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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016
or
¨
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: 001-15059
NORDSTROM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington
 
91-0515058
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington
 
98101
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
206-628-2111
(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 þ NO ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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 þ NO ¨
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 þ
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
YES ¨ NO þ
Common stock outstanding as of August 24, 2016: 173,440,084 shares

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NORDSTROM, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
 
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
 
Item 6.
 
 
 
 

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PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited).
NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Amounts in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Net sales

$3,592

 

$3,598

 

$6,784

 

$6,714

Credit card revenues, net
59

 
103

 
116

 
202

Total revenues
3,651

 
3,701

 
6,900

 
6,916

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,359
)
 
(2,327
)
 
(4,459
)
 
(4,326
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,071
)
 
(997
)
 
(2,114
)
 
(1,968
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
221

 
377

 
327

 
622

Interest expense, net
(30
)
 
(32
)
 
(61
)
 
(65
)
Earnings before income taxes
191

 
345

 
266

 
557

Income tax expense
(74
)
 
(134
)
 
(103
)
 
(218
)
Net earnings

$117

 

$211

 

$163

 

$339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic

$0.67

 

$1.11

 

$0.94

 

$1.78

Diluted

$0.67

 

$1.09

 

$0.93

 

$1.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
173.5

 
189.4

 
173.3

 
190.0

Diluted
174.8

 
193.5

 
175.2

 
194.2

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.
NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Net earnings

$117

 

$211

 

$163

 

$339

Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax

 
1

 
1

 
3

Foreign currency translation adjustment
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
17

 
(5
)
Comprehensive net earnings

$107

 

$202

 

$181

 

$337

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
July 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$892

 

$595

 

$423

Accounts receivable held for sale

 

 
2,391

Accounts receivable, net
263

 
196

 
241

Merchandise inventories
2,032

 
1,945

 
2,004

Current deferred tax assets, net

 

 
256

Prepaid expenses and other
163

 
278

 
117

Total current assets
3,350

 
3,014

 
5,432

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land, property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $5,330, $5,108 and $4,912)
3,812

 
3,735

 
3,570

Goodwill
435

 
435

 
447

Other assets
533

 
514

 
251

Total assets

$8,130

 

$7,698

 

$9,700

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable

$1,604

 

$1,324

 

$1,589

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
381

 
416

 
389

Other current liabilities
1,326

 
1,161

 
1,145

Current portion of long-term debt
10

 
10

 
333

Total current liabilities
3,321

 
2,911

 
3,456

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
2,772

 
2,795

 
2,808

Deferred property incentives, net
530

 
540

 
560

Other liabilities
570

 
581

 
385

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 173.3, 173.5 and 188.2 shares issued and outstanding
2,612

 
2,539

 
2,460

(Accumulated deficit) Retained earnings
(1,635
)
 
(1,610
)
 
97

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(40
)
 
(58
)
 
(66
)
Total shareholders’ equity
937

 
871

 
2,491

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$8,130

 

$7,698

 

$9,700

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other

 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Accumulated

 
Comprehensive

 
 
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Deficit

 
Loss

 
Total

Balance at January 30, 2016
173.5

 

$2,539

 

($1,610
)
 

($58
)
 

$871

Net earnings

 

 
163

 

 
163

Other comprehensive earnings

 

 

 
18

 
18

Dividends ($0.74 per share)

 

 
(128
)
 

 
(128
)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans
0.9

 
31

 

 

 
31

Stock-based compensation
0.2

 
42

 

 

 
42

Repurchase of common stock
(1.3
)
 

 
(60
)
 

 
(60
)
Balance at July 30, 2016
173.3

 

$2,612

 

($1,635
)
 

($40
)
 

$937

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other

 
 
 
Common Stock
 
Retained

 
Comprehensive

 
 
 
Shares

 
Amount

 
Earnings

 
Loss

 
Total

Balance at January 31, 2015
190.1

 

$2,338

 

$166

 

($64
)
 

$2,440

Net earnings

 

 
339

 

 
339

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 
(2
)
 
(2
)
Dividends ($0.74 per share)

 

 
(142
)
 

 
(142
)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans
1.5

 
84

 

 

 
84

Stock-based compensation
0.1

 
38

 

 

 
38

Repurchase of common stock
(3.5
)
 

 
(266
)
 

 
(266
)
Balance at August 1, 2015
188.2

 

$2,460

 

$97

 

($66
)
 

$2,491

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings

$163

 

$339

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
319

 
277

Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net
(34
)
 
(95
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(53
)
 
(24
)
Stock-based compensation expense
47

 
41

Tax (deficiency) benefit from stock-based compensation
(1
)
 
13

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
(1
)
 
(13
)
Bad debt expense

 
20

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(66
)
 
(216
)
Merchandise inventories
(59
)
 
(280
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
96

 
(19
)
Accounts payable
262

 
240

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
(40
)
 
(30
)
Other current liabilities
175

 
56

Deferred property incentives
31

 
97

Other liabilities
12

 
9

Net cash provided by operating activities
851

 
415

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(407
)
 
(521
)
Change in credit card receivables originated at third parties

 
(64
)
Other, net
33

 
4

Net cash used in investing activities
(374
)
 
(581
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts

 
16

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(5
)
 
(4
)
(Decrease) increase in cash book overdrafts
(18
)
 
49

Cash dividends paid
(128
)
 
(142
)
Payments for repurchase of common stock
(59
)
 
(267
)
Proceeds from issuances under stock compensation plans
30

 
71

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
1

 
13

Other, net
(1
)
 
26

Net cash used in financing activities
(180
)
 
(238
)
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
297

 
(404
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
595

 
827

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$892

 

$423

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for:
 
 
 
Income taxes (refund), net

($50
)
 

$209

Interest, net of capitalized interest
67

 
70

 
 
 
 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable reclassified from held for investment to held for sale

 
2,391

The accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the balances of Nordstrom, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a basis consistent in all material respects with the accounting policies described and applied in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“Annual Report”), and reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature that are, in management’s opinion, necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented.
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 30, 2016 has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2015 Annual Report. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnote disclosures contained in our 2015 Annual Report.
The preparation of our financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions.
Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Due to our Anniversary Sale in July and the holidays in the fourth quarter, our sales are typically higher in the second and fourth quarters than in the first and third quarters of the fiscal year. In 2016, the Anniversary Sale event started one week later in July relative to last year, shifting one week of the event into the third quarter. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
Loyalty Program
Prior to the second quarter of 2016, customers who used Nordstrom Visa or Nordstrom credit or debit cards were able to participate in the Nordstrom Rewards program. During the second quarter of 2016, the Nordstrom Rewards program was expanded to enable all customers to earn benefits regardless of how they choose to pay. Customers accumulate points based on their level of spending. Upon reaching a certain points threshold, customers receive Nordstrom Notes, which can be redeemed for any goods or services offered at Nordstrom full-line stores, Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom Rack and Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook. Customers who use Nordstrom private label credit or debit cards or Nordstrom Visa credit cards receive additional benefits, including reimbursements for alterations, shopping and fashion events and early access to the Anniversary Sale.
We estimate the net cost of Nordstrom Notes that will be issued and redeemed and record this cost as rewards points are accumulated. These costs, as well as reimbursed alterations, are recorded in cost of sales as we provide customers with products and services for these rewards. Other benefits of the loyalty program, including shopping and fashion events, are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Reclassification
Reclassifications were made to our fiscal 2015 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows to conform with current period presentation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which was subsequently modified in August 2015 by ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date. The core principle of ASU No. 2014-09 is that companies should recognize revenue when the transfer of promised goods or services to customers occurs in an amount that reflects what the company expects to receive. It requires additional disclosures to describe the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows from contracts with customers. In early 2016, the FASB issued additional ASUs which clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, on identifying performance obligations and licensing and on the revenue recognition criteria. This guidance is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact these provisions will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU increases transparency and comparability by recognizing a lessee’s rights and obligations resulting from leases by recording them on the balance sheet as lease assets and lease liabilities. The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification dictates whether lease expense is to be recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. This ASU is effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2019. Though we are currently evaluating the impact of these provisions, we expect it will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU impacts several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact these provisions will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
NOTE 2: CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLE TRANSACTION
On October 1, 2015, we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio to TD Bank, N.A. (“TD”) and we entered into a long-term program agreement under which TD is the exclusive issuer of our U.S. consumer credit cards.
In connection with the close of the credit card receivable transaction, we completed the defeasance of our $325 Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in order to provide the credit card receivables to TD free and clear. At close, we received $2.2 billion in cash consideration reflecting the par value of the receivables sold and incurred $32 in transaction-related expenses during the third quarter of 2015. Pursuant to the agreement, we are obligated to offer and administer our loyalty program and perform other account servicing functions. In return, we receive a portion of the ongoing credit card revenue, net of credit losses, from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables.
We recorded certain assets and liabilities associated with the arrangement. The beneficial interest asset is carried at fair value (see Note 5: Fair Value Measurements) and is amortized over approximately four years based primarily on the payment rate of the associated receivables. The deferred revenue and investment in contract asset are recognized/amortized over seven years on a straight line basis, following the delivery of the contract obligations and expected life of the agreement. We record each of these items in credit card revenue, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.
NOTE 3: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
 
July 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Credit card receivables and other, net

$264

 

$197

 

$242

Allowance for credit losses
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
(1
)
Accounts receivable, net

$263

 

$196

 

$241

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable held for sale

$—

 

$—

 

$2,391

Credit card receivables and other, net primarily consist of employee credit card receivables and receivables from non-Nordstrom-branded cards.
In connection with our May 2015 purchase and sale agreement with TD, the accounts receivable discussed in Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction, were recorded at the lower of cost (par) or fair value and reclassified as “held for sale.” This resulted in the recognition of a $64 benefit in the second quarter of 2015, due to the reversal of the allowance for credit losses. We subsequently sold the receivables to TD on October 1, 2015. There have been no material changes to the delinquency status or net credit losses of the receivables sold.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 4: DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
Debt
A summary of our long-term debt, including capital leases, is as follows:
 
July 30, 2016


January 30, 2016


August 1, 2015

Secured
 
 
 
 
 
Series 2011-1 Class A Notes, 2.28%, due October 2016

$—

 

$—

 

$325

Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020
27

 
30

 
33

Other
4

 
5

 
9

Total secured debt
31

 
35

 
367

 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured
 
 
 
 
 
Net of unamortized discount:
 
 
 
 
 
Senior notes, 6.25%, due January 2018
649

 
649

 
649

Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020
499

 
499

 
499

Senior notes, 4.00%, due October 2021
500

 
500

 
499

Senior debentures, 6.95%, due March 2028
300

 
300

 
300

Senior notes, 7.00%, due January 2038
146

 
146

 
146

Senior notes, 5.00%, due January 2044
601

 
600

 
599

Other
56

 
76

 
82

Total unsecured debt
2,751

 
2,770

 
2,774

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
2,782

 
2,805

 
3,141

Less: current portion
(10
)
 
(10
)
 
(333
)
Total due beyond one year

$2,772

 

$2,795

 

$2,808

In the third quarter of 2015, as a condition of closing the credit card receivable transaction (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction), we defeased $325 in secured Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in order to provide the receivables to TD free and clear.
Credit Facilities
As of July 30, 2016, we had total short-term borrowing capacity of $800 under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“revolver”) that expires in April 2020, with an option to extend for an additional year. Under the terms of our revolver, we pay a variable rate of interest and a commitment fee based on our debt rating. The revolver is available for working capital, capital expenditures and general corporate purposes. We have the option to increase the revolving commitment by up to $200, to a total of $1,000, provided that we obtain written consent from the lenders. As of July 30, 2016, we had no issuances outstanding under our commercial paper program and no borrowings outstanding under our revolver.
The revolver requires that we maintain an adjusted debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) leverage ratio of less than four times. As of July 30, 2016, we were in compliance with this covenant.

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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 5: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
We disclose our financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets by level within the fair value hierarchy as defined by applicable accounting standards:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2: Other observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by market data that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
We recorded a beneficial interest asset when we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction). We determined the fair value of the beneficial interest asset based on a discounted cash flow model using Level 3 inputs of the fair value hierarchy. Inputs and assumptions include the discount rate, payment rate, credit loss rate and revenues and expenses associated with the program agreement. Given our review of market participant capital structures in the banking and credit card industries and our historical and expected portfolio performance, we used the following ranges of input assumptions to determine the fair value as of July 30, 2016:
 
Minimum

 
Maximum

Discount rate
12
%
 
12
%
Monthly payment rate
6
%
 
11
%
Annual credit loss rate
3
%
 
4
%
Annual revenues as a percent to credit card receivables
13
%
 
18
%
Annual expenses as a percent to credit card receivables
5
%
 
9
%
We recognized $7 and $17 of amortization expense for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016 on the beneficial interest asset, which had a fair value of $20 and $37 as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016. Amortization primarily reflects payments received on the receivables sold and is recorded in credit card revenues, net.
We did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 1, 2015.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We did not have any financial assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of July 30, 2016 and January 30, 2016.
As of August 1, 2015, our U.S. Visa and private label credit card receivables were “held for sale” and were recorded at the lower of cost (par) or fair value. We estimated the fair value of our credit card receivables “held for sale” based on a discounted cash flow model using estimates and assumptions regarding future credit card portfolio performance. This fair value estimate was primarily based on Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, including the discount rate, payment rate, credit losses, revenues and expenses. The estimated fair value of our credit card receivables “held for sale” was approximately 3% above par. This premium was solely associated with our credit card receivables “held for sale,” and did not encompass other terms and elements within our agreement with TD.
Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and certificates of deposit, which approximate fair value due to their short-term nature, and long-term debt.
We estimate the fair value of our long-term debt using quoted market prices of the same or similar issues and, as such, this is considered a Level 2 fair value measurement. The following table summarizes the carrying value and fair value estimate of our long-term debt, including current maturities:
 
July 30, 2016

 
January 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Carrying value of long-term debt

$2,782

 

$2,805

 

$3,141

Fair value of long-term debt
3,076

 
3,077

 
3,526


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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


Non-financial Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
We also measure certain non-financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, primarily goodwill, investment in contract asset and long-lived tangible and intangible assets, in connection with periodic evaluations for potential impairment. There were no material impairment charges for these assets for the six months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015. We estimate the fair value of these assets using primarily unobservable inputs and, as such, these are considered Level 3 fair value measurements.
NOTE 6: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Plans for our Manhattan full-line store, which we currently expect to open in 2019, ultimately include owning a condominium interest in a mixed-use tower and leasing certain nearby properties. As of July 30, 2016, we had approximately $201 of fee interest in land, which is expected to convert to a condominium interest once the store is constructed. We have committed to make future installment payments based on the developer meeting pre-established construction and development milestones. In the event that this project is not completed, the opening may be delayed and we may be subject to future losses or capital commitments in order to complete construction or to monetize our investment in the land.
NOTE 7: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
On October 1, 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1,000 of our outstanding common stock through March 1, 2017. During the six months ended July 30, 2016, we repurchased 1.3 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $60 and had $751 remaining in share repurchase capacity as of July 30, 2016. The actual number, price, manner and timing of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules.
In August 2016, subsequent to quarter end, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, which will be paid on September 13, 2016.
NOTE 8: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Stock options

$11

 

$10

 

$19

 

$19

Restricted stock units
9

 
6

 
15

 
10

Acquisition-related stock compensation
4

 
4

 
8

 
9

Performance share units
1

 

 
1

 

Other
2

 
2

 
4

 
3

Total stock-based compensation expense, before income tax benefit
27

 
22

 
47

 
41

Income tax benefit
(9
)
 
(7
)
 
(15
)
 
(13
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit

$18

 

$15

 

$32

 

$28

The following table summarizes our grants:
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

Stock options
2.9



$15

 
1.7

 

$21

Restricted stock units
1.6

 

$43

 
0.4

 

$78


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NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 9: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Net earnings

$117

 

$211

 

$163

 

$339

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic shares
173.5

 
189.4

 
173.3

 
190.0

Dilutive effect of stock options and other
1.3

 
4.1

 
1.9

 
4.2

Diluted shares
174.8

 
193.5

 
175.2

 
194.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per basic share

$0.67

 

$1.11

 

$0.94

 

$1.78

Earnings per diluted share

$0.67

 

$1.09

 

$0.93

 

$1.74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive stock options and other
13.6

 
1.7

 
10.2

 
1.7


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Table of Contents
NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


NOTE 10: SEGMENT REPORTING
The following tables set forth information for our reportable segments: 
 
 
Retail

 
Corporate/Other

 
Retail
Business

 
Credit

 
Total

Quarter Ended July 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 

$3,871

 

($279
)
 

$3,592

 

$—

 

$3,592

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
59

 
59

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
383

 
(179
)
 
204

 
17

 
221

Interest expense, net
 

 
(30
)
 
(30
)
 

 
(30
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
383

 
(209
)
 
174

 
17

 
191

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Quarter Ended August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net sales
 

$3,775

 

($177
)
 

$3,598

 

$—

 

$3,598

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
103

 
103

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
378

 
(115
)
 
263

 
114

 
377

Interest expense, net
 

 
(27
)
 
(27
)
 
(5
)
 
(32
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
378

 
(142
)
 
236

 
109

 
345

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended July 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net sales
 

$7,129

 

($345
)
 

$6,784

 

$—

 

$6,784

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
116

 
116

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
572

 
(278
)
 
294

 
33

 
327

Interest expense, net
 

 
(61
)
 
(61
)
 

 
(61
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
572

 
(339
)
 
233

 
33

 
266

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Six Months Ended August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

Net sales
 

$6,966

 

($252
)
 

$6,714

 

$—

 

$6,714

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
202

 
202

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
658

 
(197
)
 
461

 
161

 
622

Interest expense, net
 

 
(55
)
 
(55
)
 
(10
)
 
(65
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
658

 
(252
)
 
406

 
151

 
557

Credit segment earnings before interest and income taxes for the quarter and six months ended August 1, 2015 included a $64 benefit due to the reversal of the allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable that were reclassified to “held for sale” (see Note 3: Accounts Receivable).

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Table of Contents
NORDSTROM, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share, per option and per unit amounts)
(Unaudited)


The following table summarizes net sales within our reportable segments:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.

$1,978

 

$2,097

 

$3,560

 

$3,796

Nordstrom.com
683

 
625

 
1,178

 
1,105

Nordstrom
2,661

 
2,722

 
4,738

 
4,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
926

 
857

 
1,819

 
1,688

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
157

 
117

 
323

 
234

Off-price
1,083

 
974

 
2,142

 
1,922

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other retail1
127

 
79

 
249

 
143

Total Retail segment
3,871

 
3,775

 
7,129

 
6,966

Corporate/Other
(279
)
 
(177
)
 
(345
)
 
(252
)
Total net sales

$3,592

 

$3,598

 

$6,784

 

$6,714

1 Other retail includes Nordstrom Canada full-line stores, Trunk Club and Jeffrey boutiques.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain or may suggest “forward-looking” information (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, anticipated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending January 28, 2017, anticipated annual total and comparable sales rates, anticipated new store openings in existing, new and international markets, anticipated Return on Invested Capital and trends in our operations. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the Company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual future results may differ materially from historical results or current expectations depending upon factors including, but not limited to:
Strategic and Operational
successful execution of our customer strategy, including expansion into new domestic and international markets, acquisitions, investments in our stores and online as well as investments in technology, our ability to realize the anticipated benefits from growth initiatives and our ability to provide a seamless experience across all channels,
timely and effective execution of our ecommerce initiatives and ability to manage the costs and organizational changes associated with this evolving business model,
timely completion of construction associated with newly planned stores, relocations and remodels, all of which may be impacted by the financial health of third parties,
our ability to maintain relationships with our employees and to effectively attract, develop and retain our future leaders,
effective inventory management processes and systems, fulfillment processes and systems, disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to control costs,
the impact of any systems failures, cybersecurity and/or security breaches, including any security breach of our systems or those of a third-party provider that results in the theft, transfer or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee or Company information or compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident,
successful execution of our information technology strategy,
our ability to effectively utilize data in strategic planning and decision making,
efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources,
our ability to realize the expected benefits, respond to potential risks and appropriately manage costs associated with our program agreement with TD,
our ability to safeguard our reputation and maintain our vendor relationships,
our ability to respond to the business environment, fashion trends and consumer preferences, including changing expectations of service and experience in stores and online, and evolve our business model,
the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns in the highly competitive retail industry,
the timing, price, manner and amounts of share repurchases by the Company, if any, or any share issuances by the Company, including issuances associated with option exercises or other matters,
Economic and External
the impact of economic and market conditions and the resultant impact on consumer spending patterns,
weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, national security or other market disruptions, or the prospects of these events and the resulting impact on consumer spending patterns,
Legal and Regulatory
our compliance with applicable domestic and international laws, regulations and ethical standards, including those related to banking, employment and tax and the outcome of claims and litigation and resolution of such matters,
the impact of the current regulatory environment and financial system and health care reforms, and
compliance with debt covenants, availability and cost of credit, changes in our credit rating, changes in interest rates, debt repayment patterns and personal bankruptcies.
These and other factors, including those factors described in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K could affect our financial results and cause actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking information we may provide. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

OVERVIEW
Our Anniversary Sale kicked off in July, which is our largest event of the year outside of the holiday season. We were pleased with the customer response to the event. This year marked one of the best events in our history, with an all-time high in sales volume. The strength of the Anniversary Sale, along with our inventory and expense execution, drove better than expected results for the second quarter.
Second quarter net earnings were $117 compared with net earnings of $211 during the same period in fiscal 2015 which included a $64 benefit from a non-cash accounting adjustment. Our earnings per diluted share of $0.67 exceeded expectations. We believe these results are reflective of our ongoing efforts to realign our resources and priorities to better serve customers.
Our Nordstrom Rewards program is one area that enables us to strengthen relationships with customers. It also serves as a powerful tool to drive incremental sales and trips. On May 18, we expanded the program so that all of our customers can earn rewards regardless of how they choose to pay. Based on the strong customer response, we now have approximately 6 million Nordstrom Rewards customers, up significantly from 4.7 million last quarter.
In continuing our efforts to improve our operating model, we recognize that the shift toward ecommerce is having an impact on our financial results. As we accelerated investments to support changes in customer expectations, our expenses -- particularly in supply chain, marketing and technology -- grew faster than sales. To address this, we are executing on several initiatives to enhance the customer experience and improve our operating performance:
In supply chain, we are optimizing our supplier network for both inbound and outbound carriers, reducing split shipments through a greater allocation of merchandise to our fulfillment centers and editing out less profitable items online. Since the opening of our East Coast fulfillment center last fall, our delivery times for customers we serve on the East Coast improved by more than 30% while reducing unit shipping costs due to the increased proximity to our customers.
In marketing, we are repositioning our organization to better align with the customer journey and our strategic priorities around customer acquisition and retention. This includes strengthening our capabilities around customer analytics and digital engagement so that we can reach customers in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
In technology, we’re on a path to modernize our platform and increase the productivity of delivering features that will improve the customer experience. We implemented a new technology solution that supports our expanded loyalty program, which enables us to better serve customers and increase their lifetime value.
Over the past several quarters, we have been actively addressing our inventory, expense and capital investments as we align with current sales trends. In the second quarter, we made substantial progress by bringing down inventory levels relative to sales. As we head into the second half of the year, we are focused on a number of initiatives to improve the customer experience and drive top-line growth:
We’re expanding our reach to serve more customers. We’re building on the success of our Canada expansion with two full-line store openings in Toronto in the third quarter. In the U.S., we plan to open a second full-line store in Austin, Texas and 15 Nordstrom Rack stores this fall.
Continuing our efforts to grow relevant brands that have limited distribution play an important role in creating excitement and attracting new customers. These brands now make up the majority of our top 20 fastest-growing vendors, and we’re continuing to expand highly sought-after brands, like Ivy Park, Madewell and Charlotte Tilbury, with new partnerships to come.
We are making digital enhancements to better serve customers no matter how they choose to shop with us. We have several initiatives underway that include new mobile features, improvements to our website and enhanced selling tools. This fall we are piloting a mobile feature that gives customers the ability to reserve merchandise online and try on in our stores.
These efforts to improve our operations are expected to result in a more productive use of financial resources, which is beginning to positively impact our results. As our business evolves, we will continue to aggressively prioritize our resources to ensure that we can serve customers with high-quality products and services while achieving profitable growth. Through these ongoing efforts, we believe we will be well-positioned for future success.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Our reportable segments are Retail and Credit. We analyze our results of operations through earnings before interest and income taxes for our Retail Business and Credit, while interest expense, income taxes, earnings per share and return on invested capital are discussed on a total Company basis.
Retail Business
Our Retail Business includes our Nordstrom U.S. and Canada full-line stores, Nordstrom.com, Nordstrom Rack stores, Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook, Trunk Club, Jeffrey and our Last Chance clearance store. For purposes of discussion and analysis of our results of operations of our Retail Business, we combine our Retail segment results with revenues and expenses in the “Corporate/Other” column of Note 10: Segment Reporting in Item 1 (collectively, the “Retail Business”).
Certain metrics we use to evaluate the Retail Business may not be calculated in a consistent manner among industry peers. Provided below are definitions of metrics we present within our analysis of the Retail Business:
Comparable Sales – sales from stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year. Total Company comparable sales include sales from our online channels.
Gross Profit – net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs.
Inventory Turnover Rate – annual cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (for all segments) divided by the trailing 4-quarter average inventory.
Total Sales Per Square Foot – net sales divided by weighted-average square footage.
4-wall Sales Per Square Foot – sales for Nordstrom U.S. and Canada full-line stores, Nordstrom Rack stores, Trunk Club clubhouses, Jeffrey boutiques and our Last Chance store divided by their weighted-average square footage.
Summary
The following table summarizes the results of our Retail Business: 
 
Quarter Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

Net sales

$3,592

 
100.0
%
 

$3,598

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,358
)
 
(65.6
%)
 
(2,326
)
 
(64.6
%)
Gross profit
1,234

 
34.4
%
 
1,272

 
35.4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,030
)
 
(28.7
%)
 
(1,009
)
 
(28.0
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes

$204

 
5.7
%
 

$263

 
7.3
%
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

Net sales

$6,784

 
100.0
%
 

$6,714

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(4,456
)
 
(65.7
%)
 
(4,323
)
 
(64.4
%)
Gross profit
2,328

 
34.3
%
 
2,391

 
35.6
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(2,034
)
 
(30.0
%)
 
(1,930
)
 
(28.7
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes

$294

 
4.3
%
 

$461

 
6.9
%
1 Subtotals and totals may not foot due to rounding.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Retail Business Net Sales
In our ongoing effort to enhance the customer experience, we are focused on providing customers with a seamless experience across our channels. While our customers may engage with us through multiple channels, we know they value the overall Nordstrom brand experience and view us simply as Nordstrom, which is ultimately how we view our business. To provide additional transparency into our net sales by channel, we present the following summary of our Retail Business:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Net sales by channel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.

$1,978

 

$2,097

 

$3,560

 

$3,796

Nordstrom.com
683

 
625

 
1,178

 
1,105

Full-price
2,661

 
2,722

 
4,738

 
4,901

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
926

 
857

 
1,819

 
1,688

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
157

 
117

 
323

 
234

Off-price
1,083

 
974

 
2,142

 
1,922

 
 
 
 
 


 
 
Other retail1
127

 
79

 
249

 
143

Retail segment
3,871

 
3,775


7,129


6,966

Corporate/Other
(279
)
 
(177
)
 
(345
)
 
(252
)
Total net sales

$3,592

 

$3,598

 

$6,784

 

$6,714

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (decrease) increase
(0.2
%)
 
9.2
%
 
1.0
%
 
9.5
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable sales increase (decrease) by channel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.
(6.5
%)
 
0.8
%
 
(7.0
%)
 
0.7
%
Nordstrom.com
9.4
%
 
20.4
%
 
6.7
%
 
20.1
%
Full-price
(2.8
%)
 
4.8
%
 
(4.0
%)
 
4.5
%
Nordstrom Rack
1.1
%
 
1.7
%
 
0.2
%
 
0.8
%
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
34.7
%
 
49.6
%
 
38.3
%
 
50.4
%
Off-price
5.3
%
 
6.5
%
 
4.9
%
 
5.7
%
Total Company
(1.2
%)
 
4.9
%
 
(1.5
%)
 
4.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales per square foot:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total sales per square foot

$125

 

$131

 

$236

 

$245

4-wall sales per square foot
104

 
109

 
193

 
204

Full-line sales per square foot - U.S.
95

 
102

 
171

 
185

Nordstrom Rack sales per square foot
126

 
129

 
249

 
259

1 Other retail includes Nordstrom Canada full-line stores, Trunk Club and Jeffrey boutiques.
Total Company net sales decreased 0.2% for the quarter and increased 1.0% for the six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, while comparable sales decreased 1.2% for the quarter and 1.5% for the six months ended July 30, 2016. The Anniversary Sale, historically the largest event of the year, performed better than recent trends. This event started one week later in July relative to last year, shifting one week of the event into the third quarter. The shift had an unfavorable comparison to comparable sales of approximately 250 basis points in the second quarter.
To date in fiscal 2016, we relocated one full-line store and opened six Nordstrom Rack stores.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Full-price net sales, which consists of U.S. full-line and Nordstrom.com channels, decreased 2.2% for the quarter and 3.3% for the six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, while on a comparable basis, sales decreased 2.8% and 4.0% for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016. Also on a comparable basis for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, full-price experienced a decrease in the total number of items sold, partially offset by an increase in the average selling price per item sold. The top-performing merchandise categories were Beauty and Shoes for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016.
U.S. full-line stores’ net sales decreased 5.7% and comparable sales decreased 6.5% for the quarter ended July 30, 2016, while for the six months ended July 30, 2016, net sales decreased 6.2% and comparable sales decreased 7.0%, compared with the same periods in 2015. Southern California was the top-performing geographic region for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016. Nordstrom.com net sales increased 9.4% for the quarter and 6.7% for the six months ended July 30, 2016.
Within our off-price offering, Nordstrom Rack net sales increased 8.0% and 7.8% for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, attributable to 22 new store openings since the end of the second quarter of 2015. Nordstrom Rack comparable sales increased 1.1% for the quarter and 0.2% for the six months ended July 30, 2016. Also on a comparable basis for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, the number of items sold increased at Nordstrom Rack, partially offset by a decrease in the average retail price. Handbags was the top-performing merchandise category and the East was the top-performing geographic region for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016.
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook continued to experience outsized growth, as net sales increased 34.7% for the quarter and 38.3% for the six months ended July 30, 2016.
Retail Business Gross Profit
The following table summarizes the Retail Business gross profit (“Retail GP”):
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Retail gross profit

$1,234



$1,272



$2,328



$2,391

Retail gross profit as a % of net sales
34.4
%

35.4
%

34.3
%

35.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Ending inventory per square foot
 
 
 
 

$70.51

 

$72.72

Inventory turnover rate
 
 
 
 
4.43

 
4.49

Our Retail GP rate decreased 100 basis points, or $38 for the quarter and 130 basis points, or $63 for the six months ended July 30, 2016 compared with the same periods in 2015. These decreases were primarily due to higher markdowns in addition to increased occupancy costs related to Nordstrom Rack’s continued store expansion.
Through our actions to realign inventory levels and the performance of our Anniversary Sale, inventory growth slowed to 1.4% which drove improvement to our ending inventory per square foot.
Retail Business Selling, General and Administrative Expenses 
Retail Business selling, general and administrative expenses (“Retail SG&A”) are summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses

$1,030

 

$1,009

 

$2,034

 

$1,930

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses as a % of net sales
28.7
%
 
28.0
%
 
30.0
%
 
28.7
%
For the quarter ended July 30, 2016, our Retail SG&A rate increased 64 basis points primarily attributable to expense deleverage from the shift in sales volume into the third quarter related to the Anniversary Sale event, while Retail SG&A expenses increased $21 primarily due to increased technology investments. For the six months ended July 30, 2016, our Retail SG&A rate increased 123 basis points and our Retail SG&A increased $104 primarily reflecting planned technology investments and higher credit chargeback expenses associated with an industry change in liability rules effective October 2015.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Credit Segment
As we completed the sale of a substantial majority of our U.S. Visa and private label credit card portfolio to TD on October 1, 2015, and entered into a long-term program agreement under which TD is the exclusive issuer of our U.S. consumer credit cards, our Credit Segment business has changed. With these changes, although we receive a smaller share of available profits under the program agreement, we no longer fund this portfolio alleviating significant working capital requirements (see Note 2: Credit Card Receivable Transaction in Item 1).
Summary
The table below provides a detailed view of the operational results of our Credit segment, consistent with Note 10: Segment Reporting in Item 1:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Credit card revenues, net

$59

 

$103

 

$116

 

$202

Credit expenses
(42
)
 
(50
)
 
(83
)
 
(102
)
Credit transaction, net

 
61

 

 
61

Earnings before interest and income taxes
17

 
114

 
33

 
161

Interest expense1

 
(5
)
 

 
(10
)
Earnings before income taxes

$17

 

$109

 

$33

 

$151

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit and debit card volume2:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outside

$1,068

 

$1,097

 

$2,084

 

$2,150

Inside
1,708

 
1,730

 
2,975

 
2,999

Total volume

$2,776

 

$2,827

 

$5,059

 

$5,149

1 Prior to the credit card receivable transaction, interest expense was allocated to the Credit segment as if it carried debt of up to 80% of the credit card receivables.
2 Volume represents sales on the total portfolio plus applicable taxes.
Credit Card Revenues, net
The following is a summary of our credit card revenues, net:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Finance charge revenue

$1

 

$64

 

$3

 

$128

Interchange fees
1

 
23

 
3

 
44

Late fees and other
1

 
16

 
1

 
30

Credit program revenues, net
56

 

 
109

 

Total credit card revenues, net

$59

 

$103

 

$116

 

$202

Prior to the close of the credit card receivable transaction on October 1, 2015, credit card revenues included finance charges, interchange fees, late fees and other revenue, recorded net of estimated uncollectible finance charges and fees. Finance charges represent interest earned on unpaid balances while interchange fees are earned from the use of Nordstrom Visa credit cards at merchants outside of Nordstrom. Late fees are assessed when a credit card account becomes past due. We continue to recognize revenue in this manner for the credit card receivables retained subsequent to the close of the credit card receivable transaction.
Following the close of the transaction and pursuant to the program agreement with TD, we receive our portion of the ongoing credit card revenue, net of credit losses, from both the sold and newly generated credit card receivables, which is recorded in credit program revenues, net. Revenue earned under the program agreement is impacted by the credit quality of receivables and factors such as deteriorating economic conditions, declining creditworthiness of cardholders and the execution of account management and collection activities may heighten the risk of credit losses. Asset amortization and deferred revenue recognition associated with the assets and liabilities recorded as part of the transaction are also recognized in credit program revenues, net.
Credit card revenues, net decreased $44 and $86 for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, primarily due to the impact of the program agreement with TD and the amortization of our beneficial interest asset.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

Credit Expenses
Credit expenses are summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Operational expenses

$41

 

$39

 

$80

 

$79

Bad debt expense

 
10

 

 
20

Occupancy expenses
1

 
1

 
3

 
3

Total credit expenses

$42

 

$50

 

$83

 

$102

Total credit expenses decreased $8 and $19 for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, primarily due to a decrease in bad debt expense since the sale of our credit card receivables in the third quarter of 2015.
Credit Transaction, net
Credit transaction, net of $61 for the quarter and six months ended August 1, 2015 is primarily due to the reversal of the allowance for credit losses on accounts receivable that were reclassified to “held for sale” (see Note 3: Accounts Receivable).
Total Company Results
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net was $30 for the second quarter and $61 for the six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with $32 for the second quarter and $65 for the six months ended August 1, 2015. These decreases were primarily due to the defeasance of our $325 Series 2011-1 Class A Notes in the third quarter of 2015 as a result of the credit card receivable transaction.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense is summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Income tax expense

$74

 

$134

 

$103

 

$218

Effective tax rate
38.7
%
 
38.9
%
 
38.7
%
 
39.2
%
The effective tax rate was relatively flat for the quarter ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015. The effective tax rate decreased for the six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same period in 2015, primarily due to increased federal income tax credits.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Basic

$0.67

 

$1.11

 

$0.94

 

$1.78

Diluted

$0.67

 

$1.09

 

$0.93

 

$1.74

Earnings per diluted share decreased for the quarter and six months ended July 30, 2016, compared with the same periods in 2015, primarily due to a $64 benefit in fiscal 2015 associated with the sale of the credit card portfolio and higher 2016 planned technology and fulfillment expenses supporting the Company’s growth initiatives. This was partially offset by a decrease in weighted average shares outstanding resulting from increased share repurchases in the second half of 2015.

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Table of Contents
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
(Continued) (Dollar and share amounts in millions except per share and per square foot amounts)

2016 Outlook
We updated our annual earnings per diluted share expectations to incorporate our second quarter results. Our expectations for fiscal 2016 are as follows:
 
Prior Outlook
Current Outlook
Net sales (percent)
2.5 to 4.5 increase
2.5 to 4.5 increase
Comparable sales (percent)
1 decrease to 1 increase
1 decrease to 1 increase
Retail EBIT (percent)
10 to 20 decrease
10 to 15 decrease
Credit EBIT
$70 to $80 million
Approximately $80 million
Earnings per diluted share (excluding the impact of any future share repurchases)
$2.50 to $2.70
$2.60 to $2.75
Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) (Non-GAAP financial measure)
We believe ROIC is a useful financial measure for investors in evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of our use of capital and believe ROIC is an important component of shareholders’ return over the long term. In addition, we incorporate ROIC in our executive incentive compensation measures. For the 12 fiscal months ended July 30, 2016, our ROIC decreased to 9.1% compared with 12.3% for the 12 fiscal months ended August 1, 2015, primarily due to reduced earnings.
We define ROIC as our net operating profit after tax divided by our average invested capital using the trailing 12-month average. ROIC is not a measure of financial performance under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, return on assets, net earnings, total assets or other financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP. Our method of determining non-GAAP financial measures may differ from other companies’ methods and therefore may not be comparable to those used by other companies. The financial measure calculated under GAAP which is most directly comparable to ROIC is return on assets. The following is a reconciliation of the components of ROIC and return on assets:
 
12 Fiscal Months Ended
 
July 30, 2016

 
August 1, 2015

Net earnings

$424

 

$736

Add: income tax expense
261

 
481

Add: interest expense
121

 
133

Earnings before interest and income tax expense
806

 
1,350

 
 
 
 
Add: rent expense
190

 
154

Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases1
(101
)
 
(83
)
Net operating profit
895

 
1,421

 
 
 
 
Less: estimated income tax expense
(341
)
 
(561
)
Net operating profit after tax

$554

 

$860

 
 
 
 
Average total assets

$8,332