10-Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2015

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 1-11084
 
KOHL’S CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Wisconsin
 
39-1630919
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
N56 W17000 Ridgewood Drive,
Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin
 
53051
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (262) 703-7000
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
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  ý    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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
 
ý
 
Accelerated filer
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨¬ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes  ¨    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: November 28, 2015 Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 per Share, 189,820,241 shares outstanding.

Table of Contents

KOHL’S CORPORATION
INDEX
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

KOHL’S CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Millions)
 
 
October 31,
2015
 
January 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
Assets
(Unaudited)
 
(Audited)
 
(Unaudited)
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
501

 
$
1,407

 
$
631

Merchandise inventories
5,254

 
3,814

 
4,973

Income taxes receivable
36

 
25

 
76

Deferred income taxes
136

 
116

 
125

Other
276

 
334

 
295

Total current assets
6,203

 
5,696

 
6,100

Property and equipment, net
8,499

 
8,515

 
8,671

Other assets
196

 
207

 
243

Total assets
$
14,898

 
$
14,418

 
$
15,014

 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
2,141

 
$
1,511

 
$
2,384

Accrued liabilities
1,244

 
1,160

 
1,162

Income taxes payable
28

 
78

 
24

Short-term debt
400

 
—

 
—

Current portion of capital lease and financing obligations
126

 
110

 
109

Total current liabilities
3,939

 
2,859

 
3,679

Long-term debt
2,792

 
2,780

 
2,779

Capital lease and financing obligations
1,817

 
1,858

 
1,886

Deferred income taxes
305

 
368

 
293

Other long-term liabilities
571

 
562

 
572

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock
4

 
4

 
4

Paid-in capital
2,926

 
2,743

 
2,719

Treasury stock, at cost
(9,556
)
 
(8,744
)
 
(8,615
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(18
)
 
(20
)
 
(21
)
Retained earnings
12,118

 
12,008

 
11,718

Total shareholders’ equity
5,474

 
5,991

 
5,805

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
14,898

 
$
14,418

 
$
15,014

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


3
Table of Contents

KOHL’S CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
October 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
 
October 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
Net sales
$
4,427

 
$
4,374

 
$
12,817

 
$
12,686

Cost of merchandise sold
2,784

 
2,746

 
7,990

 
7,908

Gross margin
1,643

 
1,628

 
4,827

 
4,778

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative
1,099

 
1,097

 
3,120

 
3,078

Depreciation and amortization
236

 
227

 
695

 
665

Operating income
308

 
304

 
1,012

 
1,035

Interest expense, net
81

 
85

 
248

 
255

Loss on extinguishment of debt
38

 
—

 
169

 
—

Income before income taxes
189

 
219

 
595

 
780

Provision for income taxes
69

 
77

 
218

 
282

Net income
$
120

 
$
142

 
$
377

 
$
498

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.63

 
$
0.70

 
$
1.93

 
$
2.44

Diluted
$
0.63

 
$
0.70

 
$
1.92

 
$
2.43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared and paid per share
$
0.45

 
$
0.39

 
$
1.35

 
$
1.17

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4
Table of Contents

KOHL’S CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(In Millions, Except per Share Data)
 
 
Common Stock
 
Paid-In Capital
 
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Retained Earnings
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Total
Balance at January 31, 2015
367

 
$
4

 
$
2,743

 
(166
)
 
$
(8,744
)
 
$
(20
)
 
$
12,008

 
$
5,991

Comprehensive income
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
2

 
377

 
379

Stock options and awards, net of tax
3

 
—

 
183

 
—

 
(26
)
 
—

 
—

 
157

Dividends paid ($1.35 per common share)
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3

 
—

 
(267
)
 
(264
)
Treasury stock purchases
—

 
—

 
—

 
(13
)
 
(789
)
 
—

 
—

 
(789
)
Balance at October 31, 2015
370

 
$
4

 
$
2,926

 
(179
)
 
$
(9,556
)
 
$
(18
)
 
$
12,118

 
$
5,474

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


5
Table of Contents

KOHL’S CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Millions)
 
Nine Months Ended
 
October 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
Operating activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
377

 
$
498

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
695

 
665

Share-based compensation
36

 
38

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
(10
)
 
(2
)
Deferred income taxes
(84
)
 
(37
)
Other non-cash revenues and expenses
23

 
19

Loss on extinguishment of debt
169

 
—

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Merchandise inventories
(1,433
)
 
(1,093
)
Other current and long-term assets
74

 
(1
)
Accounts payable
630

 
1,019

Accrued and other long-term liabilities
(6
)
 
(1
)
Income taxes
(64
)
 
(175
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
407

 
930

Investing activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of property and equipment
(551
)
 
(561
)
Sales of investments in auction rate securities
—

 
59

Other
3

 
6

Net cash used in investing activities
(548
)
 
(496
)
Financing activities
 
 
 
Treasury stock purchases
(789
)
 
(549
)
Shares withheld for taxes on vested restricted shares
(26
)
 
(17
)
Dividends paid
(264
)
 
(239
)
Net borrowings under credit facilities
400

 
—

Proceeds from issuance of debt
1,098

 
—

Deferred financing costs
(10
)
 
—

Reduction of long-term borrowings
(1,085
)
 
—

Premium paid on redemption of debt
(163
)
 
—

Capital lease and financing obligation payments
(83
)
 
(87
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
146

 
111

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation
10

 
2

Proceeds from financing obligations
1

 
5

Net cash used in financing activities
(765
)
 
(774
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(906
)
 
(340
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
1,407

 
971

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
501

 
$
631

Supplemental information
 
 
 
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest
$
220

 
$
216

Income taxes paid
370

 
493

Non-cash investing and financing activities
 
 
 
Property and equipment acquired through additional liabilities
$
59

 
$
40

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

6
Table of Contents
KOHL’S CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for fiscal year end consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2015 (Commission File No. 1-11084) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 20, 2015.
Due to the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
We operate as a single business unit.
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 605, Revenue Recognition. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 for all entities by one year. The original ASU is based on the principle that revenue is recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  Under the current pronouncements, we are required to adopt the new guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 using one of two retrospective application methods. We are evaluating the application method and the impact of this new statement on our financial statements.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (Subtopic 835-30). This ASU requires an entity to present such costs on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset. We early adopted ASU No. 2015-03 during the quarter ended August 1, 2015 and applied it retrospectively. The early adoption resulted in the reclassification of debt issuance costs from other current and long-term assets to long-term debt on the balance sheet of $18 million as of October 31, 2015, $13 million as of January 31, 2015, and $14 million as of November 1, 2014.
To conform to the current year presentation, we have corrected the presentation of $43 million of deferred income taxes that were previously recorded as long-term other assets and $24 million of income taxes payable that were previously recorded as income taxes receivable as of November 1, 2014. We also corrected the presentation of $25 million of income taxes receivable that were recorded as current other assets as of January 31, 2015.
    

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Table of Contents
KOHL’S CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

2. Debt
Long-term debt, which excludes draws on revolving credit facilities, consists of the following unsecured senior debt:
 
October 31, 2015
 
Outstanding
Maturity
Effective
Rate
 
Coupon Rate
 
Outstanding
 
January 31, 2015
 
November 1, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in Millions)
2021
4.81
%
 
4.00
%
 
$
650

 
$
650

 
$
650

2023
3.25
%
 
3.25
%
 
350

 
350

 
350

2023
4.78
%
 
4.75
%
 
300

 
300

 
300

2025
4.25
%
 
4.25
%
 
650

 
—

 
—

2029
7.36
%
 
7.25
%
 
99

 
200

 
200

2033
6.05
%
 
6.00
%
 
166

 
300

 
300

2037
6.89
%
 
6.88
%
 
150

 
350

 
350

2045
5.57
%
 
5.55
%
 
450

 
—

 
—

2017
—

 
—

 
—

 
650

 
650

 
4.88
%
 
 
 
2,815

 
2,800

 
2,800

Unamortized debt discount
(5
)
 
(7
)
 
(7
)
Deferred financing costs
(18
)
 
(13
)
 
(14
)
Long-term debt
$
2,792

 
$
2,780

 
$
2,779


ASC No. 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, requires fair value measurements be classified in various pricing categories. Our long-term debt is classified as Level 1, financial instruments with unadjusted, quoted prices listed on active market exchanges. The estimated fair value of our long-term debt was $2.9 billion at October 31, 2015 and $3.1 billion at both January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.

In July 2015, we completed a cash tender offer for $767 million of senior unsecured debt. We recognized a $131 million loss on extinguishment of debt in the second quarter of 2015 which includes the $126 million bond tender premium paid to holders as a result of the tender offer and a $5 million non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts associated with the extinguished debt.
Concurrent with the settlement of the tender offer, we exercised our right to redeem $318 million ($317 million, net of discount) of 6.25% notes due in 2017. The redemption was completed in August 2015 and included a $37 million "make-whole" premium and a $1 million non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts associated with the extinguished debt which was expensed in the third quarter.
In July 2015, we issued $650 million of 4.25% notes due in July 2025 and $450 million of 5.55% notes due in July 2045. Both notes include semi-annual, interest-only payments beginning January 17, 2016. Proceeds of the issuances and cash on hand were used to pay the principal, premium and accrued interest of the debt which was settled in July and August 2015.
On July 1, 2015, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with various lenders which provides for a $1.0 billion senior unsecured five-year revolving credit facility that will mature in June 2020. Among other things, the agreement includes a maximum leverage ratio financial covenant (which is consistent with the ratio under our prior credit agreement) and restrictions on liens and subsidiary indebtedness. As of October 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility was $400 million and the effective interest rate was 1.27%. The fair value of the short-term debt under the revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value due to the short-term nature of the agreement.

8
Table of Contents
KOHL’S CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


3. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock options
The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the nine months ended October 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
(Shares in Thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
6,211

 
$
52.95

 
Exercised
(2,786
)
 
52.88

 
Forfeited/expired
(152
)
 
50.32

 
Balance at end of period
3,273

 
$
53.14

 

Nonvested stock awards

The following table summarizes nonvested stock activity, including restricted stock equivalents issued in lieu of cash dividends, for the nine months ended October 31, 2015:
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted
Average
Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
 
(Shares in Thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of period
2,431

 
$
52.29

 
Granted
755

 
69.72

 
Vested
(886
)
 
52.54

 
Forfeited
(196
)
 
54.58

 
Balance at end of period
2,104

 
$
58.22

 

Performance share units

During the nine months ended October 31, 2015, we granted performance-based restricted stock units ("performance share units") to certain executives. The performance measurement period for these performance share units is fiscal years 2015 through 2017. The fair market value of the grants were determined using a Monte-Carlo valuation on the date of grant. The performance share units cover a target of 153,000 shares.

The actual number of shares which will be earned at the end of the three-year vesting period will vary based on our cumulative financial performance over the vesting period. The number of performance share units earned will be modified up or down based on Kohl’s Relative Total Shareholder Return against a defined peer group during the vesting period. The payouts, if earned, will be settled in Kohl's common stock after the end of the multi-year performance period.

4. Contingencies

We are subject to certain legal proceedings and claims arising out of the conduct of our business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of these proceedings and litigation will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial statements.


9
Table of Contents
KOHL’S CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)


5. Net Income Per Share
The following table summarizes our basic and diluted net income per share calculations:
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
October 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
 
October 31,
2015
 
November 1,
2014
 
(In Millions)
Numerator—Net income
$
120

 
$
142

 
$
377

 
$
498

Denominator—Weighted average shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
191

 
202

 
196

 
204

Impact of dilutive employee stock-based awards
1

 
1

 
1

 
1

Diluted
192

 
203

 
197

 
205

Antidilutive shares
3

 
4

 
1

 
5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



10
Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

For purposes of the following discussion, all references to "the quarter" and "the third quarter" are for the 13-week fiscal periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 and all references to "year to date" are for the 39-week fiscal periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report, as well as the financial and other information included in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K (our "2014 Form 10-K"). The following discussion may contain forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could materially differ from those discussed in these forward-looking statements.  Factors that could cause or contribute to those differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this report and in our 2014 Form 10-K (particularly in "Risk Factors").

Executive Summary

As of October 31, 2015, we operated 1,166 family-focused, value-oriented department stores and a website (www.kohls.com) that sell moderately priced exclusive and national brand apparel, footwear, accessories, beauty and home products. Our stores generally carry consistent merchandise with assortment differences attributable to regional preferences. Our website includes merchandise which is available in our stores, as well as merchandise which is available only on-line.
In 2014, we introduced a multi-year strategic framework which we refer to as "the Greatness Agenda." It is built on five pillars - amazing product, incredible savings, easy experience, personalized connections and winning teams. All of the Greatness Agenda initiatives are designed to increase sales, primarily by increasing the number of customers that shop at our stores and on-line. In October 2015, we announced an evolution of the Greatness Agenda which includes both intensifying efforts on several existing priorities and introducing several new priorities. We are pleased with the positive impact the Greatness Agenda is having on our results and remain committed to the Greatness Agenda.
Driven by active and wellness initiatives, brands like Nike, Columbia, Gaiam, FitBit and Tek Gear have experienced significant growth both within the quarter and year to date. Other national brands, including Levi's and Carter's, also reported higher sales growth than the Company average for both the quarter and year to date.
We continue to build a world class digital experience to engage and empower our customers. We launched our new mobile and tablet platforms during the third quarter. In addition to driving higher conversion rates, this replatform allows our customers to utilize the buy on-line and pick-up in store ("BOPUS") functionality from these devices. Customers picking up BOPUS orders have made additional in-store purchases consistently exceeding 20% of their original BOPUS orders.
We intend to launch several new store formats in fiscal 2016. In the first half of fiscal 2016, we plan to test a new 35,000 square-foot prototype store. We believe that the smaller store will provide access to smaller markets and urban areas that wouldn't be able to support a larger store. We also plan to test 10 to 15 FILA outlet stores and two more Off-Aisle concept stores.
We continue to make progress in building and activating an unmatched personalization capability. Personalization efforts are focused on generating new customer engagement and target two growing segments of the population, Millennials and Hispanics.
We’ve expanded our localization assortment strategy. By the end of fiscal 2015, we expect approximately 40% of our sales will be transitioned to tailored assortments by store. We intend to have unique store assortments in all stores by the end of 2016.
As of October 31, 2015, approximately 34 million customers were enrolled in our Yes2You loyalty program, including 24 million who have enrolled since our national launch in October 2014. We believe that the program will be a driver of incremental traffic and sales.

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Table of Contents

Net sales for the quarter were $4.4 billion, an increase of $53 million, or 1.2%, over the third quarter of 2014. Year to date, net sales were $12.8 billion, an increase of $131 million, or 1.0%, over 2014. Comparable sales increased 1.0% for the third quarter and 0.8% year to date.

Gross margin as a percentage of sales was 37.1% for the quarter, 10 basis points lower than the third quarter of 2014. Year to date, gross margin as a percentage of sales was 37.7%, consistent with 2014. Merchandise margin in both periods increased, but was offset by higher shipping expenses.

For the quarter, selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased in dollars and decreased as a percentage of sales compared to third quarter of 2014. Year to date, SG&A expenses increased both in dollars and as a percentage of sales.

For the quarter, net income was $120 million and diluted earnings per share was $0.63. Year to date, net income was $377 million and diluted earnings per share was $1.92. Excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt, net income for the quarter was $144 million, an increase of 1%, and diluted earnings per share was $0.75, an increase of 7%. Year to date, excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt, net income was $484 million, a decrease of 3%, and diluted earnings per share was $2.46, an increase of 1%.

See "Results of Operations" and "Financial Condition and Liquidity" for additional details about our financial results.
Results of Operations
Net sales.

Net sales increased $53 million, or 1.2%, to $4.4 billion for the third quarter of 2015. Year to date, net sales increased $131 million, or 1.0%, to $12.8 billion. Comparable sales increased 1.0% for the third quarter and 0.8% year to date. Comparable sales include sales for stores (including relocated or remodeled stores) which were open during both the current and prior year periods. We also include omni-channel sales in our comparable sales. Adjustments for omni-channel sales that have been shipped, but not yet been received by the customer are included in net sales, but are not included in our comparable sales.

The following table summarizes changes in net sales for the quarter and year to date:
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
$
 
%
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars In Millions)
Net Sales - 2014
$
4,374

 
 
 
$
12,686

 
 
Comparable sales
42

 
1.0
%
 
104

 
0.8
%
New and closed stores and other revenues
11

 
—

 
27

 
—

Increase in net sales
53

 
1.2
%
 
131

 
1.0
%
Net Sales - 2015
$
4,427

 
 
 
$
12,817

 
 

Drivers of the changes in comparable sales were as follows:
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
Selling price per unit
0.5
 %
 
1.8
 %
Units per transaction
1.3

 
(0.6
)
Average transaction value
1.8

 
1.2

Number of transactions
(0.8
)
 
(0.4
)
Comparable sales
1.0
 %
 
0.8
 %

The increases in selling price per unit were primarily due to increased penetration and selling prices in our national brand portfolio. These increases were partially offset by lower prices in our private and exclusive brands in the third quarter. The changes in units per transaction reflect customer reaction to the price changes. Generally, customers purchase more items as prices decrease and fewer items as prices increase. Transactions decreased in both the third quarter and year to date, however trends have improved since the launch of the Greatness Agenda.


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Table of Contents

From a regional perspective, including on-line originated sales, the Southeast region outperformed the Company average for both the third quarter and year to date. The South Central region reported the largest sales declines in both the quarter and year-to-date.
For the quarter, Footwear, Men's and Women's outperformed the Company average and Children's, Home and Accessories underperformed the Company average. Year to date, Footwear and Men's outperformed the Company average and Women's and Home were consistent with the Company average. Children's and Accessories underperformed the Company average.
Gross margin.
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
 
 
 
 
Increase / (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
 
Increase
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Gross margin
$1,643
 
$1,628
 
$15
 
1
 %
 
$4,827
 
$4,778
 
$49
 
1
 %
As a percent of net sales
37.1%
 
37.2%
 
 
 
(0.10
)%
 
37.7
%
 
37.7
%
 
 
 
—
 %

Gross margin includes the total cost of products sold, including product development costs, net of vendor payments other than reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs; inventory shrink; markdowns; freight expenses associated with moving merchandise from our vendors to our distribution centers; shipping and handling expenses of on-line sales; and terms cash discount. Our gross margin may not be comparable with that of other retailers because we include distribution center costs in selling, general and administrative expenses while other retailers may include these expenses in cost of merchandise sold.
Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 10 basis points for the quarter and for the year was consistent with the prior year-to-date period. Merchandise margin increased in both periods due to improved promotional markdowns. These increases were offset by higher shipping costs due to growth in our on-line business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses.
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
 
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
 
 
Increase
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
$
1,099

 
$
1,097

 
$
2

 
—
 %
 
$
3,120

 
$
3,078

 
$
42

 
1
%
As a percent of net sales
24.8
%
 
25.1
%
 
 
 
(0.26
)%
 
24.3
%
 
24.3
%
 
 
 
0.08
%
SG&A expenses include compensation and benefit costs (including stores, headquarters, buying and merchandising, and distribution centers); occupancy and operating costs of our retail, distribution and corporate facilities; freight expenses associated with moving merchandise from our distribution centers to our retail stores and among distribution and retail facilities; marketing expenses, offset by vendor payments for reimbursement of specific, incremental and identifiable costs; net revenues from our Kohl’s credit card operations; and other administrative revenues and expenses. We do not include depreciation and amortization in SG&A. The classification of these expenses varies across the retail industry.

The following table summarizes the changes in SG&A by expense type:


Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
(In Millions)
Corporate expenses
$
19

 
$
57

Store expenses
13

 
42

Distribution costs
(2
)
 
(1
)
Net revenues from credit card operations
(2
)
 
(24
)
Marketing costs, excluding credit card operations
(26
)
 
(32
)
Total increase
$
2

 
$
42


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Table of Contents

Some of our expenses, including store payroll and distribution costs, are variable in nature. These costs generally increase as sales increase and decrease as sales decrease. We measure both the change in these variable expenses and the expense as a percent of sales. If the expense as a percent of sales decreased from the prior year, the expense "leveraged" and indicates that the expense was well-managed or effectively generated additional sales. If the expense as a percent of sales increased over the prior year, the expense "deleveraged" and indicates that sales growth was less than expense growth. SG&A as a percent of sales decreased, or "leveraged," by 26 basis points for the quarter and increased, or "deleveraged," by 8 basis points year to date.

IT spending, which is included in corporate expenses, increased as it is a continued focus of investment. Other corporate expenses also include higher incentive compensation. The increases in store expenses are a result of higher store payroll. The increases in net revenues from credit card operations are the result of higher finance charge revenues and late fees due to growth in the portfolio. Year to date, net revenues from credit card operations also increased due to lower marketing costs in the first half of 2015. Partially offsetting these increases were higher bad debt expenses and operational costs. Marketing expenses decreased for both the quarter and year to date as we were more strategic in our direct mail marketing and promotions. We plan to spend the marketing savings in the fourth quarter of 2015. 
 
Other Expenses.
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
 
 
Increase/ (Decrease)
 
 
 
Increase/ (Decrease)
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Depreciation and amortization
$
236

 
$
227

 
$
9

 
4
 %
 
$
695

 
$
665

 
$
30

 
5
 %
Interest expense, net
81

 
85

 
(4
)
 
(5
)%
 
248

 
255

 
(7
)
 
(3
)%
Loss on extinguishment of debt
38

 
—

 
38

 
100
 %
 
169

 
—

 
169

 
100
 %
Provision for income taxes
69

 
77

 
(8
)
 
(10
)%
 
218

 
282

 
(64
)
 
(23
)%
Effective tax rate
36.5
%
 
35.3
%
 
 
 
 
 
36.6
%
 
36.1
%
 
 
 


Depreciation and amortization increased as a result of higher IT amortization. Interest expense decreased due to our recent debt refinancing. During the third quarter of 2015, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $38 million, which represents the premium paid to bond holders related to the redemption of $318 million of 6.25% notes due in 2017 completed during the quarter and the write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts associated with the extinguished debt. A $131 million loss on extinguishment was recorded in the second quarter of 2015 related to a $767 million cash tender offer. The provision for income taxes decreased due to lower income as a result of the loss on extinguishment of debt. The 2014 effective tax rates were lower than 2015 primarily due to favorable state audit settlements during the second and third quarter of 2014.
Excluding the loss on extinguishment of debt, our net income and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
 
Quarter
 
Year to Date
 
 
 
Increase
 
 
 
Increase/ (Decrease)
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Net income
$
144

 
$
142

 
$
2

 
1
%
 
$
484

 
$
498

 
$
(14
)
 
(3
)%
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.75

 
$
0.70

 
$
0.05

 
7
%
 
$
2.46

 
$
2.43

 
$
0.03

 
1
 %
Seasonality and Inflation
Our business, like that of most retailers, is subject to seasonal influences, with the major portion of sales and income typically realized during the second half of each fiscal year, which includes the back-to-school and holiday seasons. Approximately 15% of annual sales typically occur during the back-to-school season and 30% during the holiday season. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.
Although we expect that our operations will be influenced by general economic conditions, including rising food, fuel and energy prices, we do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on our results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that our business will not be impacted by such factors in the future.


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Table of Contents

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The following table presents our primary cash requirements and sources of funds.
Cash Requirements
 
Source of Funds
•   Operational needs, including salaries,
     rent, taxes and other costs of running
     our business
•   Capital expenditures
•   Inventory (seasonal and new store)
•   Share repurchases
•   Dividend payments
 
•   Cash flow from operations
•   Short-term trade credit, in the form of extended payment terms
•   Line of credit under our revolving credit facility
Our working capital and inventory levels typically build throughout the fall, peaking during the November and December holiday selling season.
 
Year to Date
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 in Cash
 
2015
 
2014
 
$
 
%
Net cash provided by (used in):
(Dollars in Millions)
Operating activities
$
407

 
$
930

 
$
(523
)
 
(56
)%
Investing activities
(548
)
 
(496
)
 
(52
)
 
(10
)%
Financing activities
(765
)
 
(774
)
 
9

 
1
 %
Operating Activities. Operating activities generated $407 million of cash in the first three quarters of 2015, compared to $930 million in the same period of 2014. The decrease reflects higher inventory levels and accounts payable payments, partially offset by lower tax payments.
Merchandise inventories increased $281 million over the balance at November 1, 2014 to $5.3 billion at October 31, 2015. Inventory cost and units per store both increased 5% over the third quarter of 2014, as a result of planned increases within high performing categories like active and wellness, premium electronics, entertainment and licensing, and cosmetics. The increase is primarily within national brands. Accounts payable as a percent of inventory was 40.7% at October 31, 2015, compared to 47.9% at November 1, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to earlier receipts of fall merchandise in August and September leading to higher inventory and lower accounts payable at the end of the quarter.
Investing Activities. Investing activities used cash of $548 million in the first three quarters of 2015 and $496 million in the same period of 2014. Capital expenditures were $551 million in the first three quarters of 2015 which decreased from $561 million in the same period of 2014. This decrease was driven by increases in IT and base capital spending in 2015 which were more than offset by spending on a credit call center in 2014.
Financing Activities. Financing activities used cash of $765 million in the first three quarters of 2015 and $774 million in the first three quarters of 2014.
During this year, we completed a cash tender offer and redemption for $1.1 billion of our higher coupon senior unsecured debt. We recognized a $169 million loss on extinguishment of debt which included the $163 million bond tender premium paid to holders as a result of the tender offer and redemption and a $6 million non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs and original issue discounts associated with the extinguished debt.
In July 2015, we issued $650 million of 4.25% notes due in July 2025 and $450 million of 5.55% notes due in July 2045. Both notes include semi-annual, interest-only payments beginning January 17, 2016. Proceeds of the issuances and cash on hand were used to pay the principal, premium and accrued interest of the acquired and redeemed debt which was settled in July and August 2015.
On July 1, 2015, we entered into an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with various lenders which provides for a $1.0 billion senior unsecured five-year revolving credit facility that will mature in June 2020. Among other things, the agreement includes a maximum leverage ratio financial covenant (which is consistent with the ratio under our prior credit agreement) and restrictions on liens and subsidiary indebtedness. During the third quarter, we drew $400 million on the revolving credit facility to temporarily fund inventory purchases. As of October 31, 2015, the outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility was $400 million and the effective interest rate was 1.27%.

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Table of Contents

We paid cash for treasury stock purchases of $789 million in the first three quarters of 2015 and $549 million in the corresponding period of 2014. Share repurchases are discretionary in nature. The timing and amount of repurchases is based upon available cash balances, our stock price and other factors.
We received proceeds from stock option exercises of $146 million in the first three quarters of 2015 and $111 million in the corresponding period of 2014. The increase is due to increases in our stock price in the first quarter of 2015, which led to an increased number of exercised options.
We paid cash dividends of $264 million ($1.35 per share) in the first three quarters of 2015 and $239 million ($1.17 per share) in the corresponding period of 2014. On November 11, 2015, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.45 per common share. The dividend is payable on December 23, 2015 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2015.
Free Cash Flow. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which we define as net cash provided by operating activities and proceeds from financing obligation payments (which generally represent landlord reimbursements of construction costs) less capital expenditures and capital lease and financing obligations. Free cash flow should be evaluated in addition to, and not considered a substitute for, other financial measures such as net income and cash flow provided by operations.

The following table reconciles net cash provided by operating activities (a GAAP measure) to free cash flow (a non-GAAP measure).
 
Year to Date
 
2015
 
2014
 
Increase/(Decrease) in Free Cash Flow
 
(In Millions)
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
407

 
$
930

 
$
(523
)
Acquisition of property and equipment
(551
)
 
(561
)
 
10

Capital lease and financing obligation payments
(83
)
 
(87
)
 
4

Proceeds from financing obligations
1

 
5

 
(4
)
Free cash flow
$
(226
)
 
$
287

 
$
(513
)

Key financial ratios. Key financial ratios that provide certain measures of our liquidity are as follows:
 
October 31, 2015
 
November 1, 2014
Working capital (In Millions)
$
2,264

 
$
2,421

Current ratio
1.57

 
1.66

Debt/capitalization
48.4
%
 
45.1
%
Debt/capitalization excluding $400 million of short-term debt
46.4
%
 
45.1
%

The decreases in working capital and the current ratio are primarily due to a $400 million draw on the revolving credit facility during the third quarter of 2015 which was used to temporarily fund inventory purchases, partially offset by higher inventories. Excluding the $400 million draw on the revolving credit facility, the debt/capitalization ratio increased primarily due to lower shareholder equity, which was primarily due to share repurchases.


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Table of Contents

Debt Covenant Compliance. As of October 31, 2015, we were in compliance with all debt covenants and expect to remain in compliance during the remainder of fiscal 2015.
 
(Dollars in Millions)
Included Indebtedness
 
Total debt
$
5,158

Permitted exclusions
(5
)
Subtotal
5,153

Rent x 8
2,240

Included Indebtedness
$
7,393

 
 
Rolling 12-month Adjusted Debt Compliance EBITDAR
 
Net income
$
746

Loss on extinguishment of debt
169

Rent expense
280

Depreciation and amortization
917

Net interest
333

Provision for income taxes
419

EBITDAR
2,864

Stock based compensation
47

Other non-cash revenues and expenses
19

Rolling 12-month Adjusted Debt Compliance EBITDAR
$
2,930

 
 
Debt Ratio (a)
2.52

Maximum permitted Debt Ratio
3.75

     (a) Included Indebtedness divided by Adjusted Debt Compliance EBITDAR
 

Contractual Obligations
There have been no significant changes in the contractual obligations disclosed in our 2014 Form 10-K other than $1.1 billion of long-term debt which was refinanced in 2015 and a $400 million draw on our revolving credit facility in the third quarter of 2015. As a result of the refinancing, we have no debt due until 2021 and we expect that annual interest expense will be reduced by approximately $17 million in 2016. We expect to pay back the $400 million draw on our revolving credit facility in early December 2015.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not provided any financial guarantees as of October 31, 2015. We have not created, and are not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business. We do not have any arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into our financial statements that are reasonably likely to materially affect our liquidity or the availability of capital resources.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts. Management has discussed the development, selection and disclosure of its estimates and assumptions with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. There have been no significant changes in the critical accounting policies and estimates discussed in our 2014 Form 10-K.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

There have been no significant changes in the market risks described in our 2014 Form 10-K.


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Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (the “Evaluation”) at a reasonable assurance level as of the last day of the period covered by this report.
Based upon the Evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving our stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 31, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no significant changes in our risk factors from those described in our 2014 Form 10-K.
Forward-looking Statements
This report contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements relate to developments, results, conditions or other events we expect or anticipate will occur in the future. Words such as “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements may relate to future outlook, revenues, earnings, store openings, planned capital expenditures, market conditions, new strategies and the competitive environment. Forward-looking statements are based on our management’s then current views and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Any such forward-looking statements are qualified by the important risk factors described in Item 1A of our 2014 Form 10-K or disclosed from time to time in our filings with the SEC, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements relate to the date initially made, and we undertake no obligation to update them.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
We did not sell any securities during the quarter ended October 31, 2015, which were not registered under the Securities Act.

18
Table of Contents

The following table contains information for shares of common stock repurchased and shares acquired from employees in lieu of amounts required to satisfy minimum tax withholding requirements upon the vesting of the employees’ restricted stock during the three fiscal months ended October 31, 2015:
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid Per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(In Millions)
August 2 – August 29, 2015
1,481,365

 
$
54.72

 
1,477,407

 
$
1,020

August 30 – October 3, 2015
2,463,692

 
49.41

 
2,460,918

 
898

October 4 – October 31, 2015
1,020,343

 
45.75

 
957,858

 
855

Total
4,965,400

 
$
50.24

 
4,896,183

 
$
855



19
Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits
 
 
 
Exhibit
Number
  
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 13, 2015.
 
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.1
  
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
32.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
101.INS
  
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema
 
 
101.CAL
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
 
101.DEF
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase
 
 
101.LAB
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE
  
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase
 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Kohl’s Corporation
(Registrant)
 
 
 
Date:
December 4, 2015
/s/ Wesley S. McDonald
 
 
Wesley S. McDonald
On behalf of the Registrant and as Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer)


20