Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 30, 2016

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Foot Locker, Inc. and its domestic and international subsidiaries (the “Company”), all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany amounts have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Reporting Year

Reporting Year

The fiscal year end for the Company is the Saturday closest to the last day in January. Fiscal years 2015, 2014, and 2013 represented the 52 weeks endedJanuary 30, 2016, January 31, 2015, and February 1, 2014, respectively. References to years in this annual report relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from retail stores is recognized at the point of sale when the product is delivered to customers. Internet and catalog sales revenue is recognized upon estimated receipt by the customer. Sales include shipping and handling fees for all periods presented. Sales include merchandise, net of returns, and exclude taxes. The Company provides for estimated returns based on return history and sales levels. Revenue from layaway sales is recognized when the customer receives the product, rather than when the initial deposit is paid.

Gift Cards

Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards to its customers, which do not have expiration dates. Revenue from gift card sales is recorded when the gift cards are redeemed or when the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions, referred to as breakage. The Company has determined its gift card breakage rate based upon historical redemption patterns. Historical experience indicates that after 12 months, the likelihood of redemption is deemed to be remote. Gift card breakage income is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and unredeemed gift cards are recorded as a current liability. Gift card breakage was $5 million for 2015 and 2014, and $4 million for 2013.

Store Pre-Opening and Closing Costs

Store Pre-Opening and Closing Costs

Store pre-opening costs are charged to expense as incurred. In the event a store is closed before its lease has expired, the estimated post-closing lease exit costs, less any sublease rental income, is provided for once the store ceases to be used.

Advertising Costs and Sales Promotion

Advertising Costs and Sales Promotion

Advertising and sales promotion costs are expensed at the time the advertising or promotion takes place, net of reimbursements for cooperative advertising. Advertising expenses also include advertising costs as required by some of the Company’s mall-based leases. Cooperative advertising reimbursements earned for the launch and promotion of certain products agreed upon with vendors are recorded in the same period as the associated expenses are incurred.

Reimbursement received in excess of expenses incurred related to specific, incremental, and identifiable advertising costs, is accounted for as a reduction to the cost of merchandise, which is reflected in cost of sales as the merchandise is sold.

Advertising costs, which are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
	($ in millions)
Advertising expenses	$	119	$	125	$	124
Cooperative advertising reimbursements		(19)		(21)		(22)
Net advertising expense	$	100	$	104	$	102

Catalog Costs

Catalog Costs

Catalog costs, which are primarily comprised of paper, printing, and postage, are capitalized and amortized over the expected customer response period related to each catalog, which is generally 90 days. Cooperative reimbursements earned for the promotion of certain products are agreed upon with vendors and are recorded in the same period as the associated catalog expenses are amortized. Prepaid catalog costs were $2 million and $3 million at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

Catalog costs, which are included as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, were as follows:

	2015		2014		2013
	($ in millions)
Catalog costs	$	28	$	32	$	36
Cooperative reimbursements		(7)		(7)		(5)
Net catalog expense	$	21	$	25	$	31

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The Company accounts for and discloses earnings per share using the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net income for the period by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding at the end of the period. Restricted stock awards, which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, are considered participating securities and are included in the calculation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflects the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period used in the basic earnings per share computation plus dilutive common stock equivalents.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

		2015		2014		2013
	(in millions, except per share data)
Net Income		$	541	$	520	$	429
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			139.1		143.9		148.4
Basic earnings per share		$	3.89	$	3.61	$	2.89
Weighted-average common shares outstanding			139.1		143.9		148.4
Dilutive effect of potential common shares			1.7		2.1		2.1
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution			140.8		146.0		150.5
Diluted earnings per share		$	3.84	$	3.56	$	2.85

Potential common shares include the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units. Options to purchase 0.6 million shares of common stock for both January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, and 1.0 million shares at February 1, 2014, were not included in the computations primarily because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of the common shares and, therefore, the effect of their inclusion would be antidilutive. Contingently issuable shares of 0.2 million, 0.3 million, and 0.2 million at January 30, 2016,              January 31, 2015, and February 1, 2014, respectively, have not been included as the vesting conditions have not been satisfied.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation

The Company recognizes compensation expense for share-based awards based on the grant date fair value of those awards. Additionally, stock-based compensation expense includes an estimate for pre-vesting forfeitures and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for each vesting tranche of the award. See Note 22, Share-Based Compensation, for information on the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of share-based compensation.

Upon exercise of stock options, issuance of restricted stock or units, or issuance of shares under the employees stock purchase plan, the Company will issue authorized but unissued common stock or use common stock held in treasury. The Company may make repurchases of its common stock from time to time, subject to legal and contractual restrictions, market conditions, and other factors.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015 were $983 million and $930 million, respectively. Cash equivalents include amounts on demand with banks and all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, including money market funds. Additionally, amounts due from third-party credit card processors for the settlement of debit and credit card transactions are included as cash equivalents as they are generally collected within three business days.

Investments

Investments

Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and are not reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations until a sale transaction occurs or when declines in fair value are deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company routinely reviews available-for-sale securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value below the cost basis, and when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of a security may not be recoverable, the security is written down to fair value. As of January 30, 2016, the Company held $6 million of available-for-sale securities, which represented the Company’s auction rate security. See Note 20, Fair Value Measurements, for further discussion of these investments.

Merchandise Inventories and Cost of Sales

Merchandise Inventories and Cost of Sales

Merchandise inventories for the Company’s Athletic Stores are valued at the lower of cost or market using the retail inventory method. Cost for retail stores is determined on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis for domestic inventories and on the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis for international inventories. Merchandise inventories of the Direct-to-Customers business are valued at the lower of cost or market using weighted-average cost, which approximates FIFO.

The retail inventory method is commonly used by retail companies to value inventories at cost and calculate gross margins due to its practicality. Under the retail inventory method, cost is determined by applying a cost-to-retail percentage across groupings of similar items, known as departments. The cost-to-retail percentage is applied to ending inventory at its current owned retail valuation to determine the cost of ending inventory on a department basis. The Company provides reserves based on current selling prices when the inventory has not been marked down to market.

Transportation, distribution center, and sourcing costs are capitalized in merchandise inventories. The Company expenses the freight associated with transfers between its store locations in the period incurred. The Company maintains an accrual for shrinkage based on historical rates.

Cost of sales is comprised of the cost of merchandise, as well as occupancy, buyers’ compensation, and shipping and handling costs. The cost of merchandise is recorded net of amounts received from suppliers for damaged product returns, markdown allowances, and volume rebates, as well as cooperative advertising reimbursements received in excess of specific, incremental advertising expenses. Occupancy costs include the amortization of amounts received from landlords for tenant improvements.

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Significant additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:

BuildingsMaximum of 50 years

Leasehold improvements10 years or term of lease, if shorter

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment3-10 years

Software2-7 years

Maintenance and repairs are charged to current operations as incurred. Major renewals or replacements that substantially extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated.

Internal-Use Software Development Costs

Internal-Use Software Development Costs

The Company capitalizes certain external and internal computer software and software development costs incurred during the application development stage. The application development stage generally includes software design and configuration, coding, testing, and installation activities. Capitalized costs include only external direct cost of materials and services consumed in developing or obtaining internal-use software, and payroll and payroll-related costs for employees who are directly associated with and devote time to the internal-use software project. Capitalization of such costs ceases no later than the point at which the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use. Training and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred, while upgrades and enhancements are capitalized if it is probable that such expenditures will result in additional functionality. Capitalized software, net of accumulated amortization, is included as a component of property and equipment and was $46 million and $39 million at January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015, respectively.

Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets

Recoverability of Long-Lived Tangible Assets

The Company performs an impairment review when circumstances indicate that the carrying value of long-lived tangible assets may not be recoverable. Management’s policy in determining whether an impairment indicator exists, a triggering event, comprises measurable operating performance criteria at the division level, as well as qualitative measures. The Company considers historical performance and future estimated results, which are predominately identified from the Company’s strategic long-range plans, in its evaluation of potential store-level impairment and then compares the carrying amount of the asset with the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset. If the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows, the Company measures the amount of the impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset with its estimated fair value. The estimation of fair value is measured by discounting expected future cash flows at the Company’s weighted-average cost of capital. The Company estimates fair value based on the best information available using estimates, judgments, and projections as considered necessary.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment annually during the first quarter of each fiscal year or more frequently if impairment indicators arise.

The review of goodwill impairment consists of either using a qualitative approach to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the assets is less than their respective carrying values or a two-step impairment test, if necessary. If, based on the results of the qualitative assessment, it is concluded that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the intangible asset is greater than its carrying value, the two-step test is performed to identify potential impairment. If it is determined that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, it is unnecessary to perform the two-step impairment test.

Based on certain circumstances, we may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to performing the first step of the two-step impairment test. The first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test compares the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. The second step includes hypothetically valuing all the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess. The fair value of each reporting unit is determined using a combination of market and discounted cash flow approaches. 

Intangible assets that are determined to have finite lives are amortized over their useful lives and are measured for impairment only when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment if impairment indicators arise and, at a minimum, annually. The impairment review for intangible assets with indefinite lives consists of either performing a qualitative or a quantitative assessment. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible is less than its carrying amount, or if we elect to proceed directly to a quantitative assessment, we calculate the fair value using a discounted cash flow method, based on the relief from royalty concept, and compare the fair value to the carrying value to determine if the asset is impaired.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

All derivative financial instruments are recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values. For derivatives designated as a hedge, and effective as part of a hedge transaction, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging derivative instrument is reported as a component of other comprehensive income/loss or as a basis adjustment to the underlying hedged item and reclassified to earnings in the period in which the hedged item affects earnings. The effective portion of the gain or loss on hedges of foreign net investments is generally not reclassified to earnings unless the net investment is disposed of. To the extent derivatives do not qualify or are not designated as hedges, or are ineffective, their changes in fair value are recorded in earnings immediately, which may subject the Company to increased earnings volatility.

Fair Value

Fair Value

The Company categorizes its financial instruments into a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument. Fair value is determined based upon the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants exclusive of any transaction costs. The Company’s financial assets recorded at fair value are categorized as follows:

Level 1 -	Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2-	Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs or significant value-drivers are observable in active markets.
Level 3  -	Model-derived valuations in which one or more significant inputs or significant value-drivers areunobservable.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for its income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined on the basis of the differences between the financial statements and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are recognized for tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards, reduced by a valuation allowance, which is established when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes net deferred tax assets to the extent that it believes these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. If the Company determines that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, the Company would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

A taxing authority may challenge positions that the Company adopted in its income tax filings. Accordingly, the Company may apply different tax treatments for transactions in filing its income tax returns than for income tax financial reporting. The Company regularly assesses its tax positions for such transactions and records reserves for those differences when considered necessary. Tax positions are recognized only when it is more likely than not, based on technical merits, that the positions will be sustained upon examination. Tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are measured using a probability weighted approach as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon settlement. Whether the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is met for a tax position is a matter of judgment based on the individual facts and circumstances of that position evaluated in light of all available evidence. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within income tax expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Provision for U.S. income taxes on undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries is made only on those amounts in excess of the funds considered to be permanently reinvested.

Pension and Postretirement Obligations

Pension and Postretirement Obligations

The discount rate for the U.S. plans is determined by reference to the Bond:Link interest rate model based upon a portfolio of highly rated U.S. corporate bonds with individual bonds that are theoretically purchased to settle the plan’s anticipated cash outflows. The cash flows are discounted to their present value and an overall discount rate is determined. The discount rate selected to measure the present value of the Company’s Canadian benefit obligations was developed by using the plan’s bond portfolio indices, which match the benefit obligations. The Company measures its plan assets and benefit obligations using the month-end date that is closest to our fiscal year end.

Insurance Liabilities

Insurance Liabilities

The Company is primarily self-insured for health care, workers’ compensation, and general liability costs. Accordingly, provisions are made for the Company’s actuarially determined estimates of discounted future claim costs for such risks, for the aggregate of claims reported and claims incurred but not yet reported. Self-insured liabilities totaled $13 million at both January 30, 2016 and January 31, 2015. The Company discounts its workers’ compensation and general liability reserves using a risk-free interest rate. Imputed interest expense related to these liabilities was not significant for any of the periods presented.

Accounting for Leases

Accounting for Leases

The Company recognizes rent expense for operating leases as of the possession date for store leases or the commencement of the agreement for a non-store lease. Rental expense, inclusive of rent holidays, concessions, and tenant allowances are recognized over the lease term on a straight-line basis. Contingent payments based upon sales and future increases determined by inflation related indices cannot be estimated at the inception of the lease and accordingly, are charged to operations as incurred.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currency of the Company’s international operations is the applicable local currency. The translation of the applicable foreign currency into U.S. dollars is performed for balance sheet accounts using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using the weighted-average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. The unearned gains and losses resulting from such translation are included as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss within shareholders’ equity.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This amendment changes how deferred taxes are recognized by eliminating the requirement of presenting deferred tax liabilities and assets as current and noncurrent on the balance sheet. Instead, the requirement will be to classify all deferred tax liabilities and assets as noncurrent. ASU 2015-17 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period, with earlier adoption permitted. ASU 2015-17 can be adopted either prospectively or retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company plans on early adopting ASU 2015-17 prospectively during fiscal year 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an effect on our results of operations or cash flows, as this represents only a change in balance sheet classification.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU2016-02, Leases. This ASU revises the existing guidance related to leases by requiring lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. This ASU also requires additional disclosure regarding leasing arrangements. This standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, and requires a modified retrospective adoption, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on its consolidated financialstatements.

Other recently issued accounting pronouncements did not, or are not believed by management to, have a material effect on the Company’s present or future consolidated financial statements