10-Q 1 cab-2013q3x10q.htm CABELA'S 2013 Q3 FORM 10-Q CAB-2013 Q3 - 10Q


 

 UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended September 28, 2013
OR
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 1-32227

CABELA'S INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
20-0486586
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One Cabela Drive, Sidney, Nebraska
 
69160
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(308) 254-5505
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
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 the filing requirements for at least the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§229.405 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 x 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 x                                                                                                          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 x

Number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 70,597,670 shares as of October 21, 2013


1



CABELA'S INCORPORATED

FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 28, 2013

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Page
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
 
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
 
 
 
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES
 
 
 
 
 
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 

2



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in Thousands Except Earnings Per Share)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
$
749,141

 
$
652,313

 
$
2,124,538


$
1,730,252

Financial Services revenue
98,403

 
85,932

 
272,753


248,654

Other revenue
3,284

 
2,933

 
12,839


13,030

Total revenue
850,828

 
741,178

 
2,410,130


1,991,936

Cost of revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise costs (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
469,614

 
409,929

 
1,341,706

 
1,100,431

Cost of other revenue
318

 

 
386

 
634

Total cost of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
469,932

 
409,929

 
1,342,092

 
1,101,065

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses
304,293

 
264,136

 
844,448

 
719,354

Impairment and restructuring charges

 

 
937

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
76,603

 
67,113

 
222,653

 
171,517

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(4,979
)
 
(5,227
)
 
(14,249
)
 
(16,175
)
Other non-operating income, net
1,028

 
1,288

 
3,675

 
4,139

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before provision for income taxes
72,652

 
63,174

 
212,079

 
159,481

Provision for income taxes
22,766

 
20,389

 
67,801

 
54,000

Net income
$
49,886

 
$
42,785

 
$
144,278

 
$
105,481

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per basic share
$
0.71

 
$
0.61

 
$
2.05

 
$
1.51

Earnings per diluted share
$
0.70

 
$
0.60

 
$
2.01

 
$
1.47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
70,575,804

 
69,894,538

 
70,412,479

 
69,794,416

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
71,757,901

 
71,555,862

 
71,717,894

 
71,624,451


Refer to notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
49,886

 
$
42,785

 
$
144,278

 
$
105,481

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized gain (loss) on economic development bonds, net of taxes of $365, $1,611, $(653), and $2,966
678

 
2,994

 
(1,681
)
 
5,509

Cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $0, $8, $0 and $58

 
15

 
1

 
114

Foreign currency translation adjustments
2,450

 
1,586

 
940

 
563

Total other comprehensive income (loss)
3,128

 
4,595

 
(740
)
 
6,186

Comprehensive income
$
53,014

 
$
47,380

 
$
143,538

 
$
111,667


Refer to notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Par Values)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
409,733

 
$
288,750

 
$
265,675

Restricted cash of the Trust
26,009

 
17,292

 
16,709

Held-to-maturity investment securities
135,000

 

 

Accounts receivable, net
29,367

 
46,081

 
20,773

Credit card loans (includes restricted credit card loans of the Trust of $3,591,844, $3,523,133, and $3,193,162), net of allowance for loan losses of $57,370, $65,600, and $65,750
3,567,423

 
3,497,472

 
3,151,647

Inventories
815,594

 
552,575

 
721,701

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
95,382

 
132,694

 
143,930

Income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes
53,693

 
54,164

 
52,261

Total current assets
5,132,201

 
4,589,028

 
4,372,696

Property and equipment, net
1,201,662

 
1,021,656

 
971,401

Land held for sale
18,271

 
23,448

 
39,437

Economic development bonds
79,260

 
85,041

 
92,744

Other assets
30,671

 
28,990

 
29,091

Total assets
$
6,462,065

 
$
5,748,163

 
$
5,505,369

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable, including unpresented checks of $23,745, $28,928, and $18,819
$
284,934

 
$
285,039

 
$
366,992

Gift instrument, credit card rewards, and loyalty rewards programs
248,711

 
262,653

 
218,068

Accrued expenses
153,287

 
180,906

 
129,869

Time deposits
357,314

 
367,350

 
310,617

Current maturities of secured variable funding obligations of the Trust

 
325,000

 

Current maturities of long-term debt
8,414

 
8,402

 
8,398

Total current liabilities
1,052,660

 
1,429,350

 
1,033,944

Long-term time deposits
790,664

 
680,668

 
763,938

Secured long-term obligations of the Trust
2,452,250

 
1,827,500

 
1,827,500

Long-term debt, less current maturities
524,149

 
328,133

 
443,199

Deferred income taxes
14,329

 
10,571

 
33,712

Other long-term liabilities
102,063

 
95,962

 
99,593

 
 
 
 
 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


 


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; Authorized – 10,000,000 shares; Issued – none

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value:
 
 
 
 
 
Class A Voting, Authorized – 245,000,000 shares
 
 
 
 
 
Issued – 70,604,935, 70,545,558, and 70,545,524 shares
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding – 70,604,705, 70,053,144, and 70,019,501 shares
706

 
705

 
705

Additional paid-in capital
339,752

 
351,161

 
344,541

Retained earnings
1,180,705

 
1,036,427

 
968,395

Accumulated other comprehensive income
4,802

 
5,542

 
8,917

Treasury stock, at cost – 230, 492,414, and 526,023 shares
(15
)
 
(17,856
)
 
(19,075
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,525,950

 
1,375,979

 
1,303,483

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
6,462,065

 
$
5,748,163

 
$
5,505,369

Refer to notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Net income
$
144,278

 
$
105,481

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
68,067

 
58,113

Impairment and restructuring charges
937

 

Stock-based compensation
11,150

 
10,286

Deferred income taxes
5,058

 
3,790

Provision for loan losses
33,030

 
29,231

Other, net
(1,423
)
 
(1,660
)
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
16,899

 
29,912

Credit card loans originated from internal operations, net
38,713

 
38,841

Inventories
(263,019
)
 
(226,873
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
36,243

 
(3,335
)
Land held for sale
1,968

 
(2,191
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
9,992

 
69,475

Gift instrument, credit card rewards, and loyalty rewards programs
(13,942
)
 
(9,346
)
Other long-term liabilities
6,417

 
1,879

Income taxes receivable
(175
)
 
(46,025
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
94,193

 
57,578

 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Property and equipment additions
(277,524
)
 
(144,248
)
Proceeds from dispositions of property and equipment
16

 
1,089

Purchases of held-to-maturity investment securities
(135,000
)
 

Proceeds from repayments of economic development bonds
3,447

 
2,400

Change in restricted cash of the Trust, net
(8,717
)
 
1,587

Change in credit card loans originated externally, net
(141,694
)
 
(125,555
)
Other investing changes, net
(186
)
 
4,240

Net cash used in investing activities
(559,658
)
 
(260,487
)
 
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 
 
Change in unpresented checks net of bank balances
(5,183
)
 
(305
)
Change in time deposits, net
99,960

 
92,242

Borrowings on secured obligations of the Trust
1,234,750

 
2,220,000

Repayments on secured obligations of the Trust
(935,000
)
 
(2,255,000
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing
602,876

 
351,955

Repayments on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing
(398,343
)
 
(237,232
)
Payments on long-term debt
(8,336
)
 
(8,325
)
Exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan issuances, net
(100
)
 
28,667

Excess tax benefits from exercise of employee stock options
5,878

 
880

Purchase of treasury stock
(10,053
)
 
(28,977
)
Other financing changes, net
(1
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
586,448

 
163,905

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
120,983

 
(39,004
)
Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period
288,750

 
304,679

Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period
$
409,733

 
$
265,675

Refer to notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in Thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Common Stock
Shares
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Treasury Stock
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of 2012
69,641,818

 
$
696

 
$
334,925

 
$
862,914

 
$
2,731

 
$
(19,950
)
 
$
1,181,316

Net income

 

 

 
105,481

 

 

 
105,481

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
6,186

 

 
6,186

Common stock repurchased

 

 

 

 

 
(28,977
)
 
(28,977
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 
9,930

 

 

 

 
9,930

Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards
903,706

 
9

 
(1,194
)
 

 

 
29,852

 
28,667

Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises

 

 
880

 

 

 

 
880

Balance at September 29, 2012
70,545,524

 
$
705

 
$
344,541

 
$
968,395

 
$
8,917

 
$
(19,075
)
 
$
1,303,483

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Balance, beginning of 2013
70,545,558

 
$
705

 
$
351,161

 
$
1,036,427

 
$
5,542

 
$
(17,856
)
 
$
1,375,979

Net income

 

 

 
144,278

 

 

 
144,278

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(740
)
 

 
(740
)
Common stock repurchased

 

 

 

 

 
(10,053
)
 
(10,053
)
Stock-based compensation

 

 
10,708

 

 

 

 
10,708

Exercise of employee stock options and tax withholdings on share-based payment awards
59,377

 
1

 
(27,995
)
 

 

 
27,894

 
(100
)
Excess tax benefit on employee stock option exercises

 

 
5,878

 

 

 

 
5,878

Balance at September 28, 2013
70,604,935

 
$
706

 
$
339,752

 
$
1,180,705

 
$
4,802

 
$
(15
)
 
$
1,525,950

Refer to notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 



7


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)



1.    MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIONS    
 
Principles of Consolidation – The condensed consolidated financial statements included herein are unaudited and have been prepared by management of Cabela's Incorporated and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Cabela's,” “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 29, 2012, was derived from the Company's audited consolidated balance sheet as of that date. All other condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein are unaudited and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to summarize fairly our financial position and results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the periods presented. All of these adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cabela's wholly-owned bank subsidiary, World's Foremost Bank ("WFB," "Financial Services segment," or "Cabela's CLUB"), is the primary beneficiary of the Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust and related entities (collectively referred to as the “Trust”) under the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topics 810, Consolidations, and 860, Transfers and Servicing. Accordingly, the Trust has been consolidated for all reporting periods in this report. As the servicer and the holder of retained interests in the Trust, WFB has the powers to direct the activities that most significantly impact the Trust's economic performance and the right to receive significant benefits or obligations to absorb significant losses of the Trust.
Because of the seasonal nature of the Company's operations, results of operations of any single reporting period should not be considered as indicative of results for a full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.

Cash and Cash EquivalentsCash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $334,832, $91,365, and $205,448, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively. Due to regulatory restrictions on WFB, the Company cannot use WFB's cash for non-banking operations.

Reporting Periods – Unless otherwise stated, the fiscal periods referred to in the notes to these condensed consolidated financial statements are the 13 weeks ended September 28, 2013 (“three months ended September 28, 2013”), the 13 weeks ended September 29, 2012 (“three months ended September 29, 2012”), the 39 weeks ended September 28, 2013 (“nine months ended September 28, 2013”), the 39 weeks ended September 29, 2012 (“nine months ended September 29, 2012”), and the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2012 ("year ended 2012"). WFB follows a calendar fiscal period and, accordingly, the respective three month periods ended on September 30, 2013 and 2012, and the fiscal year ended on December 31, 2012.
2.    CABELA'S MASTER CREDIT CARD TRUST    

The Financial Services segment utilizes the Trust for the purpose of routinely selling and securitizing credit card loans and issuing beneficial interest to investors. The Trust issues variable funding facilities and long-term notes each of which has an undivided interest in the assets of the Trust. The Financial Services segment must retain a minimum 20 day average of 5% of the loans in the securitization trust which ranks pari passu with the investors' interests in the securitized trusts.  In addition, the Financial Services segment owns notes issued by the Trust from some of the securitizations, which in certain cases may be subordinated to other notes issued.  The consolidated assets of the Trust are subject to credit, payment, and interest rate risks on the transferred credit card loans. The secured borrowings contain legal isolation requirements which would protect the assets pledged as collateral for the securitization investors as well as protect Cabela's and WFB from any liability from default on the notes.


8


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


To protect investors, the securitization structures include certain features that could result in earlier-than-expected repayment of the securities, which could cause the Financial Services segment to sustain a loss of one or more of its retained interests and could prompt the need to seek alternative sources of funding. The primary investor protection feature relates to the availability and adequacy of cash flows in the securitized pool of loans to meet contractual requirements, the insufficiency of which triggers early repayment of the securities. The Financial Services segment refers to this as the early amortization feature.  Investors are allocated cash flows derived from activities related to the accounts comprising the securitized pool of loans, the amounts of which reflect finance charges collected, certain fee assessments collected, allocations of interchange, and recoveries on charged-off accounts.  These cash flows are considered to be restricted under the governing documents to pay interest to investors, servicing fees, and to absorb the investor's share of charge-offs occurring within the securitized pool of loans. Any cash flows remaining in excess of these requirements are reported to investors as excess spread.  An excess spread of less than zero percent for a contractually specified period, generally a three-month average, would trigger an early amortization event. Such an event could result in the Financial Services segment incurring losses related to its retained interests. In addition, if the retained interest in the loans of the Financial Services segment falls below the 5% minimum 20 day average and the Financial Services segment fails to add new accounts to the securitized pool of loans, an early amortization event would be triggered.  The investors have no recourse to the other assets of the Financial Services segment for failure of debtors to pay other than for breaches of certain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. These representations, warranties, covenants, and the related indemnities do not protect the Trust or third party investors against credit-related losses on the loans.
 
Another feature, which is applicable to the notes issued from the Trust, is one in which excess cash flows generated by the transferred loans are held at the Trust for the benefit of the investors. This cash reserve account funding is triggered when the three-month average excess spread rate of the Trust decreases to below 4.50% with increasing funding requirements as excess spread levels decline below preset levels or as contractually required by the governing documents. Similar to early amortization, this feature also is designed to protect the investors' interests from loss thus making the cash restricted.  Upon scheduled maturity or early amortization of a securitization, the Financial Services segment is required to remit principal payments received on the securitized pool of loans to the Trust which are restricted for the repayment of the investors' principal note. Credit card loans performed within established guidelines and no events which could trigger an early amortization occurred during the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the year ended December 29, 2012, and the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  
 
The following table presents the components of the consolidated assets and liabilities of the Trust at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
Consolidated assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted credit card loans, net of allowance of $57,030, $65,090, and $65,440
$
3,534,814

 
$
3,458,043

 
$
3,127,722

Restricted cash
26,009

 
17,292

 
16,709

Total
$
3,560,823

 
$
3,475,335

 
$
3,144,431

 
 
 
 
 
 

Consolidated liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 

     Secured variable funding obligations
$

 
$
325,000

 
$

Secured long-term obligations
2,452,250

 
1,827,500

 
1,827,500

Interest due to third party investors
2,214

 
1,424

 
1,330

Total
$
2,454,464

 
$
2,153,924

 
$
1,828,830



9


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


3.    CREDIT CARD LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES    
 
The Financial Services segment grants individual credit card loans to its customers and is diversified in its lending with borrowers throughout the United States. Credit card loans are reported at their principal amounts outstanding less the allowance for loan losses and deferred credit card origination costs. As part of collection efforts, a credit card loan may be closed and placed on non-accrual or restructured in a fixed payment plan prior to charge-off. The fixed payment plans require payment of the loan within 60 months and consist of a lower interest rate, reduced minimum payment, and elimination of fees. Loans on fixed payment plans include loans in which the customer has engaged a consumer credit counseling agency to assist them in managing their debt. Customers who miss two consecutive payments once placed on a payment plan or non-accrual will resume accruing interest at the rate they had accrued at before they were placed on a plan. Interest and fees are accrued in accordance with the terms of the applicable cardholder agreements or payment plan on credit card loans until the date of charge-off unless placed on non-accrual. Payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to principal. The Financial Services segment does not record any liabilities for off-balance sheet risk of unfunded commitments through the origination of unsecured credit card loans.

The direct credit card account origination costs associated with costs of successful credit card originations incurred in transactions with independent third parties, and certain other costs incurred in connection with credit card approvals, are deferred credit card origination costs included in credit card loans and are amortized on a straight-line basis over 12 months. Other account solicitation costs, including printing, list processing, and postage are expensed as solicitation occurs.

The following table reflects the composition of the credit card loans at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted credit card loans of the Trust (restricted for repayment of secured borrowings of the Trust)
$
3,591,844

 
$
3,523,133

 
$
3,193,162

Unrestricted credit card loans
27,999

 
34,356

 
20,021

Total credit card loans
3,619,843

 
3,557,489

 
3,213,183

Allowance for loan losses
(57,370
)
 
(65,600
)
 
(65,750
)
Deferred credit card origination costs
4,950

 
5,583

 
4,214

Credit card loans, net
$
3,567,423

 
$
3,497,472

 
$
3,151,647

Allowance for Loan Losses:
The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the credit card loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established through a charge to the provision for loan losses and is evaluated by management for adequacy. Loans on a payment plan or non-accrual are segmented from the rest of the credit card loan portfolio into a restructured credit card loan segment before establishing an allowance for loan losses as these loans have a higher probability of loss. Management estimates losses inherent in the credit card loans segment and restructured credit card loans segment based on a model which tracks historical loss experience on delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, death, and charge-offs, net of estimated recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses a migration analysis and historical bankruptcy and death rates to estimate the likelihood that a credit card loan in the credit card loan segment will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. This analysis estimates the gross amount of principal that will be charged off over the next 12 months, net of recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses historical charge-off rates to estimate the charge-offs over the life of the restructured credit card loan, net of recoveries. This estimate is used to derive an estimated allowance for loan losses. In addition to these methods of measurement, management also considers other factors such as general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit concentration, changes in origination and portfolio management, and credit quality trends. Since the evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, the measurement of the overall allowance is subject to estimation risk, and the amount of actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts.


10


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


Credit card loans that have been modified through a fixed payment plan or placed on non-accrual are considered impaired and are collectively evaluated for impairment. The Financial Services segment charges off credit card loans and restructured credit card loans on a daily basis after an account becomes at a minimum 130 days contractually delinquent. Accounts relating to cardholder bankruptcies, cardholder deaths, and fraudulent transactions are charged off earlier. The Financial Services segment recognizes charged-off cardholder fees and accrued interest receivable in interest and fee income that is included in Financial Services revenue.

The restructured credit card loans decreased to $44,939 at September 28, 2013, compared to $47,227 at June 29, 2013, and $53,700 at December 29, 2012.  As a result of these declining loan balances, the allowance for loan losses on the restructured credit card loans segment was decreased by $1,000 and $5,000 in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013. The remaining decrease of $6,500 in the allowance for loan losses on the restructured credit card loans segment was based on analysis relating to historical trends in actual charge-offs, and in conjunction with the 2008 restructured credit card loans approaching their five-year statutory maturity, resulting in an allowance of $11,500 at September 28, 2013, compared to $19,000 at June 29, 2013, and $23,000 at December 29, 2012.
The following table reflects the activity in the allowance for loan losses by credit card segment for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
Credit Card Loans
 
Restructured Credit Card Loans
 
Total Credit Card Loans
 
Credit Card Loans
 
Restructured Credit Card Loans
 
Total Credit Card Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
43,500

 
$
19,000

 
$
62,500

 
$
42,050

 
$
25,000

 
$
67,050

Provision for loan losses
13,280

 
(4,876
)
 
8,404

 
10,976

 
(589
)
 
10,387

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(13,841
)
 
(3,636
)
 
(17,477
)
 
(13,171
)
 
(2,565
)
 
(15,736
)
Recoveries
2,931

 
1,012

 
3,943

 
2,895

 
1,154

 
4,049

Net charge-offs
(10,910
)
 
(2,624
)
 
(13,534
)
 
(10,276
)
 
(1,411
)
 
(11,687
)
Balance, end of period
$
45,870

 
$
11,500

 
$
57,370

 
$
42,750

 
$
23,000

 
$
65,750

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
Credit Card Loans
 
Restructured Credit Card Loans
 
Total Credit Card Loans
 
Credit Card Loans
 
Restructured Credit Card Loans
 
Total Credit Card Loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
42,600

 
$
23,000

 
$
65,600

 
$
44,350

 
$
29,000

 
$
73,350

Provision for loan losses
37,227

 
(4,197
)
 
33,030

 
28,459

 
772

 
29,231

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(43,894
)
 
(10,532
)
 
(54,426
)
 
(40,008
)
 
(10,574
)
 
(50,582
)
Recoveries
9,937

 
3,229

 
13,166

 
9,949

 
3,802

 
13,751

Net charge-offs
(33,957
)
 
(7,303
)
 
(41,260
)
 
(30,059
)
 
(6,772
)
 
(36,831
)
Balance, end of period
$
45,870

 
$
11,500

 
$
57,370

 
$
42,750

 
$
23,000

 
$
65,750


11


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


Credit Quality Indicators, Delinquent, and Non-Accrual Loans:

The Financial Services segment segregates the loan portfolio into loans that have been restructured and other credit card loans in order to facilitate the estimation of the losses inherent in the portfolio as of the reporting date. The Financial Services segment uses the scores of Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”), a widely-used tool for assessing an individual's credit rating, as the primary credit quality indicator. The FICO score is an indicator of quality, with the risk of loss increasing as an individual's FICO score decreases. The credit card loan segment was disaggregated into the following classes as reflected in the tables below based upon the loan's current related FICO score.

The Financial Services segment considers a loan to be delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the payment due date. The aging method is based on the number of completed billing cycles during which a customer has failed to make a required payment.
The table below provides information on non-accrual, past due, and restructured credit card loans by class using the respective quarter FICO score at the periods ended:
September 28, 2013:
FICO Score of Credit Card Loans Segment
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)
 
 
691 and Below
692 - 758
759 and Above
Total
Credit card loan status:
 
Current
$
498,540

$
1,208,374

$
1,803,735

$
36,380

$
3,547,029

1 to 29 days past due
19,899

13,468

11,487

3,996

48,850

30 to 59 days past due
6,807

1,117

290

1,876

10,090

60 or more days past due
10,965

203

19

2,687

13,874

Total past due
37,671

14,788

11,796

8,559

72,814

Total credit card loans
$
536,211

$
1,223,162

$
1,815,531

$
44,939

$
3,619,843

 
 
 
 
 
 
90 days or more past due and still accruing
$
5,624

$
18

$
1

$
1,222

$
6,865

Non-accrual



5,672

5,672





12


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


December 29, 2012:
FICO Score of Credit Card Loans Segment
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)
 
 
691 and Below
 692 - 758
759 and Above
Total
Credit card loan status:
 
Current
$
453,894

$
1,134,840

$
1,856,587

$
44,193

$
3,489,514

1 to 29 days past due
17,901

11,558

10,094

4,304

43,857

30 to 59 days past due
6,060

1,004

203

1,811

9,078

60 or more days past due
11,416

189

43

3,392

15,040

Total past due
35,377

12,751

10,340

9,507

67,975

Total credit card loans
$
489,271

$
1,147,591

$
1,866,927

$
53,700

$
3,557,489

 
 
 
 
 
 
90 days or more past due and still accruing
$
6,118

$
38

$
4

$
1,481

$
7,641

Non-accrual



5,985

5,985

 
 
 
 
September 29, 2012:
FICO Score of Credit Card Loans Segment
Restructured Credit Card Loans Segment (1)
 
 
691 and Below
 692 - 758
759 and Above
Total
Credit card loan status:
 
Current
$
424,376

$
1,046,579

$
1,623,557

$
43,931

$
3,138,443

1 to 29 days past due
20,190

13,919

11,542

4,688

50,339

30 to 59 days past due
6,597

977

226

2,032

9,832

60 or more days past due
11,033

70

37

3,429

14,569

Total past due
37,820

14,966

11,805

10,149

74,740

Total credit card loans
$
462,196

$
1,061,545

$
1,635,362

$
54,080

$
3,213,183

 
 
 
 
 

90 days or more past due and still accruing
$
5,753

$
13

$
20

$
1,509

$
7,295

Non-accrual



6,054

6,054

 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Specific allowance for loan losses of $11,500 at September 28, 2013, and 23,000 at both December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, are included in allowance for loan losses.


13


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


4.     SECURITIES    
 
Securities consisted of the following for the periods ended:
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
Fair Value
September 28, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic development bonds
$
71,098

 
$
8,199

 
$
(37
)
 
$
79,260

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Held-to-maturity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. government agency (1)
$
135,000

 
$
3

 
$

 
$
135,003

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic development bonds
$
74,545

 
$
10,496

 
$

 
$
85,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Economic development bonds
$
79,587

 
$
13,157

 
$

 
$
92,744

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Represents U.S. government agency held-to-maturity securities held by the Financial Services segment and available for utilization only by the Financial Services Segment pursuant to regulatory restrictions.
The carrying value and fair value of these securities classified by estimated maturity based on expected future cash flows at September 28, 2013, were as follows:
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Held-to-Maturity
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ending December 28, 2013
$
2,706

 
$
3,106

 
$
135,000

 
$
135,003

For the fiscal years ending:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
1,861

 
2,315

 

 

2015
1,783

 
2,266

 

 

2016
2,209

 
2,718

 

 

2017
2,579

 
2,984

 

 

2018 - 2022
19,434

 
22,114

 

 

2023 and thereafter
40,526

 
43,757

 

 

Totals
$
71,098

 
$
79,260

 
$
135,000

 
$
135,003

Interest earned on the securities totaled $3,089 and $3,488 in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively. There were no realized gains or losses on these securities in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, or September 29, 2012.



14


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


5.    BORROWINGS OF FINANCIAL SERVICES SEGMENT    
     
The obligations of the Trust are secured borrowings backed by restricted credit card loans. A summary of the secured fixed and variable rate long-term obligations of the Trust by series, the expected maturity dates, and the respective weighted average interest rates are presented in the following tables at the periods ended:
September 28, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series
 
Expected
Maturity Date
 
Fixed Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Variable Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Total Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series 2010-I
 
January 2015
 
$

 
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.63
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.63
%
Series 2010-II
 
September 2015
 
127,500

 
2.29

 
85,000

 
0.88

 
212,500

 
1.73

Series 2011-II
 
June 2016
 
155,000

 
2.39

 
100,000

 
0.78

 
255,000

 
1.76

Series 2011-IV
 
October 2016
 
165,000

 
1.90

 
90,000

 
0.73

 
255,000

 
1.49

Series 2012-I
 
February 2017
 
275,000

 
1.63

 
150,000

 
0.71

 
425,000

 
1.31

Series 2012-II
 
June 2017
 
300,000

 
1.45

 
125,000

 
0.66

 
425,000

 
1.22

Series 2013-I
 
February 2023
 
327,250

 
2.71

 

 

 
327,250

 
2.71

Series 2013-II
 
August 2018
 
100,000

 
2.17

 
197,500

 
0.88

 
297,500

 
1.31

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Secured long-term obligations of the Trust
 
$
1,449,750

 
 

 
$
1,002,500

 
 

 
$
2,452,250

 
 


December 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series
 
Expected
Maturity Date
 
Fixed Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Variable Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Total Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series 2010-I
 
January 2015
 
$

 
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.66
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.66
%
Series 2010-II
 
September 2015
 
127,500

 
2.29

 
85,000

 
0.91

 
212,500

 
1.74

Series 2011-II
 
June 2016
 
155,000

 
2.39

 
100,000

 
0.81

 
255,000

 
1.77

Series 2011-IV
 
October 2016
 
165,000

 
1.90

 
90,000

 
0.76

 
255,000

 
1.50

Series 2012-I
 
February 2017
 
275,000

 
1.63

 
150,000

 
0.74

 
425,000

 
1.32

Series 2012-II
 
June 2017
 
300,000

 
1.45

 
125,000

 
0.69

 
425,000

 
1.23

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Secured long-term obligations of the Trust
 
$
1,022,500

 
 

 
$
805,000

 
 

 
$
1,827,500

 
 


15


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


September 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series
 
Expected
Maturity Date
 
Fixed Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Variable Rate Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
Total Obligations
 
Interest Rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series 2010-I
 
January 2015
 
$

 
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.67
%
 
$
255,000

 
1.67
%
Series 2010-II
 
September 2015
 
127,500

 
2.29

 
85,000

 
0.92

 
212,500

 
1.74

Series 2011-II
 
June 2016
 
155,000

 
2.39

 
100,000

 
0.82

 
255,000

 
1.77

Series 2011-IV
 
October 2016
 
165,000

 
1.90

 
90,000

 
0.77

 
255,000

 
1.50

Series 2012-I
 
February 2017
 
275,000

 
1.63

 
150,000

 
0.75

 
425,000

 
1.32

Series 2012-II
 
June 2017
 
300,000

 
1.45

 
125,000

 
0.70

 
425,000

 
1.23

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Secured long-term obligations of the Trust
 
$
1,022,500

 
 

 
$
805,000

 
 

 
$
1,827,500

 
 

The Trust also issues variable funding facilities which are considered secured borrowings backed by restricted credit card loans. The Trust early renewed one variable funding facility in the amount of $300,000 on March 26, 2013, extending the commitment for an additional two years. At September 28, 2013, the Trust had three variable funding facilities with $875,000 in available capacity and with no amounts outstanding.  The variable funding facilities are scheduled to mature in September 2014, March 2015, and March 2016. Each of these variable funding facilities includes an option to renew subject to certain terms and conditions. Variable rate note interest is priced at a benchmark rate, London Interbank Offered Rate, or commercial paper rate, plus a spread, which ranges from 0.50% to 0.85%.  The variable rate notes provide for a fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.40% on the unused portion of the facilities.  During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, the daily average balance outstanding on these notes was $33,443 and $173,358, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.78% for both years.

The Trust sold asset-backed notes of $385,000 (Series 2013-I) and $350,000 (Series 2013-II) on March 7, 2013, and August 15, 2013, respectively. The Series 2013-I securitization transaction included the issuance of $327,250 Class A notes and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $57,750. The Series 2013-II securitization transaction included the issuance of $297,500 Class A notes and three subordinated classes of notes in the aggregate principal amount of $52,500. The Financial Services segment retained each of the subordinated classes of notes which were eliminated in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. Each class of notes issued in the Series 2013-I securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately ten years and a contractual maturity of approximately thirteen years. Each class of notes issued in the Series 2013-II securitization transaction has an expected life of approximately five years and a contractual maturity of approximately eight years. These securitization transactions were used to fund the growth in restricted credit card loans.

The Financial Services segment has unsecured federal funds purchase agreements with two financial institutions.  The maximum amount that can be borrowed is $85,000. There were no amounts outstanding at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, or September 29, 2012.  During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, the daily average balance outstanding was $305 and $504, respectively, with a weighted average rate of 0.75% for both periods.


16


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


6.     LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASES
 
Long-term debt, including revolving credit facilities and capital leases, consisted of the following at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured revolving credit facility
$
200,000

 
$

 
$
115,000

Unsecured notes due 2016 with interest at 5.99%
215,000

 
215,000

 
215,000

Unsecured senior notes due 2017 with interest at 6.08%
60,000

 
60,000

 
60,000

Unsecured senior notes due 2014-2018 with interest at 7.20%
40,714

 
48,857

 
48,857

Unsecured revolving credit facility of Canada operations
4,364

 

 

Capital lease obligations payable through 2036
12,485

 
12,678

 
12,740

Total debt
532,563

 
336,535

 
451,597

Less current portion of debt
(8,414
)
 
(8,402
)
 
(8,398
)
Long-term debt, less current maturities
$
524,149

 
$
328,133

 
$
443,199

 
The Company has a credit agreement providing for a $415,000 revolving credit facility that expires on November 2, 2016. There was $200,000 and $115,000 outstanding under our credit agreement at September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively, with no amount outstanding at December 29, 2012. The unsecured $415,000 revolving credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $100,000 and swing line loans up to $20,000. This credit facility may be increased to $500,000 subject to certain terms and conditions.
During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, the daily average principal balance outstanding on the lines of credit was $65,030 and $22,155, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate was 1.46% and 1.65%, respectively. Letters of credit and standby letters of credit totaling $27,753 and $25,856 were outstanding at September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively. The daily average outstanding amount of total letters of credit during the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, was $22,277 and $14,554, respectively.

Effective August 28, 2013, the Company entered into an unsecured $20,000 Canadian ("CAD") revolving credit facility for its operations in Canada. Borrowings are payable on demand with interest payable monthly. The credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $10,000 CAD in the aggregate, which reduce the overall credit limit available under the credit facility.

At September 28, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants under the credit agreements and unsecured notes. At September 28, 2013, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenant requirements of its $415,000 credit agreement with a fixed charge coverage ratio of 11.40 to 1 (minimum requirement is 2.00 to 1), a leverage ratio of 0.86 to 1 (requirement is no more than 3.00 to 1), and a consolidated net worth that was $482,085 in excess of the minimum. We anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements and unsecured notes through at least the next 12 months.


17


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


7.    IMPAIRMENT AND RESTRUCTURING CHARGES

Long-lived assets of the Company are evaluated for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances may indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, the Company evaluated the recoverability of certain property, equipment, land held for sale, and economic development bonds. In accordance with accounting guidance on asset valuations, the Company recognized an impairment loss totaling $937 in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, related to the closure of its former Winnipeg retail store in conjunction with the opening of a new next-generation store in Winnipeg in May 2013. The impairment loss of $937 included leasehold improvements write-offs as well as lease cancellation and restoration costs. No impairment losses were recognized in the three months ended September 28, 2013, or the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012

Trends and management projections could change undiscounted cash flows in future periods which could trigger possible future write downs. The impairment loss was recorded to the Retail and Corporate Overhead and Other segments.

8.     INCOME TAXES    
 
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the effective income tax rate was as follows for the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statutory federal rate
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
1.4

 
2.3

 
1.4

 
2.8

Other nondeductible items
0.2

 
0.9

 
0.2

 
0.7

Tax exempt interest income
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.4
)
 
(0.5
)
Rate differential on foreign income
(5.2
)
 
(4.4
)
 
(4.2
)
 
(4.1
)
Change in unrecognized tax benefits
(0.8
)
 
0.5

 

 
0.6

Other, net
1.2

 
(1.5
)
 

 
(0.6
)
Effective income tax rate
31.3
 %
 
32.3
 %
 
32.0
 %
 
33.9
 %
The balance of unrecognized tax benefits, classified as other long-term liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet, totaled $42,215, $39,252, and $42,167, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively. The changes comparing the respective periods were due primarily to our assessments of uncertain tax positions related to prior period tax positions. The Company paid $53,418 in prior periods as deposits for federal taxes related to prior period uncertain tax positions. The deposits are classified as a current asset netted within income taxes receivable and deferred income taxes in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Because existing tax positions will continue to generate increased liabilities for the Company for unrecognized tax benefits over the next 12 months, and since the Company is routinely under audit by various taxing authorities, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will change during the next 12 months. However, the Company does not expect the change, if any, to have a material effect on the consolidated financial condition or results of operations within the next 12 months.
As of September 28, 2013, cash and cash equivalents held by the Company's foreign subsidiaries totaled $58,942. The Company's intent is to permanently reinvest a portion of these funds from earnings outside the United States for capital expansion and to repatriate a portion of these funds. Based on the Company's current projected capital needs and the current amount of cash and cash equivalents held by its foreign subsidiaries, the Company does not anticipate incurring any material tax costs beyond its accrued tax position in connection with any repatriation, but it may be required to accrue for unanticipated additional tax costs in the future if the Company's expectations or the amount of cash held by its foreign subsidiaries change.

18


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


9.     COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
The Company leases various buildings, computer and other equipment, and storage space under operating leases which expire on various dates through July 2037. Rent expense on these leases as well as other month to month rentals was $3,955 and $10,843 in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, compared to $3,444 and $8,848 in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012, respectively.
The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments under operating leases at September 28, 2013:
For the three months ending December 28, 2013
 
$
3,269

For the fiscal years ending:
 
 
2014
 
15,295

2015
 
19,092

2016
 
18,888

2017
 
18,582

Thereafter
 
260,128

 
 
$
335,254

The Company leases certain retail store locations. Some of these leases include tenant allowances that are amortized over the life of the lease. In the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company received $4,950 in tenant allowances. No tenant allowances were received in the nine months ended September 29, 2012. The Company does not expect to receive tenant allowances under leases during the remainder of 2013. Certain leases require the Company to pay contingent rental amounts based on a percentage of sales, in addition to real estate taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other operating expenses associated with the leased premises. These leases have terms which include renewal options ranging from 10 to 70 years.

The Company has entered into real estate purchase, construction, and/or economic incentive agreements for various new retail store site locations. At September 28, 2013, the Company had total estimated cash commitments of approximately $259,700 outstanding for projected expenditures connected with the development, construction, and completion of new retail stores. This does not include any amounts for contractual obligations associated with retail store locations where the Company is in the process of certain negotiations.
Under various grant programs, state or local governments provide funding for certain costs associated with developing and opening a new retail store. The Company generally receives grant funding in exchange for commitments, such as assurance of agreed employment and wage levels at the retail store or that the retail store will remain open, made by the Company to the state or local government providing the funding. The commitments typically phase out over approximately five to 10 years. If the Company failed to maintain the commitments during the applicable period, the funds received may have to be repaid or other adverse consequences may arise, which could affect the Company's cash flows and profitability. At September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, the total amount of grant funding subject to a specific contractual remedy was $6,673, $7,257, and $7,319, respectively. No grant funding was received in the nine months ended September 28, 2013.

The Company operates an open account document instructions program, which provides for Cabela's-issued letters of credit. The Company had obligations to pay participating vendors $60,579, $55,455, and $65,648, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively.


19


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


The Financial Services segment enters into financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business through the origination of unsecured credit card loans. Unsecured credit card accounts are commitments to extend credit and totaled $25,093,000, $20,976,000, and $20,601,000, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively. These commitments are in addition to any current outstanding balances of a cardholder. Unsecured credit card loans involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The principal amounts of these instruments reflect the Financial Services segment's maximum related exposure. The Financial Services segment has not experienced and does not anticipate that all customers will exercise the entire available line of credit at any given point in time. The Financial Services segment has the right to reduce or cancel the available lines of credit at any time.

Proposed Settlement of Visa Litigation – In June 2005, a number of entities, each purporting to represent a class of retail merchants, sued Visa and several member banks, and other credit card associations, alleging, among other things, that Visa and its member banks have violated United States antitrust laws by conspiring to fix the level of interchange fees. On July 13, 2012, the parties to this litigation announced that they had entered into a memorandum of understanding, which subject to certain conditions, including court approval, obligates the parties to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claims brought by the class members. On November 9, 2012, the settlement received preliminary court approval. The court held a hearing for final approval of the settlement on September 12, 2013, but the settlement has not yet received final court approval. The settlement agreement requires, among other things, (i) the distribution to class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis points of default interchange across all credit rate categories for a period of eight consecutive months, which otherwise would have been paid to issuers like WFB, (ii) Visa to change its rules to allow merchants to charge a surcharge on credit card transactions subject to a cap, and (iii) Visa to meet with merchant buying groups that seek to negotiate interchange rates collectively. To date, WFB has not been named as a defendant in any credit card industry lawsuits. Based on the information in the proposed settlement, management determined that the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange across all credit rate categories for the eight consecutive month period from July 29, 2013, through March 28, 2014, would result in a reduction of interchange income of approximately $12,500 in the Financial Services segment. Therefore, a liability of $12,500 was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 to accrue for such proposed settlement.

In 2013, certain plaintiffs opted out of the proposed settlement resulting in management re-evaluating the impact of the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange across all credit rate categories for the eight consecutive months. In addition, Visa issued its first interchange reduction report to WFB for the period July 29, 2013, through August 31, 2013, resulting in an assessment of $1,300. As a result of these re-evaluations and the analysis relating to the merchant charge volume per the August 2013 Visa interchange reduction report, management determined that the estimated effect for the proposed settlement should be reduced by $1,650 and $2,850, respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013. The estimated remaining liability balance for the proposed settlement is $8,300 at September 28, 2013.

Litigation and Claims – The Company is party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. These actions include commercial, intellectual property, employment, regulatory, and product liability claims. Some of these actions involve complex factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties. The activities of WFB are subject to complex federal and state laws and regulations. WFB's regulators are authorized to impose penalties for violations of these laws and regulations and, in some cases, to order WFB to pay restitution. The Company cannot predict with assurance the outcome of the actions brought against it. Accordingly, adverse developments, settlements, or resolutions may occur and have a material effect on the Company's results of operations for the period in which such development, settlement, or resolution occurs. However, the Company does not believe that the outcome of any current legal proceeding would have a material effect on its results of operations, cash flows, or financial position taken as a whole.

On January 6, 2011, the Company received a Commissioner's charge from the Chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") alleging that the Company has discriminated against non-Whites on the basis of their race and national origin in recruitment and hiring. The Company is disputing these allegations, and the EEOC currently is in the preliminary stages of its investigation. At the present time, the Company is unable to form a judgment regarding a favorable or unfavorable outcome regarding this matter or the potential range of loss in the event of an unfavorable outcome.


20


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


10.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS        

Stock-Based Compensation. The Company recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $3,837 and $11,150 for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, respectively, and $3,686 and $10,286 in the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012, respectively. Compensation expense related to the Company's stock-based payment awards is recognized in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. At September 28, 2013, the total unrecognized deferred stock-based compensation balance for all equity awards issued, net of expected forfeitures, was $24,129, net of tax, which is expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 2.8 years.

New Stock Plan. Effective June 5, 2013, the shareholders of the Company approved the Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Stock Plan (the "2013 Stock Plan"). The 2013 Stock Plan replaces the Cabela's Incorporated 2004 Stock Plan (the "2004 Stock Plan") and provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options ("NSOs"), stock appreciation rights, performance stock, performance units, restricted stock, and restricted stock units to employees and consultants. Non-employee directors are eligible to receive any type of award offered under the 2013 Stock Plan except incentive stock options. Awards granted under the 2013 Stock Plan have a term of no greater than ten years from the grant date and become exercisable under the vesting schedule determined at the time of grant. As of September 28, 2013, the maximum number of shares available for awards under the 2013 Stock Plan was 3,949,030.

Option Awards. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, there were 207,595 NSOs granted to employees under the 2004 Stock Plan at an exercise price of $50.91 per share. These options have an eight-year term and vest over four years. On March 2, 2013, the Company also issued 64,000 premium-priced NSOs to its President and Chief Executive Officer under the 2004 Stock Plan at an exercise price of $58.55 (which was equal to 115% of the closing price of the Company's common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on March 1, 2013). The premium-priced NSOs vest in three equal annual installments beginning on March 2, 2017, and expire on March 2, 2021. At September 28, 2013, there were 3,499,901 awards outstanding under the 2004 Stock Plan. No future grants of awards will be made under the 2004 Stock Plan.

On June 6, 2013, the Company granted 30,000 NSOs to non-employee directors under the 2013 Stock Plan at an exercise price of $67.69 per share. These options have an eight-year term and vest over one year.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, there were 405,533 options exercised. To the extent available, the Company will issue its treasury shares for the exercise of stock options before issuing new shares. The aggregate intrinsic value of awards exercised was $17,854 and $51,885 during the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively. Based on the Company's closing stock price of $64.29 at September 28, 2013, the total number of in-the-money awards exercisable as of September 28, 2013, was 2,034,938.

Nonvested Stock and Stock Unit Awards. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company issued 344,345 units of nonvested stock under the 2004 Stock Plan to employees at a weighted average fair value of $50.87 per unit. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company issued 20,600 units of nonvested stock under the 2013 Stock Plan to employees at a fair value of $69.98 per unit. These nonvested stock units vest evenly over four years on the grant date anniversary based on the passage of time. On March 2, 2013, the Company also issued 55,400 units of performance-based restricted stock units under the 2004 Stock Plan to certain executives at a fair value of $50.91 per unit. These performance-based restricted stock units will begin vesting in four equal annual installments on March 2, 2014, if the performance criteria is achieved.

On June 6, 2013, the Company granted 370 units of nonvested stock to a non-employee director of WFB under the 2013 Stock Plan at a fair value of $67.69 per unit. These nonvested stock units vest over one year.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Effective June 5, 2013, the shareholders of the Company approved the Cabela's Incorporated 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2013 ESPP") which replaces the Cabela's Incorporated 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan for all awards granted on or after August 1, 2013. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, there were 13,046 shares issued under the 2013 Plan. As of September 28, 2013, the maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2013 ESPP was 1,986,954 shares. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, there were 33,065 shares issued under the 2004 Plan.


21


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


11.
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS
 
Retained Earnings - The most significant restrictions on the payment of dividends are contained within the covenants under the Company's revolving credit and unsecured senior notes purchase agreements. Also, Nebraska banking laws govern the amount of dividends that WFB can pay to Cabela's. At September 28, 2013, the Company had unrestricted retained earnings of $180,529 available for dividends. However, the Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its common stock, and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - The components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related taxes, are as follows for the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated net unrealized holding gains on economic development bonds
$
5,142

 
$
6,823

 
$
8,553

Accumulated net unrealized holding loss on derivatives

 
(1
)
 
(23
)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustments
(340
)
 
(1,280
)
 
387

Total accumulated other comprehensive income
$
4,802

 
$
5,542

 
$
8,917


Treasury Stock - The Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program on August 23, 2011, that provides for share repurchases on an ongoing basis to offset dilution resulting from equity awards under the Company's current or future equity compensation plans. On February 14, 2013, the Company announced its intent to repurchase up to 750,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions through February 2014 pursuant to this share repurchase program. As of September 28, 2013, there were 181,179 shares repurchased (which includes 17,439 shares withheld to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of certain restricted shares). At September 28, 2013, there were 586,260 shares remaining to be purchased.

The following table reconciles the Company's treasury stock activity for the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
September 28, 2013
 
September 29, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of treasury shares, beginning of period
13,737

 
800,000

 
492,414

 
800,935

Purchase of treasury stock (1)
17,439

 
16,057

 
181,179

 
816,057

Treasury shares issued on exercise of stock options and share-based payment awards
(30,946
)
 
(290,034
)
 
(673,363
)
 
(1,090,969
)
Number of treasury shares, end of period
230

 
526,023

 
230

 
526,023

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Reflects common stock withheld (under the terms of grants pursuant to a stock compensation plan) totaling 17,439 shares and 16,057 shares, respectively, to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of restricted shares on July 7, 2013 and 2012.

22


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


12.     EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
The following table reconciles the weighted average number of shares utilized in the earnings per share calculations for the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares – basic
70,575,804

 
69,894,538

 
70,412,479

 
69,794,416

Effect of incremental dilutive securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options, nonvested stock units, and employee stock purchase plans
1,182,097

 
1,661,324

 
1,305,415

 
1,830,035

Common shares – diluted
71,757,901

 
71,555,862

 
71,717,894

 
71,624,451

Stock options outstanding and nonvested stock units issued considered anti-dilutive excluded from calculation
37,582

 

 
12,527

 
78,769

13.     SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
 
The following table sets forth non-cash financing and investing activities and other cash flow information for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
Non-cash financing and investing activities:
 
 
 
Accrued property and equipment additions (1)
$
49,007

 
$
24,608

 
 
 
 
Other cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid (2)
55,836

 
60,848

Income taxes paid, net of refunds
52,532

 
81,703

 
 
 
 
(1)
Accrued property and equipment additions are recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in the period they are paid.
(2)
Includes interest from the Financial Services segment totaling $45,987 and $40,693, respectively.


23


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


14.     SEGMENT REPORTING
 
The Company has three reportable segments: Retail, Direct, and Financial Services. The Retail segment sells products and services through the Company's retail stores. The Direct segment sells products through our e-commerce websites (Cabelas.com and Cabelas.ca) and direct mail catalogs. The Financial Services segment issues co-branded credit cards. For the Retail segment, operating costs consist primarily of employee compensation and benefits, advertising, depreciation, and occupancy costs of retail stores. For the Direct segment, operating costs consist primarily of direct marketing costs (e-commerce advertising and catalog costs) and order processing costs. For the Financial Services segment, operating costs consist primarily of advertising and promotion, license fees, third party services for processing credit card transactions, employee compensation and benefits, and other general and administrative costs.
 
Revenues included in Corporate Overhead and Other are primarily made up of amounts received from outfitter services, real estate rental income, land sales, and fees earned through the Company's travel business and other complementary business services. Corporate Overhead and Other expenses include unallocated shared-service costs, operations of various ancillary subsidiaries such as real estate development and travel, and segment eliminations. Unallocated shared-service costs include receiving, distribution, and storage costs of inventory, merchandising, and quality assurance costs, as well as corporate headquarters occupancy costs.

Segment assets are those directly used in or clearly allocable to an operating segment’s operations. For the Retail segment, assets include inventory in the retail stores, land, buildings, fixtures, and leasehold improvements. For the Direct segment, assets primarily include deferred catalog costs and fixed assets. Goodwill totaling $3,406, $3,535, and $3,573, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively, was included in the Retail segment. The change in the carrying value of goodwill between periods is due to foreign currency translation adjustments. Assets for the Financial Services segment include cash, credit card loans, restricted cash, receivables, fixtures, and other assets. Cash and cash equivalents of the Financial Services segment were $334,832, $91,365, and $205,448, at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, respectively. Assets for the Corporate Overhead and Other segment include corporate headquarters and facilities, merchandise distribution inventory, shared technology infrastructure and related information technology systems, corporate cash and cash equivalents, economic development bonds, prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes, and other corporate long-lived assets. Depreciation, amortization, and property and equipment expenditures are recognized in each respective segment. Intercompany revenue between segments was eliminated in consolidation.

Under an Intercompany Agreement, the Financial Services segment pays to the Retail and Direct business segments a fixed license fee equal to 70 basis points on all originated charge volume of the Cabela's CLUB Visa credit card portfolio. In addition, among other items, the agreement requires the Financial Services segment to reimburse the Retail and Direct segments for certain operating and promotional costs.
    



24


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


Financial information by segment is presented in the following tables for the periods presented:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Overhead and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
Direct
 
 
 
Total
Three Months Ended September 28, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
 
$
550,545

 
$
198,596

 
$

 
$

 
$
749,141

Non-merchandise revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 

 

 
98,403

 

 
98,403

Other
 
333

 

 

 
2,951

 
3,284

Total revenue
 
$
550,878

 
$
198,596

 
$
98,403

 
$
2,951

 
$
850,828

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
103,658

 
$
29,284

 
$
29,182

 
$
(85,521
)
 
$
76,603

As a percentage of revenue
 
18.8
%
 
14.7
%
 
29.7
%
 
N/A

 
9.0
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
14,094

 
$
1,874

 
$
400

 
$
7,803

 
$
24,171

Assets
 
1,274,722

 
177,428

 
4,133,412

 
876,503

 
6,462,065

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
 
$
455,495

 
$
196,818

 
$

 
$

 
$
652,313

Non-merchandise revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 

 

 
85,932

 

 
85,932

Other
 
470

 

 

 
2,463

 
2,933

Total Revenue
 
$
455,965

 
$
196,818

 
$
85,932

 
$
2,463

 
$
741,178

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
85,438

 
$
30,220

 
$
23,230

 
$
(71,775
)
 
$
67,113

As a percentage of revenue
 
18.7
%
 
15.4
%
 
27.0
%
 
N/A

 
9.1
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
11,907

 
$
1,841

 
$
339

 
$
6,177

 
$
20,264

Assets
 
1,053,644

 
170,768

 
3,490,278

 
790,679

 
5,505,369

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

25


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Overhead and Other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
 
Direct
 
 
 
Total
Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
 
$
1,520,660

 
$
603,878

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,124,538

Non-merchandise revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 

 

 
272,753

 

 
272,753

Other
 
890

 

 

 
11,949

 
12,839

Total revenue
 
$
1,521,550

 
$
603,878

 
$
272,753

 
$
11,949

 
$
2,410,130

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
279,409

 
$
104,912

 
$
79,198

 
$
(240,866
)
 
$
222,653

As a percentage of revenue
 
18.4
%
 
17.4
%
 
29.0
%
 
N/A

 
9.2
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
39,921

 
$
5,635

 
$
1,158

 
$
21,353

 
$
68,067

Assets
 
1,274,722

 
177,428

 
4,133,412

 
876,503

 
6,462,065

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 29, 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
 
$
1,184,786

 
$
545,466

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,730,252

Non-merchandise revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Services
 

 

 
248,654

 

 
248,654

Other
 
1,203

 

 

 
11,827

 
13,030

Total Revenue
 
$
1,185,989

 
$
545,466

 
$
248,654

 
$
11,827

 
$
1,991,936

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
200,889

 
$
93,559

 
$
73,508

 
$
(196,439
)
 
$
171,517

As a percentage of revenue
 
16.9
%
 
17.2
%
 
29.6
%
 
N/A

 
8.6
%
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
34,280

 
$
5,475

 
$
899

 
$
17,459

 
$
58,113

Assets
 
1,053,644

 
170,768

 
3,490,278

 
790,679

 
5,505,369



26


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


The components and amounts of total revenue for the Financial Services segment were as follows for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
$
87,945

 
$
76,944

 
$
250,383

 
$
222,137

Interest expense
(17,075
)
 
(13,799
)
 
(46,863
)
 
(40,379
)
Provision for loan losses
(8,404
)
 
(10,387
)
 
(33,030
)
 
(29,231
)
Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses
62,466

 
52,758

 
170,490

 
152,527

Non-interest income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interchange income
88,963

 
77,022

 
252,290

 
220,388

Other non-interest income
1,430

 
3,055

 
4,113

 
11,075

Total non-interest income
90,393

 
80,077

 
256,403

 
231,463

Less: Customer rewards costs
(54,456
)
 
(46,903
)
 
(154,140
)
 
(135,336
)
Financial Services revenue
$
98,403

 
$
85,932

 
$
272,753

 
$
248,654

The following table sets forth the percentage of the Company's merchandise revenue contributed by major product categories for our Retail and Direct segments and in total for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012.
Three Months Ended:
Retail
 
Direct
 
Total
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Product Category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hunting Equipment
51.1
%
 
50.4
%
 
47.6
%
 
44.5
%
 
50.2
%
 
48.5
%
General Outdoors
28.3

 
28.9

 
27.8

 
29.8

 
28.2

 
29.2

Clothing and Footwear
20.6

 
20.7

 
24.6

 
25.7

 
21.6

 
22.3

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended:
Retail
 
Direct
 
Total
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Product Category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hunting Equipment
52.1
%
 
47.2
%
 
45.2
%
 
37.2
%
 
50.2
%
 
44.1
%
General Outdoors
29.3

 
33.3

 
30.9

 
36.2

 
29.7

 
34.2

Clothing and Footwear
18.6

 
19.5

 
23.9

 
26.6

 
20.1

 
21.7

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

27


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


15.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS        

Fair value represents the estimated price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In determining fair value of financial instruments, the Company uses various methods, including discounted cash flow projections based on available market interest rates and data, and management estimates of future cash payments. Judgment is required in interpreting certain market data to develop the estimates of fair value and, accordingly, any changes in assumptions or methods may affect the fair value estimates. Financial instrument assets and liabilities measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:
Level 1 - Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted market prices.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs corroborated by little, if any, market data.
Level 3 is comprised of financial instruments whose fair value is estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing significant inputs that are primarily unobservable from objective sources. At September 28, 2013, the Company's financial instruments carried on our condensed consolidated balance sheets subject to fair value measurements consisted of economic development bonds and were classified as Level 3 for valuation purposes. For the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2, or 3.
The table below presents changes in fair value of the economic development bonds measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
79,043

 
$
88,335

 
$
85,041

 
$
86,563

Total gains or losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Included in earnings - realized

 

 

 

Included in accumulated other comprehensive income - unrealized
1,043

 
4,605

 
(2,334
)
 
8,475

Valuation adjustments

 

 

 

Purchases, issuances, and settlements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases

 

 

 

Issuances

 

 

 

Settlements
(826
)
 
(196
)
 
(3,447
)
 
(2,294
)
Balance, end of period
$
79,260

 
$
92,744

 
$
79,260

 
$
92,744

Fair values of the Company's economic development bonds were estimated using discounted cash flow projection estimates. These estimates are based on available market interest rates and the estimated amounts and timing of expected future payments to be received from municipalities under tax development zones, which the Company considers to be unobservable inputs (Level 3). These fair values do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering these bonds for sale or through early redemption, or any related income tax impact. Declines in the fair value of available-for-sale economic development bonds below cost that are deemed to be other than temporary are reflected in earnings. At September 28, 2013, none of the bonds with a fair value below carrying value were deemed to have other than a temporary impairment.     

28


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from our economic development bonds. We revalue each economic development bond using discounted cash flow models based on available market interest rates (Level 2 inputs) and management estimates, including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments (Level 3 inputs) to be received by the municipalities under tax increment financing districts. Projected cash flows are derived from sales and property taxes. Based on our analysis, in those instances where the expected cash flows are insufficient to recover the current carrying value of the bond, we adjust the carrying value of the individual bonds to their revised estimated fair value. The governmental entity from which the Company purchases the bonds is not liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to fund principal and interest amounts under the bonds. Should sufficient tax revenue not be generated by the subject properties, the Company may not receive all anticipated payments and thus will be unable to realize the full carrying values of the economic development bonds, which result in a corresponding decrease to deferred grant income.
Long-lived assets other than goodwill and other intangible assets, which generally are tested separately for impairment on an annual basis, are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The calculation for an impairment loss compares the carrying value of the asset to that asset's estimated fair value, which may be based on estimated future discounted cash flows or unobservable market prices. We recognize an impairment loss if the asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value. Frequently our impairment loss calculations contain multiple uncertainties because they require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values, including forecasting cash flows under different scenarios. We have consistently applied our accounting methodologies that we use to assess impairment loss. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.
The Company evaluates the recoverability of property and equipment, land held for sale, goodwill and intangibles whenever indicators of impairment exist using significant unobservable inputs. This evaluation included existing store locations and future retail store sites. The Company recognized an impairment loss of $937 in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, related to the closure of its former Winnipeg retail store in conjunction with the opening of a new next-generation store in Winnipeg in May 2013. The impairment loss of $937 included leasehold improvements write-offs as well as lease cancellation and restoration costs. No impairment losses were recognized in the three months ended September 28, 2013.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, restricted cash, accounts payable, gift instruments (including credit card and loyalty rewards programs), accrued expenses, and income taxes receivable and payable included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets approximate fair value given the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The secured variable funding obligations of the Trust, which include variable rates of interest that adjust daily, can fluctuate daily based on the short-term operational needs of the Financial Services segment with advances and pay downs at par value. Therefore, the carrying value of the secured variable funding obligations of the Trust approximates fair value.

29


CABELA'S INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in Thousands Except Share and Per Share Amounts)
(Unaudited)


The table below presents the estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets at the periods indicated. The fair values of all financial instruments listed below were estimated based on internally developed models or methodologies utilizing observable inputs (Level 2).
 
September 28, 2013
 
December 29, 2012
 
September 29, 2012
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
Carrying Value
 
Estimated Fair Value
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit card loans, net
$
3,567,423

 
$
3,567,423

 
$
3,497,472

 
$
3,497,472

 
$
3,151,647

 
$
3,151,647

Held-to-maturity investment securities
135,000

 
135,003

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Time deposits
1,147,978

 
1,153,801

 
1,048,018

 
1,086,411

 
1,074,555

 
1,110,851

Secured long-term obligations of the Trust
2,452,250

 
2,320,576

 
1,827,500

 
1,807,083

 
1,827,500

 
1,803,818

Long-term debt
532,563

 
565,280

 
336,535

 
373,120

 
451,597

 
491,880

Credit Card Loans. Credit card loans are originated with variable rates of interest that adjust with changing market interest rates so the carrying value of the credit card loans, including the carrying value of deferred credit card origination costs, less the allowance for loan losses, approximates fair value. This valuation does not include the value that relates to estimated cash flows generated from new loans over the life of the cardholder relationship. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value of the credit card loans does not represent the underlying value of the established cardholder relationship.
Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities. The estimated fair values for held-to-maturity securities are based on prices obtained from independent brokers which are estimated using pricing models that incorporate market data.
Time Deposits. Time deposits are pooled in homogeneous groups, and the future cash flows of those groups are discounted using current market rates offered for similar products for purposes of estimating fair value. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for time deposits.
Secured Long-Term Obligations of the Trust. The estimated fair value of secured long-term obligations of the Trust is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for secured long-term obligations of the Trust.
Long-Term Debt. The estimated fair value of long-term debt is based on future cash flows associated with each type of debt discounted using current borrowing rates for similar types of debt of comparable maturity. For all periods presented, we have consistently applied our discounting methodologies to estimated future cash flows in determining estimated fair value for long-term debt.
16.    ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Effective February 5, 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which adds additional disclosure requirements relating to the reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income.  This ASU was effective for the first quarter of 2013 for the Company. During the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Company did not have any reclassification of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income.



30


Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
This report contains “forward-looking statements” that are based on our beliefs, assumptions, and expectations of future events, taking into account the information currently available to us.  All statements other than statements of current or historical fact contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.  The words “believe,” “may,” “should,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “objective,” “seek,” “plan,” and similar statements are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance, or financial condition to differ materially from the expectations of future results, performance, or financial condition we express or imply in any forward-looking statements.  These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to:
the state of the economy and the level of discretionary consumer spending, including changes in consumer preferences and demographic trends;
adverse changes in the capital and credit markets or the availability of capital and credit;
our ability to successfully execute our omni-channel strategy;
increasing competition in the outdoor sporting goods industry and for credit card products and reward programs;
the cost of our products, including increases in fuel prices;
the availability of our products due to political or financial instability in countries where the goods we sell are manufactured;
supply and delivery shortages or interruptions, and other interruptions or disruptions to our systems, processes, or controls, caused by system changes or other factors;
increased or adverse government regulations, including regulations relating to firearms and ammunition;
our ability to protect our brand, intellectual property, and reputation;
the outcome of litigation, administrative, and/or regulatory matters (including a Commissioner's charge we received from the Chair of the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") in January 2011);
our ability to manage credit, liquidity, interest rate, operational, legal, regulatory capital, and compliance risks;
our ability to increase credit card receivables while managing credit quality;
our ability to securitize our credit card receivables at acceptable rates or access the deposits market at acceptable rates;
the impact of legislation, regulation, and supervisory regulatory actions in the financial services industry, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Reform Act"); and
other risks, relevant factors, and uncertainties identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") (including the information set forth in the "Risk Factors" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012), which filings are available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.
Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on these statements.  Our forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report.  Other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012, as filed with the SEC, and our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this report.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

Our critical accounting policies and use of estimates utilized in the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 28, 2013, remain unchanged from December 29, 2012.


31


Cabela's®
 
We are a leading specialty retailer, and the world's largest direct marketer, of hunting, fishing, camping, and related outdoor merchandise.  We provide a quality service to our customers who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle by supplying outdoor products through our multi-channel retail business consisting of our Retail and Direct segments. Our Retail business segment currently consists of 48 stores, including our second Outpost store that we opened in Saginaw, Michigan, on February 14, 2013, and the seven next-generation stores that we opened to date in 2013:

Columbus, Ohio, on March 7, 2013;
Grandville, Michigan, on March 21, 2013;
Louisville, Kentucky, on April 11, 2013;
Green Bay, Wisconsin, on July 25, 2013;
Thornton, Colorado, and Lone Tree, Colorado on August 15, 2013; and
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada on September 19, 2013.

We have 44 stores located in the United States and four in Canada with total retail square footage now at 5.8 million square feet, an increase of 12.5% compared to the end of 2012.

Our Direct business segment is comprised of our highly acclaimed Internet website and supplemented by our catalog distributions as a selling and marketing tool. World's Foremost Bank ("WFB," "Financial Services segment," or "Cabela's CLUB") also plays an integral role in supporting our merchandising business.  The Financial Services segment, comprised of our credit card services, reinforces our strong brand and strengthens our customer loyalty through our credit card loyalty programs.

Executive Overview
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands Except Earnings Per Diluted Share)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
$
550,878

 
$
455,965

 
$
94,913

 
20.8
%
Direct
198,596

 
196,818

 
1,778

 
0.9

Total
749,474

 
652,783

 
96,691

 
14.8

Financial Services
98,403

 
85,932

 
12,471

 
14.5

Other revenue
2,951

 
2,463

 
488

 
19.8

Total revenue
$
850,828

 
$
741,178

 
$
109,650

 
14.8

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating income
$
76,603

 
$
67,113

 
$
9,490

 
14.1

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
$
49,886

 
$
42,785

 
$
7,101

 
16.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per diluted share
$
0.70

 
$
0.60

 
$
0.10

 
16.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

32


 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands Except Earnings Per Diluted Share)
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
$
1,521,550

 
$
1,185,989

 
$
335,561

 
28.3
%
Direct
603,878

 
545,466

 
58,412

 
10.7

Total
2,125,428

 
1,731,455

 
393,973

 
22.8

Financial Services
272,753

 
248,654

 
24,099

 
9.7

Other revenue
11,949

 
11,827

 
122

 
1.0

Total revenue
$
2,410,130

 
$
1,991,936

 
$
418,194

 
21.0

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating income
$
222,653

 
$
171,517

 
$
51,136

 
29.8

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
$
144,278

 
$
105,481

 
$
38,797

 
36.8

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Earnings per diluted share
$
2.01

 
$
1.47

 
$
0.54

 
36.7


Revenues in the three months ended September 28, 2013, totaled $851 million, an increase of $110 million, or 14.8%, over the three months ended September 29, 2012.  Total merchandise sales increased $97 million, or 14.8%, comparing the three month periods due to increases of $78 million in revenue from new retail stores and $17 million, or 3.9%, in comparable store sales, led by an increase in the hunting equipment product category. Direct revenue increased $2 million primarily due to an increase in the hunting equipment product category. Ammunition sales, while still above prior year levels, slowed during the three months ended September 28, 2013.

Revenues in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, totaled $2.4 billion, an increase of $418 million, or 21.0%, over the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  Total merchandise sales increased $394 million, or 22.8%, comparing the nine month periods due to increases of $196 million in revenue from new retail stores and $132 million, or 12.0%, in comparable store sales, led by an increase in the hunting equipment product category. These increases were complemented by an increase of $58 million in Direct revenue, primarily due to increases in the hunting equipment product category.

Financial Services revenue increased $12 million, or 14.5%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, and $24 million, or 9.7%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. These increases in revenue were primarily due to increases in interest income and interchange income, partially offset by higher customer reward costs due to growth in the number of active accounts and average balance per account. Interchange income in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, increased by $2 million and $3 million, respectively, due to adjustments to our estimated liability for the proposed Visa settlement. We determined that the effect for the proposed settlement should be adjusted pursuant to certain plaintiffs opting out of the proposed settlement in 2013 and analysis of our merchant charge volume in Visa's first interchange reduction report to WFB for the month of August 2013.

Operating income increased $9 million, or 14.1%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, while operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased 10 basis points over the same period. The increase in total operating income was primarily due to increases in revenue from all three business segments as well as an increase in our merchandise gross profit. This improvement was partially offset by higher consolidated operating expenses which drove down our operating income as a percentage of revenue. Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in comparable and new store costs and related support areas.


33


Operating income increased $51 million, or 29.8%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, and operating income as a percentage of revenue increased 60 basis points over the same period. The increases in total operating income and total operating income as a percentage of total revenue were primarily due to increases in revenue from all three business segments as well as an increase in our merchandise gross profit. These improvements were partially offset by higher consolidated operating expenses. Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in comparable and new store costs and related support areas. However, expressed as a percentage of total revenue, selling, distribution, and administrative expenses decreased 110 basis points to 35.0% in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012.

Our vision is to be the best omni-channel retail company in the world by creating intense customer loyalty for our outdoor brand. This loyalty will be created through two pillars of excellence: highly engaged outfitters and shareholders who support our short and long term goals. We will focus on these areas to achieve our new vision:

Intensify Customer Loyalty. We will deepen our customer relationships, aggressively serve current and developing market segments, and increase our innovation in Cabela's products and services.
Grow Profitably and Sustainably. Through sustaining and adapting our culture, we will continuously seek ways to improve profitability and increase revenue in all business segments.
Enhance Technology Capability. We will implement a strategic technology road map, streamline our systems, and accelerate customer-facing technologies.
Simplify Our Business. As we focus on our priorities, we will align our goals to foster collaboration and streamline cross-functional processes.
Improve Marketing Effectiveness. We will optimize all marketing channels and expand our digital and e-commerce capabilities while continuing to strengthen the Cabela's brand.

Improvements in these areas have led to an increase in our return on invested capital, an important measure of how effectively we have deployed capital in our operations in generating cash flows. Increases in our return on invested capital, on an after-tax basis, indicate improvements in our use of capital, thereby creating value in our Company.

We offer our customers integrated opportunities to access and use our retail store, Internet, and catalog channels. Our in-store pick-up program allows customers to order products through our catalogs, Internet site, and store kiosks and have them delivered to the retail store of their choice without incurring shipping costs, thereby helping to increase foot traffic in our stores. Conversely, our expanding retail stores introduce customers to our Internet and catalog channels. We are capitalizing on our omni-channel model by building on the strengths of each channel, primarily through improvements in our merchandise planning system. This system, along with our replenishment system, allows us to identify the correct product mix in each of our retail stores, maintain the proper inventory levels to satisfy customer demand in both our Retail and Direct business channels, and improve our distribution efficiencies. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, we continued to enhance our omni-channel efforts through greater use of digital marketing and the limited roll out of omni-channel fulfillment. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we expect to continue to expand our omni-channel fulfillment capabilities and plan to implement a number of improvements to our mobile platform.

We continue to work with vendors to negotiate the best prices on products and to manage inventory levels, as well as to ensure vendors deliver all products and services as expected. Our efforts continue in detailed pre-season planning, in-season monitoring of sales, and management of inventory to focus product assortments on our core customer base. As a result, our merchandise gross margin as a percentage of merchandise revenue increased 10 basis points to 37.3% in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to 37.2% in the three months ended September 29, 2012, and 40 basis points to 36.8% in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to 36.4% in the nine months ended September 29, 2012. These increases were primarily attributable to improved in-season and pre-season merchandise inventory planning, improvements in vendor collaboration, an ongoing focus on private label products, and improvements in price optimization to ensure we are optimizing markdowns. The increases in our merchandise gross profit as a percentage of merchandise sales were partially offset by an adverse product mix shift due to increased sales of firearms and ammunition, which carry a lower margin.

We have improved our retail store merchandising processes, information technology systems, and distribution and logistics capabilities.  In August 2013, we leased a distribution center in Tooele, Utah, to support our growth. This distribution center comprises 574,000 square feet and is expected to be in full operation by August 2014. We have also improved our visual merchandising within the stores and coordinated merchandise at our stores by adding more regional product assortments.  To enhance customer service at our retail stores, we have increased our staff of outfitters and have continued our management training and mentoring programs for our retail store managers.
 

34


Comparing Retail segment results for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, to the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012:
operating income increased $18 million, or 21.3%, and $79 million, or 39.1%;
operating income as a percentage of Retail segment revenue increased 10 basis points to 18.8%, and 150 basis points to 18.4%; and
comparable store sales increased 3.9% and 12.0%, respectively.

Our Retail business segment currently consists of 48 stores, including the seven next-generation stores that we opened in 2013 and an Outpost store that we opened in Saginaw, Michigan, in February 2013. The new store formats are more productive and generate higher returns which will help to increase our return on invested capital. We now have 44 stores located in the United States and four in Canada with total retail square footage at 5.8 million square feet, an increase of 12.5% from the end of 2012. In the fourth quarter of 2013, we plan to open Outpost stores in Waco, Texas; and Kalispell, Montana.

We have announced plans to open 14 additional retail stores in 2014 as follows:
11 next-generation stores located in Christiana, Delaware; Greenville, South Carolina; Anchorage, Alaska; Woodbury, Minnesota; Bristol, Virginia; Tualatin, Oregon; Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; Cheektowaga, New York; Acworth, Georgia; Barrie, Ontario, Canada; and Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada; and
three Outpost stores located in Lubbock, Texas; Missoula, Montana; and Augusta, Georgia.

These planned 2014 retail stores represent approximately one million new square feet of retail space or 18% square footage growth in 2014.

For 2015, we have to date announced plans to open three next-generation retail stores in the following locations:
Berlin, Massachusetts; Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; and Garner, North Carolina.

We recognized an impairment loss totaling $1 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, related to the closure of our former 44,000 square foot Winnipeg, Manitoba, retail store and the opening of a new 70,000 square foot next-generation store in Winnipeg in May 2013. Looking to the end of 2013, we expect to increase retail square footage up to 14.1% over 2012, as well as generate an increased profit per square foot compared to the legacy store base, with the planned openings of these next-generation and Outpost stores.

We are focusing on improving our customers' digital shopping experiences on Cabelas.com and via mobile devices. Our marketing focus continues to be on developing a seamless omni-channel experience for our customers regardless of their transaction channel. Our digital transformation continues with efforts around enhancing our Internet website to support the Direct business. The amount of traffic coming through mobile devices is growing significantly.  As a result, we continue to utilize best-in-class technology to improve our customers' digital shopping experiences and build on the advances we have made to capitalize on the variety of ways customers are shopping at Cabela's today.  We have seen early successes in our social marketing initiatives and now have over 2.7 million fans on Facebook.  Our omni-channel marketing efforts are resulting in increases in new customers, as well as customer engagement across multiple channels with a consistent experience across all channels. Our goal is to create a digital presence that mirrors our customers' in-store shopping experience.

In 2012 and continuing in the first three quarters of 2013, we realized improvements in Internet traffic, growth in multi-channel customers, and very early progress in our print-to-digital transformation. We have developed a multi-year approach to reverse the downward trend in our Direct segment and transform our legacy catalog business into an omni-channel enterprise supporting transformation to digital, e-commerce, and mobile while optimizing the customer experience with our growing retail footprint. We are in the very early stages of this effort. Near term efforts have been focusing on our print-to-digital transformation and testing targeted shipping offers. Also in January 2013, we opened an office in Westminster, Colorado, to attract high-quality talent to improve our website, social media, and mobile applications.

Comparing Direct segment results for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, to the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012:
revenue increased $2 million, or 0.9%, and $58 million, or 10.7%;
operating income decreased $1 million, or 3.1% quarter over quarter but increased $11 million, or 12.1% comparing the respective nine month periods; and
operating income as a percentage of Direct segment revenue decreased 70 basis points to 14.7% quarter over quarter but increased 20 basis points to 17.4% comparing the respective nine month periods.

35


The net growth in Direct revenue was due to an increase in the hunting equipment product category. This net growth was impacted beginning in the three months ended September 28, 2013, by a significant deceleration in ammunition sales and a more cautious consumer.

Cabela's CLUB continues to manage credit card delinquencies and charge-offs below industry average by adhering to our conservative underwriting criteria and active account management. Comparing Cabela's CLUB results for the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013, to the three and nine months ended September 29, 2012:
net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card loans increased one basis point to 1.72% quarter over quarter but decreased to 1.82%, down three basis points comparing the respective nine month periods;
the average balance of our credit card loans increased 13.5% and 13.0%, respectively, to $3.4 billion for the nine months ended September 28, 2013; and
our number of average active accounts increased 10.1% and 10.3%, respectively, to 1.7 million for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and the average balance per active account increased 3.0% and 2.5%, respectively.

During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Financial Services segment issued $390 million in certificates of deposit, early renewed its $300 million variable funding facility and extended the commitment for an additional two years, and completed two term securitizations totaling $735 million.

Current Business Environment        

Worldwide Credit Markets and Macroeconomic Environment - Beginning in August 2013, and continuing into the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, we experienced a significant deceleration in the sales of firearms and ammunition as well as a challenging consumer environment across all business channels. To address these trends, we increased our promotional spending while managing other expenses to levels consistent with how our business is performing. We plan to continue managing those costs accordingly through the remainder of 2013. The Financial Services segment continues to monitor developments in the securitization and certificates of deposit markets to ensure adequate access to liquidity. We expect our charge-off rates and delinquency levels to remain below industry averages.

Developments in Legislation and Regulation - In late 2012 and into 2013, there has been significant discussion regarding enacted gun control legislation and potential gun control legislation, primarily aimed at modern sporting rifles, certain semiautomatic pistols, and high capacity magazines. For example, the States of Colorado, Connecticut, Maryland, and New York have recently enacted legislation that prohibits the sale of certain high capacity magazines and, in some cases, the sale of certain firearms. In January 2013, legislation was introduced in the United States Senate that would, if enacted, prohibit the sale of certain modern sporting rifles, certain semiautomatic pistols, and magazines that hold more than 10 rounds. We do not expect the recently enacted state legislation to have a significant impact on our business. Any new federal legislation that prohibits the sale of certain modern sporting rifles, semiautomatic pistols, or ammunition could negatively impact our hunting equipment sales. Our mix of modern sporting rifles, semiautomatic pistols, and ammunition most likely to be impacted by any legislative changes is a small percentage of our total hunting equipment sales.
On July 9, 2013, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") adopted an interim final rule which revises its risk-based and leverage capital requirements for FDIC-supervised institutions. This interim final rule is substantially identical to a joint final rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on July 2, 2013. The interim final rules and the joint final rules implement the regulatory capital reforms recommended by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010, commonly referred to as “Basel III,” and capital reforms required by the Reform Act. Among other things, the interim final rules and the joint final rules revise the agencies' prompt corrective action framework by introducing a common equity tier 1 capital requirement and a higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement. In addition, the interim final rules and the joint final rules include a supplementary leverage ratio for depository institutions subject to the advanced approaches capital rules. The phase-in period for the interim final rule will begin for WFB in January 2015. WFB is continuing to assess how the interim final rules and the joint final rules will impact WFB and its ability to comply with the new common equity tier 1 capital requirement and higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement.
    

36


The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Reform Act") was signed into law in July 2010 and has made extensive changes to the laws regulating financial services firms and credit rating agencies and requires significant rule-making. In addition, the Reform Act along with the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the "CARD Act") mandated multiple studies which could result in additional legislative or regulatory action. In December 2012, the Staff of the Division of Markets and Trading of the SEC issued its Report to Congress on Assigned Credit Ratings (the “Report”) pursuant to the provisions of the Reform Act.  In the Report, the Staff analyzed the manner in which credit rating agencies are currently compensated in connection with the issuance of credit ratings of asset-backed securities and various alternative compensation structures.  It is unclear if or when Congress or the SEC will take any further legislative or regulatory action in response to the issues considered in the Report.  If any further legislative or regulatory action is taken in response to these issues, the ability and willingness of WFB to continue to rely on the securitization market for funding could be adversely affected. The changes resulting from the Reform Act may impact our profitability, require changes to certain Financial Services segment business practices, impose upon the Financial Services segment more stringent capital, liquidity, and leverage ratio requirements, increase FDIC deposit insurance premiums, or otherwise adversely affect the Financial Services segment's business. These changes may also require the Financial Services segment to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes.
The Reform Act established the new independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “Bureau”) which has broad rulemaking, supervisory, and enforcement authority over consumer products, including credit cards. The Bureau has extensive rulemaking authority and enforcement authority, and WFB is subject to the Bureau's regulation. While the Bureau will not examine WFB, it will receive information from the FDIC, WFB's primary federal regulator. The Bureau is specifically authorized to issue rules identifying as unlawful acts or practices it defines as “unfair, deceptive or abusive acts” in connection with any transaction with a consumer or in connection with a consumer financial product or service. It is uncertain what rules will be adopted by the Bureau, how such rules will be enforced, and whether or not such rules will require WFB to modify existing practices or procedures.
The Bureau, the FDIC, and other agencies, have recently announced several high-profile enforcement actions against credit card issuers for deceptive marketing and other illegal practices related to the advertising of ancillary products, collection practices, and other matters.  By these public enforcement actions, the Bureau and the FDIC have signaled a heightened ongoing scrutiny of credit card issuers.  We anticipate this enforcement activity by regulators in pursuing consumer protection claims to continue.
The Reform Act will also affect a number of significant changes relating to asset-backed securities, including additional oversight and regulation of credit rating agencies and additional reporting and disclosure requirements. The changes resulting from the Reform Act or any rules or regulations adopted by the Bureau may impact our profitability, require changes to certain of the Financial Services segment's business practices, impose upon the Financial Services segment more stringent capital, liquidity, and leverage ratio requirements, increase FDIC deposit insurance premiums, or otherwise adversely affect the Financial Services segment's business. These changes may also require the Financial Services segment to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes.
On October 11, 2011, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the FDIC, and the SEC issued proposed regulations implementing certain provisions under the Reform Act limiting proprietary trading and sponsorship or investment in hedge funds and private equity funds (the "Volcker Rule"). The proposed regulations are complex and have been the subject of extensive comment. As proposed, these regulations may apply to us and could limit our ability to engage in the types of transactions covered by the Volcker Rule and may impose potentially burdensome compliance, monitoring, and reporting obligations. There remains considerable uncertainty regarding whether the final regulations implementing the Volcker Rule will differ from the proposed regulations and the effect of any final regulations on our Retail and Direct businesses and the business of the Financial Services segment and its ability and willingness to sponsor securitization transactions in the future.

On September 19, 2011, the SEC proposed a new rule under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to implement certain provisions of the Reform Act. Under the proposed rule, an underwriter, placement agent, initial purchaser, or sponsor of an asset-backed security, or any affiliate of any such person, shall not at any time within one year after the first closing of the sale of the asset-backed security engage in any transaction that would involve or result in any material conflict of interest with respect to any investor in a transaction arising out of such activity. The proposed rule would exempt certain risk mitigating hedging activities, liquidity commitments, and bona fide market-making activity. It is not clear how the final rule will differ from the proposed rule, if at all. The final rule's impact on the securitization market and the Financial Services segment is also unclear at this time.    


37


The Cabela's Master Credit Card Trust and related entities (collectively referred to as the “Trust”) is structured to qualify for the exemption from the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the “Investment Company Act”) provided by Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7. On August 31, 2011, the SEC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding possible amendments to Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7. At this time, it is uncertain what form the related proposed and final rules will take, whether the Trust would continue to be eligible to rely on the exemption provided by Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7, and whether the Trust would qualify for any other Investment Company Act exemption.

On July 26, 2011, the SEC re-proposed certain rules for asset-backed securities offerings (“SEC Regulation AB II”) which were originally proposed by the SEC on April 7, 2010. If adopted, SEC Regulation AB II would substantially change the disclosure, reporting, and offering process for public and private offerings of asset-backed securities. As currently proposed, SEC Regulation AB II would, among other things, impose as a condition for the shelf registration of asset-backed securities the filing of a certification concerning the disclosure contained in the prospectus and the design of the securitization at the time of each offering off the shelf and the appointment of a credit risk manager to review assets when credit enhancement requirements are not met or at the direction of investors. Issuers of publicly offered asset-backed securities would be required to disclose more information regarding the underlying assets. Moreover, proposed SEC Regulation AB II would alter the safe harbor standards for private placements of asset-backed securities imposing informational requirements similar to those applicable to registered public offerings. The final form that SEC Regulation AB II may take is uncertain at this time, but it may impact the Financial Services segment's ability and/or desire to sponsor securitization transactions in the future.

On August 28, 2013, pursuant to the provisions of the Reform Act, the SEC, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and certain other federal agencies re-proposed regulations requiring securitization sponsors to retain an economic interest in assets that they securitize. We cannot predict at this time whether WFB’s existing forms of risk retention will satisfy the regulatory requirements, whether structural changes will be necessary, or whether the final rules will impact the Financial Services segment’s ability or desire to continue to rely on the securitization market for funding.

Proposed Settlement of Visa Litigation - In June 2005, a number of entities, each purporting to represent a class of retail merchants, sued Visa and several member banks, and other credit card associations, alleging, among other things, that Visa and its member banks have violated United States antitrust laws by conspiring to fix the level of interchange fees. On July 13, 2012, the parties to this litigation announced that they had entered into a memorandum of understanding, which subject to certain conditions, including court approval, obligates the parties to enter into a settlement agreement to resolve the claims brought by the class members. On November 9, 2012, the settlement received preliminary court approval. The court held a hearing for final approval of the settlement on September 12, 2013, but the settlement has not yet received final court approval. The settlement agreement requires, among other things, (i) the distribution to class merchants of an amount equal to 10 basis points of default interchange across all credit rate categories for a period of eight consecutive months, which otherwise would have been paid to issuers like WFB, (ii) Visa to change its rules to allow merchants to charge a surcharge on credit card transactions subject to a cap, and (iii) Visa to meet with merchant buying groups that seek to negotiate interchange rates collectively. To date, WFB has not been named as a defendant in any credit card industry lawsuits. Based on the information in the proposed settlement, management determined that the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange across all credit rate categories for the period of eight consecutive months from July 29, 2013, through March 28, 2014, would result in a reduction of interchange income of approximately $12.5 million in the Financial Services segment. Therefore, a liability of $12.5 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 to accrue for such proposed settlement.
 
In 2013, certain plaintiffs opted out of the proposed settlement resulting in management re-evaluating the impact of the 10 basis point reduction of default interchange across all credit rate categories for the eight consecutive months. In addition, Visa issued its first interchange reduction report to WFB for the period July 29, 2013, through August 31, 2013, resulting in an assessment of $1.3 million. As a result of these re-evaluations and the analysis relating to the merchant charge volume per the August 2013 Visa interchange reduction report, management determined that the estimated effect for the proposed settlement should be reduced by $2 million and $3 million, respectively, in the three and nine months ended September 28, 2013. The estimated remaining liability balance for the proposed settlement is $8.3 million at September 28, 2013.





38


Operations Review
 
 The three months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, each consisted of 13 weeks, and the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, each consisted of 39 weeks. Our operating results expressed as a percentage of revenue were as follows for the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
100.00
 %
 
100.00
 %
 
100.00
 %
 
100.00
 %
Cost of revenue
55.23

 
55.31

 
55.69

 
55.28

Gross profit (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
44.77

 
44.69

 
44.31

 
44.72

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses
35.76

 
35.64

 
35.04

 
36.11

Impairment and restructuring charges

 

 
0.03

 

Operating income
9.01

 
9.05

 
9.24

 
8.61

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Interest expense, net
(0.59
)
 
(0.71
)
 
(0.59
)
 
(0.80
)
Other income, net
0.12

 
0.17

 
0.15

 
0.21

Total other income (expense), net
(0.47
)
 
(0.54
)
 
(0.44
)
 
(0.59
)
Income before provision for income taxes
8.54

 
8.51

 
8.80

 
8.02

Provision for income taxes
2.68

 
2.75

 
2.81

 
2.71

Net income
5.86
 %
 
5.76
 %
 
5.99
 %
 
5.31
 %


Results of Operations - Three Months Ended September 28, 2013, Compared to September 29, 2012


Revenues

Retail revenue includes sales realized and customer services performed at our retail stores, sales from orders placed through our retail store Internet kiosks, and sales from customers utilizing our in-store pick-up program. Direct revenue includes Internet and call center (catalog) sales from orders placed through our website, over the phone, and by mail where the merchandise is shipped to non-retail store locations. Financial Services revenue is comprised of interest and fee income, interchange income, other non-interest income, interest expense, provision for loan losses, and customer rewards costs from our credit card operations. Other revenue sources include fees for our hunting and fishing outfitter services, fees for our full-service travel agency business, real estate rental income and land sales, and other complementary business services.
Comparisons and analysis of our revenues are presented below for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
 
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
 
%
 
 
%
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
$
550,878

 
64.8
%
 
$
455,965

 
61.5
%
 
$
94,913

 
20.8
%
Direct
198,596

 
23.3

 
196,818

 
26.6

 
1,778

 
0.9

Financial Services
98,403

 
11.6

 
85,932

 
11.6

 
12,471

 
14.5

Other
2,951

 
0.3

 
2,463

 
0.3

 
488

 
19.8

Total
$
850,828

 
100.0
%
 
$
741,178

 
100.0
%
 
$
109,650

 
14.8



39


Product Sales Mix - The following table sets forth the percentage of our merchandise revenue contributed by major product categories for our Retail and Direct segments and in total for the three months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012.
 
Retail
 
Direct
 
Total
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hunting Equipment
51.1
%
 
50.4
%
 
47.6
%
 
44.5
%
 
50.2
%
 
48.5
%
General Outdoors
28.3

 
28.9

 
27.8

 
29.8

 
28.2

 
29.2

Clothing and Footwear
20.6

 
20.7

 
24.6

 
25.7

 
21.6

 
22.3

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

The hunting equipment merchandise category includes a wide variety of firearms, ammunition, optics, archery products, and related accessories and supplies. The general outdoors merchandise category includes a full range of equipment and accessories supporting all outdoor activities, including all types of fishing and tackle products, boats and marine equipment, camping gear and equipment, food preparation and outdoor cooking products, all-terrain vehicles and accessories for automobiles and all-terrain vehicles, and gifts and home furnishings. The clothing and footwear merchandise category includes fieldwear apparel and footwear, sportswear, casual clothing and footwear, and workwear products.
  
Retail Revenue - Retail revenue increased $95 million, or 20.8%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, primarily due to an increase of $78 million in revenue from the addition of new retail stores comparing the respective periods and an increase in comparable store sales of $17 million. Retail revenue growth was led by an increase in the hunting equipment product category primarily from increases in firearms and ammunition, hunting apparel, archery, and optics, as well as men's apparel and general outdoors. Ammunition sales, while still above prior year levels, slowed during the three months ended September 28, 2013.
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable stores sales
$
441,524

 
$
424,917

 
$
16,607

 
3.9
%
 
Direct Revenue - Direct revenue increased $2 million, or 0.9%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012. The net growth in Direct revenue was due to an increase in the hunting equipment product category. This net growth was negatively impacted as ammunition growth slowed faster than we anticipated leading to a deceleration in Internet traffic and lower average ticket.


40


Financial Services Revenue -  The following table sets forth the components of Financial Services revenue for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
$
87,945

 
$
76,944

 
$
11,001

 
14.3
 %
Interest expense
(17,075
)
 
(13,799
)
 
3,276

 
23.7

Provision for loan losses
(8,404
)
 
(10,387
)
 
(1,983
)
 
(19.1
)
Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses
62,466

 
52,758

 
9,708

 
18.4

Non-interest income:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interchange income
88,963

 
77,022

 
11,941

 
15.5

Other non-interest income
1,430

 
3,055

 
(1,625
)
 
(53.2
)
Total non-interest income
90,393

 
80,077

 
10,316

 
12.9

Less: Customer rewards costs
(54,456
)
 
(46,903
)
 
7,553

 
16.1

Financial Services revenue
$
98,403

 
$
85,932

 
$
12,471

 
14.5


Financial Services revenue increased $12 million, or 14.5%, for the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012. The increase in interest and fee income of $11 million was due to an increase in credit card loans, partially offset by lower London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") rates. The increase in interest expense of $3 million was due to the issuances of securitizations and certificates of deposit in 2013 which were used to fund growth. During the three months ended September 28, 2013, the provision decreased $2 million due to a $5 million reduction in the allowance for loan losses partially offset by a $3 million increase in charge-offs as a result of growth in our total credit card loan portfolio.  The $5 million reduction was a result of management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses which included a $7 million reduction in the allowance on the restructured credit card loans segment based on analysis relating to historical trends in actual charge-offs and a $1 million reduction for a decrease in restructured credit card loan balances, partially offset by a $3 million increase in the allowance on the credit card loans segment as a result of growth.  See “Asset Quality of Cabela's CLUB” in this report for additional information on trends in the credit card loans portfolio. The increase in interchange income of $12 million was primarily due to an increase in credit card purchases. Interchange income in the three months ended September 28, 2013, was also increased by $2 million due to adjustments to the estimated liability for the proposed Visa settlement. The increase in customer rewards costs of $8 million was primarily due to an increase in credit card purchases.

The following table sets forth the components of Financial Services revenue as a percentage of average total credit card loans, including any accrued interest and fees, for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
9.9
 %
 
9.8
 %
Interest expense
(1.9
)
 
(1.8
)
Provision for loan losses
(0.9
)
 
(1.3
)
Interchange income
10.0

 
9.8

Other non-interest income
0.2

 
0.4

Customer rewards costs
(6.1
)
 
(6.0
)
Financial Services revenue
11.2
 %
 
10.9
 %
 

41


Key statistics reflecting the performance of Cabela's CLUB are shown in the following chart for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands Except Average Balance per Account )
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average balance of credit card loans (1)
$
3,551,109

 
$
3,129,897

 
$
421,212

 
13.5
%
Average number of active credit card accounts
1,694,334

 
1,539,150

 
155,184

 
10.1

Average balance per active credit card account (1)
$
2,096

 
$
2,034

 
$
62

 
3.0

Net charge-offs on credit card loans (1)
$
15,312

 
$
13,376

 
$
1,936

 
14.5

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average
   credit card loans (1)
1.72
%
 
1.71
%
 
0.01
%
 
 

(1) Includes accrued interest and fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average balance of credit card loans increased to $3.6 billion, or 13.5%, for the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, due to an increase in the number of active accounts and the average balance per account.  The average number of active accounts increased to 1.7 million, or 10.1%, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, due to our successful marketing efforts in new account acquisitions. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card loans increased to 1.72% for the three months ended September 28, 2013, up one basis point compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, due to a decrease in recoveries, mostly offset by improvements in bankruptcies, delinquencies, and delinquency roll-rates. See “Asset Quality of Cabela's CLUB” in this report for additional information on trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans and analysis of our allowance for loan losses.

Other Revenue

Other revenue was $3 million in both the three months ended September 28, 2013, and the three months ended September 29, 2012.

Merchandise Gross Profit        
 
Comparisons and analysis of our gross profit on merchandising revenue are presented below for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
$
749,141

 
$
652,313

 
$
96,828

 
14.8
%
Merchandise gross profit
279,527

 
242,384

 
37,143

 
15.3

Merchandise gross profit as a percentage
   of merchandise sales
37.3
%
 
37.2
%
 
0.1
%
 
 

 Merchandise Gross Profit - Our merchandise gross profit increased $37 million, or 15.3%, to $280 million in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012. The increase in our merchandise gross profit was primarily due to firearms and ammunition, as well as continued improvements in vendor collaboration, an ongoing focus on private label products, and further advancements in price optimization.     

Our merchandise gross profit as a percentage of merchandise sales increased 10 basis points in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, primarily due to the elimination of free shipping to Cabela's CLUB members, increased penetration of Cabela's brand merchandise, and fewer sales discounts and markdowns. The increase in our merchandise gross profit as a percentage of merchandise sales was partially offset by an adverse product mix shift due to increased sales of firearms and ammunition, which carry a lower margin.    


42


Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses        

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses include all operating expenses related to our retail stores, Internet website, distribution centers, product procurement, Cabela's CLUB credit card operations, and overhead costs, including: advertising and marketing, catalog costs, employee compensation and benefits, occupancy costs, information systems processing, and depreciation and amortization. Comparisons and analysis of our selling, distribution, and administrative expenses are presented below for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses
$
304,293

 
$
264,136

 
$
40,157

 
15.2
%
SD&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue
35.8
%
 
35.6
%
 
0.2
%
 
 

Retail store pre-opening costs
$
7,808

 
$
4,141

 
$
3,667

 
88.6

 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased $40 million, or 15.2%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012. Expressed as a percentage of total revenue, selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased 20 basis points to 35.8% in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012. The most significant factors contributing to the changes in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in these respective periods included:
an increase of $24 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor primarily due to the opening of new retail stores and increases in staff for other retail stores, merchandising and distribution centers, credit card growth support, and general corporate overhead support;
an increase of $5 million in building expenses and depreciation primarily related to the operations and maintenance of our new and existing retail stores as well as corporate offices;
an increase of $3 million in professional fees;
an increase of $2 million in advertising, promotional costs related to new and existing retail stores, and direct marketing costs; and
an increase of $2 million in software-related expenses primarily to support operational growth.

Significant changes in our consolidated selling, distribution, and administrative expenses related to specific business segments included the following:

Retail Segment:
An increase of $15 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor primarily due to the opening of new retail stores and increases in staff for other retail stores and merchandising teams.
An increase of $3 million in advertising and promotional costs related to new and existing retail stores.
An increase of $3 million in building expenses primarily related to the operations and maintenance of our new and existing retail stores.

Direct Segment:
A decrease of $1 million in advertising and direct marketing costs.
Financial Services Segment:
An increase of $2 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor to support operational growth.
Corporate Overhead, Distribution Centers, and Other:
An increase of $7 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor in general corporate and the distribution centers to support operational growth.
An increase of $3 million in professional fees.
An increase of $2 million in building expenses primarily related to updates to our corporate offices.
An increase of $2 million in software-related expenses primarily to support operational growth.


43


Operating Income

Operating income is revenue less cost of revenue and selling, distribution, and administrative expenses.  Operating income for our merchandise business segments excludes costs associated with operating expenses of distribution centers, procurement activities, and other corporate overhead costs.

Comparisons and analysis of operating income are presented below for the three months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
$
76,603

 
$
67,113

 
$
9,490

 
14.1
 %
Total operating income as a percentage of total revenue
9.0
%
 
9.1
%
 
(0.1
)%
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income by business segment:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Retail
$
103,658

 
$
85,438

 
$
18,220

 
21.3

Direct
29,284

 
30,220

 
(936
)
 
(3.1
)
Financial Services
29,182

 
23,230

 
5,952

 
25.6

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating income as a percentage of segment revenue:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Retail
18.8
%
 
18.7
%
 
0.1
 %
 
 

Direct
14.7

 
15.4

 
(0.7
)
 
 

Financial Services
29.7

 
27.0

 
2.7

 
 

 
Operating income increased $9 million, or 14.1%, in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012, while operating income as a percentage of revenue decreased 10 basis points to 9.0% in the three months ended September 28, 2013. The increase in total operating income was primarily due to increases in revenue from all business segments as well as an increase in our merchandise gross profit. This improvement was partially offset by higher consolidated operating expenses. Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in comparable and new store costs and related support areas.

Under an Intercompany Agreement, the Financial Services segment pays to the Retail and Direct business segments a fixed license fee equal to 70 basis points on all originated charge volume of the Cabela's CLUB Visa credit card portfolio. In addition, among other items, the agreement requires the Financial Services segment to reimburse the Retail and Direct segments for certain operating and promotional costs. Fees paid under the Intercompany Agreement by the Financial Services segment to these two segments increased $4 million in the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the three months ended September 29, 2012; a $6 million increase to the Retail segment and a $2 million decrease to the Direct segment.

Interest (Expense) Income, Net
 
Interest expense, net of interest income, was $5 million in both the three months ended September 28, 2013, and the three months ended September 29, 2012.

Other Non-Operating Income, Net

Other non-operating income was $1 million in both the three months ended September 28, 2013, and the three months ended September 29, 2012 This income is primarily from interest earned on our economic development bonds.

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rate was 31.3% for the three months ended September 28, 2013, compared to 32.3% for the three months ended September 29, 2012.  The decrease in our effective tax rate comparing the respective periods is primarily due to changes in our assessments of uncertain tax positions related to prior period tax positions and the mix of taxable income between the United States and foreign tax jurisdictions.

44



Results of Operations - Nine Months Ended September 28, 2013, Compared to September 29, 2012


Revenues

Comparisons and analysis of our revenues are presented below for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
 
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
 
%
 
 
%
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail
$
1,521,550

 
63.1
%
 
$
1,185,989

 
59.5
%
 
$
335,561

 
28.3
%
Direct
603,878

 
25.1

 
545,466

 
27.4

 
58,412

 
10.7

Financial Services
272,753

 
11.3

 
248,654

 
12.5

 
24,099

 
9.7

Other
11,949

 
0.5

 
11,827

 
0.6

 
122

 
1.0

Total
$
2,410,130

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,991,936

 
100.0
%
 
$
418,194

 
21.0


Product Sales Mix - The following table sets forth the percentage of our merchandise revenue contributed by major product categories for our Retail and Direct segments and in total for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012.
 
Retail
 
Direct
 
Total
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hunting Equipment
52.1
%
 
47.2
%
 
45.2
%
 
37.2
%
 
50.2
%
 
44.1
%
General Outdoors
29.3

 
33.3

 
30.9

 
36.2

 
29.7

 
34.2

Clothing and Footwear
18.6

 
19.5

 
23.9

 
26.6

 
20.1

 
21.7

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%

Retail Revenue - Retail revenue increased $336 million, or 28.3%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, primarily due to an increase of $196 million in revenue from the addition of new retail stores comparing the respective periods and an increase in comparable store sales of $132 million. Retail revenue growth was led by an increase in the hunting equipment product category primarily from increases in firearms and ammunition, hunting apparel, archery, and optics.
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable stores sales
$
1,234,437

 
$
1,102,085

 
$
132,352

 
12.0
%
 
Direct Revenue - Direct revenue increased $58 million, or 10.7%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. Direct revenue growth was due to an increase in the hunting equipment product category.


45


Financial Services Revenue -  The following table sets forth the components of Financial Services revenue for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
$
250,383

 
$
222,137

 
$
28,246

 
12.7
 %
Interest expense
(46,863
)
 
(40,379
)
 
6,484

 
16.1

Provision for loan losses
(33,030
)
 
(29,231
)
 
3,799

 
13.0

Net interest income, net of provision for loan losses
170,490

 
152,527

 
17,963

 
11.8

Non-interest income:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interchange income
252,290

 
220,388

 
31,902

 
14.5

Other non-interest income
4,113

 
11,075

 
(6,962
)
 
(62.9
)
Total non-interest income
256,403

 
231,463

 
24,940

 
10.8

Less: Customer rewards costs
(154,140
)
 
(135,336
)
 
18,804

 
13.9

Financial Services revenue
$
272,753

 
$
248,654

 
$
24,099

 
9.7


Financial Services revenue increased $24 million, or 9.7%, for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. The increase in interest and fee income of $28 million was due to an increase in credit card loans, partially offset by lower LIBOR rates. The increase in interest expense of $6 million was due to the issuances of securitizations and certificates of deposit in 2013 which were used to fund growth. The provision for loan losses increased due to growth in our credit card loan portfolio, even though our net-charge-off rates and allowance for loan losses have decreased. The increases in interchange income of $32 million and customer rewards costs of $19 million was primarily due to an increase in credit card purchases. Interchange income in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, was also increased by $3 million due to adjustments to the estimated liability for the proposed Visa settlement. The decrease in other non-interest income is a result of the discontinuance of the payment assurance program in the third quarter of 2012.

The following table sets forth the components of Financial Services revenue as a percentage of average total credit card loans, including any accrued interest and fees, for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
Interest and fee income
9.7
 %
 
9.8
 %
Interest expense
(1.8
)
 
(1.8
)
Provision for loan losses
(1.3
)
 
(1.3
)
Interchange income
9.8

 
9.7

Other non-interest income
0.2

 
0.5

Customer rewards costs
(6.0
)
 
(5.9
)
Financial Services revenue
10.6
 %
 
11.0
 %
 

46


Key statistics reflecting the performance of Cabela's CLUB are shown in the following chart for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands Except Average Balance per Account )
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average balance of credit card loans (1)
$
3,429,045

 
$
3,033,243

 
$
395,802

 
13.0
%
Average number of active credit card accounts
1,659,724

 
1,504,545

 
155,179

 
10.3

Average balance per active credit card account (1)
$
2,066

 
$
2,016

 
$
50

 
2.5

Net charge-offs on credit card loans (1)
$
46,776

 
$
42,170

 
$
4,606

 
10.9

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average
   credit card loans (1)
1.82
%
 
1.85
%
 
(0.03
)%
 
 

(1) Includes accrued interest and fees
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The average balance of credit card loans increased to $3.4 billion, or 13.0%, for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, due to an increase in the number of active accounts and the average balance per account.  The average number of active accounts increased to 1.7 million, or 10.3%, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, due to our successful marketing efforts in new account acquisitions. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card loans decreased to 1.82% for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, down three basis points compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, due to improvements in bankruptcies, delinquencies, and delinquency roll-rates, partially offset by a decrease in recoveries. See “Asset Quality of Cabela's CLUB” in this report for additional information on trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans and analysis of our allowance for loan losses.

Other Revenue

Other revenue was $13 million in both the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and the nine months ended September 29, 2012. In July 2013, we decided that our real estate brokerage business specializing in selling hunting and recreational property will cease. We anticipate that this business will wind down by the end of fiscal year 2014. This will result in an annual reduction of approximately $2 million in other revenue.

Merchandise Gross Profit        
 
Comparisons and analysis of our gross profit on merchandising revenue are presented below for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Merchandise sales
$
2,124,538

 
$
1,730,252

 
$
394,286

 
22.8
%
Merchandise gross profit
782,832

 
629,821

 
153,011

 
24.3

Merchandise gross profit as a percentage
   of merchandise sales
36.8
%
 
36.4
%
 
0.4
%
 
 

 Merchandise Gross Profit - Our merchandise gross profit increased $153 million, or 24.3%, to $783 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. The increase in our merchandise gross profit was primarily due to firearms and ammunition, as well as continued improvements in vendor collaboration, an ongoing focus on private label products, and further advancements in price optimization.     

Our merchandise gross profit as a percentage of merchandise sales increased 40 basis points in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, due in part to continued improvements in pre-season and in-season inventory management and vendor collaboration, the elimination of free shipping to Cabela's CLUB members, increased penetration of Cabela's brand merchandise, and fewer sales discounts and markdowns. The increase in our merchandise gross profit as a percentage of merchandise sales was partially offset by an adverse product mix shift due to increased sales of firearms and ammunition, which carry a lower margin.    


47


Selling, Distribution, and Administrative Expenses        

Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses include all operating expenses related to our retail stores, Internet website, distribution centers, product procurement, Cabela's CLUB credit card operations, and overhead costs, including: advertising and marketing, catalog costs, employee compensation and benefits, occupancy costs, information systems processing, and depreciation and amortization. Comparisons and analysis of our selling, distribution, and administrative expenses are presented below for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses
$
844,448

 
$
719,354

 
$
125,094

 
17.4
%
SD&A expenses as a percentage of total revenue
35.0
%
 
36.1
%
 
(1.1
)%
 
 

Retail store pre-opening costs
$
18,083

 
$
10,330

 
$
7,753

 
75.1

 
Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased $125 million, or 17.4%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. However, expressed as a percentage of total revenue, selling, distribution, and administrative expenses decreased 110 basis points to 35.0% in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. The most significant factors contributing to the changes in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in these respective periods included:
an increase of $76 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor primarily due to the opening of new retail stores and increases in staff for other retail stores, merchandising and distribution centers, credit card growth support, and general corporate overhead support;
an increase of $15 million in building expenses and depreciation primarily related to the operations and maintenance of our new and existing retail stores as well as corporate offices;
an increase of $12 million in advertising, promotional costs related to new and existing retail stores, and direct marketing costs;
an increase of $9 million in professional fees; and
an increase of $5 million in software-related expenses primarily to support operational growth.

Significant changes in our consolidated selling, distribution, and administrative expenses related to specific business segments included the following:

Retail Segment:
An increase of $44 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor primarily due to the opening of new retail stores and increases in staff for other retail stores and merchandising teams.
An increase of $9 million in building expenses and depreciation primarily related to the operations and maintenance of our new and existing retail stores as well as corporate offices.
An increase of $7 million in advertising and promotional costs related to new and existing retail stores.

Direct Segment:
An increase of $4 million in advertising and direct marketing costs primarily due to increases in our national brand advertising, Internet related expenses due to our expanded use of digital marketing channels, and enhancements to our website.
An increase of $3 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor.
An increase of $2 million in professional fees.

Financial Services Segment:
An increase of $3 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor to support operational growth.



48


Corporate Overhead, Distribution Centers, and Other:
An increase of $26 million in employee compensation, benefits, and contract labor in general corporate and the distribution centers to support operational growth.
An increase of $6 million in costs primarily related to the operations and maintenance of our corporate offices.
An increase of $5 million in professional fees.
An increase of $5 million in software-related expenses primarily to support operational growth.

Impairment and Restructuring Charges

We recognized an impairment loss totaling $1 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, related to the closure of our former Winnipeg retail store and the opening of a new next-generation store in Winnipeg in May 2013. The impairment loss of $1 million included leasehold improvements write-offs as well as lease cancellation and restoration costs. No impairment losses were recognized in the nine months ended September 29, 2012

Operating Income

Comparisons and analysis of operating income are presented below for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
% Change
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total operating income
$
222,653

 
$
171,517

 
$
51,136

 
29.8
%
Total operating income as a percentage of total revenue
9.2
%
 
8.6
%
 
0.6
 %
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income by business segment:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Retail
$
279,409

 
$
200,889

 
$
78,520

 
39.1

Direct
104,912

 
93,559

 
11,353

 
12.1

Financial Services
79,198

 
73,508

 
5,690

 
7.7

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Operating income as a percentage of segment revenue:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Retail
18.4
%
 
16.9
%
 
1.5
 %
 
 

Direct
17.4

 
17.2

 
0.2

 
 

Financial Services
29.0

 
29.6

 
(0.6
)
 
 

 
Operating income increased $51 million, or 29.8%, in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012, and operating income as a percentage of revenue increased 60 basis points to 9.2% in the nine months ended September 28, 2013. The increases in total operating income and total operating income as a percentage of total revenue were primarily due to increases in revenue from all business segments as well as an increase in our merchandise gross profit. These improvements were partially offset by higher consolidated operating expenses. Selling, distribution, and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in comparable and new store costs and related support areas.

Under an Intercompany Agreement, the Financial Services segment pays to the Retail and Direct business segments a fixed license fee equal to 70 basis points on all originated charge volume of the Cabela's CLUB Visa credit card portfolio. In addition, among other items, the agreement requires the Financial Services segment to reimburse the Retail and Direct segments for certain operating and promotional costs. Fees paid under the Intercompany Agreement by the Financial Services segment to these two segments increased $15 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012; a $15 million increase to the Retail segment and no change to the Direct segment.

Interest (Expense) Income, Net
 
Interest expense, net of interest income, was $14 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to $16 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2012. The decrease in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, is in part due to a higher amount of interest capitalized in 2013 related to increased store expansion activity.


49


Other Non-Operating Income, Net

Other non-operating income was $4 million in both the nine months ended September 28, 2013, and the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  

Provision for Income Taxes
 
Our effective tax rate was 32.0% for the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to 33.9% for the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  The decrease in our effective tax rate comparing the respective periods is primarily due to the settlement of state income taxes during the nine months ended September 29, 2012, and to changes in our assessments of uncertain tax positions related to prior period tax positions.


Asset Quality of Cabela's CLUB
 
Delinquencies and Non-Accrual
 
We consider the entire balance of an account, including any accrued interest and fees, delinquent if the minimum payment is not received by the payment due date. Our aging method is based on the number of completed billing cycles during which a customer has failed to make a required payment. As part of collection efforts, a credit card loan may be closed and placed on non-accrual or restructured in a fixed payment plan prior to charge off. Our fixed payment plans require payment of the loan within 60 months and consist of a lower interest rate, reduced minimum payment, and elimination of fees.  Loans on fixed payment plans include loans in which the customer has engaged a consumer credit counseling agency to assist them in managing their debt. Customers who miss two consecutive payments once placed on a payment plan or non-accrual will resume accruing interest at the rate they had accrued at before they were placed on a plan. Interest and fees are accrued in accordance with the terms of the applicable cardholder agreements or payment plan on credit card loans until the date of charge-off unless placed on non-accrual. Payments received on non-accrual loans will be applied to principal and reduce the amount of the loan.

The quality of our credit card loan portfolio at any time reflects, among other factors: 1) the creditworthiness of cardholders, 2) general economic conditions, 3) the success of our account management and collection activities, and 4) the life-cycle stage of the portfolio.  During periods of economic weakness, delinquencies and net charge-offs are more likely to increase. We have mitigated periods of economic weakness by selecting a customer base that is very creditworthy.  We use the scores of Fair Isaac Corporation ("FICO"), a widely-used tool for assessing an individual's credit rating, as the primary credit quality indicator. The median FICO score of our credit cardholders was 793 at September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012.

The following table reports delinquencies, including any delinquent non-accrual and restructured credit card loans, as a percentage of our credit card loans, including any accrued interest and fees, in a manner consistent with our monthly external reporting at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
Number of days delinquent:
 
 
 
 
 
Greater than 30 days
0.71
%
 
0.72
%
 
0.81
%
Greater than 60 days
0.42

 
0.46

 
0.49

Greater than 90 days
0.21

 
0.24

 
0.26

   

50


Delinquencies at September 28, 2013, declined compared to December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, as a result of improvements in the economic environment and our conservative underwriting criteria and active account management.
The table below shows delinquent, non-accrual, and restructured loans as a percentage of our credit card loans, including any accrued interest and fees, at the periods ended:    
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
Number of days delinquent and still accruing (1):
 
 
 
 
 
Greater than 30 days
0.58
%
 
0.57
%
 
0.64
%
Greater than 60 days
0.34

 
0.36

 
0.38

Greater than 90 days
0.17

 
0.19

 
0.20

(1) Excludes non-accrual and restructured loans which are presented below.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accrual
0.16

 
0.17

 
0.19

Restructured
1.09

 
1.35

 
1.50

 
Allowance for Loan Losses and Charge-offs

The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable losses inherent in the credit card loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is established through a charge to the provision for loan losses and is regularly evaluated by management for adequacy. Loans on a payment plan or non-accrual are segmented from the rest of the credit card loan portfolio into a restructured credit card loan segment before establishing an allowance for loan losses as these loans have a higher probability of loss. Management estimates losses inherent in the credit card loans segment and restructured credit card loans segment based on a model which tracks historical loss experience on delinquent accounts, bankruptcies, death, and charge-offs, net of estimated recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses a migration analysis and historical bankruptcy and death rates to estimate the likelihood that a credit card loan in the credit card loan segment will progress through the various stages of delinquency and to charge-off. This analysis estimates the gross amount of principal that will be charged off over the next twelve months, net of recoveries. The Financial Services segment uses historical charge-off rates to estimate the likelihood that a restructured credit card loan will charge-off over the life of the loan, net of recoveries. This estimate is used to derive an estimated allowance for loan losses. In addition to these methods of measurement, management also considers other factors such as general economic and business conditions affecting key lending areas, credit concentration, changes in origination and portfolio management, and credit quality trends. Since the evaluation of the inherent loss with respect to these factors is subject to a high degree of uncertainty, the measurement of the overall allowance is subject to estimation risk, and the amount of actual losses can vary significantly from the estimated amounts.
 
Charge-offs consist of the uncollectible principal, interest, and fees on a customer's account.  Recoveries are the amounts collected on previously charged-off accounts.  Most bankcard issuers charge off accounts at 180 days. We charge off credit card loans on a daily basis after an account becomes at a minimum 130 days contractually delinquent to allow us to manage the collection process more efficiently. Accounts relating to cardholder bankruptcies, cardholder deaths, and fraudulent transactions are charged off earlier.  The Financial Services segment records charged-off cardholder fees and accrued interest receivable directly against interest and fee income included in Financial Services revenue.


51


The following table shows the activity in our allowance for loan losses and charge off activity for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, beginning of period
$
62,500

 
$
67,050

 
$
65,600

 
$
73,350

Provision for loan losses
8,404

 
10,387

 
33,030

 
29,231

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Charge-offs
(17,477
)
 
(15,736
)
 
(54,426
)
 
(50,582
)
Recoveries
3,943

 
4,049

 
13,166

 
13,751

Net charge-offs
(13,534
)
 
(11,687
)
 
(41,260
)
 
(36,831
)
Balance, end of period
$
57,370

 
$
65,750

 
$
57,370

 
$
65,750

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs on credit card loans
$
(13,534
)
 
$
(11,687
)
 
$
(41,260
)
 
$
(36,831
)
Charge-offs of accrued interest and fees (recorded as a reduction in interest and fee income)
(1,778
)
 
(1,689
)
 
(5,516
)
 
(5,339
)
Total net charge-offs including accrued interest and fees
$
(15,312
)
 
$
(13,376
)
 
$
(46,776
)
 
$
(42,170
)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
Net charge-offs including accrued interest and fees as a percentage of average credit card loans
1.72
%
 
1.71
%
 
1.82
%
 
1.85
%
 
For the nine months ended September 28, 2013, net charge-offs as a percentage of average credit card loans decreased to 1.82%, down three basis points compared to 1.85% for the nine months ended September 29, 2012. We believe our charge-off levels remain well below industry averages.  Our net charge-off rates and allowance for loan losses have decreased due to improved outlooks in the quality of our credit card portfolio evidenced by lower delinquencies and delinquency roll-rates and favorable charge-off trends.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Overview

Our Retail and Direct segments and our Financial Services segment have significantly differing liquidity and capital needs. We believe that we will have sufficient capital available from cash on hand, our revolving credit facility, and other borrowing sources to fund our cash requirements and near-term growth plans for at least the next 12 months. We continually evaluate the credit markets for certificates of deposit and securitizations to determine the most cost effective source of funds for the Financial Services segment. At September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, cash on a consolidated basis totaled $410 million, $289 million, and $266 million, respectively, of which $335 million, $91 million, and $205 million, respectively, was cash at the Financial Services segment which will be utilized to meet this segment's liquidity requirements. 
As of September 28, 2013, cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries totaled $59 million.  Our intent is to permanently reinvest a portion of these funds from earnings outside the United States for capital expansion and to repatriate a portion of these funds. Based on our current projected capital needs and the current amount of cash and cash equivalents held by our foreign subsidiaries, we do not anticipate incurring any material tax costs beyond our accrued tax position in connection with any repatriation, but we may be required to accrue for unanticipated additional tax costs in the future if our expectations or the amount of cash held by our foreign subsidiaries change.


52


On October 11, 2011, the Federal Reserve, the Office of the Comptroller of Currency, the FDIC, and the SEC issued proposed regulations implementing certain provisions under the Reform Act limiting proprietary trading and sponsorship or investment in hedge funds and private equity funds (the "Volcker Rule"). The proposed regulations are complex and have been the subject of extensive comment. As proposed, these regulations may apply to us and could limit our ability to engage in the types of transactions covered by the Volcker Rule and may impose potentially burdensome compliance, monitoring, and reporting obligations. There remains considerable uncertainty regarding whether the final regulations implementing the Volcker Rule will differ from the proposed regulations and the effect of any final regulations on our Retail and Direct businesses and the business of the Financial Services segment and its ability and willingness to sponsor securitization transactions in the future.

Retail and Direct Segments – The primary cash requirements of our merchandising business relate to capital for new retail stores, purchases of inventory, investments in our management information systems and infrastructure, and general working capital needs. We historically have met these requirements with cash generated from our merchandising business operations, borrowing under our revolving credit facility, and issuing debt and equity securities.
The cash flow we generate from our merchandising business is seasonal, with our peak cash requirements for inventory occurring from April through November. While we have consistently generated overall positive annual cash flow from our operating activities, other sources of liquidity are required by our merchandising business during these peak cash use periods. These sources historically have included short-term borrowings under our revolving credit facility and access to debt markets. While we generally have been able to manage our cash needs during peak periods, if any disruption occurred to our funding sources, or if we underestimated our cash needs, we would be unable to purchase inventory and otherwise conduct our merchandising business to its maximum effectiveness, which could result in reduced revenue and profits.

Our $415 million revolving credit facility expires on November 2, 2016, and permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $100 million and swing line loans up to $20 million. This credit facility may be increased to $500 million subject to certain terms and conditions. Advances under the credit facility will be used for the Company's general business purposes, including working capital support.
Our unsecured $415 million revolving credit facility and unsecured senior notes contain certain financial covenants, including the maintenance of minimum debt coverage, a fixed charge coverage ratio, a leverage ratio, and a minimum consolidated net worth standard. In the event that we failed to comply with these covenants, a default would trigger and all principal and outstanding interest would immediately be due and payable. At September 28, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements and unsecured notes. We anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements and unsecured notes through at least the next 12 months.

Effective August 28, 2013, we entered into an unsecured $20 million Canadian ("CAD") revolving credit facility for our operations in Canada. Borrowings are payable on demand with interest payable monthly. The credit facility permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $10 million CAD in the aggregate, which reduce the overall credit limit available under the credit facility.

We announced on February 14, 2013, that we intend to repurchase up to 750,000 shares of our outstanding common stock in open market transactions through February 2014 pursuant to our share repurchase program. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any outstanding shares of our common stock, and the program may be limited or terminated at any time. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, we repurchased 181,179 shares of our common stock, which included 163,740 shares purchased for $10 million, as well as 17,439 withheld (under the terms of grants pursuant to a stock compensation plan) to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of certain restricted shares.

Financial Services Segment – The primary cash requirements of the Financial Services segment relate to the financing of credit card loans.  These cash requirements will increase if our credit card originations increase or if our cardholders' balances or spending increase. The Financial Services segment sources operating funds in the ordinary course of business through various financing activities, which include funding obtained from securitization transactions, obtaining brokered and non-brokered certificates of deposit, borrowing under its federal funds purchase agreements, and generating cash from operations. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Financial Services segment issued $390 million in certificates of deposit, early renewed its $300 million variable funding facility, extending the commitment for an additional two years, and completed term securitizations of $385 million and $350 million that will mature in February 2023 and August 2018, respectively. We believe that these liquidity sources are sufficient to fund the Financial Services segment's foreseeable cash requirements and near-term growth plans.


53


WFB is prohibited by regulations from lending money to Cabela's or other affiliates. WFB is subject to capital requirements imposed by Nebraska banking law and the Visa U.S.A., Inc. membership rules, and its ability to pay dividends is also limited by Nebraska and Federal banking law.  If there are any disruptions in the credit markets, the Financial Services segment, like many other financial institutions, may increase its funding from certificates of deposit which may result in increased competition in the deposits market with fewer funds available or at unattractive rates.  Our ability to issue certificates of deposit is reliant on our current regulatory capital levels.  WFB is classified as a “well capitalized” bank, the highest category under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action.  If WFB were to be classified as an “adequately capitalized” bank, which is the next level category down from "well capitalized," we would be required to obtain a waiver from the FDIC in order to continue to issue certificates of deposit.  We will invest additional capital in the Financial Services segment, if necessary, in order for WFB to continue to meet the minimum requirements for the "well capitalized" classification under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. In addition to the non-brokered certificates of deposit market to fund growth and maturing securitizations, we have access to the brokered certificates of deposit market through multiple financial institutions for liquidity and funding purposes.

On July 9, 2013, the FDIC adopted an interim final rule which revises its risk-based and leverage capital requirements for FDIC-supervised institutions. This interim final rule is substantially identical to a joint final rule issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on July 2, 2013. The interim final rules and the joint final rules implement the regulatory capital reforms recommended by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision in December 2010 and capital reforms required by the Reform Act. Among other things, the interim final rules and the joint final rules revise the agencies' prompt corrective action framework by introducing a common equity tier 1 capital requirement and a higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement. In addition, the interim final rules and the joint final rules include a supplementary leverage ratio for depository institutions subject to the advanced approaches capital rules. The phase-in period for the interim final rule will begin for WFB in January 2015. WFB is continuing to assess how the interim final rules and the joint final rules will impact WFB and its ability to comply with the new common equity tier 1 capital requirement and higher minimum tier 1 capital requirement.

The ability of the Financial Services segment to engage in securitization transactions on favorable terms or at all could be adversely affected by disruptions in the capital markets or other events, which could materially affect our business and cause the Financial Services segment to lose an important source of capital.  The Reform Act, which was signed into law in July 2010, will also affect a number of significant changes relating to asset-backed securities, including additional oversight and regulation of credit rating agencies and additional reporting and disclosure requirements. In December 2012, the Staff of the Division of Markets and Trading of the SEC issued its Report to Congress on Assigned Credit Ratings pursuant to the provisions of the Reform Act.  In the Report, the Staff analyzed the manner in which credit rating agencies are currently compensated in connection with the issuance of credit ratings of asset-backed securities and various alternative compensation structures.  It is unclear if or when Congress or the SEC will take any further legislative or regulatory action in response to the issues considered in the Report.  If any further legislative or regulatory action is taken in response to these issues, the ability and willingness of WFB to continue to rely on the securitization market for funding could be adversely affected. The changes resulting from the Reform Act may impact our profitability, require changes to certain Financial Services segment business practices, impose upon the Financial Services segment more stringent capital, liquidity, and leverage ratio requirements, increase FDIC deposit insurance premiums, or otherwise adversely affect the Financial Services segment's business. These changes may also require the Financial Services segment to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes.
In addition, several rules and regulations have recently been proposed or adopted that may substantially affect issuers of asset-backed securities. On September 19, 2011, the SEC proposed a new rule under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to implement certain provisions of the Reform Act. Under the proposed rule, an underwriter, placement agent, initial purchaser, or sponsor of an asset-backed security, or any affiliate of any such person, shall not at any time within one year after the first closing of the sale of the asset-backed security engage in any transaction that would involve or result in any material conflict of interest with respect to any investor in a transaction arising out of such activity. The proposed rule would exempt certain risk-mitigating hedging activities, liquidity commitments, and bona fide market-making activity. It is not clear how the final rule will differ from the proposed rule, if at all. The final rule's impact on the securitization market and the Financial Services segment is also unclear at this time.



54


The Trust is structured to qualify for the exemption from the Investment Company Act provided by Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7. On August 31, 2011, the SEC issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking regarding possible amendments to Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7. At this time, it is uncertain what form the related proposed and final rules will take, whether the Trust would continue to be eligible to rely on the exemption provided by Investment Company Act Rule 3a-7, and whether the Trust would qualify for any other Investment Company Act exemption.

On July 26, 2011, the SEC re-proposed certain rules for asset-backed securities offerings (“SEC Regulation AB II”) which were originally proposed by the SEC on April 7, 2010. If adopted, SEC Regulation AB II would substantially change the disclosure, reporting, and offering process for public and private offerings of asset-backed securities. As currently proposed, SEC Regulation AB II would, among other things, impose as a condition for the shelf registration of asset-backed securities the filing of a certification concerning the disclosure contained in the prospectus and the design of the securitization at the time of each offering off the shelf and the appointment of a credit risk manager to review assets when credit enhancement requirements are not met or at the direction of investors. Issuers of publicly offered asset-backed securities would be required to disclose more information regarding the underlying assets. Moreover, proposed SEC Regulation AB II would alter the safe harbor standards for private placements of asset-backed securities imposing informational requirements similar to those applicable to registered public offerings. The final form that SEC Regulation AB II may take is uncertain at this time, but it may impact the Financial Services segment's ability and/or desire to sponsor securitization transactions in the future.

On August 28, 2013, pursuant to the provisions of the Reform Act, the SEC, the Federal Reserve, the FDIC, and certain other federal agencies re-proposed regulations requiring securitization sponsors to retain an economic interest in assets that they securitize. We cannot predict at this time whether WFB’s existing forms of risk retention will satisfy the regulatory requirements, whether structural changes will be necessary, or whether the final rules will impact the Financial Services segment’s ability or desire to continue to rely on the securitization market for funding.

Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities
 
The following table presents changes in our cash and cash equivalents for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
94,193

 
$
57,578

Net cash used in investing activities
(559,658
)
 
(260,487
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
586,448

 
163,905


2013 versus 2012

Operating Activities - Cash from operating activities increased $37 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. Comparing the respective periods, cash generated from operations increased $39 million, and we had net increases of $47 million in income taxes receivable and $40 million in prepaid expenses and other current assets. Partially offsetting these increases in cash from operations were decreases of $59 million relating to accounts payable and accrued expenses and $36 million relating to inventories. Inventories increased $263 million during the current year to $816 million at September 28, 2013, while increasing $227 million during the nine months ended September 29, 2012, to a balance of $722 million at September 29, 2012. The increase in inventories in 2013 is primarily due to the addition of new retail stores.
 
Investing Activities - Cash used in investing activities increased $299 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. Cash paid for property and equipment totaled $278 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to $144 million in the nine months ended September 29, 2012. We expect property and equipment additions to approximate between $300 million and $325 million for fiscal year 2013. At September 28, 2013, we estimated total capital expenditures for the development, construction, and completion of retail stores to approximate $260 million through the next 12 months. We expect to fund our capital expenditures primarily with cash from operations. In addition, net cash flows from credit card loans originated externally decreased $16 million, and net cash flows from restricted cash decreased by $10 million compared to the respective period a year ago. The Financial Services segment also purchased $135 million of U.S. government agency held-to-maturity securities during the nine months ended
September 28, 2013, which mature in the fourth quarter of 2013.


55


Financing Activities - Cash provided by financing activities increased $422 million in the nine months ended
September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  Comparing the respective periods, this net change was primarily due to an increase in net repayments on secured obligations of the Trust of the Financial Services segment by $335 million in the nine months ended September 28, 2013, compared to the nine months ended September 29, 2012. Additionally, we had increases of $90 million in net borrowings on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing and $19 million due to less cash spent on the purchase of treasury stock. Partially offsetting these increases was a net decrease in cash on the exercise of employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan issuances by $29 million when comparing the respective periods.

The following table presents the borrowing activities of our merchandising business and the Financial Services segment for the nine months ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 Borrowings on revolving credit facilities and inventory financing, net
$
204,533

 
$
114,723

 Secured borrowings (repayments) of the Trust, net
299,750

 
(35,000
)
 Repayments of long-term debt
(8,336
)
 
(8,325
)
 Total
$
495,947

 
$
71,398

    
The following table summarizes our availability under the Company's debt and credit facilities, excluding the facilities of the Financial Services segment, at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
September 29,
2012
 
(In Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 Amounts available for borrowing under credit facilities (1)
$
435,000

 
$
430,000

 Principal amounts outstanding
(204,364
)
 
(115,000
)
 Outstanding letters of credit and standby letters of credit
(27,753
)
 
(25,856
)
 Remaining borrowing capacity, excluding the Financial Services segment facilities
$
202,883

 
$
289,144

 
 
 
 
(1)
Consists of our revolving credit facility of $415 million for both periods, and $20 million CAD and $15 million CAD in credit facilities at September 28, 2013, and September 29, 2012, respectively, for our operations in Canada.


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The Financial Services segment also has total borrowing availability of $85 million under its agreements to borrow federal funds.  At September 28, 2013, the entire $85 million of borrowing capacity was available.
 
Our $415 million unsecured credit agreement requires us to comply with certain financial and other customary covenants, including:
a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined) of no less than 2.00 to 1 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters (as defined);
a leverage ratio (as defined) of no more than 3.00 to 1 as of the last day of any fiscal quarter; and
a minimum consolidated net worth standard (as defined).
 
In addition, our unsecured senior notes contain various covenants and restrictions that are usual and customary for transactions of this type. Also, the debt agreements contain cross default provisions to other outstanding credit facilities. In the event that we failed to comply with these covenants, a default would trigger and all principal and outstanding interest would immediately be due and payable. At September 28, 2013, we were in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements and unsecured notes. We anticipate that we will continue to be in compliance with all financial covenants under our credit agreements and unsecured notes through the next 12 months.
  
Our unsecured $20 million CAD revolving credit facility also permits the issuance of letters of credit up to $10 million CAD in the aggregate, which reduce the overall credit limit available under the credit facility.

Economic Development Bonds and Grants

Economic Development Bonds - Economic development bonds are related to the Company's government economic assistance arrangements relating to the construction of new retail stores or retail development. State or local governments may sell economic development bonds primarily to provide funding for the construction and equipping of our retail stores. In the past, we have primarily been the sole purchaser of these bonds. While purchasing these bonds involves an initial cash outlay by us in connection with a new store or property, some or all of these costs can be recaptured through the repayments of the bonds. The payments of principal and interest on the bonds are typically tied to sales, property, or lodging taxes generated from the store and, in some cases, from businesses in the surrounding area, over periods which range between 15 and 30 years. Some of our bonds may be repurchased for par value by the governmental entity prior to the maturity date of the bonds. The governmental entity from which we purchase the bonds is not otherwise liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to pay the bonds. If sufficient tax revenue is not generated by the subject properties, we will not receive scheduled payments and will be unable to realize the full value of the bonds carried on our condensed consolidated balance sheet. At September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, economic development bonds totaled $79 million, $85 million, and $93 million, respectively.

On a quarterly basis, we perform various procedures to analyze the amounts and timing of projected cash flows to be received from our economic development bonds. We revalue each economic development bond using discounted cash flow models based on available market interest rates (Level 2 inputs) and management estimates, including the estimated amounts and timing of expected future tax payments (Level 3 inputs) to be received by the municipalities under tax increment financing districts. Projected cash flows are derived from sales and property taxes. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's business, fourth quarter sales are significant to projecting future cash flows under the economic development bonds. We evaluate the impact of bond payments that have been received since the most recent quarterly evaluation, including those subsequent to the end of the quarter. Typically, bond payments are received twice annually. The payments received around the end of the fourth quarter provide us with additional facts for our fourth quarter projections. We make inquiries of local governments and/or economic development authorities for information on any anticipated third-party development, specifically on land owned by the Company, but also on land not owned by the Company in the tax increment financing development district, and to assess any current and potential development where cash flows under the bonds may be impacted by additional development and the anticipated development is material to the estimated and recorded carrying value based on projected cash flows. We make revisions to the cash flow estimates of each bond based on the information obtained. In those instances where the expected cash flows are insufficient to recover the current carrying value of the bond, we adjust the carrying value of the individual bonds to their revised estimated fair value. The governmental entity from which the Company purchases the bonds is not liable for repayment of principal and interest on the bonds to the extent that the associated taxes are insufficient to fund principal and interest amounts under the bonds. Should sufficient tax revenue not be generated by the subject properties, the Company may not receive all anticipated payments and thus will be unable to realize the full carrying values of the economic development bonds, which result in a corresponding decrease to deferred grant income.


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Grants - We generally have received grant funding in exchange for commitments made by us to the state or local government providing the funding. The commitments, such as assurance of agreed employment and wage levels at our retail stores or that the retail store will remain open, typically phase out over approximately five to ten years. If we fail to maintain the commitments during the applicable period, the funds we received may have to be repaid or other adverse consequences may arise, which could affect our cash flows and profitability.  At each period ended September 28, 2013, December 29, 2012, and September 29, 2012, the total amount of grant funding subject to specific contractual remedies was $7 million.

Securitization of Credit Card Loans
 
The Financial Services segment historically has funded most of its growth in credit card loans through an asset securitization program. The Financial Services segment utilizes the Trust for the purpose of routinely selling and securitizing credit card loans and issuing beneficial interest to investors. The Trust issues variable funding facilities and long-term notes each of which has an undivided interest in the assets of the Trust. The Financial Services segment must retain a minimum 20 day average of 5% of the loans in the securitization trust which ranks pari passu with the investors' interests in the securitization trusts.  In addition, the Financial Services segment owns notes issued by the Trust from some of the securitizations, which in some cases may be subordinated to other notes issued.  The Financial Services segment's retained interests are eliminated upon consolidation of the Trust. The consolidated assets of the Trust are subject to credit, payment, and interest rate risks on the transferred credit card loans.  The credit card loans of the Trust are restricted for the repayment of the secured borrowings of the Trust.

To protect investors, the securitization structures include certain features that could result in earlier-than-expected repayment of the securities, which could cause the Financial Services segment to sustain a loss of one or more of its retained interests and could prompt the need to seek alternative sources of funding. The primary investor protection feature relates to the availability and adequacy of cash flows in the securitized pool of loans to meet contractual requirements, the insufficiency of which triggers early repayment of the securities. The Financial Services segment refers to this as the “early amortization” feature.  Investors are allocated cash flows derived from activities related to the accounts comprising the securitized pool of loans, the amounts of which reflect finance charges collected, certain fee assessments collected, allocations of interchange, and recoveries on charged off accounts.  These cash flows are considered to be restricted under the governing documents to pay interest to investors, servicing fees, and to absorb the investor's share of charge-offs occurring within the securitized pool of loans. Any cash flows remaining in excess of these requirements are reported to investors as excess spread.  An excess spread of less than zero percent for a contractually specified period, generally a three-month average, would trigger an early amortization event. Such an event could result in the Financial Services segment incurring losses related to its retained interests. In addition, if the retained interest in the loans of the Financial Services segment falls below the 5% minimum 20 day average and the Financial Services segment fails to add new accounts to the securitized pool of loans, an early amortization event would be triggered.  The investors have no recourse to the Financial Services segment's other assets for failure of debtors to pay other than for breaches of certain customary representations, warranties, and covenants. These representations, warranties, covenants, and the related indemnities do not protect the Trust or third party investors against credit-related losses on the loans.   
 
Another feature, which is applicable to the notes issued from the Trust, is one in which excess cash flows generated by the transferred loans are held at the Trust for the benefit of the investors. This cash reserve account funding is triggered when the three-month average excess spread rate of the Trust decreases to below 4.50% with increasing funding requirements as excess spread levels decline below preset levels or as contractually required by the governing documents. Similar to early amortization, this feature also is designed to protect the investors' interests from loss thus making the cash restricted.  Upon scheduled maturity or early amortization of a securitization, the Financial Services segment is required to remit principal payments received on the securitized pool of loans to the Trust which are restricted for the repayment of the investors' principal note.


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The total amounts and maturities for our credit card securitizations as of September 28, 2013, were as follows:
Series
 
Type
 
Total
Available Capacity
 
Third Party Investor Available Capacity
 
Third Party Investor Outstanding
 
Interest
Rate
 
Expected
Maturity
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2010-I
 
Term
 
$
45,000

 
$

 
$

 
Fixed
 
January 2015
2010-I
 
Term
 
255,000

 
255,000

 
255,000

 
Floating
 
January 2015
2010-II
 
Term
 
165,000

 
127,500

 
127,500

 
Fixed
 
September 2015
2010-II
 
Term
 
85,000

 
85,000

 
85,000

 
Floating
 
September 2015
2011-II
 
Term
 
200,000

 
155,000

 
155,000

 
Fixed
 
June 2016
2011-II
 
Term
 
100,000

 
100,000

 
100,000

 
Floating
 
June 2016
2011-IV
 
Term
 
210,000

 
165,000

 
165,000

 
Fixed
 
October 2016
2011-IV
 
Term
 
90,000

 
90,000

 
90,000

 
Floating
 
October 2016
2012-I
 
Term
 
350,000

 
275,000

 
275,000

 
Fixed
 
February 2017
2012-I
 
Term
 
150,000

 
150,000

 
150,000

 
Floating
 
February 2017
2012-II
 
Term
 
375,000

 
300,000

 
300,000

 
Fixed
 
June 2017
2012-II
 
Term
 
125,000

 
125,000

 
125,000

 
Floating
 
June 2017
2013-I
 
Term
 
385,000

 
327,250

 
327,250

 
Fixed
 
February 2023
2013-II
 
Term
 
152,500

 
100,000

 
100,000

 
Fixed
 
August 2018
2013-II
 
Term
 
197,500

 
197,500

 
197,500

 
Floating
 
August 2018
Total term
 
 
 
2,885,000

 
2,452,250

 
2,452,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
2008-III
 
Variable Funding
260,115

 
225,000

 

 
Floating
 
March 2015
2011-I
 
Variable Funding
352,941

 
300,000

 

 
Floating
 
March 2016
2011-III
 
Variable Funding
411,765

 
350,000

 

 
Floating
 
September 2014
Total variable
 
 
 
1,024,821

 
875,000

 

 
 
 
 
Total available
 
$
3,909,821

 
$
3,327,250

 
$
2,452,250

 
 
 
 

We have been, and will continue to be, particularly reliant on funding from securitization transactions for the Financial Services segment. A failure to renew existing facilities or to add additional capacity on favorable terms as it becomes necessary could increase our financing costs and potentially limit our ability to grow the business of the Financial Services segment. Unfavorable conditions in the asset-backed securities markets generally, including the unavailability of commercial bank liquidity support or credit enhancements, could have a similar effect. During the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the Financial Services segment issued $390 million in certificates of deposit, early renewed its $300 million variable funding facility, extending the commitment for an additional two years, and completed term securitizations of $385 million and $350 million that will mature in February 2023 and August 2018, respectively. We believe that these liquidity sources are sufficient to fund the Financial Services segment's foreseeable cash requirements, including certificate of deposit maturities, and near-term growth plans.

Furthermore, the securitized credit card loans of the Financial Services segment could experience poor performance, including increased delinquencies and credit losses, lower payment rates, or a decrease in excess spreads below certain thresholds. This could result in a downgrade or withdrawal of the ratings on the outstanding securities issued in the Financial Services segment's securitization transactions, cause early amortization of these securities, or result in higher required credit enhancement levels.  Credit card loans performed within established guidelines and no events which could trigger an early amortization occurred during the nine months ended September 28, 2013, the year ended December 29, 2012, and the nine months ended September 29, 2012.  
 

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Certificates of Deposit

The Financial Services segment utilizes brokered and non-brokered certificates of deposit to partially finance its operating activities that are issued in minimum amounts of one hundred thousand dollars in various maturities.  At September 28, 2013, the Financial Services segment had $1.1 billion of certificates of deposit outstanding with maturities ranging from October 2013 to July 2023 and with a weighted average effective annual fixed rate of 2.30%. This outstanding balance compares to $1.0 billion at December 29, 2012 and $1.1 billion at September 29, 2012, with weighted average effective annual fixed rates of 2.22% and 2.29%, respectively.

Impact of Inflation
 
 We do not believe that our operating results have been materially affected by inflation during the preceding three years. We cannot assure, however, that our operating results will not be adversely affected by inflation in the future.

Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments
 
In the normal course of business, we enter into various contractual obligations that may require future cash payments. For a description of our contractual obligations and other commercial commitments as of December 29, 2012, see our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2012, under “Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources - Contractual Obligations and Other Commercial Commitments.”
 
 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
Operating Leases - We lease various items of office equipment and buildings.  Rent expense for these operating leases is recorded in selling, distribution, and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income.
 
Credit Card Limits - The Financial Services segment bears off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of its business. One form of this risk is through the Financial Services segment's commitment to extend credit to cardholders up to the maximum amount of their credit limits. The aggregate of such potential funding requirements totaled $25 billion above existing balances at the end of September 28, 2013. These funding obligations are not included on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.  While the Financial Services segment has not experienced, and does not anticipate that it will experience, a significant draw down of unfunded credit lines by its cardholders, such an event would create a cash need at the Financial Services segment which likely could not be met by our available cash and funding sources. The Financial Services segment has the right to reduce or cancel these available lines of credit at any time.

Seasonality
 
Our business is seasonal in nature and interim results may not be indicative of results for the full year. Due to buying patterns around the holidays and the opening of hunting seasons, our merchandise revenue is traditionally higher in the third and fourth quarters than in the first and second quarters, and we typically earn a disproportionate share of our operating income in the fourth quarter.  Because of our retail store expansion, and fixed costs associated with retail stores, our quarterly operating income may be further impacted by these seasonal fluctuations. We anticipate our sales will continue to be seasonal in nature.
 


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Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk through the operations of the Financial Services segment, and, to a lesser extent, through our merchandising operations. We also are exposed to foreign currency risk through our merchandising operations.
 
 Financial Services Segment Interest Rate Risk
 
Interest rate risk refers to changes in earnings due to interest rate changes. To the extent that interest income collected on credit card loans and interest expense on certificates of deposit and secured borrowings do not respond equally to changes in interest rates, or that rates do not change uniformly, earnings could be affected. The variable rate credit card loans are indexed to the one month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and the credit card portfolio is segmented into risk-based pricing tiers each with a different interest margin. Variable rate secured borrowings are indexed to LIBOR-based rates of interest and are periodically repriced.  Certificates of deposit and fixed rate secured borrowings are priced at the current prevailing market rate at the time of issuance. We manage and mitigate our interest rate sensitivity through several techniques, including managing the maturity, repricing, and mix of fixed and variable assets and liabilities by issuing fixed rate secured borrowings or certificates of deposit and by indexing the customer rates to the same index as our secured borrowings.

The table below shows the mix of our credit card account balances as a percentage of total balances outstanding at the periods ended:
 
September 28,
2013
 
December 29,
2012
 
September 29,
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances carrying an interest rate based upon various interest rate indices
66.0
%
 
62.3
%
 
65.2
%
Balances carrying an interest rate of 7.99% or 9.99%
4.1

 
4.2

 
3.7

Balances carrying a promotional interest rate of 0.00%
0.2

 
0.2

 
0.2

Balances not carrying interest because the previous month balance was paid in full
29.7

 
33.3

 
30.9

Total
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
 
Charges on the credit cards issued by the Financial Services segment were priced at a margin over various defined lending rates.  No interest is charged if the account is paid in full within 25 days of the billing cycle, which represented 29.7% of total balances outstanding at September 28, 2013.  Some of the zero percentage promotion expenses are passed through to the merchandise vendors for each specific promotion offered.  
 
Management has performed several interest rate risk analyses to measure the effects of the timing of the repricing of our interest sensitive assets and liabilities. Based on these analyses, at September 28, 2013, we believe that an increase in LIBOR is more likely; therefore, we believe that an immediate increase in interest rates of 50 basis points would result in a pre-tax increase to projected earnings of approximately $7 million for the Financial Services segment over the next 12 months.

Merchandising Business Interest Rate Risk
 
The interest payable on our line of credit is based on variable interest rates and therefore affected by changes in market interest rates. If interest rates on existing variable rate debt increased 1.0%, our interest expense and results from operations and cash flows would not be materially affected.

Foreign Currency Risk
 
We purchase a significant amount of inventory from vendors outside of the United States in transactions that are primarily U. S. dollar transactions. A small percentage of our international purchase transactions are in currencies other than the U. S. dollar. Any currency risks related to these transactions are immaterial to us. A decline in the relative value of the U. S. dollar to other foreign currencies could, however, lead to increased merchandise costs. For our retail operations in Canada, we intend to fund all transactions in Canadian dollars and utilize cash held by our foreign subsidiaries to fund such operations.



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Item 4.
Controls and Procedures        
 
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within specified time periods. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated, with the participation of our management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on management's evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 28, 2013.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 28, 2013, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.

We are party to various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. These actions include commercial, intellectual property, employment (including the Commissioner's charge referenced in Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors - Legal proceedings may increase our costs and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations," of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012), regulatory, and product liability claims. Some of these actions involve complex factual and legal issues and are subject to uncertainties. The activities of World's Foremost Bank ("WFB") are subject to complex federal and state laws and regulations. WFB's regulators are authorized to impose penalties for violations of these laws and regulations and, in some cases, to order WFB to pay restitution. We cannot predict with assurance the outcome of the actions brought against us. Accordingly, adverse developments, settlements, or resolutions may occur and have a material effect on our results of operations for the period in which such development, settlement, or resolution occurs. However, we do not believe that the outcome of any current legal proceeding would have a material effect on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial position taken as a whole.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2012.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.    

On August 23, 2011, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program that provides for share repurchases on an ongoing basis to offset dilution resulting from equity awards under the Company's current or future equity compensation plans. As a result, the Company announced on February 14, 2013, that it would repurchase up to 750,000 shares of its common stock in open market transactions through February 2014. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any outstanding shares of our common stock, and the program may be limited or terminated at any time.
   
The following table shows the stock repurchase activity of the Company for each of the three fiscal months in the third fiscal quarter ended September 28, 2013:        
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30 through July 27, 2013
17,439 (1)

 
$
66.55

 

 
586,260

July 28 through August 30, 2013

 

 

 
586,260

August 31 through September 28, 2013

 

 

 
586,260

Total
17,439 (1)

 
$
66.55

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Reflects common stock withheld (under the terms of grants pursuant to a stock compensation plan) to offset tax withholding obligations upon the vesting and release of restricted shares on July 7, 2013.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities.
Not applicable.

Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.

Item 5.
Other Information.
Not applicable.



63


Item 6.
Exhibits.

(a)           Exhibits.
Exhibit Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.




64


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
CABELA'S INCORPORATED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
October 25, 2013
By:
/s/ Thomas L. Millner
 
 
 
Thomas L. Millner
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:
October 25, 2013
By:
/s/ Ralph W. Castner
 
 
 
Ralph W. Castner
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer



65


Exhibit Index

Exhibit
Number
 
Description
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of CEO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of CFO Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act
 
 
 
 
 
32.1
 
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
Filed with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.
 
 
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
 
Submitted electronically with this report.




66