10-Q 1 ltd-2013112_10q.htm 10-Q LTD-2013.11.2_10Q
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________
FORM 10-Q
 _________________________________
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013
OR
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 1-8344
 _________________________________
L BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _________________________________
Delaware
 
31-1029810
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
 
Three Limited Parkway, P.O. Box 16000,
Columbus, Ohio
 
43216
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
(614) 415-7000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
 
 
 
_______________ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated filer
o
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):    Yes  o    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.50 Par Value
 
Outstanding at November 29, 2013
 
 
290,281,593 Shares
 



L BRANDS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page No.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
*
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “third quarter of 2013” and “third quarter of 2012” refer to the thirteen week periods ending November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, respectively. "Year-to-date 2013" and "year-to-date 2012" refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, respectively.


2


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net Sales
$
2,171

 
$
2,050

 
$
6,955

 
$
6,603

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
(1,314
)
 
(1,225
)
 
(4,168
)
 
(3,934
)
Gross Profit
857

 
825

 
2,787

 
2,669

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(646
)
 
(638
)
 
(1,907
)
 
(1,884
)
Operating Income
211

 
187

 
880

 
785

Interest Expense
(76
)
 
(77
)
 
(232
)
 
(234
)
Other Income
7

 
18

 
11

 
19

Income Before Income Taxes
142

 
128

 
659

 
570

Provision for Income Taxes
50

 
54

 
246

 
228

Net Income
$
92

 
$
74

 
$
413

 
$
342

Net Income Per Basic Share
$
0.32

 
$
0.26

 
$
1.43

 
$
1.18

Net Income Per Diluted Share
$
0.31

 
$
0.25

 
$
1.40

 
$
1.15

Dividends Per Share
$
0.30

 
$
1.25

 
$
0.90

 
$
1.75





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


 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net Income
$
92

 
$
74

 
$
413

 
$
342

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
(2
)
 
4

 
(21
)
 
5

   Foreign Currency Translation
5

 

 
17

 
1

   Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
3

 
(6
)
 
19

 
1

Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
6

 
(2
)
 
15

 
7

Total Comprehensive Income
$
98

 
$
72

 
$
428

 
$
349



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


3


L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except per share amounts)
 
 
November 2,
2013
 
February 2,
2013
 
October 27,
2012
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
425

 
$
773

 
$
547

Accounts Receivable, Net
245

 
203

 
225

Inventories
1,643

 
1,004

 
1,446

Deferred Income Taxes
30

 
29

 
50

Other
237

 
196

 
217

Total Current Assets
2,580

 
2,205

 
2,485

Property and Equipment, Net
2,078

 
1,803

 
1,841

Goodwill
1,318

 
1,318

 
1,330

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
411

 
412

 
494

Other Assets
249

 
281

 
277

Total Assets
$
6,636

 
$
6,019

 
$
6,427

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Payable
$
799

 
$
541

 
$
732

Accrued Expenses and Other
702

 
807

 
717

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
216

 

 
57

Income Taxes
17

 
190

 
6

Total Current Liabilities
1,734

 
1,538

 
1,512

Deferred Income Taxes
194

 
200

 
174

Long-term Debt
4,762

 
4,477

 
4,478

Other Long-term Liabilities
766

 
818

 
778

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

 

 

Common Stock - $0.50 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 306, 304 and 303 shares issued; 290, 289 and 288 shares outstanding, respectively
153

 
152

 
151

Paid-in Capital
267

 
186

 
140

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
19

 
4

 
7

Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
(519
)
 
(672
)
 
(141
)
Less: Treasury Stock, at Average Cost; 16, 15 and 15 shares, respectively
(740
)
 
(685
)
 
(672
)
Total Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(820
)
 
(1,015
)
 
(515
)
Noncontrolling Interest

 
1

 

Total Equity (Deficit)
(820
)
 
(1,014
)
 
(515
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
6,636

 
$
6,019

 
$
6,427


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


4


L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Net Income
$
413

 
$
342

Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets
299

 
287

Amortization of Landlord Allowances
(29
)
 
(26
)
Deferred Income Taxes
(1
)
 
(10
)
Share-based Compensation Expense
61

 
49

Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation
(31
)
 
(103
)
Gain on Distributions from Easton Investments

 
(13
)
Gain on Sale of Assets

 
(3
)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable
(42
)
 
(5
)
Inventories
(642
)
 
(449
)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other
120

 
62

Income Taxes Payable
(140
)
 
(60
)
Other Assets and Liabilities
(39
)
 
4

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities
(31
)
 
75

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures
(598
)
 
(491
)
Return of Capital from Third-party Apparel Sourcing Investment
46

 

Other Investing Activities
3

 
20

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
(549
)
 
(471
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
495

 
985

Borrowings from Revolving Facility
290

 

Repayments on Revolving Facility
(290
)
 

Repurchase of Common Stock
(55
)
 
(616
)
Dividends Paid
(261
)
 
(507
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation
31

 
103

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
22

 
42

Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities
232

 
7

Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
1

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(348
)
 
(388
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
773

 
935

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
425

 
$
547


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

5


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

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
L Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. The Company is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products and accessories. The Company sells its merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and the United Kingdom ("U.K."), which are primarily mall-based, and through its websites, catalogue and other channels. The Company's other international operations are primarily through franchise, license and wholesale partners. The Company currently operates the following retail brands:
Victoria’s Secret
PINK
Bath & Body Works
La Senza
Henri Bendel
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “third quarter of 2013” and “third quarter of 2012” refer to the thirteen week periods ending November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, respectively. “Year-to-date 2013” and “year-to-date 2012” refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, respectively.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for investments in unconsolidated entities where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its share of the investee net income or loss. Losses are only recognized to the extent the Company has positive carrying value related to the investee. Carrying values are only reduced below zero if the Company has an obligation to provide funding to the investee. The Company’s share of net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s share of net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s equity investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other than temporary loss in value.
Interim Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.
Seasonality of Business
Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom the Company transacts and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, the Company’s investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly-rated commercial paper and bank deposits.

6


The Company also periodically reviews the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which the Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates and the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

2. Earnings Per Share and Shareholders’ Equity
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per basic share are computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share include the weighted-average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted-average shares outstanding.
The following table provides shares utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of and year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in millions)
Weighted-average Common Shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issued Shares
306

 
303

 
306

 
301

Treasury Shares
(16
)
 
(15
)
 
(16
)
 
(11
)
Basic Shares
290

 
288

 
290

 
290

Effect of Dilutive Options and Restricted Stock
7

 
6

 
6

 
7

Diluted Shares
297

 
294

 
296

 
297

Anti-dilutive Options and Awards (a)

 
1

 
2

 
1

 _______________
(a)
These options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
Shareholders’ Equity
Common Stock Repurchases
Under the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the following repurchase programs during year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Amount Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 
Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(in millions)
 
(in thousands)
 
(in millions)
 
 
November 2012 (a)
$
250

 
1,217

 
NA

 
$
55

 
NA

 
$
44.91

February 2012 (b)
500

 
NA

 
9,816

 
NA

 
$
448

 
45.60

November 2011
250

 
NA

 
3,657

 
NA

 
164

 
44.90

Total
 
 
1,217

 
13,473

 
$
55

 
$
612

 
 
 _______________
(a)
The November 2012 repurchase program had $184 million remaining as of November 2, 2013.
(b)
The February 2012 repurchase program had $50 million remaining at the time it was cancelled in conjunction with the approval of the November 2012 repurchase program.
NA
Not applicable
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable as of November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.

7


Dividends
Under the authority and declaration of the Board of Directors, the Company paid the following dividends during 2013 and 2012:
 
 
Ordinary Dividends
 
Special Dividends
 
Total Dividends
 
Total Paid
 
 
(per share)
 
(in millions)
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
$
0.30

 
$

 
$
0.30

 
$
87

Second Quarter
 
0.30

 

 
0.30

 
87

First Quarter
 
0.30

 

 
0.30

 
87

2013 Total
 
$
0.90

 
$

 
$
0.90

 
$
261

2012
 

 

 

 

Third Quarter
 
$
0.25

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.25

 
$
361

Second Quarter
 
0.25

 

 
0.25

 
73

First Quarter
 
0.25

 

 
0.25

 
73

2012 Total
 
$
0.75

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.75

 
$
507

3. Restructuring Activities
During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company initiated a restructuring program designed to resize a portion of La Senza's store fleet and relocate its home office from Montreal, Canada to Columbus, Ohio. The Company recognized a pre-tax charge consisting of contract termination costs, severance and other costs of $24 million, including non-cash charges of $5 million, in the fourth quarter of 2011. In 2012, the Company made cash payments of $11 million and decreased the estimate of expected contract termination costs by $3 million related to this restructuring program. During 2013, the Company made cash payments of $3 million and decreased the estimate of expected contract termination costs by an additional $1 million related to this restructuring program. The remaining balance of $1 million is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the November 2, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
During the second quarter of 2012, the Company initiated a second restructuring program designed to further resize the La Senza store fleet. In 2012, the Company recognized a pre-tax charge of $17 million, including non-cash charges of $6 million. In 2012, the Company made cash payments of $5 million related to this restructuring program. During 2013, the Company made cash payments of $3 million and decreased the estimate of expected contract termination costs by $1 million related to this restructuring program. Of the remaining balance of $2 million, $1 million is included in Accrued Expenses and Other and $1 million is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the November 2, 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
4. Inventories
The following table provides details of inventories as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
October 27, 2012
 
(in millions)
Finished Goods Merchandise
$
1,518

 
$
916

 
$
1,326

Raw Materials and Merchandise Components
125

 
88

 
120

Total Inventories
$
1,643

 
$
1,004

 
$
1,446

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

8


5. Property and Equipment, Net
The following table provides details of property and equipment, net as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2,
2013
 
February 2,
2013
 
October 27,
2012
 
(in millions)
Property and Equipment, at Cost
$
5,083

 
$
4,722

 
$
4,666

Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization
(3,005
)
 
(2,919
)
 
(2,825
)
Property and Equipment, Net
$
2,078

 
$
1,803

 
$
1,841

Depreciation expense was $96 million and $95 million for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Depreciation expense was $298 million and $285 million for year-to-date 2013 and 2012, respectively.
6. Equity Investments and Other
Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
On October 31, 2011, the Company divested 51% of its ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to affiliates of Sycamore Partners for pre-tax cash proceeds of $124 million. The Company's remaining ownership interest is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company recorded a pre-tax gain on the divestiture of $111 million in the fourth quarter of 2011. In the first quarter of 2012, the Company received additional pre-tax cash proceeds of $11 million as settlement of a working capital adjustment. The proceeds are included in Other Investing Activities within the Investing Activities section of the 2012 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
In conjunction with the transaction, the Company entered into transition services agreements whereby the Company is providing support in various operational areas including logistics, technology and finance. The terms of these transition services arrangements vary and range from two months to three years.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, the Company received a $28 million dividend from the third-party apparel sourcing business. This reduced the Company's carrying value in the investment.
In the third quarter of 2013, the Company received a $48 million dividend from the third-party apparel sourcing business. This reduced the Company's carrying value in the investment. Of this dividend, $46 million is included in Return of Capital from Third-party Apparel Sourcing Investment within the Investing Activities section of the 2013 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and $2 million is included in Other Assets and Liabilities within the Operating Activities section of the 2013 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
The Company's carrying value for this investment was $6 million as of November 2, 2013, $52 million as of February 2, 2013 and $77 million as of October 27, 2012 and is included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's share of net income (loss) from this investment is included in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Easton Investment
The Company has land and other investments in Easton, a 1,300 acre planned community in Columbus, Ohio that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space. These investments, at cost, totaled $79 million as of November 2, 2013, $75 million as of February 2, 2013 and $73 million as of October 27, 2012 and are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In the third quarter of 2012, the Company received $13 million in cash distributions from certain of the Company's investments in Easton. As a result, the Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $13 million which is included in Other Income on the 2012 Consolidated Statements of Income.
Included in the Company’s Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”), an entity that owns and has developed a commercial entertainment and shopping center. The Company’s investment in ETC is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in ETC, but another unaffiliated member manages ETC. Certain significant decisions regarding ETC require the consent of unaffiliated members in addition to the Company.
7. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.

9


For the third quarter of 2013 and year-to-date 2013, the Company’s effective tax rate was 35.0% and 37.3%, respectively. The third quarter 2013 rate and the year-to-date 2013 rate were both lower than the Company's combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters.
For the third quarter of 2012 and year-to-date 2012, the Company’s effective tax rate was 42.4% and 40.1%, respectively. The third quarter 2012 and year-to-date 2012 rate were both higher than the Company's combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.

As of November 2, 2013, any unrecognized deferred income tax liability resulting from the Company's undistributed foreign earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future; furthermore, the undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If the Company elects to distribute these foreign earnings in the future, these earnings could be subject to additional income taxes. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.
Income taxes paid were approximately $123 million and $18 million for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. Income taxes paid approximated $431 million and $306 million for year-to-date 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Uncertain Tax Positions

The Company had unrecognized tax benefits of $185 million as of February 2, 2013, of which $160 million, if recognized, would reduce the effective income tax rate. Year-to-date through November 2, 2013, the Company had a net decrease to gross unrecognized tax benefits of $36 million, primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters and other current year activity. The changes to the unrecognized tax benefits resulted in a $2 million benefit to the Company’s Provision for Income Taxes.

Of the total unrecognized tax benefits, it is reasonably possible that $87 million could change in the next twelve months due to audit settlements, expiration of statute of limitations or other resolution of uncertainties. Due to the uncertain and complex application of tax regulations, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of audits may result in amounts which could be different from this estimate. In such case, the Company will record additional tax expense or tax benefit in the period in which such matters are effectively settled.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. As of February 2, 2013, the Company had accrued $26 million for the payment of interest and penalties. There have been no material changes to this amount through November 2, 2013.


10


8. Long-term Debt
The following table provides the Company’s long-term debt balance as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
October 27, 2012
 
(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

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

 
1,000

 
1,000

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

 

 

$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a)
493

 
489

 
489

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

 
400

 
400

Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
$
3,393

 
$
2,889

 
$
2,889

Senior Unsecured Debt
 
 
 
 
 
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b)
$
720

 
$
721

 
$
722

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

 
350

 
350

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

 
299

 
299

5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”)(c)
216

 
218

 
218

6.125% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due December 2012, Less Unamortized Discount (“2012 Notes”)

 

 
57

Total Senior Unsecured Debt
$
1,585

 
$
1,588

 
$
1,646

Total
$
4,978

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,535

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
(216
)
 

 
(57
)
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion
$
4,762

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,478

 ________________
(a)
The balance as of November 2, 2013 includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $3 million.
(b)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $20 million as of November 2, 2013, $22 million as of February 2, 2013 and $23 million as of October 27, 2012.
(c)
The principal balance outstanding was $213 million as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012. The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $3 million as of November 2, 2013 and $5 million as of February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.
 
Issuance of Notes
In October 2013, the Company issued $500 million of 5.625% notes due in October 2023 utilizing an existing shelf registration under which debt securities, common and preferred stock and other securities can be issued. The 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (such subsidiaries, the "Guarantors"). The proceeds from the issuance were $495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $5 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of October 2023 and are included within Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In February 2012, the Company issued $1 billion of 5.625% notes due in February 2022 utilizing an existing shelf registration under which debt securities, common and preferred stock and other securities can be issued. The 2022 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $985 million, which were net of issuance costs of $15 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of February 2022 and are included within Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

11


Revolving Facility
The Company maintains a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 15, 2016. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts per year are 0.325% per annum and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.75% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75%.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of November 2, 2013, the Company was in compliance with both of its financial covenants and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
During the third quarter of 2013, the Company borrowed and repaid $290 million under the Revolving Facility. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during the third quarter of 2013 was $140 million.
As of November 2, 2013, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports the Company’s letter of credit program. The Company had $12 million of outstanding letters of credit as of November 2, 2013 that reduce its remaining availability under the Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
For information related to the Company’s fair value interest rate swap arrangements, see Note 9, “Derivative Instruments.”

9. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Exchange Risk
In January 2007, the Company entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to approximately CAD$470 million of Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps mitigate the exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate related to the Company’s Canadian operations. The cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The cross-currency swaps mature between 2015 and 2018 at the same time as the related loans and are designated as cash flow hedges of foreign currency exchange risk. Changes in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate and the related swap settlements result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
October 27, 2012
 
(in millions)
Other Long-term Liabilities
$
40

 
$
59

 
$
59



12


The following table provides a summary of the pre-tax financial statement effect of the gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges for the third quarter and year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
Location
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
(in millions)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income
 
$
3

 
$
(6
)
 
$
19

 
$
1

(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Other Income (a)
Other Income
 
(2
)
 
4

 
(21
)
 
5

 ________________
(a)
Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans. No ineffectiveness was associated with these foreign exchange cash flow hedges.
Interest Rate Risk
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges
In June 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In September 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to an additional $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and an additional $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In June 2012, the Company terminated interest rate designated fair value hedges related to the 2017 Notes with a notional amount of $175 million. In settlement of these hedges, the Company received $14 million.
Both the carrying values of the 2014 and 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the respective maturity date of the Notes.

The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
 
November 2,
2013
 
February 2,
2013
 
October 27,
2012
 
(in millions)
Other Assets
$
5

 
$

 
$


10. Fair Value Measurements

The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2,
2013
 
February 2,
2013
 
October 27,
2012
 
(in millions)
Carrying Value
$
4,978

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,535

Estimated Fair Value (a)
5,398

 
5,023

 
5,073

  _______________
(a)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt is based on reported transaction prices which are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

13


The authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 820, establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities measured in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:

 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
(in millions)
As of November 2, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
425

 
$

 
$

 
$
425

Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges

 
5

 

 
5

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
40

 

 
40

Lease Guarantees

 

 
2

 
2

As of February 2, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
773

 
$

 
$

 
$
773

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
59

 

 
59

Lease Guarantees

 

 
2

 
2

As of October 27, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$
547

 
$

 
$

 
$
547

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges

 
59

 

 
59

Lease Guarantees

 

 
3

 
3


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

14


The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s lease guarantees measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the third quarter and year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in millions)
Beginning Balance
$
2

 
$
3

 
$
2

 
$
4

Change in Estimated Fair Value Reported in Earnings

 

 

 
(1
)
Ending Balance
$
2

 
$
3

 
$
2

 
$
3


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

11. Comprehensive Income
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for year-to-date 2013:
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
(in millions)
Balance as of February 2, 2013
$
(10
)
 
$
14

 
$
4

Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications
17

 
19

 
36

Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

 
(21
)
 
(21
)
Current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
17

 
(2
)
 
15

Balance as of November 2, 2013
$
7

 
$
12

 
$
19

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for year-to-date 2012:
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
(in millions)
Balance as of January 28, 2012
$
(8
)
 
$
8

 
$

Current-period Other Comprehensive Income
1

 
6

 
7

Balance as of October 27, 2012
$
(7
)
 
$
14

 
$
7


The components of accumulated other comprehensive income above are presented net of tax as applicable.

The following table provides a summary of the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the third quarter and year-to-date 2013:
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Location on Consolidated Statements of Income
 
 
Third Quarter 2013
 
Year-to-Date 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Hedges
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(21
)
 
Other Income
 
 

 

 
Provision for Income Taxes
 
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(21
)
 
Net Income


15


12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

In July 2009, a complaint was filed against the Company for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint sought monetary damages, costs, attorneys' fees, and injunctive relief. In November 2011, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded damages of $9 million for infringement from 2007 through 2011 and the trial court awarded future royalty payments through 2015. In January 2013, the Company appealed the judgment against the Company with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Shortly before the Company's appeal was filed, this Court of Appeals ruled in another proceeding involving a different company, that the patents in the Company's case were invalid. As a result, the Company's appeal has been stayed until the other proceeding has been decided. Based on the decision that the plaintiff's patents are invalid and on the Company's other arguments, the Company believes the Court of Appeals should grant the Company's appeal. The Company intends to vigorously defend against this action.

Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, the Company has remaining guarantees of approximately $38 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dick’s Sporting Goods and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2017. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
The Company’s guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $26 million as of November 2, 2013, $36 million as of February 2, 2013 and $39 million as of October 27, 2012. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $2 million as of November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013 and $3 million as of October 27, 2012, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company’s guarantees related to Abercrombie & Fitch and Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The Company had no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as it concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.

13. Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for substantially all of its associates within the United States of America. Participation in the tax-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age and service requirements. Participation in the non-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age, service, job level and compensation requirements.
The qualified plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible annual compensation and years of service. Associate contributions and Company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional Company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $14 million for the third quarter of 2013 and $13 million for the third quarter of 2012. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $43 million for year-to-date 2013 and $40 million for year-to-date 2012.
The non-qualified plan is an unfunded plan which provides benefits beyond the Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified defined contribution plans. The plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to a maximum percentage of eligible compensation. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible compensation and years of service. The plan also permits participating associates to defer additional compensation up to a maximum amount which the Company does not match. Associates’ accounts are credited with interest using a rate determined by the Company. Associate contributions and the related interest vest immediately. Company contributions, along with related interest, are subject to vesting based on years of service.

16


Associates may elect in-service distributions for the unmatched additional deferred compensation component only. The remaining vested portion of associates’ accounts in the plan will be distributed upon termination of employment in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a specified period of up to 10 years. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $7 million for both the third quarter of 2013 and 2012. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $18 million for year-to-date 2013 and $19 million for year-to-date 2012.

14. Segment Information
The Company has two reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works.
The Victoria’s Secret segment sells women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty products under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand names. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold through retail stores, its website, www.VictoriasSecret.com, and its catalogue.
The Bath & Body Works segment sells personal care, soaps and sanitizers and home fragrance products under the Bath & Body Works, C.O. Bigelow, White Barn Candle Company and other brand names. Bath & Body Works merchandise is sold at retail stores and through its website, www.BathandBodyWorks.com.
Other consists of the following:
International retail, franchise, license and wholesale operations, which include the company-owned La Senza and Bath & Body Works stores in Canada and Victoria’s Secret stores in Canada and the United Kingdom;
Mast Global, a merchandise sourcing and production function serving the Company and its international partners;
Henri Bendel, a chain of specialty stores which feature accessories and personal care products; and
Corporate functions including non-core real estate, equity investments and other governance functions such as treasury and tax.
The following table provides the Company’s segment information for the third quarter and year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Other
 
Total
 
(in millions)
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
1,328

 
$
567

 
$
276

 
$
2,171

Operating Income (Loss)
148

 
67

 
(4
)
 
211

Year-to-Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
4,453

 
$
1,727

 
$
775

 
$
6,955

Operating Income (Loss)
679

 
241

 
(40
)
 
880

2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
1,280

 
$
538

 
$
232

 
$
2,050

Operating Income (Loss)
158

 
58

 
(29
)
 
187

Year-to-Date:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Sales
$
4,327

 
$
1,652

 
$
624

 
$
6,603

Operating Income (Loss)
692

 
206

 
(113
)
 
785


The Company’s international sales, consisting of La Senza, Victoria's Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works Canada and Victoria's Secret UK retail sales; non-U.S. franchise, license and wholesale operations; and direct sales shipped internationally, totaled $290 million and $242 million for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company's international sales totaled $826 million and $684 million for year-to-date 2013 and 2012, respectively.


17


15. Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes and 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company’s 100% owned subsidiaries. The Company is a holding company and its most significant assets are the stock of its subsidiaries. The Guarantors represent: (a) substantially all of the sales of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, (b) more than 90% of the assets owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, other than real property, certain other assets and intercompany investments and balances and (c) more than 95% of the accounts receivable and inventory directly owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries: the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012; and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.


18


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
November 2, 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
282

 
$
143

 
$

 
$
425

Accounts Receivable, Net
1

 
165

 
79

 

 
245

Inventories

 
1,379

 
265

 
(1
)
 
1,643

Deferred Income Taxes

 
40

 
(10
)
 

 
30

Other
2

 
147

 
89

 
(1
)
 
237

Total Current Assets
3

 
2,013

 
566

 
(2
)
 
2,580

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,220

 
858

 

 
2,078

Goodwill

 
1,318

 

 

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
411

 

 

 
411

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
4,006

 
14,393

 
677

 
(19,076
)
 

Other Assets
190

 
9

 
661

 
(611
)
 
249

Total Assets
$
4,199

 
$
19,364

 
$
2,762

 
$
(19,689
)
 
$
6,636

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

 
$
466

 
$
333

 
$

 
$
799

Accrued Expenses and Other
61

 
400

 
241

 

 
702

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
216

 

 

 

 
216

Income Taxes

 
18

 
(1
)
 

 
17

Total Current Liabilities
277

 
884

 
573

 

 
1,734

Deferred Income Taxes
(4
)
 
(8
)
 
206

 

 
194

Long-term Debt
4,762

 
597

 

 
(597
)
 
4,762

Other Long-term Liabilities
3

 
570

 
207

 
(14
)
 
766

Total Equity (Deficit)
(839
)
 
17,321

 
1,776

 
(19,078
)
 
(820
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
4,199

 
$
19,364

 
$
2,762

 
$
(19,689
)
 
$
6,636


19



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

 
February 2, 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
417

 
$
356

 
$

 
$
773

Accounts Receivable, Net

 
140

 
63

 

 
203

Inventories


 
847

 
157

 

 
1,004

Deferred Income Taxes

 
39

 
(10
)
 

 
29

Other
2

 
117

 
77

 

 
196

Total Current Assets
2

 
1,560

 
643

 

 
2,205

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,001

 
802

 

 
1,803

Goodwill

 
1,318

 

 

 
1,318

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
411

 
1

 

 
412

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
3,348

 
13,968

 
624

 
(17,940
)
 

Other Assets
188

 
8

 
696

 
(611
)
 
281

Total Assets
$
3,538

 
$
18,266

 
$
2,766

 
$
(18,551
)
 
$
6,019

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

 
$
291

 
$
250

 
$

 
$
541

Accrued Expenses and Other
78

 
425

 
304

 

 
807

Income Taxes
1

 
134

 
55

 

 
190

Total Current Liabilities
79

 
850

 
609

 

 
1,538

Deferred Income Taxes
(4
)
 
(9
)
 
213

 

 
200

Long-term Debt
4,477

 
597

 

 
(597
)
 
4,477

Other Long-term Liabilities
4

 
625

 
204

 
(15
)
 
818

Total Equity (Deficit)
(1,018
)
 
16,203

 
1,740

 
(17,939
)
 
(1,014
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
3,538

 
$
18,266

 
$
2,766

 
$
(18,551
)
 
$
6,019



20


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
October 27, 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
$

 
$
226

 
$
321

 
$

 
$
547

Accounts Receivable, Net

 
142

 
83

 

 
225

Inventories

 
1,231

 
215

 

 
1,446

Deferred Income Taxes

 
34

 
16

 

 
50

Other

 
158

 
59

 

 
217

Total Current Assets

 
1,791

 
694

 

 
2,485

Property and Equipment, Net

 
1,036

 
805

 

 
1,841

Goodwill

 
1,318

 
12

 

 
1,330

Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 
410

 
84

 

 
494

Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
3,898

 
13,889

 
913

 
(18,700
)
 

Other Assets
190

 
45

 
690

 
(648
)
 
277

Total Assets
$
4,088

 
$
18,489

 
$
3,198

 
$
(19,348
)
 
$
6,427

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

 
$
451

 
$
281

 
$

 
$
732

Accrued Expenses and Other
77

 
396

 
244

 

 
717

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
57

 

 

 

 
57

Income Taxes

 

 
6

 

 
6

Total Current Liabilities
134

 
847

 
531

 

 
1,512

Deferred Income Taxes
(5
)
 
(3
)
 
182

 

 
174

Long-term Debt
4,478

 
597

 
37

 
(634
)
 
4,478

Other Long-term Liabilities
3

 
592

 
197

 
(14
)
 
778

Total Equity (Deficit)
(522
)
 
16,456

 
2,251

 
(18,700
)
 
(515
)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)
$
4,088

 
$
18,489

 
$
3,198

 
$
(19,348
)
 
$
6,427



21


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Third Quarter 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
2,026

 
$
845

 
$
(700
)
 
$
2,171

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(1,319
)
 
(664
)
 
669

 
(1,314
)
Gross Profit

 
707

 
181

 
(31
)
 
857

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(1
)
 
(569
)
 
(106
)
 
30

 
(646
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(1
)
 
138

 
75

 
(1
)
 
211

Interest Expense
(76
)
 
(7
)
 
(2
)
 
9

 
(76
)
Other Income

 

 
7

 

 
7

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(77
)
 
131

 
80

 
8

 
142

Provision for Income Taxes

 
27

 
23

 

 
50

Equity in Earnings (Loss)
169

 
(23
)
 
(88
)
 
(58
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
92

 
$
81

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
92

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Third Quarter 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
92

 
$
81

 
$
(31
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
92

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

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
5

 

 
5

Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
3

 

 
3

Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

 

 
6

 

 
6

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
92

 
$
81

 
$
(25
)
 
$
(50
)
 
$
98



22



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Third Quarter 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
1,872

 
$
690

 
$
(512
)
 
$
2,050

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(1,135
)
 
(573
)
 
483

 
(1,225
)
Gross Profit

 
737

 
117

 
(29
)
 
825

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(1
)
 
(572
)
 
(94
)
 
29

 
(638
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(1
)
 
165

 
23

 

 
187

Interest Expense
(77
)
 
(4
)
 
(2
)
 
6

 
(77
)
Other Income

 

 
18

 

 
18

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(78
)
 
161

 
39

 
6

 
128

Provision for Income Taxes

 
28

 
26

 

 
54

Equity in Earnings (Loss)
152

 
(39
)
 
109

 
(222
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
74

 
$
94

 
$
122

 
$
(216
)
 
$
74




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

 
 
Third Quarter 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
74

 
$
94

 
$
122

 
$
(216
)
 
$
74

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

 

 
4

 

 
4

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 

 

 

Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
(6
)
 

 
(6
)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax

 

 
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
74

 
$
94

 
$
120

 
$
(216
)
 
$
72







23


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
6,385

 
$
2,386

 
$
(1,816
)
 
$
6,955

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(3,980
)
 
(1,923
)
 
1,735

 
(4,168
)
Gross Profit

 
2,405

 
463

 
(81
)
 
2,787

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(4
)
 
(1,682
)
 
(304
)
 
83

 
(1,907
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(4
)
 
723

 
159

 
2

 
880

Interest Expense
(232
)
 
(19
)
 
(8
)
 
27

 
(232
)
Other Income

 

 
11

 

 
11

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(236
)
 
704

 
162

 
29

 
659

Provision for Income Taxes

 
130

 
116

 

 
246

Equity in Earnings (Loss)
649

 
297

 
225

 
(1,171
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
413


$
871


$
271


$
(1,142
)

$
413




L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
413

 
$
871

 
$
271

 
$
(1,142
)
 
$
413

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

 

 
(21
)
 

 
(21
)
Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
17

 

 
17

Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
19

 

 
19

Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax

 

 
15

 

 
15

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
413

 
$
871

 
$
286

 
$
(1,142
)
 
$
428



24



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales
$

 
$
6,056

 
$
1,997

 
$
(1,450
)
 
$
6,603

Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy

 
(3,639
)
 
(1,681
)
 
1,386

 
(3,934
)
Gross Profit

 
2,417

 
316

 
(64
)
 
2,669

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
(4
)
 
(1,672
)
 
(273
)
 
65

 
(1,884
)
Operating Income (Loss)
(4
)
 
745

 
43

 
1

 
785

Interest Expense
(234
)
 
(14
)
 
(7
)
 
21

 
(234
)
Other Income (Loss)

 
(1
)
 
20

 

 
19

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes
(238
)
 
730

 
56

 
22

 
570

Provision for Income Taxes

 
140

 
88

 

 
228

Equity in Earnings (Loss)
580

 
(67
)
 
171

 
(684
)
 

Net Income (Loss)
$
342

 
$
523

 
$
139

 
$
(662
)
 
$
342




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

 
 
Year-to-Date 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)
$
342

 
$
523

 
$
139

 
$
(662
)
 
$
342

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:

 

 

 

 
 
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
2

 

 
3

 

 
5

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
1

 

 
1

Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges

 

 
1

 

 
1

Total Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
2

 

 
5

 

 
7

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)
$
344

 
$
523

 
$
144

 
$
(662
)
 
$
349






25


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2013
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities
$
(253
)
 
$
164

 
$
58

 
$

 
$
(31
)
Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures

 
(417
)
 
(181
)
 

 
(598
)
Return of Capital from Third-party Apparel Sourcing Investment

 

 
46

 

 
46

Other Investing Activities

 

 
3

 

 
3

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

 
(417
)
 
(132
)
 

 
(549
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
495

 

 

 

 
495

Borrowings from Revolving Facility
290

 

 

 

 
290

Repayments on Revolving Facility
(290
)
 

 

 

 
(290
)
Repurchase of Common Stock
(55
)
 

 

 

 
(55
)
Dividends Paid
(261
)
 

 

 

 
(261
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation

 
25

 
6

 

 
31

Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
52

 
93

 
(145
)
 

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
22

 

 

 

 
22

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
253

 
118

 
(139
)
 

 
232

Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 

 

 

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
(135
)
 
(213
)
 

 
(348
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 
417

 
356

 

 
773

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$

 
$
282

 
$
143

 
$

 
$
425



26


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 
Year-to-Date 2012
 
L Brands, Inc.
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities
$
(282
)
 
$
206

 
$
151

 
$

 
$
75

Investing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Expenditures

 
(311
)
 
(180
)
 

 
(491
)
Other Investing Activities

 
17

 
3

 

 
20

Net Cash Used for Investing Activities

 
(294
)
 
(177
)
 

 
(471
)
Financing Activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
985

 

 

 

 
985

Repurchase of Common Stock
(616
)
 

 

 

 
(616
)
Dividends Paid
(507
)
 

 

 

 
(507
)
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation

 
83

 
20

 

 
103

Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates
378

 
(140
)
 
(238
)
 

 

Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options and Other
42

 

 

 

 
42

Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
282

 
(57
)
 
(218
)
 

 
7

Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

 
1

 

 
1

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
(145
)
 
(243
)
 

 
(388
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

 
371

 
564

 

 
935

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$

 
$
226

 
$
321

 
$

 
$
547


27


Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, and the consolidated statements of cash flows for the thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

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

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

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 2, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, total equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated March 22, 2013, we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of February 2, 2013, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Columbus, Ohio
December 6, 2013


28


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
L Brands, Inc. cautions any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this report or made by our company or our management involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our company or our management:
general economic conditions, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions including severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
the seasonality of our business;
the dependence on a high volume of mall traffic and the possible lack of availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions;
our ability to successfully expand into global markets and related risks;
our relationships with independent licensees and franchisees;
our direct channel businesses;
our failure to protect our reputation and our brand images;
our failure to protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;
the highly competitive nature of the retail industry generally and the segments in which we operate particularly;
consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;
our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:
political instability;
duties, taxes and other charges;
legal and regulatory matters;
volatility in currency exchange rates;
local business practices and political issues;
potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
the disruption of production or distribution by labor disputes; and
changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;
stock price volatility;
our failure to maintain our credit rating;
our ability to service or refinance our debt;
our ability to retain key personnel;
our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees and manage labor costs;
the inability of our manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner and meet quality standards;
fluctuations in product input costs;
fluctuations in energy costs;
increases in the costs of mailing, paper and printing;
claims arising from our self-insurance;
our ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data;
our failure to comply with regulatory requirements;
tax matters; and
legal and compliance matters.
We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

29


Item 2.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Executive Overview
In the third quarter of 2013, our operating income increased $24 million to $211 million and our operating income rate improved to 9.7% from 9.1%. Net sales increased $121 million to $2.171 billion and comparable store sales increased 3%. At Victoria's Secret, sales increased 4% and operating income decreased 6%. At Bath & Body Works, sales increased 5% and operating income increased 15%. For Other, sales increased 19% and the operating loss improved $25 million primarily driven by growth in Mast Global and our international operations. For additional information related to our third quarter 2013 financial performance, see “Results of Operations.”

The global retail sector and our business continue to face an uncertain environment and, as a result, we continue to take a conservative stance with respect to the financial management of our business. We will continue to manage our business carefully and focus on the execution of the retail fundamentals.
At the same time, we are aggressively focusing on bringing compelling merchandise assortments and marketing, store and online experiences to our customers. We will look for, and capitalize on, those opportunities available to us in this uncertain environment. We believe that our brands, which lead their categories and offer high emotional content to customers at accessible prices, are well positioned.

Company-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the third quarter of 2013 store data to the third quarter of 2012 and year-to-date 2013 store data to year-to-date 2012:
 
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Sales per Average Selling Square Foot
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
 
$
168

 
$
166

 
1
 %
 
$
550

 
$
537

 
2
%
Bath & Body Works (a)
 
140

 
133

 
5
 %
 
426

 
408

 
4
%
La Senza (b)
 
123

 
101

 
22
 %
 
370

 
300

 
23
%
Sales per Average Store (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
 
$
1,011

 
$
992

 
2
 %
 
$
3,310

 
$
3,208

 
3
%
Bath & Body Works (a)
 
331

 
315

 
5
 %
 
1,006

 
966

 
4
%
La Senza (b)
 
392

 
334

 
17
 %
 
1,185

 
995

 
19
%
Average Store Size (selling square feet)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
 
5,992

 
6,012

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bath & Body Works (a)
 
2,361

 
2,363

 
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
La Senza
 
3,185

 
3,327

 
(4
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Selling Square Feet (in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
 
6,351

 
6,132

 
4
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bath & Body Works (a)
 
3,698

 
3,734

 
(1
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
La Senza (c)
 
500

 
549

 
(9
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
  _______________
(a)
Metric relates to company-owned stores in the U.S.
(b)
Metric is presented in Canadian dollars to eliminate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations.
(c)
In the fourth quarter of 2011 and second quarter of 2012, we initiated restructuring programs designed to resize a portion of La Senza's store fleet. Under these programs, we closed 79 underperforming stores through the first quarter of 2013. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

30


The following table compares third quarter of 2013 company-owned store data to the third quarter of 2012 and year-to-date 2013 store data to year-to-date 2012:
 
 
Third Quarter
 
Year-to-Date
Number of Stores (a)
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Victoria’s Secret U.S.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
1,035

 
1,015

 
1,019

 
1,017

Opened
 
28

 
8

 
51

 
20

Closed
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
 
(10
)
 
(17
)
End of Period
 
1,060

 
1,020

 
1,060

 
1,020

Bath & Body Works U.S.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
1,565

 
1,581

 
1,571

 
1,587

Opened
 
5

 

 
6

 
3

Closed
 
(4
)
 
(1
)
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
End of Period
 
1,566

 
1,580

 
1,566

 
1,580

La Senza
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
157

 
197

 
158

 
230

Opened
 

 

 

 

Closed (b)
 

 
(32
)
 
(1
)
 
(65
)
End of Period
 
157

 
165

 
157

 
165

Bath & Body Works Canada
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
77

 
69

 
71

 
69

Opened
 
2

 
1

 
8

 
2

Closed
 

 

 

 
(1
)
End of Period
 
79

 
70

 
79

 
70

Victoria’s Secret Canada
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
27

 
20

 
26

 
19

Opened
 
4

 
4

 
5

 
5

Closed
 

 

 

 

End of Period
 
31

 
24

 
31

 
24

Henri Bendel
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
29

 
23

 
29

 
19

Opened
 

 
3

 

 
7

Closed
 

 

 

 

End of Period
 
29

 
26

 
29

 
26

Victoria’s Secret U.K.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
2

 
1

 
2

 

Opened
 
3

 
1

 
3

 
2

Closed
 

 

 

 

End of Period
 
5

 
2

 
5

 
2

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of Period
 
2,892

 
2,906

 
2,876

 
2,941

Opened
 
42

 
17

 
73

 
39

Closed
 
(7
)
 
(36
)
 
(22
)
 
(93
)
End of Period
 
2,927

 
2,887

 
2,927

 
2,887

 _______________
(a)
Number of stores excludes independently owned La Senza, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret stores operated by licensees and franchisees.
(b)
In the fourth quarter of 2011 and second quarter of 2012, we initiated restructuring programs designed to resize a portion of La Senza's store fleet. Under these programs, we closed 79 underperforming stores through the first quarter of 2013. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

31


Results of Operations
Third Quarter of 2013 Compared to Third Quarter of 2012
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the third quarter of 2013 in comparison to the third quarter of 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Rate
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Third Quarter
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret
$
148

 
$
158

 
11.1
 %
 
12.3
 %
Bath & Body Works
67

 
58

 
11.8
 %
 
10.7
 %
Other (a)(b)
(4
)
 
(29
)
 
(1.2
)%
 
(12.4
)%
Total Operating Income
$
211

 
$
187

 
9.7
 %
 
9.1
 %
  _______________
(a)
Includes our international operations, Mast Global, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
(b)
2012 includes $10 million of expense associated with the store closure initiative at La Senza. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
For the third quarter of 2013, operating income increased $24 million to $211 million and the operating income rate increased to 9.7% from 9.1%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the third quarter of 2013 in comparison to the third quarter of 2012:
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Third Quarter
(in millions)
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores
$
1,059

 
$
1,009

 
5
 %
Victoria’s Secret Direct
269

 
271

 
(1
)%
Total Victoria’s Secret
1,328

 
1,280

 
4
 %
Bath & Body Works Stores
518

 
498

 
4
 %
Bath & Body Works Direct
49

 
40

 
23
 %
Total Bath & Body Works
567

 
538

 
5
 %
Other (a)
276

 
232

 
19
 %
Total Net Sales
$
2,171

 
$
2,050

 
6
 %
 _______________
(a)
Includes our international operations, Mast Global, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the third quarter of 2013 to the third quarter of 2012:
 
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Other
 
Total
Third Quarter
(in millions)
2012 Net Sales
$
1,280

 
$
538

 
$
232

 
$
2,050

Comparable Store Sales
35

 
12

 
1

 
48

Sales Associated with New, Closed, and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net
15

 
8

 
10

 
33

Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
(8
)
 
(8
)
Direct Channels
(2
)
 
9

 

 
7

International Wholesale, Royalty and Other

 

 
41

 
41

2013 Net Sales
$
1,328

 
$
567

 
$
276

 
$
2,171



32


The following table compares the third quarter of 2013 comparable store sales to the third quarter of 2012:
 
Third Quarter
2013
 
2012
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
4
%
 
6
%
Bath & Body Works (a)
3
%
 
5
%
Total Comparable Store Sales (a)(b)
3
%
 
5
%
 ________________
(a)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, La Senza, Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria’s Secret Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K. and Henri Bendel.

The results by segment are as follows:

Victoria's Secret

For the third quarter of 2013, net sales increased $48 million to $1.328 billion and comparable store sales increased 4%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 5% related to increases across most categories including core lingerie, sport and beauty, driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion as well as in-store execution.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales decreased 1% related to a decrease in apparel partially offset by increases in core lingerie, swim and sport. We are shifting our focus to the core categories of the brand including lingerie, PINK and beauty. As a result, net sales in the apparel category are declining as we reduce style counts and related inventory. Additionally, a fashion assortment that did not meet our customers expectations contributed to the decline in apparel.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by an increase in total transactions and higher average dollar sales.
Bath & Body Works
For the third quarter of 2013, net sales increased $29 million to $567 million and comparable store sales increased 3%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including Signature Collection, home fragrance and soap and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness and innovation.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Other
For the third quarter of 2013, net sales increased $44 million to $276 million primarily related to higher revenue from our international wholesale and franchise business, including sales of merchandise to our international partners from Mast Global, new Victoria's Secret stores in the United Kingdom and Canada and new Bath & Body Works stores in Canada. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales at La Senza due to store closures.

33


Gross Profit
For the third quarter of 2013, our gross profit increased $32 million to $857 million and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 39.5% from 40.2%, primarily driven by:
Victoria's Secret

For the third quarter of 2013, the gross profit decrease was primarily driven by the following:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit decreased due to higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity. The increase in buying and occupancy expenses was partially offset by higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit decreased primarily due to lower merchandise margin dollars as a result of the decrease in net sales.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate driven by increased promotional activity and an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense at Victoria's Secret Stores mentioned above.

Bath & Body Works

For the third quarter of 2013, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses primarily driven by higher occupancy costs related to the increase in net sales and store-related activity.
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate increased slightly driven by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Other

For the third quarter of 2013, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales in our international businesses and the increase in net sales at Mast Global. The gross profit increase was also driven by lower buying and occupancy expenses primarily driven by the $10 million in store closure restructuring charges related to our La Senza business that occurred in the third quarter of 2012 partially offset by higher occupancy costs related to international store growth. The gross profit rate increased significantly driven by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to the La Senza store closure restructuring charges mentioned above and leverage associated with higher sales.

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses

For the third quarter of 2013, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $8 million to $646 million primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales and other investments to improve the customer experience, including investments in training and technology.

The general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 29.7% from 31.1% primarily due to leverage associated with higher sales.

34



Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the third quarter of 2013 and 2012:
Third Quarter
2013
 
2012
Average daily borrowings (in millions)
$
4,571

 
$
4,520

Average borrowing rate (in percentages)
6.80
%
 
6.83
%
For the third quarter of 2013, our interest expense decreased $1 million to $76 million primarily driven by a decrease in the average borrowing rate partially offset by an increase in the average daily borrowings primarily related to the October 2013 $500 million note issuance.
Other Income
For the third quarter of 2013, our other income decreased $11 million to $7 million primarily driven by the $13 million gain related to $13 million in cash distributions from certain of our investments in Easton in the third quarter of 2012.

Provision for Income Taxes

For the third quarter of 2013, our effective tax rate was 35.0% as compared to 42.4% in the third quarter of 2012. The third quarter 2013 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters. The third quarter 2012 rate was higher than our combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.

Year-to-Date 2013 Compared to Year-to-Date 2012
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for year-to-date 2013 in comparison to year-to-date 2012:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Income Rate
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Year-to-Date
(in millions)
 
 
 
 
Victoria’s Secret
$
679

 
$
692

 
15.2
 %
 
16.0
 %
Bath & Body Works
241

 
206

 
14.0
 %
 
12.5
 %
Other (a)(b)
(40
)
 
(113
)
 
(5.1
)%
 
(18.0
)%
Total Operating Income
$
880

 
$
785

 
12.7
 %
 
11.9
 %
  _______________
(a)
Includes our international operations, Mast Global, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
(b)
2012 includes $14 million of expense associated with the store closure initiative at La Senza. For additional information, see Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
For year-to-date 2013, operating income increased $95 million to $880 million and the operating income rate increased to 12.7% from 11.9%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.

35


Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for year-to-date 2013 in comparison to year-to-date 2012:
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
% Change
Year-to-Date
(in millions)
 
 
Victoria’s Secret Stores
$
3,441

 
$
3,267

 
5
 %
Victoria’s Secret Direct
1,012

 
1,060

 
(5
)%
Total Victoria’s Secret
4,453

 
4,327

 
3
 %
Bath & Body Works Stores
1,578

 
1,529

 
3
 %
Bath & Body Works Direct
149

 
123

 
21
 %
Total Bath & Body Works
1,727

 
1,652

 
5
 %
Other (a)
775

 
624

 
24
 %
Total Net Sales
$
6,955

 
$
6,603

 
5
 %
 _______________
(a)
Includes our international operations, Mast Global, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for year-to-date 2013 to year-to-date 2012:
 
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Other
 
Total
Year-to-Date
(in millions)
2012 Net Sales
$
4,327

 
$
1,652

 
$
624

 
$
6,603

Comparable Store Sales
181

 
136

 
40

 
357

Sales Associated with New, Closed, and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net
(7
)
 
(87
)
 
27

 
(67
)
Foreign Currency Translation

 

 
(14
)
 
(14
)
Direct Channels
(48
)
 
26

 

 
(22
)
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other

 

 
98

 
98

2013 Net Sales
$
4,453

 
$
1,727

 
$
775

 
$
6,955


The following table compares the year-to-date 2013 comparable store sales to year-to-date 2012:
 
Year-to-Date
2013
 
2012
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)
3
%
 
9
%
Bath & Body Works (a)
3
%
 
6
%
Total Comparable Store Sales (a)(b)
3
%
 
7
%
 ________________
(a)
The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store.
(b)
Includes Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, La Senza, Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria’s Secret Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K. and Henri Bendel.


36


The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For year-to-date 2013, net sales increased $126 million to $4.453 billion and comparable store sales increased 3%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 5% related to increases across most categories including PINK, core lingerie, swim and sport, driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion as well as in-store execution.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales decreased 5% related to a decrease in apparel partially offset by increases in core lingerie, PINK and sport. We are shifting our focus to the core categories of the brand including lingerie, PINK and beauty. As a result, net sales in the apparel category are declining as we reduce style counts and related inventory. Additionally, a fashion assortment that did not meet our customers expectations contributed to the decline in apparel.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Bath & Body Works
For year-to-date 2013, net sales increased $75 million to $1.727 billion and comparable store sales increased 3%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including Signature Collection, home fragrance and soap and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness and innovation.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by an increase in total transactions and higher average dollar sales.
Other
For year-to-date 2013, net sales increased $151 million to $775 million primarily related to higher revenue from our international wholesale and franchise business, including sales of merchandise to our international partners from Mast Global, new Victoria's Secret stores in the United Kingdom and Canada and new Bath & Body Works stores in Canada. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in sales at La Senza due to store closures.
Gross Profit
For year-to-date 2013, our gross profit increased $118 million to $2.787 billion and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 40.1% from 40.4%, primarily driven by the following:
Victoria's Secret

For year-to-date 2013, the gross profit decrease was primarily driven by:
At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales, investments in real estate and store-related activity.
At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit decreased primarily due to lower merchandise margin dollars as a result of the decrease in net sales.
The gross profit rate decrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate driven by increased promotional activity and an increase in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to deleverage associated with the increase in occupancy expense at Victoria's Secret Stores mentioned above.

Bath & Body Works

For year-to-date 2013, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:
At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses primarily driven by higher occupancy costs related to the increase in net sales and store-related activity.
At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin dollars was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to higher fulfillment costs associated with the increase in net sales.
The gross profit rate was flat.

37


Other
For year-to-date 2013, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales in our international businesses and the increase in net sales at Mast Global. The gross profit increase was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses primarily driven by higher occupancy costs related to international store growth partially offset by the $13 million in store closure restructuring charges related to our La Senza business that occurred in 2012. The gross profit rate increased significantly driven by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate due to leverage associated with higher sales.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For year-to-date 2013, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $23 million to $1.907 billion primarily driven by:
An increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales and other investments to improve the customer experience, including investments in training and technology; and
An increase in expenses resulting from increased international expansion.
The increase was partially offset by a decrease in incentive compensation and other home office costs.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 27.4% from 28.5% primarily due to leverage associated with higher sales.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
Year-to-Date
2013
 
2012
Average daily borrowings (in millions)
$
4,499

 
$
4,520

Average borrowing rate (in percentages)
6.88
%
 
6.84
%
For year-to-date 2013, our interest expense decreased $2 million to $232 million primarily driven by a decrease in average daily borrowings primarily related to the maturity of the 2012 Notes in December 2012.
Other Income
For year-to-date 2013, our other income decreased $8 million to $11 million primarily driven by the $13 million gain related to $13 million in cash distributions from certain of our investments in Easton in the third quarter of 2012 partially offset by an increase in our share of net income from our investment in the third-party apparel sourcing business.
Provision for Income Taxes
For year-to-date 2013, our effective tax rate was 37.3% as compared to 40.1% in 2012. The year-to-date 2013 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters. The year-to-date 2012 rate was higher than our combined estimated federal and state rate of 39.0% primarily due to losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.

38


FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resource to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions and profit margins. Historically, sales are higher during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period.
We believe in returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During year-to-date 2013, we paid $261 million in regular dividends and repurchased $55 million of our common stock. We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs.
Our total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $141 million as of November 2, 2013. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. are repatriated to the U.S., in certain circumstances we may be subject to additional income taxes.
The following table provides our long-term debt balance as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:

 
November 2,
2013
 
February 2,
2013
 
October 27,
2012
 
(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
 
 
 
 
 
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

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

 
1,000

 
1,000

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

 

 

$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a)
493

 
489

 
489

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

 
400

 
400

Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
$
3,393

 
$
2,889

 
$
2,889

Senior Unsecured Debt
 
 
 
 
 
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b)
$
720

 
$
721

 
$
722

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

 
350

 
350

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

 
299

 
299

5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”)(c)
216

 
218

 
218

6.125% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due December 2012, Less Unamortized Discount (“2012 Notes”)

 

 
57

Total Senior Unsecured Debt
$
1,585

 
$
1,588

 
$
1,646

Total
$
4,978

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,535

Current Portion of Long-term Debt
(216
)
 

 
(57
)
Total Long-term Debt
$
4,762

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,478

 _______________
(a)
The balance as of November 2, 2013 includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $3 million.
(b)
The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $20 million as of November 2, 2013, $22 million as of February 2, 2013 and $23 million as of October 27, 2012.
(c)
The principal balance outstanding was $213 million as of November 2, 2013, February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012. The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $3 million as of November 2, 2013 and $5 million as of February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.

39


Issuance of Notes
In October 2013, we issued $500 million of 5.625% notes due in October 2023 utilizing an existing shelf registration under which debt securities, common and preferred stock and other securities can be issued. The 2023 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $5 million.
In February 2012, we issued $1 billion of 5.625% notes due in February 2022 utilizing an existing shelf registration under which debt securities, common and preferred stock and other securities can be issued. The 2022 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $985 million, which were net of issuance costs of $15 million.
Revolving Facility
We maintain a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 15, 2016. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts per year are 0.325% per annum and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.75% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding borrowings is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.75%.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments outside of the Guarantors and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of November 2, 2013, we were in compliance with both of our financial covenants and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
During the third quarter of 2013, we borrowed and repaid $290 million under the Revolving Facility. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during the third quarter of 2013 was $140 million.
As of November 2, 2013, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports our letter of credit program. We had $12 million of outstanding letters of credit as of November 2, 2013 that reduce our remaining availability under our Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
In June 2013, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In September 2013, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to an additional $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and an additional $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In June 2012, we terminated interest rate designated fair value hedges related to the 2017 Notes with a notional amount of $175 million. In settlement of these hedges, we received $14 million.
Both the carrying values of the 2014 and 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the respective maturity date of the Notes.
Working Capital and Capitalization
We believe that our available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund foreseeable requirements.

40


The following table provides a summary of our working capital position and capitalization as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
November 2, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
October 27, 2012
 
(in millions)
Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities (a)
$
(31
)
 
$
1,351

 
$
75

Capital Expenditures (a)
598

 
588

 
491

Working Capital
846

 
667

 
973

Capitalization:
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt
4,762

 
4,477

 
4,478

Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(820
)
 
(1,015
)
 
(515
)
Total Capitalization
3,942

 
3,462

 
3,963

Remaining Amounts Available Under Credit Agreements (b)
988

 
988

 
980

 _______________
(a)
The February 2, 2013 amounts represent a twelve-month period and the November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 amounts represent nine-month periods.
(b)
Letters of credit issued reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility. We have outstanding letters of credit that reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility of $12 million as of November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013 and $20 million as of October 27, 2012.
Credit Ratings
The following table provides our credit ratings as of November 2, 2013:
 
Moody’s
 
S&P
 
Fitch
Corporate
Ba1
 
BB+
 
BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee
Ba1
 
BB+
 
BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt
Ba2
 
BB-
 
BB
Outlook
Stable
 
Stable
 
Stable

Our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility are linked to our credit ratings at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If we receive an upgrade or downgrade to our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, the borrowing costs could decrease or increase, respectively. The guarantees of our obligations under the Revolving Facility by the Guarantors and the security interests granted in our and the Guarantors’ collateral securing such obligations are released if our credit ratings are higher than a certain level. Additionally, the restrictions imposed under the Revolving Facility on our ability to make investments and to make restricted payments cease to apply if our credit ratings are higher than certain levels. Credit rating downgrades by any of the agencies do not accelerate the repayment of any of our debt.
Common Stock Share Repurchases
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our common stock under the following repurchase programs during year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Amount Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 
Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(in millions)
 
(in thousands)
 
(in millions)
 
 
November 2012 (a)
$
250

 
1,217

 
NA

 
$
55

 
NA

 
$
44.91

February 2012 (b)
500

 
NA

 
9,816

 
NA

 
$
448

 
45.60

November 2011
250

 
NA

 
3,657

 
NA

 
164

 
44.90

Total
 
 
1,217

 
13,473

 
$
55

 
$
612

 
 
 _______________
(a)
The November 2012 repurchase program had $184 million remaining as of November 2, 2013.
(b)
The February 2012 repurchase program had $50 million remaining at the time it was cancelled in conjunction with the approval of the November 2012 repurchase program.
NA
Not applicable
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable as of November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.

41


The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made in our discretion taking into account a number of factors including market conditions.
We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our share repurchase programs.
Dividend Policy and Procedures
Under the authority and declaration of our Board of Directors, we paid the following dividends during the third quarter and year-to-date of 2013 and 2012:
 
 
Ordinary Dividends
 
Special Dividends
 
Total Dividends
 
Total Paid
 
 
(per share)
 
(in millions)
2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third Quarter
 
$
0.30

 
$

 
$
0.30

 
$
87

Second Quarter
 
0.30

 

 
0.30

 
87

First Quarter
 
0.30

 

 
0.30

 
87

2013 Total
 
$
0.90

 
$

 
$
0.90

 
$
261

2012
 

 

 

 

Third Quarter
 
$
0.25

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.25

 
$
361

Second Quarter
 
0.25

 

 
0.25

 
73

First Quarter
 
0.25

 

 
0.25

 
73

2012 Total
 
$
0.75

 
$
1.00

 
$
1.75

 
$
507

Our Board of Directors will determine future dividends after giving consideration to the Company's levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating activities to fund our ordinary dividends and a combination of cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our special dividends.
Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow activity for year-to-date 2013 and 2012:
 
Year-to-Date
 
2013
 
2012
 
(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
$
773

 
$
935

Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities
(31
)
 
75

Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities
(549
)
 
(471
)
Net Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities
232

 
7

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents

 
1

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
(348
)
 
(388
)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
$
425

 
$
547

Operating Activities
Net cash used for operating activities in 2013 was $31 million, including net income of $413 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $31 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $299 million and share-based compensation expense of $61 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant item in working capital was the seasonal increases in inventories (and related increases in accounts payable) as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $75 million, including net income of $342 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $103 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $287 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant item in working capital was the seasonal increases in inventories (and related increases in accounts payable) as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.

42


Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities in 2013 was $549 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $598 million partially offset by the return of capital from the third-party apparel sourcing business of $46 million. The capital expenditures included $489 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2012 was $471 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $491 million. The capital expenditures included $358 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Financing Activities
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2013 was $232 million consisting primarily of proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $495 million (net of issuance costs), excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $31 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $22 million. These were partially offset by quarterly dividend payments of $0.30 per share, or $261 million, and repurchases of common stock of $55 million.
Net cash provided by financing activities in 2012 was $7 million consisting primarily of proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt of $985 million (net of issuance costs), excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $103 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $42 million, partially offset by repurchases of common stock of $616 million and quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $1.75 per share, or $507 million.
Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, we have remaining guarantees of approximately $38 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Abercrombie & Fitch, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2017. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, our guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
Our guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $26 million as of November 2, 2013, $36 million as of February 2, 2013 and $39 million as of October 27, 2012. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $2 million as of November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013 and $3 million as of October 27, 2012, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our guarantees related to Abercrombie & Fitch and Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. We have no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as we concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012.
Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and the related interest payments, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other long-term obligations. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since February 2, 2013, other than the issuance of the 2023 Notes. Additionally, certain of our contractual obligations may fluctuate during the normal course of business (primarily changes in our merchandise inventory-related purchase obligations which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of our operations).
IMPACT OF INFLATION
While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, claims and contingencies, and revenue recognition. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

43


There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments like the cross-currency swaps and interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposure to market risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
To mitigate the translation risk to our earnings and the fair value of our Canadian operations associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate, we entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The swap arrangements mature between 2015 and 2018 at the same time as the related loans. As a result of the Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans and the related cross-currency swaps, we do not believe there is any material translation risk to our Canadian net earnings associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate.
In addition, our Canadian dollar and British pound denominated earnings are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of our merchandise sold in Canada and the U.K. is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio primarily consists of interest-bearing instruments that are classified as cash and cash equivalents based on their original maturities. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which specifies permitted types of investments, specifies credit quality standards and maturity profiles and limits credit exposure to any single issuer. The primary objective of our investment activities are the preservation of principal, the maintenance of liquidity and the maximization of interest income while minimizing risk. Currently, our investment portfolio is comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly-rated commercial paper and bank deposits. Given the short-term nature and quality of investments in our portfolio, we do not believe there is any material risk to principal associated with increases or decreases in interest rates.
All of our long-term debt as of November 2, 2013 has fixed interest rates. We will from time to time adjust our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. As of November 2, 2013, we have interest rate swap arrangements with notional amounts of $200 million related to a portion of our 2017 Notes and $200 million related to a portion of our 2019 Notes.
The effect of the interest rate swap arrangements is to convert the respective amount of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. The variable interest rate associated with these swap arrangements fluctuates based on changes in the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR").
For the balance of our long-term debt that is not subject to interest rate swap arrangements, our exposure to interest rate changes is limited to the fair value of the debt issued, which would not have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As of November 2, 2013, management believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, receivables and payables approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.

44


The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and swap arrangements as of November 2, 2013February 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012:
 
 
November 2, 2013
 
February 2, 2013
 
October 27, 2012
 
(in millions)
Long-term Debt: (a)
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying Value
$
4,978

 
$
4,477

 
$
4,535

Fair Value, Estimated (b)
5,398

 
5,023

 
5,073

Cross-currency Swap Arrangements (c)
40

 
59

 
59

Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swap Arrangements (c)
(5
)
 

 

 _______________
(a)
The increase in long-term debt is related to the issuance of the October 2023 Notes.
(b)
The estimated fair value is based on reported transaction prices. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.
(c)
Swap arrangements are in an (asset) liability position.
We maintain cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. We monitor the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom we transact and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. We also periodically review the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business.

Item 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the third quarter 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


45



PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Actions filed against our Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, our current legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

In July 2009, a complaint was filed against our Company for patent infringement in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. The complaint sought monetary damages, costs, attorneys' fees, and injunctive relief. In November 2011, a jury found in favor of the plaintiff and awarded damages of $9 million for infringement from 2007 through 2011 and the trial court awarded future royalty payments through 2015. In January 2013, we appealed the judgment against us with the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Shortly before our appeal was filed, this Court of Appeals ruled in another proceeding involving a different company, that the patents in our case were invalid. As a result, our appeal has been stayed until the other proceeding has been decided. Based on the decision that the plaintiff's patents are invalid and on our other arguments, we believe the Court of Appeals should grant our appeal. We intend to vigorously defend against this action.

Item 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in the 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K, and those described elsewhere in this report or other Securities and Exchange Commission filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

Item 2.
UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides our repurchases of our common stock during the third quarter of 2013:
 
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (a)
 
Average Price
Paid Per
Share (b)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (c)
 
Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (c)
 
(in thousands)
 
 
 
(in thousands)
August 2013
24

 
$
58.86

 

 
$
184,201

September 2013
17

 
60.16

 

 
184,201

October 2013
14

 
62.34

 

 
184,201

Total
55

 
 
 

 
 
  _______________
(a)
The total number of shares repurchased includes shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs, with the remainder relating to shares repurchased in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards and the use of our stock to pay the exercise price on employee stock options.
(b)
The average price paid per share includes any broker commissions.
(c)
For additional share repurchase program information, see Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

Item 3.
DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
Not applicable.

Item 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.

Item 5.
OTHER INFORMATION
Effective December 2, 2013, we changed our NYSE stock ticker symbol from LTD to LB.

46


Item 6.
EXHIBITS
Exhibits
 
  
 
 
 
15
 
Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information re: Incorporation of Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
 
 
 
31.1
 
Section 302 Certification of CEO.
 
 
 
31.2
 
Section 302 Certification of CFO.
 
 
 
32
 
Section 906 Certification (by CEO and CFO).
 
 
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


47


SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
L BRANDS, INC.
 
(Registrant)
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
 
 
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer *

Date: December 6, 2013
*
Mr. Burgdoerfer is the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.


48