
The following table summarizes the Retail Business gross profit (“Retail GP”):
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Retail gross profit

$1,093



$1,118

Retail gross profit as a % of net sales
34.2
%

35.9
%
Ending inventory per square foot

$73.87

 

$73.28

Inventory turnover rate
4.42

 
4.53

Our Retail GP rate for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016 decreased 165 basis points primarily due to higher markdowns to better align inventory to current trends. Our Retail GP decreased $25 primarily due to decreased sales at our U.S. full-line stores and higher markdowns across most channels. While sales trends were below expectations, we ended the period with inventory growth of 5.4% and net sales growth of 2.5% resulting in a negative spread of 3%, which represents an improvement over the negative spread of 7% in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Our inventory turnover rate decreased to 4.42 for the trailing 12 months ended April 30, 2016, from 4.53 for the same period 2015, due to softer sales trends experienced since the third quarter of 2015.
Retail Business Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
Retail Business selling, general and administrative expenses (“Retail SG&A”) are summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses

$1,003

 

$921

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses as a % of net sales
31.4
%
 
29.6
%
Our Retail SG&A increased $82 and our Retail SG&A rate increased 188 basis points for the quarter ended April 30, 2016, primarily due to higher credit chargeback expenses associated with an industry change in liability rules effective October 2015, severance charges related to the realignment of corporate support functions and planned fulfillment and technology costs supporting the Company’s growth initiatives.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Credit Segment
As we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio to TD on October 1, 2015, and entered into a long-term program agreement under which TD is the exclusive issuer of our U.S. consumer credit cards, our Credit Segment business has changed. With these changes, although we receive a smaller share of available profits under the program agreement, we no longer fund this portfolio alleviating significant working capital requirements (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction in Item 1).
Summary
The table below provides a detailed view of the operational results of our Credit segment, consistent with Note 10: Segment Reporting:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Credit card revenues, net

$57

 

$100

Credit expenses
(41
)
 
(52
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
16

 
48

Interest expense1
—

 
(5
)
Credit segment earnings before income taxes

$16

 

$43

 
 
 
 
Credit and debit card volume2:
 
 
 
Outside

$1,016

 

$1,053

Inside
1,267

 
1,269

Total volume

$2,283

 

$2,322

1 Prior to the credit card receivable transaction, interest expense was allocated to the Credit segment as if it carried debt of up to 80% of the credit card receivables.
2 Volume represents sales on the total portfolio plus applicable taxes.
Credit Card Revenues, net
The following is a summary of our credit card revenues, net:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Finance charge revenue

$1

 

$64

Interchange fees
1

 
22

Late fees and other
1

 
14

Credit program revenues, net
54

 
—

Total credit card revenues, net

$57

 

$100

Prior to the close of the credit card receivable transaction on October 1, 2015, credit card revenues included finance charges, interchange fees, late fees and other revenue, recorded net of estimated uncollectible finance charges and fees. Finance charges represent interest earned on unpaid balances while interchange fees are earned from the use of Nordstrom Visa credit cards at merchants outside of Nordstrom. Late fees are assessed when a credit card account becomes past due. We continue to recognize revenue in this manner for the credit card receivables retained subsequent to the close of the credit card receivable transaction.
Following the close of the transaction and pursuant to the program agreement with TD, we receive our portion of the ongoing credit card revenue, net of credit losses, from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables, which is recorded in credit program revenues, net. Revenue earned under the program agreement is impacted by the credit quality of receivables, both owned and serviced, and factors such as deteriorating economic conditions, declining creditworthiness of cardholders and the execution of account management and collection activities may heighten the risk of credit losses. Asset amortization and deferred revenue recognition associated with the assets and liabilities recorded as part of the transaction are also recorded in credit program revenues, net.
Credit card revenues, net decreased $43 for the quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, primarily due to the impact of the program agreement with TD.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Credit Expenses
Credit expenses are summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Operational expenses

$40

 

$40

Bad debt expense
—

 
10

Occupancy expenses
1

 
2

Total credit expenses

$41

 

$52

Total credit expenses decreased $11 for the quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, due to a decrease in bad debt expense since the sale of our credit card receivables in the third quarter of 2015.
Total Company Results
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net was $31 for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with $33 for the same period in 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the defeasance of our $325 Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in the third quarter of 2015 as a result of the credit card receivable transaction.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense is summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Income tax expense

$29

 

$84

Effective tax rate
38.4
%
 
39.8
%
The effective tax rate decreased for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, primarily due to increased federal income tax credits.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Basic

$0.27

 

$0.67

Diluted

$0.26

 

$0.66

Earnings per diluted share decreased for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016 compared with the same period in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in comparable sales and an increase in expenses, resulting in lower net earnings. This was partially offset by a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding resulting from increased share repurchases in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2015.
2016 Outlook
We updated our annual earnings per diluted share expectations, reflecting our updated sales outlook and expectations for a continued promotional environment. Our current outlook expectations for fiscal 2016 are as follows:
Net sales (percent)
2.5 to 4.5 increase
Comparable sales (percent)
1 decrease to 1 increase
Retail EBIT (percent)
10 to 20 decrease
Credit EBIT
$70 to $80 million
Earnings per diluted share (excluding the impact of any future share repurchases)
$2.50 to $2.70
The Anniversary Sale, which historically is our largest sale event of the year, is planned to start one week later in July relative to last year. This event shift is expected to result in a less favorable comparison in the second quarter, offset by a favorable comparison in the third quarter. Comparable sales are expected to be impacted by approximately 200 basis points in the second quarter and approximately 250 basis points in the third quarter.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) (Non-GAAP financial measure)
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 April 30, 2016, our ROIC decreased to 10.0% compared with 12.2% for the 12 fiscal months ended May 2, 2015, primarily due to reduced earnings.
We define ROIC as our net operating profit after tax divided by our average invested capital using the trailing 12-month average. 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
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net earnings

$518

 

$709

Add: income tax expense
321

 
459

Add: interest expense
123

 
136

Earnings before interest and income tax expense
962

 
1,304

 
 
 
 
Add: rent expense
182

 
143

Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases1
(96
)
 
(76
)
Net operating profit
1,048

 
1,371

 
 
 
 
Less: estimated income tax expense
(402
)
 
(539
)
Net operating profit after tax

$646

 

$832

 
 
 
 
Average total assets

$8,719

 

$9,069

Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities
(3,039
)
 
(2,806
)
Less: average deferred property incentives
(552
)
 
(510
)
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases2
1,312

 
1,085

Average invested capital

$6,440

 

$6,838

 
 
 
 
Return on assets
5.9
%
 
7.8
%
ROIC
10.0
%
 
12.2
%
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 2 below.
2 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.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We strive to maintain a level of liquidity sufficient to allow us to cover our seasonal cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short-term borrowings. We believe that our operating cash flows, available credit facilities and potential future borrowings are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for the next 12 months and beyond.
Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to maximize shareholder return, maintain our financial position, manage refinancing risk and allow flexibility for strategic initiatives. We regularly assess our debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure requirements, debt service payments, dividend payouts, potential share repurchases and other future investments. We believe that as of April 30, 2016, our existing cash and cash equivalents on-hand of $470, available credit facilities of $800 and potential future operating cash flows and borrowings will be sufficient to fund these scheduled future payments and potential long-term initiatives.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $37 for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in earnings partially offset by favorable changes in working capital.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $174 for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with net cash used of $239 for the same period in 2015 primarily due to a decrease in capital expenditures related to new U.S. full-line stores and relocations.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $122 for the first quarter ended April 30, 2016, compared with $27 for the same period in 2015, primarily due to lower proceeds from common stock issuances, a decrease in cash book overdrafts and an increase in share repurchases.
Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP financial measure)
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 first quarter ended 2016, we had negative Free Cash Flow of ($130) compared with ($116) for the first quarter ended 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:
 
Quarter Ended
 
April 30, 2016

 
May 2, 2015

Net cash provided by operating activities

$171

 

$208

Less: capital expenditures
(205
)
 
(259
)
Less: cash dividends paid
(63
)
 
(71
)
Add: change in credit card receivables originated at third parties
—

 
16

Less: change in cash book overdrafts
(33
)
 
(10
)
Free Cash Flow

($130
)
 

($116
)
 
 
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities

($174
)
 

($239
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(122
)
 
(27
)

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Credit Capacity and Commitments
As of April 30, 2016, we had total short-term borrowing capacity of $800, which is our $800 senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“revolver”) that expires in April 2020, with an option to extend for an additional year. Under the terms of our revolver, we pay a variable rate of interest and a commitment fee based on our debt rating. The revolver is available for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We have the option to increase the revolving commitment by up to $200, to a total of $1,000, provided that we obtain written consent from the lenders. From time to time we utilize our commercial paper program to fund working capital needs, which has the effect of reducing our available liquidity under the revolver until repaid.
As of April 30, 2016, we had no issuances outstanding under our commercial paper program and no borrowings outstanding under our revolver.
Impact of Credit Ratings
Under the terms of our revolver, any borrowings we may enter into will accrue interest for Euro-Dollar Rate Loans at a floating base rate tied to LIBOR, for Canadian Dealer Offer Rate Loans at a floating rate tied to CDOR, and for Base Rate Loans at the highest of: (i) the Euro-Dollar rate plus 100 basis points, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points and (iii) the prime rate.
The rate depends upon the type of borrowing incurred, plus in each case an applicable margin. This applicable margin varies depending upon the credit ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt. At the time of this report, our long-term unsecured debt ratings, outlook and resulting applicable margin were as follows:
 
Credit
Ratings
 
Outlook
Moody’s
Baa1
 
Stable
Standard & Poor’s
BBB+
 
Stable
 
Base Interest
Rate
 
Applicable
Margin

Euro-Dollar Rate Loan
LIBOR
 
1.02
%
Canadian Dealer Offer Rate Loan
CDOR
 
1.02
%
Base Rate Loan
various
 
—

Should the ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt improve, the applicable margin associated with any such borrowings may decrease, resulting in a lower borrowing cost under this facility. Should the ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt worsen, the applicable margin associated with our borrowings may increase, resulting in a higher borrowing cost under this facility.
Debt Covenants
The revolver requires that we maintain an adjusted debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) leverage ratio of less than four times (see the following additional discussion of Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR). As of April 30, 2016, we were in compliance with this covenant.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR (Non-GAAP financial measure)
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 April 30, 2016, our Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR was 2.4, compared with 2.1 as of May 2, 2015. This increase was primarily driven by reduced earnings.
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:
 
20161

 
20151

Debt

$2,786

 

$3,146

Add: estimated capitalized operating lease liability2
1,459

 
1,147

Less: fair value hedge adjustment included in long-term debt
(21
)
 
(33
)
Adjusted Debt

$4,224

 

$4,260

 
 
 
 
Net earnings

$518

 

$709

Add: income tax expense
321

 
459

Add: interest expense, net
123

 
136

Earnings before interest and income taxes
962

 
1,304

 
 
 
 
Add: depreciation and amortization expenses
593

 
526

Add: rent expense
182

 
143

Add: non-cash acquisition-related charges
9

 
14

EBITDAR

$1,746

 

$1,987

 
 
 
 
Debt to Net Earnings
5.4

 
4.4

Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR
2.4

 
2.1

1 The components of Adjusted Debt are as of April 30, 2016 and May 2, 2015, while the components of EBITDAR are for the 12 months ended April 30, 2016 and May 2, 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.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We discussed our interest rate risk and our foreign currency exchange risk in Part II, “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 14, 2016. There have been no material changes to these risks since that time.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the design and effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in the timely and accurate recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of material financial and non-financial information within the time periods specified within the SEC’s rules and forms. Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer also concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.
We are subject from time to time to various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, including lawsuits alleging violations of state and/or federal wage and hour and other employment laws, privacy and other consumer-based claims. Some of these lawsuits include certified classes of litigants, or purport or may be determined to be class or collective actions and seek substantial damages or injunctive relief, or both, and some may remain unresolved for several years. We believe the recorded reserves in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. As of the date of this report, we do not believe any currently identified claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in the aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. Since these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties, our view of them may change in the future.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(c) Repurchases
(Dollar and share amounts in millions, except per share amounts)
The following is a summary of our first quarter share repurchases:
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased

 
Average
Price Paid
Per Share

 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs

 
Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs1

February 2016
(January 31, 2016 to February 27, 2016)
1.0

 

$49.36

 
1.0

 

$761

March 2016
(February 28, 2016 to April 2, 2016)
—

 
—

 
—

 
761

April 2016
(April 3, 2016 to April 30, 2016)
—

 
—

 
—

 
761

Total
1.0

 

$49.36

 
1.0

 
 
1 On October 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1,000 of our outstanding common stock through March 1, 2017. The actual number, price, manner and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions and applicable SEC rules.
Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibits are incorporated herein by reference or are filed or furnished with this report as set forth in the Exhibit Index on page 27 hereof.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
/s/ Michael G. Koppel
Michael G. Koppel
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
Date:
June 1, 2016

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NORDSTROM, INC.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
 
Method of Filing
10.1
 
Form of the 2016 Nonqualified Stock Option Grant Agreement
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2016, Exhibit 10.1
 
 
 
 
 
10.2
 
Form of the 2016 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2016, Exhibit 10.2
 
 
 
 
 
10.3
 
Form of the 2016 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2016, Exhibit 10.3
 
 
 
 
 
10.4
 
Amendment 2016-1 to Nordstrom Leadership Separation Plan
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2016, Exhibit 10.4
 
 
 
 
 
10.5
 
First Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 31, 2016, between Registrant, Bank of America, N.A. as Agent and the Lenders party thereto
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on April 6, 2016, Exhibit 10.1
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Co-President required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certification of Co-President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
Furnished herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Filed herewith electronically
 
 
 
 
 

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