SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2003
OR
For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-8344
LIMITED BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
Three Limited Parkway, P.O. Box 16000,
Columbus, Ohio
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (614) 415-7000
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 x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes x No ¨
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.50 Par Value
Outstanding at November 28, 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Income
Thirteen and Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
Consolidated Balance Sheets
November 1, 2003, February 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Accountants’ Review Report
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Part II. Other Information
Legal Proceedings
Item 6.
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995
The Company cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Report”) or otherwise made by the Company or management of the Company involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Accordingly, the Company’s future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect the Company’s financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results for 2003 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this Report or otherwise made by the Company or management: changes in consumer spending patterns, consumer preferences and overall economic conditions; the potential impact of national and international security concerns on the retail environment, including any possible military action, terrorist attacks or other hostilities; the impact of competition and pricing; changes in weather patterns; political stability; postal rate increases and charges; paper and printing costs; risks associated with the seasonality of the retail industry; risks related to consumer acceptance of the Company’s products and the ability to develop new merchandise; the ability to retain, hire and train key personnel; risks associated with the possible inability of the Company’s manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner; risks associated with relying on foreign sources of production; and risks associated with the possible lack of availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms. Investors should read Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, for a more detailed discussion of these and other factors. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise its forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.
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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LIMITED BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Thousands except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Net sales
Costs of goods sold, buying and occupancy
Gross income
General, administrative and store operating expenses
Special item
Operating income
Interest expense
Interest income
Other income (loss)
Minority interest
Gain on investees’ stock
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
Provision for income taxes
Net income from continuing operations
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income
Income per basic share:
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income per basic share
Income per diluted share:
Net income per diluted share
Dividends per share
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Thousands)
Current assets:
Cash and equivalents
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other
Total current assets
Property and equipment, net
Goodwill
Trade names and other intangible assets, net
Other assets
Total assets
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Income taxes
Total current liabilities
Deferred income taxes
Long-term debt
Other long-term liabilities
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock
Paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Less: treasury stock, at average cost
Total shareholders’ equity
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on sale of investees’ stock
Debt extinguishment costs
Amortization of deferred compensation
Loss on sale of joint ventures
Minority interest, net of dividends paid
Change in assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Income taxes payable
Other assets and liabilities
Net cash used for operating activities
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures
Proceeds from sale of investees’ stock
Proceeds from sale of joint ventures
Net (expenditures) proceeds related to Easton investment
Other investing activities
Net cash used for investing activities
Financing activities:
Repayment of long-term debt
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
Dividends paid
Repurchase of common stock
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and other
Net cash used for financing activities
Net decrease in cash and equivalents
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year
Cash and equivalents, end of period
In 2002, non-cash investing and financing activities included the issuance of 88.9 million shares of Limited Brands common stock valued at $1.6 billion in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of Intimate Brands, Inc. Class A common stock.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of Presentation
Limited Brands, Inc. (the “Company” or “Limited Brands”) sells women’s and men’s apparel, women’s intimate apparel and personal care products under various trade names through its specialty retail stores and direct response (catalog and e-commerce) businesses.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries including Intimate Brands, Inc. (“IBI” or “Intimate Brands”), an 84% owned subsidiary through March 21, 2002 and wholly-owned thereafter. On March 21, 2002, the Company completed a tax-free tender offer and merger, which resulted in the acquisition of the IBI minority interest (“IBI recombination”). The operating results of Lerner New York (“Lerner”) are reflected as discontinued operations for all periods presented through November 27, 2002 when it was sold to a third party (see Note 4). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities over which the Company exercises significant influence but does not have control are accounted for using the equity method. The Company’s share of the net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in cost of goods sold. The Company’s share of the net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in other income (loss) which amounted to $0.3 million and ($1.0) million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 and ($1.9) million and ($5.6) million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2002, respectively.
Other income (loss) includes a $6.9 million loss related to the sale of certain Mast joint ventures in the first quarter of 2003 and a $6.9 million gain related to the sale of the Structure trademark to a third party in the third quarter of 2003.
The consolidated financial statements as of and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, these consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods.
Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
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2. Stock-Based Compensation
The Company reports stock-based compensation through the disclosure-only requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure-an Amendment to FASB No. 123.” Compensation expense for options is measured using the intrinsic value method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB No. 25”). Under APB No. 25, because the exercise price of the Company’s employee stock options is generally equal to the market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is recognized.
SFAS No. 123 establishes an alternative method of expense recognition for stock-based compensation awards based on fair values. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123:
Thirteen Weeks
Ended
Thirty-nine Weeks
Net income, as reported
Add: Stock compensation cost recorded, net of tax
Deduct: Stock compensation cost calculated under SFAS No. 123, net of tax
Pro forma net income
Earnings per basic share, as reported
Earnings per basic share, pro forma
Earnings per diluted share, as reported
Earnings per diluted share, pro forma
The above stock compensation cost recorded by the Company in 2002 primarily relates to compensation expense resulting from the exchange of both vested and unvested IBI stock awards in connection with the IBI recombination. Stock compensation expense related to the IBI recombination was recognized in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 00-23, “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FASB Interpretation No. 44.”
3. Shareholders’ Equity and Earnings Per Share
At November 1, 2003, one billion shares of $0.50 par value common stock were authorized, 523.9 million were issued and 516.2 million were outstanding. At February 1, 2003, 523.5 million shares were issued and outstanding and at November 2, 2002, 523.0 million shares were issued and outstanding. Ten million shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock were authorized, none of which were issued. In January 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of $150 million of the Company’s common stock. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003, the Company completed the $150 million repurchase by acquiring approximately 9.9 million shares of its common stock at an average price per share of approximately $15.
On October 8, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of an additional $100 million of the Company’s common stock. To date, the Company has not executed any share repurchases under this program.
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Earnings per basic share is computed based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share includes the weighted average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted average shares outstanding.
Weighted average common shares outstanding (thousands):
Common shares issued
Treasury shares
Basic shares
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares
Diluted shares
The quarterly computation of earnings per diluted share excludes options to purchase 14.9 million and 21.9 million shares of common stock at November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002 and the year-to-date computation of earnings per diluted share excludes options to purchase 20.2 million and 10.2 million shares for 2003 and 2002, because the options’ exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares during the period.
4. Discontinued Operations
In the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company sold one of its apparel businesses, Lerner, to an investor group led by the business unit’s President and Chief Executive Officer and affiliates of Bear Stearns Merchant Banking. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company received $79 million in cash, a $75 million subordinated note and warrants for approximately 15% of the common equity of the new company. A $26 million fair value discount was recorded on the subordinated note, which is being accreted to income over the term of the note. The subordinated note bears interest at 10% to be accrued and added to the principal balance of the note. The subordinated note and related accrued interest are due on November 26, 2009. During the first quarter of 2003, the Company received approximately $38 million in additional cash consideration based on Lerner’s net working capital at closing.
The transaction resulted in an after-tax loss of approximately $4 million in the fourth quarter of 2002, which reflects transaction costs and a $12 million liability for the estimated fair value of the Company’s lease guarantees. The Company’s financial statements reflect Lerner’s operating results (including the transaction loss) as a discontinued operation for all periods presented in accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.
The Company will continue to provide certain corporate services to Lerner under service agreements which expire at various dates through 2007.
5. Special Item
In connection with the IBI recombination, vested IBI stock options and restricted stock were exchanged for Limited Brands stock awards with substantially similar terms. In accordance with EITF No. 00-23, “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FASB Interpretation No. 44,” the exchange was accounted for as a modification of a stock-based compensation arrangement. As a result, the Company recorded a pretax, non-cash special charge of $33.8 million in the first quarter of 2002.
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6. Gain on Investees’ Stock
During the first quarter of 2003, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $79.7 million resulting from the sale of approximately one-half of its ownership in Alliance Data Systems Corp. (“ADS”) in a secondary offering.
During the third quarter of 2003, the Company sold its remaining interest in ADS resulting in a $128.4 million pretax gain. The net proceeds from the sale of $192.9 million were included in accounts receivable in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet and were collected on November 5, 2003. Prior to the third quarter sale, the Company’s ownership interest in ADS was approximately 10% and was accounted for using the equity method.
7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The Company adopted SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” in the first quarter of 2002. Under SFAS No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but must be tested for impairment annually (or in interim periods if events indicate possible impairment). Other intangible assets will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.
Intangible assets, not subject to amortization, primarily represent trade names that were recorded in connection with the IBI recombination and were $411.0 million as of November 1, 2003, February 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002.
Intellectual property assets and other intangibles, subject to amortization, were as follows (in thousands):
Gross carrying amount
Accumulated amortization
Intellectual property assets and other intangibles, net
The estimated annual amortization expense for intangibles is approximately $8 million each year through 2006 and approximately $5 million in 2007, at which time intangible assets will be fully amortized.
There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003.
8. Inventories
The fiscal year of the Company and its subsidiaries is comprised of two principal selling seasons: spring (the first and second quarters) and fall (the third and fourth quarters). Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market, on a weighted average cost basis, using the retail method. Inventory valuation at the end of the first and third quarters reflects adjustments for estimated inventory markdowns for the total selling season.
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9. Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment, net consisted of (thousands):
November 1,
2003
February 1,
November 2,
2002
Property and equipment, at cost
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
10. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and, for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2002, also reflects the nondeductible expense related to the exchange of vested IBI incentive stock options. Income taxes paid during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002 approximated $322.1 million and $340.3 million. Income taxes payable included net current deferred tax liabilities of $51.7 million at November 1, 2003, $55.7 million at February 1, 2003 and $22.2 million at November 2, 2002.
The Company’s effective tax rate has historically reflected and continues to reflect a provision related to the undistributed earnings of foreign affiliates. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has assessed the Company for additional taxes and interest for the years 1992 to 1998 relating to the undistributed earnings of foreign affiliates. On September 7, 1999, the United States Tax Court sustained the position of the IRS with respect to the 1992 year. In connection with an appeal of the Tax Court judgment, in 1999 the Company made a $112 million payment of taxes and interest for the years 1992 to 1998 that reduced deferred tax liabilities.
On March 29, 2002, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled in favor of the Company, reversing the previous Tax Court judgment relating to the 1992 year. This ruling also applied to years 1993 and 1994. In the third quarter of 2003, the Company reached agreement with the IRS regarding the computation of interest and recognized interest income of $30.1 million related to our appeal of the 1992 through 1994 years, of which $28 million was included in accounts receivable and the remaining balance reduced deferred tax liabilities. Subsequent to the end of the third quarter, the Company collected the $28 million interest receivable balance.
The Company is pursuing additional actions to obtain any refunds related to the 1995 through 1998 years.
11. Long-Term Debt
Unsecured long-term debt consisted of (thousands):
6 1/8% $300 million Notes due December 2012, less unamortized discount
6.95% $350 million Debentures due March 2033, less unamortized discount
7 1/2% $250 million Debentures due March 2023, less unamortized discount
In the first quarter of 2003, the Company issued $350 million of 6.95% debentures due March 1, 2033 under a 144A private placement. In connection with a registration statement filed with the SEC, the Company exchanged $349.5 million of the privately held securities for $349.5 million of securities registered with the SEC with identical terms through a non-taxable exchange offer. The $0.5 million of securities that were not exchanged remain outstanding as privately held securities.
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Also in the first quarter of 2003, the Company redeemed its 7½% debentures due 2023 at a redemption price equal to 103.16% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest through the call date. The early redemption of these securities resulted in a pretax charge of $13.4 million, comprised of the call premium and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees and discounts. This charge was included in interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
In the second quarter of 2003, the Company filed a shelf registration statement, under which up to $500 million of debt securities, common and preferred stock, and other securities may be issued. To date, no securities have been issued under this registration statement.
The Company currently has a $1.25 billion unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Facility”). The Facility is comprised of a $500 million 364-day agreement and a $750 million 5-year agreement. Borrowings outstanding under the Facility, if any, are due June 25, 2004 and July 13, 2006, respectively. The Facility has several borrowing and interest rate options. Fees payable under the Facility are based on the Company’s long-term credit ratings, and are currently 0.1% (for the 364-day agreement) and 0.125% (for the 5-year agreement) of the committed amount per year.
The Facility requires the Company to maintain certain specified fixed charge and debt to capital ratios. The Company was in compliance with these requirements at November 1, 2003.
The Facility supports the Company’s commercial paper and letter of credit programs, which are used from time to time to fund working capital and other general corporate requirements. The Company did not issue commercial paper or draw on the Facility during the first three quarters of 2003. In addition, no commercial paper or amounts under the Facility were outstanding at November 1, 2003.
Cash paid for interest during the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002 was $43.1 million and $28.0 million, respectively.
12. Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of certain subsidiaries, the Company has remaining guarantees of approximately $536 million related to lease payments of Abercrombie & Fitch, Too Inc. (formerly Limited Too), Galyan’s, Lane Bryant and Lerner under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2015, unless extended or renewed. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate only to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the subsidiaries. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended. The Company believes the likelihood of material liability being triggered under these guarantees, with respect to existing and extended leases, is remote.
In conjunction with the sale of Lerner, the Company recognized a liability of $12 million representing the estimated fair value of the Company’s obligation as guarantor in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” effective for guarantees issued after May 15, 2002.
Also, in connection with the Company’s investment in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”), the Company has guaranteed $25 million of ETC’s $210 million secured bank loan.
Additionally, the Company has issued a $30 million standby letter of credit, on which the City of Columbus, Ohio (the “City”) can draw solely to pay principal and interest on public bonds issued by the City for infrastructure development at Easton. The Company does not currently anticipate that the City will be required to draw funds under the letter of credit.
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13. Segment Information
The Victoria’s Secret segment derives its revenues from sales of women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care products and accessories marketed under the Victoria’s Secret brand name. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold through its stores and direct response (catalog and e-commerce) businesses. The Bath & Body Works segment derives its revenues from the sale of personal care products and accessories and home fragrance products marketed under the Bath & Body Works and White Barn Candle Company brand names. The Apparel segment derives its revenues from sales of women’s and men’s apparel through Express and Limited Stores.
Segment information as of and for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002 follows (in thousands):
Operating income (loss)
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14. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” This interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Instruments,” establishes standards for determining under what circumstances a variable interest entity should be consolidated with its primary beneficiary. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities acquired before February 1, 2003, the effective date of this interpretation was deferred from the third quarter of 2003 until the fourth quarter of 2003. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting FIN 46, but does not anticipate that the adoption will have a material impact on its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.
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To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of Limited Brands, Inc.:
We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Limited Brands, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 1, 2003, the consolidated statements of income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2003 and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the thirty-nine week period ended November 1, 2003. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. The consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of November 2, 2002, the consolidated statements of income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2002 and the consolidated statement of cash flows for the thirty-nine week period ended November 2, 2002 were reviewed by other accountants whose report dated November 21, 2002, except for Note 12 as to which the date is November 27, 2002, stated that they were not aware of any material modifications that should be made to those statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data, and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, which will be performed for the full year with the objective of expressing an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the accompanying consolidated financial statements at November 1, 2003, and for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods then ended for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The consolidated balance sheet of Limited Brands, Inc. as of February 1, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) were audited by other accountants, and in their report dated February 27, 2003, they expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. Based on our review and reliance upon the report of other auditors, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of February 1, 2003, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
November 19, 2003
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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 4% to $1.847 billion from $1.768 billion for the third quarter of 2002. Comparable store sales increased 2% for the quarter. Operating income increased to $42.2 million from $17.3 million in 2002, net income increased to $129.7 million from $15.8 million in 2002 and diluted earnings per share increased to $0.25 from $0.03 in 2002. The results for the third quarter of 2003 include a gain of $0.16 per share ($128.4 million before taxes) related to the sale of the Company’s remaining interest in Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“ADS”), an interest refund from a tax settlement of $0.03 per share ($30.1 million before taxes) and a gain related to the sale of the Structure trademark to a third party of $0.01 per share ($6.9 million before taxes).
Net sales for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 increased 4% to $5.703 billion from $5.479 billion in 2002. Comparable store sales increased 1% for the first three quarters of 2003. Operating income increased to $321.6 million from $250.4 million in 2002. Net income increased to $329.2 million from $148.9 million in 2002, and diluted earnings per share increased to $0.63 from $0.29 in 2002.
There were a number of items that impact the comparability of the Company’s reported results. See “Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited),” the “Special Item,” “Gain on Investee’s Stock,” and “Adjusted Data” sections for a discussion of these items and the impact on 2003 and 2002 earnings.
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Financial Summary
The following summarized financial and statistical data compares reported results for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002:
Victoria’s Secret Stores
Victoria’s Secret Direct
Total Victoria’s Secret
Bath & Body Works
Express
Limited Stores
Total apparel businesses
Other (a)
Total net sales
Victoria’s Secret
Apparel
Sub-total
Special item (b)
Total operating income
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Comparable Store Sales (a):
Henri Bendel
Total comparable store sales increase
Retail sales per average selling square foot:
Retail sales per average store (thousands):
Average store size at end of quarter (selling square feet):
Selling square feet at end of quarter (thousands):
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Number of Stores:
Beginning of period
Opened
Closed
End of period
Express Women’s
Express Men’s
Express Dual Gender
Total Express
Total apparel
Total stores and selling sq. ft.
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Net Sales
Net sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 4% to $1.847 billion from $1.768 billion for the third quarter of 2002. The increase in sales was driven by Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Mast, partially offset by declines at the apparel businesses.
At Victoria’s Secret, net sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 8% to $733.4 million from $677.5 million in 2002. The net sales increase was primarily driven by an increase in comparable store sales of 5% or $25.0 million and the net increase in sales associated with new, closed and non-comparable remodeled stores of $16.5 million. The increase in comparable store sales resulted from continued sales growth in the bra category driven by the Very Sexy and Angels sub-brands as well as sales growth in the panty category driven by the Angels and Body by Victoria sub-brands. Growth in the beauty category was driven by the fall launch of the Breathless fine fragrance and the continued success of the Very Sexy for Her fine fragrance. New scents within the Garden product line also drove sales growth. Net sales at Victoria’s Secret Direct increased 9% or $14.4 million driven by sales growth in the bra, panty and clothing categories.
At Bath & Body Works, net sales for the third quarter of 2003 increased 4% to $320.3 million from $309.3 million for the third quarter of 2002. The net sales increase was driven by an increase in comparable store sales of 3% or $7.7 million and an increase in sales associated with new, closed and non-comparable remodeled stores of $3.3 million. The increase in comparable store sales was primarily driven by sales growth in the home fragrance category, giftsets and through incremental direct mail promotional campaigns. Net sales of the core bath products line were flat to last year.
At the apparel businesses, net sales for the third quarter of 2003 decreased 2% to $663.2 million from $675.4 million in 2002. The net sales decline was due to the comparable store sales decrease of 2% or $9.2 million and the net decrease in sales associated with closed, new and non-comparable remodeled stores of $3.0 million. Comparable store sales at Express decreased 2% or $9.7 million driven primarily by the women’s business, where declines in sweaters, skirts and denim were only partially offset by growth in knit tops and pants. Comparable stores sales at Limited Stores were flat for the quarter. Sales growth in tops, sweaters and pants were substantially offset by a decline in outerwear, dresses and accessories. In addition, during the third quarter of 2003 the Company changed the promotional cadence at the apparel businesses, shifting from storewide percentage off direct mail and coupon activity to key item promotions and a clearance sale that occurred in late September.
The net sales increase at Mast was primarily driven by sales to Lerner, which became a third party customer upon its disposition in November 2002.
Year-to-date net sales increased 4% to $5.703 billion from $5.479 billion in 2002. The increase in sales was driven by Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Mast, partially offset by declines at the apparel businesses.
At Victoria’s Secret, year-to-date net sales increased 7% to $2.454 billion from $2.304 billion in 2002. The increase was driven by an increase in comparable store sales of 4% or $63.3 million and the net increase in sales associated with new, closed and non-comparable remodeled stores of $57.5 million. The increase in comparable store sales was driven primarily by sales increases in the bra, panty and beauty categories. Net sales at Victoria’s Secret Direct increased 5% or $29.2 million driven by sales increases in the panty, sleepwear and accessory categories.
At Bath & Body Works, year-to-date net sales increased 3% to $1.035 billion from $1.004 billion in 2002. The increase was driven by the net increase in sales associated with new, closed and non-comparable remodeled stores of $15.7 million and an increase in comparable store sales of 2% or $15.4 million. The increase in comparable store sales was driven by increases in the True Blue Spa product line, giftsets and the home fragrance category, partially offset by sales declines in the core bath products line, primarily in the first quarter of 2003.
At the apparel businesses, net sales for the first three quarters of 2003 decreased 2% to $1.868 billion from $1.905 billion in 2002. The decline resulted primarily from a decrease in comparable store sales of 1% or $25.5 million and the net decrease in sales associated with closed, new and non-comparable remodeled stores of $11.3 million. The decrease in comparable store sales at Express of 1% or $14.1 million in the first three quarters of 2003 was driven primarily by declines in sweaters, woven pants and denim in the women’s business. Comparable store sales at Limited Stores decreased 3% or $11.4 million driven by declines in outerwear, dresses and accessories that more than offset sales growth in tops, sweaters and wear to work pants.
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Gross Income
For the third quarter of 2003, the gross income rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 32.2% from 31.9% for the same period in 2002. A slight decline in the merchandise margin rate was more than offset by leverage in buying and occupancy expense.
The increase in the gross income rate at Victoria’s Secret was primarily the result of a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate and an increase in the merchandise margin rate. The decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate resulted from the ability to achieve leverage on a comparable store sales increase of 5%. The increase in the merchandise margin rate is primarily the result of higher initial mark-ups at Victoria’s Secret Direct. The gross income rate at Bath & Body Works increased over last year primarily due to a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate driven by leverage achieved on a comparable store sales increase of 3%.
The apparel businesses’ gross income rate was about flat to last year. Improvements in the merchandise margin rate and buying and occupancy expense rate at Limited Stores were substantially offset by declines at Express. In addition, the gross income rate at Mast declined due primarily to a decrease in joint venture income resulting from the sale of certain joint ventures since last year and to transition costs associated with the home office relocation to Columbus, Ohio.
The year-to-date gross income rate decreased to 33.5% from 33.9% in 2002. The decrease in the gross income rate was primarily driven by Express and Mast, partially offset by increases at Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works. The decrease at Express was primarily driven by higher promotional activity and markdowns and the inability to leverage buying and occupancy costs on a comparable store sales decrease of 1%. The decrease in the gross income rate at Mast was driven primarily by a decrease in joint venture income resulting from the sale of certain joint ventures since last year and to transition costs associated with the home office relocation to Columbus, Ohio. These declines in the gross income rate were partially offset by leverage on buying and occupancy costs at Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works on comparable store sales increases of 4% and 2%, respectively.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the third quarter of 2003, the general, administrative and store operating expense rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 30.0% from 30.9% last year. The rate improvement was driven by expense leverage on store selling costs primarily at Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret.
The year-to-date general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 27.8% from 28.7% in 2002 primarily due to expense leverage on store selling costs at Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret as well as a decrease in incentive compensation.
Special Item
In connection with the IBI recombination in March of 2002, vested IBI stock options and restricted stock were exchanged for Limited Brands stock awards with substantially similar terms. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 00-23, “Issues Related to the Accounting for Stock Compensation under APB Opinion No. 25 and FASB Interpretation No. 44,” the exchange was accounted for as a modification of a stock-based compensation arrangement. As a result, the Company recorded a pretax, non-cash special charge of $33.8 million in the first quarter of 2002.
Operating Income
The operating income rate in the third quarter of 2003 (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 2.3% from 1.0% in 2002. The increase was primarily the result of a 0.9% decrease in the general, administrative and store operating expense rate and a 0.3% increase in the gross income rate.
The year-to-date operating income rate increased to 5.6% from 4.6% in 2002. Excluding the special item in 2002, the operating income rate was about flat to last year as an improvement in the general, administrative and store operating expense rate was partially offset by a decline in the gross income rate.
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Interest Expense
Average borrowings (millions)
Average effective interest rate
The Company incurred $11.7 million in interest expense for the third quarter of 2003 compared to $6.4 million for the same period in 2002. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to an increase in average daily borrowings, partially offset by a decrease in average borrowing rates.
Year-to-date interest expense increased to $50.1 million in 2003 from $21.8 million in 2002. The increase was primarily due to costs of $13 million associated with the retirement of the Company’s $250 million 7 1/2% notes due in 2023, which included the payment of a call premium and the write-off of unamortized discounts and fees. An increase in average daily borrowings, partially offset by a decrease in average borrowing rates, also contributed to the overall increase in interest expense.
Other Non-operating Items
For the third quarter of 2003, interest income increased to $36.8 million from $5.7 million in 2002. The increase primarily relates to an interest refund of $30.1 million from a tax settlement (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)). Year-to-date interest income increased to $54.1 million from $19.7 million in 2002 primarily due to the interest refund described above.
For the third quarter of 2003, other income (loss) was $5.1 million compared to ($1.1) million for the third quarter of 2002. The increase in other income compared to the prior year third quarter primarily relates to a $6.9 million gain from the sale of the Structure trademark to a third party. Year-to-date other income (loss) was ($2.5) million compared to ($3.7) million in 2002. Excluding the gain on the Structure trademark, the loss in 2003 was driven by a $6.9 million loss on the sale of certain Mast joint ventures in the first quarter of 2003.
Gain on Investee’s Stock
During the first quarter of 2003, the Company recognized a pretax gain of $79.7 million resulting from the sale of approximately one-half of its ownership in ADS in a secondary offering. During the third quarter of 2003, the Company sold its remaining interest in ADS resulting in a pretax gain of $128.4 million. Prior to the third quarter sale, the Company’s ownership interest in ADS was approximately 10% and was accounted for using the equity method.
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Adjusted Data
The adjusted income information provides non-GAAP financial measures and gives effect to certain significant transactions and events that impact the comparability of the Company’s results in 2003 and 2002. The following table adjusts net income for such transactions and events (as described below) to determine the adjusted results, and reconciles the adjusted results to net income reported in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
The gain on investee’s stock in 2003 resulted from transactions that do not relate to the performance of the Company’s core business. The IBI recombination and sale of Lerner are transactions that occurred in prior periods and, therefore, affect the comparability of current period results and also do not relate to the core performance of the Company’s business.
Management believes that the adjusted results provide useful information as to the Company’s underlying business performance and assessment of ongoing operations. The adjusted income information should not be construed as an alternative to the reported results determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Further, the Company’s definition of adjusted income information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.
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Reconciliation of Adjusted Income Information (thousands except per share amounts):
Weighted average shares outstanding
See Notes to Reconciliation of Adjusted Income Information on next page.
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Other loss
Income from continuing operations
Notes to Reconciliation of Adjusted Income Information:
As a result of its sale on November 27, 2002, Lerner’s results have been reflected in discontinued operations and were excluded in determining adjusted results for 2002 (see Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). In addition, the adjusted results reflect the addition of interest income on the $75 million note received from Lerner, which would have been earned in 2002 had the business been sold at the beginning of 2002.
The 2002 adjusted results exclude a $33.8 million non-cash charge for vested stock awards related to the IBI recombination.
On March 21, 2002, the Company completed a tender offer and merger that resulted in the acquisition of the IBI minority interest. The adjusted results:
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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Cash provided by operating activities and funds available from commercial paper backed by bank credit agreements provide the resources to support current operations, projected growth, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Changes in consumer spending patterns, consumer preferences and overall economic conditions could impact the availability of future operating cash flows.
A summary of the Company’s working capital position and capitalization follows (millions):
Working capital
Capitalization:
Shareholders’ equity
Total capitalization
Additional amounts available under credit agreements
The Company’s operations are seasonal in nature, leading to significant fluctuations in certain asset and liability accounts between fiscal year-end and subsequent interim periods. Consequently, the Company believes the most meaningful analysis of operating cash flows is one that compares the current interim period changes to the prior interim period changes.
Net cash used for operating activities was $151.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 versus $128.5 million used for operating activities for the same period in 2002. The primary differences in cash used for operating activities were changes in working capital, partially offset by a decrease in income taxes paid. The cash used for income taxes was higher in 2002 versus the same period in 2003 due to increased pretax income in 2001 which includes the gain from the sale of Lane Bryant.
In 2003, investing activities primarily included $232.1 million in capital expenditures, partially offset by cash inflows of $130.7 million from the sale of approximately one-half of the Company’s investment in ADS. Investing activities in 2002 primarily included capital expenditures of $242.8 million and cash inflows of $65.4 million from the sale of Charming Shoppes stock, $34.1 million from the sale of joint ventures and the collection of a long-term note receivable.
Financing activities in 2003 consisted of the issuance of $350 million in long-term debt, which was more than offset by the redemption of $250 million in debentures, quarterly dividend payments of $0.10 per share or $156.3 million and the repurchase of 9.9 million shares of common stock for $150.0 million. Financing activities in 2002 included the repayment of $150 million in long-term debt and quarterly dividend payments of $0.075 per share or $110.8 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options.
On October 8, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized the repurchase of an additional $100 million of the Company’s common stock. To date, the Company had not executed any share repurchases under this program.
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Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures amounted to $232.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2003 compared to $242.8 million for the same period in 2002. The Company anticipates capital spending to be approximately $310 million in 2003, the majority of which will be for the remodeling of and improvements to existing stores and for new stores. Remaining capital expenditures are primarily related to information technology and distribution center projects. The Company expects that 2003 capital expenditures will be funded principally by net cash provided by operating activities.
Impact of Inflation
The Company’s results of operations and financial condition are presented based on historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, the Company believes the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, and contingencies. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Management believes the following assumptions and estimates are most significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position.
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Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The market risk of the Company’s financial instruments as of November 1, 2003 has not significantly changed since February 1, 2003. Information regarding the Company’s financial instruments and market risk as of February 1, 2003 is disclosed in the Company’s 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Explanation of disclosure controls and procedures. Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to them by others within those entities.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred in the third quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business.
In May and June 1999, purported shareholders of the Company filed three derivative actions in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, naming as defendants the members of the Company’s board of directors and the Company, as nominal defendant. The actions thereafter were consolidated. The operative complaint generally alleged that the rescission of the Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement previously entered into by the Company with Leslie H. Wexner and The Wexner Children’s Trust (the “Contingent Stock Redemption Agreement”) constituted a waste of corporate assets and a breach of the board members’ fiduciary duties, and that the issuer tender offer completed on June 3, 1999 was a “wasteful transaction in its own right.” On February 16, 2000, plaintiffs filed a first amended consolidated derivative complaint (the “amended complaint”), which made allegations similar to the first complaint but added allegations apparently intended to show that certain directors were not disinterested in those decisions. Defendants moved to dismiss the amended complaint on April 14, 2000 and oral argument was heard on March 28, 2001. On March 27, 2002, the Court granted the motion in part and denied the motion in part. On May 10, 2002, the Company’s board of directors appointed a special litigation committee composed of directors Donald B. Shackelford and Raymond Zimmerman and granted that committee the authority to investigate the claims asserted in the amended complaint and to determine the Company’s response to them. On October 31, 2002, the special litigation committee (“SLC”) filed a motion on behalf of the Company to dismiss the action on the basis that pursuit of the claims was not in the best interests of the Company. The individual defendants also filed motions to dismiss on the basis of the Company’s motion. On August 14, 2003, the SLC submitted a brief in support of its motion to dismiss the action. On October 15, 2003, plaintiffs submitted a brief in opposition to that motion. Counsel for the SLC has indicated that it will be filing a reply brief. After the motion is fully submitted, the Court is expected to schedule oral argument.
Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the Company’s legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
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Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
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SIGNATURE
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.
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ V. ANN HAILEY
V. Ann Hailey
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer*
Date: December 15, 2003
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