Revenue Recognition

In the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective approach. Results for the first quarter of 2018 are presented under ASC 606, while prior period consolidated financial statements have not been adjusted and continue to be presented under the accounting standards in effect for those periods.

The Company recognizes revenue based on the amount it expects to receive when control of the goods or services is transferred to the customer. The Company recognizes sales upon customer receipt of merchandise, which for direct channel revenues reflects an estimate of shipments that have not yet been received by the customer based on shipping terms and historical delivery times. The Company’s shipping and handling revenues are included in Net Sales with the related costs included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company also provides a reserve for projected merchandise returns based on historical experience. Net Sales exclude sales and other similar taxes collected from customers.

The Company’s brands have certain loyalty programs that allow customers to earn points based on purchasing activity. As customers accumulate points and reach point thresholds, they are able to use the points to purchase merchandise in stores or online. The Company allocates revenue to points earned on qualifying purchases and defers recognition until the points are redeemed. The amount of revenue deferred is based on the relative stand-alone selling price method, which includes an estimate for points not expected to be redeemed based on historical experience.

The Company’s brands sell gift cards with no expiration dates to customers. The Company does not charge administrative fees on unused gift cards. The Company recognizes revenue from gift cards when they are redeemed by the customer. In addition, the Company recognizes revenue on unredeemed gift cards where the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions (gift card breakage). Gift card breakage revenue is recognized in proportion, and over the same time period, as actual gift card redemptions. The Company determines the gift card breakage rate based on historical redemption patterns. Gift card breakage is included in Net Sales in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Revenue earned in connection with Victoria’s Secret's private label credit card arrangement is recognized over the term of the license arrangement and is included in Net Sales in the first quarter 2018 Consolidated Statement of Income.

The Company also recognizes revenues associated with franchise, license and wholesale arrangements. Revenue recognized under franchise and license arrangements generally consists of royalties earned and recognized upon sale of merchandise by franchise and license partners to retail customers. Revenue is generally recognized under wholesale and sourcing arrangements at the time the title passes to the partner.

Accounts receivable, net from revenue-generating activities were $147 million as of May 5, 2018 and $144 million as of the beginning of the period upon adoption of the new standard. Accounts receivable primarily relate to amounts due from the Company's franchise, license and wholesale partners. Under these arrangements, payment terms are typically 60 to 75 days.

The Company records deferred revenue when cash payments are received in advance of transfer of control of goods or services. Deferred revenue primarily relates to gift cards, loyalty programs and direct channel shipments, which are all impacted by seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. The balance of deferred revenue was $269 million as of May 5, 2018 and $320 million as of the beginning of the period upon adoption of the new standard. The Company recognized $90 million as revenue in the first quarter of 2018 from amounts recorded as deferred revenue at the beginning of the period. The Company's deferred revenue balance would have been $229 million as of May 5, 2018 under accounting standards in effect prior to the adoption of the new standard. Deferred revenues are included within Accrued Expenses and Other on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table provides a disaggregation of Net Sales for the first quarter of 2018 in comparison to the first quarter of 2017:



	First Quarter
	2018		2017 (a)
	(in millions)
Victoria’s Secret Stores (b)	$	1,236	$	1,247
Victoria’s Secret Direct	353		286
Victoria’s Secret North America	1,589		1,533
Bath & Body Works Stores (b)	649		588
Bath & Body Works Direct	112		90
Bath & Body Works North America	761		678
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International (c)	135		104
Other (d)	141		122
Total Net Sales	$	2,626	$	2,437

_______________


(a)	2017 amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.


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


(c)	Includes company-owned stores in the U.K., Ireland and Greater China, direct sales in Greater China and wholesale sales, royalties and other fees associated with non-company owned stores.


(d)	Includes wholesale revenues from the Company's sourcing function, and La Senza and Henri Bendel store and direct sales.