10-Q 1 ltd-20151031_10q.htm 10-Q
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________

ý | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2015
OR

o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to
Commission file number 1-8344
_________________________________
L BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_________________________________

Delaware |  | 31-1029810
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (IRS Employer Identification No.)
Three Limited Parkway Columbus, Ohio |  | 43230
(Address of principal executive offices) |  | (Zip Code)
(614) 415-7000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

_______________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o
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.

Large accelerated filer | ý | Accelerated filer | o
Non-accelerated filer | o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company | o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.): Yes o No ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock, $.50 Par Value |  | Outstanding at November 27, 2015
|  | 289,434,388 Shares

Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

| Page No.
Part I. Financial Information |
Item 1. Financial Statements * |
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 (Unaudited) | 3
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 (Unaudited) | 3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2015 (Unaudited), January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 (Unaudited) | 4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 (Unaudited) | 5
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) | 6
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 28
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 | 29
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 30
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 46
Item 4. Controls and Procedures | 47
Part II. Other Information | 49
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 49
Item 1A. Risk Factors | 49
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 49
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 49
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures | 49
Item 5. Other Information | 49
Item 6. Exhibits | 50
Signature | 51

* | The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “third quarter of 2015” and “third quarter of 2014” refer to the thirteen week periods ending October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. “Year-to-date 2015” and “year-to-date 2014” refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively.

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Net Sales | $ | 2,482 |  |  | $ | 2,319 |  |  | $ | 7,759 |  |  | $ | 7,385 |
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy | (1,451 | ) |  | (1,372 | ) |  | (4,558 | ) |  | (4,412 | )
Gross Profit | 1,031 |  |  | 947 |  |  | 3,201 |  |  | 2,973 |
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses | (692 | ) |  | (663 | ) |  | (2,087 | ) |  | (1,977 | )
Operating Income | 339 |  |  | 284 |  |  | 1,114 |  |  | 996 |
Interest Expense | (79 | ) |  | (80 | ) |  | (237 | ) |  | (246 | )
Other Income | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | 75 |  |  | 6 |
Income Before Income Taxes | 260 |  |  | 205 |  |  | 952 |  |  | 756 |
Provision for Income Taxes | 96 |  |  | 73 |  |  | 335 |  |  | 279 |
Net Income | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 132 |  |  | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 477 |
Net Income Per Basic Share | $ | 0.56 |  |  | $ | 0.45 |  |  | $ | 2.12 |  |  | $ | 1.63 |
Net Income Per Diluted Share | $ | 0.55 |  |  | $ | 0.44 |  |  | $ | 2.08 |  |  | $ | 1.60 |
Dividends Per Share | $ | 0.50 |  |  | $ | 0.34 |  |  | $ | 3.50 |  |  | $ | 2.02 |

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Net Income | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 132 |  |  | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 477 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings | 3 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | (7 | ) |  | (5 | )
Foreign Currency Translation | (7 | ) |  | 3 |  |  | 5 |  |  | — |
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | 2 |  |  | 16 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 3 |
Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | 6 |  |  | (2 | )
Total Comprehensive Income | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 138 |  |  | $ | 623 |  |  | $ | 475 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except per share amounts)

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (Unaudited) |  |  |  | (Unaudited)
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |
Current Assets: |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 1,311 |  |  | $ | 1,681 |  |  | $ | 745 |
Accounts Receivable, Net | 283 |  |  | 252 |  |  | 274 |
Inventories | 1,620 |  |  | 1,036 |  |  | 1,485 |
Deferred Income Taxes | 35 |  |  | 33 |  |  | 31 |
Other | 315 |  |  | 230 |  |  | 314 |
Total Current Assets | 3,564 |  |  | 3,232 |  |  | 2,849 |
Property and Equipment, Net | 2,350 |  |  | 2,277 |  |  | 2,281 |
Goodwill | 1,318 |  |  | 1,318 |  |  | 1,318 |
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net | 411 |  |  | 411 |  |  | 411 |
Other Assets | 326 |  |  | 306 |  |  | 290 |
Total Assets | $ | 7,969 |  |  | $ | 7,544 |  |  | $ | 7,149 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) |  |  |  |  |
Current Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Payable | $ | 913 |  |  | $ | 613 |  |  | $ | 837 |
Accrued Expenses and Other | 804 |  |  | 900 |  |  | 735 |
Current Portion of Long-term Debt | 4 |  |  | — |  |  | 213 |
Income Taxes | 7 |  |  | 166 |  |  | 14 |
Total Current Liabilities | 1,728 |  |  | 1,679 |  |  | 1,799 |
Deferred Income Taxes | 268 |  |  | 261 |  |  | 228 |
Long-term Debt | 5,762 |  |  | 4,765 |  |  | 4,759 |
Other Long-term Liabilities | 868 |  |  | 820 |  |  | 796 |
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit): |  |  |  |  |
Preferred Stock - $1.00 par value; 10 shares authorized; none issued | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Common Stock - $0.50 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 313, 310 and 310 shares issued; 291, 292 and 293 shares outstanding, respectively | 156 |  |  | 155 |  |  | 155 |
Paid-in Capital | 515 |  |  | 427 |  |  | 397 |
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | 41 |  |  | 35 |  |  | 38 |
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) | (175 | ) |  | 233 |  |  | (231 | )
Less: Treasury Stock, at Average Cost; 22, 18 and 17 shares, respectively | (1,195 | ) |  | (832 | ) |  | (793 | )
Total L Brands, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) | (658 | ) |  | 18 |  |  | (434 | )
Noncontrolling Interest | 1 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |
Total Equity (Deficit) | (657 | ) |  | 19 |  |  | (433 | )
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) | $ | 7,969 |  |  | $ | 7,544 |  |  | $ | 7,149 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014
Operating Activities: |  |  |
Net Income | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 477 |
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities: |  |  |
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets | 335 |  |  | 327 |
Amortization of Landlord Allowances | (31 | ) |  | (30 | )
Deferred Income Taxes | 3 |  |  | 10 |
Share-based Compensation Expense | 73 |  |  | 67 |
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation | (65 | ) |  | (41 | )
Gain on Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business | (78 | ) |  | — |
Loss on Sale of Assets | 3 |  |  | — |
Changes in Assets and Liabilities: |  |  |
Accounts Receivable | (30 | ) |  | (30 | )
Inventories | (586 | ) |  | (321 | )
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other | 118 |  |  | 144 |
Income Taxes Payable | (154 | ) |  | (214 | )
Other Assets and Liabilities | 57 |  |  | (19 | )
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities | 262 |  |  | 370 |
Investing Activities: |  |  |
Capital Expenditures | (603 | ) |  | (585 | )
Proceeds from Sale of Assets | 196 |  |  | — |
Proceeds from Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business | 85 |  |  | — |
Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities | 50 |  |  | — |
Purchases of Marketable Securities | (60 | ) |  | — |
Other Investing Activities | — |  |  | 15 |
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities | (332 | ) |  | (570 | )
Financing Activities: |  |  |
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs | 988 |  |  | — |
Borrowings from Revolving Facility | — |  |  | 5 |
Repayments on Revolving Facility | — |  |  | (5 | )
Repurchase of Common Stock | (363 | ) |  | (48 | )
Dividends Paid | (1,026 | ) |  | (591 | )
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation | 65 |  |  | 41 |
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options | 31 |  |  | 28 |
Financing Costs and Other | 3 |  |  | (5 | )
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities | (302 | ) |  | (575 | )
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | 2 |  |  | 1 |
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (370 | ) |  | (774 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | 1,681 |  |  | 1,519 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | 1,311 |  |  | $ | 745 |

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.
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L BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
L Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. The Company is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel, beauty and personal care products and accessories. The Company sells its merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada and the United Kingdom ("U.K."), which are primarily mall-based, and through its websites and other channels. The Company's other international operations are primarily through franchise, license and wholesale partners. The Company currently operates the following retail brands:

• | Victoria’s Secret

• | Victoria's Secret PINK

• | Bath & Body Works

• | La Senza

• | Henri Bendel

Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “third quarter of 2015” and “third quarter of 2014” refer to the thirteen week periods ending October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, respectively. "Year-to-date 2015" and "year-to-date 2014" refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for investments in unconsolidated entities where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its share of the investee net income or loss. Losses are only recognized to the extent the Company has positive carrying value related to the investee. Carrying values are only reduced below zero if the Company has an obligation to provide funding to the investee. The Company’s share of net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s share of net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in Other Income (Loss) on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s equity-method investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other-than-temporary loss in value.
Interim Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.
Seasonality of Business
Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Investments
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom the Company transacts and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, the Company’s investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits.
In the third quarter of 2015, the Company invested $10 million in marketable equity securities which are classified as available-for-sale. These securities are recorded at fair value in other current assets on the October 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet,
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and unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded, net of tax, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Unrealized holding gains were $3 million as of October 31, 2015.
The Company also periodically reviews the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which the Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business.
Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Revenue Recognition from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption as of fiscal 2017 permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted. This standard requires retrospective adoption. The Company is finalizing its evaluation of this ASU, including timing of adoption, but expects to record a decrease to Other Assets and Long-term Debt of approximately $47 million upon adoption.
Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance requires companies to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, and early adoption is permitted. This standard may be adopted either on a retrospective or prospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on its Consolidated Balance Sheets.
3. Earnings Per Share and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per basic share are computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share include the weighted-average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted-average shares outstanding.
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The following table provides shares utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the third quarter and year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
| (in millions)
Weighted-average Common Shares: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issued Shares | 313 |  |  | 309 |  |  | 312 |  |  | 309 |
Treasury Shares | (22 | ) |  | (17 | ) |  | (20 | ) |  | (17 | )
Basic Shares | 291 |  |  | 292 |  |  | 292 |  |  | 292 |
Effect of Dilutive Options and Restricted Stock | 5 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 6 |
Diluted Shares | 296 |  |  | 298 |  |  | 297 |  |  | 298 |
Anti-dilutive Options and Awards (a) | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |

_______________

(a) | These options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock Repurchases
Under the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the following repurchase programs during year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Amount Authorized |  | Shares Repurchased |  | Amount Repurchased |  | Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |
| (in millions) |  | (in thousands) |  | (in millions) |  |
June 2015 | $ | 250 |  |  | 1,375 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 113 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 82.31 |
February 2015 | $ | 250 |  |  | 2,788 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 250 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 89.45 |
November 2012 | $ | 250 |  |  | NA |  |  | 826 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 45 |  |  | $ | 48.52 |

In June 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $0.6 million remaining under the February 2015 repurchase program.
In February 2015, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
The June 2015 repurchase program had $137 million remaining as of October 31, 2015. Subsequent to October 31, 2015, the Company repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares of common stock for $109 million under this program.
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 or November 1, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
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Dividends
Under the authority and declaration of the Board of Directors, the Company paid the following dividends during year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

|  | Ordinary Dividends |  | Special Dividends |  | Total Dividends |  | Total Paid
|  | (per share) |  | (in millions)
2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter |  | $ | 0.50 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.50 |  |  | $ | 146 |
Second Quarter |  | 0.50 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.50 |  |  | 146 |
First Quarter |  | 0.50 |  |  | 2.00 |  |  | 2.50 |  |  | 734 |
2015 Total |  | $ | 1.50 |  |  | $ | 2.00 |  |  | $ | 3.50 |  |  | $ | 1,026 |
2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter |  | $ | 0.34 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.34 |  |  | $ | 100 |
Second Quarter |  | 0.34 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.34 |  |  | 99 |
First Quarter |  | 0.34 |  |  | 1.00 |  |  | 1.34 |  |  | 392 |
2014 Total |  | $ | 1.02 |  |  | $ | 1.00 |  |  | $ | 2.02 |  |  | $ | 591 |

4. Inventories
The following table provides details of inventories as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Finished Goods Merchandise | $ | 1,465 |  |  | $ | 942 |  |  | $ | 1,360 |
Raw Materials and Merchandise Components | 155 |  |  | 94 |  |  | 125 |
Total Inventories | $ | 1,620 |  |  | $ | 1,036 |  |  | $ | 1,485 |

Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost, as determined by the weighted-average cost method, or market.
5. Property and Equipment, Net
The following table provides details of property and equipment, net as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Property and Equipment, at Cost | $ | 5,652 |  |  | $ | 5,480 |  |  | $ | 5,462 |
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization | (3,302 | ) |  | (3,203 | ) |  | (3,181 | )
Property and Equipment, Net | $ | 2,350 |  |  | $ | 2,277 |  |  | $ | 2,281 |

Depreciation expense was $111 million and $108 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Depreciation expense was $335 million and $327 million for year-to-date 2015 and 2014, respectively.
In the second and third quarters of 2015, the Company completed sale and leaseback transactions under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets with a carrying value of $177 million. The proceeds of $178 million from the sale of these assets are included in Proceeds from Sale of Assets within the Investing Activities section of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. For additional information, see Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies."
6. Equity Investments and Other
Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business
In the first quarter of 2015, the Company divested its remaining ownership interest in its third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners. The Company received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). The gain is included in Other Income (Loss) in the year-to-date 2015 Consolidated Statement of Income and the cash proceeds are included in Proceeds from Divestiture of the Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business within the Investing Activities section of the 2015 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.
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The Company's carrying value for this equity method investment was $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $7 million as of November 1, 2014 and is included in Other Assets on the January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company's share of net income (loss) from this investment was included in Other Income on the third quarter and year-to-date 2014 Consolidated Statements of Income.
Easton Investments
The Company has land and other investments in Easton, a 1,300-acre planned community in Columbus, Ohio, that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space. These investments totaled $96 million as of October 31, 2015, $101 million as of January 31, 2015 and $100 million as of November 1, 2014 and are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in the Company’s Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”), an entity that owns and has developed a commercial entertainment and shopping center. The Company’s investment in ETC is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in ETC, but another unaffiliated member manages ETC. Certain significant decisions regarding ETC require the consent of unaffiliated members in addition to the Company.
In the second quarter of 2015, ETC entered into an interest rate swap with cash settlement due in February 2017. The Company provided a guarantee of payment to the counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement if ETC is unable to pay. The Company’s estimated maximum potential loss from this guarantee is $77 million, which was determined primarily based upon estimated fluctuations in future interest rates, developed using historical fluctuations in interest rates. The estimated fair value of this guarantee obligation is primarily impacted by the Company's assessment of ETC's ability to pay in addition to estimated fluctuations in future interest rates. The estimated fair value of this guarantee obligation is not significant as of October 31, 2015.
Also included in the Company's Easton investments is an equity interest in Easton Gateway, LLC ("EG"), an entity that owns and is developing a commercial shopping center in the Easton community. The Company has a majority financial interest in EG, but another unaffiliated member manages the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of EG including leasing, tenant relationships and maintenance of the center. Certain significant decisions regarding EG require the consent of the unaffiliated member in addition to the Company. In the first quarter of 2014, EG entered into a construction loan for financing related to the development of the commercial shopping center that matures in April 2017. In conjunction with the EG loan, the Company, along with the unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center.
The Company has concluded EG is a variable interest entity; however, the Company is not the primary beneficiary as defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 810, Consolidation, and, therefore, accounts for its investment in EG using the equity method of accounting. The Company’s investment in EG totaled $30 million as of October 31, 2015, $34 million as of January 31, 2015 and $35 million as of November 1, 2014. The Company’s estimated maximum potential loss from its involvement with EG totaled $40 million as of October 31, 2015. This includes the Company’s equity investment of $30 million and the Company’s estimated maximum potential loss from its guarantees related to EG's construction loan of $10 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant as of October 31, 2015.
7. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.
For the third quarter of 2015, the Company’s effective tax rate was 36.8% compared to 35.5% in the third quarter of 2014. The third quarter 2015 rate was lower than the Company's combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state rate. The third quarter 2014 rate was lower than the Company’s combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters.
For year-to-date 2015, the Company’s effective tax rate was 35.2% compared to 36.9% year-to-date of 2014. The year-to-date 2015 rate was lower than the Company's combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the foreign portion of the divestiture of our third-party apparel sourcing business. The year-to-date 2014 rate was lower than the Company’s combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters.
As of October 31, 2015, any unrecognized deferred income tax liability resulting from the Company's undistributed foreign earnings from non-U.S. subsidiaries is not expected to reverse in the foreseeable future; furthermore, the undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If the Company elects to distribute these foreign earnings in the future, they could be subject to additional income taxes. Determination of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these
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undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.
Income taxes paid were approximately $106 million and $112 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. Income taxes paid were approximately $476 million and $481 million for year-to-date 2015 and 2014, respectively.
8. Long-term Debt
The following table provides the Company’s debt balance as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee |  |  |  |  |
$1 billion, 6.875% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2035 (“2035 Notes”) | $ | 1,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”) | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |
$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”) | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |
$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”) | 500 |  |  | 500 |  |  | 500 |
$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a) | 501 |  |  | 501 |  |  | 495 |
$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”) | 400 |  |  | 400 |  |  | 400 |
Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee | $ | 4,401 |  |  | $ | 3,401 |  |  | $ | 3,395 |
Senior Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b) | $ | 711 |  |  | $ | 715 |  |  | $ | 715 |
$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033, Less Unamortized Discount (“2033 Notes”) | 350 |  |  | 350 |  |  | 350 |
$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037, Less Unamortized Discount (“2037 Notes”) | 299 |  |  | 299 |  |  | 299 |
5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 213 |
Other Borrowings | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total Senior Unsecured Debt | $ | 1,365 |  |  | $ | 1,364 |  |  | $ | 1,577 |
Total | $ | 5,766 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,972 |
Current Portion | (4 | ) |  | — |  |  | (213 | )
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion | $ | 5,762 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,759 |

________________

(a) | The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $7 million as of October 31, 2015, $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $3 million as of November 1, 2014.

(b) | The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $11 million as of October 31, 2015 and $15 million as of January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.

Issuance of Notes
In October 2015, the Company issued $1 billion of 6.875% notes due in November 2035. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (the "Guarantors"). The net proceeds from the issuance were $988 million, which were net of issuance costs of $12 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of November 2035 and are included within Other Assets on the October 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, the Company repaid the remaining $213 million of its 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facility
The Company maintains a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding
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U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is Canadian Dollar Offered Rate ("CDOR") plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of October 31, 2015, the Company was in compliance with both of its financial covenants, and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of October 31, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports the Company’s letter of credit program. The Company had $19 million of outstanding letters of credit as of October 31, 2015 that reduce its remaining availability under the Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
For information related to the Company’s fair value interest rate swap arrangements, see Note 9, “Derivative Instruments.”
9. Derivative Instruments
Foreign Exchange Risk
The Company has entered into cross-currency swaps related to approximately CAD$270 million of intercompany loans. These swaps mature in January 2016 and January 2018 at the same time as the related loans and are designated as cash flow hedges of foreign currency exchange risk. The swaps mitigate the exposure to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate related to the Company's Canadian operations. The swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed-rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed-rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. Changes in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate and the related swap settlements result in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Other Long-term Assets | $ | 27 |  |  | $ | 21 |  |  | $ | — |
Other Long-term Liabilities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 10 |

The following table provides a summary of the pre-tax financial statement effect of the gains and losses on the Company’s derivative instruments designated as foreign exchange cash flow hedges for the third quarter and year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

|  |  | Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
| Location |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
|  |  | (in millions)
Gain Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income | Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) |  | $ | 2 |  |  | $ | 16 |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | 3 |
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into Other Income (a) | Other Income |  | 3 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | (7 | ) |  | (5 | )

________________

(a) | Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loans. No ineffectiveness was associated with these foreign exchange cash flow hedges.

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Interest Rate Risk
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges
In 2014, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, the Company entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, the Company had entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2017 Notes. In 2012, the Company terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. The carrying value of the 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the maturity date of the Notes.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Other Assets | $ | 10 |  |  | $ | 12 |  |  | $ | 5 |

10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of long-term debt as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Carrying Value | $ | 5,762 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,972 |
Estimated Fair Value (a) | 6,322 |  |  | 5,305 |  |  | 5,476 |

_______________

(a) | The estimated fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt is based on reported transaction prices which are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

The authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 820, establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

• | Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

• | Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

• | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

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The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities measured in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | Total
| (in millions)
As of October 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 1,311 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,311 |
Marketable Securities | 13 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 13 |
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges | — |  |  | 10 |  |  | — |  |  | 10 |
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | 27 |  |  | — |  |  | 27 |
As of January 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 1,681 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,681 |
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges | — |  |  | 12 |  |  | — |  |  | 12 |
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | 21 |  |  | — |  |  | 21 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Lease Guarantees | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |
As of November 1, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | 745 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 745 |
Interest Rate Designated Fair Value Hedges | — |  |  | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | 5 |
Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cross-currency Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | 10 |  |  | — |  |  | 10 |
Lease Guarantees | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |

The Company's Level 1 fair value measurements use unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. In the third quarter of 2015, the Company invested in marketable equity securities. These securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements as they are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.
The Company’s Level 2 fair value measurements use market approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as applicable to the underlying instruments.
The Company’s Level 3 fair value measurements use income approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include the guaranteed lease payments, residual values, discount rates, as well as the Company’s assessment of the risk of default on guaranteed leases and the assessment of the risk of decline in residual value on the residual value guarantees.
Management believes that the carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and current debt approximate fair value because of their short maturity.
The following table provides a reconciliation of the Company’s lease guarantees measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the third quarter and year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
| (in millions)
Beginning Balance | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 1 |
Change in Estimated Fair Value Reported in Earnings | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1 | ) |  | — |
Ending Balance | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1 |

The Company’s lease guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of certain businesses. The fair value of these lease
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guarantees is impacted by economic conditions, probability of rent obligation payments, period of obligation and the discount rate utilized. For additional information, see Note 12, “Commitments and Contingencies.”
11. Comprehensive Income
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for year-to-date 2015:

| Foreign Currency Translation |  | Cash Flow Hedges |  | Marketable Securities |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
| (in millions)
Balance as of January 31, 2015 | $ | 51 |  |  | $ | (16 | ) |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 35 |
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications | 5 |  |  | 6 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 13 |
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | — |  |  | (7 | ) |  | — |  |  | (7 | )
Current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | 5 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | 2 |  |  | 6 |
Balance as of October 31, 2015 | $ | 56 |  |  | $ | (17 | ) |  | $ | 2 |  |  | $ | 41 |

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income for year-to-date 2014:

| Foreign Currency Translation |  | Cash Flow Hedges |  | Marketable Securities |  | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
| (in millions)
Balance as of February 1, 2014 | $ | 30 |  |  | $ | 10 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 40 |
Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassifications | — |  |  | 3 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | — |  |  | (5 | ) |  | — |  |  | (5 | )
Current-period Other Comprehensive Loss | — |  |  | (2 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2 | )
Balance as of November 1, 2014 | $ | 30 |  |  | $ | 8 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 38 |

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income above are presented net of tax as applicable.
The following table provides a summary of the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income for the third quarter and year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components |  | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income |  | Location on Consolidated Statement of Income
|  | Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date |  |
|  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  |
|  | (in millions) |  |
Cash Flow Hedges (Gain) Loss |  | $ | 3 |  |  | $ | (13 | ) |  | $ | (7 | ) |  | $ | (5 | ) |  | Other Income
|  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | Provision for Income Taxes
|  | $ | 3 |  |  | $ | (13 | ) |  | $ | (7 | ) |  | $ | (5 | ) |  | Net Income

12. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
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Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, the Company has remaining guarantees of approximately $16 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2018. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
The Company’s guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $6 million as of October 31, 2015, $11 million as of January 31, 2015 and $14 million as of November 1, 2014. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $100 thousand as of October 31, 2015 and $1 million as of January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The Company’s guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The Company had no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as it concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.
In connection with the Company's investment in ETC, the Company provided a guarantee of payment to an interest rate swap counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement in February 2017. The estimated fair value of this guarantee obligation is not significant as of October 31, 2015. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other."
In connection with the Company's investment in EG, the Company, along with an unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant as of October 31, 2015. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other."
In the second and third quarters of 2015, in connection with the sale and leaseback under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, the Company provided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire in 2020, and the total amount of the guarantees is approximately $105 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant as of October 31, 2015.
13. Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for substantially all of its associates within the U.S. Participation in the tax-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age and service requirements. Participation in the non-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age, service, job level and compensation requirements.
The qualified plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible annual compensation and years of service. Associate contributions and Company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional Company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $15 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $46 million for year-to-date 2015 and $45 million for year-to-date 2014.
The non-qualified plan is an unfunded plan which provides benefits beyond the Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified defined contribution plans. The plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to a maximum percentage of eligible compensation. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible compensation and years of service. The plan also permits participating associates to defer additional compensation up to a maximum amount which the Company does not match. Associates’ accounts are credited with interest using a rate determined by the Company. Associate contributions and the related interest vest immediately. Company contributions, along with related interest, are subject to vesting based on years of service. Associates may elect in-service distributions for the unmatched additional deferred compensation component only. The remaining vested portion of associates’ accounts in the plan will be distributed upon termination of employment in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a specified period of up to 10 years. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $9 million for the third quarter of 2015 and $7 million for the third quarter of 2014. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $22 million for year-to-date 2015 and $19 million for year-to-date 2014.
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14. Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International.
The Victoria’s Secret segment sells women’s intimate and other apparel and personal care and beauty products under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand names. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold through retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and its website, www.VictoriasSecret.com.
The Bath & Body Works segment sells personal care, soaps, sanitizers and home fragrance products under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn Candle Company, C.O. Bigelow and other brand names. Bath & Body Works merchandise is sold at retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and through its website, www.BathandBodyWorks.com.
The Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segment includes the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores located outside of the U.S. and Canada. These businesses include the following:

• | Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature Victoria's Secret branded beauty and accessories products;

• | Victoria's Secret International stores, comprised of company-owned stores in the U.K., as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements; and

• | Bath & Body Works International stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.

Other consists of the following:

• | Mast Global, a merchandise sourcing and production function serving the Company and its international partners;

• | La Senza, comprised of company-owned stores in Canada, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature women's intimate apparel;

• | Henri Bendel, operator of 29 specialty stores, which feature handbags, jewelry and other accessory products; and

• | Corporate functions including non-core real estate, equity investments and other governance functions such as treasury and tax.

The following table provides the Company’s segment information for the third quarter and year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Victoria’s Secret |  | Bath & Body Works |  | Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International |  | Other |  | Total
| (in millions)
2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Sales | $ | 1,567 |  |  | $ | 705 |  |  | $ | 93 |  |  | $ | 117 |  |  | $ | 2,482 |
Operating Income (Loss) | 211 |  |  | 136 |  |  | 18 |  |  | (26 | ) |  | 339 |
Year-to-Date: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Sales | $ | 5,058 |  |  | $ | 2,067 |  |  | $ | 273 |  |  | $ | 361 |  |  | $ | 7,759 |
Operating Income (Loss) | 797 |  |  | 371 |  |  | 60 |  |  | (114 | ) |  | 1,114 |
2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Sales | $ | 1,452 |  |  | $ | 660 |  |  | $ | 79 |  |  | $ | 128 |  |  | $ | 2,319 |
Operating Income (Loss) | 191 |  |  | 93 |  |  | 17 |  |  | (17 | ) |  | 284 |
Year-to-Date: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net Sales | $ | 4,801 |  |  | $ | 1,946 |  |  | $ | 230 |  |  | $ | 408 |  |  | $ | 7,385 |
Operating Income (Loss) | 762 |  |  | 288 |  |  | 49 |  |  | (103 | ) |  | 996 |

The Company's international net sales include sales from company-owned stores, royalty revenue from franchise and license arrangements, wholesale revenues and direct sales shipped internationally. Certain of these sales are subject to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency. The Company’s international net sales across all segments totaled $295 million and $304 million for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company’s international net sales across all segments totaled $901 million and $938 million for year-to-date 2015 and 2014, respectively.
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15. Code of Conduct, Related Person Transaction Policy and Associated Matters
The Company has a code of conduct that is applicable to all employees of the Company, including the CEO and Chief Financial Officer, and to members of the Board of Directors. Any amendments to the code or any waivers from any provisions of the code granted to executive officers or directors will be promptly disclosed to stockholders through posting on the Company’s website at www.lb.com.
Under the Company’s Related Person Transaction Policy (the “Policy”), subject to certain exceptions, directors and executive officers of the Company are required to notify the Company of the existence or potential existence of any financial or commercial transaction, agreement or relationship involving the Company in which a director or executive officer or his or her immediate family members has a direct or indirect material interest. Each such transaction must be approved by the Board or a committee consisting solely of independent directors after consideration of all material facts and circumstances.
The Company is engaged in several projects designed to increase its speed and agility in producing products that satisfy its customers. In the case of its beauty, personal care and home fragrance businesses, the development of supplier facilities in close proximity to its headquarters and distribution facilities in central Ohio has been an integral part of capturing the many business benefits of speed and agility. The New Albany Company (“NACO”), a business beneficially owned by Mr. and Mrs. Wexner, is in the business of developing real estate, including industrial parks, and has sold land (and may in the future sell land) to certain vendors or third party developers in connection with the continuing development of an industrial park focused on the foregoing business categories (the “Beauty Park”) in New Albany, Ohio. The Audit Committee monitors such vendor and third party transactions on an ongoing basis to assure that they are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally.
In light of the Company’s highly favorable experience with vendors at the Beauty Park and its growth plans for the beauty, personal care and home fragrance businesses, the Company believes that certain new facilities required to achieve such projected growth should be located as close as possible to the Beauty Park. The Company identified certain land owned by NACO that, together with certain other adjacent parcels owned by a number of third parties in immediate proximity to the Beauty Park, would be desirable for the Company to acquire for future growth. Because of the Wexners’ interest in NACO, the matter was referred to, and evaluated and negotiated by, the Audit Committee in accordance with the Policy. In 2014, the Audit Committee negotiated the purchase of certain NACO land for approximately $21 million, and the assumption from NACO of contracts to purchase certain adjacent parcels directly from third parties for approximately $7 million, and determined that these transactions were fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally. In 2015, certain additional property immediately adjacent to the foregoing parcels became available, and the Company believed that it would be desirable to acquire such property for future growth. This potential transaction was also referred to the Audit Committee for evaluation and, if appropriate, negotiation. The Audit Committee subsequently negotiated with NACO the purchase of such property for approximately $5.3 million, and an existing building located in New Albany that was historically associated with the Bath & Body Works brand for approximately $250,000, and determined that these transactions were fair to and in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders generally. The determinations made by the Audit Committee in 2014 and 2015 under the Policy with respect to these transactions between the Company and NACO were made in reliance on, among other things, advice from independent counsel and real estate appraisers and advisors, including opinions received from an independent financial advisor with specialized expertise in commercial real estate that such transactions were fair to the Company from a financial point of view.
16. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to October 31, 2015, the Company repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares of common stock for $109 million under the June 2015 repurchase program. For additional information, see Note 3, "Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)."
17. Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes and 2035 Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The Company is a holding company, and its most significant assets are the stock of its subsidiaries. The Guarantors represent: (a) substantially all of the sales of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, (b) more than 90% of the assets owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, other than real property, certain other assets and intercompany investments and balances and (c) more than 95% of the accounts receivable and inventory directly owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries: the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014. In the fourth quarter 2014, the Company added a subsidiary to the Guarantors. Accordingly, the supplemental financial information has been recast for all periods presented.
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L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| October 31, 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,085 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,311 |
Accounts Receivable, Net | 3 |  |  | 216 |  |  | 64 |  |  | — |  |  | 283 |
Inventories | — |  |  | 1,465 |  |  | 155 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,620 |
Deferred Income Taxes | — |  |  | 37 |  |  | (2 | ) |  | — |  |  | 35 |
Other | — |  |  | 151 |  |  | 164 |  |  | — |  |  | 315 |
Total Current Assets | 3 |  |  | 2,954 |  |  | 607 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,564 |
Property and Equipment, Net | — |  |  | 1,594 |  |  | 756 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,350 |
Goodwill | — |  |  | 1,318 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,318 |
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net | — |  |  | 411 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 411 |
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates | 4,943 |  |  | 14,725 |  |  | 1,786 |  |  | (21,454 | ) |  | — |
Other Assets | 191 |  |  | 39 |  |  | 708 |  |  | (612 | ) |  | 326 |
Total Assets | $ | 5,137 |  |  | $ | 21,041 |  |  | $ | 3,857 |  |  | $ | (22,066 | ) |  | $ | 7,969 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Payable | $ | 1 |  |  | $ | 525 |  |  | $ | 387 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 913 |
Accrued Expenses and Other | 76 |  |  | 463 |  |  | 265 |  |  | — |  |  | 804 |
Current Portion of Long-term Debt | — |  |  | — |  |  | 4 |  |  | — |  |  | 4 |
Income Taxes | — |  |  | — |  |  | 7 |  |  | — |  |  | 7 |
Total Current Liabilities | 77 |  |  | 988 |  |  | 663 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,728 |
Deferred Income Taxes | (3 | ) |  | (33 | ) |  | 304 |  |  | — |  |  | 268 |
Long-term Debt | 5,761 |  |  | 597 |  |  | 1 |  |  | (597 | ) |  | 5,762 |
Other Long-term Liabilities | — |  |  | 646 |  |  | 235 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | 868 |
Total Equity (Deficit) | (698 | ) |  | 18,843 |  |  | 2,654 |  |  | (21,456 | ) |  | (657 | )
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) | $ | 5,137 |  |  | $ | 21,041 |  |  | $ | 3,857 |  |  | $ | (22,066 | ) |  | $ | 7,969 |

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L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)

| January 31, 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,462 |  |  | $ | 219 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,681 |
Accounts Receivable, Net | 1 |  |  | 197 |  |  | 54 |  |  | — |  |  | 252 |
Inventories | — |  |  | 919 |  |  | 117 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,036 |
Deferred Income Taxes | — |  |  | 34 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | — |  |  | 33 |
Other | — |  |  | 146 |  |  | 84 |  |  | — |  |  | 230 |
Total Current Assets | 1 |  |  | 2,758 |  |  | 473 |  |  | — |  |  | 3,232 |
Property and Equipment, Net | — |  |  | 1,385 |  |  | 892 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,277 |
Goodwill | — |  |  | 1,318 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,318 |
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net | — |  |  | 411 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 411 |
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates | 4,635 |  |  | 14,003 |  |  | 1,405 |  |  | (20,043 | ) |  | — |
Other Assets | 188 |  |  | 35 |  |  | 693 |  |  | (610 | ) |  | 306 |
Total Assets | $ | 4,824 |  |  | $ | 19,910 |  |  | $ | 3,463 |  |  | $ | (20,653 | ) |  | $ | 7,544 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Payable | $ | — |  |  | $ | 300 |  |  | $ | 313 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 613 |
Accrued Expenses and Other | 83 |  |  | 495 |  |  | 322 |  |  | — |  |  | 900 |
Income Taxes | (4 | ) |  | 183 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | — |  |  | 166 |
Total Current Liabilities | 79 |  |  | 978 |  |  | 622 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,679 |
Deferred Income Taxes | (4 | ) |  | (32 | ) |  | 297 |  |  | — |  |  | 261 |
Long-term Debt | 4,765 |  |  | 597 |  |  | — |  |  | (597 | ) |  | 4,765 |
Other Long-term Liabilities | — |  |  | 609 |  |  | 224 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | 820 |
Total Equity (Deficit) | (16 | ) |  | 17,758 |  |  | 2,320 |  |  | (20,043 | ) |  | 19 |
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) | $ | 4,824 |  |  | $ | 19,910 |  |  | $ | 3,463 |  |  | $ | (20,653 | ) |  | $ | 7,544 |

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Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| November 1, 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | $ | — |  |  | $ | 516 |  |  | $ | 229 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 745 |
Accounts Receivable, Net | 3 |  |  | 214 |  |  | 57 |  |  | — |  |  | 274 |
Inventories | — |  |  | 1,318 |  |  | 167 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,485 |
Deferred Income Taxes | — |  |  | 44 |  |  | (13 | ) |  | — |  |  | 31 |
Other | — |  |  | 178 |  |  | 136 |  |  | — |  |  | 314 |
Total Current Assets | 3 |  |  | 2,270 |  |  | 576 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,849 |
Property and Equipment, Net | — |  |  | 1,400 |  |  | 881 |  |  | — |  |  | 2,281 |
Goodwill | — |  |  | 1,318 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1,318 |
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net | — |  |  | 411 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 411 |
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates | 4,392 |  |  | 15,372 |  |  | 1,170 |  |  | (20,934 | ) |  | — |
Other Assets | 184 |  |  | 19 |  |  | 699 |  |  | (612 | ) |  | 290 |
Total Assets | $ | 4,579 |  |  | $ | 20,790 |  |  | $ | 3,326 |  |  | $ | (21,546 | ) |  | $ | 7,149 |
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Current Liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Accounts Payable | $ | — |  |  | $ | 485 |  |  | $ | 352 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 837 |
Accrued Expenses and Other | 81 |  |  | 417 |  |  | 237 |  |  | — |  |  | 735 |
Current Portion of Long-term Debt | 213 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 213 |
Income Taxes | — |  |  | — |  |  | 14 |  |  | — |  |  | 14 |
Total Current Liabilities | 294 |  |  | 902 |  |  | 603 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,799 |
Deferred Income Taxes | (4 | ) |  | (21 | ) |  | 253 |  |  | — |  |  | 228 |
Long-term Debt | 4,759 |  |  | 597 |  |  | — |  |  | (597 | ) |  | 4,759 |
Other Long-term Liabilities | 1 |  |  | 594 |  |  | 215 |  |  | (14 | ) |  | 796 |
Total Equity (Deficit) | (471 | ) |  | 18,718 |  |  | 2,255 |  |  | (20,935 | ) |  | (433 | )
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit) | $ | 4,579 |  |  | $ | 20,790 |  |  | $ | 3,326 |  |  | $ | (21,546 | ) |  | $ | 7,149 |

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L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales | $ | — |  |  | $ | 2,357 |  |  | $ | 893 |  |  | $ | (768 | ) |  | $ | 2,482 |
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy | — |  |  | (1,456 | ) |  | (720 | ) |  | 725 |  |  | (1,451 | )
Gross Profit | — |  |  | 901 |  |  | 173 |  |  | (43 | ) |  | 1,031 |
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses | (4 | ) |  | (629 | ) |  | (100 | ) |  | 41 |  |  | (692 | )
Operating Income (Loss) | (4 | ) |  | 272 |  |  | 73 |  |  | (2 | ) |  | 339 |
Interest Expense | (79 | ) |  | (11 | ) |  | (2 | ) |  | 13 |  |  | (79 | )
Other Income | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | (83 | ) |  | 261 |  |  | 71 |  |  | 11 |  |  | 260 |
Provision for Income Taxes | — |  |  | 62 |  |  | 34 |  |  | — |  |  | 96 |
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax | 247 |  |  | 8 |  |  | (37 | ) |  | (218 | ) |  | — |
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (207 | ) |  | $ | 164 |

L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (207 | ) |  | $ | 164 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |
Foreign Currency Translation | — |  |  | — |  |  | (7 | ) |  | — |  |  | (7 | )
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |
Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | 164 |  |  | $ | 207 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | (207 | ) |  | $ | 164 |

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Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales | $ | — |  |  | $ | 2,179 |  |  | $ | 779 |  |  | $ | (639 | ) |  | $ | 2,319 |
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy | — |  |  | (1,363 | ) |  | (620 | ) |  | 611 |  |  | (1,372 | )
Gross Profit | — |  |  | 816 |  |  | 159 |  |  | (28 | ) |  | 947 |
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses | (1 | ) |  | (587 | ) |  | (104 | ) |  | 29 |  |  | (663 | )
Operating Income (Loss) | (1 | ) |  | 229 |  |  | 55 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 284 |
Interest Expense | (80 | ) |  | (6 | ) |  | (2 | ) |  | 8 |  |  | (80 | )
Other Income | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | (81 | ) |  | 223 |  |  | 54 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 205 |
Provision for Income Taxes | — |  |  | 47 |  |  | 26 |  |  | — |  |  | 73 |
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax | 213 |  |  | 50 |  |  | 7 |  |  | (270 | ) |  | — |
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 132 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | (261 | ) |  | $ | 132 |

L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Third Quarter 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 132 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | 35 |  |  | $ | (261 | ) |  | $ | 132 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings | — |  |  | — |  |  | (13 | ) |  | — |  |  | (13 | )
Foreign Currency Translation | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | — |  |  | 16 |  |  | — |  |  | 16 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | 132 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | 41 |  |  | $ | (261 | ) |  | $ | 138 |

23

Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales | $ | — |  |  | $ | 7,314 |  |  | $ | 2,523 |  |  | $ | (2,078 | ) |  | $ | 7,759 |
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy | — |  |  | (4,487 | ) |  | (2,041 | ) |  | 1,970 |  |  | (4,558 | )
Gross Profit | — |  |  | 2,827 |  |  | 482 |  |  | (108 | ) |  | 3,201 |
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses | (10 | ) |  | (1,874 | ) |  | (302 | ) |  | 99 |  |  | (2,087 | )
Operating Income (Loss) | (10 | ) |  | 953 |  |  | 180 |  |  | (9 | ) |  | 1,114 |
Interest Expense | (237 | ) |  | (23 | ) |  | (7 | ) |  | 30 |  |  | (237 | )
Other Income | — |  |  | 4 |  |  | 71 |  |  | — |  |  | 75 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | (247 | ) |  | 934 |  |  | 244 |  |  | 21 |  |  | 952 |
Provision for Income Taxes | — |  |  | 230 |  |  | 105 |  |  | — |  |  | 335 |
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax | 864 |  |  | 386 |  |  | 217 |  |  | (1,467 | ) |  | — |
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 1,090 |  |  | $ | 356 |  |  | $ | (1,446 | ) |  | $ | 617 |

L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 1,090 |  |  | $ | 356 |  |  | $ | (1,446 | ) |  | $ | 617 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings | — |  |  | — |  |  | (7 | ) |  | — |  |  | (7 | )
Foreign Currency Translation | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | 5 |
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |
Unrealized Gain on Marketable Securities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 1,090 |  |  | $ | 362 |  |  | $ | (1,446 | ) |  | $ | 623 |

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Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales | $ | — |  |  | $ | 6,889 |  |  | $ | 2,336 |  |  | $ | (1,840 | ) |  | $ | 7,385 |
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy | — |  |  | (4,271 | ) |  | (1,897 | ) |  | 1,756 |  |  | (4,412 | )
Gross Profit | — |  |  | 2,618 |  |  | 439 |  |  | (84 | ) |  | 2,973 |
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses | (5 | ) |  | (1,748 | ) |  | (311 | ) |  | 87 |  |  | (1,977 | )
Operating Income (Loss) | (5 | ) |  | 870 |  |  | 128 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 996 |
Interest Expense | (246 | ) |  | (21 | ) |  | (6 | ) |  | 27 |  |  | (246 | )
Other Income | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |  |  | — |  |  | 6 |
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes | (251 | ) |  | 849 |  |  | 128 |  |  | 30 |  |  | 756 |
Provision for Income Taxes | (1 | ) |  | 165 |  |  | 115 |  |  | — |  |  | 279 |
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax | 727 |  |  | 308 |  |  | 257 |  |  | (1,292 | ) |  | — |
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 477 |  |  | $ | 992 |  |  | $ | 270 |  |  | $ | (1,262 | ) |  | $ | 477 |

L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss) | $ | 477 |  |  | $ | 992 |  |  | $ | 270 |  |  | $ | (1,262 | ) |  | $ | 477 |
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5 | ) |  | — |  |  | (5 | )
Foreign Currency Translation | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges | — |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax | — |  |  | — |  |  | (2 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2 | )
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | 477 |  |  | $ | 992 |  |  | $ | 268 |  |  | $ | (1,262 | ) |  | $ | 475 |

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Table of Contents
L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2015
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities | $ | (254 | ) |  | $ | 377 |  |  | $ | 139 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 262 |
Investing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital Expenditures | — |  |  | (440 | ) |  | (163 | ) |  | — |  |  | (603 | )
Proceeds from Sale of Assets | — |  |  | — |  |  | 196 |  |  | — |  |  | 196 |
Proceeds from Divestiture of Third-party Apparel Sourcing Business | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | 84 |  |  | — |  |  | 85 |
Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities | — |  |  | 50 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 50 |
Purchases of Marketable Securities | — |  |  | (50 | ) |  | (10 | ) |  | — |  |  | (60 | )
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities | — |  |  | (439 | ) |  | 107 |  |  | — |  |  | (332 | )
Financing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs | 988 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 988 |
Repurchase of Common Stock | (363 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (363 | )
Dividends Paid | (1,026 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1,026 | )
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation | — |  |  | 57 |  |  | 8 |  |  | — |  |  | 65 |
Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates | 624 |  |  | (370 | ) |  | (254 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options | 31 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 31 |
Financing Costs and Other | — |  |  | (2 | ) |  | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities | 254 |  |  | (315 | ) |  | (241 | ) |  | — |  |  | (302 | )
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 2 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | (377 | ) |  | 7 |  |  | — |  |  | (370 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | — |  |  | 1,462 |  |  | 219 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,681 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,085 |  |  | $ | 226 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 1,311 |

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L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)

| Year-to-Date 2014
| L Brands, Inc. |  | Guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Non- guarantor Subsidiaries |  | Eliminations |  | Consolidated L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities | $ | (260 | ) |  | $ | 457 |  |  | $ | 173 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 370 |
Investing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital Expenditures | — |  |  | (426 | ) |  | (159 | ) |  | — |  |  | (585 | )
Other Investing Activities | — |  |  | — |  |  | 15 |  |  | — |  |  | 15 |
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities | — |  |  | (426 | ) |  | (144 | ) |  | — |  |  | (570 | )
Financing Activities: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Borrowings from Revolving Facility | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | 5 |
Repayments on Revolving Facility | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5 | ) |  | — |  |  | (5 | )
Repurchase of Common Stock | (48 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (48 | )
Dividends Paid | (591 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (591 | )
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-based Compensation | — |  |  | 35 |  |  | 6 |  |  | — |  |  | 41 |
Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates | 876 |  |  | (903 | ) |  | 27 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options | 28 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 28 |
Financing Costs and Other | (5 | ) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (5 | )
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities | 260 |  |  | (868 | ) |  | 33 |  |  | — |  |  | (575 | )
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | — |  |  | (837 | ) |  | 63 |  |  | — |  |  | (774 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | — |  |  | 1,353 |  |  | 166 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,519 |
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | — |  |  | $ | 516 |  |  | $ | 229 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 745 |

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Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
of L Brands, Inc.:
We have reviewed the consolidated balance sheets of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and cash flows for the thirty-nine week periods ended October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.
We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.
Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2015, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, total equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated March 20, 2015. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 2015, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Columbus, Ohio
December 4, 2015
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SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
L Brands, Inc. cautions any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this report or made by our company or our management involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our company or our management:

• | general economic conditions, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions including severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;

• | the seasonality of our business;

• | the dependence on a high volume of mall traffic and the availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;

• | our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions;

• | our ability to successfully expand into global markets and related risks;

• | our relationships with independent franchise, license and wholesale partners;

• | our direct channel businesses;

• | our failure to protect our reputation and our brand images;

• | our failure to protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;

• | the highly competitive nature of the retail industry generally and the segments in which we operate particularly;

• | consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;

• | our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:

• | political instability;

• | duties, taxes and other charges;

• | legal and regulatory matters;

• | volatility in currency exchange rates;

• | local business practices and political issues;

• | potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;

• | disruption due to labor disputes; and

• | changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;

• | fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;

• | stock price volatility;

• | our failure to maintain our credit rating;

• | our ability to service or refinance our debt;

• | our ability to retain key personnel;

• | our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified employees and manage labor-related costs;

• | the inability of our manufacturers to deliver products in a timely manner and meet quality standards;

• | fluctuations in product input costs;

• | fluctuations in energy costs;

• | increases in the costs of mailing, paper and printing;

• | claims arising from our self-insurance;

• | our ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data;

• | our failure to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplier or company information;

• | our failure to comply with regulatory requirements;

• | tax matters; and

• | legal and compliance matters.

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We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. | MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Executive Overview
In the third quarter of 2015, our operating income increased $55 million, or 19%, to $339 million, and our operating income rate increased to 13.7% from 12.3%. Net sales increased $163 million to $2.482 billion, and comparable store sales increased 7%. At Victoria's Secret, net sales increased 8%, and operating income increased 10%. At Bath & Body Works, net sales increased 7%, and operating income increased 46%. At Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International, net sales increased 16%, and operating income increased 13%. For additional information related to our third quarter 2015 financial performance, see “Results of Operations.”
The global retail sector and our business continue to face an uncertain environment and, as a result, we continue to manage our business carefully and focus on the execution of the retail fundamentals.
At the same time, we are aggressively focusing on bringing compelling merchandise assortments, marketing and store and digital experiences to our customers. We will look for, and capitalize on, those opportunities available to us in this environment. We believe that our brands, which lead their categories and offer high emotional content to customers at accessible prices, are well-positioned.
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Adjusted Financial Information
In addition to our results provided in accordance with GAAP above and throughout this Form 10-Q, provided below are non-GAAP measurements which present net income and earnings per share in 2015 on an adjusted basis, which removes certain special items. We believe that these special items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. We use adjusted financial information as key performance measures of results of operations for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Instead, we believe that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Further, our definition of adjusted financial information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table below reconciles the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures.

| Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014
| (in millions)
Detail of Special Items included in Other Income - Income (Expense) |  |  |
Gain on Divestiture of Third-Party Apparel Sourcing Business (a) | $ | 78 |  |  | $ | — |
Total Special Items included in Other Income | $ | 78 |  |  | $ | — |
Detail of Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes - Benefit (Provision) |  |  |
Tax effect of Special Items included in Other Income | $ | (9 | ) |  | $ | — |
Total Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes | $ | (9 | ) |  | $ | — |
Reconciliation of Reported Net Income to Adjusted Net Income |  |  |
Reported Net Income | $ | 617 |  |  | $ | 477 |
Special Items included in Net Income | (69 | ) |  | — |
Adjusted Net Income | $ | 548 |  |  | $ | 477 |
Reconciliation of Reported Earnings Per Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Share |  |  |
Reported Earnings Per Share | $ | 2.08 |  |  | $ | 1.60 |
Special Items included in Earnings Per Share | (0.24 | ) |  | — |
Adjusted Earnings Per Share | $ | 1.84 |  |  | $ | 1.60 |

_______________

(a) | In the first quarter of 2015, we divested our remaining ownership interest in our third-party apparel sourcing business. We received cash proceeds of $85 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $78 million (after-tax gain of $69 million). For additional information see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

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Company-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the third quarter of 2015 company-owned store data to the third quarter of 2014 and year-to-date 2015 store data to year-to-date 2014:

|  | Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
|  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | % Change |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | % Change
Sales per Average Selling Square Foot |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret U.S. |  | $ | 181 |  |  | $ | 172 |  |  | 5 | % |  | $ | 576 |  |  | $ | 556 |  |  | 4 | %
Bath & Body Works U.S. |  | 160 |  |  | 152 |  |  | 5 | % |  | 472 |  |  | 449 |  |  | 5 | %
Sales per Average Store (in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret U.S. |  | $ | 1,108 |  |  | $ | 1,036 |  |  | 7 | % |  | $ | 3,525 |  |  | $ | 3,361 |  |  | 5 | %
Bath & Body Works U.S. |  | 379 |  |  | 358 |  |  | 6 | % |  | 1,116 |  |  | 1,061 |  |  | 5 | %
Average Store Size (selling square feet) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret U.S. |  | 6,151 |  |  | 6,065 |  |  | 1 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Bath & Body Works U.S. |  | 2,374 |  |  | 2,358 |  |  | 1 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Total Selling Square Feet (in thousands) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret U.S. |  | 6,864 |  |  | 6,647 |  |  | 3 | % |  |  |  |  |  |
Bath & Body Works U.S. |  | 3,735 |  |  | 3,681 |  |  | 1 | % |  |  |  |  |  |

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The following table compares third quarter of 2015 company-owned store data to the third quarter of 2014 and year-to-date 2015 store data to year-to-date 2014:

|  | Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
Number of Stores |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Victoria’s Secret U.S. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 1,105 |  |  | 1,075 |  |  | 1,098 |  |  | 1,060 |
Opened |  | 13 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 24 |  |  | 41 |
Closed |  | (2 | ) |  | (2 | ) |  | (6 | ) |  | (5 | )
End of Period |  | 1,116 |  |  | 1,096 |  |  | 1,116 |  |  | 1,096 |
Victoria’s Secret Canada |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 43 |  |  | 38 |  |  | 41 |  |  | 34 |
Opened |  | 2 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 6 |
Closed |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
End of Period |  | 45 |  |  | 40 |  |  | 45 |  |  | 40 |
Bath & Body Works U.S. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 1,565 |  |  | 1,555 |  |  | 1,558 |  |  | 1,559 |
Opened |  | 9 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 19 |  |  | 13 |
Closed |  | (1 | ) |  | (3 | ) |  | (4 | ) |  | (11 | )
End of Period |  | 1,573 |  |  | 1,561 |  |  | 1,573 |  |  | 1,561 |
Bath & Body Works Canada |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 91 |  |  | 85 |  |  | 88 |  |  | 79 |
Opened |  | 7 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 10 |
Closed |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | (1 | )
End of Period |  | 98 |  |  | 88 |  |  | 98 |  |  | 88 |
Victoria’s Secret U.K. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 10 |  |  | 7 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 5 |
Opened |  | — |  |  | 2 |  |  | — |  |  | 4 |
Closed |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
End of Period |  | 10 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 10 |  |  | 9 |
La Senza |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 133 |  |  | 153 |  |  | 145 |  |  | 157 |
Opened |  | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 1 |  |  | — |
Closed |  | (2 | ) |  | (5 | ) |  | (14 | ) |  | (9 | )
End of Period |  | 132 |  |  | 148 |  |  | 132 |  |  | 148 |
Henri Bendel |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |
Opened |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Closed |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
End of Period |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 29 |
Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 2,976 |  |  | 2,942 |  |  | 2,969 |  |  | 2,923 |
Opened |  | 32 |  |  | 39 |  |  | 58 |  |  | 74 |
Closed |  | (5 | ) |  | (10 | ) |  | (24 | ) |  | (26 | )
End of Period |  | 3,003 |  |  | 2,971 |  |  | 3,003 |  |  | 2,971 |

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Noncompany-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the third quarter of 2015 noncompany-owned store data to the third quarter of 2014 and year-to-date 2015 store data to year-to-date 2014:

|  | Third Quarter |  | Year-to-Date
Number of Stores |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 325 |  |  | 230 |  |  | 290 |  |  | 198 |
Opened |  | 19 |  |  | 20 |  |  | 57 |  |  | 54 |
Closed |  | (2 | ) |  | (5 | ) |  | (5 | ) |  | (7 | )
End of Period |  | 342 |  |  | 245 |  |  | 342 |  |  | 245 |
Victoria's Secret |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 17 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 14 |  |  | 4 |
Opened |  | 1 |  |  | — |  |  | 4 |  |  | 4 |
Closed |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |
End of Period |  | 18 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 18 |  |  | 8 |
Bath & Body Works |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 101 |  |  | 66 |  |  | 80 |  |  | 55 |
Opened |  | 9 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 32 |  |  | 13 |
Closed |  | — |  |  | (1 | ) |  | (2 | ) |  | (1 | )
End of Period |  | 110 |  |  | 67 |  |  | 110 |  |  | 67 |
La Senza |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 233 |  |  | 307 |  |  | 266 |  |  | 331 |
Opened |  | 2 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 3 |
Closed |  | (3 | ) |  | (40 | ) |  | (37 | ) |  | (66 | )
End of Period |  | 232 |  |  | 268 |  |  | 232 |  |  | 268 |
Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Beginning of Period |  | 676 |  |  | 611 |  |  | 650 |  |  | 588 |
Opened |  | 31 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 96 |  |  | 74 |
Closed |  | (5 | ) |  | (46 | ) |  | (44 | ) |  | (74 | )
End of Period |  | 702 |  |  | 588 |  |  | 702 |  |  | 588 |

Results of Operations
Third Quarter of 2015 Compared to Third Quarter of 2014
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the third quarter of 2015 in comparison to the third quarter of 2014:

|  |  |  |  | Operating Income Rate
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Third Quarter | (in millions) |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret | $ | 211 |  |  | $ | 191 |  |  | 13.5 | % |  | 13.2 | %
Bath & Body Works | 136 |  |  | 93 |  |  | 19.3 | % |  | 14.2 | %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International | 18 |  |  | 17 |  |  | 19.6 | % |  | 20.1 | %
Other (a) | (26 | ) |  | (17 | ) |  | (23.1 | )% |  | (13.2 | )%
Total Operating Income | $ | 339 |  |  | $ | 284 |  |  | 13.7 | % |  | 12.3 | %

_______________

(a) | Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.

For the third quarter of 2015, operating income increased $55 million, or 19%, to $339 million, and the operating income rate increased to 13.7% from 12.3%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
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Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the third quarter of 2015 in comparison to the third quarter of 2014:

| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | % Change
Third Quarter | (in millions) |  |
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a) | $ | 1,282 |  |  | $ | 1,177 |  |  | 9 | %
Victoria’s Secret Direct | 285 |  |  | 275 |  |  | 4 | %
Total Victoria’s Secret | 1,567 |  |  | 1,452 |  |  | 8 | %
Bath & Body Works Stores (a) | 637 |  |  | 603 |  |  | 6 | %
Bath & Body Works Direct | 68 |  |  | 57 |  |  | 20 | %
Total Bath & Body Works | 705 |  |  | 660 |  |  | 7 | %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International (b) | 93 |  |  | 79 |  |  | 16 | %
Other (c) | 117 |  |  | 128 |  |  | (9 | )%
Total Net Sales | $ | 2,482 |  |  | $ | 2,319 |  |  | 7 | %

_______________

(a) | Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.

(b) | Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.

(c) | Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the third quarter of 2015 to the third quarter of 2014:

| Victoria’s Secret |  | Bath & Body Works |  | Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International |  | Other |  | Total
Third Quarter | (in millions)
2014 Net Sales | $ | 1,452 |  |  | $ | 660 |  |  | $ | 79 |  |  | $ | 128 |  |  | $ | 2,319 |
Comparable Store Sales | 70 |  |  | 33 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 108 |
Sales Associated with New, Closed and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net | 43 |  |  | 8 |  |  | 5 |  |  | (4 | ) |  | 52 |
Foreign Currency Translation | (8 | ) |  | (7 | ) |  | (2 | ) |  | (9 | ) |  | (26 | )
Direct Channels | 10 |  |  | 11 |  |  | — |  |  | 3 |  |  | 24 |
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other | — |  |  | — |  |  | 9 |  |  | (4 | ) |  | 5 |
2015 Net Sales | $ | 1,567 |  |  | $ | 705 |  |  | $ | 93 |  |  | $ | 117 |  |  | $ | 2,482 |

The following table compares the third quarter of 2015 comparable store sales to the third quarter of 2014:

Third Quarter | 2015 |  | 2014
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a) (b) | 7 | % |  | 3 | %
Bath & Body Works (a) (b) | 6 | % |  | 7 | %
Total Comparable Store Sales (b) (c) | 7 | % |  | 5 | %

________________

(a) | Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.

(b) | The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store.

(c) | Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria’s Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.

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The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For the third quarter of 2015, net sales increased $115 million to $1.567 billion, and comparable store sales increased 7%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:

• | At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 9% due to increases in PINK and core lingerie, driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the repositioning of this category.

• | At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales increased 4% due to increases in PINK, core lingerie and sleep driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion. These results were partially offset by the decrease in non go-forward apparel.

The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Bath & Body Works
For the third quarter of 2015, net sales increased $45 million to $705 million, and comparable store sales increased 6%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including home fragrance, Signature Collection and soaps and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the third quarter of 2015, net sales increased $14 million to $93 million primarily related to company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened by our partners.
Other
For the third quarter of 2015, net sales decreased $11 million to $117 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza due to store closures and the negative impacts of foreign currency.
Gross Profit
For the third quarter of 2015, our gross profit increased $84 million to $1.031 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 41.6% from 40.8%, primarily driven by the following:
Victoria's Secret
For the third quarter of 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:

• | At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by investments in store real estate.

• | At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars primarily due to increases in net sales in the core categories of PINK, core lingerie and go-forward apparel. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to increased catalogue costs.

The gross profit rate increase was driven primarily by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Direct due to increased sales in our core categories.
Bath & Body Works
For the third quarter of 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:

• | At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased primarily due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales.

• | At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to higher fulfillment costs as a result of the increase in net sales.

The gross profit rate increase was driven by a decrease in the buying and occupancy expense rate primarily due to leverage and an increase in the merchandise margin rate primarily due to favorable product pricing. The increase in merchandise margin rate was partially offset by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate at Bath & Body Works Canada due to negative impacts of foreign currency.
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Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the third quarter of 2015, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales primarily due to the opening of new stores.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to the negative impacts of foreign currency.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the third quarter of 2015, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $29 million to $692 million primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate decreased to 27.9% from 28.6% primarily due to leverage associated with higher net sales.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014:

Third Quarter | 2015 |  | 2014
Average daily borrowings (in millions) | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,963 |
Average borrowing rate (in percentages) | 6.70 | % |  | 6.55 | %

For the third quarter of 2015, our interest expense decreased $1 million to $79 million primarily due to a decrease in the average borrowings driven by the maturity of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014.
Provision for Income Taxes
For the third quarter of 2015, our effective tax rate was 36.8% compared to 35.5% in the third quarter of 2014. The third quarter 2015 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to foreign earnings taxed at a rate lower than our combined estimated federal and state rate. The third quarter of 2014 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters.
Year-to-Date 2015 Compared to Year-to-Date 2014
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for year-to-date 2015 in comparison to year-to-date 2014:

|  |  |  |  | Operating Income Rate
| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Year-to-Date | (in millions) |  |  |  |
Victoria’s Secret | $ | 797 |  |  | $ | 762 |  |  | 15.8 | % |  | 15.9 | %
Bath & Body Works | 371 |  |  | 288 |  |  | 18.0 | % |  | 14.8 | %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International | 60 |  |  | 49 |  |  | 21.9 | % |  | 21.1 | %
Other (a) | (114 | ) |  | (103 | ) |  | (31.8 | )% |  | (25.2 | )%
Total Operating Income | $ | 1,114 |  |  | $ | 996 |  |  | 14.4 | % |  | 13.5 | %

_______________

(a) | Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.

For year-to-date 2015, operating income increased $118 million, or 12%, to $1.114 billion, and the operating income rate increased to 14.4% from 13.5%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
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Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for year-to-date 2015 in comparison to year-to-date 2014:

| 2015 |  | 2014 |  | % Change
Year-to-Date | (in millions) |  |
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a) | $ | 4,065 |  |  | $ | 3,786 |  |  | 7 | %
Victoria’s Secret Direct | 993 |  |  | 1,015 |  |  | (2 | )%
Total Victoria’s Secret | 5,058 |  |  | 4,801 |  |  | 5 | %
Bath & Body Works Stores (a) | 1,863 |  |  | 1,771 |  |  | 5 | %
Bath & Body Works Direct | 204 |  |  | 175 |  |  | 17 | %
Total Bath & Body Works | 2,067 |  |  | 1,946 |  |  | 6 | %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International (b) | 273 |  |  | 230 |  |  | 19 | %
Other (c) | 361 |  |  | 408 |  |  | (12 | )%
Total Net Sales | $ | 7,759 |  |  | $ | 7,385 |  |  | 5 | %

_______________

(a) | Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.

(b) | Includes Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores outside of the U.S. and Canada.

(c) | Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for year-to-date 2015 to year-to-date 2014:

| Victoria’s Secret |  | Bath & Body Works |  | Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International |  | Other |  | Total
Year-to-Date | (in millions)
2014 Net Sales | $ | 4,801 |  |  | $ | 1,946 |  |  | $ | 230 |  |  | $ | 408 |  |  | $ | 7,385 |
Comparable Store Sales | 163 |  |  | 85 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 5 |  |  | 258 |
Sales Associated with New, Closed and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net | 138 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 17 |  |  | (21 | ) |  | 157 |
Foreign Currency Translation | (22 | ) |  | (16 | ) |  | (7 | ) |  | (24 | ) |  | (69 | )
Direct Channels | (22 | ) |  | 29 |  |  | — |  |  | 11 |  |  | 18 |
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other | — |  |  | — |  |  | 28 |  |  | (18 | ) |  | 10 |
2015 Net Sales | $ | 5,058 |  |  | $ | 2,067 |  |  | $ | 273 |  |  | $ | 361 |  |  | $ | 7,759 |

The following table compares year-to-date 2015 comparable store sales to year-to-date 2014:

Year-to-Date | 2015 |  | 2014
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a) (b) | 5 | % |  | 3 | %
Bath & Body Works (a) (b) | 5 | % |  | 4 | %
Total Comparable Store Sales (b) (c) | 5 | % |  | 3 | %

________________

(a) | Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.

(b) | The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store.

(c) | Includes Victoria's Secret U.S., Victoria’s Secret Canada, Bath & Body Works U.S., Bath & Body Works Canada, Victoria's Secret U.K., La Senza and Henri Bendel.

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The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For year-to-date 2015, net sales increased $257 million to $5.058 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. The net sales result was primarily driven by:

• | At Victoria's Secret Stores, net sales increased 7% due to increases in PINK, core lingerie and sport, driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion. These results were partially offset by a decrease in beauty driven by the repositioning of this category and the exit of make-up.

• | At Victoria's Secret Direct, net sales decreased 2% primarily due to the decrease in non-go forward apparel. These results were partially offset by increases in PINK, core lingerie, go-forward apparel and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.

The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Bath & Body Works
For year-to-date 2015, net sales increased $121 million to $2.067 billion, and comparable store sales increased 5%. At both Bath & Body Works Stores and Bath & Body Works Direct, net sales increased across most categories including Signature Collection, home fragrance and soaps and sanitizers, which all incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales and an increase in total transactions.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For year-to-date 2015, net sales increased $43 million to $273 million primarily related to growth in our Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories concept, company-owned Victoria's Secret stores in the U.K. and additional stores opened by our partners.
Other
For year-to-date 2015, net sales decreased $47 million to $361 million primarily related to a decrease in net sales at La Senza due to store closures and the negative impacts of foreign currency.
Gross Profit
For year-to-date 2015, our gross profit increased $228 million to $3.201 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) increased to 41.3% from 40.3%, primarily driven by the following:
Victoria's Secret
For year-to-date 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:

• | At Victoria's Secret Stores, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in store real estate.

• | At Victoria's Secret Direct, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales in our core categories. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses driven by investments in our online customer shopping experience.

The gross profit rate increase was driven primarily by an increase in the merchandise margin rate at Victoria's Secret Direct due to increased sales in our core categories.
Bath & Body Works
For year-to-date 2015, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by:

• | At Bath & Body Works Stores, gross profit increased primarily due to higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales and less promotional activity. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to an increase in occupancy expense driven by higher net sales and investments in store real estate.

• | At Bath & Body Works Direct, gross profit increased primarily due to higher merchandise margin dollars as a result of the increase in net sales. The increase in merchandise margin was partially offset by higher buying and occupancy expenses due to higher fulfillment costs as a result of the increase in net sales.

The gross profit rate increase was driven primarily by an increase in the merchandise margin rate due to decreased promotional activity and favorable product pricing.
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Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For year-to-date 2015, gross profit increased due to higher merchandise margin dollars primarily as a result of the increase in net sales due to the opening of new stores.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven primarily by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to the negative impacts of foreign currency.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For year-to-date 2015, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $110 million to $2.087 billion primarily driven by an increase in store selling expenses related to higher sales volumes and investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate increased to 26.9% from 26.8% primarily due to deleverage associated with investments in store selling to improve the customer experience.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

Year-to-Date | 2015 |  | 2014
Average daily borrowings (in millions) | $ | 4,755 |  |  | $ | 4,964 |
Average borrowing rate (in percentages) | 6.63 | % |  | 6.62 | %

For year-to-date 2015, our interest expense decreased $9 million to $237 million primarily due to a decrease in the average borrowings driven by the maturity of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014.
Other Income
For year-to-date 2015, our other income increased $69 million to $75 million primarily driven by a pre-tax gain of $78 million due to the divestiture of our remaining ownership interest in the third-party apparel sourcing business to Sycamore Partners.
Provision for Income Taxes
For year-to-date 2015, our effective tax rate was 35.2% compared to 36.9% year-to-date 2014. The year-to-date 2015 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the foreign portion of the divestiture of our third-party apparel sourcing business. The year-to-date 2014 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolution of certain tax matters.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resources to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions and profit margins. Historically, sales are higher during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period.
We believe in returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During year-to-date 2015, we have paid $1.026 billion in regular and special dividends and repurchased $363 million of our common stock. We use cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs.
Our total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $224 million as of October 31, 2015. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. are repatriated to the U.S., in certain circumstances we may be subject to additional income taxes.
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The following table provides our debt balance as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee |  |  |  |  |
$1 billion, 6.875% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2035 (“2035 Notes”) | $ | 1,000 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”) | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |
$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”) | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |  |  | 1,000 |
$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”) | 500 |  |  | 500 |  |  | 500 |
$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019, Less Unamortized Discount (“2019 Notes”)(a) | 501 |  |  | 501 |  |  | 495 |
$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”) | 400 |  |  | 400 |  |  | 400 |
Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee | $ | 4,401 |  |  | $ | 3,401 |  |  | $ | 3,395 |
Senior Unsecured Debt |  |  |  |  |
$700 million, 6.90% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2017, Less Unamortized Discount (“2017 Notes”)(b) | $ | 711 |  |  | $ | 715 |  |  | $ | 715 |
$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033, Less Unamortized Discount (“2033 Notes”) | 350 |  |  | 350 |  |  | 350 |
$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037, Less Unamortized Discount (“2037 Notes”) | 299 |  |  | 299 |  |  | 299 |
5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2014, Less Unamortized Discount (“2014 Notes”) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 213 |
Other Borrowings | 5 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Total Senior Unsecured Debt | $ | 1,365 |  |  | $ | 1,364 |  |  | $ | 1,577 |
Total | $ | 5,766 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,972 |
Current Portion | (4 | ) |  | — |  |  | (213 | )
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion | $ | 5,762 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,759 |

_______________

(a) | The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $7 million as of October 31, 2015, $8 million as of January 31, 2015 and $3 million as of November 1, 2014.

(b) | The balances include a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $11 million as of October 31, 2015 and $15 million as of January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.

Issuance of Notes
In October 2015, we issued $1 billion of 6.875% notes due in November 2035. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by our Guarantors. The net proceeds from the issuance were $988 million, which were net of issuance costs of $12 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of November 2035 and are included within Other Assets on the October 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Repayment of Notes
In November 2014, we repaid the remaining $213 million of our 5.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due November 2014 with cash on hand.
Revolving Facility
We maintain a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Revolving Facility has aggregate availability of $1 billion and expires July 18, 2019. The fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings or British pound borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding Canadian dollar borrowings is CDOR plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted
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payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of October 31, 2015, we were in compliance with both of our financial covenants, and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of October 31, 2015, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
Letters of Credit
The Revolving Facility supports our letter of credit program. We had $19 million of outstanding letters of credit as of October 31, 2015 that reduce our remaining availability under our Revolving Facility.
Fair Value Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
In 2014, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $100 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $100 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. In 2013, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements related to $200 million of the outstanding 2017 Notes and $200 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage.
The swap arrangements are designated as fair value hedges. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
In the past, we entered into interest rate swap arrangements on the 2017 Notes. In 2012, we terminated these interest rate designated fair value hedges. The carrying value of the 2017 Notes include unamortized hedge settlements which are amortized as a reduction to interest expense through the maturity date of the Notes.
Working Capital and Capitalization
We believe that our available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund foreseeable requirements.
The following table provides a summary of our working capital position and capitalization as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities (a) | $ | 262 |  |  | $ | 1,786 |  |  | $ | 370 |
Capital Expenditures (a) | 603 |  |  | 715 |  |  | 585 |
Working Capital | 1,836 |  |  | 1,553 |  |  | 1,050 |
Capitalization: |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt | 5,762 |  |  | 4,765 |  |  | 4,759 |
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit) | (658 | ) |  | 18 |  |  | (434 | )
Total Capitalization | $ | 5,104 |  |  | $ | 4,783 |  |  | $ | 4,325 |
Remaining Amounts Available Under Credit Agreements (b) | $ | 981 |  |  | $ | 981 |  |  | $ | 992 |

_______________

(a) | The January 31, 2015 amounts represent a twelve-month period, and the October 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 amounts represent nine-month periods.

(b) | Letters of credit issued reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility. We have outstanding letters of credit that reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility of $19 million as of October 31, 2015 and January 31, 2015 and $8 million as of November 1, 2014.

Credit Ratings
The following table provides our credit ratings as of October 31, 2015:

| Moody’s |  | S&P |  | Fitch
Corporate | Ba1 |  | BB+ |  | BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee | Ba1 |  | BB+ |  | BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt | Ba2 |  | BB- |  | BB
Outlook | Stable |  | Stable |  | Stable

Our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility are linked to our credit ratings at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If we receive an upgrade or downgrade to our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, the borrowing costs could decrease or increase, respectively. The guarantees of our obligations under the Revolving Facility by the Guarantors and the security
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interests granted in our and the Guarantors’ collateral securing such obligations are released if our credit ratings are higher than a certain level. Additionally, the restrictions imposed under the Revolving Facility on our ability to make investments and to make restricted payments cease to apply if our credit ratings are higher than certain levels. Credit rating downgrades by any of the agencies do not accelerate the repayment of any of our debt.
Common Stock Share Repurchases
Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our common stock under the following repurchase programs for year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Amount Authorized |  | Shares Repurchased |  | Amount Repurchased |  | Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |
| (in millions) |  | (in thousands) |  | (in millions) |  |
June 2015 | $ | 250 |  |  | 1,375 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 113 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 82.31 |
February 2015 | $ | 250 |  |  | 2,788 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 250 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 89.45 |
November 2012 | $ | 250 |  |  | NA |  |  | 826 |  |  | NA |  |  | $ | 45 |  |  | $ | 48.52 |

In June 2015, our Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $0.6 million remaining under the February 2015 repurchase program.
In February 2015, our Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $91 million remaining under the November 2012 repurchase program.
The June 2015 repurchase program had $137 million remaining as of October 31, 2015. Subsequent to October 31, 2015, we repurchased an additional 1.2 million shares of common stock for $109 million under this program.
There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We use cash flow generated from operating and financing activities to fund our share repurchase programs. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made at our discretion taking into account a number of factors including market conditions.
Dividend Policy and Procedures
Under the authority and declaration of our Board of Directors, we paid the following dividends during year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

|  | Ordinary Dividends |  | Special Dividends |  | Total Dividends |  | Total Paid
|  | (per share) |  | (in millions)
2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter |  | $ | 0.50 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.50 |  |  | $ | 146 |
Second Quarter |  | 0.50 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.50 |  |  | 146 |
First Quarter |  | 0.50 |  |  | 2.00 |  |  | 2.50 |  |  | 734 |
2015 Total |  | $ | 1.50 |  |  | $ | 2.00 |  |  | $ | 3.50 |  |  | $ | 1,026 |
2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Third Quarter |  | $ | 0.34 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 0.34 |  |  | $ | 100 |
Second Quarter |  | 0.34 |  |  | — |  |  | 0.34 |  |  | 99 |
First Quarter |  | 0.34 |  |  | 1.00 |  |  | 1.34 |  |  | 392 |
2014 Total |  | $ | 1.02 |  |  | $ | 1.00 |  |  | $ | 2.02 |  |  | $ | 591 |

Our Board of Directors will determine future dividends and share repurchase authorizations after giving consideration to the Company's levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating activities to fund our ordinary dividends and a combination of cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our special dividends and share repurchases.
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Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow activity for year-to-date 2015 and 2014:

| Year-to-Date
| 2015 |  | 2014
| (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period | $ | 1,681 |  |  | $ | 1,519 |
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities | 262 |  |  | 370 |
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities | (332 | ) |  | (570 | )
Net Cash Flows Used for Financing Activities | (302 | ) |  | (575 | )
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents | 2 |  |  | 1 |
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents | (370 | ) |  | (774 | )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period | $ | 1,311 |  |  | $ | 745 |

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2015 was $262 million, including net income of $617 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $335 million, gain on divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business of $78 million, share-based compensation expense of $73 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $65 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal increases in Inventories (and related increases in Accounts Payable) as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 2014 was $370 million, including net income of $477 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $327 million, share-based compensation expense of $67 million and excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $41 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal increases in Inventories (and related increases in Accounts Payable) as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities in 2015 was $332 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $603 million and purchases of marketable securities of $60 million, partially offset by proceeds from the sale of assets of $196 million, the divestiture of the third-party apparel sourcing business for $85 million and proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $50 million. The capital expenditures included $476 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 2014 was $570 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $585 million. The capital expenditures included $468 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities in 2015 was $302 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $3.50 per share, or $1.026 billion, and repurchases of common stock of $363 million, partially offset by the net proceeds from the 2035 Notes issuance of $988 million, excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $65 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $31 million.
Net cash used for financing activities in 2014 was $575 million consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $2.02 per share, or $591 million, and repurchases of common stock of $48 million, partially offset by excess tax benefits from share-based compensation of $41 million and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $28 million.
Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations
In connection with the disposition of certain businesses, we have remaining guarantees of approximately $16 million related to lease payments of Express, Limited Stores, Dick’s Sporting Goods and New York & Company under the current terms of noncancelable leases expiring at various dates through 2018. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses. In certain instances, our guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended.
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Our guarantees related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company require fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. The guaranteed lease payments related to Express, Limited Stores and New York & Company totaled $6 million as of October 31, 2015, $11 million as of January 31, 2015 and $14 million as of November 1, 2014. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations was $100 thousand as of October 31, 2015 and $1 million as of January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014, and is included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our guarantees related to Dick’s Sporting Goods are not subject to fair value accounting, but require that a loss be accrued when probable and reasonably estimable based on GAAP in effect at the time of these divestitures. We have no liability recorded with respect to any of the guarantee obligations as we concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014.
In connection with our investment in ETC, in the second quarter of 2015, we provided a guarantee of payment to an interest rate swap counterparty for amounts owed by ETC, if any, upon settlement if ETC is unable to pay. Our estimated maximum potential loss from this guarantee is $77 million. The estimated fair value of this guarantee obligation is not significant as of October 31, 2015. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
In connection with our investment in EG, we, along with an unaffiliated member, provided a guarantee of interest, certain expenses and a completion guarantee on the construction of the commercial shopping center. Our estimated maximum potential loss from our involvement with EG totaled $40 million as of October 31, 2015, which includes our equity investment of $30 million and our estimated maximum potential loss from our guarantees related to EG's construction loan of $10 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant. We expect EG to obtain permanent financing prior to maturity of the construction loan, following completion of construction of the commercial shopping center. For additional information, see Note 6, "Equity Investments and Other" and Note 12, "Commitments and Contingencies" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
In 2015, in connection with the sale and leaseback under noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, we provided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire in 2020, and the total amount of the guarantees is approximately $105 million. The estimated fair value of these guarantee obligations is not significant as of October 31, 2015.
Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and the related interest payments, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other long-term obligations. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since January 31, 2015, other than the additional payments due under the operating lease agreements related to the sale and leaseback of certain assets described above and the issuance of the 2035 Notes. Additionally, certain of our contractual obligations may fluctuate during the normal course of business (primarily changes in our merchandise inventory-related purchase obligations which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of our operations).
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will result in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2018, with early adoption as of fiscal 2017 permitted. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This guidance requires companies to recognize debt issuance costs related to recognized debt liabilities in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of those debt liabilities, consistent with debt discounts. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2016, and early adoption is permitted. This standard requires retrospective adoption. We are finalizing our evaluation of this ASU, including timing of adoption, but expect to record a decrease to Other Assets and Long-term Debt of approximately $47 million upon adoption.
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Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes. This guidance requires companies to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent in the balance sheet. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2017, and early adoption is permitted. This standard may be adopted either on a retrospective or prospective basis. We are currently evaluating this standard, including the transition method and timing of adoption, and the related impact on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, claims and contingencies, income taxes and revenue recognition. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 3. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments like cross-currency swaps, forward contracts and interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposure to market risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
We have operations in foreign countries which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. To mitigate the translation risk to our earnings and the fair value of our Canadian operations associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate, we entered into a series of cross-currency swaps related to Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans. These cross-currency swaps require the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The remaining swap arrangements mature in January 2016 and January 2018 at the same time as the related loans. As a result of the Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loans and the related cross-currency swaps, we do not believe there is any material translation risk to our Canadian net earnings associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate. For additional information, see Note 9, "Derivative Instruments" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
In addition, our Canadian dollar and British pound denominated earnings are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of our merchandise sold in Canada and the U.K. is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions. Although we utilize foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset these risks, these measures may not succeed in offsetting all of the short-term impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally may not be effective in offsetting the long-term impact of sustained shifts in foreign currency rates.
Further, although our royalty arrangements with our international partners are denominated in U.S. dollars, the royalties we receive in U.S. dollars are calculated based on sales in the local currency. As a result, our royalties in these arrangements are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio primarily consists of interest-bearing instruments that are classified as cash and cash equivalents based on their original maturities. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which specifies permitted types of investments, specifies credit quality standards and maturity profiles and limits credit exposure to
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any single issuer. The primary objective of our investment activities are the preservation of principal, the maintenance of liquidity and the maximization of interest income while minimizing risk. Currently, our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits. Given the short-term nature and quality of investments in our portfolio, we do not believe there is any material risk to principal associated with increases or decreases in interest rates.
The majority of our long-term debt as of October 31, 2015, has fixed interest rates. We will from time to time adjust our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. As of October 31, 2015, we have interest rate swap arrangements with notional amounts of $300 million related to a portion of our 2017 Notes and $300 million related to a portion of our 2019 Notes.
The effect of the interest rate swap arrangements is to convert the respective amount of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. The variable interest rate associated with these swap arrangements fluctuates based on changes in three-month LIBOR.
For the balance of our long-term debt that is not subject to interest rate swap arrangements, our exposure to interest rate changes is limited to the fair value of the debt issued, which would not have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As of October 31, 2015, management believes that the carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables, accounts payables, accrued expenses and current debt approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.
The following table provides a summary of the carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and swap arrangements as of October 31, 2015, January 31, 2015 and November 1, 2014:

| October 31, 2015 |  | January 31, 2015 |  | November 1, 2014
| (in millions)
Long-term Debt: |  |  |  |  |
Carrying Value | $ | 5,762 |  |  | $ | 4,765 |  |  | $ | 4,972 |
Fair Value, Estimated (a) | 6,322 |  |  | 5,305 |  |  | 5,476 |
Cross-currency Swap Arrangements (b) | (27 | ) |  | (21 | ) |  | 10 |
Fixed-to-Floating Interest Rate Swap Arrangements (b) | (10 | ) |  | (12 | ) |  | (5 | )

_______________

(a) | The estimated fair value is based on reported transaction prices. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.

(b) | Swap arrangements are in an (asset) liability position.

Concentration of Credit Risk
We maintain cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. We monitor the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom we transact and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Currently, our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, highly rated commercial paper and bank deposits. We also periodically review the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business.

Item 4. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. In March 2015, we implemented new real estate and store design systems (including financial systems). Various processes and controls continue to be modified due to the new systems. Additionally,
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we implemented additional compensating controls over financial reporting to ensure the accuracy and integrity of our financial statements during the post-implementation phase. We believe the system and process changes will enhance internal control over financial reporting in future periods. There were no additional changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the third quarter 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a defendant in a variety of lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Actions filed against our Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, our current legal proceedings are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. | RISK FACTORS

The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in the 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in our 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those described elsewhere in this report or other SEC filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

Item 2. | UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides our repurchases of our common stock during the third quarter of 2015:

Period | Total Number of Shares Purchased (a) |  | Average Price Paid Per Share (b) |  | Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (c) |  | Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (c)
| (in thousands) |  |  |  | (in thousands)
August 2015 | 720 |  |  | $ | 80.81 |  |  | 690 |  |  | $ | 141,971 |
September 2015 | 70 |  |  | 84.89 |  |  | 61 |  |  | 136,835 |
October 2015 | 15 |  |  | 94.72 |  |  | — |  |  | 136,835 |
Total | 805 |  |  |  |  | 751 |  |  |

_______________

(a) | The total number of shares repurchased includes shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs, with the remainder relating to shares repurchased in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards and the use of our stock to pay the exercise price on employee stock options.

(b) | The average price paid per share includes any broker commissions.

(c) | For additional share repurchase program information, see Note 3, "Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

Item 3. | DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4. | MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5. | OTHER INFORMATION

None.
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Item 6. | EXHIBITS

Exhibits |  |
15 |  | Letter re: Unaudited Interim Financial Information re: Incorporation of Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1 |  | Section 302 Certification of CEO.
31.2 |  | Section 302 Certification of CFO.
32 |  | Section 906 Certification (by CEO and CFO).
101.INS |  | XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF |  | XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE |  | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

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

| L B RANDS, I NC.
| (Registrant)
| By: | /s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
|  | Stuart B. Burgdoerfer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer *

Date: December 4, 2015

* | Mr. Burgdoerfer is the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.

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