UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): November 18, 2016

 

Foot Locker, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

 

New York 1-10299 13-3513936
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

330 West 34th Street, New York, New York 10001
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (212) 720-3700

 

 

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

 

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

o Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

o Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

o Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On November 18, 2016, Foot Locker, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the third quarter 2016. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. The release includes a non-GAAP net income result for the third quarter 2016 that excludes a $5 million after-tax impairment charge associated with the Runners Point and Sidestep banners and a $10 million reduction in tax expense associated with a scheduled intellectual property reassessment in Europe. The release also includes a non-GAAP net income result for the third quarter 2015 that excludes a $61 million after-tax charge related to pension litigation expense. The Company presents non-GAAP financial information because it believes the information assists investors in comparing its performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that are not indicative of its core business. The non-GAAP financial information is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation to GAAP is provided in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

In accordance with General Instruction B.2. of Form 8-K, the information in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits.
   
Exhibit No. Description

 

99.1 Press Release, dated November 18, 2016, issued by Foot Locker, Inc.
 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

      FOOT LOCKER, INC.
         
Date: November 18, 2016   By:  /s/ Lauren B. Peters
      Name:  Lauren B. Peters
      Title: Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
 

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

N E W S    R E L E A S E

 

Contact:   John A. Maurer
Vice President,
Treasurer and Investor Relations
Foot Locker, Inc.
(212) 720-4092

 

FOOT LOCKER, INC. REPORTS 2016 THIRD QUARTER RESULTS

 

  · GAAP Earnings of $157 Million, $1.17 Per Share  
  · Non-GAAP Earnings Per Share Increased 13 Percent to $1.13  
  · Comparable-Store Sales Increased 4.7 Percent  

 

NEW YORK, NY, November 18, 2016 – Foot Locker, Inc. (NYSE: FL), the New York-based specialty athletic retailer, today reported financial results for its third quarter ended October 29, 2016.

 

Third Quarter Results

Net income for the Company’s third quarter ended October 29, 2016 was $157 million, or $1.17 per share, compared with net income of $80 million, or $0.57 per share in the same period of 2015.

 

Third quarter comparable-store sales increased 4.7 percent. Total sales increased 5.1 percent, to $1,886 million this year, compared with sales of $1,794 million for the corresponding prior-year period. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales for the third quarter increased 5.5 percent. The Company’s gross margin rate improved to 33.9 percent of sales from 33.8 percent a year ago, and the selling, general, and administrative expense rate improved 20 basis points to 19.4 percent of sales.

 

Non-GAAP Adjustments

During the third quarter, the Company performed a scheduled reassessment of the value of intellectual property provided to its European business by Foot Locker in the U.S. Driven by the recent success of the Foot Locker business in Europe, the new, higher valuation resulted in increased deductions that reduced tax expense by $10 million, adding seven cents per share to third quarter earnings. In addition, the Company recorded a pre-tax impairment charge of $6 million related to certain store assets of Runners Point and Sidestep, reducing earnings per share by three cents. Excluding these events, as well as the $100 million pension litigation charge the Company recorded in the third quarter of 2015, the Company earned $1.13 per share this year on a non-GAAP basis, a 13 percent increase over the non-GAAP earnings of $1.00 per share in the comparable 13-week period in 2015. A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP results is included in the tables below.

 

“Our outstanding track record of meaningful sales and profit growth over several years is a strong testament to Foot Locker, Inc.’s solid position at the center of sneaker culture,” said Richard Johnson, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. “Our associates work hard every day to make our Company the sneaker lover’s preferred destination for the best footwear and apparel assortments across our array of outstanding athletic vendors. That work translated once again into an exceptional quarterly sales and profit performance.”

 

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Foot Locker, Inc. 330 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001

 

Lauren Peters, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, added, “The Company continued to execute its strategic initiatives and produce excellent financial results in the quarter, with solid, consistent top-line growth, as well as incremental improvements in both gross margin and SG&A rates. Our inventory is fresh and well-positioned as we prepare for the important holiday selling season, and we remain well on track to achieve our annual guidance of a mid-single digit comparable-store sales gain and double-digit earnings per share growth.”

 

Year-To-Date Results

Net income for the Company’s first nine months of the year increased to $475 million, or $3.50 per share, compared to net income of $383 million, or $2.71 per share, for the corresponding period in 2015. Excluding the tax effect of the intellectual property reassessment and the impairment charge noted above, earnings per share for the first nine months totaled $3.46, a 10 percent increase over the same period last year excluding the pension litigation expense.

 

Year-to-date sales were $5,653 million, an increase of 4.6 percent compared to sales of $5,405 million in the corresponding nine-month period of 2015. Year-to-date comparable store sales have increased 4.0 percent. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total sales year-to-date have increased 4.9 percent.

 

Financial Position

At October 29, 2016, the Company’s merchandise inventories were $1,361 million, 1.9 percent higher than at the end of the third quarter last year. Using constant currencies, inventory increased 2.2 percent.

 

The Company’s cash totaled $865 million, while the debt on its balance sheet was $128 million. The Company spent $76.3 million to repurchase 1.15 million shares during the quarter and paid a quarterly dividend of $0.275. Year-to-date, the Company has invested $193 million in its store fleet, its websites, and infrastructure, tracking to approximately $290 million for the full year. The Company has also returned $463 million to shareholders between its stock repurchase program and dividends, spending $352 million to repurchase 5.9 million shares, and paying $111 million in dividends.

 

Store Base Update

During the third quarter, the Company opened 21 new stores, remodeled or relocated 40 stores, and closed 28 stores. As of October 29, 2016, the Company operated 3,394 stores in 23 countries in North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In addition, 56 franchised Foot Locker stores were operating in the Middle East and South Korea, as well as 15 franchised Runners Point stores in Germany.

 

The Company is hosting a live conference call at 9:00 a.m. (EST) today, November 18, 2016, to review these results, provide comments on the status of its current initiatives, and discuss trends in its business and the athletic industry. This conference call may be accessed live by dialing 1-800-941-7616 (U.S. and Canada) or +44 208-196-2142 (International), or via the Investor Relations section of the Foot Locker, Inc. website at http://www.footlocker-inc.com. Please log on to the website 15 minutes prior to the call in order to download any necessary software. A replay of the call will be available via webcast from the same Investor Relations section of the Foot Locker, Inc. website at http://www.footlocker-inc.com through December 2, 2016.

 

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Other than statements of historical facts, all statements which address activities, events, or developments that the Company anticipates will or may occur in the future, including, but not limited to, such things as future capital expenditures, expansion, strategic plans, financial objectives, dividend payments, stock repurchases, growth of the Company’s business and operations, including future cash flows, revenues, and earnings, and other such matters, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on many assumptions and factors which are detailed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the effects of currency fluctuations, customer demand, fashion trends, competitive market forces, uncertainties related to the effect of competitive products and pricing, customer acceptance of the Company’s merchandise mix and retail locations, the Company’s reliance on a few key vendors for a majority of its merchandise purchases (including a significant portion from one key vendor), cybersecurity breaches, pandemics and similar major health concerns, unseasonable weather, deterioration of global financial markets, economic conditions worldwide, deterioration of business and economic conditions, any changes in business, political and economic conditions due to the threat of future terrorist activities in the United States or in other parts of the world and related U.S. military action overseas, the ability of the Company to execute its business and strategic plans effectively with regard to each of its business units, and risks associated with global product sourcing, including political instability, changes in import regulations, and disruptions to transportation services and distribution. For additional discussion on risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” disclosed in the 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any changes in such assumptions or factors could produce significantly different results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

 

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FOOT LOCKER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(unaudited)

Periods ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015

(In millions, except per share amounts)

 

    Third
Quarter
2016
  Third
Quarter
2015
    YTD 2016     YTD 2015  
Sales   $ 1,886   $ 1,794     $ 5,653     $ 5,405  
                               
Cost of sales     1,246     1,187       3,730       3,575  
SG&A     366     352       1,077       1,028  
Depreciation and amortization     40     38       118       109  
Impairment and litigation charges (1) (2)     6     100       6       100  
Interest expense, net     1     1       2       3  
Other Income     -     (1 )     (3 )     (2 )
      1,659     1,677       4,930       4,813  
                               
Income before taxes   $ 227   $ 117     $ 723     $ 592  
Income tax expense     70     37       248       209  
Net income   $ 157   $ 80     $ 475     $ 383  
                               
Diluted EPS   $ 1.17   $ 0.57     $ 3.50     $ 2.71  
                               
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding     134.0     140.9       135.7       141.4  
                               

 

Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP results (4)   Third
Quarter
2016
  Third
Quarter
2015
    YTD
2016
    YTD
2015
    After     After       After       After    
    Tax EPS   Tax EPS     Tax EPS     Tax EPS  
                               
GAAP net income   $ 157 $ 1.17   $ 80 $ 0.57     $ 475 $ 3.50     $ 383 $ 2.71  
                               
After-tax adjustments:                              
Impairment charge (1)   5 0.03   - -     5 0.03     - -  
Litigation charge (2)   - -   61 0.43     - -     61 0.43  
                               
Tax benefit related to intellectual                              
property reassessment (3)   (10) (0.07)   - -     (10) (0.07 )   - -  
Non-GAAP results   $ 152 $ 1.13   $ 141 $ 1.00     $ 470 $ 3.46     $ 444 $ 3.14  
                               

 

Footnotes to explain adjustments

 

(1) In the third quarter of 2016, the Company recorded a $6 million impairment charge ($5 million after tax) associated with underperforming store assets of Runners Point and Sidestep.
(2) In the third quarter of 2015, the Company recorded a $100 million pension litigation charge ($61 million after tax.)  The matter remains under appeal, and there is no assurance that the ultimate resolution will not differ from the amount currently accrued by the Company.
(3) During the third quarter of 2016, the Company’s scheduled triennial reassessment of the value of the intellectual property provided to our European business by Foot Locker in the U.S. resulted in a $10 million tax reduction.
(4) The Company presents non-GAAP financial information because it believes the information assists investors in comparing our performance across reporting periods on a consistent basis by excluding items that are not indicative of its core business. The non-GAAP financial information is provided in addition to, and not as an alternative to, the Company’s reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

 

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FOOT LOCKER, INC.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(unaudited)

(In millions)

 

   October 29,
2016
  October 31,
2015
Assets          
           
CURRENT ASSETS          
Cash and cash equivalents  $865   $878 
Merchandise inventories   1,361    1,336 
Other current assets   291    277 
    2,517    2,491 
           
Property and equipment, net   732    664 
Deferred tax assets   171    256 
Other assets   274    284 
   $3,694   $3,695 
           
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity          
           
CURRENT LIABILITIES          
Accounts payable  $215   $258 
Accrued and other liabilities   327    401 
Current portion of capital lease obligations   1    1 
    543    660 
           
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases   127    130 
Other liabilities   391    358 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   2,633    2,547 
   $3,694   $3,695 
           

 

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FOOT LOCKER, INC.

Store and Square Footage

(unaudited)

 

Store activity is as follows:

 

   January 30,
2016
  Opened  Closed  October 29,
2016
  Relocations/
Remodels
Foot Locker US   971    8    17    962    58 
Foot Locker Europe   606    14    6    614    25 
Foot Locker Canada   125    1    6    120    6 
Foot Locker Asia Pacific   94    3    2    95    7 
Lady Foot Locker   156    -    16    140    1 
SIX:02   30    1    -    31    - 
Kids Foot Locker   374    38    6    406    20 
Footaction   268    3    7    264    14 
Champs Sports   550    6    3    553    27 
Runners Point   121    2    -    123    1 
Sidestep   88    -    2    86    - 
Total   3,383    76    65    3,394    159 

 

Selling and gross square footage are as follows:

 

   January 30, 2016  October 29, 2016
(in thousands)  Selling   Gross   Selling   Gross 
Foot Locker US   2,451    4,234    2,476    4,286 
Foot Locker Europe   863    1,884    887    1,932 
Foot Locker Canada   279    435    263    430 
Foot Locker Asia Pacific   128    210    134    220 
Lady Foot Locker   208    352    189    317 
SIX:02   62    101    63    106 
Kids Foot Locker   602    1,029    676    1,155 
Footaction   800    1,303    785    1,290 
Champs Sports   1,947    2,972    1,957    3,013 
Runners Point   158    259    164    268 
Sidestep   82    139    79    136 
Total   7,580    12,918    7,673    13,153 

 

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