Attached files

file filename
EX-4.1 - FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AMENDED AND RESTATED FIVE-YEAR REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd-201552_ex41.htm
EX-15 - LETTER RE: INCORPORATION OF REPORT OF REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd-201552_ex15.htm
EX-31.1 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CEO - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd-201552_ex311.htm
EX-31.2 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATION OF CFO - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd-201552_ex312.htm
EX-32 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CEO AND CFO - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd-201552_ex32.htm
10-Q - PDF OF ENTIRE SUBMISSION - Bath & Body Works, Inc.ltd20155210q.pdf
EXCEL - IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT - Bath & Body Works, Inc.Financial_Report.xls

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________
FORM 10-Q
 _________________________________
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended May 2, 2015
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 1-8344
 _________________________________
L BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _________________________________
Delaware
 
31-1029810
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
Three Limited Parkway
Columbus, Ohio
 
43230
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(614) 415-7000
(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   ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, 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  ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):    Yes  o    No  ý
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 May 29, 2015
 
 
291,964,478
 




L BRANDS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2015 (Unaudited), January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)
 
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirteen Weeks Ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
*
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “first quarter of 2015” and “first quarter of 2014” refer to the thirteen week periods ending May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively.


2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
Net Sales
$
2,512

 
$
2,391

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
(1,456
)
 
(1,409
)
Gross Profit
1,056

 
982

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(684
)
 
(646
)
Operating Income
372

 
336

Interest Expense
(80
)
 
(84
)
Other Income
77

 
3

Income Before Income Taxes
369

 
255

Provision for Income Taxes
119

 
98

Net Income
$
250

 
$
157

Net Income Per Basic Share
$
0.86

 
$
0.54

Net Income Per Diluted Share
$
0.84

 
$
0.53

Dividends Per Share
$
2.50

 
$
1.34





L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)


 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
Net Income
$
250

 
$
157

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
 
 
 
   Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
17

 
6

   Foreign Currency Translation
(10
)
 
(2
)
   Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges
(10
)
 
(8
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
(3
)
 
(4
)
Total Comprehensive Income
$
247

 
$
153



The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except per share amounts)
 
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
649

 
$
1,681

 
$
912

Marketable Securities
50

 

 

Accounts Receivable, Net
239

 
252

 
216

Inventories
1,139

 
1,036

 
1,219

Deferred Income Taxes
33

 
33

 
28

Other
208

 
230

 
210

Total Current Assets
2,318

 
3,232

 
2,585

Property and Equipment, Net
2,306

 
2,277

 
2,075

Goodwill
1,318

 
1,318

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
411

 
411

 
411

Other Assets
285

 
306

 
274

Total Assets
$
6,638

 
$
7,544

 
$
6,663

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
639

 
$
613

 
$
555

Accrued Expenses and Other
723

 
900

 
661

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 
214

Income Taxes
29

 
166

 
85

Total Current Liabilities
1,391

 
1,679

 
1,515

Deferred Income Taxes
273

 
261

 
217

Long-term Debt
4,760

 
4,765

 
4,758

Other Long-term Liabilities
820

 
820

 
782

Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit):
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred Stock - $1.00 par value; 10 shares authorized; none issued

 

 

Common Stock - $0.50 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 312, 310 and
   309 shares issued; 292, 292 and 292 shares outstanding, respectively
156

 
155

 
155

Paid-in Capital
458

 
427

 
342

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
32

 
35

 
36

Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
(250
)
 
233

 
(351
)
Less: Treasury Stock, at Average Cost; 20, 18 and 17 shares, respectively
(1,003
)
 
(832
)
 
(791
)
Total L Brands, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(607
)
 
18

 
(609
)
Noncontrolling Interest
1

 
1

 

Total Equity (Deficit)
(606
)
 
19

 
(609
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
6,638

 
$
7,544

 
$
6,663


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Year-to-Date
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
250

 
$
157

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets
111

 
110

Amortization of Landlord Allowances
(10
)
 
(10
)
Deferred Income Taxes
11

 
6

Share-based Compensation Expense
26

 
22

Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation
(48
)
 
(35
)
Gain on Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
(78
)
 

Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
13

 
28

Inventories
(100
)
 
(54
)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other
(276
)
 
(206
)
Income Taxes Payable
(89
)
 
(106
)
Other Assets and Liabilities
34

 
(1
)
Net Cash Used for Operating Activities
(156
)
 
(89
)
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(132
)
 
(150
)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
85

 

Purchase of Marketable Securities
(50
)
 

Other Investing Activities
1

 
15

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
(96
)
 
(135
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Repurchase of Common Stock
(114
)
 
(43
)
Dividends Paid
(734
)
 
(392
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation
48

 
35

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
19

 
17

Net Cash Used for Financing Activities
(781
)
 
(383
)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
1

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(1,032
)
 
(607
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
1,681

 
1,519

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
649

 
$
912


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

5


L BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
L Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. The Company is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products and accessories. The Company sells its merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and the United Kingdom ("U.K."), which are primarily mall-based, and through its websites and other channels. The Company's other international operations are primarily through franchise, license and wholesale partners. The Company currently operates the following retail brands:
Victoria’s Secret
Victoria's Secret PINK
Bath & Body Works
La Senza
Henri Bendel
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “first quarter of 2015” and “first quarter of 2014” refer to the thirteen week periods ending May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, respectively.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for investments in unconsolidated entities where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its share of the investee net income or loss. Losses are only recognized to the extent the Company has positive carrying value related to the investee. Carrying values are only reduced below zero if the Company has an obligation to provide funding to the investee. The Company’s share of net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s share of net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s equity investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other-than-temporary loss in value.
Interim Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in the Company’s 2014 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 presentation of the results for the interim periods.
Seasonality of Business
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.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom the Company transacts and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, the Company’s investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits.
The Company also periodically reviews the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which the Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business.

6


Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
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. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, subject to an additional one-year deferral as proposed by the FASB. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard, including the transition method, on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted. This standard requires retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

3. Earnings Per Share and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per basic share are computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share include the weighted-average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted-average shares outstanding.
The following table provides shares utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014:
 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Weighted-average Common Shares:
 
 
 
Issued Shares
311

 
308

Treasury Shares
(18
)
 
(17
)
Basic Shares
293

 
291

Effect of Dilutive Options and Restricted Stock
6

 
6

Diluted Shares
299

 
297

Anti-dilutive Options and Awards (a)
1

 
1

 _______________
(a)
These options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

7


Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock Repurchases
Under the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the following repurchase programs during the first quarter of 2015 and 2014:
 
Amount Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 
Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(in millions)
 
(in thousands)
 
(in millions)
 
 
February 2015 (a)
$
250

 
1,884

 
NA

 
$
171

 
NA

 
$
90.48

November 2012 (b)
$
250

 
NA

 
781

 
NA

 
$
42

 
$
48.42

 _______________
(a)
The February 2015 repurchase program had $79 million remaining as of May 2, 2015.
(b)
The November 2012 repurchase program had $91 million remaining at the time it was cancelled in conjunction with the approval of the February 2015 repurchase program.
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
There were $57 million and $2 million of share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable as of January 31, 2015.
Subsequent to May 2, 2015, the Company repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares of common stock for $42 million under the February 2015 repurchase program.
Dividends
Under the authority and declaration of the Board of Directors, the Company paid the following dividends during 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Ordinary Dividends
 
Special Dividends
 
Total Dividends
 
Total Paid
 
 
(per share)
 
(in millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
$
0.50

 
$
2.00

 
$
2.50

 
$
734

2014
 

 

 

 

First Quarter
 
$
0.34

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.34

 
$
392


4. Inventories
The following table provides details of inventories as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Finished Goods Merchandise
$
1,044

 
$
942

 
$
1,138

Raw Materials and Merchandise Components
95

 
94

 
81

Total Inventories
$
1,139

 
$
1,036

 
$
1,219

Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost, as determined by the weighted-average cost method, or market.


8


5. Property and Equipment, Net
The following table provides details of property and equipment, net as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Property and Equipment, at Cost
$
5,587

 
$
5,480

 
$
5,184

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(3,281
)
 
(3,203
)
 
(3,109
)
Property and Equipment, Net
$
2,306

 
$
2,277

 
$
2,075

Depreciation expense was $111 million and $110 million for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

6. Equity Investments and Other
Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company divested its remaining ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners. The Company received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). The gain is included in Other Income in the first quarter 2015 Consolidated Statement of Income and the cash proceeds are included in Proceeds from Divestiture of the Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business within the Investing Activities section of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The Company continues to provide certain transition services related to logistics and technology. The terms of these agreements range from one to two years with the last agreement expiring in October 2016.
The Company's carrying value for this equity method investment was $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $5 million as of May 3, 2014 and is included in Other Assets on the January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's share of net income (loss) from this investment was included in Other Income on the first quarter 2014 Consolidated Statement of Income.
Easton Investments
The Company has land and other investments in Easton, a 1,300-acre planned community in Columbus, Ohio, that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space. These investments totaled $98 million as of May 2, 2015, $101 million as of January 31, 2015 and $99 million as of May 3, 2014 and are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in the Company’s Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”), an entity that owns and has developed a commercial entertainment and shopping center. The Company’s investment in ETC is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in ETC, but another unaffiliated member manages ETC. Certain significant decisions regarding ETC require the consent of unaffiliated members in addition to the Company.
Also included in the Company's Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Gateway, LLC ("EG"), an entity that owns and is developing a commercial shopping center in the Easton community. The Company has a majority financial interest in EG, but another unaffiliated member manages the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of EG including leasing, tenant relationships and maintenance of the center. Certain significant decisions regarding EG require the consent of the unaffiliated member in addition to the Company. In April 2014, EG entered into a construction loan for financing related to the development of the commercial shopping center that matures in April 2017. In conjunction with the EG loan, the Company, along with the unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center.
The Company has concluded EG is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary as defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810, Consolidation, and, therefore, accounts for its investment in EG using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in EG totaled $33 million as of May 2, 2015, $34 million as of January 31, 2015 and $35 million as of May 3, 2014. The Company’s estimated maximum potential loss from its involvement with EG totaled $43 million as of May 2, 2015. This includes the Company’s equity investment of $33 million and the Company’s estimated maximum potential loss from its guarantees related to EG's construction loan of $10 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant.

7. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.

9


For the first quarter of 2015, the Company’s effective tax rate was 32.2% compared to 38.5% in the first quarter of 2014. The first quarter 2015 rate was lower than the Company's combined statutory federal and state rates primarily due to the foreign portion of the divestiture of our third-party apparel sourcing business.
As of May 2, 2015, any unrecognized deferred income tax liability resulting from the Company's undistributed foreign earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future; furthermore, the undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If the Company elects to distribute these foreign earnings in the future, they could be subject to additional income taxes. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.
Income taxes paid were approximately $188 million and $197 million for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

8. Long-term Debt
The following table provides the Company’s long-term debt balance as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”)
1,000

 
1,000

 
1,000

$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”)
500

 
500

 
500

$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a)
498

 
501

 
493

$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”)
400

 
400

 
400

Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
$
3,398

 
$
3,401

 
$
3,393

Senior Unsecured Debt
 
 
 
 
 
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b)
$
713

 
$
715

 
$
716

$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033, Less Unamortized Discount (“2033 Notes”)
350

 
350

 
350

$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037, Less Unamortized Discount (“2037 Notes”)
299

 
299

 
299

5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”)(c)

 

 
214

Total Senior Unsecured Debt
$
1,362

 
$
1,364

 
$
1,579

Total
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,972

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 
(214
)
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,758

 ________________
(a)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $5 million as of May 2, 2015, $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $2 million as of May 3, 2014.
(b)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $13 million as of May 2, 2015, $15 million as of January 31, 2015 and $17 million as of May 3, 2014.
(c)
The outstanding principal balance was $213 million as of May 3, 2014. The total balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $1 million as of May 3, 2014.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, the Company repaid the remaining $213 million of its 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facility
The Company maintains a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding

10


U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of May 2, 2015, the Company was in compliance with both of its financial covenants and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of May 2, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports the Company’s letter of credit program. The Company had $19 million of outstanding letters of credit as of May 2, 2015 that reduce its remaining availability under the Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
For information related to the Company’s fair value interest rate swap arrangements, see Note 9, “Derivative Instruments.”

9. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Exchange Risk
In January 2007, the Company entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to approximately CAD$470 million of intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps mitigate the exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate related to the Company’s Canadian operations. The cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed-rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed-rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The remaining cross-currency swaps mature in January 2016 and January 2018 at the same time as the related loans and are designated as cash flow hedges of foreign currency exchange risk. Changes in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate and the related swap settlements result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans.
In November 2014, the Company terminated cross-currency swaps of CAD$200 million related to the intercompany loans maturing in January 2015 and January 2017. The Company paid $4 million to settle the swaps. This $4 million expense related to the settlement of the swaps, as well as the foreign currency gains on these intercompany loans of $6 million, were recognized in earnings in the fourth quarter of 2014.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Other Long-term Assets
$
11

 
$
21

 
$

Other Long-term Liabilities

 

 
21

The following table provides a summary of the pre-tax financial statement effect of the gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges for the first quarter 2015 and 2014:
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
Location
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
(in millions)
Loss Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(8
)
Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Other Income (a)
Other Income
 
17

 
6

 ________________
(a)
Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans. No ineffectiveness was associated with these foreign exchange cash flow hedges.

11


Interest Rate Risk
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges
In July 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, the Company had entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2014 and 2017 Notes. In 2012, the Company terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. The carrying values of these Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the respective maturity date of the Notes.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Other Assets
$
7

 
$
12

 
$
3


10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Carrying Value
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,972

Estimated Fair Value (a)
5,371

 
5,305

 
5,509

  _______________
(a)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt is based on reported transaction prices which are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 820, establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

12


The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities measured in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:

 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(in millions)
As of May 2, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
649

 
$

 
$

 
$
649

Marketable Securities
50

 

 

 
50

Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges

 
7

 

 
7

Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
11

 

 
11

As of January 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
1,681

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,681

Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges

 
12

 

 
12

Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
21

 

 
21

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lease Guarantees

 

 
1

 
1

As of May 3, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
912

 
$

 
$

 
$
912

Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges

 
3

 

 
3

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
21

 

 
21

Lease Guarantees

 

 
1

 
1


The Company's Level 1 fair value measurements use unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. In March 2015, the Company invested in marketable securities which consist of U.S. Treasury Bills. These securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements as they are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.
The marketable securities have an original maturity greater than 90 days but less than one year and are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized holding gains were not significant as of May 2, 2015.

The Company’s Level 2 fair value measurements use market approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as applicable to the underlying instruments.
The Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements use income approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include the guaranteed lease payments, discount rates and the Company’s assessment of the risk of default on guaranteed leases.
Management believes that the carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short maturity.

13


The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s lease guarantees measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the first quarter 2015 and 2014:
 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Beginning Balance
$
1

 
$
1

Change in Estimated Fair Value Reported in Earnings
(1
)
 

Ending Balance
$

 
$
1


The Company’s lease guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of certain businesses. The fair value of these lease guarantees is impacted by economic conditions, probability of rent obligation payments, period of obligation and the discount rate utilized. For additional information, see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies.”

11. Comprehensive Income
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for the first quarter 2015:
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
(in millions)
Balance as of January 31, 2015
$
51

 
$
(16
)
 
$
35

Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(20
)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 
17

 
17

Current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(10
)
 
7

 
(3
)
Balance as of May 2, 2015
$
41

 
$
(9
)
 
$
32

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for the first quarter 2014:
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
(in millions)
Balance as of February 1, 2014
$
30

 
$
10

 
$
40

Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications
(2
)
 
(8
)
 
(10
)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 
6

 
6

Current-period Other Comprehensive Loss
(2
)
 
(2
)
 
(4
)
Balance as of May 3, 2014
$
28

 
$
8

 
$
36

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income above are presented net of tax as applicable.
The following table provides a summary of the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the first quarter 2015 and 2014:
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Location on Consolidated Statement of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges Loss
 
$
17

 
$
6

 
Other Income
 
 

 

 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
 
$
17

 
$
6

 
Net Income


14


12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In July 2009, a complaint was filed against the Company for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In April 2015, the Company settled this case for a de minimis amount.
Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, the Company has remaining guarantees of approximately $21 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2018. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
The Company’s guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $9 million as of May 2, 2015, $11 million as of January 31, 2015 and $19 million as of May 3, 2014. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $400 thousand as of May 2, 2015 and $1 million as of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company’s guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The Company had no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as it concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
In connection with the Company's investment in EG, an entity that owns and is developing a commercial shopping center in the Easton community, the Company, along with an unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other."

13. Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for substantially all of its associates within the U.S. Participation in the tax-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age and service requirements. Participation in the non-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age, service, job level and compensation requirements.
The qualified plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible annual compensation and years of service. Associate contributions and Company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional Company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $17 million for the first quarter of 2015 and $16 million for the first quarter of 2014.
The non-qualified plan is an unfunded plan which provides benefits beyond the Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified defined contribution plans. The plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to a maximum percentage of eligible compensation. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible compensation and years of service. The plan also permits participating associates to defer additional compensation up to a maximum amount which the Company does not match. Associates’ accounts are credited with interest using a rate determined by the Company. Associate contributions and the related interest vest immediately. Company contributions, along with related interest, are subject to vesting based on years of service. Associates may elect in-service distributions for the unmatched additional deferred compensation component only. The remaining vested portion of associates’ accounts in the plan will be distributed upon termination of employment in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a specified period of up to 10 years. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $7 million for the first quarter of 2015 and $6 million for the first quarter of 2014.


15


14. Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International.
The Victoria’s Secret segment sells women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty products under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand names. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold through retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and its website, www.VictoriasSecret.com.
The Bath & Body Works segment sells personal care, soaps, sanitizers and home fragrance products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Company, C.O. Bigelow and other brand names. Bath & Body Works merchandise is sold at retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and through its website, www.BathandBodyWorks.com.
The Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segment includes the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores located outside of the U.S. and Canada. These businesses include the following:
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature Victoria's Secret branded beauty and accessories products;
Victoria's Secret International stores, comprised of company-owned stores in the U.K., as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements; and
Bath & Body Works International stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Other consists of the following:
Mast Global, a merchandise sourcing and production function serving the Company and its international partners;
La Senza, comprised of company-owned stores in Canada, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature women's intimate apparel;
Henri Bendel, operator of 29 specialty stores, which feature handbags, jewelry and other accessory products; and
Corporate functions including non-core real estate, equity investments and other governance functions such as treasury and tax.
The following table provides the Company’s segment information for the first quarter 2015 and 2014:
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 
Other
 
Total
 
(in millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
1,684

 
$
613

 
$
92

 
$
123

 
$
2,512

Operating Income (Loss)
289

 
97

 
21

 
(35
)
 
372

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
1,604

 
$
582

 
$
71

 
$
134

 
$
2,391

Operating Income (Loss)
278

 
80

 
15

 
(37
)
 
336

The Company's international sales include sales from company-owned stores, royalty revenue from franchise and license arrangements, wholesale revenues and direct sales shipped internationally. Certain of these sales are subject to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency. The Company’s international sales across all segments totaled $293 million and $295 million for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively.
 
15. Subsequent Event
Subsequent to May 2, 2015, the Company repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares of common stock for $42 million under the February 2015 repurchase program. For additional information, see Note 3, "Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)."


16


16. Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries ("Guarantors"). The Company is a holding company, and its most significant assets are the stock of its subsidiaries. The Guarantors represent: (a) substantially all of the sales of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, (b) more than 90% of the assets owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, other than real property, certain other assets and intercompany investments and balances and (c) more than 95% of the accounts receivable and inventory directly owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries: the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of May 2, 2015, January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014. In the fourth quarter 2014, the Company added a subsidiary to the Guarantors. Accordingly, the supplemental financial information has been recast for all periods presented.


17


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
May 2, 2015
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
401

 
$
248

 
$

 
$
649

Marketable Securities

 
50

 

 

 
50

Accounts Receivable, Net
3

 
185

 
51

 

 
239

Inventories

 
1,016

 
123

 

 
1,139

Deferred Income Taxes

 
34

 
(1
)
 

 
33

Other

 
122

 
86

 

 
208

Total Current Assets
3

 
1,808

 
507

 

 
2,318

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,390

 
916

 

 
2,306

Goodwill

 
1,318

 

 

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
411

 

 

 
411

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
4,055

 
15,079

 
1,459

 
(20,593
)
 

Other Assets
181

 
32

 
683

 
(611
)
 
285

Total Assets
$
4,239

 
$
20,038

 
$
3,565

 
$
(21,204
)
 
$
6,638

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
57

 
$
285

 
$
297

 
$

 
$
639

Accrued Expenses and Other
63

 
402

 
258

 

 
723

Income Taxes

 
16

 
13

 

 
29

Total Current Liabilities
120

 
703

 
568

 

 
1,391

Deferred Income Taxes
(3
)
 
(22
)
 
298

 

 
273

Long-term Debt
4,760

 
597

 

 
(597
)
 
4,760

Other Long-term Liabilities

 
595

 
239

 
(14
)
 
820

Total Equity (Deficit)
(638
)
 
18,165

 
2,460

 
(20,593
)
 
(606
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
4,239

 
$
20,038

 
$
3,565

 
$
(21,204
)
 
$
6,638


18



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)

 
January 31, 2015
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
1,462

 
$
219

 
$

 
$
1,681

Accounts Receivable, Net
1

 
197

 
54

 

 
252

Inventories

 
919

 
117

 

 
1,036

Deferred Income Taxes

 
34

 
(1
)
 

 
33

Other

 
146

 
84

 

 
230

Total Current Assets
1

 
2,758

 
473

 

 
3,232

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,385

 
892

 

 
2,277

Goodwill

 
1,318

 

 

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
411

 

 

 
411

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
4,635

 
14,003

 
1,405

 
(20,043
)
 

Other Assets
188

 
35

 
693

 
(610
)
 
306

Total Assets
$
4,824

 
$
19,910

 
$
3,463

 
$
(20,653
)
 
$
7,544

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$

 
$
300

 
$
313

 
$

 
$
613

Accrued Expenses and Other
83

 
495

 
322

 

 
900

Income Taxes
(4
)
 
183

 
(13
)
 

 
166

Total Current Liabilities
79

 
978

 
622

 

 
1,679

Deferred Income Taxes
(4
)
 
(32
)
 
297

 

 
261

Long-term Debt
4,765

 
597

 

 
(597
)
 
4,765

Other Long-term Liabilities

 
609

 
224

 
(13
)
 
820

Total Equity (Deficit)
(16
)
 
17,758

 
2,320

 
(20,043
)
 
19

Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
4,824

 
$
19,910

 
$
3,463

 
$
(20,653
)
 
$
7,544



19


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
May 3, 2014
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
748

 
$
164

 
$

 
$
912

Accounts Receivable, Net
2

 
150

 
64

 

 
216

Inventories

 
1,058

 
161

 

 
1,219

Deferred Income Taxes

 
44

 
(16
)
 

 
28

Other

 
123

 
87

 

 
210

Total Current Assets
2

 
2,123

 
460

 

 
2,585

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,212

 
863

 

 
2,075

Goodwill

 
1,318

 

 

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
411

 

 

 
411

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
4,207

 
14,976

 
1,175

 
(20,358
)
 

Other Assets
182

 
19

 
684

 
(611
)
 
274

Total Assets
$
4,391

 
$
20,059

 
$
3,182

 
$
(20,969
)
 
$
6,663

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
3

 
$
291

 
$
261

 
$

 
$
555

Accrued Expenses and Other
63

 
359

 
239

 

 
661

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
214

 

 

 

 
214

Income Taxes

 
23

 
62

 

 
85

Total Current Liabilities
280

 
673

 
562

 

 
1,515

Deferred Income Taxes
(4
)
 
(19
)
 
240

 

 
217

Long-term Debt
4,758

 
597

 

 
(597
)
 
4,758

Other Long-term Liabilities
2

 
583

 
212

 
(15
)
 
782

Total Equity (Deficit)
(645
)
 
18,225

 
2,168

 
(20,357
)
 
(609
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
4,391

 
$
20,059

 
$
3,182

 
$
(20,969
)
 
$
6,663



20


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter 2015
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
2,369

 
$
816

 
$
(673
)
 
$
2,512

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(1,424
)
 
(616
)
 
584

 
(1,456
)
Gross Profit

 
945

 
200

 
(89
)
 
1,056

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(4
)
 
(616
)
 
(96
)
 
32

 
(684
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(4
)
 
329

 
104

 
(57
)
 
372

Interest Expense
(80
)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
10

 
(80
)
Other Income

 
4

 
73

 

 
77

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(84
)
 
325

 
175

 
(47
)
 
369

Provision for Income Taxes

 
78

 
41

 

 
119

Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax
334

 
225

 
124

 
(683
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
250

 
$
472

 
$
258

 
$
(730
)
 
$
250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter 2015
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
250

 
$
472

 
$
258

 
$
(730
)
 
$
250

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings

 

 
17

 

 
17

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
(10
)
 

 
(10
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

 

 
(3
)
 

 
(3
)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
250

 
$
472

 
$
255

 
$
(730
)
 
$
247


21



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter 2014
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
2,231

 
$
784

 
$
(624
)
 
$
2,391

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(1,359
)
 
(647
)
 
597

 
(1,409
)
Gross Profit

 
872

 
137

 
(27
)
 
982

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(3
)
 
(568
)
 
(103
)
 
28

 
(646
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(3
)
 
304

 
34

 
1

 
336

Interest Expense
(84
)
 
(7
)
 
(2
)
 
9

 
(84
)
Other Income

 

 
3

 

 
3

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(87
)
 
297

 
35

 
10

 
255

Provision for Income Taxes
(1
)
 
62

 
37

 

 
98

Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax
243

 
179

 
169

 
(591
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
157

 
$
414

 
$
167

 
$
(581
)
 
$
157




L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
First Quarter 2014
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
157

 
$
414

 
$
167

 
$
(581
)
 
$
157

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings

 

 
6

 

 
6

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Unrealized Loss on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
(8
)
 

 
(8
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

 

 
(4
)
 

 
(4
)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
157

 
$
414

 
$
163

 
$
(581
)
 
$
153





22


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2015
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Used for Operating Activities
$
(42
)
 
$
(46
)
 
$
(68
)
 
$

 
$
(156
)
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures

 
(82
)
 
(50
)
 

 
(132
)
Proceeds from Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business

 
1

 
84

 

 
85

Purchase of Marketable Securities

 
(50
)
 

 

 
(50
)
Other Investing Activities

 

 
1

 

 
1

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities

 
(131
)
 
35

 

 
(96
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of Common Stock
(114
)
 

 

 

 
(114
)
Dividends Paid
(734
)
 

 

 

 
(734
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation

 
42

 
6

 

 
48

Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
871

 
(926
)
 
55

 

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
19

 

 

 

 
19

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
42

 
(884
)
 
61

 

 
(781
)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 
1

 

 
1

Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
(1,061
)
 
29

 

 
(1,032
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 
1,462

 
219

 

 
1,681

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$

 
$
401

 
$
248

 
$

 
$
649



23


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2014
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities
$
(108
)
 
$
(10
)
 
$
29

 
$

 
$
(89
)
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures

 
(92
)
 
(58
)
 

 
(150
)
Other Investing Activities

 

 
15

 

 
15

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

 
(92
)
 
(43
)
 

 
(135
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchase of Common Stock
(43
)
 

 

 

 
(43
)
Dividends Paid
(392
)
 

 

 

 
(392
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation

 
30

 
5

 

 
35

Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
526

 
(533
)
 
7

 

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
17

 

 

 

 
17

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
108

 
(503
)
 
12

 

 
(383
)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
(605
)
 
(2
)
 

 
(607
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 
1,353

 
166

 

 
1,519

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$

 
$
748

 
$
164

 
$

 
$
912



24


Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of L Brands, Inc.:

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows for the thirteen week periods ended May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, total equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated March 20, 2015. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2015, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.



/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Columbus, Ohio
June 5, 2015


25


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
L Brands, Inc. cautions any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this report or made by our company or our management involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our 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,” “planned,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our company or our management:
general economic conditions, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions including severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
the seasonality of our business;
the dependence on a high volume of mall traffic and the availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions;
our ability to successfully expand into global markets and related risks;
our relationships with independent franchise, license and wholesale partners;
our direct channel businesses;
our failure to protect our reputation and our brand images;
our failure to protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;
the highly competitive nature of the retail industry generally and the segments in which we operate particularly;
consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;
our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:
political instability;
duties, taxes and other charges;
legal and regulatory matters;
volatility in currency exchange rates;
local business practices and political issues;
potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
disruption due to labor disputes; and
changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
stock price volatility;
our failure to maintain our credit rating;
our ability to service or refinance our debt;
our ability to retain key personnel;
our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees and manage labor-related costs;
the inability of our manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner and meet quality standards;
fluctuations in product input costs;
fluctuations in energy costs;
increases in the costs of mailing, paper and printing;
claims arising from our self-insurance;
our ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data;
our failure to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplier or company information;
our failure to comply with regulatory requirements;
tax matters; and
legal and compliance matters.

26


We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Executive Overview
In the first quarter of 2015, our operating income increased $36 million, or 11%, to $372 million, and our operating income rate increased to 14.8% from 14.1%. Net sales increased $121 million to $2.512 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. At Victoria's Secret, net sales increased 5%, and operating income increased 4%. At Bath & Body Works, net sales increased 5%, and operating income increased 22%. At Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International, net sales increased 29%, and operating income increased 38%. For additional information related to our first quarter 2015 financial performance, see “Results of Operations.”
The global retail sector and our business continue to face an uncertain environment and, as a result, we continue to manage our business carefully and focus on the execution of the retail fundamentals.
At the same time, we are aggressively focusing on bringing compelling merchandise assortments, marketing and store and digital experiences to our customers. We will look for, and capitalize on, those opportunities available to us in this environment. We believe that our brands, which lead their categories and offer high emotional content to customers at accessible prices, are well positioned.

27


Adjusted Financial Information
In addition to our results provided in accordance with GAAP above and throughout this Form 10-Q, provided below are non-GAAP measurements which present net income and earnings per share in 2015 on an adjusted basis which removes certain special items. We believe that these special items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. We use adjusted financial information as key performance measures of results of operations for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Instead, we believe that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Further, our definition of adjusted financial information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table below reconciles the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures.
 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Detail of Special Items included in Other Income - Income (Expense)
 
 
 
Gain on Divestiture of Third-Party Apparel Sourcing Business (a)
$
78

 
$

Total Special Items included in Other Income
$
78

 
$

 
 
 
 
Detail of Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes - Benefit (Provision)
 
 
 
Tax effect of Special Items included in Other Income
$
(9
)
 
$

Total Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes
$
(9
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of Reported Net Income to Adjusted Net Income
 
 
 
Reported Net Income
$
250

 
$
157

Special Items included in Net Income
(69
)
 

Adjusted Net Income
$
181

 
$
157

 
 
 
 
Reconciliation of Reported Earnings Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share
 
 
 
Reported Earnings Per Share
$
0.84

 
$
0.53

Special Items included in Earnings Per Share
(0.23
)
 

Adjusted Earnings Per Share
$
0.61

 
$
0.53

_______________
(a)
In the first quarter of 2015, we divested our remaining ownership interest in our third-party apparel sourcing business. We received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). For additional information see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Company-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the first quarter of 2015 store data to the first quarter of 2014:
 
 
First Quarter
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
% Change
Sales per Average Selling Square Foot
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
$
194

 
$
187

 
4
 %
Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
142

 
136

 
4
 %
Sales per Average Store (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
$
1,177

 
$
1,126

 
4
 %
Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
334

 
320

 
4
 %
Average Store Size (selling square feet)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
6,075

 
6,017

 
1
 %
Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
2,361

 
2,362

 
 %
Total Selling Square Feet (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
6,707

 
6,408

 
5
 %
Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
3,681

 
3,668

 
 %

28


The following table compares first quarter of 2015 company-owned store data to the first quarter of 2014:
 
 
First Quarter
Number of Stores
 
2015
 
2014
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
1,098

 
1,060

Opened
 
7

 
7

Closed
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
End of Period
 
1,104

 
1,065

Victoria’s Secret Canada
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
41

 
34

Opened
 
1

 
1

Closed
 

 

End of Period
 
42

 
35

Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
1,558

 
1,559

Opened
 
3

 
1

Closed
 
(2
)
 
(7
)
End of Period
 
1,559

 
1,553

Bath & Body Works Canada
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
88

 
79

Opened
 
1

 
3

Closed
 

 
(1
)
End of Period
 
89

 
81

Victoria’s Secret U.K.
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
10

 
5

Opened
 

 
2

Closed
 

 

End of Period
 
10

 
7

La Senza
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
145

 
157

Opened
 

 

Closed
 
(12
)
 
(4
)
End of Period
 
133

 
153

Henri Bendel
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
29

 
29

Opened
 

 

Closed
 

 

End of Period
 
29

 
29

Total
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
2,969

 
2,923

Opened
 
12

 
14

Closed
 
(15
)
 
(14
)
End of Period
 
2,966

 
2,923




29


Noncompany-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the first quarter of 2015 noncompany-owned store data to the first quarter of 2014:
 
 
First Quarter
Number of Stores
 
2015
 
2014
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
290

 
198

Opened
 
15

 
13

Closed
 
(1
)
 
(2
)
End of Period
 
304

 
209

Victoria's Secret
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
14

 
4

Opened
 
1

 
2

Closed
 

 

End of Period
 
15

 
6

Bath & Body Works
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
80

 
55

Opened
 
13

 
4

Closed
 
(2
)
 

End of Period
 
91

 
59

La Senza
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
266

 
331

Opened
 

 

Closed
 
(8
)
 
(3
)
End of Period
 
258

 
328

Total
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
650

 
588

Opened
 
29

 
19

Closed
 
(11
)
 
(5
)
End of Period
 
668

 
602


Results of Operations
First Quarter of 2015 Compared to First Quarter of 2014
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the first quarter of 2015 in comparison to the first quarter of 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Rate
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
First Quarter
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret
$
289

 
$
278

 
17.1
 %
 
17.3
 %
Bath & Body Works
97

 
80

 
15.8
 %
 
13.7
 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International
21

 
15

 
23.5
 %
 
21.9
 %
Other (a)
(35
)
 
(37
)
 
(28.8
)%
 
(27.7
)%
Total Operating Income
$
372

 
$
336

 
14.8
 %
 
14.1
 %
  _______________
(a)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For the first quarter of 2015, operating income increased $36 million, or 11%, to $372 million, and the operating income rate increased to 14.8% from 14.1%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.

30


Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the first quarter of 2015 in comparison to the first quarter of 2014:
 
2015
 
2014
 
% Change
First Quarter
(in millions)
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
$
1,346

 
$
1,246

 
8
 %
Victoria’s Secret Direct
338

 
358

 
(6
)%
Total Victoria’s Secret
1,684

 
1,604

 
5
 %
Bath & Body Works Stores (a)
554

 
530

 
5
 %
Bath & Body Works Direct
59

 
52

 
15
 %
Total Bath & Body Works
613

 
582

 
5
 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International (b)
92

 
71

 
29
 %
Other (c)
123

 
134

 
(8
)%
Total Net Sales
$
2,512

 
$
2,391

 
5
 %
 _______________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.
(c)
Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the first quarter of 2015 to the first quarter of 2014:
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 
Other
 
Total
First Quarter
(in millions)
2014 Net Sales
$
1,604

 
$
582

 
$
71

 
$
134

 
$
2,391

Comparable Store Sales
60

 
20

 
2

 
1

 
83

Sales Associated with New, Closed and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net
46

 
7

 
6

 
(4
)
 
55

Foreign Currency Translation
(6
)
 
(3
)
 
(2
)
 
(6
)
 
(17
)
Direct Channels
(20
)
 
7

 

 
2

 
(11
)
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other

 

 
15

 
(4
)
 
11

2015 Net Sales
$
1,684

 
$
613

 
$
92

 
$
123

 
$
2,512


The following table compares the first quarter of 2015 comparable store sales to the first quarter of 2014:
First Quarter
2015
 
2014
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a) (b)
5
%
 
2
%
Bath & Body Works (a) (b)
4
%
 
2
%
Total Comparable Store Sales (b) (c)
5
%
 
2
%
 ________________
(a)
Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store.
(c)
Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria’s Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.

31


The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For the first quarter of 2015, net sales increased $80 million to $1.684 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 8% due to increases in PINK, core lingerie and sport, driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion, as well as in-store execution. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the exit of the make-up category.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales decreased 6% due to the decrease in non go-forward apparel partially offset by increases in PINK, core lingerie, go-forward apparel and sport. We are shifting our focus to the core categories of the brand including lingerie, PINK and beauty. As a result, net sales in the non go-forward apparel category have declined as we reduce style counts and related inventory.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Bath & Body Works
For the first quarter of 2015, net sales increased $31 million to $613 million, and comparable store sales increased 4%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including Signature Collection, home fragrance and soaps and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness and innovation.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the first quarter of 2015, net sales increased $21 million to $92 million primarily related to company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. opened subsequent to the first quarter of 2014 and additional stores opened by our partners.
Other
For the first quarter of 2015, net sales decreased $11 million to $123 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza.
Gross Profit
For the first quarter of 2015, our gross profit increased $74 million to $1,056 million, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 42.0% from 41.1%, primarily driven by the following:
Victoria's Secret
For the first quarter of 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales and less promotional activity. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in real estate.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit decreased due to higher buying and occupancy expenses driven by investments in our customer shopping experience. The gross profit decrease was also due to lower merchandise margin dollars driven by decreases in net sales in non go-forward apparel.
The gross profit rate increase was driven by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to decreased promotional activity and increased sales in our core categories, partially offset by an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense at Victoria's Secret Direct mentioned above.
Bath & Body Works
For the first quarter of 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased primarily due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales and less promotional activity. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in real estate.
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased primarily due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increase was driven primarily by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to decreased promotional activity.

32


Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the first quarter of 2015, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales due to the opening of new stores. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses for our company-owned stores due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by the opening of new stores, higher net sales and investments in real estate.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to the negative impacts of foreign currency. The decrease in the merchandise margin rate was partially offset by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the first quarter of 2015, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $38 million to $684 million primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate increased to 27.2% from 27.0% primarily due to deleverage associated with investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014:
First Quarter
2015
 
2014
Average daily borrowings (in millions)
$
4,750

 
$
4,963

Average borrowing rate (in percentages)
6.59
%
 
6.65
%
For the first quarter of 2015, our interest expense decreased $4 million to $80 million primarily due to a decrease in the average borrowings driven by the maturity of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 as well as a decrease in the average borrowing rate.
Other Income
For the first quarter of 2015, our other income increased $74 million to $77 million primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $78 million due to the divestiture of our remaining ownership interest in the third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the first quarter of 2015, our effective tax rate was 32.2% compared to 38.5% in the first quarter of 2014. The first quarter 2015 rate was lower than the Company's combined statutory federal and state rates primarily due to the foreign portion of the divestiture of our third-party apparel sourcing business.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resources to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions and profit margins. Historically, sales are higher during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period.
We believe in returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During 2015, we have paid $734 million in regular and special dividends and repurchased $171 million of our common stock. We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs.
Our total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $246 million as of May 2, 2015. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. are repatriated to the U.S., in certain circumstances we may be subject to additional income taxes.

33


The following table provides our long-term debt balance as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”)
1,000

 
1,000

 
1,000

$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”)
500

 
500

 
500

$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a)
498

 
501

 
493

$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”)
400

 
400

 
400

Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
$
3,398

 
$
3,401

 
$
3,393

Senior Unsecured Debt
 
 
 
 
 
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b)
$
713

 
$
715

 
$
716

$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033, Less Unamortized Discount (“2033 Notes”)
350

 
350

 
350

$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037, Less Unamortized Discount (“2037 Notes”)
299

 
299

 
299

5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”)(c)

 

 
214

Total Senior Unsecured Debt
$
1,362

 
$
1,364

 
$
1,579

Total
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,972

Current Portion of Long-term Debt

 

 
(214
)
Total Long-term Debt
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,758

 _______________
(a)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $5 million as of May 2, 2015, $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $2 million as of May 3, 2014.
(b)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $13 million as of May 2, 2015, $15 million as of January 31, 2015 and $17 million as of May 3, 2014.
(c)
The outstanding principal balance was $213 million as of May 3, 2014. The total balance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $1 million.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, we repaid the remaining $213 million of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facility
We maintain a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is CDOR plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of May 2, 2015, we were in compliance with both of our financial covenants and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of May 2, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.

34


Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports our letter of credit program. We had $19 million of outstanding letters of credit as of May 2, 2015 that reduce our remaining availability under our Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
In July 2014, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2014 and 2017 Notes. In 2012, we terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. Both the carrying values of these Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the respective maturity date of the Notes.
Working Capital and Capitalization
We believe that our available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund foreseeable requirements.
The following table provides a summary of our working capital position and capitalization as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities (a)
$
(156
)
 
$
1,786

 
$
(89
)
Capital Expenditures (a)
132

 
715

 
150

Working Capital
927

 
1,553

 
1,070

Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
4,760

 
4,765

 
4,758

Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(607
)
 
18

 
(609
)
Total Capitalization
$
4,153

 
$
4,783

 
$
4,149

Remaining Amounts Available Under Credit Agreements (b)
$
981

 
$
981

 
$
992

 _______________
(a)
The January 31, 2015 amounts represent a twelve-month period and the May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 amounts represent three-month periods.
(b)
Letters of credit issued reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility. We have outstanding letters of credit that reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility of $19 million as of May 2, 2015 and January 31, 2015 and $8 million as of May 3, 2014.
Credit Ratings
The following table provides our credit ratings as of May 2, 2015:
 
Moody’s
 
S&P
 
Fitch
Corporate
Ba1
 
BB+
 
BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
Ba1
 
BB+
 
BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt
Ba2
 
BB-
 
BB
Outlook
Stable
 
Stable
 
Stable
Our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility are linked to our credit ratings at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If we receive an upgrade or downgrade to our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, the borrowing costs could decrease or increase, respectively. The guarantees of our obligations under the Revolving Facility by the Guarantors and the security interests granted in our and the Guarantors’ collateral securing such obligations are released if our credit ratings are higher than a certain level. Additionally, the restrictions imposed under the Revolving Facility on our ability to make investments and to make restricted payments cease to apply if our credit ratings are higher than certain levels. Credit rating downgrades by any of the agencies do not accelerate the repayment of any of our debt.

35


Common Stock Share Repurchases
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our common stock under the following repurchase programs for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014:
 
Amount Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 
Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(in millions)
 
(in thousands)
 
(in millions)
 
 
February 2015 (a)
$
250

 
1,884

 
NA

 
$
171

 
NA

 
$
90.48

November 2012 (b)
$
250

 
NA

 
781

 
NA

 
$
42

 
$
48.42

 _______________
(a)
The February 2015 repurchase program had $79 million remaining as of May 2, 2015.
(b)
The November 2012 repurchase program had $91 million remaining at the time it was cancelled in conjunction with the approval of the February 2015 repurchase program.
In the first quarter of 2015, our Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
There were $57 million and $2 million of share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the May 2, 2015 and May 3, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable as of January 31, 2015.
Subsequent to May 2, 2015, we repurchased an additional 0.5 million shares of common stock for $42 million under the February 2015 repurchase program.
The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made at our discretion taking into account a number of factors including market conditions.
We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our share repurchase programs.
Dividend Policy and Procedures
Under the authority and declaration of our Board of Directors, we paid the following dividends during 2015 and 2014:
 
 
Ordinary Dividends
 
Special Dividends
 
Total Dividends
 
Total Paid
 
 
(per share)
 
(in millions)
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
$
0.50

 
$
2.00

 
$
2.50

 
$
734

2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
$
0.34

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.34

 
$
392

Our Board of Directors will determine future dividends and share repurchase authorizations after giving consideration to the Company's levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating activities to fund our ordinary dividends and a combination of cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our special dividends and share repurchases.
Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow activity for the first quarter 2015 and 2014:
 
First Quarter
 
2015
 
2014
 
(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
$
1,681

 
$
1,519

Net Cash Flows Used for Operating Activities
(156
)
 
(89
)
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
(96
)
 
(135
)
Net Cash Flows Used for Financing Activities
(781
)
 
(383
)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
1

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(1,032
)
 
(607
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
649

 
$
912


36


Operating Activities
Net cash used for operating activities in 2015 was $156 million, including net income of $250 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $111 million, gain on divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business of $78 million, share-based compensation expense of $26 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $48 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal changes in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other, Inventories and Income Taxes Payable.
Net cash used for operating activities in 2014 was $89 million, including net income of $157 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $35 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $110 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal changes in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other, Income Taxes Payable and Inventories.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities in 2015 was $96 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $132 million and purchases of marketable securities of $50 million partially offset by proceeds from the divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business of $85 million. The capital expenditures included $87 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2014 was $135 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $150 million. The capital expenditures included $102 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities in 2015 was $781 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $2.50 per share, or $734 million, and repurchases of common stock of $114 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $48 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $19 million.
Net cash used by financing activities in 2014 was $383 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $1.34 per share, or $392 million, and repurchases of common stock of $43 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $35 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $17 million.
Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, we have remaining guarantees of approximately $21 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2018. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, our guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
Our guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $9 million as of May 2, 2015, $11 million as of January 31, 2015 and $19 million as of May 3, 2014. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $400 thousand as of May 2, 2015 and $1 million as of January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. We have no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as we concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014.
In connection with our investment in EG, we, along with an unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center. Our estimated maximum potential loss from our involvement with EG totaled $43 million as of May 2, 2015, which includes our equity investment of $33 million and our estimated maximum potential loss from our guarantees related to EG's construction loan of $10 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant. We expect EG to obtain permanent financing, prior to maturity of the construction loan, following completion of construction of the commercial shopping center. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and the related interest payments, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other long-term obligations. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and

37


long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since January 31, 2015. Additionally, certain of our contractual obligations may fluctuate during the normal course of business (primarily changes in our merchandise inventory-related purchase obligations which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of our operations).

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, subject to an additional one-year deferral as proposed by the FASB. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard, including the transition method, on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.

Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted. This standard requires retrospective adoption. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.

IMPACT OF INFLATION

While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies related to 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 ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, claims and contingencies, income taxes and revenue recognition. Management bases our 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.
There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

38


Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments like cross-currency swaps, forward contracts and interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposure to market risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
We have operations in foreign countries, which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. To mitigate the translation risk to our earnings and the fair value of our Canadian operations associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate, we entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The remaining swap arrangements mature in January 2016 and January 2018 at the same time as the related loans. As a result of the Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans and the related cross-currency swaps, we do not believe there is any material translation risk to our Canadian net earnings associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate. For additional information, see Note 9, "Derivative Instruments" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
In addition, our Canadian dollar and British pound denominated earnings are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of our merchandise sold in Canada and the U.K. is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions. Although we utilize foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset these risks, these measures may not succeed in offsetting all of the short-term impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally may not be effective in offsetting the long-term impact of sustained shifts in foreign currency rates.
Further, although our royalty arrangements with our international partners are denominated in U.S. dollars, the royalties we receive in U.S. dollars are calculated based on sales in the local currency. As a result, our royalties in these arrangements are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio primarily consists of interest-bearing instruments that are classified as cash and cash equivalents based on their original maturities. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which specifies permitted types of investments, specifies credit quality standards and maturity profiles and limits credit exposure to any single issuer. The primary objective of our investment activities are the preservation of principal, the maintenance of liquidity and the maximization of interest income while minimizing risk. Currently, our investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits. Given the short-term nature and quality of investments in our portfolio, we do not believe there is any material risk to principal associated with increases or decreases in interest rates.
All of our long-term debt as of May 2, 2015 has fixed interest rates. We will from time to time adjust our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. As of May 2, 2015, we have interest rate swap arrangements with notional amounts of $300 million related to a portion of our 2017 Notes and $300 million related to a portion of our 2019 Notes.
The effect of the interest rate swap arrangements is to convert the respective amount of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. The variable interest rate associated with these swap arrangements fluctuates based on changes in three-month LIBOR.
For the balance of our long-term debt that is not subject to interest rate swap arrangements, our exposure to interest rate changes is limited to the fair value of the debt issued, which would not have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As of May 2, 2015, management believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, receivables and payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

39


The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and swap arrangements as of May 2, 2015January 31, 2015 and May 3, 2014:
 
May 2,
2015
 
January 31, 2015
 
May 3,
2014
 
(in millions)
Long-term Debt:
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
$
4,760

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,972

Fair Value, Estimated (a)
5,371

 
5,305

 
5,509

Cross-currency Swap Arrangements (b)
(11
)
 
(21
)
 
21

Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swap Arrangements (b)
(7
)
 
(12
)
 
(3
)
 _______________
(a)
The estimated fair value is based on reported transaction prices. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.
(b)
Swap arrangements are in an (asset) liability position.
Concentration of Credit Risk
We maintain cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. We monitor the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom we transact and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, our investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits. We also periodically review the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business.

Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. In March 2015, we implemented new real estate and store design systems (including financial systems). Various processes and controls were modified due to the new systems. Additionally, we implemented additional compensating controls over financial reporting to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our financial statements during the post-implementation phase. We believe the system and process changes will enhance internal control over financial reporting in future periods. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the first quarter 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


40



PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Actions filed against our Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, our current legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
In July 2009, a complaint was filed against our Company for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. In April 2015, we settled this case for a de minimis amount.

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS

The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those described elsewhere in this report or other SEC filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides our repurchases of our common stock during the first quarter of 2015:
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (a)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share (b)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (c)
 
Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (c)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
February 2015
106

 
$
92.45

 
85

 
$
242,162

March 2015
867

 
93.64

 
186

 
225,106

April 2015
1,628

 
90.30

 
1,613

 
79,501

Total
2,601

 
 
 
1,884

 
 
  _______________
(a)
The total number of shares repurchased includes shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs, with the remainder relating to shares repurchased in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards and the use of our stock to pay the exercise price on employee stock options.
(b)
The average price paid per share includes any broker commissions.
(c)
For additional share repurchase program information, see Note 3, "Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION

None.


41


Item 6.
EXHIBITS

Exhibits
 
  
 
 
 
4.1
 
First Amendment dated as of April 21, 2015 among L Brands, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, L (Overseas) Holding LP, an Alberta limited partnership, Canadian Retail Holdings Corporation, a Nova Scotia company, Victoria's Secret UK Limited, a company organized under the laws of England and Wales, and Mast Industries (Far East) Limited, a Hong Kong corporation, the lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent (the "Administrative Agent"), in respect of the Amended and Restated Five-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of July 18, 2014 among the Company, the lenders from time to time party thereto and the Administrative Agent.
 
 
 
15
 
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information re: Incorporation of Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of CEO.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of CFO.
 
 
 
32
 
Section 906 Certification (by CEO and CFO).
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


42


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. 
 
L BRANDS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
 
 
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer *
Date: June 5, 2015
*
Mr. Burgdoerfer is the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.


43