Document
Table of Contents




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 29, 2017
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, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth 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 ¨
 
 
 
Emerging growth company ¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
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 23, 2017: 166,239,726 shares

1 of 29




Table of Contents




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

2 of 29




Table of Contents




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 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Net sales

$3,717

 

$3,592

 

$6,996

 

$6,784

Credit card revenues, net
76

 
59

 
152

 
116

Total revenues
3,793

 
3,651

 
7,148

 
6,900

Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,451
)
 
(2,359
)
 
(4,607
)
 
(4,459
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,125
)
 
(1,071
)
 
(2,173
)
 
(2,114
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes
217

 
221

 
368

 
327

Interest expense, net
(29
)
 
(30
)
 
(76
)
 
(61
)
Earnings before income taxes
188

 
191

 
292

 
266

Income tax expense
(78
)
 
(74
)
 
(119
)
 
(103
)
Net earnings

$110

 

$117

 

$173

 

$163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic

$0.66

 

$0.67

 

$1.04

 

$0.94

Diluted

$0.65

 

$0.67

 

$1.02

 

$0.93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
166.4

 
173.5

 
166.8

 
173.3

Diluted
168.5

 
174.8

 
168.8

 
175.2

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 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Net earnings

$110

 

$117

 

$173

 

$163

Foreign currency translation adjustment
32

 
(10
)
 
20

 
17

Postretirement plan adjustments, net of tax
1

 

 
2

 
1

Comprehensive net earnings

$143

 

$107

 

$195

 

$181

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

3 of 29




Table of Contents




NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
July 29, 2017

 
January 28, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents

$919

 

$1,007

 

$892

Accounts receivable, net
320

 
199

 
263

Merchandise inventories
2,077

 
1,896

 
2,032

Prepaid expenses and other
157

 
140

 
163

Total current assets
3,473

 
3,242

 
3,350

 
 
 
 
 
 
Land, property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $5,866, $5,596 and $5,330)
3,930

 
3,897

 
3,812

Goodwill
238

 
238

 
435

Other assets
520

 
481

 
533

Total assets

$8,161

 

$7,858

 

$8,130

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable

$1,704

 

$1,340

 

$1,604

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
397

 
455

 
381

Other current liabilities
1,339

 
1,223

 
1,326

Current portion of long-term debt
11

 
11

 
10

Total current liabilities
3,451

 
3,029

 
3,321

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, net
2,729

 
2,763

 
2,772

Deferred property incentives, net
524

 
521

 
530

Other liabilities
672

 
675

 
570

 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, no par value: 1,000 shares authorized; 166.2, 170.0 and 173.3 shares issued and outstanding
2,757

 
2,707

 
2,612

Accumulated deficit
(1,951
)
 
(1,794
)
 
(1,635
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(21
)
 
(43
)
 
(40
)
Total shareholders’ equity
785

 
870

 
937

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$8,161

 

$7,858

 

$8,130

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

4 of 29




Table of Contents




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 28, 2017
170.0

 

$2,707

 

($1,794
)
 

($43
)
 

$870

Net earnings

 

 
173

 

 
173

Other comprehensive earnings

 

 

 
22

 
22

Dividends ($0.74 per share)

 

 
(124
)
 

 
(124
)
Issuance of common stock under stock compensation plans
0.4

 
14

 

 

 
14

Stock-based compensation
0.4

 
36

 

 

 
36

Repurchase of common stock
(4.6
)
 

 
(206
)
 

 
(206
)
Balance at July 29, 2017
166.2

 

$2,757

 

($1,951
)
 

($21
)
 

$785

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

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

5 of 29




Table of Contents




NORDSTROM, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net earnings

$173

 

$163

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expenses
320

 
319

Amortization of deferred property incentives and other, net
(48
)
 
(35
)
Deferred income taxes, net
(71
)
 
(53
)
Stock-based compensation expense
41

 
47

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(120
)
 
(66
)
Merchandise inventories
(141
)
 
(59
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(24
)
 
96

Accounts payable
319

 
262

Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits
(58
)
 
(36
)
Other current liabilities
117

 
175

Deferred property incentives
46

 
31

Other liabilities
20

 
12

Net cash provided by operating activities
574


856

 
 
 
 
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(341
)
 
(407
)
Other, net
33

 
33

Net cash used in investing activities
(308
)
 
(374
)
 
 
 
 
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from long-term borrowings, net of discounts
635

 

Principal payments on long-term borrowings
(655
)
 
(5
)
Increase (decrease) in cash book overdrafts
6

 
(18
)
Cash dividends paid
(124
)
 
(128
)
Payments for repurchase of common stock
(211
)
 
(59
)
Proceeds from issuances under stock compensation plans
14

 
30

Tax withholding on share-based awards
(6
)
 
(4
)
Other, net
(13
)
 
(1
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(354
)
 
(185
)
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(88
)
 
297

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
1,007

 
595

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$919

 

$892

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

$188

 

($50
)
Interest, net of capitalized interest
84

 
67

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

6 of 29




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 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 2016 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 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 are unaudited. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 28, 2017 has been derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2016 Annual Report. The interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnote disclosures contained in our 2016 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. Our sales are typically higher during our Anniversary Sale and the holidays in the fourth quarter. Consistent with the timing in 2016, our 2017 Anniversary Sale began in July and extended one week of the event into the third quarter. Results for any quarter are not indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
Accounts Receivable
On July 31, 2017, we entered into an agreement with TD Bank USA, N.A. (“TD”) to sell our employee credit card receivables for an amount equal to the gross value of the outstanding receivables. Additionally, we entered into an amended long-term program agreement under which TD will continue to be the exclusive issuer of all our U.S. Visa and private label credit cards and we will continue to perform account servicing functions. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, and is expected to close by the end of the year. As of July 29, 2017, our employee credit card receivables of $58, included in accounts receivable, net on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, is “held for sale” and, as such, is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value (see Note 3: Fair Value Measurements).
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 2016, the FASB issued additional ASUs which clarify the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations, on identifying performance obligations and licensing, on the revenue recognition criteria and other technical corrections. In our ongoing evaluation of this ASU, we have determined that the new standard will primarily impact the following areas: gift card breakage will be estimated based on expected customer redemption periods, rather than when redemption is considered remote; sales attributable to the loyalty program benefits (e.g., points, alterations) will be deferred rather than recorded as an increase to cost of sales; revenue related to our online sales will be recognized at the shipping point rather than receipt by the customer; and estimated costs of returns will be recorded as a current asset rather than netted with our sales return reserve. We plan to adopt this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 and are continuing to evaluate the impacts this ASU and related disclosures will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as our preferred transition method. 
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 right-of-use 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. Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures will be required to give financial statement users information on the amount, timing and judgments related to a reporting entity’s cash flows arising from leases. This ASU is effective for us beginning in the first quarter of 2019. We are currently evaluating the standard, which will require recognizing and measuring leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We expect adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

7 of 29




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)


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation — Stock Compensation — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payments and presentation within the financial statements. We adopted ASU No. 2016-09 with an effective date of January 29, 2017. The impact of the adoption resulted in the following:
Excess tax benefits and deficiencies resulting from stock-based compensation arrangements are now recorded within income tax expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings when the awards vest or are settled, rather than within equity. Additionally, excess tax benefits are now excluded from assumed future proceeds in our calculation of diluted shares for purposes of determining diluted earnings per share. The prospective adoption of this provision did not have a material effect on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the six months ended July 29, 2017. We had no previously unrecognized excess tax benefits that would have resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings.
Forfeitures on share-based awards are recorded as they occur, rather than our historical method of estimating forfeitures at the grant date. In evaluating the impact of this change, the adjustment to adopt on a modified retrospective basis was immaterial, therefore no adjustment has been made to beginning retained earnings.
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements are classified as cash flows from operations, rather than as cash flows from financing activities. We adopted this change retrospectively, which resulted in an increase to net cash provided by operating activities and an increase in cash flows used in financing activities of $1 for the six months ended July 30, 2016. Additionally, cash flows related to withholding shares for tax purposes on net-settled awards are classified as financing activities, rather than operating activities. This classification change was also adopted retrospectively, resulting in an increase of $4 to net cash provided by operating activities with an offsetting increase to net cash used in financing activities on the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the six months ended July 30, 2016.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles — Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairment by eliminating step two from the goodwill impairment test. Under this new guidance, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, an impairment charge shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. We are currently evaluating the impact this guidance would have on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

8 of 29




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 2: DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
Debt
A summary of our long-term debt, including capital leases, is as follows:
 
July 29, 2017


January 28, 2017


July 30, 2016

Secured
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage payable, 7.68%, due April 2020

$22

 

$24

 

$27

Other
1

 
3

 
4

Total secured debt
23

 
27

 
31

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

 
650

 
649

Senior notes, 4.75%, due May 2020
499

 
499

 
499

Senior notes, 4.00%, due October 2021
500

 
500

 
500

Senior notes, 4.00%, due March 2027
349

 

 

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
890

 
602

 
601

Other
33

 
50

 
56

Total unsecured debt
2,717

 
2,747

 
2,751

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total long-term debt
2,740

 
2,774

 
2,782

Less: current portion
(11
)
 
(11
)
 
(10
)
Total due beyond one year

$2,729

 

$2,763

 

$2,772


During the first quarter of 2017, we issued $350 aggregate principal amount of 4.00% senior unsecured notes due March 2027 and $300 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior unsecured notes due January 2044. With the proceeds of these new notes, we retired our $650 senior unsecured notes that were due January 2018. We incurred $18 of net interest expense related to the refinancing, which included the write-off of unamortized balances associated with the debt discount, issue costs and fair value hedge adjustment resulting from the sale of our interest rate swap agreements in 2012. It also included a one-time payment of $24 to 2018 Senior Note holders under a make-whole provision, which represents the net present value of expected coupon payments had the notes been outstanding through the original maturity date.
Credit Facilities
As of July 29, 2017, we had total short-term borrowing capacity of $800 under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“revolver”) that expires in April 2020. 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. From time to time we utilize our commercial paper program to fund working capital needs which has the effect of reducing available liquidity under the revolver until repaid.
As of July 29, 2017, 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 no more than four times. As of July 29, 2017, we were in compliance with this covenant.

9 of 29




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 3: 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 Not Measured at Fair Value
Financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable (excluding employee credit card receivables “held for sale”), 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 29, 2017

 
January 28, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Carrying value of long-term debt

$2,740

 

$2,774

 

$2,782

Fair value of long-term debt
2,908

 
2,949

 
3,076

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
Our employee credit card receivables are classified as “held for sale” (“receivables held for sale”) and are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value (see Note 1: Basis of Presentation). We estimate the fair value of our 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 is primarily based on Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. Based upon this assessment, the carrying value of the receivables held for sale approximated fair value at July 29, 2017.
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. We estimate the fair value of these assets using primarily unobservable inputs and, as such, these are considered Level 3 fair value measurements. There were no material impairment charges for these assets for the six months ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016.
NOTE 4: 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 29, 2017, we had approximately $249 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 5: SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
In February 2017, our Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 of our outstanding common stock through August 31, 2018. Our October 1, 2015 Board authorized share repurchase program expired in March 2017, which had $409 of unused capacity upon program expiration.
During the six months ended July 29, 2017, we repurchased 4.6 shares of our common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $206 and had $414 remaining in share repurchase capacity as of July 29, 2017. The actual timing, price, manner and amounts of future share repurchases, if any, will be subject to market and economic conditions and applicable Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules.
In August 2017, subsequent to quarter end, we declared a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per share, which will be paid on September 12, 2017.

10 of 29




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 6: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
On May 16, 2017, our shareholders approved an amendment to the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”). The amendment increases common stock available for issuance by 6.2. As of July 29, 2017, the aggregate number of shares to be issued under the Plan may not exceed 36.6, plus any shares currently outstanding under the 2004 Plan that are forfeited or expire during the term of the 2010 plan.
The following table summarizes our stock-based compensation expense:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Restricted stock units

$15

 

$9

 

$28

 

$15

Stock options
5

 
11

 
8

 
19

Acquisition-related stock compensation
1

 
4

 
1

 
8

Other
3

 
3

 
4

 
5

Total stock-based compensation expense, before income tax benefit
24

 
27

 
41

 
47

Income tax benefit
(9
)
 
(9
)
 
(16
)
 
(15
)
Total stock-based compensation expense, net of income tax benefit

$15

 

$18

 

$25

 

$32

In 2014, restricted stock units became a growing component of our stock-based compensation mix. In the first half of 2017, this trend continued as our annual grant allocation shifted towards more restricted stock units and less options to better align with our compensation program’s guiding principles. The following table summarizes our grants:
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017
 
July 30, 2016
 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

 
Granted

 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value per unit

Restricted stock units
1.8

 

$43

 
1.6

 

$43

Stock options
0.3



$16

 
2.9

 

$15

Performance share units
0.1

 

$40

 
0.1

 

$44

NOTE 7: EARNINGS PER SHARE
The computation of earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Net earnings

$110

 

$117

 

$173

 

$163

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic shares
166.4

 
173.5

 
166.8

 
173.3

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
2.1

 
1.3

 
2.0

 
1.9

Diluted shares
168.5

 
174.8

 
168.8

 
175.2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per basic share

$0.66

 

$0.67

 

$1.04

 

$0.94

Earnings per diluted share

$0.65

 

$0.67

 

$1.02

 

$0.93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anti-dilutive common stock equivalents
10.3

 
13.6

 
11.2

 
10.2


11 of 29




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 8: SEGMENT REPORTING
The following table sets forth information for our reportable segments: 
 
 
Retail

 
Corporate/Other

 
Retail
Business

 
Credit

 
Total

Quarter Ended July 29, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 

$4,039

 

($322
)
 

$3,717

 

$—

 

$3,717

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
76

 
76

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
388

 
(211
)
 
177

 
40

 
217

Interest expense, net
 

 
(29
)
 
(29
)
 

 
(29
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
388

 
(240
)
 
148

 
40

 
188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended July 29, 2017
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Net sales
 

$7,347

 

($351
)
 

$6,996

 

$—

 

$6,996

Credit card revenues, net
 

 

 

 
152

 
152

Earnings (loss) before interest and income taxes
 
600

 
(308
)
 
292

 
76

 
368

Interest expense, net
 

 
(76
)
 
(76
)
 

 
(76
)
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
 
600

 
(384
)
 
216

 
76

 
292

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 

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

Retail Business represents a subtotal of the Retail segment and Corporate/Other and is not a reportable segment.

12 of 29




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 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.

$1,887

 

$1,978

 

$3,369

 

$3,560

Nordstrom.com
819

 
683

 
1,367

 
1,178

Full-price
2,706

 
2,661

 
4,736

 
4,738

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
990

 
926

 
1,944

 
1,819

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
199

 
157

 
397

 
323

Off-price
1,189

 
1,083

 
2,341

 
2,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other retail1
144

 
127

 
270

 
249

Retail segment
4,039

 
3,871

 
7,347

 
7,129

Corporate/Other
(322
)
 
(279
)
 
(351
)
 
(345
)
Total net sales

$3,717

 

$3,592

 

$6,996

 

$6,784

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

13 of 29




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, our anticipated financial outlook for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2018, our anticipated annual total and comparable sales rates, our anticipated new store openings in existing, new and international markets, our anticipated Return on Invested Capital and trends in our operations. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Our 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,
our ability to respond to the business and retail environment, fashion trends and consumer preferences, including changing expectations of service and experience in stores and online, and evolve our business model,
timely and effective execution of our ecommerce initiatives and ability to manage the costs and organizational changes associated with this evolving business model,
successful execution of our information technology strategy,
our ability to effectively utilize data in strategic planning and decision making,
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,
efficient and proper allocation of our capital resources,
the impact of any systems or network 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,
effective inventory management processes and systems, fulfillment processes and systems, disruptions in our supply chain and our ability to control costs,
the effect of the announcement by the members of the Nordstrom family relating to the exploration of a possible “going private transaction” on our relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers and partners, operating results and business generally,
our ability to safeguard our reputation and maintain our vendor relationships,
our ability to maintain relationships with and motivate our employees and to effectively attract, develop and retain our future leaders, which could be impacted by the uncertainty about the possibility of a “going private transaction,”
our ability to realize the expected benefits, respond to potential risks and appropriately manage costs associated with our program agreement with TD Bank USA, N.A. (“TD”),
the effectiveness of planned advertising, marketing and promotional campaigns in the highly competitive and promotional retail industry,
the timing, price, manner and amounts of future 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,
the impact of economic or political conditions in the U.S. and countries where our third party vendors operate,
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 or information technology systems and communications,
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 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K and Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 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, except as may be required by law.

14 of 29




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 second quarter net earnings of $110, or $0.65 per diluted share, achieved our expectations, reflecting our positive Anniversary Sale results, ongoing inventory and expense discipline, and continued strength of our financial position.
Our net sales increased 3.5%, and comparable sales increased 1.7% driven by our digital businesses and our Anniversary Sale, our biggest event of the year, with significant volumes rivaling the holiday period. This event outperformed our recent sales trends as customers responded favorably to newness and the ability to shop the way they prefer, whether in stores, with a mobile device, or online. Sales outside of this event were more consistent with our recent trends, and therefore, our Anniversary Sale results may not necessarily inform our second half performance.
We continued our progress in executing our customer strategy while maintaining discipline around inventory and expenses:
As a result of our ongoing efforts to provide newness and limited-distribution product to customers, our Nordstrom proprietary labels represented three of the top five selling brands during the Anniversary Sale.
In executing our digital strategy, we delivered online sales growth of 20% at Nordstrom.com, reflecting our largest online volume day in our history, and 27% at Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook.
The Nordstrom Rewards loyalty program continues to play an important role in reaching new customers and strengthening existing customer relationships. We had 9.4 million active Rewards customers in the U.S. and Canada, up approximately 50%, from 6.2 million a year ago. Sales from Nordstrom Rewards customers represented 56% of second quarter sales, compared with 48% a year ago.
Looking to the second half of the year, we continue to focus on enhancing the customer experience and reaching new customers by leveraging our digital capabilities and investing in our top markets:
As part of our customer strategy, we continually test and roll out new ways to connect the physical and digital shopping experiences. We plan to expand our Reserve Online and Try In Store service from six stores to approximately 50 stores by the end of the year. We have been encouraged to find that around 80% of customers who try this service choose to shop this way again.
We are executing on our digital strategy to meet our ambition for continued double-digit online growth. We continue to modernize our platform, enabling us to increase the speed and agility of enhancements to our product pages, navigation, and content.
In our efforts to gain market share, we continue to prioritize our investments in the top North American markets. In September, we will complete our planned full-line store expansion into Canada with a sixth store – at Sherway Gardens in Toronto. In October, we will relocate two full-line stores in California – one from Westside Pavilion to Century City in Los Angeles, and the other into a new space in University Towne Centre in La Jolla.
Our Nordstrom Rack business is an important way to attract new customers to Nordstrom. We opened six stores this spring with 11 more opening this fall, which will bring our total Rack store count to 232 at year end. These stores incorporate our latest store designs, with improvements to the layout and fitting room experience.
Through strategic partnerships with our vendors, we continue to focus on providing customers with newness and relevant product. Our efforts to expand product with limited distribution helps us provide customers with the most relevant brands while strengthening our regular-price business.
We are well-positioned in the market, with the combination of our physical and digital assets representing a competitive advantage. Our omni-channel business model provides favorable economics related to the cost of serving customers and strengthening our brand. Our local market assets – our stores, salespeople, product, and services – are the core of our brand and play an important role in engaging with our customers. Nearly 80% of customers who shop with us across multiple channels began at our stores. With our customers at the center of everything we do, our ongoing efforts to better serve them in more ways have contributed positively to our second quarter results.

15 of 29




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 and earnings per share 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 boutiques and Last Chance clearance stores. 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 8: 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 – includes sales from stores that have been open at least one full year at the beginning of the year
Total Company comparable sales includes sales from our online channels
Gross Profit – net sales less cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
Inventory Turnover Rate – trailing 12-months 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 Last Chance clearance stores divided by their weighted-average square footage
Summary
The following table summarizes the results of our Retail Business: 
 
Quarter Ended
 
July 29, 2017
 
July 30, 2016
 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

Net sales

$3,717

 
100.0
%
 

$3,592

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(2,449
)
 
(65.9
%)
 
(2,358
)
 
(65.6
%)
Gross profit
1,268

 
34.1
%
 
1,234

 
34.4
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(1,091
)
 
(29.4
%)
 
(1,030
)
 
(28.7
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes

$177

 
4.8
%
 

$204

 
5.7
%
 
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017
 
July 30, 2016
 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

 
Amount

 
% of net sales1

Net sales

$6,996

 
100.0
%
 

$6,784

 
100.0
%
Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs
(4,603
)
 
(65.8
%)
 
(4,456
)
 
(65.7
%)
Gross profit
2,393

 
34.2
%
 
2,328

 
34.3
%
Selling, general and administrative expenses
(2,101
)
 
(30.0
%)
 
(2,034
)
 
(30.0
%)
Earnings before interest and income taxes

$292

 
4.2
%
 

$294

 
4.3
%
1 Subtotals and totals may not foot due to rounding.

16 of 29




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. The following is a summary of our net sales by channel for our Retail Business:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

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

$1,887

 

$1,978

 

$3,369

 

$3,560

Nordstrom.com
819

 
683

 
1,367

 
1,178

Full-price
2,706

 
2,661

 
4,736

 
4,738

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom Rack
990

 
926

 
1,944

 
1,819

Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
199

 
157

 
397

 
323

Off-price
1,189

 
1,083

 
2,341

 
2,142

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other retail1
144

 
127

 
270

 
249

Retail segment
4,039

 
3,871

 
7,347

 
7,129

Corporate/Other
(322
)
 
(279
)
 
(351
)
 
(345
)
Total net sales

$3,717

 

$3,592

 

$6,996

 

$6,784

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales increase (decrease)
3.5
%
 
(0.2
%)
 
3.1
%
 
1.0
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparable sales increase (decrease) by channel:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nordstrom full-line stores - U.S.
(4.4
%)
 
(6.5
%)
 
(5.3
%)
 
(7.0
%)
Nordstrom.com
19.8
%
 
9.4
%
 
16.0
%
 
6.7
%
Full-price
1.8
%
 
(2.8
%)
 
%
 
(4.0
%)
Nordstrom Rack
(1.0
%)
 
1.1
%
 
(0.9
%)
 
0.2
%
Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook
26.7
%
 
34.7
%
 
22.8
%
 
38.3
%
Off-price
3.1
%
 
5.3
%
 
2.7
%
 
4.9
%
Total Company
1.7
%
 
(1.2
%)
 
0.6
%
 
(1.5
%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales per square foot:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total sales per square foot

$125

 

$125

 

$235

 

$236

4-wall sales per square foot
100

 
104

 
186

 
193

Full-line sales per square foot - U.S.
91

 
95

 
163

 
171

Nordstrom Rack sales per square foot
123

 
126

 
243

 
249

1 Other retail includes Nordstrom Canada full-line stores, Trunk Club and Jeffrey boutiques.
Total Company net sales increased 3.5% for the quarter and 3.1% for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, while comparable sales increased 1.7% for the quarter and 0.6% for the six months ended July 29, 2017. The Anniversary Sale, historically the largest event of the year, performed better than recent trends. To date in fiscal 2017, we closed one full-line store and opened six Nordstrom Rack stores.
Full-price net sales, which consists of U.S. full-line and Nordstrom.com channels, increased 1.7% for the quarter and was flat for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, while comparable sales increased 1.8% for the quarter and was flat for the six months ended July 29, 2017. Also on a comparable basis for the quarter, full-price experienced increases in the average selling price per item sold and the total number of items sold. For the six months ended July 29, 2017, there was 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 Women’s Apparel and Beauty for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017. The top-performing U.S. geographic region was the East for the quarter and the West for the six months ended July 29, 2017.

17 of 29




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)


Off-price net sales, which consists of Nordstrom Rack and Nordstromrack.com/HauteLook channels, increased 9.8% for the quarter and 9.3% for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, while comparable sales increased 3.1% and 2.7% for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017. On a quarter and year-to-date basis, Nordstrom Rack experienced a decrease in the average selling price per item sold, partially offset by an increase in the total number of items sold. Men’s Apparel was the top-performing Nordstrom Rack merchandise category for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017. The East was the top-performing geographic region for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017.
Other retail net sales increased for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016 due to new store openings in Canada, partially offset by decreases in Trunk Club.
Retail Business Gross Profit
The following table summarizes the Retail Business gross profit (“Retail GP”):
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Retail gross profit

$1,268



$1,234



$2,393



$2,328

Retail gross profit as a % of net sales
34.1
%

34.4
%

34.2
%

34.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Ending inventory per square foot
 
 
 
 

$69.69

 

$70.51

Inventory turnover rate
 
 
 
 
4.53

 
4.43

Our Retail GP rate decreased 25 basis points for the quarter ended July 29, 2017 and 10 basis points for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to higher occupancy expenses related to new store growth for Nordstrom Rack and Canada in addition to higher loyalty expenses during the Anniversary Sale. This decrease was partially offset by improved merchandise margins, reflecting the continued strength in regular-price selling. Continued inventory execution led to improvements in both ending inventory per square foot and the inventory turnover rate as of July 29, 2017.
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 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses

$1,091

 

$1,030

 

$2,101

 

$2,034

Retail selling, general and administrative expenses as a % of net sales
29.4
%
 
28.7
%
 
30.0
%
 
30.0
%
For the quarter ended July 29, 2017, Retail SG&A increased $61 and our Retail SG&A rate increased 67 basis points primarily due to planned increases in technology and supply chain expenses associated with our growth initiatives. For the six months ended July 29, 2017, Retail SG&A increased $67 primarily due to planned technology and supply chain expenses partially offset by 2016 credit chargeback expenses associated with an industry change in liability rules.

18 of 29




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
The Nordstrom credit and debit card products are designed to strengthen customer relationships and grow retail sales by providing loyalty benefits, valuable services and payment products. We believe our credit business allows us to build deeper relationships with our customers by fully integrating the Nordstrom Rewards program with our retail business and provide better service, which in turn fosters greater customer loyalty. Nordstrom cardholders tend to visit our stores more frequently and spend more than non-cardholders. Nordstrom private label credit and debit cards can be used at all of our U.S. retail channels, while Nordstrom Visa credit cards may also be used for purchases outside of Nordstrom (“outside volume”).
Summary
The table below provides a detailed view of the operational results of our Credit segment, consistent with Note 8: Segment Reporting in Item 1:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Credit card revenues, net

$76

 

$59

 

$152

 

$116

Credit expenses
(36
)
 
(42
)
 
(76
)
 
(83
)
Earnings before interest and income taxes

$40

 

$17

 
76

 
33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Credit and debit card volume1:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Outside

$1,061

 

$1,068

 

$2,062

 

$2,084

Inside
1,760

 
1,708

 
2,997

 
2,975

Total volume

$2,821

 

$2,776

 

$5,059

 

$5,059

1 Credit and debit card volume represents sales on the total portfolio plus applicable sales taxes.
Credit Card Revenues, net
The following is a summary of our credit card revenues, net:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Credit program revenues, net

$73

 

$56

 

$145

 

$109

Other
3

 
3

 
7

 
7

Total credit card revenues, net

$76

 

$59

 

$152

 

$116

Pursuant to our program agreement with TD, we receive our portion of the ongoing credit card revenue, net of credit losses, from both sold and newly generated credit card receivables, which is recorded in credit program revenues, net. 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. Revenue earned under the program agreement is impacted by the credit quality of receivables, both owned and serviced, 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. Other credit card revenues include finance charge revenue, interchange fees and late fees on our accounts receivable retained (including debit, employee and Canadian receivables).
Credit card revenues, net increased $17 for the quarter and $36 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, reflecting our strategic partnership with TD to responsibly grow our receivables and associated revenues. There was also a reduction in amortization expense related to the sale of the credit card portfolio.
Credit Expenses
Total credit expenses decreased $6 for the quarter and $7 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, primarily due to lower processing costs driven by operational efficiencies.

19 of 29




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)


Total Company Results
Interest Expense, net
Interest expense, net was $29 for the quarter ended July 29, 2017, compared with $30 for the same period in 2016, and $76 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with $61 for the same period in 2016. The increase for the six months ended July 29, 2017 was primarily due to a net interest expense charge of $18 related to the $650 debt refinancing completed in the first quarter of 2017 (see Note 2: Debt and Credit Facilities in Item 1).
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense is summarized in the following table:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Income tax expense

$78

 

$74

 

$119

 

$103

Effective tax rate
41.8
%
 
38.7
%
 
40.7
%
 
38.7
%
The effective tax rate increased for the quarter and six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same periods in 2016, as a result of the jurisdictional mix of income.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share is as follows:
 
Quarter Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Basic

$0.66

 

$0.67

 

$1.04

 

$0.94

Diluted

$0.65

 

$0.67

 

$1.02

 

$0.93

Earnings per diluted share remained relatively consistent for the quarter ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016. Earnings per diluted share increased for the six months ended July 29, 2017, reflecting increased sales in addition to a favorable comparison related to higher credit chargeback expenses associated with an industry change in liability rules in 2016.
2017 Outlook
We updated our annual earnings per diluted share expectations to incorporate our second quarter results. Nordstrom’s expectations for fiscal 2017, which include the impact of the 53rd week, are as follows:
 
Current Outlook
Net sales (percent)
Approximately 4
Comparable sales (percent)
Approximately flat
Retail EBIT
$790 to $840
Credit EBIT
Approximately $145
Earnings per diluted share (excluding the impact of any future share repurchases)
$2.85 to $3.00
The income tax rate is estimated at 40% for fiscal 2017. The 53rd week is expected to add approximately $200 to net sales and approximately $0.02 to $0.03 to earnings per diluted share. The 53rd week is not included in comparable sales calculations.

20 of 29




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)


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 29, 2017, our ROIC decreased to 8.9% compared with 9.1% for the 12 fiscal months ended July 30, 2016. Results for the current period were negatively impacted by approximately 310 basis points due to the Trunk Club non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the third quarter of 2016.
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 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Net earnings

$364

 

$424

Add: income tax expense
346

 
261

Add: interest expense
139

 
121

Earnings before interest and income tax expense
849

 
806

 
 
 
 
Add: rent expense
230

 
190

Less: estimated depreciation on capitalized operating leases1
(123
)
 
(101
)
Net operating profit
956

 
895

 
 
 
 
Less: estimated income tax expense
(438
)
 
(341
)
Net operating profit after tax

$518

 

$554

 
 
 
 
Average total assets

$8,018

 

$8,332

Less: average non-interest-bearing current liabilities2
(3,173
)
 
(3,062
)
Less: average deferred property incentives and deferred rent liability2
(646
)
 
(549
)
Add: average estimated asset base of capitalized operating leases3
1,636

 
1,388

Average invested capital

$5,835

 

$6,109

 
 
 
 
Return on assets4
4.5
%
 
5.1
%
ROIC4
8.9
%
 
9.1
%
1 Capitalized operating leases is our best estimate of the asset base we would record for our leases that are classified as operating if they had met the criteria for a capital lease or we had purchased the property. Asset base is calculated as described in footnote 3 below.
2 Balances associated with our deferred rent liability have been classified as long-term liabilities in the current period.
3 Based upon the trailing 12-month average of the monthly asset base. The asset base for each month is calculated as the trailing 12 months of rent expense multiplied by eight. The multiple of eight times rent expense is a commonly used method of estimating the asset base we would record for our capitalized operating leases described in footnote 1.
4 Results for the 12 fiscal months ended July 29, 2017 include the $197 impact of the Trunk Club non-cash goodwill impairment charge in the third quarter of 2016, which negatively impacted the current period return on assets by 234 basis points and ROIC by 310 basis points.

21 of 29




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)


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
We strive to maintain a level of liquidity sufficient to allow us to cover our seasonal cash needs and to maintain appropriate levels of short-term borrowings. We believe that our operating cash flows, available credit facilities and potential future borrowings are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for the next 12 months and beyond.
Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to maximize shareholder return, maintain our financial position, manage refinancing risk and allow flexibility for strategic initiatives. We regularly assess our debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure requirements, debt service payments, dividend payouts, potential share repurchases and other future investments. We believe that as of July 29, 2017, our existing cash and cash equivalents on-hand of $919, available credit facilities of $800 and potential future operating cash flows and borrowings will be sufficient to fund these scheduled future payments and potential long-term initiatives.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $282 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to a tax refund received in 2016, as well as the timing of credit card receivables from the higher volume of our Anniversary Event sales.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities decreased $66 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to a planned reduction in capital expenditures associated with fewer store openings and decreased technology investments.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities increased $169 for the six months ended July 29, 2017, compared with the same period in 2016, primarily due to increased share repurchase activity.
Short-term and Long-term Borrowing Activity
During the first quarter of 2017, we issued $350 aggregate principal amount of 4.00% senior unsecured notes due March 2027 and $300 aggregate principal amount of 5.00% senior unsecured notes due January 2044. We recorded debt issuance costs incurred as a result of the issuance in other financing activities, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1. With the proceeds of these new notes, we retired our $650 senior unsecured notes that were due January 2018. See Note 2: Debt and Credit Facilities in Item 1 for additional information.
Free Cash Flow (Non-GAAP financial measure)
Free Cash Flow is one of our key liquidity measures, and when used in conjunction with GAAP measures, provides investors with a meaningful analysis of our ability to generate cash from our business. For the six months ended July 29, 2017, we had Free Cash Flow of $115 compared with $303 for the six months ended July 30, 2016.
Free Cash Flow is not a measure of financial performance under GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, operating cash flows 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 Free Cash Flow is net cash provided by operating activities. The following is a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow:
 
Six Months Ended
 
July 29, 2017

 
July 30, 2016

Net cash provided by operating activities

$574

 

$856

Less: capital expenditures
(341
)
 
(407
)
Less: cash dividends paid
(124
)
 
(128
)
Add (less): change in cash book overdrafts
6

 
(18
)
Free Cash Flow

$115

 

$303


22 of 29




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 Capacity and Commitments
As of July 29, 2017, we had total short-term borrowing capacity of $800 under our senior unsecured revolving credit facility (“revolver”) that expires in April 2020. 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. From time to time we utilize our commercial paper program to fund working capital needs, which has the effect of reducing our available liquidity under the revolver until repaid.
As of July 29, 2017, we had no issuances outstanding under our commercial paper program and no borrowings outstanding under our revolver.
Impact of Credit Ratings
Under the terms of our revolver, any borrowings we may enter into will accrue interest for Euro-Dollar Rate Loans at a floating base rate tied to LIBOR, for Canadian Dealer Offer Rate Loans at a floating rate tied to CDOR, and for Base Rate Loans at the highest of: (i) the Euro-Dollar rate plus 100 basis points, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points and (iii) the prime rate.
The rate depends upon the type of borrowing incurred, plus in each case an applicable margin. This applicable margin varies depending upon the credit ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt. At the time of this report, our long-term unsecured debt ratings, outlook and resulting applicable margin were as follows:
 
Credit
Ratings
 
Outlook
Moody’s
Baa1
 
Stable
Standard & Poor’s
BBB+
 
Negative
 
Base Interest
Rate
 
Applicable
Margin

Euro-Dollar Rate Loan
LIBOR
 
1.02
%
Canadian Dealer Offer Rate Loan
CDOR
 
1.02
%
Base Rate Loan
various
 

Should the ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt improve, the applicable margin associated with any such borrowings may decrease, resulting in a lower borrowing cost under this facility. Should the ratings assigned to our long-term unsecured debt worsen, the applicable margin associated with our borrowings may increase, resulting in a higher borrowing cost under this facility.
Debt Covenants
The revolver requires that we maintain an adjusted debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) leverage ratio of no more than four times (see the following additional discussion of Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR). As of July 29, 2017, we were in compliance with this covenant.

23 of 29




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)


Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR (Non-GAAP financial measure)
Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR is one of our key financial metrics, and we believe that our debt levels are best analyzed using this measure. Our goal is to manage debt levels to maintain an investment-grade credit rating and operate with an efficient capital structure. In evaluating our debt levels, this measure provides a reflection of our credit worthiness that could impact our credit rating and borrowing costs. We also have a debt covenant that requires an adjusted debt to EBITDAR leverage ratio of no more than four times. As of July 29, 2017, our Adjusted Debt to EBITDAR was 2.4, compared with 2.6 as of July 30, 2016.