10-Q 1 ni10qq304.txt UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 FORM 10-Q [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended October 30, 2004 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _______ to _______ Commission File Number 001-15059 Nordstrom, Inc. ______________________________________________________ (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Washington 91-0515058 _______________________________ ___________________ (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 1617 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, Washington 98101 ____________________________________________________ (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (206) 628-2111 Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES X NO _____ _____ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES X NO _____ _____ Common stock outstanding as of November 16, 2004: 140,076,823 shares of common stock. 1 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES -------------------------------- INDEX -----
Page Number PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings Quarter and Year to Date ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 3 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets October 30, 2004, January 31, 2004 and November 1, 2003 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Year to Date ended October 30, 2004 and November 1, 2003 5 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 6 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 12 Item 4. Controls and Procedures 17 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings 18 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 19 Item 6. Exhibits 20 SIGNATURES 21
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NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ---------------------- ---------------------- October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net sales $1,542,075 $1,409,109 $5,031,045 $4,529,430 Cost of sales and related buying and occupancy costs (984,908) (911,429) (3,228,732) (2,991,953) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Gross profit 557,167 497,680 1,802,313 1,537,477 Selling, general and administrative expenses (465,769) (439,006) (1,454,736) (1,351,628) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating income 91,398 58,674 347,577 185,849 Interest expense, net (13,485) (26,681) (64,260) (73,043) Service charge income and other, net 45,000 42,576 127,489 114,289 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Earnings before income taxes 122,913 74,569 410,806 227,095 Income tax expense (45,085) (29,100) (157,336) (88,600) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net earnings $ 77,828 $ 45,469 $ 253,470 $ 138,495 ========== ========== ========== ========== Basic earnings per share $ 0.55 $ 0.33 $ 1.81 $ 1.02 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted earnings per share $ 0.54 $ 0.33 $ 1.77 $ 1.01 ========== ========== ========== ========== Basic shares 140,698 136,304 140,181 135,907 ========== ========== ========== ========== Diluted shares 143,149 138,103 142,868 136,659 ========== ========== ========== ========== Cash dividends paid per share of common stock outstanding $ 0.13 $ 0.10 $ 0.35 $ 0.30 ========== ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 3 of 21
NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (amounts in thousands) (unaudited) October 30, January 31, November 1, 2004 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- ASSETS Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 335,407 $ 516,281 $ 183,666 Accounts receivable, net 635,409 666,811 645,182 Retained interest in accounts receivable 382,325 272,294 227,340 Merchandise inventories 1,193,144 901,623 1,189,996 Current deferred tax assets 134,896 121,681 111,965 Prepaid expenses 53,231 49,750 50,083 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current assets 2,734,412 2,528,440 2,408,232 Land, buildings and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $2,256,003, $2,108,936 and $2,051,968) 1,692,202 1,724,273 1,736,617 Goodwill, net 51,714 51,714 51,714 Tradename, net 84,000 84,000 84,000 Other assets 159,631 150,271 149,778 ---------- ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS $4,721,959 $4,538,698 $4,430,341 ========== ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Accounts payable $ 772,559 $ 585,331 $ 716,380 Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits 252,022 276,007 211,584 Other accrued expenses 205,504 188,231 178,644 Income taxes payable 52,877 66,157 71,105 Current portion of long-term debt 103,021 6,833 6,198 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 1,385,983 1,122,559 1,183,911 Long-term debt 932,384 1,227,410 1,225,403 Deferred lease credits 364,768 377,321 376,007 Other liabilities 168,426 177,399 143,726 Shareholders' Equity: Common stock, no par: 500,000 shares authorized; 139,933, 138,377 and 136,971 shares issued and outstanding 529,284 424,645 384,193 Unearned stock compensation (373) (597) (671) Retained earnings 1,330,511 1,201,093 1,111,864 Accumulated other comprehensive earnings 10,976 8,868 5,908 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity 1,870,398 1,634,009 1,501,294 ---------- ---------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $4,721,959 $4,538,698 $4,430,341 ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 4 of 21
NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (amounts in thousands) (unaudited) Year to Date Ended ------------------------ October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net earnings $253,470 $138,495 Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 194,593 185,163 Amortization of deferred lease credits and other, net (23,054) (20,316) Stock-based compensation expense 4,663 9,548 Deferred income taxes, net (5,012) (4,629) Tax benefit on stock option exercises 19,906 2,664 Change in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 31,951 17,869 Retained interest in accounts receivable (110,569) (100,814) Merchandise inventories (261,610) (234,246) Prepaid expenses (1,116) (4,003) Other assets (11,118) (6,437) Accounts payable 156,559 223,424 Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits (26,126) (14,440) Other accrued expenses 17,252 7,258 Income taxes payable (42,561) 9,935 Other liabilities 17,844 8,913 ---------- ---------- Net cash from operating activities 215,072 218,384 ---------- ---------- INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Capital expenditures (159,208) (204,536) Additions to deferred lease credits 10,806 37,157 Other, net (959) (1,037) ---------- ---------- Net cash used in investing activities (149,361) (168,416) ---------- ---------- FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Principal payments on long-term debt (202,016) (109,148) Proceeds from sale of interest rate swap - 2,341 (Decrease)increase in cash book overdrafts (2,958) 10,284 Proceeds from exercise of stock options 69,549 16,577 Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan 12,892 8,861 Cash dividends paid (49,091) (40,736) Repurchase of common stock (74,961) - ---------- ---------- Net cash used in financing activities (246,585) (111,821) ---------- ---------- Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (180,874) (61,853) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 516,281 245,519 ---------- ---------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $335,407 $183,666 ========== ==========
The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements. 5 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation --------------------- The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in our 2003 Annual Report. The same accounting policies are followed for preparing quarterly and annual financial data. All adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows have been included and are of a normal, recurring nature. Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Our Anniversary sale in July and the holidays in December typically result in higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of our fiscal years. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. Critical Accounting Policies ---------------------------- The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We regularly evaluate our estimates including those related to doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, intangible assets, income taxes, self-insurance liabilities, post-retirement benefits, sales return accruals, contingent liabilities and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our accounting policies and methodologies in the third quarter of 2004 are consistent with those discussed in our 2003 Annual Report and our second quarter Form 10-Q. In October 2004, we completed a review of our current and deferred tax accounts, which resulted in a lower effective tax rate. This change increased net income by approximately $2,900 for the quarter and year to date periods ended October 30, 2004. Nordstrom fsb, our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, offers a co-branded VISA credit card program to its customers. The balances due from the VISA cardholders are transferred to a third party trust, Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust (the "Trust"). In 2002, the Trust issued $200,000 of notes to third parties; those notes are due in 2007 and are secured by a portion of the Trust's assets. We do not record the notes that the Trust sold to third parties or the pro-rata share of the Trust's assets on our financial statements. The remaining interest in the Trust is held by our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The remaining interest is held in certificated form; it is recorded as "Retained interest in accounts receivable" on our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and accounted for as investments in debt securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". 6 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Cont.) In the third quarter of 2004, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Thrift Supervision, which regulates Nordstrom fsb, directed Nordstrom, Inc. to change our accounting treatment for a portion of the remaining interest in the Trust. We asked the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff to confirm that our existing accounting treatment for the remaining interest in the Trust is consistent with their interpretation of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). In October 2004, the SEC staff confirmed that our existing accounting treatment and financial statement presentations comply with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, we plan to continue to follow our existing accounting treatment for the remaining certificated interest in the Trust. The SEC staff also suggested that we voluntarily expand our quarterly disclosures related to the certificated interests; please see Note 5 for this additional disclosure. Reclassifications ----------------- We reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation. Stock Compensation ------------------ We apply Accounting Principles Board No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," in measuring compensation costs under our stock-based compensation programs, which is described more fully in our 2003 Annual Report. If we had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value of the options and shares at grant date, net earnings and earnings per share would have been as follows:
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ---------------------- ---------------------- October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net earnings, as reported $77,828 $45,469 $253,470 $138,495 Add: stock-based compensation (income)/expense included in reported net earnings, net of tax (500) 4,717 2,844 5,824 Deduct: stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value, net of tax (4,160) (7,492) (16,460) (18,219) ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Pro forma net earnings $73,168 $42,694 $239,854 $126,100 ========== ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share: Basic - as reported $0.55 $0.33 $1.81 $1.02 Diluted - as reported $0.54 $0.33 $1.77 $1.01 Basic - pro forma $0.52 $0.31 $1.71 $0.93 Diluted - pro forma $0.51 $0.31 $1.68 $0.93
7 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 2 - Postretirement Benefits The expense components of our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, which provides retirement benefits to certain officers and select employees, are as follows:
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ------------------------ ------------------------ October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Service cost $372 $205 $1,116 $615 Interest cost 991 855 2,973 2,565 Amortization of net loss 386 173 1,158 564 Amortization of prior service cost 240 188 720 519 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total expense $1,989 $1,421 $5,967 $4,263 =========== =========== =========== ===========
Note 3 - Earnings Per Share
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ------------------------ ------------------------ October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Net earnings $77,828 $45,469 $253,470 $138,495 =========== =========== =========== =========== Basic shares 140,698 136,304 140,181 135,907 Dilutive effect of stock options and performance share units 2,451 1,799 2,687 752 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Diluted shares 143,149 138,103 142,868 136,659 =========== =========== =========== =========== Basic earnings per share $0.55 $0.33 $1.81 $1.02 Diluted earnings per share $0.54 $0.33 $1.77 $1.01 Antidilutive stock options 10 2,974 10 7,578
Note 4 - Accounts Receivable The components of accounts receivable are as follows:
October 30, January 31, November 1, 2004 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- Trade receivables: Unrestricted $35,988 $25,228 $32,669 Restricted 544,976 589,992 567,396 Allowance for doubtful accounts (19,534) (20,320) (20,746) ----------- ----------- ----------- Trade receivables, net 561,430 594,900 579,319 Other 73,979 71,911 65,863 ----------- ----------- ----------- Accounts receivable, net $635,409 $666,811 $645,182 =========== =========== ===========
8 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 4 - Accounts Receivable (Cont.) The restricted trade receivables relate to our proprietary credit card and back the $300,000 Class A notes and the $150,000 variable funding note renewed in May 2004. Other accounts receivable consist primarily of credit card receivables due from third party financial institutions, vendor receivables and cosmetic rebate receivables, which are believed to be fully realizable as they are collected soon after they are earned. Note 5 - Retained Interest in Accounts Receivable Our investment in master trust certificates and off-balance sheet financing are described in Note 9 of our 2003 Annual Report. In 2004, the Trust issued $250,000 of Class A & B notes ("2004 Class A & B Notes") to Nordstrom Credit, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary. The following table summarizes our VISA credit card activities and the estimated fair values of our retained interests as well as the assumptions used:
------------------------ October 30, January 31, 2004 2004 ----------- ----------- Total face value of Nordstrom VISA credit card principal receivables $571,407 $465,198 =========== =========== Securities issued at fair value: Amounts not recorded on balance sheet (sold to third parties): 2002 Class A & B Notes $200,000 $200,000 ----------- ----------- Amounts recorded on balance sheet: Retained interest 132,325 272,294 2004 Class A & B Notes 250,000 - ----------- ----------- Total retained interest in accounts receivable 382,325 272,294 ----------- ----------- Total fair value of securities issued by the Trust $582,325 $472,294 =========== =========== Assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the retained interest: Weighted average remaining life (in months) 2.3 2.5 Average credit losses 5.4% 5.5% Average gross yield 18.2% 17.8% Weighted average coupon on issued securities 2.6% 1.4% Average payment rates 22.0% 23.4% Discount rates of retained interests 8.1%-14.3% 6.8%-12.6%
9 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 5 - Retained Interest in Accounts Receivable (Cont.) The following table summarizes the income earned by the retained interest that is included in service charge income and other, net on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings:
Quarter Ended Year to Date Ended ------------------------ ------------------------ October 30, November 1, October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Income earned by retained interest $16,236 $11,515 $48,376 $29,133 =========== =========== =========== ===========
Note 6 - Debt Year to date we have retired $196,770 of our 8.95% senior notes and $1,473 of our 6.7% medium-term notes for a total cash payment of $220,106. After considering non-cash items related to these debt retirements, our net expense for the three quarters ended October 30, 2004 was $20,862. In May 2004, we replaced our existing $300,000 unsecured line of credit with a $350,000 unsecured line of credit, which is available as liquidity support for our commercial paper program. Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR plus a margin of 0.31%. The variable rate of interest increases to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.41% if more than $175,000 is outstanding on the facility. The line of credit agreement expires in three years and contains restrictive covenants, which include maintaining a leverage ratio. We also pay a commitment fee for the line based on our debt rating. Also in May 2004, we renewed our variable funding note backed by Nordstrom private label receivables and reduced the capacity by $50,000 to $150,000. This note is renewed annually and interest is paid based on the actual cost of commercial paper plus specified fees. We also pay a commitment fee for the note based on the amount of the facility. We did not make any borrowings under our unsecured line of credit or our variable funding note backed by Nordstrom private label receivables during 2004. We have an interest rate swap outstanding recorded in other liabilities. Our swap has a $250,000 notional amount, expires in 2009 and is designated as a fully effective fair value hedge. Under the agreement, we receive a fixed rate of 5.63% and pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a margin of 2.3% set at six-month intervals (5.095% at October 30, 2004.) The fair value of our interest rate swap is as follows:
October 30, January 31, November 1, 2004 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- Interest rate swap fair value ($5,365) ($8,091) ($10,884)
10 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited)
Note 7 - Comprehensive Net Earnings Year to Date Ended ------------------------ October 30, November 1, 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- Net earnings $253,470 $138,495 Foreign currency translation adjustment 2,436 2,351 Securitization adjustment, net of tax of $210 and ($1,268) (328) 1,983 SERP adjustment, net of tax of $0 and $720 - (1,126) ----------- ----------- Comprehensive net earnings $255,578 $141,703 =========== ===========
Note 8 - Segment Reporting The following tables set forth the information for our reportable segments and a reconciliation to the consolidated totals:
Quarter ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate October 30, 2004 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $1,453,528 $- $88,547 $- $- $1,542,075 Service charge income - 40,065 - - - 40,065 Intersegment revenues 8,440 7,323 - - (15,763) - Interest expense, net (61) (5,833) 26 (7,617) - (13,485) Earnings before taxes 158,592 8,538 7,452 (51,669) - 122,913 Net earnings (loss) 100,540 5,406 4,669 (32,787) - 77,828 Quarter ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate November 1, 2003 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $1,341,041 $- $68,068 $- $- $1,409,109 Service charge income - 36,824 - - - 36,824 Intersegment revenues 6,245 6,942 - - (13,187) - Interest expense, net (390) (5,549) 62 (20,804) - (26,681) Earnings before taxes 121,136 3,853 (482) (49,938) - 74,569 Net earnings (loss) 73,864 2,350 (295) (30,450) - 45,469 Year to date ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate October 30, 2004 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $4,776,943 $- $254,102 $- $- $5,031,045 Service charge income - 119,275 - - - 119,275 Intersegment revenues 22,200 25,974 - - (48,174) - Interest expense, net (324) (17,058) 113 (46,991) - (64,260) Earnings before taxes 547,308 28,498 17,689 (182,689) - 410,806 Net earnings (loss) 337,693 17,583 10,914 (112,720) - 253,470 Assets 2,879,410 961,738 127,715 753,096 - 4,721,959 Year to date ended Retail Credit Catalog/ Corporate November 1, 2003 Stores Operations Internet and Other Eliminations Total --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net sales $4,323,933 $- $205,497 $- $- $4,529,430 Service charge income - 105,359 - - - 105,359 Intersegment revenues 20,766 24,180 - - (44,946) - Interest expense, net (508) (16,364) 74 (56,245) - (73,043) Earnings before taxes 379,128 15,559 (1,967) (165,625) - 227,095 Net earnings (loss) 231,213 9,489 (1,200) (101,007) - 138,495 Assets 2,940,898 810,184 103,433 575,826 - 4,430,341
11 of 21 NORDSTROM, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (amounts in thousands except per share amounts) (unaudited) Note 8 - Segment Reporting (Cont.) As of October 30, 2004, January 31, 2004, and November 1, 2003, Retail Stores assets included $35,998 of goodwill and $84,000 of tradename, and Catalog/Internet assets included $15,716 of goodwill. Goodwill and tradename included in all segments totaled $135,714. Note 9 - Litigation We are involved in routine claims, proceedings, and litigation arising from the normal course of our business. We do not believe any such claim, proceeding or litigation, either alone or in aggregate, will have a material impact on our results of operations, financial position, or liquidity. Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis section of our 2003 Annual Report. All dollar amounts are in millions except per share amounts. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS --------------------- Overview -------- Earnings for the third quarter of 2004 increased 71% to $77.8 or $0.54 per diluted share from $45.5 or $0.33 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. For the year to date period ended October 30, 2004, earnings increased 83% to $253.5 or $1.77 per diluted share from $138.5 or $1.01 per diluted share for the same period in 2003. Our results improved in the quarter and year to date periods due to strong sales momentum combined with gross profit and selling, general and administrative expense improvement. Sales ----- Total sales increased 9.4% for the quarter and 11.5% year to date on a 4-5-4 comparable basis due to substantial same-store sales increases. Same-store sales on a 4-5-4 comparable basis increased 8.1% for the quarter and 9.1% year to date. The sales growth for the quarter and year to date is a result of our continuous improvement in merchandising efforts, supported by our enhanced information systems. Our merchandise offering continues to meet customers' preferences, which drove full-price sales. The year to date increase is also attributable to the improved overall retail environment, especially in the first quarter. See our GAAP sales reconciliation on page 14. All of our geographic regions and major merchandise divisions reported same- store sales increases in the third quarter and year to date. 12 of 21 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Gross Profit ------------
Third Quarter Year to Date ------------------- ------------------- 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit as a percent of sales 36.1% 35.3% 35.8% 33.9%
Gross profit as a percentage of sales improved 80 basis points for the quarter and 190 basis points for the year to date period ended October 30, 2004. The quarter to date performance was primarily due to buying and occupancy expense leverage resulting from stronger than expected sales. The year to date performance was primarily due to lower markdowns resulting from our ongoing improvement in managing our merchandise inventory and increased leverage on our buying and occupancy expenses.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense ------------------------------------------- Third Quarter Year to Date ------------------- ------------------- 2004 2003 2004 2003 -------- -------- -------- -------- Selling, general and administrative expense as a percent of sales 30.2% 31.1% 28.9% 29.8%
Selling, general and administrative expense as a percentage of sales improved 90 basis points for the quarter and for the year to date period ended October 30, 2004. Our existing support functions have been able to manage our same- store sales growth. As a result, the significant year over year sales increases in relation to relatively flat SG&A costs on a same-store basis have resulted in significant improvements in SG&A as a percentage of sales. Costs associated with new stores, selling, and incentive compensation have increased in 2004 in line with our sales increases and our improved operating performance. Interest Expense ---------------- Interest expense, net decreased by $13.2 to $13.5 for the quarter ended October 30, 2004 compared to the same period in 2003. The prior year expense includes debt prepayment costs of $7.9. Also, our long-term borrowings have been reduced by 16 percent in the past 12 months, leading to lower borrowing costs. Interest expense, net decreased by $8.8 to $64.3 for the year to date period ended October 30, 2004. We incurred debt prepayment costs of $20.9 and $14.3 in 2004 and 2003, respectively. The decrease in our long-term borrowings in 2004 as compared to 2003 resulted in the overall interest expense reduction. Service Charge Income and Other, net ------------------------------------ Service charge income and other, net increased by $2.4 for the quarter and $13.2 for the year to date periods ended October 30, 2004. The increase is primarily due to growth in our Nordstrom fsb VISA credit card transaction volume and finance charges. 13 of 21 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Seasonality ------------ Our business, like that of other retailers, is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Our Anniversary sale in July and the holidays in December typically result in higher sales in the second and fourth quarters of our fiscal years. Accordingly, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. GAAP Sales Reconciliation ------------------------- We converted to a 4-5-4 Retail Calendar at the beginning of 2003. This change in our fiscal calendar has resulted in one less day of sales being included in our year to date 2004 results versus the same period in the prior year. Sales performance numbers included in this document have been calculated on a comparative 4-5-4 basis. We believe that adjusting for the difference in days provides a more comparable basis from which to evaluate sales performance. The following reconciliation bridges the reported GAAP sales to the 4-5-4 comparable sales.
Dollar % Change % Change Sales reconciliation ($M) YTD 2003 YTD 2004 Increase Total Sales Comp Sales -------- -------- ---------- ----------- ---------- Number of days GAAP 274 273 GAAP sales $4,529.4 $5,031.0 $501.6 11.1% 8.6% Less Feb. 1, 2003 sales ($18.2) -- -------- -------- Reported 4-5-4 sales $4,511.2 $5,031.0 $519.8 11.5% 9.1% ======== ======== 4-5-4 adjusted days 273 273
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES ------------------------------- Overall cash decreased by $180.9 in 2004 as compared to $61.9 in 2003, primarily due to additional debt prepayments and repurchases of our common stock. Cash Flow from Operations ------------------------- Cash flow from operating activities decreased by $3.3 to $215.1 in 2004. Higher net earnings were offset by our merchandise purchase and payment flow changes in 2004 as compared to 2003 and the timing of income tax payments. Toward the end of 2003 and into 2004, we have achieved a more even flow of merchandise purchases in relation to our sales trends. Our 2004 inventory turns have improved over the prior year; the payables leverage we achieved in 2004 is consistent with our merchandise purchase plan. Income tax payments have increased in 2004 as a result of our earnings growth. Cash Flow Used in Investing --------------------------- Net cash used in investing activities decreased in 2004 as compared to 2003 due to a planned reduction in store openings which reduced our capital expenditures but also decreased our developer reimbursements. Year to date, we opened one full-line store in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, we opened one full-line store in Miami, Florida in November 2004. During the first three quarters of 2003, we opened three full-line stores and two Nordstrom Rack stores; in the last quarter of 2003, we opened one full- line store. 14 of 21 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) We plan to spend approximately $850.0 to $875.0, net of developer reimbursements, on capital projects during the next three fiscal years. We plan to use approximately 35% of this investment to build new stores, 30% on remodels and 15% toward information technology. The remaining 20% is planned for maintenance and other miscellaneous spending. Cash Flow Used in Financing --------------------------- For the year to date period ended October 30, 2004, cash used in financing activities increased primarily due to our debt retirements and common stock repurchases, partially offset by an increase in the cash received from employee stock option exercises. Year to date we have retired $196.8 of our 8.95% senior notes and $1.5 of our 6.7% medium-term notes for a total cash payment of $220.1. After considering non-cash items related to these debt retirements, our net expense for the three quarters ended October 30, 2004 was $20.9. In May 2004, we replaced our existing $300.0 unsecured line of credit with a $350.0 unsecured line of credit, which is available as liquidity support for our commercial paper program. Under the terms of the agreement, we pay a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR plus a margin of 0.31%. The variable rate of interest increases to LIBOR plus a margin of 0.41% if more than $175.0 is outstanding on the facility. The line of credit agreement expires in three years and contains restrictive covenants, which include maintaining a leverage ratio. We also pay a commitment fee for the line based on our debt rating. Also in May 2004, we renewed our variable funding note backed by Nordstrom private label receivables and reduced the capacity by $50.0 to $150.0. This note is renewed annually and interest is paid based on the actual cost of commercial paper plus specified fees. We also pay a commitment fee for the note based on the amount of the facility. We did not make any borrowings under our unsecured line of credit or our variable funding note backed by Nordstrom private label receivables during 2004. In August 2004, the Board of Directors authorized $300.0 of share repurchases. This authorization extends for three years to August 2007, although we expect the shares to be acquired through open market transactions during the next 12 months. This replaced the previous remaining share repurchase authority of $82.4. The actual number and timing of share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable SEC rules. Year to date, we have purchased 1,925,700 shares for $75.0. Liquidity --------- We maintain a level of liquidity to allow us to cover our seasonal cash needs and rely on short-term borrowings only as needed. We believe that our operating cash flows, existing cash and available credit facilities are sufficient to finance our cash requirements for the next 12 months. We plan to pay the remaining $96.5 of our 6.7% medium-term notes due in July 2005 with existing cash and cash from operations. 15 of 21 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) Over the long term, we manage our cash and capital structure to strengthen our financial position and maintain flexibility for future strategic initiatives. We continuously assess our debt and leverage levels, capital expenditure requirements, principal debt payments, dividend payouts, potential share repurchases, and future investments or acquisitions. We believe our operating cash flows, existing cash, and available credit facilities, as well as any potential future borrowing facilities will be sufficient to fund these scheduled future payments and potential long term initiatives. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES ---------------------------- The preparation of our financial statements requires that we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We regularly evaluate our estimates, including those related to doubtful accounts, inventory valuation, intangible assets, income taxes, self-insurance liabilities, post-retirement benefits, sales return accruals, contingent liabilities and litigation. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our accounting policies and methodologies in the third quarter of 2004 are consistent with those discussed in our 2003 Annual Report and our second quarter Form 10-Q. In October 2004, we completed a review of our current and deferred tax accounts, which resulted in a lower effective tax rate. This change increased net income by approximately $2.9 for the quarter and year to date periods ended October 30, 2004. Nordstrom fsb, our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, offers a co-branded VISA credit card program to its customers. The balances due from the VISA cardholders are transferred to a third party trust, Nordstrom Credit Card Master Note Trust (the "Trust"). In 2002, the Trust issued $200.0 of notes to third parties; those notes are due in 2007 and are secured by a portion of the Trust's assets. We do not record the notes that the Trust sold to third parties or the pro-rata share of the Trust's assets on our financial statements. The remaining interest in the Trust is held by our wholly-owned subsidiaries. The remaining interest is held in certificated form; it is recorded as "Retained interest in accounts receivable" on our accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and accounted for as investments in debt securities under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115 "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities". In the third quarter of 2004, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Thrift Supervision, which regulates Nordstrom fsb, directed Nordstrom, Inc. to change our accounting treatment for a portion of the remaining interest in the Trust. We asked the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff to confirm that our existing accounting treatment for the remaining interest in the Trust is consistent with their interpretation of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). In October 2004, the SEC staff confirmed that our existing accounting treatment and financial statement presentations comply with U.S. GAAP. Therefore, we plan to continue to follow our existing accounting treatment for the remaining certificated interest in the Trust. The SEC staff also suggested that we voluntarily expand our quarterly disclosures related to the certificated interests; please see Note 5 for this additional disclosure. 16 of 21 Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (CONT.) FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ------------------------------------------------ The preceding disclosures included forward-looking statements regarding our performance, liquidity, capital expenditures and adequacy of capital resources. These statements are based on our current assumptions and expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Forward- looking statements are qualified by the risks and challenges posed by our ability to predict fashion trends, consumer apparel buying patterns, our ability to control costs, weather conditions, hazards of nature, trends in personal bankruptcies and bad debt write-offs, changes in interest rates, employee relations, our ability to continue our expansion plans, changes in governmental or regulatory requirements, and the impact of economic and competitive market forces, including the impact of terrorist activity or the impact of a war on us, our customers and the retail industry. As a result, while we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on those statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events, new information or future circumstances. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements. Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES As of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our President and Chief Financial Officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act")). Based upon that evaluation, our President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in the timely recording, processing, summarizing and reporting of material financial and non-financial information. There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. 17 of 21 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings ------------------------- Cosmetics --------- We were originally named as a defendant along with other department store and specialty retailers in nine separate but virtually identical class action lawsuits filed in various Superior Courts of the State of California in May, June and July 1998 that were consolidated in Marin County Superior Court. In May 2000, plaintiffs filed an amended complaint naming a number of manufacturers of cosmetics and fragrances and two other retailers as additional defendants. Plaintiffs' amended complaint alleges that the retail price of the "prestige" or "Department Store" cosmetics sold in department and specialty stores was collusively controlled by the retailer and manufacturer defendants in violation of the Cartwright Act and the California Unfair Competition Act. Plaintiffs seek treble damages and restitution in an unspecified amount, attorneys' fees and prejudgment interest, on behalf of a class of all California residents who purchased cosmetics and fragrances for personal use from any of the defendants during the four years prior to the filing of the amended complaint. Defendants, including us, have answered the amended complaint denying the allegations. The defendants have produced documents and responded to plaintiffs' other discovery requests, including providing witnesses for depositions. We entered into a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs and the other defendants on July 13, 2003. In furtherance of the settlement agreement, the case was refiled in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on behalf of a class of all persons who currently reside in the United States and who purchased "Department Store" cosmetics from the defendants during the period May 29, 1994 through July 16, 2003. The Court has given preliminary approval to the settlement. A summary notice of class certification and the terms of the settlement have been disseminated to class members. A hearing on whether the Court will grant final approval of the settlement has been scheduled for January 11, 2005. If approved by the Court, the settlement will result in the plaintiffs' claims and the claims of all class members being dismissed, with prejudice, in their entirety. In connection with the settlement agreement, the defendants will provide class members with certain free products and pay the plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, awarded by the Court up to $24 million. Our share of the cost of the settlement will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Other ----- We are involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental to the ordinary course of business. In management's opinion, the outcome of pending legal proceedings, separately and in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our business or consolidated financial condition. 18 of 21 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds --------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Repurchases ----------- (dollars in millions except per share amounts) Total Total Number Maximum Number (or Number of Average of Shares (or Units) Approximate Dollar Value) Shares Price Paid Purchased as Part of of Shares (or Units) that (or Units) Per Share Publicly Announced May Yet Be Purchased Under Purchased (or Units) Plans or Programs the Plans or Programs (2) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Feb. 2004 - - - $82 (2/1/04 to 2/28/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Mar. 2004 - - - $82 (2/29/04 to 4/3/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Apr. 2004 672 (1) $39.99 - $82 (4/4/04 to 5/1/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- May. 2004 - - - $82 (5/2/04 to 5/29/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Jun. 2004 - - - $82 (5/30/04 to 7/3/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Jul. 2004 - - - $82 (7/4/04 to 7/31/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Aug. 2004 258,500 $37.31 258,500 $290 (8/1/04 to 8/28/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Sep. 2004 1,117,700 $38.51 1,117,700 $247 (8/29/04 to 10/2/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- -------------------------- Oct. 2004 549,500 $40.53 549,500 $225 (10/3/04 to 10/30/04) ---------- ---------- -------------------- --------------------------
(1) The 672 shares redeemed were not part of a publicly announced repurchase plan or program. These shares were owned and tendered by an employee to Nordstrom as payment for an option exercise. (2) In May 1995, the Board of Directors authorized $1,100.0 of share repurchases, with no expiration date. In August 2004, the Board of Directors authorized $300.0 of share repurchases. This replaced the previous remaining share repurchase authority of $82.4. This authorization extends for three years to August 2007, although we expect the shares to be acquired through open market transactions during the next 12 months. The actual number and timing of share repurchases will be subject to market conditions and applicable SEC rules. Program to date, we have purchased 1,925,700 shares for $75.0 at an average price of $38.93 per share. 19 of 21 Item 6. Exhibits ----------------- 3.2 Bylaws, as amended and restated on November 17, 2004. 31.1 Certification of President required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.1 Certification of President regarding periodic report containing financial statements pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 20 of 21 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. NORDSTROM, INC. (Registrant) /s/ Michael G. Koppel ---------------------------------------------------- Michael G. Koppel Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) Date: December 3, 2004 ----------------- 21 of 21 NORDSTROM INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Exhibit Index Exhibit Method of Filing ------- ---------------- 3.2 Bylaws, as amended and restated on Filed herewith electronically November 17, 2004 31.1 Certification of President Filed herewith electronically required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Filed herewith electronically Officer required by Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.1 Certification of President Furnished herewith electronically regarding periodic report containing financial statements pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Furnished herewith electronically Officer regarding periodic report containing financial statements pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002