S-1/A 1 d337523ds1a.htm AMENDMENT NO. 4 TO FORM S-1 Amendment No. 4 to Form S-1
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 10, 2012

Registration No. 333-181051

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 4

to

Form S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   5311   80-0808358

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

3333 Beverly Road

Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

(847) 286-2500

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Robert A. Riecker

Interim Financial Officer

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.

3333 Beverly Road

Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

(847) 286-2500

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

with copies to:

Dane A. Drobny

Senior Vice President, General Counsel and

Corporate Secretary

Sears Holdings Corporation

3333 Beverly Road

Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179

(847) 286-2500

  Steven J. Slutzky
Debevoise & Plimpton LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(212) 909-6000

 

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box:    x

If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:    ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    ¨

If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering:

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   ¨         Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x   (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)       Smaller reporting company   ¨

 

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

PROSPECTUS

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED AUGUST 10, 2012

Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc.

Up To      Shares of Common Stock Issuable Upon the Exercise of Subscription Rights At $     Per Share

Subscription Rights to Purchase Shares of Common Stock

 

 

This prospectus is being furnished to you as a holder of common stock of Sears Holdings Corporation, or “Sears Holdings,” in connection with the planned distribution by Sears Holdings to each holder of its common stock as of the close of business on     , 2012, or the “record date,” at no charge, transferable subscription rights, or the “subscription rights,” to purchase up to an aggregate of      shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc., or “SHO,” at a price of $     per whole share, or the “rights offering.” Sears Holdings will distribute to each holder of its common stock as of the record date one subscription right for each full common share owned by that stockholder as of the record date. Each subscription right will entitle its holder to purchase from Sears Holdings      of a share of SHO common stock. Additionally, holders of subscription rights who fully exercise all of their basic subscription rights, after giving effect to any purchases or sales of subscription rights by them prior to such exercise, may also make a request to purchase additional shares of SHO common stock, through exercise of the over-subscription privilege, although we cannot assure you that any over-subscriptions will be filled.

The subscription rights will expire if they are not exercised by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2012. Immediately prior to the closing of the rights offering, Sears Holdings will hold all of SHO’s common stock. As a result of the rights offering, Sears Holdings will dispose of up to all of its shares of SHO common stock and SHO will become a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, or the “separation.” In connection with the separation, we have entered into various agreements with Sears Holdings which, among other things, (1) govern the principal transactions relating to this offering and aspects of our relationship with Sears Holdings following the separation, (2) establish terms under which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will provide us with services following the separation and (3) establish terms pursuant to which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will obtain merchandise for us, collectively, the “separation transactions.”

To the extent you properly exercise your over-subscription privilege for an amount of shares of common stock that exceeds the number of the unsubscribed shares allocated to you, the subscription agent will return to you any excess subscription payments, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable following the expiration of the rights offering. We are not requiring a minimum individual or overall subscription to complete the rights offering. We have engaged Computershare Inc. to serve as the subscription agent and Georgeson Inc. as information agent for the rights offering. The subscription agent will hold in escrow the funds we receive from subscribers until we complete or cancel the rights offering.

The subscription rights will expire if they are not exercised by 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2012, the      business day following the date hereof, but Sears Holdings may extend the rights offering for additional periods ending no later than     , 2012. The rights offering is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, Sears Holdings has the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time prior to its expiration, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the rights offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering. If Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, the subscription agent will return all subscription payments received, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. See “The Rights Offering—Conditions, Withdrawal and Cancellation.”

ESL Investments, Inc. and its affiliates, including Edward S. Lampert, or, collectively, “ESL,” which beneficially owns approximately 62% of the common stock of Sears Holdings as of the date hereof, has advised Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. In addition, ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. Assuming that the subscription rights are exercised in full by all holders of rights following the completion of the rights offering, we anticipate that ESL will own at least 62% of the common shares of SHO. ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise.

You should carefully consider whether to exercise your subscription rights before the rights offering expires. All exercises of subscription rights are irrevocable. The purchase of shares of our common stock involves a high degree of risk.

 

 

You should read “Risk Factors” beginning on page 29, and all other information included in this prospectus, before you decide to exercise your subscription rights. Neither Sears Holdings’ nor SHO’s board of directors is making any recommendation regarding your exercise of the subscription rights.

The subscription rights are transferable during the course of the subscription period, until                     , 2012, the fourth business day prior to the expiration of the rights offering and we have applied to list the rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR,” however, we cannot assure you that a market for the subscription rights will develop. We have applied to list shares of our common stock for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOS.” No public market currently exists for our common stock or for the subscription rights.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

The date of this prospectus is     , 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

Summary

     1   

Questions and Answers About the Company and the Rights Offering

     15   

Risk Factors

     29   

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

     50   

Use of Proceeds

     52   

Dividend Policy

     53   

Capitalization

     54   

Selected Historical Financial and Other Data

     55   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     57   

Business

     75   

Management

     84   

Compensation of Directors

     88   

Executive Compensation

     89   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

     116   

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

     118   

Description of Our Capital Stock

     128   

Plan of Distribution

     132   

The Rights Offering

     133   

Determination of Subscription Price

     144   

Selling Securityholders

     152   

Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations

     153   

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

     159   

Experts

     160   

Legal Matters

     161   

Where You Can Find More Information

     162   

Index to Financial Statements

     F-1   

 

 

You should rely only on information contained in this prospectus or in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us or to which we have referred you. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with additional or different information. Neither this prospectus nor any free writing prospectus constitutes an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any of the securities offered hereby by any person in any jurisdiction in which it is unlawful for such person to make such an offering or solicitation. The information contained in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date of this prospectus or such free writing prospectus, as applicable.

For investors outside the United States and Canada: Neither we nor Sears Holdings have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than in the United States and Canada. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus outside of the United States and Canada.

 

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SUMMARY

This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. For a more complete understanding of our business and the rights offering, you should read this summary together with the more detailed information and financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements” sections. This prospectus contains important information that you should consider when making your investment decision. Unless otherwise stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “SHO” and the “Company” refer to Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc. and our subsidiaries.

Our Company

We are a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, hardware, tools and lawn and garden equipment. As of April 28, 2012, we and our dealers and franchisees operated 1,238 stores across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda.

In addition to merchandise, we provide our customers with access to a full suite of services, including home delivery and handling and extended service contracts.

We operate through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment. Our Sears Hometown and Hardware segment’s stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to a wide selection of national brands of home appliances, tools, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, consumer electronics and household goods, depending on the particular store. Our Sears Outlet stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to purchase new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products, collectively, “outlet-value products,” across a broad assortment of merchandise categories, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools, and at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

As of April 28, 2012, the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment consists of 1,116 stores as follows:

 

   

944 Sears Hometown Stores—Primarily independently owned stores, predominantly located in smaller communities and offering appliances, consumer electronics, lawn and garden equipment, and hardware. Most of our Sears Hometown Stores carry proprietary Sears brand products, such as Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard, as well as a wide assortment of other national brands.

 

   

96 Sears Hardware Stores—Neighborhood hardware stores that carry Craftsman brand tools and lawn and garden equipment, DieHard brand batteries and a wide assortment of other national brands and other home improvement products. 93 of these locations also offer a selection of Kenmore and other national brands of home appliances.

 

   

76 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms—Innovative stores that have a simple, primarily appliance, showroom design that are predominantly located in metropolitan areas.

As of April 28, 2012, the Sears Outlet segment consists of 122 Sears Outlet Stores. These locations offer new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

Of the 1,238 stores (as of April 28, 2012), we closed five Sears Hometown Stores (net of new store openings), eight Sears Hardware Stores and one Sears Outlet Store since the first quarter of 2012 and intend to close one Sears Hardware Store in the second half of 2012.

 

 

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Risk Factors

Our business is subject to various risks, such as those highlighted in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 28 of this prospectus, including:

 

   

our continued reliance on Sears Holdings following the separation to provide us with most key products and services for our business;

 

   

our ability to offer merchandise and services desirable to our customers and compete effectively in the highly competitive home appliance and hardware industries;

 

   

the impact on our revenues of adverse worldwide and national economic conditions and, in particular, economic factors that negatively impact the home appliance and hardware industries; and

 

   

our ability to manage the costs and difficulties of operating as a standalone company following the separation from Sears Holdings.

The Separation

We are a recently formed legal entity organized on April 23, 2012 that will, immediately prior to our separation from Sears Holdings, be comprised of all of the assets and liabilities of Sears Holdings’ current Sears Hometown business, Sears Outlet business and hardware stores. Currently, and at all times prior to the separation, Sears Holdings will own 100% of our common stock.

In connection with the separation transactions we expect to enter into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility, or the “Senior ABL Facility,” which we expect will provide for aggregate maximum borrowings (subject to availability under a borrowing base) of up to $250 million. Prior to the separation, we expect to draw between $75 million and $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings.

Our Relationship with Sears Holdings

Prior to the closing of the rights offering, we will operate as businesses within Sears Holdings. Following the closing of this offering (1) we will be a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, and (2) Sears Holdings will not retain any ownership interest in us except to the extent that the subscription rights are not exercised in full and that shares not purchased through the exercise of basic subscription rights are not purchased pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. To the extent that Sears Holdings retains ownership of shares of SHO common stock after the completion of the rights offering, Sears Holdings may dispose of its remaining shares, including through sales into the public market or otherwise.

In connection with the separation we have entered into various agreements with Sears Holdings which, among other things, (1) govern the principal transactions relating to this offering and aspects of our relationship with Sears Holdings following the separation, (2) establish terms under which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will provide us with services following the separation, and (3) establish terms pursuant to which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will obtain merchandise for us, collectively, the “separation transactions.” Although these agreements have been executed prior to the distribution of the subscription rights, the effectiveness of the agreements is conditioned upon the consummation of the rights offering and the completion of the separation of the Company from Sears Holdings. The terms of these agreements were agreed to in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and in the overall context of our separation from Sears Holdings. Accordingly, the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable than those we could have negotiated with unaffiliated parties. For more information regarding the agreements between us and Sears Holdings, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

In addition, to the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend

 

 

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in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

Principal Stockholder

Assuming that the rights offering is subscribed in full by all holders of subscription rights, we anticipate that immediately following the completion of the rights offering ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings common stock as of the date hereof, will beneficially own at least 62% of our outstanding common stock. ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise. As a result of ESL holding more than 50% of our common stock, we expect to qualify as a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ Marketplace rules following the completion of the rights offering, which would allow us to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements otherwise applicable to NASDAQ-listed companies. However, as of the date hereof we have not yet determined whether we will rely on such exemptions.

Trademarks and Service Marks

We expect to enter into license agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings for the use of, and sale of merchandise bearing, trade names and trademarks owned by subsidiaries of Sears Holdings, including SEARS®, KENMORE®, CRAFTSMAN®, DIEHARD® and SHOPYOURWAY®.

Trade names, trademarks and service marks of other companies appearing in this prospectus, including those of Sears Holdings, are the property of their respective owners. We do not intend our use or display of other companies’ trade names, trademarks or service marks to imply relationships with, or endorsements of us by, these other companies.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in Delaware on April 23, 2012 and our corporate offices are located at 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179. Our telephone number is (847) 286-2500. Our website address is www.searshometownandoutlet.com. None of the information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our websites or any other website identified herein is part of, or incorporated into, this prospectus. All website addresses in this prospectus are intended to be inactive textual references only.

 

 

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The Rights Offering

The following summary describes the principal terms of the rights offering, but it is not intended to be a complete description of the offering. See “The Rights Offering” in this prospectus for a more detailed description of the terms and conditions of the distribution of rights and the offering of SHO common shares.

 

Securities Offered

Sears Holdings is distributing, at no charge, to holders of shares of Sears Holdings common stock as of the record date, transferable subscription rights to purchase up to an aggregate of          shares of SHO, at a price of $         per whole share. Sears Holdings will distribute to each holder of its common stock as of the record date, one subscription right for each full common share owned by that stockholder as of the record date. Each subscription right will entitle its holder to purchase from Sears Holdings          of a share of SHO common stock. Each subscription right entitles the holder to a basic subscription right and an over-subscription privilege, as described below. The subscription rights will expire if they are not exercised by 5:00 p.m. New York City time, on         , 2012. Sears Holdings expects the gross proceeds from the rights offering and the exercise of the subscription rights will be approximately $        , assuming that the subscription rights are exercised in full.

 

Basic Subscription Right

The basic subscription right gives holders of the subscription rights the right to purchase from Sears Holdings, in the aggregate,          shares of SHO common stock at a subscription price of $         per whole share. Sears Holdings has distributed to each stockholder of record on the record date one subscription right for every share of Sears Holdings common stock such stockholder owned at that time. Fractional shares or cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be issued in the rights offering. Instead, fractional shares resulting from the exercise of the basic subscription right will be eliminated by rounding down to the nearest whole share. ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of the common stock of Sears Holdings as of the date hereof, has advised Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so.

 

Over-subscription Privilege

If you purchase all of the shares of SHO common stock available to you pursuant to your basic subscription right, after giving effect to any purchases or sales of subscription rights by you prior to such exercise, you may also choose to subscribe for a portion of any shares of SHO common stock that other holders of subscription rights do not purchase through the exercise of their basic subscription rights. ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of the common stock of Sears Holdings as of the date hereof, is also eligible to exercise the over-subscription privilege and has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any

 

 

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agreement to do so. To the extent that shares of our common stock are available pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, ESL is expected to increase its percentage beneficial ownership in our common stock to greater than 62%.

 

Subscription Price

$         per whole share. To be effective, any payment related to the exercise of a subscription right must be by cashier’s or certified check drawn upon a United States bank payable to the subscription agent at the address set forth below. Personal checks and wire transfers will not be accepted.

Sears Holdings engaged Duff & Phelps LLC, or “Duff & Phelps,” to act as a financial advisor in connection with the separation of the SHO businesses to provide, among other things, an opinion with respect to the fair market value of the equity of SHO. In determining the subscription price, the board of directors of Sears Holdings considered, among other things, (1) the opinion of Duff & Phelps, (2) the desirability of broad participation in the rights offering by Sears Holdings’ stockholders and of the development of a trading market for both the subscription rights and the SHO common stock and (3) Sears Holdings’ liquidity needs and the aggregate amount of proceeds to be paid to Sears Holdings pursuant to the dividend and the rights offering if the rights offering were fully subscribed. See “Determination of Subscription Price—Determination by Sears Holdings’ Board of Directors of the Exercise Price.”

 

Record Date

5:00 p.m., New York City time, on         , 2012.

 

Expiration of the Rights Offering

5:00 p.m., New York City time, on         , 2012, unless Sears Holdings extends the rights offering period. Rights not exercised by the expiration time will be void, of no value and will cease to be exercisable for SHO common shares.

 

Use of Proceeds

SHO will not receive any proceeds from the exercise of the rights or the sale of its common shares by Sears Holdings. Sears Holdings expects to receive cash proceeds of approximately $         as a result of the sale of SHO’s common shares. All of the gross proceeds of the sale of SHO common shares upon exercise of the rights, net of any selling expenses incurred by it, will be payable to and received by Sears Holdings. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Share Ownership

As of the record date, Sears Holdings owned 100% of the common stock of SHO. As of the date hereof, ESL beneficially owns approximately 62% of the common stock of Sears Holdings.

Assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full, Sears Holdings will dispose of all of its shares of SHO common stock as a result of the rights offering and will cease to be a stockholder of SHO. To the extent that the subscription rights are not exercised in full and that shares not purchased through the exercise of basic subscription rights

 

 

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are not purchased pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, Sears Holdings will retain ownership of a portion of our common stock. To the extent that Sears Holdings retains ownership of shares of SHO common stock after the completion of the rights offering, Sears Holdings may dispose of its remaining shares, including through sales into the public market or otherwise.

ESL has advised Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. In addition, ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. As a result, following the completion of the rights offering, we expect ESL will beneficially own at least 62% of our common shares. ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of its subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise.

 

Transferability of Rights

You may transfer your subscription rights during the course of the subscription period. We have applied to list the subscription rights on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR” and we currently expect that they will begin to trade on the first business day following the distribution of the subscription rights, and will continue to trade until 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on         , 2012, the fourth business day prior to the scheduled expiration date of the rights offering (or if the offer is extended, on the fourth business day immediately prior to the extended expiration date). Although you may transfer or sell your subscription rights if you do not want to exercise them to purchase shares of SHO common stock, the subscription rights are a new issue of securities with no prior public trading market and neither we nor Sears Holdings can provide you with any assurances as to the liquidity of any trading market for the subscription rights or the market value of the subscription rights. See “The Rights Offering—Transferability of Subscription Rights.”

 

No Revocation

All exercises of subscription rights are irrevocable, even if you later learn of information that you consider to be unfavorable to the exercise of your subscription rights. You should not exercise your subscription rights unless you are certain that you wish to purchase shares of SHO common stock at a price of $         per whole share.

 

Rights Offering Conditions

Sears Holdings’ obligation to close the rights offering and to distribute the shares of SHO’s common stock subscribed for in the rights offering is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of the following conditions:

 

   

the Sears Holdings board of directors shall have authorized and approved the separation and related transactions and not withdrawn

 

 

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such authorization and approval, and shall have declared the dividend of the subscription rights to Sears Holdings stockholders;

 

   

each of the agreements to be entered into between Sears Holdings and SHO governing the separation transactions shall have been executed by each party thereto and all actions required to be performed prior to the closing of the rights offering shall have been completed;

 

   

the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “SEC,” shall have declared effective our Registration Statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus forms a part, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the “Securities Act,” and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement shall be in effect, and no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or threatened by the SEC;

 

   

our common stock and the subscription rights shall have been accepted for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market or another national securities exchange or quotation system approved by Sears Holdings, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

   

no order, injunction or decree issued by any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing consummation of the separation shall be in effect, and no other event outside the control of Sears Holdings shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of the separation;

 

   

the individuals listed as members of our post-separation board of directors in this prospectus shall have been duly elected, and such individuals shall be the members of our board of directors immediately after the separation;

 

   

prior to the separation, Sears Holdings shall deliver or cause to be delivered to SHO resignations, effective as of immediately after the separation, of each individual who will be an officer or director of SHO after the separation and who is an officer or director of Sears Holdings immediately prior to the separation; and

 

   

immediately prior to the separation, our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws, each in substantially the form filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part, shall be in effect.

The fulfillment of the foregoing conditions will not create any obligation on the part of Sears Holdings to close the rights offering. In addition, Sears Holdings reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering. See “The Rights Offering—Conditions, Withdrawal and Cancellation.”

 

 

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Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations

Although the treatment of the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not entirely clear:

 

   

A stockholder that receives a subscription right from Sears Holdings should expect to have taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings, and

 

   

A stockholder that allows a subscription right to expire without exercising it should expect to have short-term capital loss upon the expiration of such right in an amount equal to such stockholder’s tax basis (if any) in such right.

 

  Because a short-term capital loss generally cannot be used to offset taxable dividend income, you may owe tax as a result of the receipt of a subscription right from Sears Holdings even if you take no action.

In certain circumstances, withholding tax or backup withholding tax may apply to the distribution by Sears Holdings of the subscription rights. If withholding tax or backup withholding tax applies to the distribution of the subscription rights to a stockholder, the stockholder’s broker (or other applicable withholding agent) will be required to remit any such withholding tax or backup withholding tax in cash to the Internal Revenue Service. Depending on the circumstances, the broker (or other applicable withholding agent) may obtain the funds necessary to remit any such withholding tax by asking the stockholder to provide the funds, by using funds in the stockholder’s account with the broker or by selling (on the stockholder’s behalf) all or a portion of the subscription rights or by another means (if any) available.

For a detailed discussion of the material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.” Stockholders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal, state and local and non-U.S. income, estate and other tax considerations relating to the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights in light of their particular circumstances.

 

Extension and Cancellation

The rights offering is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, Sears Holdings has the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time prior to its expiration, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that among other things the rights offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering.

If Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, due to the lack of satisfaction of one or more conditions to the rights offering or

 

 

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otherwise, the subscription rights will be void, of no value and will cease to be exercisable for SHO common shares. If Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, any money received from subscribing stockholders will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. If you purchase subscription rights during the subscription period and Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, you will lose the entire purchase price paid to acquire such subscription rights in the market and neither Sears Holdings, SHO nor the subscription agent will be under any obligation to refund to you the purchase price you paid for the purchased subscription rights, however any subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned to you, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. Sears Holdings may also extend the rights offering for additional periods ending no later than     , 2012.

 

Procedures for Exercising Subscription Rights

To exercise your subscription rights, you must take the following steps:

 

   

If you are a registered holder of Sears Holdings common stock and you wish to participate in the rights offering, you must deliver payment and a properly completed and duly executed rights certificate to the subscription agent to be received before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2012. In certain cases, you may be required to provide additional documentation or signature guarantees. Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the subscription agent will send a subscription rights certificate to each registered holder of Sears Holdings’ common stock as of the close of business on the record date, based on the stockholder registry maintained at the transfer agent for Sears Holdings’ common stock. You may deliver the documents and payments by hand delivery, first class mail or courier service. If you use first class mail for this purpose, we recommend using registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt requested.

 

   

If you are a beneficial owner of shares of Sears Holdings common stock that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, or if you would rather have an institution conduct the transaction on your behalf, you should instruct your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee to exercise your subscription rights on your behalf. Although you will not receive a rights certificate, the Depository Trust Company, or “DTC,” will electronically issue one subscription right to your nominee record holder for every share of Sears Holdings common stock that you beneficially own as of the record date. Please follow the instructions of your nominee, who may require that you meet a deadline earlier than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2012.

 

   

If you purchased subscription rights during the subscription period through a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, you will not receive a rights certificate. Instead, your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee must exercise the subscription

 

 

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rights on your behalf. If you wish to exercise your subscription rights and purchase our common stock through the rights offering, you should contact your nominee as soon as possible. Please follow the instructions of your nominee. Your nominee may establish a deadline that may be before the expiration date of the rights offering. See “The Rights Offering—Method of Exercising Subscription Rights.”

 

   

If you purchased subscription rights during the subscription period directly from a registered holder of Sears Holdings common stock, you should contact the subscription agent as soon as possible regarding the exercise of your subscription rights. Please follow the instructions of the subscription agent in order to properly exercise your subscription rights. See “The Rights Offering—Method of Exercising Subscription Rights.”

 

Reason for Rights Offering Structure

Sears Holdings is separating SHO through the rights offering because it believes it will provide additional liquidity to Sears Holdings and enhance the ability of Sears Holdings to focus on its core business.

In addition, Sears Holdings believes that the rights offering will give its stockholders the ability to avoid dilution by retaining their ownership percentage in the two companies. However, stockholders may wish to sell their subscription rights to fund any tax incurred upon the receipt of the subscription rights, which would decrease the amount of shares of SHO common stock available to such stockholders. If the distribution of the subscription rights to a stockholder is subject to withholding tax, the stockholder’s broker (or other applicable withholding agent) may sell all or a portion of the subscription rights to fund the withholding tax, which would decrease the number of shares of SHO common stock available to such stockholder. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

Shares Outstanding Before the Rights Offering

     shares of our common stock were outstanding as of     , 2012. Prior to the rights offering, 100% of our common stock was held by Sears Holdings.

 

Shares Outstanding After Completion of the Rights Offering

No new shares of our common stock will be issued or outstanding as a result of the rights offering. All of the shares of common stock purchased as a result of the exercise of subscription rights will be purchased from Sears Holdings.

 

Fees and Expenses

Sears Holdings is not charging any fee or sales commission to distribute subscription rights to you or for the delivery of shares of SHO common stock to you if you exercise your subscription rights. If you exercise your subscription rights through your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, you are responsible for paying any fees such intermediary may charge you.

 

 

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Trading Market and Symbol

We have applied to list the subscription rights on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR.” We have applied to list shares of our common stock for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SHOS.”

 

Relationship with Sears Holdings After the Rights Offering

In connection with the separation, we have entered into various agreements with Sears Holdings which, among other things, (1) govern the principal transactions relating to this offering and certain aspects of our relationship with Sears Holdings following the separation, (2) establish terms under which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will provide us with certain services following the separation and (3) establish terms pursuant to which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will obtain certain merchandise for us. Although these agreements have been executed prior to the distribution of the subscription rights, the effectiveness of the agreements is conditioned upon the consummation of the rights offering and the completion of the separation of the Company from Sears Holdings. The terms of these agreements were agreed to in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and in the overall context of our separation from Sears Holdings. The terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable than those we could have negotiated with unaffiliated parties. We describe these arrangements in greater detail under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings” and describe some of the risks of these arrangements under “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Separation from, and Continued Dependence on, Sears Holdings.”

 

  In addition, to the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

 

No Board Recommendation Regarding Exercise of Subscription Rights

Neither the Sears Holdings nor SHO board of directors is making any recommendation regarding whether exercise of the subscription rights or the over-subscription privilege is or is not in your best interests. Stockholders who exercise subscription rights will incur investment risk on new money invested. Neither Sears Holdings nor SHO can predict the price at which shares of SHO’s common stock will trade after the completion of the rights offering. The market price for SHO’s common stock may decrease to an amount below the subscription price, and if you purchase shares of common stock at the subscription price, you may not be able to sell the shares in the future at the same price or a higher price. You should make your decision based on your assessment of SHO’s business and financial condition, its prospects for the future, the terms of the rights offering and the

 

 

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information contained in this prospectus. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Common Stock” for a discussion of some of the risks involved in investing in our common stock.

 

  ESL beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings outstanding shares of common stock as of the date hereof. Edward S. Lampert is the Chairman of the Board of Sears Holdings and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ESL. Sears Holdings is controlled by ESL and, after completion of the rights offering, SHO is expected to be controlled by ESL. You should not view the intentions of ESL or Mr. Lampert as a recommendation or other indication, by them or any member of the Sears Holdings or SHO board of directors, regarding whether the exercise of the subscription rights is or is not in your best interests.

 

Risk Factors

Before you exercise your subscription rights to purchase shares of SHO common stock, you should carefully consider the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 29 of this prospectus.

 

Transfer Agent and Registrar

After the separation, the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock will be Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

Subscription Agent

Computershare Inc.

 

Information Agent

Georgeson Inc. If you have questions about the rights offering or need additional copies of the rights offering documents, please contact Georgeson Inc., our information agent, by calling (866) 695-6074 (toll-free) or, if you are a bank, broker or other nominee, (212) 440-9800.

 

 

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SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following tables provide a summary of the historical financial and other operating data for the periods indicated, reflects the combined Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses of Sears Holdings and is referred to herein as “our” historical financial and other operating data. The combined statements of income data set forth below for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012 and the combined balance sheet data as of January 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012 are derived from our audited Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The combined balance sheet data as of January 30, 2010 are derived from unaudited Combined Financial Statements that are not included in this prospectus. The combined statements of income data set forth below for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 and the combined balance sheet data as of April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 are derived from unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our results to be expected in any future period.

You should read this information together with “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our Combined Financial Statements and the related notes, which are included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    Fiscal Year     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands, except store count   2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Combined Statement of Income Data (1)

         

Net sales

  $ 2,329,925      $ 2,347,387      $ 2,344,199      $ 584,632      $ 621,078   

Net income

  $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   

Pro Forma data (unaudited)

         

Pro Forma earnings per share, basic and diluted (2)

      $          $     

Combined Balance Sheet Data

         

Total assets

  $ 629,415      $ 641,441      $ 651,838      $ 668,603      $ 670,211   

Long-term debt (3)

    —          —          —          —          —     

Long-term capital lease obligations

  $ 6,209      $ 3,998      $ 1,937      $ 3,440      $ 1,460   

Other Financial and Operating Data

         

Adjusted EBITDA (4)

  $ 108,723      $ 93,864      $ 80,919      $ 15,072      $ 36,795   

Number of stores

    1,166        1,205        1,274        1,210        1,238   

 

(1) Our fiscal year end is the Saturday closest to January 31 each year. Our first fiscal quarter end is the Saturday closest to April 30 each year.
(2) Pro forma earnings per share for the year ended January 28, 2012 and the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 are provided to show the pro forma effect of          shares of our common stock that will be outstanding following the separation.
(3) The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data as of April 28, 2012 included elsewhere in this prospectus reflects the expected borrowing of $100 million pursuant to our expected $250 million revolving credit facility to fund a dividend to Sears Holdings.
(4) Adjusted EBITDA—In addition to our net income determined in accordance with GAAP, for purposes of evaluating operating performance we use an Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is adjusted to exclude certain significant items as set forth below. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of our business, as well as executive compensation metrics, for comparable periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or other third parties as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions as it excludes a number of important cash and non-cash recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP measurements.

 

 

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While Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measurement, management believes that it is an important indicator of operating performance because:

 

   

EBITDA excludes the effects of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest and depreciation costs; and

 

   

other significant items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and have a disproportionate effect in a given period, which affects comparability of results.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP measure for each of the periods indicated:

 

     Fiscal Year     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Net income

   $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   

Income tax expense

     39,037        32,492        21,727        4,927        13,454   

Other income

     (9     (207     (422     (63     (226

Interest expense

     588        421        913        439        669   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     99,731        82,462        55,274        12,718        34,490   

Depreciation

     8,992        11,402        9,774        2,354        2,305   

Store closing charges and severance costs (1)

     —          —          15,871        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 108,723      $ 93,864      $ 80,919      $ 15,072      $ 36,795   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) See Note 7 to our Combined Financial Statements included herein.

 

 

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE COMPANY AND THE RIGHTS OFFERING

Set forth below are examples of what we anticipate will be commonly asked questions about the rights offering and the transactions contemplated thereby. The answers are based on selected information included elsewhere in this prospectus. The following questions and answers do not contain all of the information that may be important to you and may not address all of the questions that you may have about the rights offering. This prospectus contains more detailed descriptions of the terms and conditions of the rights offering and provides additional information about us and our business, including potential risks related to the rights offering, shares of our common stock and our business.

Exercising the rights and investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. We urge you to carefully read the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 29 of this prospectus, and all other information in this prospectus in its entirety before you decide whether to exercise your rights.

What is the rights offering?

Sears Holdings is distributing, at no charge, to holders of shares of Sears Holdings common stock as of the record date, transferable subscription rights to purchase shares of SHO common stock that it owns. Sears Holdings is distributing to each holder of its common stock as of the record date, one subscription right for each full common share owned by that stockholder as of the record date. Each subscription right will entitle its holder to purchase from Sears Holdings              of a share of SHO common stock. Each subscription right entitles the holder to a basic subscription right and an over-subscription privilege, as described below. We have applied to list the shares of SHO common stock to be issued upon exercise of the subscription rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SHOS.”

What is Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores, Inc., or “SHO”?

We are a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, hardware, tools and lawn and garden equipment. We operate through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment. Our Sears Hometown and Hardware stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to a wide selection of national brands of home appliances, tools, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, consumer electronics and household goods, depending on the particular store. Our Sears Outlet stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to purchase new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products across a broad assortment of merchandise categories, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools, and at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices. As of April 28, 2012, we and our dealers and franchisees operated 1,238 stores across all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda. Our principal executive offices are located at 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179 and our telephone number is (847) 286-2500. Our website address is www.searshometownandoutlet.com. None of the information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our websites or any other website identified herein is part of, or incorporated into, this prospectus. All website addresses in this prospectus are intended to be inactive textual references only.

Prior to the closing of the rights offering we operated as businesses within Sears Holdings. Following the closing of the rights offering (1) we will be a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings and (2) Sears Holdings will not retain any ownership interest in us except to the extent that the subscription rights are not exercised in full and that shares not purchased through the exercise of basic subscription rights are not purchased pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. To the extent that Sears Holdings retains ownership of shares of SHO common stock after the completion of the rights offering, Sears Holdings may dispose of its remaining shares, including through sales into the public market or otherwise.

Assuming the rights offering is subscribed in full by all holders of subscription rights, we anticipate that immediately following the separation, ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings

 

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common stock as of the date hereof, will beneficially own at least 62% of our outstanding common stock. ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise. As a result of ESL holding more than 50% of our common stock, we expect to qualify as a “controlled company” under the NASDAQ Marketplace rules following the completion of the rights offering, which would allow us to rely on exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements otherwise applicable to NASDAQ-listed companies. However, as of the date hereof, we have not yet determined whether we will rely on such exemptions.

In connection with the separation we have entered into various agreements with Sears Holdings which, among other things, (1) govern the principal transactions relating to this offering and certain aspects of our relationship with Sears Holdings following the separation, (2) establish terms under which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will provide us with certain services following the separation, and (3) establish terms pursuant to which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will obtain certain merchandise for us. Although these agreements have been executed prior to the distribution of the subscription rights, the effectiveness of the agreements is conditioned upon the consummation of the rights offering and the completion of the separation of the Company from Sears Holdings. The terms of these agreements were agreed to in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and in the overall context of our separation from Sears Holdings. Accordingly, the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable than those we could have negotiated with unaffiliated parties. For more information regarding the agreements between us and Sears Holdings, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

What is the basic subscription right?

Holders of the basic subscription rights will have the opportunity to purchase from Sears Holdings, in the aggregate,              shares of SHO common stock at a subscription price of $             per whole share. Sears Holdings has granted to you, as a stockholder of record on the record date, one subscription right for every share of Sears Holdings common stock you owned at that time. Fractional shares or cash in lieu of fractional shares will not be issued in the rights offering. Instead, fractional shares resulting from the exercise of the basic subscription right will be eliminated by rounding down to the nearest whole share.

We determined the ratio of rights required to purchase one share of SHO common stock by dividing the number of shares of SHO common stock which are to be sold by Sears Holdings pursuant to the rights offering by the number of shares of Sears Holdings common stock outstanding on the record date. Accordingly, each subscription right allows the holder thereof to subscribe for              of a share of SHO common stock at the cash price of $             per whole share. As an example, if you owned 1,000 shares of Sears Holdings common stock on the record date, you would receive 1,000 subscription rights pursuant to your basic subscription right that would entitle you to purchase              shares of our common stock (             rounded down to the nearest whole share) at a subscription price of $             per whole share. Sears Holdings determined the subscription price of $             by dividing $            , which is the valuation of SHO as approved by the Sears Holdings board of directors in connection with the separation, by the total number of shares of our common stock. See “—How was the $             per share subscription price determined?”

You may exercise all or a portion of your basic subscription right or you may choose not to exercise any subscription rights at all. However, if you exercise less than your full basic subscription right, you will not be entitled to purchase shares of common stock pursuant to the over-subscription privilege.

If you are a registered holder of Sears Holdings common stock, the number of shares of common stock you may purchase pursuant to your basic subscription right will be indicated on the rights certificate that you receive. If you hold your shares in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee who uses the services of the Depository Trust Company, or “DTC,” you will not receive a rights certificate. Instead, DTC will electronically issue one subscription right to your nominee record holder for every share of Sears Holdings common stock that you own as of the record date. If you are not contacted by your nominee, you should contact your nominee as soon as possible.

 

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What is the over-subscription privilege and how will shares of common stock be allocated in the rights offering?

If you purchase all shares of SHO common stock available to you pursuant to your basic subscription rights, you may also choose to purchase a portion of any shares of common stock that other holders of subscription rights do not purchase through the exercise of their basic subscription rights. Only holders who fully exercise all of their basic subscription rights, after giving effect to any purchases or sales of subscription rights prior to the time of such exercise, may participate in the over-subscription privilege. If you wish to exercise your over-subscription privilege, you must indicate on your rights certificate, or the form provided by your nominee if your shares are held in the name of a nominee, how many additional shares of common stock you would like to purchase pursuant to your over-subscription privilege, and provide payment as described below.

ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it according to the formula described below, although it has not entered into any agreement to do so.

Shares of our common stock will be allocated in the rights offering as follows:

 

   

First, shares will be allocated to holders of rights who exercise their basic subscription rights at a ratio of              of a share of common stock per exercised subscription right.

 

   

Second, any remaining shares that were eligible to be purchased in the rights offering will be allocated among the holders of rights who exercise the over-subscription privilege, in accordance with the following formula:

 

   

Each holder who exercises the over-subscription privilege will be allocated a percentage of the remaining shares equal to the percentage that results from dividing (i) the number of basic subscription rights which that holder exercised by (ii) the number of basic subscription rights which all holders who wish to participate in the over-subscription privilege exercised. Such percentage could result in the allocation of more or fewer over-subscription shares than the holder requested to purchase through the exercise of the over-subscription privilege.

 

   

For example, if Stockholder A holds 200 subscription rights and Stockholder B holds 300 subscription rights and they are the only two stockholders who exercise the over-subscription privilege, Stockholder A will be allocated 40% and Stockholder B will be allocated 60% of all remaining shares available. (Example A)

 

   

Third, if the allocation of remaining shares pursuant to the formula described above in the second step would result in any holder receiving a greater number of shares of common stock than that holder subscribed for pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, then such holder will be allocated only that number of shares for which the holder over-subscribed.

 

   

For example, if Stockholder A is allocated 100 shares pursuant to the formula described above but subscribed for only 40 additional shares pursuant to the over-subscription privilege, Stockholder A’s allocation would be reduced to 40 shares. (Example B)

 

   

Fourth, any shares of common stock that remain available as a result of the allocation described above being greater than a holder’s over-subscription request (the 60 additional shares in Example B above) will be allocated among all remaining holders who exercised the over-subscription privilege and whose initial allocations were less than the number of shares they requested. This second allocation will be made pursuant to the same formula described above and repeated, if necessary, until all available shares of our common stock have been allocated or all over-subscription requests have been satisfied in full.

To properly exercise your over-subscription privilege, you must deliver the subscription payment related to your over-subscription privilege before the rights offering expires. Because we will not know the total number of

 

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unsubscribed shares of common stock before the rights offering expires, if you wish to maximize the number of SHO shares you purchase pursuant to your over-subscription privilege, you will need to deliver payment in an amount equal to the aggregate subscription price for the maximum number of shares that could be available to you at the time you exercise your basic subscription rights (i.e., the aggregate payment for both your basic subscription right and for all additional shares you desire to purchase pursuant to your over-subscription request). See “The Rights Offering—The Subscription Rights—Over-subscription Privilege.” Any excess subscription payments received by the subscription agent, including payments for additional shares you requested to purchase pursuant to the over-subscription privilege but which were not allocated to you, will be returned, without interest or penalty, promptly following the expiration of the rights offering.

Fractional shares resulting from the exercise of the over-subscription privilege will be eliminated by rounding down to the nearest whole share. Computershare Inc., our subscription agent for the rights offering, will determine, in its sole discretion, the over-subscription allocation based on the formula described above.

Why is Sears Holdings conducting the rights offering?

Sears Holdings’ board of directors has determined that pursuing a disposition of SHO through a rights offering is in the best interests of Sears Holdings and its stockholders, and that separating SHO from Sears Holdings would provide, among other things, financial and operational benefits to both SHO and Sears Holdings, including but not limited to the following expected benefits:

 

   

Strategic Focus and Flexibility. Sears Holdings’ board of directors believes that following the rights offering, SHO and Sears Holdings will each have more focused businesses and be better able to dedicate resources to pursue appropriate growth opportunities and execute strategic plans best suited to their respective businesses in an efficient manner.

 

   

Additional Liquidity. The rights offering (including the expected $100 million dividend to be paid to Sears Holdings prior to the separation) is expected to provide Sears Holdings with approximately $             million in gross proceeds, strengthening its balance sheet and liquidity.

 

   

Stockholder Flexibility to Avoid Dilution. Since the subscription rights are being distributed, at no charge, to Sears Holdings’ existing stockholders, stockholders will have the choice to hold shares in both companies or in either company separately and the opportunity to retain their existing Sears Holdings ownership percentage in the two companies. However, stockholders may wish to sell their subscription rights to fund any tax incurred upon the receipt of the subscription rights, which would decrease the amount of shares of SHO common stock available to such stockholders. If the distribution of the rights to a stockholder is subject to withholding tax, the stockholder’s broker (or other applicable withholding agent) may sell all or a portion of the subscription rights to fund the withholding tax, which would decrease the number of shares of SHO common stock available to such stockholder. See “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

How was the $             per share subscription price determined?

Sears Holdings engaged Duff & Phelps LLC, or “Duff & Phelps,” to act as a financial advisor in connection with the separation of the SHO businesses to provide, among other things, an opinion with respect to the fair market value of the equity of SHO. In determining the subscription price, the board of directors of Sears Holdings considered, among other things, (1) the opinion of Duff & Phelps, (2) the desirability of broad participation in the rights offering by Sears Holdings’ stockholders and of the development of a trading market for both the subscription rights and the SHO common stock and (3) Sears Holdings’ liquidity needs and the aggregate amount of proceeds to be paid to Sears Holdings pursuant to the dividend and the rights offering if the rights offering were fully subscribed. See “Determination of Subscription Price—Determination by Sears Holdings’ Board of Directors of the Exercise Price.”

 

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The Sears Holdings board of directors has determined that the subscription price will be $                     per whole share. There can be no assurance that our shares of common stock will trade at prices near or above the subscription price after the date of this prospectus. You should not consider the subscription price to be an indication of the price at which SHO common stock will trade following the rights offering.

Am I required to exercise all of the subscription rights I receive in the rights offering?

No. You may exercise any number of your subscription rights or you may choose not to exercise any subscription rights.

If you do not exercise any subscription rights, you will not receive any shares of our common stock. If you exercise all of your basic subscription rights, your ownership interest in SHO will be equivalent to the ownership interest you currently have in Sears Holdings. For example, assuming that the subscription rights are exercised in full by all holders of subscription rights, if you own 1% of Sears Holdings common stock on the record date and exercise your basic subscription rights in full you will own 1% of the common stock of SHO following the rights offering. If you choose to exercise your basic subscription rights in part, your ownership interest in SHO will be diluted by other stockholders who exercise their subscription rights in full. In addition, if you do not fully exercise all your basic subscription rights, after giving effect to any purchases or sales of subscription rights by you prior to such exercise, you will not be entitled to participate in the over-subscription privilege, and you may be subject to adverse tax consequences. See “—What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive and do not sell or exercise the right before it expires?”

The number of shares of Sears Holdings common stock that you own, and your percentage ownership, will not change as a result of the rights offering. If you do not exercise your subscription rights to purchase shares of SHO common stock, following the separation you will no longer retain an ownership interest in the SHO businesses as the common stock of Sears Holdings that you hold will not reflect the earnings, assets or liabilities of SHO. In addition, the trading price of Sears Holdings common stock immediately following the rights offering may be higher or lower than immediately prior to the rights offering because the assets and liabilities of SHO will no longer be held by Sears Holdings, the ongoing earnings of SHO will no longer be reflected in Sears Holdings’ earnings and Sears Holdings will receive cash proceeds of approximately $             million as a result of the sale of SHO’s common shares (assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full) and the expected $100 million dividend to be paid prior to the separation.

See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Rights Offering—If you receive and exercise the subscription rights, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences” and “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Rights Offering—If you receive but do not sell or exercise the subscription rights before they expire, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.”

How soon must I act to exercise my subscription rights?

If you received a rights certificate and elect to exercise any or all of your subscription rights, the subscription agent must receive your completed and signed rights certificate and payments before the rights offering expires on         , 2012, at 5:00 p.m., New York City time. If you hold your shares in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, your nominee may establish a deadline before the expiration of the rights offering by which you must provide it with your instructions to exercise your subscription rights. Although Sears Holdings may, in its discretion, extend the expiration date of the rights offering, it currently does not intend to do so. In addition, Sears Holdings may cancel the rights offering for various reasons, see “The Rights Offering—Conditions, Withdrawal, and Cancellation.” If the rights offering is cancelled, all subscription payments received will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable.

Although we will make reasonable attempts to provide this prospectus to Sears Holdings stockholders, the rights offering and all subscription rights will expire on the expiration date, whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.

 

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May I transfer my subscription rights?

Yes. The subscription rights are transferable during the course of the subscription period and we have applied to list the subscription rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR.” We currently expect that the subscription rights will begin to trade on the first business day following the distribution of the subscription rights, and will continue to trade until 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on          2012, the fourth business day prior to the scheduled expiration date of the rights offering (or, if the offer is extended, on the fourth business day immediately prior to the extended expiration date). As a result, you may transfer or sell your subscription rights if you do not want to exercise them to purchase shares of our common stock. However, the subscription rights are a new issue of securities with no prior trading market, and we cannot provide you with any assurances as to the liquidity of any trading market for the subscription rights or the market value of the subscription rights.

If you hold your shares through a broker, custodian bank or other nominee, you may sell your subscription rights by contacting your broker, custodian bank or other nominee until the close of business on the fourth business day preceding the expiration date of this rights offering. To sell your subscription rights, in addition to any other procedures your broker, custodian bank or other nominee may require, you must deliver your order to sell to your broker, custodian bank or other nominee such that it will be actually received prior to 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on         , 2012, the fourth business day prior to the expiration date of this rights offering. If you are a record holder of a subscription rights certificate, you may take your subscription rights certificate to a broker who can sell your subscription rights for you. To do so, you must deliver your properly executed subscription rights certificate, with appropriate instructions, and any additional documentation required by the broker. Commissions and applicable taxes or broker fees may apply if you sell your subscription rights. See “The Rights Offering—Transferability of Subscription Rights.”

What is the effect of transferring subscription rights?

You may transfer or sell your subscription rights if you do not want to exercise them to purchase shares of our common stock. However, if you transfer all or a portion of your subscription rights, you will be unable to purchase the shares of our common stock underlying such rights. In addition, if you transfer all or a portion of your subscription rights, you will not be entitled to exercise the over-subscription privilege with respect to the portion of your rights so transferred.

What is the effect of purchasing subscription rights?

The subscription rights are transferable during the course of the subscription period and we have applied to list the subscription rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR.” However, the subscription rights are a new issue of securities with no prior trading market, and we cannot provide you with any assurances as to the liquidity of the trading market for the subscription rights or the market value of the subscription rights after your purchase. Additionally, if Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, the subscription rights will be void, of no value and will cease to be exercisable for SHO common shares. If you purchase subscription rights during the subscription period and Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, you will lose the entire purchase price paid to acquire such subscription rights in the market, however any subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned to you, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Rights Offering—Sears Holdings may cancel the rights offering at any time prior to the expiration of the rights offering and in such case neither Sears Holdings nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your exercise payments.”

Have any stockholders indicated that they will exercise their rights?

Yes. ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings’ outstanding shares of common stock as of the date hereof, has indicated that it currently intends to exercise its rights under the basic subscription

 

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right in full, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. In addition, ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. ESL has not indicated whether it intends to acquire any additional rights through open market purchases.

Will ESL control SHO following the rights offering?

We expect ESL to control SHO upon completion of the rights offering. ESL will receive subscription rights on a pro rata basis with other Sears Holdings stockholders, based on its ownership of Sears Holdings on the record date. ESL beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings’ common stock as of the date hereof which would entitle it to receive subscription rights to purchase approximately 62% of SHO. In addition, ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership in SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise. ESL has advised us that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. In addition, ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so.

Sears Holdings is not requiring an overall minimum subscription to complete the rights offering. However, the rights offering is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, Sears Holdings has the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time prior to its expiration, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the rights offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering.

Are there any conditions to closing the rights offering?

Yes. Sears Holdings’ obligation to close the rights offering and to distribute the shares of our common stock subscribed for in the rights offering is conditioned upon the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. See “The Rights Offering—Conditions, Withdrawal and Cancellation.” In addition, Sears Holdings reserves the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering.

Can Sears Holdings cancel or extend the rights offering?

The rights offering is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, Sears Holdings has the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time prior to its expiration, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the rights offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering. If the rights offering is cancelled, any money received from subscribing stockholders will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. If Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, the subscription rights will be void, of no value and will cease to be exercisable for SHO common shares. If you purchase rights during the subscription period and Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, you will lose the entire purchase price paid to acquire such subscription rights in the market, however any subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned to you, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. Sears Holdings may also extend the rights offering for additional periods ending no later than             , 2012, although it does not presently intend to do so.

 

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You should discuss with your tax advisor the tax consequences of receiving subscription rights if Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering. See “—What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering.”

Will Sears Holdings’ or our officers and directors be able to exercise their subscription rights?

Sears Holdings’ and our officers and directors that hold shares of Sears Holdings’ common stock may participate in the rights offering at the same subscription price per share as all other holders of subscription rights, but none of our or their officers or directors is obligated to participate.

Edward S. Lampert is the Chairman of the Board of Sears Holdings and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ESL. ESL has advised Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. In addition, ESL has indicated to Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its over-subscription privilege in full, such that it will purchase the maximum number of shares allocated to it under the over-subscription privilege, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. You should not view the intentions of ESL or Mr. Lampert as a recommendation or other indication, by them or any member of the Sears Holdings or SHO board of directors, regarding whether the exercise of the subscription rights or the over-subscription privilege is or is not in your best interests.

Has the Sears Holdings board of directors made a recommendation to Sears Holdings stockholders regarding the rights offering?

No. The Sears Holdings board of directors is making no recommendation regarding your exercise of the subscription rights. Stockholders who exercise subscription rights will incur investment risk on new money invested. Neither we nor Sears Holdings can predict the price at which our shares of common stock will trade after the offering. The market price for our common stock may be below the subscription price, and, if you purchase shares of common stock at the subscription price, you may not be able to sell the shares in the future at the same price or a higher price. You should make your decision based on your assessment of our business and financial condition, our prospects for the future, the terms of the rights offering and the information contained in this prospectus. See “Risk Factors” for a discussion of some of the risks involved in investing in our common stock.

ESL beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings outstanding shares of common stock as of the date hereof. Edward S. Lampert is the Chairman of the Board of Sears Holdings and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of ESL. Sears Holdings is controlled by ESL and, after completion of the rights offering, SHO is expected to be controlled by ESL. You should not view the intentions of ESL or Mr. Lampert as a recommendation or other indication, by them or any member of the Sears Holdings or SHO board of directors, regarding whether the exercise of the subscription rights is or is not in your best interests.

How do I exercise my subscription rights if I am a registered holder of Sears Holdings Common Stock?

If you are a registered holder of Sears Holdings common stock and you wish to participate in the rights offering, you must take the following steps:

 

   

deliver payment (as set forth below) to the subscription agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2012; and

 

   

deliver a properly completed and duly executed rights certificate to the subscription agent before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2012.

In certain cases, you may be required to provide additional documentation or signature guarantees.

 

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Please follow the delivery instructions on the rights certificate. Do not deliver subscription documents, the rights certificate or payment to Sears Holdings or to SHO. The risk of delivery to the subscription agent of your subscription documents, rights certificate and payment is borne by you, and not by SHO, Sears Holdings or the subscription agent. You should allow sufficient time for delivery of your subscription materials to the subscription agent so that the subscription agent receives them prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2012.

You must timely pay the full subscription price in U.S. dollars for the full number of shares of SHO common stock you wish to acquire in the rights offering, including any shares you wish to acquire pursuant to the over-subscription privilege. You must deliver to the subscription agent payment in full, by cashier’s or certified check drawn upon a United States bank payable to the subscription agent at the address set forth below, before the expiration of the rights offering period. Personal checks and wire transfers will not be accepted.

How do I participate in the rights offering if my shares are held in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee?

If you hold your shares of Sears Holdings common stock in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, then your nominee is the record holder of the shares you own. The record holder must exercise the subscription rights on your behalf in accordance with your instructions. If you wish to purchase our common stock through the rights offering, you should contact your broker, dealer, custodian bank or nominee as soon as possible. Please follow the instructions of your nominee. Your nominee may establish a deadline that may be before the expiration date of the rights offering.

How do I exercise subscription rights that were purchased during the subscription period?

If you purchased subscription rights during the subscription period through a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, you will not receive a rights certificate. Instead, your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee must exercise the subscription rights on your behalf. If you wish to exercise your subscription rights and purchase our common stock through the rights offering, you should contact your nominee as soon as possible. Please follow the instructions of your nominee. Your nominee may establish a deadline that may be before the expiration date of the rights offering.

If you purchased subscription rights during the subscription period directly from a registered holder of Sears Holdings common stock, you should contact the subscription agent as soon as possible regarding the exercise of your subscription rights. Please follow the instructions of the subscription agent in order to properly exercise your subscription rights. See “The Rights Offering—Method of Exercising Subscription Rights.”

When will I receive my subscription rights certificate?

Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the subscription agent will send a subscription rights certificate to each registered holder of Sears Holdings’ common stock as of the close of business on the record date, based on the stockholder registry maintained by the transfer agent for Sears Holdings’ common stock. If you hold your shares of common stock in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, you will not receive an actual subscription rights certificate. Instead, the Depository Trust Company, or “DTC,” will electronically issue one subscription right to your nominee record holder for every share of Sears Holdings common stock that you beneficially own as of the record date.

What form of payment must I use to pay the subscription price?

You must timely pay the full subscription price in U.S. dollars for the full number of shares of SHO common stock you wish to acquire in the rights offering, including any shares you wish to acquire pursuant to the

 

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over-subscription privilege. You must deliver to the subscription agent payment in full, by cashier’s or certified check drawn upon a United States bank payable to the subscription agent at the address set forth below, before the expiration of the rights offering period. Personal checks and wire transfers will not be accepted.

If you send a subscription payment that is insufficient to purchase the number of shares of common stock you requested, or if the number of shares you requested is not specified in the rights certificate or subscription documents, the payment received will be applied to exercise your subscription rights to the fullest extent possible based on the amount of the payment received, subject to the availability of shares of common stock under the over-subscription privilege and the elimination of fractional shares.

If you send a subscription payment that exceeds the amount necessary to purchase the number of shares SHO common stock for which you have indicated an intention to purchase, then the remaining amount will be returned to you by the subscription agent, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable following the expiration of the rights offering.

What is the record date for the rights offering?

Record ownership will be determined as of the close of business on     , 2012, which we refer to as the record date.

When will I receive my SHO shares?

The distribution of the shares will be made by way of direct registration in book-entry form. No share certificates will be issued. If you purchase shares of SHO common stock in the rights offering, as soon as practicable after the closing of the rights offering and the valid exercise of subscription rights pursuant to the basic subscription right and over-subscription privilege, and after all allocations and adjustments contemplated by the terms of the rights offering have been effected, the subscription agent will (i) credit your account or the account of your record holder with the number of shares of our common stock that you purchased pursuant to the basic subscription right and the over-subscription privilege and (ii) mail to each holder of subscription rights who exercises the over-subscription privilege any excess amount, without interest or penalty, received in payment of the subscription price for excess shares of our common stock that are subscribed for by such holder of subscription rights but not allocated to such holder of subscription rights pursuant to the over-subscription privilege.

After I exercise my subscription rights and send in my payment, may I withdraw or cancel my exercise of subscription rights?

No. All exercises of subscription rights are irrevocable unless the rights offering is cancelled, even if you later learn information that you consider to be unfavorable to the exercise of your subscription rights. You should not exercise your subscription rights unless you are certain that you wish to purchase shares of our common stock at a price of $             per whole share.

What effect does the rights offering have on the outstanding common stock of Sears Holdings?

The issuance of SHO shares in the rights offering will not affect the number of shares of Sears Holdings common stock you own or your percentage ownership of Sears Holdings. If you do not exercise your subscription rights to purchase shares of SHO common stock, following the separation you will no longer retain an ownership interest in the SHO businesses as the common stock of Sears Holdings that you hold will not reflect the earnings, assets or liabilities of SHO. In addition, the trading price of Sears Holdings common stock immediately following the rights offering may be higher or lower than immediately prior to the rights offering because the assets and liabilities of SHO will no longer be held by Sears Holdings, the ongoing earnings of SHO will no longer be reflected in Sears Holdings’ earnings and Sears Holdings will receive cash proceeds of approximately $     million as a result of the sale of SHO’s common shares (assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full) and the expected $100 million dividend to be paid prior to the separation.

 

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What will Sears Holdings and SHO receive from the rights offering?

If all of the subscription rights are exercised in full, we estimate that the proceeds to Sears Holdings from the rights offering, before deducting estimated offering expenses, will be approximately $     million. SHO will not receive any proceeds from the rights offering.

Does SHO expect to pay cash dividends?

In connection with the separation transactions we expect to enter into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility, or the “Senior ABL Facility,” which we expect will provide for aggregate maximum borrowings (subject to availability under a borrowing base) of up to $250 million. Prior to the separation, we expect to draw between $75 million and $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings. In addition, to the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

Other than as described above, we do not currently expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future following the separation. Instead, we intend to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of our business and for working capital and general corporate purposes. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Uses and Sources of Liquidity.”

Are there risks in exercising my subscription rights?

Yes. The exercise of your subscription rights involves risks. Exercising your subscription rights involves the purchase of shares of SHO common stock. You should consider this investment as carefully as you would consider any other equity investment. Among other things, you should carefully consider the risks described under the heading “Risk Factors” in this prospectus.

If the rights offering is not completed, will my subscription payment be refunded to me?

Yes. The subscription agent will hold all funds it receives in escrow in a segregated bank account until completion of the rights offering. If the rights offering is not completed, all subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. If you own shares of Sears Holdings common stock in the name of a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, it may take longer for you to receive your subscription payment because the subscription agent will return payments through the nominee record holder of your shares. If you purchase rights during the subscription period and Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, you will lose the entire purchase price paid to acquire such subscription rights in the market, however any subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned to you, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Rights Offering—Sears Holdings may cancel the rights offering at any time prior to the expiration of the rights offering and in such case neither Sears Holdings nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your exercise payments.”

Will the rights be listed on a securities exchange?

No public market currently exists for the subscription rights. The subscription rights are transferable during the course of the subscription period and we have applied to list the subscription rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR.” We currently expect that they will begin to trade on the first business day following the distribution of the subscription rights, and will continue to trade until 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on     , 2012, the fourth business day prior to the scheduled expiration date of this rights

 

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offering (or if the offer is extended, on the fourth business day immediately prior to the extended expiration date). As a result, you may transfer or sell your subscription rights if you do not want to purchase any shares of SHO common stock through the rights offering. However, the subscription rights are a new issue of securities with no prior trading market, and we cannot provide you with any assurances as to the liquidity of any trading market for the subscription rights or the market value of the subscription rights.

Will the common stock of SHO be listed on a securities exchange?

Currently, there is no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOS” and expect that trading will begin the first trading day after the completion of this offering. We cannot predict the trading prices for our common stock or whether an active trading market for our common stock will develop. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to our Common Stock.”

What will happen to the listing of Sears Holdings shares?

Nothing. Sears Holdings shares will continue to be traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SHLD.”

What if I want to sell my Sears Holdings common stock or my shares of SHO common stock?

You should consult with your financial advisors, such as your stockbroker, bank or tax advisor. Neither Sears Holdings nor SHO makes any recommendations on the purchase, retention or sale of Sears Holdings common stock or SHO common stock. In addition, the trading price of Sears Holdings common stock immediately following the rights offering may be higher or lower than immediately prior to the rights offering because the assets and liabilities of SHO will no longer be held by Sears Holdings, the ongoing earnings of SHO will no longer be reflected in Sears Holdings’ earnings and Sears Holdings will receive cash proceeds of approximately $     million as a result of the sale of SHO’s common shares (assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full) and the expected $100 million dividend to be paid prior to the separation.

If you decide to sell any shares of Sears Holdings common stock before the record date, you will not receive any subscription rights described in this prospectus in respect of the shares sold. If you own Sears Holdings common stock at the close of business on the record date and sell those shares after the record date, you will still receive the subscription rights that you would be entitled to receive in respect of the Sears Holdings common stock you owned at the close of business on the record date.

What fees or charges apply if I purchase shares of common stock in the rights offering?

Sears Holdings is not charging any fee or sales commission to issue subscription rights to you or to deliver shares to you if you exercise your subscription rights. If you exercise your subscription rights through your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee, you are responsible for paying any fees your intermediary may charge you.

What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive and exercise a subscription right?

You should discuss with your tax advisor the tax consequences of receiving and exercising a subscription right, however, if you receive a subscription right and exercise that right, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) no additional income upon the exercise of the subscription right. You will need to fund any tax resulting from the receipt of the subscription right with cash from other sources.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

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What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive and sell a subscription right?

You should discuss the tax consequences of receiving and selling a subscription right with your tax advisor, however, if you receive a subscription right and sell that right, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) short-term capital gain or loss on the sale of the subscription right equal to the difference between the proceeds received upon the sale and the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings. It is possible that the sale proceeds received upon a sale of the subscription rights will be less than any tax resulting from your receipt of the subscription right. In this event, you will generally need to fund the remaining portion of any tax with cash from other sources.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive and do not sell or exercise the right before it expires?

You should discuss with your tax advisor the tax consequences of receiving a subscription right and neither selling nor exercising that right, however, if you receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and do not sell or exercise that right before it expires, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) a short-term capital loss upon the expiration of such right in an amount equal to your adjusted tax basis (if any) in such right. In general, capital losses are available to offset only capital gains and may not be used to offset dividend or other income (except, to the extent of up to $3,000 of capital loss per year, in the case of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder). Accordingly, if you receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and take no action, you may owe tax and need to fund that tax with cash from other sources. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Rights Offering—If you receive but do not sell or exercise the subscription rights before they expire, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.”

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

How will I be impacted if the distribution of rights to me is subject to withholding tax?

In certain circumstances, withholding tax or backup withholding tax may apply to the distribution by Sears Holdings of the subscription rights. If withholding tax or backup withholding tax applies to the distribution of the subscription rights to you, your broker (or other applicable withholding agent) will be required to remit any such withholding tax or backup withholding tax in cash to the Internal Revenue Service. Depending on the circumstances, the broker (or other applicable withholding agent) may obtain the funds necessary to remit any such withholding tax by asking you to provide the funds, by using funds in your account with the broker or by selling (on your behalf) all or a portion of the subscription rights or by another means (if any) available.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

What are the material U.S. federal income tax consequences if I receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering?

You should discuss with your tax advisor the tax consequences of receiving a subscription right if Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering. There are limited authorities addressing the tax consequences that would apply to you in this circumstance. Certain of the authorities suggest that in this circumstance you may not have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of the subscription rights if you do not sell or otherwise dispose of the rights and if the receipt and cancellation occur in the same taxable year. However, the scope of those authorities is unclear and Sears Holdings (and any other applicable withholding agent) is likely to take the position, for information reporting and withholding purposes, that you have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of the subscription rights even if Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering. If withholding tax is withheld from you in this event, you may wish to seek a refund of such amount from the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

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If you do have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of a subscription right even though Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering, you should generally expect to have a short-term capital loss upon the cancellation of the subscription right in an amount equal to your adjusted tax basis (if any) in such right.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

How do I exercise my subscription rights if I live outside of the United States and Canada or have an army post office or fleet post office address?

The subscription agent will hold rights certificates for holders of Sears Holdings common stock having an address outside the United States and Canada, or who have an Army Post Office (APO) address or Fleet Post Office (FPO) address. In order to exercise subscription rights, such stockholders must notify the subscription agent and timely follow the additional procedures described under the heading “The Rights Offering—Foreign Stockholders.”

To whom should I send my forms and payment?

If your shares are held in the name of a broker, dealer or other nominee, you should send your subscription documents and subscription payment to that nominee. If you are the record holder, you should send your subscription documents, rights certificate and subscription payment by first class mail, hand delivery or courier service to:

 

By first class mail:    By hand or overnight courier:

Computershare Inc.

c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions

PO Box 43011

Providence, RI 02940-3011

  

Computershare Inc.

c/o Voluntary Corporate Actions

250 Royall Street Suite V

Canton, MA 02021

The risk of delivery to the subscription agent of subscription documents, rights certificates and subscription payments is borne by the holders of subscription rights, and not by SHO, Sears Holdings or the subscription agent. You should allow sufficient time for delivery of your subscription materials to the subscription agent.

How will the rights offering affect participants of the savings plans sponsored within the Sears Holdings controlled group of corporations?

The Sears Holdings Savings Plan, the Sears Holdings Puerto Rico Savings Plan and the Lands’ End, Inc. Retirement Plan or, collectively, the “Savings Plans,” offer an employer stock fund through which participants (current and former Sears Holdings employees) may invest in Sears Holdings common stock. The applicable trust of each Savings Plan will, on behalf of each participant, receive one subscription right for each full share of Sears Holdings common stock held in the Sears Holdings stock fund under the applicable Savings Plan as of the record date. Sears Holdings has submitted a prohibited transaction exemption to the U.S. Department of Labor requesting that it grant a prohibited transaction exemption on a retroactive basis, effective as of the date of the distribution of the subscription rights, with respect to the acquisition, holding and sale or exercise of the subscription rights under the Savings Plans. The applicable fiduciary for each Savings Plan has engaged an independent fiduciary to determine whether and/or when to exercise or sell the subscription rights on behalf of the trusts of the Savings Plans, subject to the terms of the prohibited transaction exemption.

Whom should I contact if I have other questions?

If you have more questions about the rights offering or need additional copies of the rights offering documents, please contact Georgeson Inc., our information agent, by calling (866) 695-6074 (toll-free).

 

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RISK FACTORS

You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this prospectus, in evaluating SHO and our common stock. The following risk factors could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Risks Relating to Our Separation from, and Continued Dependence on, Sears Holdings

Following the separation from Sears Holdings, we will continue to depend on Sears Holdings to provide us with most key products and services for our business. Consequently, if Sears Holdings is unwilling or unable or otherwise fails to perform these services adequately, or at all, or if Sears Holdings’ brand is impaired, we could be materially and adversely affected.

Prior to the separation from Sears Holdings, we will operate as businesses within Sears Holdings, and most key products and services required by us for the operation of our business were provided by Sears Holdings, including inventory procurement and management, home services and repair, computer systems, warehousing and logistics, merchandise acquisition and assortment, and transaction processing and financial reporting. We have or will have, prior to the completion of the separation, entered into agreements with Sears Holdings (or its subsidiaries) related to the separation including, among others, the Services Agreement. Following the separation, we will rely heavily on the products and services to be provided by Sears Holdings or its subsidiaries pursuant to these and other agreements, together the “key products and services” including:

 

   

inventory procurement from third-party vendors, including Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard branded products and other products which are collectively expected to account for a majority of our revenue;

 

   

logistical, supply chain and inventory support services;

 

   

accounting and financial reporting services;

 

   

environmental and safety program, risk management and insurance services;

 

   

computer and information technology infrastructure and support;

 

   

our websites will be hosted and maintained by a subsidiary of Sears Holdings and certain purchases made on our websites will be processed by a subsidiary of Sears Holdings;

 

   

certain of our store leases will be held in the name of subsidiaries of Sears Holdings until their expiration at which time we will be required to renegotiate with the landlord directly;

 

   

our stores will continue to use the Sears brand name, and other intellectual property owned by Sears Holdings, through our license agreements with Sears Holdings;

 

   

our stores will continue to participate in Sears Holdings’ Shop Your Way Rewards program, or “SYWR program” and rely on the customer data and other information provided by the SYWR program; and

 

   

our stores will continue to accept Sears-branded credit cards and rely on Sears Holdings to administer the allocation of revenues derived from customers use of such cards at our stores.

As a result of our ongoing dependence on Sears Holdings, we are exposed to the risk that Sears Holdings will become unable or unwilling to fulfill its contractual obligations to us. In addition, if Sears Holdings’ brand is impaired, we could be materially and adversely affected. Sears Holdings is subject to various risks and uncertainties, which could in turn adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Such risks include (1) business risks related to the retail industry, (2) risks related to worldwide economic conditions and (3) risks related to Sears Holdings’ ability to access capital markets and other financing sources.

 

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We believe it is necessary for Sears Holdings to provide these products and services to us to facilitate the continued operation of our business as we transition to becoming a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings. We will, as a result, be dependent on our relationship with Sears Holdings for certain products and services following the separation. However, Sears Holdings will have no obligation to provide assistance to us other than the products and services to be provided pursuant to these agreements. Although Sears Holdings is generally obligated to provide us with these products and services until at least         , subject to important exceptions, these products and services may not be provided at the same level as when we were part of Sears Holdings, and we may not be able to obtain the same benefits from these products and services. We expect to need to rely on Sears Holdings for these services for the entire term of the applicable agreement. In addition, to the extent that our growth is dependent on expanding the number of stores we operate, we will need to rely on Sears Holdings to supply the same products and services in new regions or markets. When Sears Holdings is no longer obligated to provide these products and services to us, we may not be able to replace these products and services on terms and conditions, including costs, as favorable as those we will receive from Sears Holdings. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

We are dependent on existing agreements with Sears Holdings and manufacturers to provide our inventory.

Following the separation, our Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses are expected to rely on our agreements with Sears Holdings (or its subsidiaries) for a significant portion of their inventory, including Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard branded products. If we are unable to obtain adequate amounts and assortments of merchandise through our agreements with Sears Holdings, we may be unable to find alternative sources of supply on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. In addition, the third-party vendors from whom Sears Holdings currently obtains merchandise for us may not be willing to continue to honor those arrangements and may insist that we purchase from the third-party vendors on terms that are less favorable than the terms enjoyed by Sears Holdings. If we are unable to maintain a broad selection of merchandise for sale to our customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

In addition, our Sears Outlet business currently relies on manufacturers with which we have existing agreements to supply a portion of its inventory. For the year ended January 28, 2012, sales of products obtained through agreements with third-party home appliance suppliers generated approximately 25% of our Sears Outlet revenue. We are dependent on our ability to continue to obtain inventory, including appliances, from these and other manufacturers in the future. Our agreements with these manufacturers do not guarantee the availability of a certain amount of merchandise at any given time, and we have no assurance that any of these agreements will be renewed on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. If these manufacturers decrease their output of merchandise or raise their prices, or both, and we are required to find one or more alternative suppliers, we may not be able to contract with them on a timely basis, on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. The lack of alternative suppliers could lead to higher prices, decreased inventory or an inability to maintain a broad selection of merchandise in our stores and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, if we do not maintain our existing relationships or build new relationships with manufacturers, we may not be able to maintain a broad selection of merchandise, and customers may not shop at or purchase from our stores.

We expect to rely on Sears Holdings and other third parties to provide us with key products and services in connection with the administration of many critical aspects of our business and we may be required to develop our own systems quickly and cost-effectively in order to reduce such dependence.

We have entered, or will enter, into agreements with Sears Holdings, as well as with third-party service providers, to provide processing and administrative functions over a broad range of areas, and we expect to continue to do so in the future. Key products and services provided by Sears Holdings or other third parties as a part of outsourcing initiatives could be interrupted as a result of many factors, such as acts of God or contract disputes, and any failure by third parties to provide us with these key products and services on a timely basis or within our service level expectations and performance standards could result in a disruption to our business.

 

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After the separation, we expect to continue to rely heavily on the infrastructure of Sears Holdings for a variety of key products and services. The terms of the various agreements governing the provision of these key products and services are expected to be for                      years, but we may seek to continue to rely on the infrastructure of Sears Holdings after the initial terms of these agreements expire. Our business plan depends to a significant extent on Sears Holdings’ willingness and ability to continue to provide us with these key products and services. Any failure to maintain Sears Holdings as a service provider, or any actions by Sears Holdings, when permitted under the applicable agreement, to raise the prices for which it charges us for these key products and services, could have a material adverse impact on our business and operating results.

In addition, disruptions in the computer and communications hardware and software systems provided by Sears Holdings could harm our ability to run our business, result in the compromise of confidential customer data, lead to costly litigation or damage our reputation with our customers. Any material interruption in our computer operations may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. As a result of our reliance on the computer and information technology infrastructure of Sears Holdings, we will have limited control over the timing and implementation of certain upgrades to our computer and information technology systems that we may believe are integral to the successful operation of our business.

If our relationships with our vendors, including Sears Holdings, were to be impaired, it could have a negative impact on our competitive position and our business and financial performance.

We obtain our merchandise through agreements with Sears Holdings or through vendors. In 2011, merchandise acquired from subsidiaries of Sears Holdings, including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and other products, accounted for approximately 90% of total purchases of all inventory from all vendors. The loss of or a reduction in the amount of merchandise made available to us by Sears Holdings could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Pursuant to the Merchandising Agreement, subsidiaries of Sears Holdings have agreed to obtain for us Sears brand products, including Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard products, until 2018 subject to two three-year renewal terms with respect to Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard products, certain termination rights and other specified conditions. However, we may need to rely on Sears Holdings for our inventory beyond 2018 or, if the Merchandising Agreement is renewed for both renewal terms, 2024. If we are unable to extend, or renegotiate on comparable terms, the Merchandising Agreement beyond 2018 or, if the Merchandising Agreement is renewed for both renewal terms, 2024, we may not be able to replace the inventory provided under the Merchandising Agreement on commercially reasonable terms, or at all and any such inability could have a material adverse effect on our prospects and results of operations and our ability to operate our business could be significantly impaired, as we would have to find new sources for our inventory.

In addition, our vendor arrangements generally are not long-term agreements (other than the Merchandising Agreement) and none of them guarantee the availability of merchandise in the future. Our growth strategy depends to a significant extent on the willingness and ability of our vendors to supply us with sufficient inventory. As a result, our success depends on maintaining good relations with our existing vendors and developing relationships with new vendors. If we fail to strengthen our relations with our existing vendors or to enhance the quality of merchandise they supply us, or if we cannot maintain or acquire new vendors of favored brand name merchandise, our ability to obtain a sufficient amount and variety of merchandise at acceptable prices may be limited, which would have a negative impact on our competitive position. In addition, we may not be able to develop relationships with new vendors, and products from alternative sources, if any, may be of a lesser quality and more expensive than those we currently purchase.

Following our separation from Sears Holdings, we will continue to rely on Sears Holdings for services related to our online business and the processing of online orders.

Following the separation from Sears Holdings, our Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses’ websites will continue to be managed by a subsidiary of Sears Holdings and require us to pay certain

 

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hosting and maintenance fees for the management of such websites. In addition, online orders placed on our Sears Hometown and Hardware business’ websites will be processed by, and subject to a processing fee to be paid to, a subsidiary of Sears Holdings.

In addition, many of the products we sell are available through websites owned and operated by Sears Holdings. As a result, online orders placed through websites owned and operated by Sears Holdings may take market share from our businesses without any commission or other benefit to us as a business entity separate from Sears Holdings. Increasing purchases of home appliances and other products that our stores sell through online channels could adversely affect our results of operations.

Following our separation from Sears Holdings, we will license from Sears Holdings the use of our store names, domain names and certain trademarks used to brand our products.

Following the separation from Sears Holdings, we will license from Sears Holdings the use of the Sears, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard trademarks, the “Sears Hometown Store,” “Sears Hardware Store,” “Sears Home Appliance Showroom” and “Sears Outlet” store names, or, collectively, the “store names,” and certain of our website domain names, or the “domain names.” Pursuant to the Merchandising Agreement, our license to use the Kenmore, Craftsman and Diehard trademarks will expire in 2018 or, if renewed for both renewal terms, 2024 and pursuant to the Store License Agreements and Trademark License Agreement, our licenses to use the Sears trademark, the store names and the domain names will expire in 2029.

If the value of the Sears, Kenmore, Craftsman or Diehard trademarks, the store names or the domain names diminishes, or if we are unable to extend, renew or renegotiate the Merchandising Agreement, the Store License Agreements or the Trademark License Agreement on comparable terms, or at all, it could have a material adverse effect on our prospects and results of operations and our ability to operate our business could be significantly impaired, as it would require us to stop using one or more of the aforementioned names in both our stores and our product advertising.

Certain of our agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings contain early termination provisions that are outside of our control and, if triggered, could have a material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business and our financial performance.

Our agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings contain various default and termination provisions, some of which are not within our control. For example, under the Merchandising Agreement, if (i) an unaffiliated third party acquires all rights, title and interest in and to one or more (but not all) of the Kenmore, Craftsman or Diehard marks, or the “KCD marks,” then subsidiaries of Sears Holdings may terminate their obligation to sell to us the products that are branded with the KCD marks that were subject to such acquisition and (ii) if an unaffiliated third party acquires all rights, title and interest in and to all of the KCD marks, then subsidiaries of Sears Holdings may terminate the Merchandising Agreement in its entirety. Furthermore, the agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings may also be terminated by either party upon a material breach if the breaching party fails to cure such breach within 30 days following written notice of such breach or, if such breach is not curable, immediately upon delivery of notice of the non-breaching party’s intention to terminate.

In addition, a number of our agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings contain cross termination provisions such that if a breach of or default under one of the agreements by one party results in the termination of such agreement, the other party may terminate a number of the additional agreements between the parties. If one or more of our agreements with subsidiaries of Sears Holdings were to be terminated earlier than currently anticipated, it would have a material adverse effect on our prospects and results of operations and our ability to operate our business would be significantly impaired. For additional discussion see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

The sale of Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard products to other retailers, including certain of our competitors, may adversely affect our results of operations.

Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard branded products accounted for approximately 60% of our combined revenue during 2011. Recently, Sears Holdings has agreed to supply certain other retailers, including certain of

 

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our competitors, with a number of Craftsman and DieHard branded products that previously were only sold through affiliates of Sears Holdings. If Sears Holdings continues to supply other retailers, including our competitors, with Craftsman and DieHard branded products, or begins to supply other retailers with Kenmore products, our revenue may be adversely affected.

Our non-competition obligation with Sears Holdings will restrict our ability to expand into certain geographic areas.

Currently, Sears Full-line Stores, Kmart stores, and certain specialty retail stores owned by Sears Holdings have product lines that are similar to ours. In connection with the separation from Sears Holdings, we have entered into a Merchandising Agreement pursuant to which we will have a contractual obligation, subject to certain conditions, not to open new Sears Hometown and Hardware stores in specified areas. This non-competition obligation will restrict our ability to open new stores in the specified areas that we would otherwise consider as possible targets for expansion and may limit our growth potential. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings—Non-Competition and Exclusivity Arrangements Between Sears Holdings and SHO.”

We will not operate as a combined business prior to the separation, and the integration of the operations of Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet may be difficult and costly, which may result in our operating less effectively than expected.

Prior to                     , 2012 the businesses of Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet were operated by Sears Holdings as separate businesses independent of one another. On                     , 2012, Sears Holdings created SHO by combining the Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses into one combined entity. As a result, prior to                     , 2012, we had no operating history as a single combined business.

The success of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to successfully integrate the businesses of Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet. We may face difficulties, added costs and delays in integrating these businesses including:

 

   

diversion of management resources from the business of the combined company; and

 

   

retaining and integrating management and other key employees of the combined company.

Any one or all of these factors, or currently unanticipated factors, may cause increased operating costs, worse than anticipated financial performance or the loss of customers and employees. The failure to timely and efficiently integrate the Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition and operating results of our Company.

Our historical combined financial information is not necessarily representative of the results we would have achieved either as a single combined business entity or as a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

The historical financial information we have included in this prospectus may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been (1) operated as a single combined business entity by Sears Holdings during the periods presented or (2) a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings during the periods presented, or what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows will be in the future when we operate as a single combined business entity independent from Sears Holdings. This is primarily because:

 

   

our historical financial information reflects the results of operations, financial positions and cash flows of Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet prior to their consolidation into SHO, which may not reflect the results of operations, financial positions and cash flows of SHO as a single combined business entity;

 

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our historical financial information does not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of the integration of Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet into a single combined entity, including changes in the cost structure, personnel needs, financing and operation of our business;

 

   

our historical financial information reflects assumptions made by Sears Holdings and allocations for certain services and expenses historically provided to us by Sears Holdings. Those assumptions and allocations may not reflect the costs and expenses we would have incurred or will incur as an independent company. In addition, we may incur one-time charges as a result of changes in allocation resulting from the separation; and

 

   

our historical financial information does not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of our separation from Sears Holdings, including changes in the cost structure, personnel needs, financing and operations of our business.

Following the separation, we also will be responsible for the additional costs associated with being a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, including costs related to corporate governance and SEC reporting requirements. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that our historical financial information presented herein will be indicative of our future results.

For additional information about our past financial performance and the basis of presentation of our financial statements, see “Selected Historical Financial and Other Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this prospectus.

As a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, we may experience increased costs resulting from a decrease in the purchasing power we currently have as a result of being 100% owned by Sears Holdings.

Prior to our separation from Sears Holdings, we were able to take advantage of Sears Holdings’ size and purchasing power in procuring services, including advertising, shipping and receiving, logistics, store maintenance contracts, employee benefit support, insurance, credit and debit card interchange fees and other services. Following our separation from Sears Holdings, we expect to be a smaller company than Sears Holdings and we may not have access to financial and other resources comparable to those available to us prior to the separation. Although we plan to leverage our ongoing relationship with Sears Holdings in order to obtain similar benefits in purchasing power, we may be unable to obtain goods, technology and services at prices and on terms as favorable as those available to us prior to the separation, which could increase our costs and reduce our profitability.

We may have been able to receive better terms from unaffiliated third parties than the terms we receive in our agreements with Sears Holdings.

The agreements related to our separation from Sears Holdings, including the Services Agreement, Store License Agreements and the Merchandising Agreement, were agreed to in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and in the overall context of our separation from Sears Holdings. Accordingly, they may not represent the best terms that could have been available to us from third parties. The terms of the agreements being negotiated in the context of the separation are related to, among other things, the principal actions needed to be taken in connection with the separation, indemnification and other obligations among Sears Holdings and us and the nature of the commercial arrangements between us and Sears Holdings following the separation. In addition, in connection with the separation, we have entered into a Retail Establishment Agreement with a subsidiary of Sears Holdings to authorize us to participate in the SYWR program. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

 

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Conflicts may arise between Sears Holdings and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including:

 

   

availability and allocation of merchandise from third-party suppliers;

 

   

business opportunities that may be attractive to both Sears Holdings and us;

 

   

the nature, quality and pricing of transitional services Sears Holdings has agreed or will agree to provide to us;

 

   

labor, tax, employee benefit, indemnification and other matters arising from our separation from Sears Holdings;

 

   

major business combinations involving us;

 

   

employee retention and recruiting;

 

   

intellectual property matters;

 

   

competition between our stores and websites and Sears Holdings’ stores and websites; and

 

   

the enforcement of our agreements with Sears Holdings as described in “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

The occurrence of one or more of these conflicts could materially and adversely affect our prospects and results of operations.

There may be a significant degree of difficulty in operating as a separate entity and managing that process effectively could require a significant amount of senior management’s time.

The separation from Sears Holdings could cause an interruption of, or loss of momentum in, the operation of our business. Members of our senior management may be required to devote considerable amounts of time to the separation, which will decrease the time they will have to manage their ordinary responsibilities. If our senior management is not able to manage the separation effectively, or if any significant business activities are interrupted as a result of the separation, our business and operating results could suffer.

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from our separation from Sears Holdings.

As a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, we believe that our business will benefit from, among other things, allowing us to better focus our financial and operational resources on our specific business and be better positioned to dedicate resources to pursue appropriate growth opportunities and execute strategic plans best suited to our business in an efficient manner. We believe the separation will allow our management to design and implement corporate strategies and policies that are based primarily on the business characteristics and strategic decisions of our business, allowing us to more effectively respond to industry dynamics and allowing the creation of effective incentives for our management and employees that are more closely tied to our business performance. However, we may not be able to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as a company independent from Sears Holdings in the time we expect, if at all.

Becoming a public company will increase our expenses and administrative burden, in particular to bring our Company into compliance with certain provisions of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 to which we are not currently subject.

As a public company, we will incur certain legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a subsidiary of Sears Holdings. These increased costs and expenses may arise from various factors, including financial reporting, costs associated with complying with federal securities laws (including compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), tax administration, and legal and human-resources related functions. Although we

 

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expect that a number of these functions will continue to be performed for us by subsidiaries of Sears Holdings following the separation, we will be required to, among other things, create or revise the roles and duties of our board committees, adopt additional internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures, retain a transfer agent and adopt an insider trading policy in compliance with our obligations under the securities laws.

We also expect that being a public company subject to additional laws, rules and regulations will require the investment of additional resources to ensure ongoing compliance with such laws, rules and regulations. In addition, these laws, rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executive officers and qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley could have a material adverse effect on our business and the market price of our common stock.

As a public company, we will be required to document and test our internal control over financial reporting in order to satisfy the requirements of Section 404 of Sarbanes-Oxley, which will require annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and, beginning with our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending February 1, 2014, a report by our independent registered public accounting firm that addresses the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. During the course of our testing, we may identify deficiencies which we may not be able to remediate in time to meet our deadline for compliance with Section 404. Testing and maintaining internal control can divert our management’s attention from other matters that are also important to the operation of our business. We also expect that the imposition of these regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more difficult, time consuming and costly. We may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404. If we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, investors could lose confidence in our reported financial information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. In addition, if we do not maintain effective internal controls, we may not be able to accurately report our financial information on a timely basis, which could harm the trading price of our common stock, impair our ability to raise additional capital, or jeopardize our continued listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market or any other stock exchange on which our common stock may be listed.

Risks Relating to Our Business

If we fail to offer merchandise and services that our customers want, our sales may be limited, which would reduce our revenues.

In order for our business to be successful, we must identify, obtain supplies of, and offer to our customers, attractive, innovative and high-quality merchandise on a continuous basis. Our products and services must satisfy the desires of our customers, whose preferences in appliances, hardware and lawn and garden products may change in the future. If we misjudge either the demand for the products we sell or our customers’ purchasing habits and tastes, we may be faced with excess inventories of some products and missed opportunities for products we chose not to offer. In addition, our sales may decline or we may be required to sell the merchandise we have obtained at lower prices, increasing our inventory markdowns and promotional expenses. This would have a negative effect on our business and results of operations.

Our business has been and will continue to be affected by worldwide economic conditions; a failure of the economy to sustain its recovery, a renewed decline in consumer-spending levels and other conditions, including inflation, could lead to reduced revenues and gross margins, and negatively impact our results of operations.

Many economic and other factors are outside of our control, including, consumer confidence and spending levels, consumer and commercial credit availability, inflation, employment levels, housing sales and remodels,

 

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lower housing turnover, increased mortgage delinquency and foreclosure rates, consumer debt levels, fuel costs and other challenges currently affecting the global economy, the full impact of which on our business, results of operations and financial condition cannot be predicted with certainty. These economic conditions adversely affect the disposable income levels of, and the credit available to, our customers, which could lead to reduced demand for our merchandise. Also affected are our vendors, upon which we depend to provide us with inventory and services. Our vendors could seek to change the terms under which they sell inventory or other services to us which could negatively impact our financial condition. In addition, the inability of vendors to access liquidity, or the insolvency of vendors, could lead to their failure to deliver inventory or other services.

The domestic and international political situation also affects consumer confidence. The threat, outbreak or escalation of terrorism, military conflicts or other hostilities could lead to a decrease in consumer spending. Any of these events and factors could cause us to increase inventory markdowns and promotional expenses, thereby reducing our gross margins and operating results.

If we do not successfully manage our inventory levels, our operating results will be adversely affected.

We must maintain sufficient inventory levels to operate our business successfully. However, we also must avoid accumulating excess inventory as we seek to minimize out-of-stock levels across all product categories and to maintain in-stock levels. After the separation, we expect to continue to rely on and obtain significant portions of our inventory through Sears Holdings buying organizations, which obtain a significant portion of inventory from vendors located outside the United States. Some of these vendors often require us to provide, through Sears Holdings, lengthy advance notice of our requirements in order to be able to supply products in the quantities we request. This usually requires us, through Sears Holdings, to order merchandise, and enter into purchase order contracts for the purchase and manufacture of such merchandise, well in advance of the time these products will be offered for sale. As a result, we may experience difficulty in responding to a changing retail environment, which makes us vulnerable to changes in price. If we do not accurately anticipate the future demand for a particular product or the time it will take to obtain new inventory, our inventory levels will not be appropriate and our results of operations may be negatively impacted.

If we are unable to compete effectively in the highly competitive retail industry, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The retail industry is intensely competitive and highly fragmented. In addition, there are few barriers to entry into our current markets and new competitors may enter our markets at any time. We compete with a wide variety of retailers, including department stores, discounters, mass merchandisers, hardware stores, independent dealers, home improvement stores, home appliance and consumer electronics retailers, auto service providers, specialty retailers, wholesale clubs and many other competitors operating on a national, regional or local level. Some of our competitors are actively engaged in new store expansion. Online and catalog businesses, which handle similar lines of merchandise, also compete with us.

We may not be able to compete successfully against existing and future competitors. Some of our competitors have financial resources that are substantially greater than ours and may be able to purchase inventory at lower costs and better endure the current or future economic downturns. As a result, our sales may decline if we cannot offer competitive prices to our customers or we may be required to accept lower profit margins. Our competitors may respond more quickly to new or emerging technologies and consumer preferences and may have greater resources to devote to promotion and sale of products and services.

Our existing competitors or new entrants into our industry may use a number of different strategies to compete against us, including:

 

   

expansion into the suburban and rural markets in which many of our stores operate;

 

   

lower pricing;

 

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extension of credit to customers on terms more favorable than we offer; and

 

   

larger store size, which may result in greater operational efficiencies, or innovative store formats.

Competition from any of these sources could cause us to lose market share, sales and customers, increase expenditures or reduce prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Because our operating results are tied in part to the success of our dealers and franchisees, the inability of our dealers and franchisees to continue operating their stores profitably could adversely affect our operating results.

As of April 28, 2012, the significant majority of stores in our Sears Hometown and Hardware business were operated by independent authorized dealers or franchisees who sell our inventory on a consignment basis. Our dealers’ and franchisees’ ability to continue operating their stores profitably depends on various factors, including their business abilities, financial capabilities (including their access to credit for operating capital), the negotiation of acceptable leases and general economic conditions. Many of the foregoing factors are beyond the control of both SHO and our dealers and franchisees. If our dealers and franchisees are unable to operate their stores profitably, our business and results of operations would be negatively impacted. Further, there can be no assurance our dealers and franchisees will successfully develop or operate their stores in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards. If our dealers and franchisees are unable to operate their stores in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards our reputation may be damaged which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

In addition, if our dealers are unable to operate their stores profitably or in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards, we may be required to take over one or more stores from our dealers from time to time. Generally, at any given time, we operate approximately 5% of our Sears Hometown Stores as a result of our taking such stores over from our authorized dealers.

Our dealers and franchisees may damage our business or increase our costs by failing to comply with our operating standards or our dealer and franchise agreements.

Our authorized dealers operate their stores pursuant to a dealer agreement with us. Our franchise business is governed by franchise agreements and applicable franchise law. If our dealers and franchisees do not comply with our established operating standards or the terms in the franchise or dealer agreements, our business may be damaged. We may incur significant additional costs, including time-consuming and expensive litigation, to enforce our rights under the franchise agreements. Furthermore, as a franchisor we have obligations to our franchisees. Franchisees may challenge the performance of our obligations under the franchise agreements and subject us to costs in defending these claims and, if the claims are successful, costs in connection with their compliance.

In addition, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Trade Commission and are subject to state laws that govern the offer, sale and termination of franchises and the refusal to renew franchises. The failure to comply with these regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales, fines or require us to make a rescission offer to franchisees, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.

Our sales may fluctuate for a variety of reasons, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our business is sensitive to customers’ spending patterns, which in turn are subject to prevailing economic conditions. Our sales and results of operations have fluctuated in the past, and we expect them to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of other factors affect our sales and financial performance, including:

 

   

actions by our competitors, including opening of new stores in our existing markets or changes to the way these competitors go to market online;

 

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the availability of inventory for our stores;

 

   

changes in our merchandise strategy and mix;

 

   

real estate and maintenance costs for our existing stores;

 

   

changes in population and other demographics; and

 

   

timing and effectiveness of our promotional events.

Accordingly, our results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other quarter, and comparable store sales for any particular future period may increase or decrease. For more information on our results of operations, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Mr. Lampert and ESL, whose interests may be different from your interests, are expected to be able to exert substantial influence over our company.

Assuming that the offering is subscribed in full, we anticipate that immediately following the separation, ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings common stock as of the date hereof, will beneficially own at least 62% of our outstanding common stock. ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise. ESL and its affiliates are controlled, directly or indirectly, by Mr. Lampert. Accordingly, ESL, and thus Mr. Lampert, will have substantial influence over many, if not all, actions to be taken or approved by our stockholders, and will have a significant voice in the election of directors and any transactions involving a change of control.

The interests of ESL, which has investments in other companies (including Sears Holdings), may from time to time diverge from the interests of our other stockholders. This substantial influence may have the effect of discouraging offers to acquire our Company because the consummation of any such acquisition would likely require the consent of these affiliates.

We may be subject to product liability claims if people or properties are harmed by the products we sell or the services we offer.

Some of the products we sell may expose us to product liability claims relating to personal injury, death, or property damage caused by such products, and may require us to take actions such as product recalls. Although we maintain liability insurance, we cannot be certain that our coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms, or at all.

We may be subject to periodic litigation and other regulatory proceedings. These proceedings may be affected by changes in laws and government regulations or changes in the enforcement thereof.

From time to time, we may be involved in lawsuits and regulatory actions relating to our business, certain of which may be in jurisdictions with reputations for aggressive application of laws and procedures against corporate defendants. We are impacted by trends in litigation, including class-action allegations brought under various consumer protection and employment laws, including wage and hour laws. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings. An unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, regardless of the outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceedings, these proceedings could result in substantial costs and may require that we devote substantial time and resources to defend our Company. Further, changes in governmental regulations in the United States could have adverse effects on our business and subject us to additional regulatory actions.

 

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If we do not maintain the security of our customer, associate or company information, we could damage our reputation, incur substantial additional costs and become subject to litigation.

Any significant compromise or breach of customer, associate or company data security either held and maintained by SHO or our third-party providers, including Sears Holdings who will hold a significant amount of member data through the Shop Your Way Rewards program as well as from purchases made by customers using Sears-branded credit cards, could significantly damage our reputation and result in additional costs, lost sales, fines and lawsuits. The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs. There is no guarantee that the procedures that we have implemented to protect against unauthorized access to secured data are adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches. A data security breach could negatively impact our reputation, business and our results of operations.

If we are unable to renew or enter into new store leases on competitive terms our revenues or results of operations could be negatively impacted.

In connection with the separation, Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) will assign or sublease to us their interests in the leases for all of our stores where the lease for such store permits assignment or subletting of the lease or where Sears Holdings is able to obtain landlord consent to such assignment or sublease. However, a number of the leases for our stores do not permit assignment or subletting or may require landlord consent which may be withheld. If Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) were to default on one or more of the leases under which we have entered into a sublease with Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) we may be forced to close certain of our stores which could negatively impact our results of operations. As of                     , 2012, we have been unable to obtain landlord consent to the assignment or sublease of         % of our leased Sears Hometown and Hardware locations and         % of our Sears Outlet locations. If we are unable to obtain landlord consent for the assignment or sublease of such stores, we may be unable to continue to operate those stores in such locations which could negatively impact our results of operations.

In addition, a small number of our stores are in locations where Sears Holdings currently operates one of its stores. In such cases we will enter into a lease or sublease with Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) for the portion of the space in which our store will operate and pay rent directly to Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) on the terms negotiated in connection with the separation. If we are unable to negotiate leases or subleases with Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, we may be forced to close certain of our stores which could negatively impact our results of operations.

As of January 28, 2012, we leased 62 Sears Outlet store locations under long-term agreements with landlords that are unaffiliated with Sears Holdings. If our cost of leasing existing stores increases, we may be unable to maintain our existing store locations as leases expire. Our profitability may decline if we fail to enter into new leases on competitive terms or at all, or we may not be able to locate suitable alternative stores or additional sites for new store expansion in a timely manner. Furthermore, 33 of our Sears Outlet leases will expire within the next three years and some do not grant us any rights to renew the lease. A failure to renew or enter into new leases could reduce our revenues and negatively impact our results of operations.

In addition, our Sears Hometown and Hardware business operates 145 stores with long-term leases and is the obligor on an additional 46 leases which we sublet to our franchisees. Additionally, there are 12 leases that we have assigned to franchisees. If our franchisees are unable to maintain the payments under either our sublease or assigned lease arrangements, we will be required to make payments under the lease. In addition, upon the expiration of the initial lease term, our franchisees are responsible for entering into new leases with existing landlords. If our franchisees are unable to negotiate new leases with existing landlords on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, our franchisees may be required to move or close certain of our stores. A failure to maintain payments or to enter into new leases by our franchisees could negatively impact our results of operations.

 

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In addition, a number of the leases for both our Sears Outlet and Sears Hometown and Hardware stores were negotiated by and entered into by a subsidiary of Sears Holdings. Upon the expiration of these leases, we will be required to enter into new leases with the landlords for such properties and we may be unable to enter into new leases as a company independent from Sears Holdings on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Further, a number of our leases were entered into at a time when the commercial real estate market was depressed. We may be required to enter into negotiations with landlords for new leases in the future at times when the commercial real estate market has rebounded and rental payments are generally higher for commercial real estate. Higher leasing costs could negatively impact our results of operations.

If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of product from our vendors and deliver merchandise to our customers, our operating results will be adversely affected.

We cannot control all of the various factors that might affect our timely and effective procurement of supplies of product from our vendors, including Sears Holdings, and delivery of merchandise to our customers. Our utilization of foreign imports also makes us vulnerable to risks associated with products manufactured abroad, including, among other things, risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to our stores, work stoppages including as a result of events such as strikes, transportation and other delays in shipments including as a result of heightened security screening and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions in the United States, lack of freight availability and freight cost increases. In addition, if we experience a shortage of a popular item, we may be required to arrange for additional quantities of the item, if available, to be delivered to us through airfreight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea. As a result, we may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis or at favorable shipping rates and, therefore, we may not be able to timely receive merchandise from our vendors or deliver our products to our customers.

We rely upon Sears Holdings and other third-party land-based carriers for merchandise shipments to our stores and customers. Accordingly, we are subject to the risks, including labor disputes, union organizing activity, inclement weather and increased transportation costs, associated with such carriers’ ability to provide delivery services to meet our inbound and outbound shipping needs. In addition, if the cost of fuel continues to rise or remains at current levels, the cost to deliver merchandise to our stores may rise which could have an adverse impact on our profitability. Failure to procure and deliver merchandise either to us or to our customers in a timely, effective and economically viable manner could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business. In addition, any increase in distribution costs and expenses could adversely affect our future financial performance.

We could incur charges due to impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets.

As of January 28, 2012 we had goodwill balances of $167 million, which are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Our long-lived assets, primarily stores, also are subject to periodic testing for impairment. A significant amount of judgment is involved in the periodic testing. Failure to achieve sufficient levels of cash flow within each of our reporting units, for sales of our branded products or at individual store locations could result in impairment charges for goodwill or fixed asset impairment for long-lived assets, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations. Impairment charges, if any, resulting from the periodic testing are non-cash. Following the completion of the rights offering, our goodwill impairment analysis also includes a comparison of the aggregate estimated fair value of all reporting units to our total market capitalization. Therefore, following the completion of the rights offering, a significant and sustained decline in our stock price could result in goodwill impairment charges. During times of financial market volatility, significant judgment will be used to determine the underlying cause of the decline and whether stock price declines are short-term in nature or indicative of an event or change in circumstances. See Note 2 to our Combined Financial Statements for further information.

 

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Risks Relating to our Indebtedness

We and our subsidiaries may incur debt in the future, which could substantially reduce our profitability, limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, and reduce the value of your investment.

Following the separation, we expect to have up to approximately $100 million of debt outstanding. The instruments governing our indebtedness are not expected to prevent us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional debt in the future or other obligations that do not constitute indebtedness, which could increase the risks described below and lead to other risks. In addition, we may, subject to certain conditions, increase the borrowing capacity under our Senior ABL Facility without the consent of any person other than the institutions agreeing to provide all or any portion of such increase, by an amount not to exceed $100 million. The amount of our debt or such other obligations could have important consequences for holders of our common stock, including, but not limited to:

 

   

our ability to satisfy obligations to lenders may be impaired, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of our indebtedness;

 

   

our ability to obtain additional financing for refinancing of existing indebtedness, working capital, capital expenditures, product and service development, acquisitions, general corporate purposes and other purposes may be impaired;

 

   

a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations could be dedicated to the payment of the principal and interest on our debt;

 

   

we may be increasingly vulnerable to economic downturns and increases in interest rates;

 

   

our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business and the retail industry may be limited; and

 

   

we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies in our industry.

Our Senior ABL Facility contains financial and operating covenants and restrictions that limit our operations and could lead to adverse consequences if we fail to comply with them.

The Senior ABL Facility which we expect to enter into prior to the separation, is expected to contain certain financial and operating covenants and other restrictions relating to, among other things, excess availability and fixed charge coverage ratios, as well as limitations on indebtedness (including guarantees of additional indebtedness) and liens, mergers, consolidations and dissolutions, sales of assets, investments and acquisitions, dividends and other restricted payments and certain transactions with affiliates. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

Failure to comply with these financial and operating covenants could result from, among other things, changes in our results of operations, the incurrence of additional indebtedness, or changes in general economic conditions, which may be beyond our control. The breach of any of these covenants or restrictions could result in a default under the Senior ABL Facility that would permit the lenders to declare all amounts outstanding thereunder to be due and payable, together with accrued and unpaid interest. If we are unable to repay such amounts, lenders having secured obligations, such as the lenders under the Senior ABL Facility, could proceed against the collateral securing the secured obligations. In any such case, we may be unable to borrow under the Senior ABL Facility and may not be able to repay amounts due under such facility. This could have serious consequences to our financial condition and results of operations and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent. In addition, these covenants may restrict our ability to engage in transactions (i) that we believe would otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders or (ii) without which our business and operations could be harmed.

Increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and could reduce our profitability.

A significant portion of our outstanding debt, including amounts under the Senior ABL Facility, bears interest at variable rates. As a result, increases in interest rates would increase the cost of servicing our debt and

 

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could materially reduce our profitability and cash flows. Assuming our Senior ABL Facility was fully drawn in a principal amount equal to $250 million, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a $2.5 million change in annual cash interest expense on our Senior ABL Facility.

We may have future capital needs and may not be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms.

Any reductions in our available borrowing capacity under the anticipated Senior ABL Facility, or our inability to renew or replace our Senior ABL Facility, when required or when business conditions warrant, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The economic conditions, credit market conditions and economic climate affecting the retail industry, as well as other factors, may constrain our financing abilities. Our ability to secure additional financing, if available, and to satisfy our financial obligations under indebtedness outstanding from time to time will depend upon our future operating performance, the availability of credit generally, economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. The market conditions and the macroeconomic conditions that affect the retail industry could have a material adverse effect on our ability to secure financing on favorable terms, if at all.

We may be unable to secure additional financing or financing on favorable terms or our operating cash flow may be insufficient to satisfy our financial obligations under the indebtedness outstanding from time to time. Furthermore, if financing is not available when needed, or is available on unfavorable terms, we may be unable to take advantage of business opportunities or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If additional funds are raised through the issuance of additional equity securities, our stockholders may experience significant dilution.

Risks Relating to the Rights Offering

The subscription price determined for the rights offering is not an indication of the price at which our common stock will trade.

The board of directors of Sears Holdings based the per share subscription price being used in the rights offering on various factors including, among other things, (1) the opinion of Duff & Phelps LLC, which it engaged to act as a financial advisor in connection with the separation of the SHO businesses, (2) the desirability of broad participation in the rights offering by Sears Holdings’ stockholders and of the development of a trading market for both the subscription rights and the SHO common stock and (3) Sears Holdings’ liquidity needs and the aggregate amount of proceeds to be paid to Sears Holdings pursuant to the dividend and the rights offering if the rights offering were fully subscribed. The per share subscription price may not be indicative of the price at which our common stock will trade after the rights offering. After the date of this prospectus, you may not be able to sell shares of our common stock that you hold at prices equal to or above the subscription price. See “Determination of Subscription Price—Determination by Sears Holdings Board of Directors of the Exercise Price.”

The combined post-separation value of our common stock and Sears Holdings common stock may not equal or exceed the pre-separation value of Sears Holdings common stock.

After the separation, Sears Holdings common stock will continue to be listed and traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. We have applied to list the SHO common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOS.” The trading price of Sears Holdings common stock immediately following the rights offering may be higher or lower than immediately prior to the rights offering because the assets and liabilities of SHO will no longer be held by Sears Holdings, the ongoing earnings of SHO will no longer be reflected in Sears Holdings’ earnings and Sears Holdings will receive cash proceeds of approximately $     million as a result of the sale of SHO’s common shares (assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full) and the expected $100 million dividend to be paid prior to the separation. In addition, we cannot assure you that the combined trading prices of Sears Holdings common stock and the SHO common stock after the separation, as adjusted for any changes in the combined capitalization of these companies, will be equal to or greater than the trading price of Sears Holdings common stock prior to the separation.

 

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Our future revenues and earnings may differ, possibly materially, from the Management Projections presented herein and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of our future results of operations or the future value of our common stock.

In connection with the preparation of the opinion of Duff & Phelps regarding the valuation of the common stock of SHO, management of Sears Holdings provided Duff & Phelps with financial projections for SHO for the fiscal years ending on or around January 31, 2013 through January 31, 2015, or the “Management Projections.” The Management Projections, which are included in this prospectus under the heading “Determination of Subscription Price—Management Projections,” may not be indicative of our future results and should not be relied upon as such. Although the Management Projections are presented with numerical specificity, these projections reflect numerous assumptions and estimates as to future events made by Sears Holdings’ management, including certain persons expected to become members of management of SHO following the separation, that they believed were reasonable at the time the Management Projections were prepared. In addition, factors such as industry performance and general business, economic, regulatory, market and financial conditions, all of which are difficult to predict and beyond the control of SHO’s management, may cause the Management Projections or the underlying assumptions not to be reflective of actual future revenues or earnings, the future value of our common stock or the price at which our common stock will trade.

Accordingly, our future results of operations may differ, possibly materially, from the Management Projections, and the value of our common stock and the price at which at our common stock may trade may be adversely affected if our results of operations are materially different from the Management Projections. The inclusion of the Management Projections in this prospectus should not be regarded as an indication that Sears Holdings’ board of directors considered, or now considers, or that SHO’s board of directors considered, or now considers, the Management Projections to be a reliable prediction of the future value of our common stock or the price at which our common stock will trade following the separation and are not being included in this prospectus to influence your decision whether to exercise or sell your subscription rights.

Sears Holdings may cancel the rights offering at any time prior to the expiration of the rights offering and in such case neither Sears Holdings nor the subscription agent will have any obligation to you except to return your exercise payments.

The rights offering is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions. In addition, Sears Holdings has the right to withdraw and cancel the rights offering if, at any time prior to its expiration, the board of directors of Sears Holdings determines, in its sole discretion, that the rights offering is not in the best interest of Sears Holdings or its stockholders, or that market conditions are such that it is not advisable to consummate the rights offering. See “The Rights Offering—Conditions, Withdrawal and Cancellation.”

If the rights offering is cancelled, any money received from subscribing stockholders will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable. Sears Holdings may also extend the rights offering for additional periods ending no later than             , 2012, although it does not presently intend to do so. If Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering and you have not exercised any rights, the subscription rights will expire, have no value, and cease to be exercisable for SHO common shares. If you purchase subscription rights during the subscription period and Sears Holdings cancels the rights offering, you will lose the entire purchase price paid to acquire such subscription rights in the market, however any subscription payments received by the subscription agent will be returned to you, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable.

No prior market exists for the subscription rights and a liquid market for the subscription rights may not develop.

We have applied to list the subscription rights for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOSR.” However, the subscription rights are a new issue of securities with no prior trading market. Neither SHO nor Sears Holdings can provide you with any assurances as to the liquidity of the trading market for the subscription rights or the price at which the subscription rights may trade following the rights offering. In

 

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addition, the listing of the subscription rights on the NASDAQ Capital Market is subject to SHO meeting the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Capital Market. In the event that these listing approvals cannot be obtained, holders of subscription rights will own unlisted securities, which may affect the pricing of the rights in the secondary market, the transparency and availability of trading prices, and the liquidity of the rights.

If you do not act promptly and follow the subscription instructions, your exercise of subscription rights will be rejected.

If you desire to purchase shares of common stock in the rights offering, you must act promptly to ensure that the subscription agent actually receives all required forms and payments before the expiration of the rights offering at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on             , 2012, unless Sears Holdings extends the rights offering for additional periods ending no later than             , 2012. If you are a beneficial owner of Sears Holdings common shares, you must act promptly to ensure that your broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee acts for you and that the subscription agent receives all required forms and payments before the rights offering expires. Neither SHO nor Sears Holdings is or will be responsible if your nominee fails to ensure that the subscription agent receives all required forms and payments before the rights offering expires. If you fail to complete and sign the required subscription forms, send an incorrect payment amount, or otherwise fail to follow the subscription procedures that apply to the exercise of your subscription rights before the rights offering expires, the subscription agent will reject your subscription or accept it only to the extent of the payment received. None of SHO, Sears Holdings or the subscription agent undertakes any responsibility or action to contact you concerning an incomplete or incorrect subscription form or payment, nor are SHO or Sears Holdings under any obligation to correct such forms or payment. Sears Holdings has the sole discretion to determine whether a subscription exercise properly complies with the subscription procedures.

You will not be able to sell the shares of SHO common stock you buy in the rights offering until your account is credited with the common stock.

If you are a registered stockholder of Sears Holdings and you purchase shares in the rights offering, your account will be credited with our common stock as soon as practicable after the expiration of the rights offering. If your shares of Sears Holdings common stock are held by a broker, dealer, custodian bank or other nominee and you purchase shares of SHO pursuant to your subscription rights, your account with your nominee will be credited with the shares of our common stock you purchased in the rights offering as soon as practicable after the expiration of the rights offering, or such later date as to which the rights offering may be extended. Until your account is credited, you may not be able to sell your shares even though the SHO common stock issued in the rights offering will be listed for trading on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The stock price may decline between the time you decide to sell your SHO shares and the time you are actually able to sell such shares.

You may not revoke your exercise of the subscription rights and you could be committed to buying shares at a price above the prevailing market price after completion of the rights offering.

Once you exercise your rights, you may not revoke the exercise even if you later learn information that you consider to be unfavorable to the exercise of your rights. If you exercise your rights, you may not be able to sell the SHO common shares purchased under the rights at a price equal to or greater than the subscription price, and you may lose all or part of your investment in our common stock.

You will not receive interest on your subscription funds during the period pending the closing of the offering.

The subscription agent will hold the gross proceeds from the sale of shares under the rights in escrow in a segregated bank account, and it will release the proceeds together with any interest earned on the proceeds, less any applicable withholding taxes, to Sears Holdings as soon as is practicable after the expiration of the rights offering.

If the rights offering is cancelled, any money received from subscribing holders of rights will be returned, without interest or penalty, as soon as practicable.

 

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The tax consequences of the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights are not certain.

The treatment of the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights for U.S. federal income tax purposes is not entirely clear. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service may disagree with the tax treatment discussed herein. You should discuss with your tax advisor the treatment of the receipt, sale, exercise, expiration and cancellation of the subscription rights for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

If you receive and exercise the subscription rights, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

If you receive a subscription right and exercise that right, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) no additional income upon the exercise of the subscription right. You may need to fund any tax resulting from the receipt of the subscription right with cash from other sources. You should discuss with your tax advisor the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving and exercising the subscription rights.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

If you receive and sell the subscription rights, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

If you receive a subscription right and sell that right, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) short-term capital gain or loss upon the sale equal to the difference between the proceeds received upon the sale and the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings. It is possible that the sale proceeds received by you upon a sale of the subscription rights will be less than any tax resulting from your receipt of the subscription right. In this event, you will generally need to fund the remaining portion of any tax with cash from other sources. You should discuss with your tax advisor the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving and selling the subscription rights.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

If you receive but do not sell or exercise the subscription rights before they expire, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

If you receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and do not sell or exercise that right before it expires, you should generally expect to have (1) taxable dividend income equal to the fair market value (if any) of the subscription right on the date of its distribution by Sears Holdings and (2) a short-term capital loss upon the expiration of such right in an amount equal to your adjusted tax basis (if any) in such right. In general, capital losses are available to offset only capital gains and may not be used to offset dividend or other income (except, to the extent of up to $3,000 of capital loss per year, in the case of a non-corporate U.S. stockholder). Accordingly, if you receive a subscription right from Sears Holdings and take no action, you may owe tax and need to fund that tax with cash from other sources.

By illustration, if you receive subscription rights that have a value of $5,000 on the date they are distributed by Sears Holdings, you do not sell or exercise those rights before they expire and Sears Holdings does not cancel the rights offering, you should generally expect to have $5,000 of dividend income upon the receipt of the subscription rights and a $5,000 short-term capital loss upon the expiration of those rights.

You should discuss with your tax advisor the U.S. federal income tax consequences of receiving and neither selling nor exercising the subscription rights.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

 

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If you receive subscription rights and Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the right offering, you may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

You should discuss with your tax advisor the tax consequences of receiving subscription rights if Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering. There are limited authorities addressing the tax consequences that would apply to you in this circumstance. Certain of the authorities suggest that in this circumstance you may not have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of the subscription rights if you do not sell or otherwise dispose of the rights and if the receipt and cancellation occur in the same taxable year. However, the scope of those authorities is unclear and Sears Holdings (and any other applicable withholding agent) is likely to take the position, for information reporting and withholding purposes, that you have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of the subscription rights even if Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering. If withholding tax is withheld from you in this event, you should consult your tax advisor as to whether to seek a refund of such amount from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

If you have taxable dividend income upon the receipt of a subscription right even though Sears Holdings subsequently cancels the rights offering, you should generally expect to have a short-term capital loss upon the cancellation of the subscription right in an amount equal to your adjusted tax basis (if any) in such right.

For a detailed discussion, see “Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”

If the rights offering is not fully subscribed, ESL and other existing stockholders of Sears Holdings may increase their ownership in SHO.

ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of the common stock of Sears Holdings as of the date hereof, has advised Sears Holdings that it intends to exercise its subscription rights in full, subject to the successful completion of the separation transactions, though it has not entered into any agreement to do so. Assuming that the subscription rights are exercised in full by all holders of rights, following the completion of the rights offering, ESL will beneficially own at least 62% of the common shares of SHO. However, to the extent that the subscription rights are not exercised in full by all holders of rights, ESL may increase its percentage beneficial ownership of SHO through its exercise of the over-subscription privilege, through open market purchases of subscription rights or SHO common stock or otherwise. In addition, if the subscription rights are not exercised in full, other existing stockholders of Sears Holdings may increase their percentage ownership in SHO through participation in any over-subscription or otherwise. Your interests as a holder of SHO common stock may differ from the interests of ESL or other existing stockholders of Sears Holdings.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

There currently exists no market for our common stock. An active trading market may not develop for our common stock. If our share price fluctuates after the separation, you could lose all or a significant part of your investment.

There is currently no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol “SHOS,” and expect that trading will begin the first trading day after the completion of the separation. There can be no assurance that an active and liquid trading market for our common stock will develop as a result of the separation or be sustained in the future. The lack of an active market may make it more difficult for you to sell our shares and could lead to our share price being depressed or more volatile.

We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade after the rights offering. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate widely, depending on many factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:

 

   

our business profile and market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of some stockholders and, as a result, these stockholders may sell our shares after the separation;

 

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actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our business;

 

   

our ability to operate independently from Sears Holdings and control costs relating to being an independent company;

 

   

success or failure of our business strategy;

 

   

actual or anticipated changes in the U.S. economy or the retailing environment;

 

   

our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;

 

   

our ability to obtain third-party financing as needed;

 

   

announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions or dispositions;

 

   

the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock after the rights offering;

 

   

changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;

 

   

the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;

 

   

overall market fluctuations;

 

   

changes in laws and regulations affecting our business;

 

   

actual or anticipated sales or distributions of our capital stock by our officers, directors or certain significant stockholders;

 

   

terrorist acts or wars; and

 

   

general economic conditions and other external factors.

In addition, the stock market in general has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies like us. These broad market and industry factors may materially reduce the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance.

Our common stock may have a low trading volume and limited liquidity, resulting from a lack of analyst coverage and institutional interest.

Our common stock may receive limited attention from market analysts. Lack of up-to-date analyst coverage may make it difficult for potential investors to fully understand our operations and business fundamentals, which may limit our trading volume. Low trading volumes and lack of analyst coverage may limit your ability to resell your common stock.

Our common stock price may decline if ESL decides to sell a portion of its holdings of our common stock.

Assuming the rights offering is subscribed in full by all holders of subscription rights, we anticipate that immediately following the separation, ESL, which beneficially owns approximately 62% of Sears Holdings common stock as of the date hereof, will beneficially own at least 62% of our outstanding common stock. ESL will, in its sole discretion, determine the timing and terms of any transactions with respect to its shares in us, taking into account business and market conditions and other factors that it deems relevant. ESL is not subject to any contractual obligation to maintain its ownership position in us, although it may be subject to certain transfer restrictions imposed by securities law. Consequently, we cannot assure you that ESL will maintain its ownership interest in us. Any sale by ESL of our common stock or any announcement by ESL that it has decided to sell shares of our common stock, or the perception by the investment community that ESL has sold or decided to sell shares of our common stock, could have an adverse impact on the price of our common stock. For further description of transfer restrictions that may apply to our capital stock, see “Shares Eligible for Future Sale” in this prospectus.

 

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Substantial sales of our common stock may occur following the rights offering, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

It is possible that some stockholders, including our significant stockholders, will sell shares of our common stock if, for reasons such as our business profile or market capitalization as a company independent from Sears Holdings, we do not fit their investment objectives. Accordingly, certain Sears Holdings stockholders may elect or be required to sell our shares following the rights offering due to such stockholders’ own investment guidelines or other reasons. Sales of a substantial number of shares of common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through an offering of our equity securities.

ESL will have substantial control over us following the separation and, among other things, could delay or prevent a change in control and may have interests different than yours.

Assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full, as of the separation, we anticipate that ESL will beneficially own approximately 62% of our outstanding common stock, representing approximately 62% of the general voting power of our outstanding capital stock.

As a result of its stock ownership, as of the separation date, ESL is expected to have the ability to control the outcome of certain matters on which holders of our common stock vote together, including, among other things, approving mergers or other business combinations and effecting certain amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation. In addition, as of the separation date, ESL is expected to hold a majority of the stock that votes in the election of our directors. This concentration of ownership might harm the market price of our common stock by discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us. In addition, the interests of ESL may differ from or be opposed to the interests of our other stockholders. See “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in this prospectus for a more detailed description of the beneficial ownership of our capital stock by ESL following the separation.

Your percentage ownership in us may be diluted in the future.

Your percentage ownership in SHO may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that may be granted to our directors, officers and employees in the future. We may decide to establish equity incentive plans that will provide for the grant of common stock-based equity awards to our directors, officers and other employees. In addition, we may issue equity in order to raise capital or in connection with future acquisitions and strategic investments, which would dilute your percentage ownership.

We do not expect to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.

Other than an expected $100 million dividend to Sears Holdings to be paid prior to the separation, we do not expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future following the separation. We currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in our operations. As a result, you may not receive any return on an investment in our common stock in the form of cash dividends.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements made in this prospectus contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include information concerning our future financial performance, business strategy, plans, goals and objectives.

Statements preceded or followed by, or that otherwise include, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “project,” “estimates,” “plans,” “forecast,” “is likely to” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “may,” “would,” “should” and “could” are generally forward-looking in nature and not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

The following factors, among others, could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

our continued reliance on Sears Holdings for most products and services that are important to the successful operation of our business;

 

   

our continuing dependence on Sears Holdings subsequent to the separation, and our potential need to depend on Sears Holdings beyond the expiration of certain of our agreements with Sears Holdings;

 

   

our ability to offer merchandise and services that our customers want, including those under the Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brands;

 

   

our ability to successfully manage our inventory levels and implement initiatives to improve inventory management and other capabilities;

 

   

competitive conditions in the retail industry;

 

   

worldwide economic conditions and business uncertainty, the availability of consumer and commercial credit, changes in consumer confidence, tastes, preferences and spending, and changes in vendor relationships;

 

   

the inability of our historical financial statements to be indicative of our future performance, as a result of the separation from Sears Holdings and operating as a standalone public company;

 

   

the inability of our historical financial statements to be indicative of our future performance, as a result of the consolidation of the Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses into a single business entity;

 

   

the inability of our past performance generally, as reflected on our historical financial statements, to be indicative of our future performance;

 

   

the impact of increased costs due to a decrease in our purchasing power following the separation and other losses of benefits associated with being a subsidiary of Sears Holdings;

 

   

our agreements related to the rights offering and separation transactions and our continuing relationship with Sears Holdings were negotiated while we were a subsidiary of Sears Holdings and we may have received better terms from an unaffiliated third party;

 

   

limitations and restrictions in the agreements governing our indebtedness and our ability to service our indebtedness;

 

   

our ability to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms;

 

   

our dependence on existing dealers and franchisees to operate our stores profitably and in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards;

 

   

our dependence on sources outside the United States for significant amounts of our merchandise;

 

   

impairment charges for goodwill or fixed-asset impairment for long-lived assets;

 

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our ability to attract, motivate and retain key executives and other employees;

 

   

the impact of increased costs associated with being a public company;

 

   

our ability to maintain effective internal controls as a public company;

 

   

low trading volume of our common stock due to limited liquidity or a lack of analyst coverage; and

 

   

the impact on our common stock and our overall performance as a result of our principal stockholders’ ability to exert substantial control over us.

Certain of these and other factors are discussed in more detail in “Risk Factors” in this prospectus. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this prospectus. While we believe that our forecasts and assumptions are reasonable, we caution that actual results may differ materially. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may vary materially from what we projected. Consequently, actual events and results may vary significantly from those included in or contemplated or implied by our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date of this prospectus, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf, whether as a result of new information, future developments, subsequent events or circumstances or otherwise.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

All of the gross proceeds of the sale of SHO common stock upon exercise of the subscription rights, net of any selling expenses incurred by it, will be payable to and received by Sears Holdings. Consequently, SHO will not receive any proceeds from the exercise of the subscription rights, any sale of the subscription rights by any stockholder or the sale of SHO common stock by Sears Holdings.

Assuming the subscription rights are exercised in full, Sears Holdings expects to receive gross cash proceeds of approximately $         as a result of the sale of SHO’s common stock.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

In connection with the separation transactions we expect to enter into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility, or the “Senior ABL Facility,” which we expect will provide for aggregate maximum borrowings (subject to availability under a borrowing base) of up to $250 million. Prior to the separation, we expect to draw between $75 million and $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings. To the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

Other than as described above, we do not currently expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future following the separation. Instead, we intend to retain earnings to finance the growth and development of our business and for working capital and general corporate purposes. We expect the loan documents relating to our Senior ABL Facility to restrict our ability to make distributions with respect to and to repurchase our capital stock and the capital stock of certain of our subsidiaries. We expect the loan documents to contain customary exceptions, including the ability to make distributions with additional shares of common stock. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Uses and Sources of Liquidity.”

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents our capitalization as of April 28, 2012 on (1) an actual basis and (2) an unaudited pro forma basis as adjusted to give effect to the separation and the transactions related to the separation.

This table should also be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Condensed Combined Financial Statements and accompanying Notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

     As of April 28, 2012  
     (unaudited)  
thousands, except share data        Actual              Pro Forma      

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 679       $ 679   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long Term Debt

     

Capital Lease Obligations—Current portion

   $ 1,980       $ 1,980   

Capital Lease Obligations—Long-term

     1,460         1,460   

Senior ABL Facility (1)

     —           100,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3,440         103,440   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Divisional Equity

     540,539         440,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

     

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, no shares authorized, issued and outstanding, actual.          shares authorized, issued and outstanding, pro forma

     

Additional Paid in Capital

     —        
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     540,539         440,539   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Capitalization

   $ 543,979       $ 543,979   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) In connection with the separation transactions we expect to enter into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility, or the “Senior ABL Facility,” which we expect will provide for aggregate maximum borrowings (subject to availability under a borrowing base) of up to $250 million. Prior to the separation, we expect to draw between $75 million and $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings. To the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

 

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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The combined statements of income data set forth below for the fiscal years ended January 30, 2010, January 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012 and the combined balance sheet data as of January 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012 are derived from the audited Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The combined statements of income data for the fiscal years ended February 2, 2008 and January 31, 2009 and the combined balance sheet data as of February 2, 2008, January 31, 2009 and January 30, 2010 are derived from the unaudited Combined Financial Statements that are not included in this prospectus. The combined statements of income data set forth below for the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 and the combined balance sheet data as of April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 are derived from unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. All such historical financial and other data reflects the combined Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses of Sears Holdings and is referred to herein as “our” historical financial and other data.

The selected historical combined financial and other financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with our Combined Financial Statements and accompanying notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this prospectus. Our combined financial information may not be indicative of our future performance and does not necessarily reflect what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we operated as a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings during the periods presented, including changes that will occur in our operations and capitalization as a result of the separation from Sears Holdings.

 

    Fiscal Year     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands, except store data   2007     2008     2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Combined Statement of Income Data (1)

             

Net sales

  $ 2,297,340      $ 2,293,926      $ 2,329,925      $ 2,347,387      $ 2,344,199      $ 584,632      $ 621,078   

Net income

  $ 57,909      $ 30,272      $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   

Pro Forma data (unaudited)

             

Pro Forma earnings per share, basic and diluted (2)

          $          $     

Combined Balance Sheet Data

             

Total assets

  $ 594,004      $ 605,461      $ 629,415      $ 641,441      $ 651,838      $ 668,603      $ 670,211   

Long-term debt (3)

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Long-term capital lease obligations

  $ 9,987      $ 8,218      $ 6,209      $ 3,998      $ 1,937      $ 3,440      $ 1,460   

Other Financial and Operating Data

             

Adjusted EBITDA (4)

  $ 101,585      $ 57,735      $ 108,723      $ 93,864      $ 80,919      $ 15,072      $ 36,795   

Number of stores

    1,030        1,113        1,166        1,205        1,274        1,210        1,238   

Sears Outlet—Comparable Store Sales %

    (10.7 )%      (6.0 )%      1.3     (0.4 )%      8.7     2.7     5.4

Sears Hometown and Hardware—Comparable Store Sales %

    (0.3 )%      (6.3 )%      (5.9 )%      (3.7 )%      (6.1 )%      (6.6 )%      0.1

 

(1) Our fiscal year end is the Saturday closest to January 31 each year. Our fiscal first quarter end is the Saturday closest to April 30 each year.
(2) Pro forma earnings per share for the year ended January 28, 2012 and the 13 weeks ended April 28, 2012 are provided to show the pro forma effect of          shares of our common stock that will be outstanding following the separation.
(3) The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet data as of April 28, 2012 included elsewhere in this prospectus reflects the expected borrowing of $100 million pursuant to our expected $250 million revolving credit facility to fund a dividend to Sears Holdings.
(4) Adjusted EBITDA—In addition to our net income determined in accordance with GAAP, for purposes of evaluating operating performance, we use an Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is adjusted to exclude certain significant items as set forth below. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of our business, as well as executive compensation metrics, for comparable periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or other third parties as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions as it excludes a number of important cash and non-cash recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP measurements.

 

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While Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measurement, management believes that it is an important indicator of operating performance because:

 

   

EBITDA excludes the effects of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest and depreciation costs; and

 

   

Other significant items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and have a disproportionate effect in a given period, which affects comparability of results.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP measure for each of the periods indicated:

 

     Fiscal Year     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Net income

   $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   

Income tax expense

     39,037        32,492        21,727        4,927        13,454   

Other income

     (9     (207     (422     (63     (226

Interest expense

     588        421        913        439        669   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     99,731        82,462        55,274        12,718        34,490   

Depreciation

     8,992        11,402        9,774        2,354        2,305   

Store closing charges and severance costs (1)

     —          —          15,871        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 108,723      $ 93,864      $ 80,919      $ 15,072      $ 36,795   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) See Note 7 to our Combined Financial Statements included herein.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements and notes, reflecting the combined Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses of Sears Holdings and is referred to herein as “our” financial condition and results of operations, contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that reflect our plans, estimates and beliefs. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include those factors discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly in “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements.”

Executive Overview

We are a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, hardware, tools and lawn and garden equipment. As of April 28, 2012, we and our dealers and franchisees operated 1,238 stores across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda.

In addition to merchandise we provide to our customers, we provide our customers with access to a full suite of services, including home delivery and handling and extended service contracts.

We operate through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment. Our Sears Hometown and Hardware stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to a wide selection of national brands of home appliances, tools, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, consumer electronics and household goods, depending on the particular store. Our Sears Outlet stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to purchase new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products across a broad assortment of merchandise categories, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools, and at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

As of April 28, 2012, the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment consists of 1,116 stores as follows:

 

   

944 Sears Hometown Stores—Primarily independently owned stores, predominantly located in smaller communities and offering appliances, consumer electronics, lawn and garden equipment, and hardware. Most of our Sears Hometown Stores carry proprietary Sears brand products, such as Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard, as well as a wide assortment of other national brands.

 

   

96 Sears Hardware Stores—Neighborhood hardware stores that carry Craftsman brand tools and lawn and garden equipment, DieHard brand batteries and a wide assortment of other national brands and other home improvement products. 93 of these locations also offer a selection of Kenmore and other national brands of home appliances.

 

   

76 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms—Innovative stores that have a simple, primarily appliance showroom design that are strategically positioned in metropolitan areas.

As of April 28, 2012, our Hometown and Hardware stores and Home Appliance Showroom operate through 945 independently owned and dealer-operated stores, 86 independently owned and franchisee-operated stores and 85 Company-operated stores. The business model and economic structure of the independently owned and dealer-operated stores, independently owned and franchisee-operated stores and Company-owned stores are substantially similar. The Company requires all of the stores to operate according to the Company’s standards. Stores must display the required merchandise, offer all required products and services and use the Company’s point of sale system. Also, the Company has the right to approve advertising, promotional and marketing materials and imposes certain advertising requirements on the owners. The Company establishes selling prices of the merchandise and establishes a common commission structure for independently owned stores. Because the merchandise is procured and owned by the Company, we maintain general inventory risk before the completion

 

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of the customer purchase, and upon return by the customer, if any. In addition, because each transaction is rung on the Company’s point of sale system, we maintain the credit risk. Store owners are paid a commission for the merchandise they sell and the services they provide.

Independent owners predominately exercise control over the day-to-day operations of the store, including supervising management and employees and making capital decisions.

The primary difference between independently owned stores and Company-owned stores is that the Company is responsible for occupancy and payroll costs associated with Company-owned stores. Independently owned store owners are responsible for the occupancy costs in their stores and the payroll of their employees.

As of April 28, 2012, the Sears Outlet segment consists of 122 Sears Outlet stores. These locations offer new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

Of the 1,238 stores (as of April 28, 2012), we closed five Sears Hometown Stores (net of new store openings), eight Sears Hardware Stores and one Sears Outlet Store since the first quarter of 2012 and intend to close one Sears Hardware Store in the second half of 2012.

Impacts from Our Separation from Sears Holdings

Our business currently consists of the Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses. Sears Holdings has determined to separate SHO by distributing, at no cost, rights to purchase all of our common stock to the stockholders of Sears Holdings. Assuming the rights offering is subscribed in full, immediately following completion of the rights offering, Sears Holdings stockholders will own 100% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. We expect that ESL will beneficially own at least 62% of our outstanding common stock following completion of the rights offering. After completion of the rights offering, we will operate as a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings, which will have a range of impacts on our operations:

General Administrative and Separation Costs. Historically, we have used the corporate functions of Sears Holdings for a variety of services including treasury, accounting, tax, legal, and other shared services, which include the costs of payroll, employee benefits and other payroll related costs. Sears Holdings also contributes to other corporate functions such as senior management and centrally managed employee benefit arrangements. We were allocated $19.6 million in 2011, which includes $5.3 million allocated in the first quarter of 2011, $18.6 million in 2010 and $18.7 million in 2009 of shared services costs incurred by Sears Holdings. We were also allocated $3.9 million of shared services costs incurred by Sears Holdings in the first quarter of 2012. We believe that the assumptions and methodologies underlying the allocation of these expenses from Sears Holdings are reasonable. However, such expenses may not be indicative of the actual level of expense that would have been or will be incurred by us when we operate as a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings. We expect to enter into agreements with Sears Holdings for the continuation of certain of these services. We believe that the existing arrangements, as reflected in the historical financial statements contained herein, are not materially different from the arrangements that will be entered into as part of the separation.

We will also incur increased costs as a result of becoming a publicly traded company independent from Sears Holdings. As an independent public company, we expect to incur incremental costs to support our businesses, including management personnel, legal, finance, and human resources as well as certain costs associated with being a public company. These additional annual operating charges are estimated to be approximately $8.0 million to $9.0 million. We believe cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund these additional corporate expenses.

In addition, we estimate one-time information technology costs related to the separation to be approximately $6.0 million to $7.0 million. These one-time costs include the segregation of Company data contained within information technology systems of Sears Holdings and the application of security requirements to

 

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protect the segregated data and give employees of the Company secured access to the Company data within Sears Holdings’ information technology systems. A portion of these expenditures may be capitalized and amortized over their useful lives and others will be expensed as incurred, depending on their nature.

Fiscal Year

Our fiscal year end is the Saturday closest to January 31 each year. Fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 all consisted of 52 weeks. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this prospectus relate to fiscal years rather than to calendar years. The following fiscal periods are presented herein:

 

Fiscal year

   Ended    Weeks

2009

   January 30, 2010    52

2010

   January 29, 2011    52

2011

   January 28, 2012    52

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth items derived from our combined results of operations for 2009, 2010 and 2011, and the 13 weeks ended April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012.

 

     Fiscal     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 
              

NET SALES

   $ 2,329,925      $ 2,347,387      $ 2,344,199      $ 584,632      $ 621,078   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COSTS AND EXPENSES

          

Cost of sales and occupancy

     1,794,453        1,811,227        1,820,516        459,262        462,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin dollars

     535,472        536,160        523,683        125,370        158,699   

Margin rate

     23.0     22.8     22.3     21.4     25.6

Selling and administrative

     426,749        442,296        458,635        110,298        121,904   

Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales

     18.3     18.8     19.6     18.9     19.6

Depreciation

     8,992        11,402        9,774        2,354        2,305   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     2,230,194        2,264,925        2,288,925        571,914        586,588   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     99,731        82,462        55,274        12,718        34,490   

Interest expense

     (588     (421     (913     (439     (669

Other income

     9        207        422        63        226   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

     99,152        82,248        54,783        12,342        34,047   

Income tax expense

     (39,037     (32,492     (21,727     (4,927     (13,454
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME

   $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

References to comparable store sales amounts within the following discussion include sales for all stores operating for a period of at least 12 full months, including remodeled and expanded stores, but excluding store relocations and stores that have undergone format changes. Comparable store sales amounts have also been adjusted for the change in the unshipped sales reserves recorded at the end of each reporting period.

In addition to our net income determined in accordance with GAAP, for purposes of evaluating operating performance, we use an Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization, or “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is adjusted to exclude certain significant items as set forth below. Our management uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of our business, as well as executive compensation metrics, for comparable periods. Adjusted EBITDA should not be used by investors or other third parties as the sole basis for formulating investment decisions as it excludes a number of important cash and non-cash recurring items. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP measurements.

 

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While Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measurement, management believes that it is an important indicator of operating performance because:

 

   

EBITDA excludes the effects of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest and depreciation costs; and

 

   

Other significant items, while periodically affecting our results, may vary significantly from period to period and have a disproportionate effect in a given period, which affects comparability of results.

The following table presents a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most comparable GAAP measure for each of the periods indicated:

 

     Fiscal     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Net income

   $ 60,115      $ 49,756      $ 33,056      $ 7,415      $ 20,593   

Income tax expense

     39,037        32,492        21,727        4,927        13,454   

Other income

     (9     (207     (422     (63     (226

Interest expense

     588        421        913        439        669   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     99,731        82,462        55,274        12,718        34,490   

Depreciation

     8,992        11,402        9,774        2,354        2,305   

Store closing charges and severance costs (1)

     —          —          15,871        —          —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 108,723      $ 93,864      $ 80,919      $ 15,072      $ 36,795   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

  (1) See Note 7 to our Combined Financial Statements included herein.

13 Week Period ended April 28, 2012 Compared to the 13 Week Period Ended April 30, 2011

Net Sales

Net sales in the first quarter of 2012 increased $36.4 million, or 6.2%, to $621.1 million from the first quarter of 2011. Net sales increased as a result of new store openings, as well as an increase in comparable store sales of 1.2%. The increase in comparable store sales in 2012 was primarily driven by increases in the home appliances, lawn and garden, tools and paint, mattresses and apparel categories.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $158.7 million, or 25.6% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $125.4 million, or 21.4% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2011. The 420 basis point increase in gross margin rate was primarily driven by a decrease in clearance markdowns due to improved inventory productivity and improved delivery margins due to eliminating free delivery offers to customers in the first quarter of 2012. In addition, occupancy expense decreased in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior year quarter due to the increase in the number of franchised store locations. This decrease in occupancy expense was offset by increased selling and administrative expenses due to the increase in commissions paid as noted below. The total increase in gross margin dollars of $33.3 million was due to the increase in net sales as well as the increase in gross margin rate.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased to $121.9 million, or 19.6% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2012 from $110.3 million, or 18.9% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. The increase was primarily due to increases in commissions paid to dealers and franchisees due to increased sales, overall sales growth and a higher number of stores.

 

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Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $34.5 million in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to operating income of $12.7 million in the prior year quarter. The $21.8 million increase in operating income was driven by overall improvements in net sales and gross margin rate, partially offset by an increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense of $13.5 million and $4.9 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively. The effective tax rate was 39.5% and 39.9% in the first quarter of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Net Income

We recorded net income of $20.6 million for the first quarter of 2012 as compared to $7.4 million for the prior year quarter. The increase in net income was attributable to the factors discussed above.

2011 Compared to 2010

Net Sales

Net sales in 2011 were $2.3 billion, consistent with 2010. Net sales increased as a result of new store openings, but were offset by a decrease in comparable stores sales of 3.4%. The decline in comparable store sales for 2011 was driven by lower sales in the home appliance and lawn and garden categories.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $524 million, or 22.3% of net sales, in 2011, as compared to $536 million, or 22.8% of net sales, in 2010. The total decline in gross margin dollars of $12 million included a charge of $12.1 million related to store closures recorded in 2011.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $16.3 million in 2011 to $459 million, or 19.6% of net sales, from $442 million, or 18.8% of net sales, in 2010. Selling and administrative expense for 2011 increased primarily due to sales growth, a higher number of Sears Outlet Stores, investments in marketing to increase awareness of our Outlet Stores and $3.8 million for store closing and severance costs.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $55.3 million in 2011 as compared to operating income of $82.5 million in 2010. Operating income for 2011 included total charges of $16.1 million related to store closures. The remaining decline in operating income of $11.1 million was due to the increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense of $21.7 million and $32.5 million was recorded in 2011 and 2010, respectively. The effective tax rate was 39.7% and 39.5% in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Net Income

We recorded net income of $33.1 million for 2011 as compared to $49.8 million for 2010. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors discussed above.

 

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2010 Compared to 2009

Net Sales

For 2010, net sales were $2.3 billion, consistent with 2009. The slight increase in net sales was primarily due to sales from new store openings, partially offset by a decline in comparable store sales of 3.2%. The decline in comparable store sales for 2010 was driven by decreases in the consumer electronics and tools categories, which were partially offset by increased home appliance sales due to government-sponsored stimulus programs.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $536 million, or 22.8% of net sales, in 2010, as compared to $535 million, or 23.0% of net sales, in 2009. The decrease of 20 basis points in gross margin rate was primarily due to higher promotion expenses related to appliance sales in Sears Hometown and Hardware, partially offset by higher margins from growth in Sears Outlet apparel sales.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $15.5 million in 2010 to $442 million, or 18.8% of net sales, from $427 million, or 18.3% of net sales, in 2009. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to higher volume, new stores and increased commission expense related to the conversion of company-operated stores to franchises.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $82.5 million in 2010 as compared to operating income of $99.7 million in 2009. The decline in operating income was predominately due to the above-noted increase in selling and administrative expenses.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense of $32.5 million and $39.0 million was recorded in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The effective tax rate was 39.5% and 39.4% in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Net Income

We recorded net income of $49.8 million for 2010 as compared to $60.1 million for 2009. The decrease in net income was attributable to the factors discussed above.

 

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Business Segment Results

Sears Hometown and Hardware

Sears Hometown and Hardware results and key statistics were as follows:

 

     Fiscal Year     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands, except for number of stores    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Net sales

   $ 1,934,837      $ 1,915,216      $ 1,838,797      $ 462,851      $ 479,857   

Comparable store sales %

     (5.9 )%      (3.7 )%      (6.1 )%      (6.6 )%      0.1

Cost of sales and occupancy

     1,513,484        1,508,840        1,463,636        373,954        362,586   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin dollars

     421,353        406,376        375,161        88,897        117,271   

Margin rate

     21.8     21.2     20.4     19.2     24.4

Selling and administrative

     351,415        358,241        356,351        87,785        96,414   

Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales

     18.2     18.7     19.4     19.0     20.1

Depreciation

     4,673        4,766        4,083        1,006        835   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     1,869,572        1,871,847        1,824,070        462,745        459,835   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 65,265      $ 43,369      $ 14,727      $ 106      $ 20,022   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sears Hometown and Hardware stores

     1,073        1,103        1,158        1,106        1,116   

13 Week Period ended April 28, 2012 Compared to the 13 Week Period Ended April 30, 2011—Sears Hometown and Hardware

Net Sales

Sears Hometown and Hardware net sales increased $17.0 million, or 3.7%, to $479.9 million in the first quarter of 2012 from $462.9 million in the first quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily due to new store openings as well as a 0.1% increase in comparable store sales. Since the first quarter of 2011, we opened 35 new Sears Hometown Stores and 45 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, which resulted in an increase in net sales of approximately $19.9 million. In addition, 48 Sears Hometown Stores were closed throughout the first quarter of 2012, which did not have a material impact on the year over year net sales variance. The slight increase in comparable store sales for 2012 was driven by sales increases in the lawn and garden and tools and paint categories, which were offset by declines in consumer electronics and floorcare. The increase in lawn and garden sales was primarily a result of the unseasonable warmer weather across the country in March 2012 which generated sales earlier in the spring selling season while the increase in tools and paint sales was driven by an increase in advertising for this category. The decrease in consumer electronics sales from the prior year quarter was a result of the product category being removed from the assortment in a select number of our stores during the quarter and replaced with more profitable merchandise offerings. The decrease in floorcare sales was a result of lower inventory levels only experienced in the first quarter of 2012.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $117.3 million, or 24.4% of net sales in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $88.9 million, or 19.2% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. The 520 basis point improvement in gross margin rate over the prior year quarter was driven by a decrease in clearance markdowns resulting from improved inventory productivity as well as improved delivery margins due to eliminating free delivery offers to customers in the first quarter of 2012. In addition, occupancy expense decreased in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior year quarter due to the increase in the number of franchised store locations. This decrease in occupancy

 

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expense was offset by increased selling and administrative expenses due to the increase in commissions paid as noted below. The total increase in gross margin dollars of $28.4 million was driven by the above-noted sales increase and improvement in gross margin rate.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased to $96.4 million, or 20.1% of net sales, in the first quarter of 2012 from $87.8 million, or 19.0% of net sales, in the prior year quarter. Selling and administrative expense for 2012 increased due to an increase in commissions paid to dealers and franchisees as a result of the increase in net sales.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $20.0 million in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to operating income of $0.1 million in the prior year quarter. The overall increase in operating income of $19.9 million was driven by the above noted increases in net sales and gross margin rate.

2011 Compared to 2010—Sears Hometown and Hardware

Net Sales

Sears Hometown and Hardware net sales decreased $76.4 million, or 4.0%, to $1.8 billion in 2011 from $1.9 billion in 2010. The decrease was primarily due to a 6.1% decline in comparable store sales which was partially offset by an increase in net sales due to new store openings. The decline in comparable store sales for 2011 was driven by a decline in home appliance comparable store sales which resulted from the government-sponsored appliance stimulus programs in 2010. During 2010, as part of the economic recovery measures, the U.S Federal Government distributed approximately $300 million to various states and territories for use in providing rebates to consumers who purchased new energy efficient home appliances. This program benefited the Company in 2010, but was not repeated in 2011. In addition, lawn and garden sales declined primarily due to weather-related conditions in the southwest region of the country, which experienced a significant drought and reduced demand for such items. We opened 34 new Sears Hometown stores and 42 Sears Home Appliance Showrooms which resulted in an increase of approximately $22.5 million in net sales.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $375 million, or 20.4% of net sales in 2011, as compared to $406 million, or 21.2% of net sales in 2010. The total decline in gross margin dollars of $31.2 million was primarily driven by the above-noted sales decline along with charges of $12.1 million related to store closures and $11.7 million of expenses related to the Shop Your Way Rewards program. In 2011, we made the decision to close 84 underperforming stores and recorded a charge of $12.2 million. See Note 7 in Notes to Combined Financial Statements for additional details. We did not make any such decisions in 2010 and as such we did not record any charges in 2010. Sears Holdings was in its initial launch of the Shop Your Way Rewards program in 2010. In 2011, after the initial launch, each business of Sears Holdings was charged for expenses related to members’ purchases in their stores.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased to $356 million in 2011 from $358 million in 2010. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased to 19.4% of net sales in 2011 from 18.7% of net sales in 2010 primarily due to the decrease in sales. Selling and administrative expense for 2011 included charges of $3.8 million for store closing and severance costs.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $14.7 million in 2011 as compared to operating income of $43.4 million in 2010. Operating income for 2011 included total charges of $16.1 million related to store closures. The overall decline in operating income of $28.6 million was due to the decline in gross margin dollars and rate.

 

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2010 Compared to 2009—Sears Hometown and Hardware

Net Sales

Sears Hometown and Hardware net sales were $1.9 billion in both 2010 and 2009. Comparable store sales declined 3.7%, but were offset by sales from new store openings. The decline in comparable store sales for 2010 was driven by the continued price compression of the consumer electronics business and a decline in the tools category, partially offset by an increase in home appliance sales as a result of the government-sponsored appliance stimulus programs.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $406 million, or 21.2% of net sales, in 2010, as compared to $421 million, or 21.8% of net sales, in 2009. The decrease of 60 basis points in gross margin rate was primarily due to higher promotional activity in the home appliance category given the macroeconomic challenges in stimulating demand, as well as increased clearance markdowns associated with a higher than average transition to new home appliance products.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased to $358 million, or 18.7% of net sales in 2010 from $351 million, or 18.2% of net sales in 2009. The increase was primarily due to higher commission expense related to the conversion of company operated stores to franchises. In addition, selling and administrative expenses were impacted by the addition of new stores, which generate expenses on a lower starting sales base as compared to mature stores.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $43.4 million in 2010 as compared to $65.3 million in 2009. The decrease in operating income was attributable to the factors discussed above.

Sears Outlet

Sears Outlet results and key statistics were as follows:

 

     Fiscal     13 Weeks Ended  
thousands, except for number of stores    2009     2010     2011     April 30,
2011
    April 28,
2012
 

Net sales

   $ 395,088      $ 432,171      $ 505,402      $ 121,781      $ 141,221   

Comparable store sales %

     1.3     (0.4 )%      8.7     2.7     5.4

Cost of sales and occupancy

     280,969        302,387        356,880        85,308        99,793   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Gross margin dollars

     114,119        129,784        148,522        36,473        41,428   

Margin rate

     28.9     30.0     29.4     29.9     29.3

Selling and administrative

     75,334        84,055        102,284        22,513        25,490   

Selling and administrative expense as a percentage of net sales

     19.1     19.4     20.2     18.5     18.0

Depreciation

     4,319        6,636        5,691        1,348        1,470   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

     360,622        393,078        464,855        109,169        126,753   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 34,466      $ 39,093      $ 40,547      $ 12,612      $ 14,468   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Sears Outlet stores

     93        102        116        104        122   

 

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13 Week Period ended April 28, 2012 Compared to the 13 Week Period Ended April 30, 2011—Sears Outlet

Net Sales

Sears Outlet net sales increased $19.4 million, or 16.0%, to $141.2 million in the first quarter of 2012 from $121.8 million in the first quarter of 2011. The increase was primarily due to new store openings as well as a 5.4% increase in comparable store sales. Since the first quarter of 2011, we opened 21 new Sears Outlet stores which resulted in an increase in net sales of approximately $12.3 million. The increase in comparable store sales for 2012 was driven by sales increases in the home appliances, mattresses, apparel and tools categories. Increases in these categories were driven by improved inventory levels in home appliances, assortment expansion in both the mattresses and tools categories, and an increase in the number of stores that carry apparel.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $41.4 million, or 29.3% of net sales in the first quarter of 2012, as compared to $36.5 million, or 29.9% of net sales in the prior year quarter. Margin rate decreased 60 basis points in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to lower receipts of higher margin “sold as-is” home appliances partially offset by a higher balance of sales in higher margin categories such as apparel and mattresses. Total gross margin dollars increased $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2012 to $41.4 million due to the increase in net sales being offset by the above-noted decline in gross margin rate.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased to $25.5 million in the first quarter of 2012 from $22.5 million in the prior year quarter due to sales growth and a higher number of Sears Outlet stores. Selling and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 18.0% of net sales in the first quarter of 2012 from 18.5% of net sales in the first quarter of 2011 primarily due to the above-noted increases in expenses being offset by the increase in sales.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $14.5 million in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to operating income of $12.6 million in the prior year quarter. The increase in operating income of $1.9 million was driven by the increase in net sales which was offset by the above-noted decrease in gross margin rate and increase in selling and administrative expenses.

2011 Compared to 2010—Sears Outlet

Net sales

Sears Outlet net sales increased $73 million, or 16.9%, to $505 million in 2011 from net sales of $432 million in 2010. The increase was primarily due to an increase in comparable store sales of 8.7% as well as an increase in net sales due to new store openings. The increase in comparable store sales in 2011 was driven primarily by increases in the home appliance, lawn and garden, apparel and mattress categories. Increases in these categories were driven by improved functionality of Searsoutlet.com, assortment changes, such as the purchase of patio furniture and grills, increased inventory in certain categories like tractors and an increase in the number of stores that carry apparel. Unlike the Sears Hometown and Hardware stores, the government-sponsored appliance stimulus program did not have a significant impact on Sears Outlet because the program was applicable to new energy-efficient home appliances, which is only a small portion of the home appliance offering at Sears Outlet. In addition. the weather-related conditions in the southwest region of the country had a disproportionately higher impact on Sears Hometown and Hardware stores due to the significantly higher store base, store locations and mix of lawn and garden product. We opened 17 new Sears Outlet stores which resulted in an increase of approximately $23.2 million in net sales.

 

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Gross Margin

Sears Outlet gross margin was $148.5 million, or 29.4% of net sales in 2011, as compared to $129.8 million, or 30.0% of net sales, in 2010. The decrease of 60 basis points in gross margin rate was primarily due to expenses related to the Shop Your Way Rewards program. Sears Holdings was in its initial launch of the Shop Your Way Rewards program in 2010. In 2011, after the initial launch, each business of Sears Holdings was charged for expenses related to members’ purchases in their stores. Gross margin rates for Sears Outlet are generally higher than those for Sears Hometown and Hardware due to the lower cost of product acquisition for the outlet-value products market.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $18.2 million in 2011 to $102.3 million, or 20.2% of net sales, from $84.1 million, or 19.4% of net sales, in 2010. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to sales growth, a higher number of Sears Outlet stores and additional investments in marketing to increase awareness of our Sears Outlet stores.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $40.5 million in 2011, as compared to $39.1 million in 2010, due to increases in net sales being partially offset by a decline in gross margin rate as well as an increase in selling and administrative expenses.

2010 Compared to 2009—Sears Outlet

Net Sales

Sears Outlet net sales in 2010 increased $37.1 million or 9.4% to $432 million, as compared to net sales of $395 million in 2009. The increase in net sales was primarily due to an increase in sales from new store openings, partially offset by a decrease in comparable store sales. The decline in comparable store sales in 2010 was driven primarily by a decline in home appliances.

Gross Margin

Gross margin was $129.8 million, or 30.0% of net sales, in 2010, as compared to $114.1 million, or 28.9% of net sales, in 2009. The increase of $15.7 million in gross margin dollars was primarily due to the overall increase in net sales as well as the 110 basis point increase in gross margin rate which was attributable to growth in the higher margin apparel category.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $8.7 million in 2010 to $84.1 million, or 19.4% of net sales, from $75.3 million, or 19.1% of net sales, in 2009. The increase in selling and administrative expenses was primarily due to sales growth, an increase in the number of Sears Outlet stores and a higher store payroll rate.

Operating Income

We recorded operating income of $39.1 million in 2010 compared to $34.5 million in 2009. The increase in operating income was primarily attributable to the factors discussed above.

Analysis of Financial Condition

Cash Balances

Our cash and cash equivalents balances at January 29, 2011 and January 28, 2012 were $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Our cash balances as of April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 were $0.8 million and $0.7 million respectively.

 

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For fiscal year 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, we financed our operations and investments primarily with cash generated from operations. Our primary need for liquidity is to fund inventory purchases and capital expenditures and for general corporate purposes.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the first quarter of 2012, we financed our operations and investments primarily with cash generated from operations. Cash provided by operating activities was $20.6 million in the first quarter of 2012 as compared to cash used in operating activities of $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2011. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in the first quarter of 2012 was primarily driven by the increase in net income.

Merchandise inventories were $418.4 million at April 30, 2011 and $405.9 million at April 28, 2012. Merchandise inventories for Sears Hometown and Hardware stores decreased from $347.1 million at April 30, 2011 to $331.3 million at April 28, 2012 primarily due to improved inventory productivity. Merchandise inventories for Sears Outlet stores increased from $71.3 million at April 30, 2011 to $74.6 million at April 28, 2012 primarily due to store growth.

For 2011, we financed our operations and investments primarily with cash generated from operations. Cash provided by operating activities was $38.5 million in 2011 as compared to $49.0 million in 2010 and $14.1 million in 2009.

Merchandise inventories were $394.6 million at January 29, 2011 and $393.7 million at January 28, 2012. Merchandise inventories for Sears Hometown and Hardware stores decreased from $319.7 million at January 29, 2011 to $307.8 million primarily due to improved inventory productivity. Merchandise inventories for Sears Outlet stores increased from $74.9 million to $85.9 million primarily due to store growth.

We obtain our merchandise through agreements with Sears Holdings or through vendors. In 2011, merchandise acquired from subsidiaries of Sears Holdings, including Kenmore, Craftsman, DieHard and other products, accounted for approximately 90% of total purchases of all inventory from all vendors. The loss of or a reduction in the amount of merchandise made available to us by Sears Holdings could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

In addition, our vendor arrangements generally are not long-term agreements (other than the Merchandising Agreement) and none of them guarantee the availability of merchandise in the future. Our growth strategy depends to a significant extent on the willingness and ability of our vendors to supply us with sufficient inventory. As a result, our success depends on maintaining good relations with our existing vendors and developing relationships with new vendors. If we fail to strengthen our relations with our existing vendors or to enhance the quality of merchandise they supply us, or if we cannot maintain or acquire new vendors of favored brand name merchandise, our ability to obtain a sufficient amount and variety of merchandise at acceptable prices may be limited, which would have a negative impact on our competitive position. In addition, we may not be able to develop relationships with new vendors, and products from alternative sources, if any, may be of a lesser quality and more expensive than those we currently purchase.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities was $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to $1.5 million for the first quarter of 2011. Cash used in investing activities in both quarters was for purchases of property and equipment.

Cash used in investing activities was $10.0 million for 2011, $5.8 million for 2010 and $6.1 million for 2009. Cash used in investing activities in all three years was for purchases of property and equipment.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities was $18.6 million for the first quarter of 2012 compared to cash provided by financing activities of $11.4 million for the first quarter of 2011. The increase of $30.0 million in cash used in financing activities in 2012 from 2011 was due to the increase in repayments to Sears Holdings.

 

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Cash used in financing activities was $28.6 million for 2011, $43.0 million for 2010 and $7.9 million for 2009. The decrease of $14.4 million in cash used in financing activities in 2011 from 2010 was due to the reduction of repayments to Sears Holdings. The increase of $35.1 million in cash used in financing activities in 2010 from 2009 was due to the increased repayments to Sears Holdings.

Financing Arrangements

In connection with the separation, we expect to enter into an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility, or the “Senior ABL Facility,” with a group of financial institutions. The Senior ABL Facility is expected to provide (subject to availability under a borrowing base) for aggregate maximum borrowings of up to $250 million. Up to $75 million of the revolving credit facility is expected to be available for the issuance of letters of credit and up to $25 million is expected to be available for swingline loans.

As of the date of the separation, we expect to have up to $100 million outstanding under the Senior ABL Facility which will be used to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings immediately prior to the separation. The Senior ABL Facility is also expected to allow revolving commitment increases in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million. To the extent that we are unable to obtain sufficient availability under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a $100 million cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we also expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend (the “SHC Note”) in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million.

The anticipated principal terms of the Senior ABL Facility and SHC Note are summarized below.

Senior ABL Facility

Maturity; Amortization and Prepayments

The Senior ABL Facility is expected to mature on the earlier of (i) the five year anniversary of the closing date of the credit facility and (ii) six months prior to the expiration of the Services Agreement or certain other material contracts entered into with Sears Holdings or its subsidiaries in connection with the separation, unless such agreements are extended to a date later than that set forth in clause (i) or terminated on a basis reasonably satisfactory to the administrative agent under the Senior ABL Facility.

The Senior ABL Facility is expected to be subject to mandatory prepayment in amounts equal to the amount by which the outstanding extensions of credit exceed the lesser of the borrowing base and the commitments then in effect.

Guarantees; Security

The obligations under the Senior ABL Facility are expected to be guaranteed by us and each of our existing and future direct and indirect wholly owned domestic subsidiaries (subject to certain exceptions). The Senior ABL Facility and the guarantees thereunder are expected to be secured by a first priority security interest in certain assets of the borrowers and guarantors consisting primarily of accounts receivable, inventory, cash, cash equivalents, deposit accounts and securities accounts, as well as certain other assets (other than intellectual property) ancillary to any of the foregoing and all proceeds of any of the foregoing, including cash proceeds and the proceeds of applicable insurance.

Interest; Fees

The interest rates per annum applicable to the loans under the Senior ABL Facility are expected to be based on a fluctuating rate of interest measured by reference to, at the borrowers’ election, either (1) an adjusted London inter-bank offered rate (LIBOR) plus a borrowing margin or (2) an alternate base rate plus a borrowing margin, with the borrowing margin subject to adjustment based on the average excess availability under the facility for the preceding fiscal quarter.

 

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Customary fees are expected to be payable in respect of the Senior ABL Facility, including letter of credit fees and commitment fees.

Covenants

The Senior ABL Facility is expected to include a number of covenants that, among other things, would limit or restrict our ability and the ability of the borrowers and the other guarantors to, subject to certain exceptions, incur additional indebtedness (including guarantees), grant liens, make investments, make dividends or distributions with respect to our capital stock (other than the up to $100 million dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation), make prepayments on other indebtedness, engage in mergers or change the nature of our or their business. In addition, after the first anniversary of the closing date of the Senior ABL Facility, upon excess availability falling below a certain level, we expect to be required to comply with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.

The Senior ABL Facility is also expected to contain certain affirmative covenants, including financial and other reporting requirements.

Events of Default

The Senior ABL Facility is expected to include customary events of default including non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of covenants, inaccuracy of representations or warranties, cross default to certain other material indebtedness, bankruptcy and insolvency events, invalidity or impairment of guarantees or security interests, material judgments and change of control.

SHC Note

To the extent that we are unable to obtain sufficient availability under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a $100 million dividend to Sears Holdings immediately prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. If the SHC Note is issued, we expect it to mature no earlier than 91 days following the maturity date of the Senior ABL Facility and to permit prepayments at any time. We expect the SHC Note will accrue interest at a              per annum rate equal to              and we expect the SHC Note to rank junior in right of payment to all our existing and future senior indebtedness, including the Senior ABL Facility. We expect that the final terms of the SHC Note will need to be reasonably acceptable to the administrative agent under the Senior ABL Facility.

To the extent we have sufficient availability under the Senior ABL Facility, and meet any conditions precedent that may be contained in the Senior ABL Facility to making payments on the SHC Note, we currently expect to prepay the SHC Note in full prior to the maturity date of the SHC Note.

Uses and Sources of Liquidity

We believe that our existing cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from our operating activities and, to the extent necessary, from availability under the Senior ABL Facility will be sufficient to meet our anticipated liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. As of April 28, 2012, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.7 million. As a result, we expect to fund our ongoing operations through cash generated by operating activities and availability under the expected Senior ABL Facility. The adequacy of our available funds will depend on many factors, including the macroeconomic environment and the operating performance of our stores.

Capital lease obligations as of January 29, 2011 and, January 28, 2012 were $6.2 million and $4.0 million, respectively. Capital lease obligations as of April 30, 2011 and April 28, 2012 were $5.7 million and $3.4 million, respectively.

As of the date of this prospectus, Sears Holdings’ domestic credit facility is (1) secured, in part, by a first lien on the inventory and credit card receivables directly or indirectly owned by SHO and the subsidiaries of

 

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Sears Holdings that will become wholly owned subsidiaries of SHO prior to the completion of the separation and (2) guaranteed by SHO and the entities that will become wholly owned subsidiaries of SHO prior to the separation. Prior to the completion of the separation, this lien and these guarantee obligations will be released.

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Information concerning our obligations and commitments to make future payments under contract such as debt and lease agreements and under contingent commitments as of January 28, 2012 is as aggregated in the following table:

 

thousands    Total      Within
1 Year
     1-3
Years
     4-5
Years
     After 5
Years
 

Long-term Debt (1)

   $ 100,000       $ —         $ —         $ —         $ 100,000   

Capital leases

     3,998         2,061         1,937         —           —     

Operating leases

     202,662         52,653         66,634         33,922         49,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Contractual Obligations

   $ 306,660       $ 54,714       $ 68,571       $ 33,922       $ 149,453   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Reflects the expected up to $100 million draw on the Senior ABL Facility which we expect to enter into prior to the separation.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing the financial statements, certain accounting policies require considerable judgment to select the appropriate assumptions to calculate financial estimates. These estimates are complex and subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. We base our estimates on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, evaluation of trends and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. We continually evaluate the information used to make these estimates as our business and the economic environment change. Although the use of estimates is pervasive throughout the financial statements, we consider an accounting estimate to be critical if:

 

   

it requires assumptions to be made about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the estimate was made, and

 

   

changes in the estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period or different estimates that could have been selected would have a material effect on our financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.

We believe that the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in the financial statements are appropriate. However, if actual experience differs from the assumptions and the considerations used in estimating amounts, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on our combined results of operations, and in certain situations, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

The following is a summary of our most critical policies and estimates. See Note 2 of the Notes to the Combined Financial Statements for a listing of our other significant accounting policies.

Valuation of Inventory

Our inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market determined primarily using the retail inventory method, or “RIM.” RIM is an averaging method that is commonly used in the retail industry. To determine inventory cost under RIM, inventory at its retail selling value is segregated into groupings of merchandise having similar characteristics, which are then converted to a cost basis by applying specific average cost factors for each grouping of merchandise. Cost factors represent the average cost-to-retail ratio for each merchandise group based upon the year’s purchasing activity for each store location. Accordingly, a significant assumption under the retail method is that inventory in each group is similar in terms of its cost-to-retail relationship and has similar turnover

 

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rates. We monitor the content of merchandise in these groupings to prevent distortions that would have a material effect on inventory valuation.

RIM inherently requires management judgment and certain estimates that may significantly affect the ending inventory valuation, as well as gross margin. The methodologies utilized by SHO in its application of the RIM are consistent for all periods presented. Such methodologies include the development of the cost-to-retail ratios, the groupings of homogenous classes of merchandise, the development of shrinkage and obsolescence reserves, and the accounting for retail price changes. We believe that SHO’s RIM provides an inventory valuation that reasonably approximates cost. Among others, two significant estimates used in inventory valuation are the level and timing of permanent markdowns (clearance markdowns used to clear unproductive or slow-moving inventory) and shrinkage. Amounts are charged to cost of sales at the time the retail value of inventory is reduced through the use of permanent markdowns.

Factors considered in the determination of permanent markdowns include current and anticipated demand, customer preferences, age of the merchandise, fashion and design trends and weather conditions. In addition, inventory is also evaluated against corporate pre-determined historical markdown cadences. When a decision is made to permanently markdown merchandise, the resulting gross margin reduction is recognized in the period the markdown is recorded. The timing of the decision, particularly surrounding the balance sheet date, can have a significant effect on the results of operations.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in accordance with accounting standards for such taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If future utilization of deferred tax assets is uncertain, we may record a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax assets. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and results of recent operations. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with historical results and incorporate assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pre-tax operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment about the forecasts of future taxable income.

We account for uncertainties in income taxes according to accounting standards for uncertain tax positions. We are present in a large number of taxable jurisdictions, and at any point in time, can have audits underway at various stages of completion in any of these jurisdictions. We evaluate our tax positions and establish liabilities for uncertain tax positions that may be challenged by local authorities and may not be fully sustained, despite the belief that the underlying tax positions are fully supportable. Unrecognized tax benefits are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, including progress of tax audits, developments in case law, and closing of statute of limitations. Such adjustments are reflected in the tax provision as appropriate. Pursuant to a Tax Sharing Agreement, Sears Holdings will be responsible for any unrecognized tax benefits through the date of the separation.

Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against our net deferred tax assets, if any. As further described above, we consider estimates of the amount and character of future taxable income in assessing the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets. Our actual effective tax rate and income tax expense could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various items, including changes in income tax laws, tax planning and our forecasted financial condition and results of operations in future periods. Although we believe current estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates.

 

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In connection with the separation, we will enter into a Tax Sharing Agreement with Sears Holdings which will govern the rights and obligations of the parties with respect to pre-separation and post-separation tax matters. Under the Tax Sharing Agreement, Sears Holdings will be responsible for any federal, state or foreign income tax liability relating to tax periods ending on or before the separation.

Goodwill Impairment Assessment

We had a goodwill balance of $167 million at both January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011. We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill for possible impairment under accounting standards governing goodwill and other intangible assets. As required by accounting standards, we perform annual goodwill impairment tests in the fourth quarter and update the tests between annual tests if events or circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; and the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our Combined Financial Statements.

Our goodwill resides in the Sears Hometown reporting unit within the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of the reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. We estimate fair value using the best information available, using both a market participant approach, as well as a discounted cash flow model, commonly referred to as the income approach. The market participant approach determines the value of a reporting unit by deriving market multiples for reporting units based on assumptions potential market participants would use in establishing a bid price for the unit. This approach therefore assumes strategic initiatives will result in improvements in operational performance in the event of purchase, and includes the application of a discount rate based on market participant assumptions with respect to capital structure and access to capital markets. The income approach uses a reporting unit’s projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions appropriate to our reporting unit. The projection uses our best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period, including growth rates in sales, costs, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. Our final estimate of fair value of reporting units is developed by equally weighting the fair values determined through both the market participant and income approaches, where comparable market participant information is available.

If the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, we allocate the fair value to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, we record an impairment charge for the difference.

We did not record any goodwill impairment charges in 2009, 2010 or 2011.

The use of different assumptions, estimates or judgments in either step of the goodwill impairment testing process, such as the estimated future cash flows of our reporting unit, the discount rate used to discount such cash flows, or the estimated fair value of the reporting unit’s tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, could

 

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significantly increase or decrease the estimated fair value of a reporting unit or its net assets, and therefore, impact the related impairment charge. At the 2011 annual impairment test date, the conclusion that no indication of goodwill impairment existed for our Sears Hometown reporting unit would not have changed had the test been conducted assuming: 1) a 100 basis point increase in the discount rate used to discount the aggregate estimated cash flows of our Sears Hometown reporting unit to its net present value in determining its estimated fair value and/or 2) a 100 basis point decrease in the estimated sales growth rate and/or terminal period growth rate.

Based on our sensitivity analysis, we do not believe that the recorded goodwill balance is at risk of impairment at the end of the year because the fair value is substantially in excess of the carrying value and not at risk of failing step one. However, goodwill impairment charges may be recognized in future periods to the extent changes in factors or circumstances occur, including deterioration in the macroeconomic environment, retail industry or in the equity markets, deterioration in our performance or our future projections, or changes in our plans for our Sears Hometown reporting unit.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We will be subject to interest rate risk associated with our Senior ABL Facility, which will bear interest at a variable rate. Assuming our Senior ABL Facility were fully drawn in principal amount equal to $250 million, each one percentage point change in interest rates would result in a $2.5 million change in annual cash interest expense on our Senior ABL Facility.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Business

We are a national retailer primarily focused on selling home appliances, hardware, tools and lawn and garden equipment. As of April 28, 2012, we and our dealers and franchisees operated 1,238 stores across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda. This includes five Sears Hometown Stores (net of new store openings), eight Sears Hardware stores and one Sears Outlet Store that we closed since the first quarter of 2012 and one Sears Hardware Store we intend to close in the second half of 2012.

In addition to merchandise, we provide our customers with access to a full suite of services, including home delivery and handling and extended service contracts.

We operate through two segments—the Sears Hometown and Hardware segment and the Sears Outlet segment. Our Sears Hometown and Hardware stores are designed to provide our customers with in-store and online access to a wide selection of national brands of home appliances, tools, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, consumer electronics and household goods, depending on the particular store. Our Sears Outlet stores are designed to provide in-store and online access to purchase new, one-of-a-kind, out-of-carton, discontinued, obsolete, used, reconditioned, overstocked and scratched and dented products, collectively “outlet-value products” across a broad assortment of merchandise categories, including home appliances, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, mattresses, televisions, sporting goods and tools, and at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices. See Note 8 to our Combined Financial Statements for further information.

Sears Hometown and Hardware

As of April 28, 2012, we and our dealers and franchisees operated a total of 1,116 Sears Hometown and Hardware stores located across 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda.

The majority of our Sears Hometown and Hardware stores are based on either an authorized dealer model or a franchise model under which, in most cases, independent owners operate the stores and SHO provides brand and marketing support and inventory on consignment. The dealer or franchisee earns a commission based on net sales of the inventory when sold. We also authorize the dealer or franchisee to sell post-sale services, including product protection programs.

Our Sears Hometown and Hardware business operates through three distinct formats: Sears Hometown Stores, or “Hometown Stores,” Sears Hardware Stores, or “Hardware Stores,” and Sears Home Appliance Showrooms, or “Home Appliance Showrooms.”

 

 

Hometown Stores. Our Hometown Stores offer products and services across a wide selection of merchandise categories, including home appliances, consumer electronics, lawn and garden equipment, sporting goods, tools and household goods, with the majority of business driven by big-ticket home appliance and lawn and garden sales. Most of our Hometown Stores carry Sears brand products, such as Kenmore, Craftsman, and DieHard, as well as a wide assortment of other national brands. Primarily independently owned and predominantly located in smaller communities and averaging 8,500 square feet, Hometown Stores are designed to serve more rural markets that may not support a full-service big-box retailer. As of April 28, 2012, there are 944 Hometown Stores in 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda which includes five stores (net of new store openings) that were closed since the first quarter of 2012.

 

 

Hardware Stores. Our Hardware Stores offer products and services across a wide selection of merchandise categories and sales are primarily driven by tools, lawn and garden equipment, home appliances, and other home improvement products. In addition, these stores offer certain proprietary in-store services, such as

 

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blade sharpening, key cutting and screen repair, as well as products typically found in local hardware stores, such as fasteners, electrical supplies and plumbing supplies. Hardware Stores, averaging nearly 28,000 square feet in size, are primarily located in suburban markets and are positioned as neighborhood stores designed to appeal to convenience-oriented customers. These stores carry Craftsman brand tools and lawn and garden equipment, DieHard brand batteries and a wide assortment of other national brands and other home improvement products. As of April 28, 2012, there are 96 Hardware Stores in 15 states, 93 of which also carry a selection of Kenmore and other national brands of home appliances. 41 of these stores are owned and operated by franchisees, and the remaining 55 stores are operated by us. This number includes eight stores that we closed since the first quarter of 2012 and one store that we plan to close in the second half of 2012.

 

 

Home Appliance Showrooms. Our Home Appliance Showrooms offer home appliances and related services in stores primarily located in strip malls and lifestyle centers of metropolitan areas. Averaging 5,000 square feet with a simple, primarily appliance showroom design, our Home Appliance Showrooms offer quality-focused customers a unique store shopping experience. Home Appliance Showroom sales are primarily driven by big-ticket cooking, laundry and refrigeration home appliances as well as, in certain stores, mattresses. These stores carry Kenmore and other national brands of home appliances. As of April 28, 2012, there are 76 Home Appliance Showrooms in 19 states. 44 of these stores are owned and operated by franchisees, 30 stores are owned and operated by us and two are owned and operated by independent dealers.

In 2011, our revenue from our Sears Hometown and Hardware segment was $1.8 billion.

Sears Outlet

Our Sears Outlet stores are designed to provide in-store and online access to purchase outlet-value products across a broad assortment of merchandise categories, including home appliances, consumer electronics, lawn and garden equipment, apparel, sporting goods, tools and household goods, and at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices. Sears Outlet stores serve as a liquidation channel of outlet-value home appliances for major appliance vendors. In 2011, Sears Outlet’s most significant merchandise category was home appliances, which made up 83% of our sales revenue. Outlet-value products are generally covered by a manufacturer’s warranty, and Sears Outlet also offers a full suite of product protection plans and services options. As of April 28, 2012, Sears Outlet operated 122 locations, of which 92 were retail-only stores, 25 were retail stores with onsite repair facilities, and five were retail apparel stores. This number includes one store that we closed since the first quarter of 2012. Sears Outlet also sells its product through our website, www.searsoutlet.com. We operate all of the Sears Outlet stores.

In 2011, our revenue from our Sears Outlet segment was $505 million.

Competition

Sears Hometown and Hardware

The Sears Hometown and Hardware business is subject to highly competitive conditions, with varying levels of competition within each store’s trade area. Sears Hometown and Hardware stores compete with a wide variety of retailers handling similar lines of merchandise, including department stores, discounters, mass merchandisers, specialty retailers, wholesale clubs, and many other competitors operating on a national, regional or local level. The Company also competes with internet and catalog businesses that have similar merchandise offerings.

Sears Hometown and Hardware’s key national competitors, all of which provide similar lines of merchandise in the same or comparable trade areas, are The Home Depot, Best Buy, Lowe’s and Tractor Supply, as well as Ace Hardware and True Value for our Hardware Stores. Subsidiaries of Sears Holdings provide similar lines of merchandise as the Sears Hometown and Hardware business. Nonetheless, the stores operated by the Sears Hometown and Hardware business generally have not been regarded as significant competitors of the stores operated by Sears Holdings’ subsidiaries. Instead, the stores operated by Sears Holdings’ subsidiaries and the stores operated by the Sears Hometown and Hardware business have been distributors of products supplied

 

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by Sears Holdings under the Sears name but have operated essentially in different trade areas. SHO expects that this relationship will continue following consummation of the rights offering. Sears Holdings provides and will continue to provide e-commerce services and support to SHO, and online sales by Sears Holdings’ subsidiaries that do not originate, or involve merchandise pick up, in physical stores may compete with the e-commerce activity of the Sears Hometown and Hardware business.

We believe that the key differentiating factors between competitors operating in this industry include price, product assortment and quality, service and convenience, brand recognition and availability of retail-related services such as access to credit, product delivery, repair and installation.

Sears Outlet

The Sears Outlet business unit operates in the highly fragmented outlet-value retail industry, in which big-box competitors are at one end of the spectrum, locally owned appliance dealers are at the other end, and regional and emerging outlet competitors occupy the middle ground. Sears Outlet’s direct competition has been comprised largely of established regional appliance outlet chains and emerging national big-box concept stores that sell outlet-value appliances as well as online retailers.

Sears Outlet’s key national competitors, some of which provide similar outlet-value products at comparable prices, are The Home Depot, Lowe’s, HH Gregg and US Appliances. In addition, as we continue to expand our product lines into categories such as mattresses and apparel we expect to face additional competition from other discount retailers that focus solely on those product categories. While subsidiaries of Sears Holdings provide similar lines of merchandise as the Sears Outlet business, the latter is a value-price seller of distressed, refurbished, and marked-out-of-stock merchandise, which the subsidiaries do not sell to end users. Consequently, the Sears Outlet business has not been regarded as a competitor of these subsidiaries. Instead, both have been distributors of products supplied by Sears Holdings under the Sears name, operating in different geographic locations. This relationship will continue following the rights offering.

We believe that the key differentiating factor between competitors operating in this industry is price. Other factors include product assortment and quality, service and convenience, brand recognition and availability of retail-related services such as access to credit and product delivery.

Our Strengths

We believe that our competitive strengths are the following:

Our stores carry a wide variety of well-known, brand-name merchandise.

We offer our customers a broad selection of products, including well-known consumer brand names such as Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and we strive to offer high in-stock levels. A typical Hometown Store offers a selection of products similar to department stores, discounters, mass merchandisers and wholesale clubs and carries more products than specialty retailers and smaller independent appliance and hardware stores. This ability to offer a wide variety of well-known, consumer brand name merchandise enables us to remain competitive in our markets and to continue to attract customers.

We operate across the nation through distinctly tailored store formats.

Our different store formats are targeted to the markets in which they compete. Our Hometown Stores offer customers in more rural communities a wide variety of merchandise. In those markets, we compete against larger national or regional big-box stores on the basis of the convenient shopping experience we provide, and we compete against local independent stores based on our product offerings and competitive pricing.

Our Hardware Stores are located in neighborhood centers in suburban areas where customers can fulfill their hardware, lawn and garden and, in certain stores, home appliance needs. These stores compete against larger warehouse home centers and smaller local hardware stores by offering a broad assortment of products, convenient outlets and personalized customer assistance.

 

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Our Home Appliance Showrooms are appealing display floors in metropolitan markets where we compete with big-box retailers by offering a high service model, a wide assortment of brand-name home appliances and convenient locations. We differentiate ourselves from our competitors by providing our customers with a consultative and educational purchase experience. To accommodate the lifestyles of our metropolitan customers, we also provide after-hours showings by appointment.

Our Sears Outlet stores offer customers a wide range of outlet-value products at over 120 locations across the United States. Our Sears Outlet stores differentiate themselves from their competitors by providing a wide range of outlet-value brand-name products, including Kenmore, Whirlpool, LG and Samsung, at prices that are significantly lower than manufacturers’ suggested retail prices.

In addition, SHO has stores located in all 50 states as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and Bermuda, without any concentration in one particular region or market. The ability to generate revenues with a wide variety of products across a diversified mix of regions and markets enables us to benefit from opportunities as they arise.

Our Sears Hometown and Hardware stores are primarily operated by dealers or franchisees, which allows us to leverage the knowledge, experience and capital of our dealers and franchisees.

Our Hometown Stores are primarily owned and operated by individual dealers and the majority of our Home Appliance Showrooms and Hardware Stores are operated by franchisees. Under both our dealer model and our franchise model, SHO provides inventory (on a consignment basis), branding and marketing to the stores and the dealer or franchisee is responsible for start-up costs, lease payments and other operating costs including payroll. This model allows us to leverage the entrepreneurial spirit of our dealers and franchisees and their local knowledge to better serve local trade areas. In addition, our franchise model frees up capital and enables us to focus on strategic planning, including store growth, marketing and pricing strategies. We regularly evaluate the performance of franchised stores and require compliance with established customer service guidelines.

Our Sears Outlet stores are a leading liquidation channel of value-priced home appliances.

As one of the nation’s largest chain retailers of outlet-value home appliances, our Sears Outlet business has become increasingly relevant to major appliance vendors as a liquidation channel of outlet-value appliances.

Our Strategy

We plan to continue to enhance our competitive position, grow our business and increase our net sales and profitability by implementing the following strategies:

Expand Product Assortment and Optimize Services Offering. We strive to provide customers complete solutions for their home appliance, hardware and other related home needs. We are constantly evaluating other merchandise categories and types of services to enhance our product and service offerings and to create cross-selling opportunities for adjacent products and services. For example, our initiatives to increase product offerings include expanding into apparel and footwear in our Sears Outlet stores and mattresses in our Home Appliance Showrooms.

Promote Customer Growth through Integrated Multi-Channel Capabilities, Improved Customer Experience and Enhanced Marketing. We seek to serve our customers’ needs and drive revenue growth through our integrated multi-channel sale capabilities. We continue to expand our e-commerce operation and our online product selection to enhance customers’ online shopping experience. We seek to integrate our online store and brick-and-mortar stores to provide our customers with a seamless shopping experience across channels. We offer our customers the option to purchase items on our website and pick them up in our local stores as well as order out-of-stock and other items from our in-store kiosks. These capabilities allow us to better serve customers across various channels and improve sales.

We also participate in Sears Holdings’ Shop Your Way Rewards program, or “SYWR program,” which is intended in part to help us transition from serving customers to building relationships with SYWR program

 

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members. We believe that the SYWR program will allow us to better meet our customers’ needs. In addition, we view the SYWR program as a means to expand to our customer base and enhance our ability to communicate both digitally and more effectively with our customers.

We also plan to drive customer growth by expanding our marketing initiatives. We believe that we can grow our customer base through targeted advertising in a number of different media, particularly online and email marketing.

We believe that quality customer service contributes to increased store visits and purchases by our customers. We are focused on building long-term relationships with customers by improving their in-store and post-store experiences. We conduct quality control checks with all dealers, franchisees, store managers and sales associates to improve the quality of customer interaction and product knowledge at all levels of our organization. We continue to improve and augment our post-sale engagement with customers through access to delivery and installation services as well as product protection plans.

Diversify Our Supply Chain. Over time, we intend to diversify our network of merchandise suppliers and service providers. Such diversification, particularly with respect to merchandise suppliers, is intended to reduce our reliance on Sears Holdings for our inventory.

Improve Operating Performance. We intend to focus on various initiatives intended to improve our gross margin structures and inventory management. Our inventory procurement operations are focused on developing customized, individualized merchandise assortments based on store demographics, sales history, customer preferences and margin by product division. Our inventory management focuses on continually adjusting clearance markdown cadences to reflect changes in inventory turnover and customer preferences. In addition, we intend to focus on controlling costs across our business lines, particularly selling and administrative expenses.

Expand Our Store Base. We believe that we are positioned to leverage our competitive advantages and grow our Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet store bases over the long term. We continue to evaluate expansion opportunities based on market potential. We have identified the expansion of Sears Outlet stores as a priority to drive revenue growth in that business unit and further enhance our market position and purchasing power in the outlet-value home appliance market. We also intend to grow our Sears Hometown and Hardware store base by exploring expansion into major markets for our Home Appliance Showrooms and a wide range of smaller markets for our Hometown Stores.

Continue to Convert our Home Appliance Showrooms and Hardware Stores to a franchise model. We believe we can unlock significant capital as well as leverage the local knowledge and expertise of our franchisees by moving more of our Home Appliance Showrooms and Hardware Stores to the franchise model.

Our Products and Suppliers

Our focus on the preferences of our customers drives our merchandise selection. Our largest revenue-generating category in 2011 was home appliances, representing approximately 60% of net sales. Our goal is to offer our customers a large selection of brands and products within each of our product categories.

In connection with the separation, we have entered into a Merchandising Agreement with Sears Holdings, Kmart Corporation, or “Kmart,” and Sears, Roebuck and Co., or “SRC,” pursuant to which Kmart and SRC will (1) sell to us, with respect to certain specified product categories, Sears brand products (including Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brand products) and vendor-branded products obtained from Kmart’s and SRC’s vendors and suppliers and (2) grant us licenses to use the trademarks owned by Kmart, SRC or other subsidiaries of Sears Holdings, including the Kenmore, Craftsman and Diehard trademarks, in connection with the marketing and sale of products sold under the Sears marks. The initial term of the Merchandising Agreement will expire in 2018 subject to certain early termination rights. Both our Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses are expected to rely on the Merchandising Agreement for a significant majority of their inventory. For the year ended January 28, 2012, products which we expect to acquire from Sears Holdings following the separation accounted for approximately 90% of our merchandise and a significant majority of our net sales.

 

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Our Sears Outlet business also relies on manufacturers with which we have existing agreements to supply a significant portion of its inventory. For the year ended January 28, 2012, sales of products obtained pursuant to agreements with home appliance third-party suppliers generated approximately 25% of our Sears Outlet revenue.

We have entered into agreements with Sears Holdings, as well as with third-party service providers, to provide processing and administrative functions over a broad range of areas, and we are likely to continue to do so in the future. After the separation, we expect to continue to rely heavily on the infrastructure of Sears Holdings for a variety of key products and services. Our business plan depends to a significant extent on Sears Holdings’ willingness to continue to supply us with these key products and services.

Our Franchise and Dealer Models

Franchise Model

As of April 28, 2012, 44 of our Home Appliance Showrooms and 41 of our Hardware Stores were operated by independent franchisees. Under our franchise model, the franchisee operates the store and is responsible for its operating costs, including payroll and leasing costs. SHO provides the inventory to the franchisee on a consignment basis, and the franchisee earns a variable commission on sales of merchandise and protection plans. In addition, SHO also provides brand and marketing services to franchisees. We are actively seeking to sell all of our owned Home Appliance Showrooms and Hardware Stores to franchisees, which will permit us to recapture our investment in existing stores by including the invested capital in the purchase price we receive from the franchisee. In certain cases, especially with respect to stores that have been recently sold to a franchisee, SHO remains responsible for leasing costs in the case of a default by a franchisee until the expiration of such lease, at which time our franchisee will be required to negotiate a new lease to which SHO will not be a party.

The franchise relationship is governed by a franchise agreement, which generally has a ten year term, subject to a five year renewal upon certain conditions. The franchise agreement also obligates the franchisee to pay to SHO certain fees, including an initial franchise fee, training fees, transfer fees and successor franchise fees.

Dealer Model

As of April 28, 2012, over 900 of our Hometown Stores were operated by independent authorized dealers who own and operate their stores. The dealer bears responsibility for store operating costs, including all payroll and leasing costs. SHO provides the inventory to the dealer on a consignment basis, and the dealer earns a variable commission on sales of merchandise and protection plans. In addition, Sears Holdings also provides brand and marketing services to dealers.

The dealer relationship is governed by a dealer agreement, which generally has either a three or five-year term (depending on its terms and conditions). In the event that a dealer defaults or fails to renew its dealer agreement, SHO may assume responsibility for the operation of the store on a month-to-month basis until a new dealer is recruited to operate the store.

Distribution and Systems Infrastructure

The majority of our merchandise comes to our stores directly from vendors or distributors through our agreements with Sears Holdings. Occasionally, we also contract with third-party common carriers to deliver our merchandise to certain stores in more remote locations.

Our business relies extensively on computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage our business. Given the number of individual transactions we have each year, it is critical that we maintain uninterrupted operation of our computer and communications hardware and software systems. We currently rely on Sears Holdings to provide us with the computer systems and infrastructure that enable our distribution systems. In addition, we also rely on Sears Holdings for warehousing and other logistics services.

In connection with the separation, we have entered into a Services Agreement pursuant to which Sears Holdings Management Corporation, or “SHMC,” will provide us with a number of services, including logistics

 

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and distribution, information technology, and payment clearing and other financial services. The term of the Services Agreement will expire in 2018, subject to certain termination rights. We will pay fixed fees and rates for the services for the first three years of the Services Agreement, and will negotiate with SHMC the fees and rates for the fourth and fifth years of the term, and the six-month period following the fifth year, on a good-faith basis. In addition, we will also pay all taxes payable in connection with the services provided under the Services Agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings—Services Agreement.”

Employees

As of April 28, 2012, we had approximately 5,300 employees, approximately 38% of whom were full-time employees. We believe that we have a good working relationship with our employees and we have never experienced a material interruption of business as a result of labor disputes. In connection with the separation, we expect to obtain payroll, benefits and certain other related human resource services either (i) by entering into an arrangement with a professional employment organization or (ii) by entering into an employee leasing agreement with Sears Holdings or certain of its subsidiaries, pursuant to which they will provide us with the services of certain employees and will provide all employee benefits, payroll, workers compensation insurance and related services relating to those employees. None of our dealers or franchisees, nor any of their employees, are employees of SHO.

Real Property

Under our dealer and franchise model, as of April 28, 2012, 952 of our Sears Hometown and Hardware locations are leased to their dealers and franchisees, who remain liable for real estate and leasing costs. We own six and lease 158 of our Company-operated or franchised stores in our Sears Hometown and Hardware business.

As of April 28, 2012, we own four and lease 118 of our Sears Outlet locations.

In connection with the separation, Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) will assign or sublease to us their interests in the leases for all of our stores where the lease for such store permits assignment or subletting of the lease or where Sears Holdings is able to obtain landlord consent to such assignment or sublease. However, a number of the leases for our stores do not permit assignment or subletting or may require landlord consent which may be withheld. We currently expect the terms of any such subleases to match the terms, including the payment of rent and expiration date, of the existing lease between Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) and the landlord. As of             , 2012, we have been unable to obtain landlord consent to the assignment or sublease of     % of our leased Sears Hometown and Hardware locations and     % of our leased Sears Outlet locations. If we are unable to obtain landlord consent for the assignment or sublease of such stores we may be unable to operate stores in such locations; however, we do not believe that the failure to obtain such consent and the loss of such stores will have a material effect on our results of operations.

In addition, a small number of our stores are in locations where Sears Holdings currently operates one of its stores. In such cases we will enter into a lease or sublease with Sears Holdings (or one of its subsidiaries) for the portion of the space in which our store will operate and pay rent directly to Sears Holdings on the terms negotiated in connection with the separation. We also expect to lease office space for our corporate headquarters from Sears Holdings. We believe that our facilities are well maintained and are sufficient to meet our current and projected needs. We review all leases set to expire in the short-term to determine the appropriate action to take with respect to them, including moving or closing stores, entering into new leases or purchasing property.

Intellectual Property

In connection with the separation, we entered into Store License Agreements with SRC pursuant to which SRC will grant us, on a royalty-free basis, among other things, (1) an exclusive, non-transferable and terminable license to operate, and to authorize our dealers and franchisees to operate, retail stores and stores-within-a-store

 

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using the “Sears Outlet Store,” “Sears Authorized Hometown Store,” “Sears Home Appliance Showroom” and “Sears Hardware Store” store names, or the “store names,” (2) an exclusive, non-transferable and terminable license to use the store names to promote our products, and services related to our products, by all current and future electronic means, channels, processes and methods, including via the Internet, (3) a non-exclusive, nontransferable and terminable license to use, and to authorize our dealers and franchisees to use, certain other trademarks to market and sell services related to our products under those trademarks and (4) an exclusive, non-transferable and terminable license to use certain domain names in connection with the promotion of our stores, the marketing, distribution and sale of our products and the marketing and offering of services related to our products. These agreements do not include licenses for the Kenmore, Craftsman or DieHard trademarks. These agreements will expire in 2029.

We have also entered into a Merchandising Agreement with Sears Holdings, Kmart and SRC pursuant to which Kmart and SRC will (1) sell to us, with respect to certain specified product categories, Sears brand products (including Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard brand products, or, collectively, the “KCD products”) and vendor-branded products obtained from Kmart’s and SRC’s vendors and suppliers and (2) grant us licenses to use the trademarks owned by Kmart, SRC or other subsidiaries of Sears Holdings, or the “Sears marks,” including the Kenmore, Craftsman and Diehard trademarks in connection with the marketing and sale of products sold under the Sears marks. The initial term of the Merchandising Agreement will expire in 2018, subject to two three-year renewal terms with respect to the KCD products. We will pay, on a weekly basis, a royalty determined by multiplying our net sales of the KCD by specified fixed royalties rates for each brand’s licensed products, subject to an adjustments based on the extent to which we feature Kenmore brand products in certain of our advertising and the extent to which we pay specified minimum commissions to our franchisees and Hometown Store owners.

For more information regarding the agreements between us and Sears Holdings, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

Legal Proceedings

As of the date hereof, we are not party to any litigation which we consider material to our operations.

Notwithstanding the above, we are from time to time subject to various legal claims, including those alleging wage and hour violations, employment discrimination, unlawful employment practices, Americans with Disabilities Act claims, product liability claims as a result of the sale of certain products, as well as various legal and governmental proceedings. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and any proceedings, claims or regulatory actions against us, whether meritorious or not, may be time consuming, result in significant legal expenses, require significant amounts of management time, result in the diversion of significant operational resources, require changes in our methods of doing business that could be costly to implement, reduce our net sales, increase our expenses, require us to make substantial payments to settle claims or satisfy judgments, require us to cease conducting certain operations or offering certain products in certain areas or generally, and otherwise harm our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, perhaps materially.

Seasonality

While the retail business is generally seasonal in nature, our businesses have historically generated revenues on a consistent basis during each period of our fiscal year. For product line revenues of our segments, see Note 8 to our Combined Financial Statements included herein.

History and Relationship with Sears Holdings

Our Sears Hometown and Hardware and Sears Outlet businesses have operated as part of Sears Holdings’ specialty stores business since their inception. Prior to the rights offering we will operate as businesses within Sears Holdings, but following the closing of this offering (1) we will be a publicly traded company independent

 

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from Sears Holdings and (2) Sears Holdings will not retain any ownership interest in us except to the extent that the subscription rights are not exercised in full and that shares not purchased through the exercise of basic subscription rights are not purchased pursuant to the over-subscription privilege.

In connection with the separation, we have entered into various agreements with Sears Holdings which, among other things, (1) govern the principal transactions relating to this offering and certain aspects of our relationship with Sears Holdings following the separation, (2) establish terms under which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will provide us with services following the separation and (3) establish terms pursuant to which subsidiaries of Sears Holdings will obtain merchandise for us. Although these agreements have been executed prior to the distribution of the subscription rights, the effectiveness of the agreements is conditioned upon the consummation of the rights offering and the completion of the separation of the Company from Sears Holdings. The terms of these agreements were agreed to in the context of a parent-subsidiary relationship and in the overall context of our separation from Sears Holdings. Accordingly, the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable than those we could have negotiated with unaffiliated third parties. For more information regarding the agreements between us and Sears Holdings, see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions—Agreements with Sears Holdings.”

In addition, to the extent we are unable to draw $100 million under the Senior ABL Facility to pay a cash dividend to Sears Holdings prior to the separation, we expect to issue a note to Sears Holdings as a dividend in principal amount of up to $25 million, equal to the difference between the amount of the cash dividend actually paid to Sears Holdings and $100 million. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Analysis of Financial Condition—Financing Arrangements.”

Corporate Information

Our principal executive offices will be located at 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, Illinois 60179 and our telephone number is (847) 286-2500. Our website address is www.searshometownandoutlet.com.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

The following table sets forth information regarding our executive officers and directors as of the date hereof. Prior to the effectiveness of the Registration Statement of which this prospectus forms a part, we will disclose the remaining directors who will serve on our board following the separation as well as the remaining executive officers and other members of our management team. The individuals who will be our executive officers following the separation may or may not currently be employees of Sears Holdings subsidiaries. Following the separation from Sears Holdings, none of our executive officers will be officers of Sears Holdings or one of its subsidiaries. We expect that as of the date of the separation, Mr. Riecker will no longer be a director, executive officer or employee of SHO.

 

Name

   Age     

Position

W. Bruce Johnson

     61       Chief Executive Officer, President and Director

William A. Powell

     42       Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Steven D. Barnhart

     50       Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer*

John E. Ethridge II

     39       Vice President, Supply Chain and Technology

Charles J. Hansen

     64       Vice President and General Counsel

Becky Iliff

     43       Vice President, Human Resources

Robert A. Riecker

     48       Interim Financial Officer and Director

 

* Mr. Barnhart has agreed to serve in this position effective August 22, 2012 pursuant to an offer letter dated August 6, 2012.

Mr. Johnson was named Chief Executive Officer and President of SHO in July 2012. He also serves as Executive Vice President—Off-Mall Businesses of Sears Holdings, to which position he was elected in September 2011. From February 2011 until September 2011, he served as Sears Holdings’ Executive Vice President—Off-Mall Business and Supply Chain. He served as Sears Holdings’ interim Chief Executive Officer and President from February 2008 to February 2011. He previously served as Sears Holdings’ Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Operations since the merger of SRC and Kmart Holding Corporation in 2004. He joined Kmart in October 2003 as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain and Operations. Mr. Johnson has extensive knowledge of retail company operations from his many years of experience working for Sears Holdings and companies such as Carrefour SA and Colgate-Palmolive Company. Mr. Johnson has also developed a strong understanding of the Company, its operations and the issues facing the Company through his years of service with Sears Holdings.

Mr. Powell joined Sears Holdings in August 2003 and was named Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of SHO in July 2012. He has served as Senior Vice President and President, Hometown Stores, since November 2008. From November 2007 until November 2008, he served as Vice President and General Manager, Outlet Stores, and from January 2006 to November 2007, he served as Divisional Vice President, Stores/Sales-Dealer Stores.

Mr. Barnhart has agreed to serve as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of SHO, effective August 22, 2012. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer of Bally Total Fitness, an operator of fitness centers, from January 2010 to June 2012. He served as Chief Executive Officer and President of Orbitz Worldwide, Inc., an online travel company, or “Orbitz,” from January 2007 until April 2009. He served in various executive positions with Orbitz and its predecessors from May 2003 until January 2007.

Mr. Ethridge joined Sears Holdings’ Outlet Stores business in November 2009 and was named Vice President, Supply Chain and Technology of SHO in July 2012. He has served as Vice President and General Manager, Outlet Stores, since June 2011. He served as Divisional Vice President and General Manager, Outlet Stores, from January 2011 until June 2011; Director, Marketing, eCommerce and Business Development, from July 2010 to January 2011; and as Director, Marketing and eCommerce from November 2009 to July 2010. He

 

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previously served in the U.S. Navy as Engagement Manager/Project Leader on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, Assessment Division from September 2007 to November 2009 and as a submarine officer from February 2005 to October 2007.

Mr. Hansen was named Vice President and General Counsel of SHO in August 2012. He has served as Vice President, Chief Counsel of Sears Holdings since January 2008. He served as Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Saks Incorporated, an operator of retail and department stores, or “Saks,” from September 2003 to May 2007. From June 1987 to September 2003, he served in a variety of legal positions with Saks and its predecessors, including serving as the General Counsel of Carson Pirie Scott & Co., an operator of department stores.

Mr. Riecker was named Interim Financial Officer of SHO on April 27, 2012. Mr. Riecker has served as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer of Sears Holdings since January 2012. He joined Sears Holdings as Assistant Controller in October 2005 and served as Vice President and Assistant Controller from May 2007 to October 2011. From October 2011 until his election as Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, he served as Sears Holdings’ Vice President, Internal Audit. Mr. Riecker brings extensive business and finance expertise to the board, including through his service at Sears Holdings. During his service at Sears Holdings, Mr. Riecker has also developed a strong understanding of the Company, its operations and the issues facing the Company.

Ms. Iliff was named Vice President, Human Resources of SHO on August 8, 2012. Ms. Iliff served as Vice President of People of Cosi, Inc., an operator and franchisor of restaurants, from November 2005 to July 2012. Prior to November 2005, she served in various human resources positions with several companies.

Board Structure

Our board of directors currently consists of two directors. After our separation from Sears Holdings, our board of directors will be expanded to include additional directors. In addition, we expect that as of the date of the separation, Mr. Riecker will no longer be a director of SHO.

For purposes of the NASDAQ Marketplace rules, we expect to be a “controlled company.” Accordingly, we expect to be eligible for certain exemptions from corporate governance requirements provided in the NASDAQ Marketplace rules. Specifically, as a controlled company, we would not be required to have (1) a majority of independent directors, (2) a Nominating Committee composed entirely of independent directors or (3) a Compensation Committee composed entirely of independent directors. However, as of the date hereof, we have not yet determined whether to rely on such exemptions.

All of our directors will stand for election at each annual meeting of our stockholders.

Committees of the Board of Directors

We expect that, immediately following the rights offering, the standing committees of our board of directors will consist of an audit committee, a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee.

Audit Committee

The duties and responsibilities of the audit committee will be set forth in its charter available on our website, and will include the following:

 

   

to oversee the quality and integrity of our financial statements and our accounting and financial reporting processes;

 

   

to prepare the audit committee report required by the SEC in our annual proxy statements;

 

   

to review and discuss with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our annual and quarterly financial statements;

 

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to review and discuss with management and the independent registered public accounting firm our earnings press releases;

 

   

to appoint, compensate and oversee our independent registered public accounting firm, and pre-approve all auditing services and non-audit services to be provided to us by our independent registered public accounting firm;

 

   

to review the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent registered public accounting firm; and

 

   

to establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters and the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

At the time of listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, at least one member of the audit committee will be “independent,” as defined under and required by the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market, including Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” and we expect that at least one member will be an “audit committee financial expert” as defined under and required by the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market. A majority of the members of the committee will be “independent” within 90 days of listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market and all members will be independent within one year of listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Our board of directors will adopt a written charter for the audit committee effective as of the date of our separation from Sears Holdings which will be available on our website.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The duties and responsibilities of the nominating and corporate governance committee will be set forth in its charter available on our website, and will include the following:

 

   

to recommend to our board of directors proposed nominees for election to the board of directors by the stockholders at annual meetings, including an annual review as to the renominations of incumbents and proposed nominees for election by the board of directors to fill vacancies that occur between stockholder meetings;

 

   

to make recommendations to the board of directors regarding corporate governance matters and practices; and

 

   

to recommend members for each committee of the board of directors.

Compensation Committee

The duties and responsibilities of the compensation committee will be set forth in its charter available on our website, and will include the following:

 

   

to determine, or recommend for determination by our board of directors, the compensation of our chief executive officer and other executive officers;

 

   

to establish, review and consider employee compensation policies and procedures;

 

   

to review and approve, or recommend to our board of directors for approval, any employment contracts or similar arrangement between the company and any executive officer of the company;

 

   

to review and discuss with management SHO’s compensation policies and practices and management’s assessment of whether any risks arising from such policies and practices are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on SHO; and

 

   

to review, monitor, and make recommendations concerning incentive compensation plans, including the use of stock options and other equity-based plans.

 

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Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

No member of our compensation committee will serve as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving as a member of our board of directors or compensation committee. Additional information concerning transactions between us and entities affiliated with members of the compensation committee is included in this prospectus under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.”

Code of Ethics

Our board of directors will adopt a code of ethics applicable to our directors, officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior officers effective as of the time of our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market. Our code of ethics will be available on our website as of the time of our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

Our board of directors will adopt a set of corporate governance guidelines that sets forth our policies and procedures relating to corporate governance effective as of the completion of the rights offering. Our corporate governance guidelines will be available on our website as of the time of our listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market.

Policy and Procedures Governing Related Party Transactions

Following the completion of the rights offering, we expect that our board of directors will adopt policies and procedures for the review, approval or ratification of transactions with related parties. We do not currently have such a policy in place.

 

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COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

Mr. Riecker and Mr. Johnson have not received, and will not receive, any compensation for their service on our board of directors prior to the completion of the rights offering and the separation.

After the completion of the rights offering and the separation, the policy of our board of directors will be to compensate certain non-employee directors with cash compensation. Director compensation will be reviewed by the board of directors annually and from time to time to ensure that compensation levels are fair and appropriate, with any changes generally becoming effective commencing after the annual meeting of stockholders. All directors will be entitled to reimbursement by SHO for reasonable travel to and from meetings of the board of directors, and reasonable food and lodging expenses incurred in connection therewith.

After the completion of the rights offering and the separation, certain non-employee directors will be compensated according to our Director Compensation Policy in the following manner:

 

     Cash
Compensation (1)
 

Annual Retainer:

  

Board Member

   $                

Audit Committee Chair (additional)

  

Compensation Committee Chair (additional)

  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chair (additional)

  

 

(1) Assumes service for a full year; directors who serve for less than the full year, including those directors serving prior to our first annual meeting of stockholders, are entitled to receive a pro-rated portion of the applicable payment. Each “year,” for purposes of the Director Compensation Policy, begins on the date of our annual meeting of stockholders.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Introduction

This section presents information concerning compensation arrangements for certain of our executive officers. We present historical information concerning the compensation of Mr. Johnson, who was an executive officer of Sears Holdings, and Messrs. Powell, Ethridge and Hansen, each of whom was an officer of Sears Holdings and/or a subsidiary of Sears Holdings. The historical compensation information may not be directly relevant to the compensation that any of these officers will receive from SHO. Mr. Barnhart has agreed to serve as our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective August 22, 2012. Mr. Barnhart was not employed by Sears Holdings or any of its subsidiaries during fiscal year 2011. Ms. Iliff, who will serve as our Vice President, Human Resources, was not employed by Sears Holdings or any of its subsidiaries during fiscal year 2011. We have presented information below under “SHO Employment Arrangements” concerning the compensation that our executive officers will receive from SHO that will be in place at the time of the separation. In addition, each of Messrs. Johnson, Powell, Ethridge and Hansen holds equity- and/or cash-based incentive and/or retention awards that were granted by Sears Holdings. Treatment of these awards in the separation is described below under “SHO Employment Arrangements.”

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Summary

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis provides information relevant to understanding the fiscal year 2011 compensation of the executive officers who were employed by Sears Holdings or one of its subsidiaries prior to the separation and are identified in the Summary Compensation Table below, whom we refer to as our named executive officers. Our named executive officers are:

 

   

W. Bruce Johnson, Chief Executive Officer and President

 

   

William A. Powell, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

 

   

John E. Ethridge II, Vice President, Supply Chain and Technology

 

   

Charles J. Hansen, Vice President and General Counsel

Prior to our separation from Sears Holdings, each of our named executive officers has been employed by a subsidiary of Sears Holdings. In connection with the separation, the Board of Directors (or a committee designated by the Board of Directors) of SHO will determine the appropriate executive compensation practices and policies for the employees of SHO, including our named executive officers. SHO compensation practices and policies will be implemented in connection with the separation and may differ from those of Sears Holdings. SHO’s compensation practices and policies are currently under review and have not been finalized.

Overall compensation philosophy and structure for Sears Holdings is determined by the Compensation Committee of Sears Holdings’ Board of Directors, or the “Sears Holdings Compensation Committee.” The compensation that our named executive officers who were at the level of Senior Vice President of Sears Holdings or above (Messrs. Johnson and Powell) received prior to the separation was determined by the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee. The compensation that our named executive officers who were below the level of Senior Vice President of Sears Holdings (Messrs. Ethridge and Hansen) received prior to the separation was determined in part by the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee and in part by members of senior management of Sears Holdings. The compensation philosophies and practices utilized by Sears Holdings in setting compensation for our named executive officers during fiscal year 2011 are described below.

Sears Holdings Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee has developed a pay-for-performance compensation philosophy for Sears Holdings’ executive officers. Total annual compensation paid to Sears Holdings’ executive officers generally depends on Sears Holdings’ financial performance, the level of job responsibility and individual performance, as well as the need to attract top executive talent or retain key executives. The total compensation package provided to Sears Holdings’ executive officers generally includes both annual and long-term incentive programs designed to motivate and encourage employees to drive performance and achieve superior results for Sears Holdings and its stockholders. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee also

 

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believes that compensation should reflect the value of the job in the marketplace. While the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee’s objective is to approve compensation and benefits packages that reflect the pay-for-performance compensation philosophy, it recognizes that Sears Holdings must sometimes provide additional inducements, such as sign-on bonuses, retention payments and other provisions, in order to recruit, retain and motivate top-qualified executives. Accordingly, as more fully described below, in fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings granted additional cash and stock awards to Mr. Powell.

Sears Holdings’ Competitive Pay Practices

Sears Holdings’ experience demonstrates that in order to attract qualified external candidates and retain valuable executives, it must offer executive compensation packages that are competitive with the packages offered by companies with which Sears Holdings competes for talent. In making compensation recommendations for its executives Sears Holdings’ analyzes internal compensation and external market data. Sears Holdings gathers market data with a focus, where appropriate, on retail-specific and online-specific organizations. Sears Holdings does not benchmark against a set list of competitors or a peer group as Sears Holdings believes that its competitive pay analyses provide a reference point in validating proposed or recommended compensation, thereby assuring that executives are offered competitive pay packages.

Sears Holdings Executive Compensation Program: Key Elements

The key elements of Sears Holdings’ compensation program for its executives include base salary and incentive opportunities. Incentive opportunities include annual and long-term performance-based programs designed to drive long-term performance through effective decision making while also incenting appropriate short-term decision making. In addition, time-based equity awards (i.e., equity that vests with the passage of time) are made to provide additional motivation and encourage retention.

Rewarding Short-Term Performance

 

   

Base Salary—Base salary is the fixed element of each executive’s cash compensation.

 

   

Annual Incentive Plan—The annual incentive program maintained by Sears Holdings is a pay-for-performance program providing for annual cash awards to eligible employees based on achievement of financial performance goals relating to a specific fiscal year. The purpose of this annual incentive program is to motivate participants, including our named executive officers, to achieve financial performance goals by making their cash incentive award variable and dependent upon Sears Holdings’ or the respective Sears Holdings business unit’s annual financial performance.

Rewarding Long-Term Performance

 

   

Long-Term Performance-Based Programs—The long-term incentive programs maintained by Sears Holdings are designed to motivate its executives to focus on long-term company performance through cash or common stock awards generally based on three-year performance periods and reinforce accountability by linking executive compensation to aggressive performance goals. Sears Holdings believes that these programs are an important instrument in aligning the goals of its executives with its strategic direction and initiatives, which Sears Holdings believes will result in increased stockholder returns.

 

   

Time-Based Equity Compensation—Time-based equity awards encourage retention and provide alignment with the Sears Holdings’ stockholders as value received will be consistent with return to the stockholders, with vesting schedules that generally range from two to four years.

As executives assume greater responsibility within Sears Holdings, generally, a larger portion of their total cash compensation opportunity is designed to become dependent on company and/or business unit performance. When making individual compensation decisions for our named executive officers, Sears Holdings took many

 

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factors into account, including the individual’s performance and experience; the performance of Sears Holdings overall; any retention concerns; the responsibilities, impact and importance of the position within Sears Holdings; the individual’s expected future contributions to Sears Holdings; the individual’s historical compensation; and internal pay equity (meaning the relative pay differences for different positions within Sears Holdings). Sears Holdings does not have a pre-established policy or target for the allocation between annual and long-term incentive compensation. Instead, Sears Holdings takes a holistic approach to executive compensation and balanced the fiscal year 2011 compensation elements for each of our named executive officers individually.

How Elements Are Used to Achieve Sears Holdings’ Compensation Objectives

In fiscal year 2011, the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee sought to achieve the objectives of its compensation program through the grant of annual or long-term incentive awards to certain executives. The 2011 annual incentive awards offered participating executives an opportunity for cash compensation based upon EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) or a combination of EBITDA and business unit operating profit or, “BOP,” performance during the fiscal year, and, therefore, rewarded participating executives for achieving a short-term financial performance target. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee also granted long-term performance-based cash awards to our named executive officers that become payable following the three-year performance cycle upon achievement of a cumulative EBITDA or combination of EBITDA and BOP targets for the three-year performance period.

The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee also believes that the most fair and effective way to motivate Sears Holdings’ executives officers to produce the best results for its stockholders is to increase the proportion of an executive officer’s total compensation that is performance-based, including properly deployed time-based equity compensation, as the executive’s ability to affect those results increases. As a result, the size of the annual and long-term performance awards granted to executive officers, relative to total compensation, generally increases based upon the executive officer’s relative level of responsibility and potential to affect the financial performance of Sears Holdings or one or more of its business units. Additionally, the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee believes that the payouts for incentive compensation can be achieved only if Sears Holdings and/or its business units perform well in a given fiscal year. Under Sears Holdings’ incentive compensation structure, the highest amount of compensation can be achieved through consistent superior performance over sustained periods of time. This provides an incentive to manage Sears Holdings for the long term, while minimizing excessive risk taking in the short term.

The annual incentive awards granted to our named executive officers in fiscal year 2011 were calculated based on a multiple of base salary. The multiple, which ranged from 0.50 to 1.0, was based upon our named executive officer’s relative level of responsibility and potential to affect Sears Holdings’ overall performance. The performance-based long-term cash awards granted to our named executive officers in fiscal year 2011 were also calculated based on a multiple of base salary. The multiple, which ranged from 0.5 to 2.0, was based upon our named executive officer’s relative level of responsibility and potential to affect Sears Holdings’ overall performance. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee (or, in the case of Messrs. Ethridge and Hansen, members of senior management of Sears Holdings) also considered our named executive officer’s performance and experience; our named executive officer’s expected future contributions to Sears Holdings; and internal pay equity.

The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee determines whether the applicable financial performance targets have been attained under the annual and long-term incentive compensation plans. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee can exercise both positive and negative discretion in relation to the annual and long-term incentive compensation awards granted to executives, however, the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee has not yet exercised this discretion.

In fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings’ short and long-term incentive programs contained executive compensation recovery provisions. The relevant provisions provide that Sears Holdings will seek reimbursement from executive officers if their financial statements or approved financial measures are subject to restatement due to error or misconduct, to the extent permitted by law.

 

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Fiscal Year 2011 Compensation Decisions

The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, working with members of the Sears Holdings’ management team, approved all elements of compensation for Messrs. Johnson and Powell. The compensation approval decision for Messrs. Ethridge and Hansen was made in part by the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee and in part by members of senior management. For Messrs. Johnson and Powell, management presented recommendations to the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee regarding compensation elements for review and final approval. As appropriate, Sears Holdings’ Chairman generally played an advisory role to the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee during this process.

Base Salary

Sears Holdings set base salaries to reflect our named executive officer’s performance and experience; the individual’s expected future contributions to Sears Holdings; the responsibilities, impact and importance of the position within Sears Holdings; internal pay equity; and competitive pay research. The timing and amount of base salary increases depend on the named executive officer’s past performance, promotion or other change in responsibilities, expected future contributions to Sears Holdings and current market competitiveness.

The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee reviewed the base salaries of Messrs. Johnson and Powell and no change was made for fiscal year 2011. The base salary of Mr. Ethridge was increased in June 2011 to $220,000 in connection with his promotion and the concomitant increase in his responsibilities. Mr. Hansen’s salary remained unchanged from the prior year in fiscal year 2011.

2011 Annual Incentive Compensation

The Sears Holdings Annual Incentive Plan, or “SHC AIP,” is a cash-based program that is intended to reward associates for their contributions to the achievement of certain EBITDA, business unit operating profit or other goals, or a combination of these goals. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee approved 2011 performance measures under the SHC AIP. For Messrs. Johnson and Hansen, the annual incentive opportunity was tied to achievement of a combination of an SHC EBITDA goal and certain BOP goals. For Messrs. Powell and Ethridge, the annual incentive opportunity was tied to achievement of the BOP goal for the Sears Hometown and Hardware business unit and the Sears Outlet business unit, respectively. The annual incentive opportunities also were based on a multiple of 1.0 times base salary for Mr. Johnson, 0.75 times base salary for Mr. Powell and 0.50 times base salary for each of Messrs. Ethridge and Hansen.

SHC EBITDA is defined as earnings of Sears Holdings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization for the performance period computed as operating income on Sears Holding’s statement of operations for the applicable reporting period, other than Sears Canada Inc., excluding depreciation and amortization and gains/(losses) on the sales of assets. In addition, it is adjusted to exclude

 

   

significant litigation or claim judgments or settlements (defined as matters which are $1 million or more);

 

   

the effect of purchase accounting and changes in accounting methods;

 

   

gains, losses and costs associated with store closings, acquisitions and divestitures;

 

   

integration costs that are disclosed as merger related;

 

   

domestic pension expense; and

 

   

restructuring activities.

BOP is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, and depreciation and other EBITDA adjustments, if related to the business unit, which are excluded from the definition of EBITDA for each Sears Holdings business unit that is covered by the SHC AIP, as reported on Sears Holdings’ domestic internal operating statements derived from the vertical financial system. Sears Holdings believes that BOP performance goals support their financial goals by reinforcing responsibility and accountability at the business unit level.

 

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In establishing financial business goals for the fiscal year to be approved by the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, factors such as the prior fiscal year financial business results, the competitive situation, evaluation of market trends, as well as the general state of the economy and the business all are considered. For fiscal year 2011, threshold and target performance goals were established for SHC EBITDA and the BOPs. For Mr. Johnson, for whom the performance measures are a combination of SHC EBITDA and three specific business unit BOP goals, the threshold level of performance for (a) the percentage that is tied to SHC EBITDA is approximately 61% of the SHC EBITDA target and (b) the percentages that are tied to BOP goals are based on the BOP-specific threshold level set for each such BOP goal (which vary from 50% to 97% of the BOP target). For Mr. Powell, the threshold level of performance is 70% of the BOP goal for the Sears Hometown and Hardware business unit. For Mr. Ethridge, the threshold level of performance is 79.7% of the BOP goal for the Sears Outlet business unit. The threshold level of performance for Mr. Hansen, with respect to the 50% of his award that is tied to SHC EBITDA, is approximately 61% of the SHC EBITDA target; the underlying BOP threshold levels of performance apply to the 50% of his award that is tied to the percentage of AIP payouts achieved by operating businesses. Threshold level performance for SHC EBITDA-based components of the 2011 SHC AIP generate payouts at 40% of incentive opportunity and threshold levels of performance for BOP-based components of the 2011 SHC AIP generate payouts that vary by business unit from a minimum of 40%. The target level performance for SHC EBITDA and BOP components generate payouts of 100% of incentive opportunity. If the target SHC EBITDA or target BOP performance level was exceeded, for each 1% the performance measure exceeds the target performance measure, such named executive officer was eligible to receive a 2% increase in that component of his award. SHC AIP awards payable for performance above target SHC EBITDA or above target BOP were subject to an earnings-to-incentive ratio such that generally, for every $7 in earnings above the target amount, a minimum of $6 in earnings is retained by Sears Holdings for every $1 in incentive paid to participants. The maximum award payable to one of our named executive officers under the SHC AIP was 200% of his target incentive award. The amount of the annual cash incentive award ultimately received depended on the achievement of the applicable performance goals. The “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below shows the range of possible payments to each of the named executive officers under the SHC AIP in fiscal year 2011.

While Sears Holdings did not achieve the SHC EBITDA performance goal under the SHC AIP for fiscal year 2011, the Sears Outlet business unit and the Sears Hardware Stores business were successful in achieving threshold levels of performance under their respective BOP goals. The Sears Outlet business unit’s BOP threshold, target and actual results for fiscal year 2011 were $47,077,000, $59,069,000 and $47,985,000, respectively. The Sears Hardware Stores business’s BOP threshold, target and actual results for fiscal year 2011 were $(10,441,000), $(8,032,000), and $(9,437,000), respectively. Accordingly, Messrs. Johnson and Ethridge received annual incentive payments of $94,545 and $56,962, respectively, based, in each case, solely on the Sears Outlet business unit’s achievement of its BOP threshold level of performance in fiscal year 2011. Mr. Hansen received an annual incentive payment of $960 based solely on the achievement of the BOP threshold level of performance in fiscal year 2011 of each of the Sears Outlet business unit and the Sears Hardware Stores business.

Long-Term Compensation Opportunities

Beginning in 2005, Sears Holdings has generally granted long-term performance awards each year to its executive officers and others, including our named executive officers. The Summary Compensation Table and Grants of Plan-Based Awards tables below contain information regarding the long-term performance-based compensation opportunities for fiscal year 2011. These opportunities consisted of a performance-based award under the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Program, or the “2011 LTIP,” granted to our named executive officers in fiscal year 2011 and a performance-based cash award under the 2010 Long-Term Incentive Program, or the “2010 LTIP,” granted to certain of our named executive officers in fiscal year 2010. Certain of our named executive officers also were participating in the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Program, or the “2009 LTIP,” a performance-based cash program dependent upon the achievement of Sears Holdings’ financial goals during our

 

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2009 through 2011 fiscal years; however, based on Sears Holdings’ financial performance during the performance period, no payments were made to our named executive officers under the 2009 LTIP.

In making compensation decisions, no formal weighting formula was used in determining award amounts under the long-term incentive programs maintained by Sears Holdings. Instead, the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee considered the named executive officer’s relative level of responsibility and potential to affect the Sears Holdings’ overall performance when it awarded long-term performance-based compensation.

Sears Holdings’ current long-term incentive plans are described below.

2009 LTIP

The 2009 LTIP provided the opportunity for employees at the level of divisional vice president and above to receive a potential payment under a 2009 LTIP incentive award subject to the attainment of performance goals for a three-year performance period (fiscal years 2009 to 2011). Awards under the 2009 LTIP represent the right to receive cash or, at the discretion of the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, shares of Sears Holdings common stock in lieu of cash, or a combination of cash and shares. Threshold and target performance goals were established for the LTIP EBITDA performance goals under the 2009 LTIP. A description of LTIP EBITDA can be found under the caption “Long-Term Compensation Opportunities” above. A threshold level of performance would have generated payouts at 60% of the long term incentive opportunity, target levels of performance would have generated payouts of 100% of the long term incentive opportunity, and if target levels of performance had been exceeded, for each 1% 2009 LTIP EBITDA exceeds the target performance measure, the participant would have received a 2% increase in his award.

Our named executive officers who participated in the 2009 LTIP are Messrs. Johnson, Powell and Hansen.

In the event a participant’s death or disability before the payment date for his or her award, a payment would have been made with respect to that participant in an amount equal to his or her prorated target cash incentive opportunity, but only if (a) LTIP EBITDA for the period of the performance period through the month preceding the participant’s termination of employment had been equal to or greater than target LTIP EBITDA, pro-rated through the date of termination, (b) LTIP EBITDA had been equal to or greater than target LTIP EBITDA for the performance period, and (c) the participant had been employed by Sears Holdings for at least 12 months of the performance period. In the event of voluntary termination or involuntary termination (other than due to death or disability) before the payment date for his or her award, the participant would have forfeited all of his or her LTIP award. To have been eligible to receive payment of an award, a participant was required to have been actively employed as of the payment date following completion of the performance period.

Consistent with Sears Holdings’ pay-for-performance philosophy, Sears Holdings’ financial performance during the performance period (fiscal years 2009 to 2011) resulted in no payments under the 2009 LTIP.

2010 LTIP

The 2010 LTIP provides the opportunity for salaried employees who hold a position of divisional vice president or higher to receive a potential payment under a long-term incentive award equal to either a percentage of his her base salary or a dollar amount subject to the attainment of performance goals for a three-year period (fiscal years 2010 to 2012). Awards under the 2010 LTIP represent the right to receive cash or, at the discretion of the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, shares of Sears Holdings’ common stock in lieu of cash or a combination of cash and shares upon the achievement of certain performance goals. The issuance of Sears Holdings common stock under the 2010 LTIP is contingent on the availability of shares of stock under a shareholder approved plan of Sears Holdings providing for the issuance of shares in satisfaction of 2010 LTIP awards.

Our named executive officers who currently participate in the 2010 LTIP are Messrs. Johnson, Powell and Hansen.

 

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The 2010 LTIP includes four different performance plans. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee determined the level of financial performance for each performance plan, the performance plan that applies to each business, and which performance plan applies to each participant. Messrs. Johnson and Hansen participated in the 100% LTIP EBITDA performance plan under the 2010 LTIP. Mr. Powell participated in the LTIP EBITDA (50%) and Sears Hometown and Hardware (50%) performance plan under the 2010 LTIP.

In the event of a participant’s death or disability before the payment date for his or her award, a payment will be made with respect to that participant in an amount equal to his or her prorated target cash incentive opportunity, but only if (a) the applicable performance measure(s) for the period of the performance period through the month preceding the participant’s termination of employment is equal to or greater than the target for such measure(s), pro-rated through the date of termination, (b) applicable the performance measure(s) is equal to or greater than the target for the applicable performance measure(s) for the performance period, and (c) the participant has been employed by Sears Holdings for at least 12 months of the performance period. In the event of voluntary termination or involuntary termination (other than due to death or disability) before the payment date for his or her award, the participant will forfeit all of his or her LTIP award. To be eligible to receive payment of an award, a participant must be actively employed as of the payment date following completion of the performance period.

For the participating named executive officers, achievement of an LTIP EBITDA performance goal accounted for 100% of their 2010 long-term compensation opportunity under the 2010 LTIP. A description of LTIP EBITDA can found under the heading “Long-Term Compensation Opportunities” above. Threshold, target and maximum goals have been established for all performance threshold measures under the LTIP EBITDA plan. The threshold level of performance is the attainment of a three-year cumulative LTIP EBITDA target for the three-year performance period. A threshold level of performance will generate a payout at 40% of the long-term incentive opportunity and a target level of performance will generate a payout at 100% of the long-term incentive opportunity. If the target LTIP EBITDA performance level is exceeded, for each 1% LTIP EBITDA exceeds the target performance measure, the named executive officer will receive a 2% increase in his award. 2010 LTIP awards payable for performance above target LTIP EBITDA will be subject to an earnings-to-incentive ratio such that for every $7 in earnings above the target amount, a minimum of $6 in earnings is retained by Sears Holdings for every $1 in incentive paid to participants.

During fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings concluded that the LTIP EBITDA performance goal established in connection with the 2010 LTIP was unlikely to be achieved. Accordingly, Sears Holdings ceased recording expense and reversed the prior expense recognized in connection with the 2010 LTIP awards based on 100% LTIP EBITDA. Payments to participants under the 2010 LTIP at the end of the three-year performance period are not likely to occur.

2011 LTIP

The 2011 LTIP provides the opportunity for salaried employees who hold a position of divisional vice president or higher to receive a long-term incentive award equal to either a percentage of his or her base salary or a dollar amount subject to the attainment of performance goals for a three-year period (fiscal years 2011 to 2013). Awards under the 2011 LTIP represent the right to receive cash or, at the discretion of the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, shares of Sears Holdings’ common stock in lieu of cash or a combination of cash and shares upon the achievement of certain performance goals. The issuance of common stock under the 2011 LTIP is contingent on the availability of shares of stock under a stockholder approved plan of Sears Holdings providing for the issuance of shares in satisfaction of 2011 LTIP awards.

Each of our named executive officers currently participates in the 2011 LTIP.

The 2011 LTIP includes five different performance plans. The Sears Holdings Compensation Committee has determined the level of financial performance for each performance plan, the performance plan to apply to

 

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each business, and which performance plan applies to each participant. The 2011 performance plans under the LTIP that cover our named executive officers include an LTIP EBITDA plan and BOP-based plans.

In the event of a participant’s death or disability before the payment date for his or her award, a payment will be made with respect to that participant in an amount equal to his or her prorated target cash incentive opportunity, but only if (a) the applicable performance measure(s) for the period of the performance period through the month preceding the participant’s termination of employment is equal to or greater than the target for such measure(s), pro-rated through the date of termination, (b) applicable the performance measure(s) is equal to or greater than the target for the applicable performance measure(s) for the performance period and (c) the participant has been employed by Sears Holdings for at least 12 months of the performance period. In the event of voluntary termination or termination with cause (as defined in the 2011 LTIP) before the payment date for his or her award, the participant will forfeit all of his or her LTIP award. To be eligible to receive payment of an award, a participant must be actively employed as of the payment date following completion of the performance period.

For Messrs. Johnson, Powell and Ethridge, achievement of the LTIP EBITDA performance goal accounts for 50% of their 2011 LTIP opportunity and achievement of a BOP goal for the businesses for which each is responsible accounts for the remaining 50% of their 2011 LTIP opportunity, or “LTIP EBITDA-BOP plan.” For Mr. Hansen, achievement of the LTIP EBITDA performance goal accounts for 100% of his 2011 LTIP opportunity, or “LTIP EBITDA plan.” Threshold, target and maximum goals have been established for all performance measures under the 2011 LTIP.

The threshold level of performance for the LTIP EBITDA plan and the LTIP EBITDA portion of the LTIP EBITDA-BOP plan is 70% of target LTIP EBITDA in any year of the three-year performance period. The threshold level of performance for the BOP portions of the LTIP EBITDA-BOP plan is 70% of the three-year cumulative BOP targets for the performance period. For both plans, a threshold level of performance will generate a payout at 25% of the 2011 LTIP opportunity and a target level of performance will generate a payout at 100% of the 2011 LTIP opportunity. For both plans, for a performance level from threshold to 83% of the applicable target, the named executive officer will receive a 1.2% increase in his award for every 1% of additional performance above threshold. For a performance level from 83% of the applicable target to such target, the named executive officer will receive a 3.5% increase in his award for every 1% of additional performance. If the applicable target performance level is exceeded, for each 1% it exceeds the target, the named executive officer will receive a 2% increase in his award. Awards payable under either the LTIP EBITDA plan or LTIP EBITDA-BOP plan for performance above applicable targets will be subject to an earnings-to-incentive ratio such that for every $7 in earnings above the target amount, a minimum of $6 in earnings is retained by Sears Holdings for every $1 in incentive paid to participants. The maximum award payable to a named executive officer under the 2011 LTIP is 200% of his target incentive award.

Sears Holdings’ ability to achieve the LTIP EBITDA performance target is dependent upon a number of factors. Given Sears Holdings’ recent operating performance and current retail market conditions, there is uncertainty with respect to achieving the LTIP EBITDA performance target in the performance period, and payment to participants under the 2011 LTIP at the end of the three-year performance period is not likely to occur.

Other Long-Term Compensation Opportunities

On September 1, 2011, Mr. Powell received a special long-term retention award in the amount of $224,975. This award was granted on and consists of restricted stock issued under Sears Holdings’ 2006 Stock Plan (the “2006 Stock Plan”) valued at approximately 50% of the total award amount, and cash in the amount of approximately 50% of the total award amount. This award vests 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date, subject to employment with Sears Holdings on the vesting date. This long-term retention award was granted to retain and motivate Mr. Powell.

 

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In connection with the spin-off of Sears Holdings’ interest in Orchard Supply Hardware Stores Corporation, or “Orchard,” each person, including our named executive officers, who held outstanding shares of unvested restricted stock of Sears Holdings as of December 16, 2011, the record date for the spin-off, was granted a cash right in lieu of shares of Orchard common and preferred stock distributed in the spin-off in respect of such unvested restricted stock. The cash rights were granted in lieu of Orchard shares to preserve the tax-free nature of the spin-off for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The cash rights will be payable on the applicable vesting date for such unvested restricted stock. The cash right amounts were calculated based on the volume-weighted average price per share of the Orchard common and preferred stock over the 10-trading day period beginning January 3, 2012. Messrs. Johnson and Powell received cash rights in the amount of $27,867 and $4,816, respectively. No cash rights held by our named executive officers vested in fiscal year 2011.

Time-Based Equity Compensation

Time-based equity compensation, or equity that vests with the passage of time, assists Sears Holdings to:

 

   

Attract and retain top executive talent; and

 

   

Link executive and company long-term financial interests of Sears Holdings, including the growth in value of Sears Holdings’ equity and enhancement of long-term stockholder return.

Time-based equity compensation is intended to complement the three major compensation elements: base salary, annual incentive awards and long-term incentive awards.

Time-based equity compensation at Sears Holdings is currently awarded in the form of restricted stock. Generally, Sears Holdings’ practice is to determine the dollar amount of equity compensation and then grant a number of shares of restricted stock having a fair market value equal to that dollar amount on the date of grant. The fair market value is based upon the closing price of Sears Holdings’ stock on the grant date. Individual grant amounts are generally based on factors such as relative job scope, expected future contributions to Sears Holdings and internal pay equity.

Sears Holdings does not grant restricted stock on a regular basis to its executives. In fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings granted a restricted stock award to Mr. Powell, as part of his special long-term retention award, as described in “Other Long-Term Compensation Opportunities” above. On April 6, 2010, Mr. Johnson received an award of 40,000 shares of restricted stock, which award vests in four equal annual installments on the first, second, third and fourth anniversary of the grant date. On March 10, 2011, this award was amended to provide that if his employment with Sears Holdings is involuntarily terminated (other than for cause, death or disability), he will be deemed to be vested in any portion of his award that was scheduled to vest during the 15 months immediately following such termination date.

Sears Holdings’ does not have a stock option plan, as currently stock options are not a key pay component for Sears Holdings.

For a discussion of the treatment of our named executive officers’ Sears Holdings incentive and retention awards in connection with the separation, see the discussion under the heading “SHO Employment Arrangements” below.

Other Compensation Elements

Perquisites and Other Benefits

Sears Holdings provides our named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee deems reasonable and consistent with Sears Holdings’ overall compensation program. In fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings made available to Mr. Johnson company-furnished ground transportation for travel between his primary residence in the Chicago metropolitan area and the Sears Holdings’ corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. Mr. Johnson is responsible for any related taxes

 

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associated with the personal use of company-furnished transportation. In fiscal year 2011, Sears Holdings paid Mr. Powell $35,000, in four equal quarterly installments of $8,750 each in advance, to cover the cost of Mr. Powell’s commuting between his primary residence in Cleveland, Ohio and Sears Holdings’ corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. The payment is subject to repayment of the unused portion if Mr. Powell voluntarily terminates his employment with Sears Holdings or such employment is terminated for cause. This payment included a tax gross-up of $14,224.

Retirement Plans

Sears Holdings’ maintains a 401(k) savings plan, which allows participants to contribute towards retirement on a pre-tax (including catch-up contributions) and after-tax basis. Sears Holdings also maintains a frozen, qualified pension plan, or the “Sears Holdings Pension Plan”, and a frozen, non-qualified pension plan, or “SRIP”, that provides supplemental retirement income to certain legacy SRC participants, or together the “Pension Plans”. Sears Holdings eliminated future benefit accruals for the Pension Plans as of December 31, 2005. None of our named executive officer, other than Mr. Powell, participates in the Pension Plans. SHO will not maintain a pension plan following our separation from Sears Holdings.

Severance Benefits

Each of our named executive officers has entered into a severance agreement with Sears Holdings. Under the terms of the agreement, severance is provided for involuntary termination by Sears Holdings without cause (as defined in the agreement) or if the officer’s employment is terminated for “good reason” (as defined in the agreement). Our named executive officers would have received the following, depending on the form of agreement:

 

   

Severance equal to one year (or six months, in the case of Mr. Ethridge) of annual base salary, subject to mitigation for salary or wages earned from another employer, including self-employment; or

 

   

Severance equal to one year of annual base salary and a target bonus (separate from any payment under an annual incentive plan), subject to mitigation for salary or wages earned from another employer, including self-employment.

If one of our named executive officers had become entitled to benefits under the severance agreement, the named executive officer would have received other Sears Holdings benefits such as continued participation in its medical and dental plans during the salary continuation period. Except as described below under the heading “Payments Pursuant to Severance Agreements—Other Severance Benefits,” the forms of executive severance agreements do not have specific change-in-control or similar provisions that would have given rise to or impacted the payment of severance benefits to the named executive officers.

Awards under a long-term incentive program are payable in the event of a termination of employment as a result of death or disability during a performance period if certain conditions are met, as described under the applicable long-term incentive program. Please see “Long-Term Compensation Opportunities” below and “Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment” below for additional information.

In the event of the death, disability, retirement or involuntary termination of one our named executive officers, at the discretion of the Sears Holdings Compensation Committee, such officer’s restricted stock awards may be accelerated. In all other cases, any unvested restricted stock award under the 2006 Stock Plan will be forfeited upon termination of employment. However, in connection with the separation and subject to provisions in the offer letters from SHO to the named executive officers, such officer’s restricted stock awards will be replaced with a cash award. See the discussion under the heading “SHO Employment Arrangements” below for additional information.

The severance agreements with Sears Holdings with the named executive officers will be assigned to, and assumed by, SHO effective upon the separation. See the discussion under the heading “SHO Employment Arrangements” elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth information concerning the total compensation paid by Sears Holdings to each of our named executive officers. These amounts are based on the compensation received by these officers while employed by Sears Holdings for fiscal year 2011.

 

Name and Principal Position

  Year     Salary
(a)
    Bonus
(b)
    Stock
Awards
(c) (1)
    Non Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
(d) (3)
    Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
(e) (4)
    All Other
Compensation
(f)
    Total  

W. Bruce Johnson

    2011      $ 1,000,000        —          —        $ 94,545        —        $ 31,575 (5)    $ 1,126,120   

Chief Executive Officer and President

    2010      $ 979,487        —        $ 4,316,400        —          $ 24,983      $ 5,320,870   
    2009      $ 850,000        —        $ 663,400        —            —        $ 1,513,400   

William A. Powell

    2011      $ 450,000        —        $ 112,475 (2)      —        $ 616      $ 35,000 (6)    $ 598,091   

Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

               

John E. Ethridge II

    2011      $ 203,297        —          —        $ 56,962        —          —        $ 260,259   

Vice President, Supply Chain and Technology

               

Charles J. Hansen

    2011      $ 410,000        —          —        $ 960        —          —        $ 410,960   

Vice President and General Counsel

               

 

(1) Amounts shown in this column represent the full grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards granted under the Sears Holdings 2006 Stock Plan, or, the “2006 Stock Plan.” Generally, the full grant date fair value is the amount that Sears Holdings would expense in its financial statements over the award’s applicable vesting period. Restricted stock is common stock that cannot be sold or otherwise transferred by the named executive officer until such restrictions lapse. All of the restricted stock awards shown in the summary compensation table were awarded under the 2006 Stock Plan.
(2) On September 1, 2011, Mr. Powell received a restricted stock award of 1,921 shares. These shares are scheduled to vest 100% on September 1, 2014, provided that Mr. Powell is an active employee of Sears Holdings on the vesting date. The closing stock price on the date of grant was $58.55.
(3) The amounts shown in this column were earned under the SHC AIP for performance in fiscal year 2011.
(4) The amounts shown in this column represent the increase in the actuarial present value of benefits under the Pension Plans from January 31, 2011 to January 31, 2012. As described under the “Pension Benefits” below, accrual of benefits under the Pension Plans was eliminated effective December 31, 2005; accordingly, amounts reported in the Summary Compensation Table reflect the fact that Mr. Powell is closer to retirement age as defined under the plan, as well as other changes in actuarial assumptions. The Pension Plans do not provide for above-market earnings on deferred compensation amounts. Mr. Powell is the only named executive officers who participates in the Pension Plans.
(5) Includes $31,575 attributable to the aggregate incremental cost of Mr. Johnson’s commuter travel using Sears Holdings-furnished vehicles. Family members of Mr. Johnson accompanied him on one occasion while he used Sears Holdings-furnished ground transportation. Under the SEC rules, the accompaniment of Mr. Johnson in Sears Holdings cars by members of his family is considered to be a perquisite, even if there is no incremental cost to Sears Holdings. There was no incremental cost to Sears Holdings when Mr. Johnson’s family members traveled with him.
(6)

Represents a fixed amount paid to Mr. Powell in four equal quarterly installments of $8,750 each in advance, to cover the cost of Mr. Powell’s commuting between his primary residence in Cleveland, Ohio and Sears Holdings’

 

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  corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, and includes a tax gross-up payment of $14,224. The payments are subject to repayment of the unused portion if Mr. Powell voluntarily terminates his employment with Sears Holdings or, such employment is terminated for cause.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following tables set forth awards granted to our named executive officers by Sears Holdings under the incentive plans maintained by Sears Holdings including the SHC AIP, the 2011 LTIP and the 2006 Stock Plan.

 

Name

  Plan   Grant Date for
Equity-Based
Awards
    Compensation
Committee Action
Date for Equity-
Based Awards
    Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Awards (a)
    All
Other
Stock

Awards:
Number
of
Shares
of
Stock
    Grant Date
Fair Value
of Stock
and
Option
Awards
(b)
 
        Threshold     Target     Maximum      

W. Bruce Johnson

  SHC AIP(c)     —          —        $ 566,000      $ 1,000,000      $ 2,000,000        —          —     
  2011 LTIP     —          April 27, 2011      $ 500,000      $ 2,000,000      $ 4,000,000        —          —     
  2006 Stock Plan     —          —          —          —          —          0        —     

William A. Powell

  SHC AIP(d)     —          —        $ 135,000      $ 337,500      $ 675,000        —          —     
  2011 LTIP     —          April 27, 2011      $ 315,000      $ 450,000      $ 900,000        —          —     
  2006 Stock Plan     September 1, 2011        August 15, 2011        —          —          —          1,921      $ 112,475 (e) 

John E. Ethridge II

  SHC AIP(f)     —          —        $ 54,224      $ 90,374      $ 180,748        —          —     
  2011 LTIP     —          April 27, 2011      $ 77,707      $ 101,010      $ 202,020        —          —     
  2006 Stock Plan     —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Charles J. Hansen

  AIP(g)       $ 82,000      $ 205,000      $ 410,000        —          —     
  2011 LTIP     —          April 27, 2011      $ 51,250      $ 205,000      $ 410,000        —          —     
  2006 Stock Plan     —                  —          —     

 

(a) The amounts in these columns include the threshold, target and maximum amounts for each named executive officer under the SHC AIP and 2011 LTIP.
(b) This column reflects the full grant date fair value of restricted stock granted to certain named executive officers. Generally, the full grant date fair value is the amount that Sears Holdings would expense in its financial statements over the award’s applicable vesting period.
(c) The estimated threshold payout amount is based on the (1) threshold level of performance for SHC EBITDA, which resulted in a payout of $0, and (2) threshold level of performance of three of Sears Holdings’ operating business units, one of which resulted in a payout of $94,545. The SHC AIP payment earned by Mr. Johnson for 2011 performance is reported as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table above.
(d) This estimated threshold payout amount is based on the threshold level of performance of one of Sears Holdings’ business units, which resulted in a payout of $0.
(e) The fair value of this restricted stock award under the 2006 Stock Plan was calculated using the closing price of Sears Holdings common stock on the grant date, which was $58.55.
(f) The estimated threshold payout amount is based on the threshold level of performance of one of Sears Holdings’ business units, which resulted in a payout of $56,962. The SHC AIP payment earned by Mr. Ethridge for 2011 performance is reported as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table above.
(g) The estimated threshold payout amount is based on the (1) threshold level of performance for SHC EBITDA, which resulted in a payment of $0, and (2) threshold level of performance of each of Sears Holdings’ operating business units, which resulted in a payout of $960. The AIP payment earned by Mr. Hansen for 2011 performance is reported as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table above.

 

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2011 Fiscal Year End

The following table shows the number of shares of Sears Holdings common stock covered by unvested restricted stock held by the named executive officers on January 28, 2012. None of the named executive officers held options to purchase shares of Sears Holdings common stock on January 28, 2012.

 

     Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested
     Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (a)
     Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
     Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested
 

W. Bruce Johnson

     30,000       $ 1,321,800         —           —     

William A. Powell

     5,185       $ 228,451         —           —     

John E. Ethridge II

     —           —           —           —     

Charles J. Hansen

     —           —           —           —     

 

(a) The market value of the outstanding restricted stock awards represents the product of the number of shares of restricted stock that have not vested multiplied by $44.06, the closing price of Sears Holdings common stock on January 27, 2012, the last trading day of Sears Holdings common stock in fiscal year 2011.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table shows the number of shares of Sears Holdings common stock acquired upon vesting of restricted stock awards and the value realized, before payment of any applicable withholding tax. None of our named executive officers owned or exercised any options to purchase shares of Sears Holdings common stock during fiscal year 2011.

 

     Stock Awards  

Name

   Number of
Shares
Acquired
on Vesting
     Value
Realized
on
Vesting
 

W. Bruce Johnson

     6,630       $  529,936 (a) 

William A. Powell

     —           —     

John E. Ethridge II

     —           —     

Charles J. Hansen

     —           —     

 

(a) This amount represents 10,000 shares of Sears Holdings common stock that vested on April 6, 2011 (including 3,370 shares withheld by Sears Holdings to satisfy tax obligations associated with the vesting of these shares) multiplied by $79.93, the closing price of Sears Holdings common stock on April 6, 2011.

Pension Benefits

As discussed under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Other Compensation Elements—Retirement Plans” above, Sears Holdings maintains the Sears Holdings Pension Plan, a frozen, qualified pension plan, and the SRIP, a frozen, non-qualified pension plan that provides supplemental retirement income to certain legacy SRC participants. As also discussed above, future benefit accruals for the Pension Plans have been eliminated. The Pension Plans do not provide for above-market earnings on deferred compensation amounts.

All liabilities in respect of the Pension Plans will be retained by Sears Holdings. The Company will neither have nor assume any responsibility for any defined benefit plan and does not intend to establish a defined benefit plan.

 

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The table below shows information with respect to the Pension Plans. The years of credited service under the Pension Plans are as of January 31, 2012, rounded to the nearest whole number. The present value of accumulated benefit uses mortality and interest rate assumptions consistent with those used in Sears Holdings’ financial statements. See footnote (b) for assumptions used for the present value of accumulated benefit calculation. The only named executive officer eligible for pension benefits is Mr. Powell, who is eligible only under the Sears Holdings Pension Plan.

 

Name

   Plan
Name
   Number
of
Years
Credited
Service
(a)
     Present
Value of
Accumulated
Benefit
(b)
     Payments
During
Last
Fiscal
Year
 

William A. Powell

   Sears Holdings
Pension Plan
     1       $ 2,461       $ 0   

 

(a) The number of years of credited service is the number of years in the plan from the first anniversary of the participant’s hire date to the date his or her benefits ceased to accrue.
(b) These amounts represent the present value of accumulated benefit using the Sears Holdings’ pension measurement date of January 31, 2012. The following assumptions were used in the present value calculation.

 

   

Election and commencement of benefits at earliest possible retirement age without any benefit reduction due to age, which for legacy SRC participants under the Pension Plans is age 65.

 

   

Form of payment for legacy SRC participants under the Sears Holdings Pension Plan is 45% of plan participants electing lump sums, 55% annuities.

 

   

Mortality for Annuity Benefits: RP 2000 table projected 15 years for males and females.

 

   

Mortality for Lump Sum Benefits: PPA Optional Combined Unisex Mortality Table required by IRS.

 

   

An interest rate equal to the discount rate for January 31, 2012 for qualified lump sum payments and an interest rate of 60% of the qualified plan basis for non-qualified lump sum payments.

 

   

Discount rate of 4.90% as of January 31, 2012.

 

   

No pre-retirement decrements.

Potential Payments Upon Termination of Employment

As described under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Other Compensation Elements—Severance Benefits” above, Sears Holdings entered into severance agreements with the named executive officers. These agreements will be assigned to and assumed by SHO effective as of the separation. The amounts shown in the table for involuntary termination for “good reason” or termination without “cause” are based on the following agreement provisions.

 

   

Good Reason:

 

   

A termination by the executive officer is for good reason if it results from (1) a reduction of more than 10% in the sum of the executive officer’s annual salary and target bonus from those in effect as of the date of the severance agreement; (2) an executive officer’s mandatory relocation to an office more than 50 miles from the primary location at which the executive officer is required to perform his or her duties; or (3) any action or inaction that constitutes a material breach under the severance agreement, including the failure of a successor company to assume or fulfill the obligations under the severance agreement. Mr. Johnson’s severance agreement also provides that a termination is for good reason if it results from a change in reporting relationship such that Mr. Johnson reports to anyone other than the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairman of the Board or the Board of Directors of Sears Holdings.

 

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Cause—A termination by an executive officer is without cause if the executive officer is involuntarily terminated because of job elimination (other than poor performance) or without “cause.”

 

   

“Cause” generally is defined as (1) a material breach by the executive officer, other than due to incapacity due to a disability, of the executive officer’s duties and responsibilities which breach is demonstrably willful and deliberate on the executive officer’s part, is committed in bad faith or without reasonable belief that such breach is in the best interests of the Sears Holdings and such breach is not remedied by the executive officer in a reasonable period of time after receipt of written notice from Sears Holdings specifying such breach; (2) the commission by the executive officer of a felony (in certain cases defined as a felony involving moral turpitude); or (3) dishonesty or willful misconduct in connection with the executive officer’s employment.

Severance Benefits upon involuntary termination for “good reason” or without “cause”

 

   

For Mr. Johnson, the sum of (1) base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the date of termination and (2) a bonus equivalent to his target bonus for the year in which the termination occurs (or, if no target bonus has been set yet for such year, his target bonus for the year immediately preceding the year in which the termination occurred), payable in the form of salary continuation for 12 months, subject to mitigation

 

   

For Mr. Powell, base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the date of termination, payable in the form of salary continuation for 12 months, subject to mitigation.

 

   

For Messrs. Ethridge and Hansen, base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the date of termination, payable in the form of salary continuation for six months, subject to mitigation.

 

   

For all named executive officers, continuation of active medical and dental coverage the named executive officer was eligible to participate in prior to the end of employment during the salary continuation period.

Other Terms of Severance Agreements

An eligible named executive officer will not be entitled to a severance payment under the severance agreements in the event of termination for “cause” or voluntary termination.

Under the severance agreements, the named executive officers agree to non-disclosure of confidential information, non-solicitation and non-compete (where permissible under applicable state law) covenants, as well as a release of liability for certain claims against Sears Holdings.

The forms of severance agreements do not provide for payments to the participating named executive officers upon termination of employment due to death, disability or retirement. Assuming that a termination was effective as of January 27, 2012, the participating named executive officers would have been eligible to receive payments under Sears Holdings’ annual and long-term incentive programs upon death, disability or retirement, as provided below.

Payments Pursuant to Incentive Compensation Programs

As described under “Compensation, Discussion and Analysis” above, Sears Holdings provides annual and long-term incentive awards to our named executive officers. Payments under these programs for termination of employment are limited as described below.

 

   

SHC AIP. If one of our named executive officers voluntarily terminates employment (for any reason other than disability) or is involuntarily terminated for any reason (other than death) prior to the

 

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payment date, he will forfeit his 2011 SHC AIP award, except as prohibited by law. If the employment of a named executive officers is terminated because of death or disability, the named executive officer will be entitled to a pro-rated payment through the termination date if the financial criteria under the 2011 SHC AIP are satisfied. Because certain of Sears Holdings’ business units were successful in achieving the threshold level of performance under their BOP goals and received payouts under the 2011 SHC AIP, Messrs. Johnson, Ethridge and Hansen would have been entitled receive a distribution under the 2011 SHC AIP if their employment had terminated due to death or disability on January 27, 2012. The remaining named executive officers would not be entitled to a distribution under the 2011 SHC AIP in the event of death or disability because the financial goals were not achieved.

 

   

2009 Long-Term Incentive Program; 2010 Long-Term Incentive Program and 2011 Long-Term Incentive Program. If one of our named executive officers voluntarily terminates employment (for any reason other than disability) or is involuntary terminated for any reason (other than death), he will forfeit his 2009 LTIP, 2010 LTIP and 2011 LTIP award, respectively, except as prohibited by law. If one of our named executive officers’ employment is terminated because of death or disability, the named executive officer will be entitled to a pro-rated payment through the termination date if the financial goals under the 2009 LTIP, 2010 LTIP or 2011 LTIP, as of the termination dates, equal or exceed the applicable targets. As of January 27, 2012, the financial goals under the 2009 LTIP, 2010 LTIP and 2011 LTIP were not equal to or in excess of the applicable targets; therefore, the eligible named executive officers would not be entitled to any payments under these plans in the event of death or disability.

Time-Based Equity Compensation

Except for Mr. Johnson, any unvested restricted stock held by our named executive officers on January 27, 2012 will be forfeited upon termination of employment with Sears Holdings. For Mr. Johnson, upon an involuntary termination (other than for cause, death or disability) of employment the portion of the April 6, 2010 restricted stock grant that would vest within 15 months of termination will vest.

 

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The table below summarizes the potential payouts to Messrs. Johnson, Powell and Etheridge upon a termination from Sears Holdings, assuming such termination occurred on January 27, 2012, the last business day of Sears Holdings’ fiscal year 2011:

 

W. Bruce Johnson

  Salary
Continuation
    Continuation
of Medical/
Welfare
Benefits
(a)
    Target
Bonus
(b)
    SHC AIP
Payment
(c)
    LTIP
Payment
    Accelerated
Vesting of
Restricted
Stock
    Total  

Termination for Good Reason

  $ 1,000,000      $ 8,284      $ 1,000,000        —          —        $ 881,200      $ 2,889,484   

Termination without Cause

  $ 1,000,000      $ 8,284      $ 1,000,000        —          —        $ 881,200      $ 2,889,484   

Termination with Cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Voluntary Termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Termination due to Disability

    —          —          —        $ 94,545        —          —        $ 94,545   

Termination due to Retirement

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Termination due to Death

    —          —          —        $ 94,545        —          —        $ 94,545   

William A. Powell

  Salary
Continuation
    Continuation
of Medical/
Welfare
Benefits
(a)
    Target
Bonus
(b)
    SHC AIP
Payment
(c)
    LTIP
Payment
    Accelerated
Vesting of
Restricted
Stock
    Total
(d)
 

Termination for Good Reason

  $ 450,000      $ 9,072        —          —          —          —        $ 459,072   

Termination without Cause

  $ 450,000      $ 9,072        —          —          —          —        $ 459,072   

Termination with Cause

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Voluntary Termination

    —          —          —          —          —          —          —     

Termination due to Disability

    —          —          —