Table of Contents

     
     
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
 þ
 QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016
or
 ¨
 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number: 002-90139
_________________
LEVI STRAUSS & CO.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
DELAWARE  94-0905160
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
1155 Battery Street, San Francisco, California 94111
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
(415) 501-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
None
(Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report)
_________________
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  ¨    No  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (��232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “Large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
       
Large accelerated filer ¨
 
Accelerated filer ¨
 
Non-accelerated filer þ
 
Smaller reporting company ¨
 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
The Company is privately held. Nearly all of its common equity is owned by descendants of the family of the Company’s founder, Levi Strauss, and their relatives. There is no trading in the common equity and therefore an aggregate market value based on sales or bid and asked prices is not determinable.
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock $.01 par value — 37,419,78837,452,319 shares outstanding on April 9, 20157, 2016
     
     


Table of Contents

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016
 
   
Page
Number
  
    
Item 1.  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
   
  
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 
Item 5. 
Item 6. 
 


Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
March 1,
2015
 November 30,
2014
February 28,
2016
 November 29,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Current Assets:      
Cash and cash equivalents$202,730
 $298,255
$271,101
 $318,571
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,533 and $12,704368,808
 481,981
Trade receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,043 and $11,025388,620
 498,196
Inventories:      
Raw materials4,053
 4,501
3,382
 3,368
Work-in-process4,076
 5,056
3,696
 3,031
Finished goods585,481
 591,359
733,213
 600,460
Total inventories593,610
 600,916
740,291
 606,859
Deferred tax assets, net166,645
 178,015
Other current assets119,294
 99,347
109,410
 104,523
Total current assets1,451,087
 1,658,514
1,509,422
 1,528,149
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $792,643 and $784,493372,452
 392,062
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $825,536 and $811,013386,272
 390,829
Goodwill236,090
 238,921
235,541
 235,041
Other intangible assets, net45,053
 45,898
43,170
 43,350
Non-current deferred tax assets, net486,560
 488,398
569,936
 580,640
Other non-current assets99,860
 100,280
93,890
 106,386
Total assets$2,691,102
 $2,924,073
$2,838,231
 $2,884,395
      
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities:      
Short-term debt$33,847
 $131,524
$40,779
 $114,978
Current maturities of long-term debt35,394
 32,625
Accounts payable197,290
 234,892
267,033
 238,309
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits139,149
 178,470
133,269
 182,430
Restructuring liabilities42,596
 57,817
15,736
 20,141
Accrued interest payable25,028
 5,679
21,004
 5,510
Accrued income taxes10,051
 9,432
17,190
 6,567
Other accrued liabilities260,619
 263,182
296,516
 245,607
Total current liabilities708,580
 880,996
826,921
 846,167
Long-term debt1,091,622
 1,092,478
1,005,243
 1,004,938
Long-term capital leases11,423
 11,619
12,466
 12,320
Postretirement medical benefits116,377
 122,213
102,071
 105,240
Pension liability386,446
 406,398
348,921
 358,443
Long-term employee related benefits69,434
 80,066
59,938
 73,342
Long-term income tax liabilities34,473
 35,821
27,359
 26,312
Other long-term liabilities55,890
 62,363
57,140
 56,987
Total liabilities2,474,245
 2,691,954
2,440,059
 2,483,749
Commitments and contingencies

 



 

Temporary equity79,921
 77,664
76,538
 68,783
      
Stockholders’ Equity:      
Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity      
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,437,470 shares and 37,430,283 shares issued and outstanding374
 374
Common stock — $.01 par value; 270,000,000 shares authorized; 37,460,145 shares and 37,460,145 shares issued and outstanding375
 375
Additional paid-in capital
 

 3,291
Retained earnings518,020
 528,209
705,985
 705,668
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(382,537) (375,340)(386,995) (379,066)
Total Levi Strauss & Co. stockholders’ equity135,857
 153,243
319,365
 330,268
Noncontrolling interest1,079
 1,212
2,269
 1,595
Total stockholders’ equity136,936
 154,455
321,634
 331,863
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity$2,691,102
 $2,924,073
$2,838,231
 $2,884,395
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


3

Table of Contents

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Net revenues$1,055,075
 $1,129,990
$1,056,500
 $1,055,075
Cost of goods sold518,010
 553,637
496,902
 518,010
Gross profit537,065
 576,353
559,598
 537,065
Selling, general and administrative expenses425,282
 424,762
441,163
 425,282
Restructuring, net4,338
 57,935
1,848
 4,338
Operating income107,445
 93,656
116,587
 107,445
Interest expense(23,312) (31,829)(14,902) (23,312)
Other income (expense), net(26,028) 4,183
Other expense, net(2,219) (26,028)
Income before income taxes58,105
 66,010
99,466
 58,105
Income tax expense19,822
 16,387
33,175
 19,822
Net income38,283
 49,623
66,291
 38,283
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest109
 348
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(455) 109
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$38,392
 $49,971
$65,836
 $38,392






























The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


4

Table of Contents

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 Three Months Ended
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Net income$38,283
 $49,623
Other comprehensive loss, net of related income taxes:   
Pension and postretirement benefits4,099
 2,302
Net investment hedge gains (losses)87
 (4,228)
Foreign currency translation losses(11,476) (4,114)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities70
 39
Total other comprehensive loss(7,220) (6,001)
Comprehensive income31,063
 43,622
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest132
 389
Comprehensive income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$31,195
 $44,011

 Three Months Ended
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Net income$66,291
 $38,283
Other comprehensive income (loss), before related income taxes:   
Pension and postretirement benefits3,582
 4,607
Net investment hedge (losses) gains(664) 141
Foreign currency translation losses(7,575) (10,532)
Unrealized (losses) gains on marketable securities(1,829) 113
Total other comprehensive loss, before related income taxes(6,486) (5,671)
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income(1,224) (1,549)
Comprehensive income, net of income taxes58,581
 31,063
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(674) 132
Comprehensive income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$57,907
 $31,195

































The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


5

Table of Contents

LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:      
Net income$38,283
 $49,623
$66,291
 $38,283
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation and amortization26,475
 26,945
25,111
 26,475
Asset impairments184
 234
459
 184
Loss on disposal of assets26
 3
Unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains)7,489
 (3,785)
Realized loss (gain) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting3,960
 (5,915)
(Gain) loss on disposal of assets(12) 26
Unrealized foreign exchange losses8,348
 7,489
Realized (gain) loss on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting(12,967) 3,960
Employee benefit plans’ amortization from accumulated other comprehensive loss4,272
 3,692
3,734
 4,272
Noncash restructuring charges335
 957

 335
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs926
 1,099
Amortization of premium, discount and debt issuance costs620
 557
Stock-based compensation3,600
 2,314
(1,053) 3,600
Allowance for doubtful accounts519
 703
498
 519
Change in operating assets and liabilities:      
Trade receivables129,587
 63,555
104,777
 129,587
Inventories30,939
 (55,739)(134,923) 30,939
Other current assets(12,647) (8,749)(2,758) (12,647)
Other non-current assets(2,048) 168
(1,425) 746
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities(106,432) (45,417)49,462
 (106,432)
Restructuring liabilities(16,009) 56,978
(5,614) (16,009)
Income tax liabilities3,203
 3,020
23,654
 409
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits and long-term employee related benefits(74,484) (53,302)(78,302) (74,484)
Other long-term liabilities(201) (326)178
 (201)
Other, net(348) (384)
 21
Net cash provided by operating activities37,629
 35,674
46,078
 37,629
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:      
Purchases of property, plant and equipment(21,152) (20,434)(30,746) (21,152)
Proceeds from sale of assets11
 47
(Payments) proceeds on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting(3,960) 5,915
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
 (75)
Proceeds from sales of assets21
 11
Proceeds (payments) on settlement of forward foreign exchange contracts not designated for hedge accounting12,967
 (3,960)
Net cash used for investing activities(25,101) (14,547)(17,758) (25,101)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:      
Repayments of long-term debt and capital leases(741) (1,029)
Repayments of capital leases(781) (741)
Proceeds from senior revolving credit facility35,000
 
75,000
 35,000
Repayments of senior revolving credit facility(135,000) 
(154,000) (135,000)
Proceeds from short-term credit facilities7,753
 3,088
9,208
 7,753
Repayments of short-term credit facilities(5,045) (2,423)(6,763) (5,045)
Other short-term borrowings, net689
 (7,179)3,102
 689
Restricted cash736
 560
Change in restricted cash, net663
 736
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation75
 29

 75
Net cash used for financing activities(96,533) (6,954)(73,571) (96,533)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents(11,520) (601)(2,219) (11,520)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents(95,525) 13,572
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents(47,470) (95,525)
Beginning cash and cash equivalents298,255
 489,258
318,571
 298,255
Ending cash and cash equivalents$202,730
 $502,830
$271,101
 $202,730
      
Noncash Investing Activity:      
Purchases of property, plant and equipment not yet paid at end of period$9,993
 $5,209
$14,244
 $9,993
      
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:      
Cash paid for interest during the period$2,020
 $2,490
$1,176
 $2,020
Cash paid for income taxes during the period, net of refunds18,049
 13,441
11,164
 18,049
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.


6


LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016
NOTE 1: SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Levi Strauss & Co. (the “Company”) is one of the world’s largest brand-name apparel companies. The Company designs, markets and sells – directly or through third parties and licensees – products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear and related accessories for men, women and children around the world under the Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ and Denizen® brands. The Company operates its business through three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia.
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned foreign and domestic subsidiaries are prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the financial position and the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended November 30, 201429, 2015, included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 12, 2015.11, 2016.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Management believes the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented herein not misleading. The results of operations for the three months ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, may not be indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or the year ending November 29, 201527, 2016.
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries end on November 30. Each quarter of both fiscal years 20152016 and 20142015 consists of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2014, which consisted of 14 weeks. All references to years relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years.
Subsequent events have been evaluated through the issuance date of these financial statements.
The Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income has been reclassified to present the components of other comprehensive income before related income tax effects with one amount shown for aggregate income tax expense related to the total of other comprehensive income items. Amounts were previously presented net of related income tax effects. There was no change to total comprehensive income, net of income taxes, and the change was immaterial to the financial statements taken as a whole.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements. Estimates are based upon historical factors, current circumstances and the experience and judgment of the Company’s management. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and may employ outside experts to assist in its evaluations. Changes in such estimates, based on more accurate future information, or different assumptions or conditions, may affect amounts reported in future periods.


7




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2016

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
There have been no developments to recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures, from those disclosed in the Company’s 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except for the following, which will becomehave been grouped by their effective dates for the Company in the first quarterCompany:
First Quarter of 2017:2018
In April 2015,March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03,2016-06, "SimplifyingDerivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) – Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments (“ASU 2016-06”), which will reduce diversity of practice in identifying embedded derivatives in debt instruments. ASU 2016-06 clarifies that the Presentationnature of Debt Issuance Costs," ("ASU 2015-03"). ASU 2015-03 requires thatan exercise contingency is not subject to the “clearly and closely” criteria for purposes of assessing whether the call or put option must be separated from the debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheetinstrument and accounted for separately as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts.derivative. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting guidancestandard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnotesfootnote disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
First Quarter of 2019
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-04, Liabilities – Extinguishment of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products (“ASU 2016-04”). ASU 2016-04 aligns recognition of the financial liabilities related to prepaid stored-value products (for example, prepaid gift cards), with Topic 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, for non-financial liabilities. In general, certain or these liabilities may be extinguished proportionally in earnings as redemptions occur, or when redemption is remote if issuers are not entitled to the unredeemed stored value. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”). ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customers. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
First Quarter of 2020
In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires the identification of arrangements that should be accounted for as leases by lessees. In general, for lease arrangements exceeding a twelve month term, these arrangements must now be recognized as assets and liabilities on the balance sheet of the lessee. Under ASU 2016-02, a right-of-use asset and lease obligation will be recorded for all leases, whether operating or financing, while the income statement will reflect lease expense for operating leases and amortization/interest expense for financing leases. The balance sheet amount recorded for existing leases at the date of adoption of ASU 2016-02 must be calculated using the applicable incremental borrowing rate at the date of adoption. In addition, ASU 2016-02 requires the use of the modified retrospective method, which will require adjustment to all comparative periods presented in the consolidated financial statements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.




78




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 2: FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at fair value:
March 1, 2015 November 30, 2014February 28, 2016 November 29, 2015
  
Fair Value Estimated
Using
   
Fair Value Estimated
Using
  
Fair Value Estimated
Using
   
Fair Value Estimated
Using
Fair Value 
Level 1 Inputs(1)
 
Level 2 Inputs(2)
 Fair Value 
Level 1 Inputs(1)
 
Level 2 Inputs(2)
Fair Value 
Level 1 Inputs(1)
 
Level 2 Inputs(2)
 Fair Value 
Level 1 Inputs(1)
 
Level 2 Inputs(2)
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Financial assets carried at fair value                      
Rabbi trust assets$26,444
 $26,444
 $
 $25,891
 $25,891
 $
$24,892
 $24,892
 $
 $26,013
 $26,013
 $
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)
22,886
 
 22,886
 10,511
 
 10,511
19,741
 
 19,741
 27,131
 
 27,131
Total$49,330
 $26,444
 $22,886
 $36,402
 $25,891
 $10,511
$44,633
 $24,892
 $19,741
 $53,144
 $26,013
 $27,131
Financial liabilities carried at fair value                      
Forward foreign exchange contracts, net(3)
$9,671
 $
 $9,671
 $10,353
 $
 $10,353
$9,373
 $
 $9,373
 $7,809
 $
 $7,809
_____________
 
(1)Fair values estimated using Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Rabbi trust assets consist of a diversified portfolio of equity, fixed income and other securities.

(2)Fair values estimated using Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly and include among other things, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in markets that are active or inactive as well as inputs other than quoted prices that are observable. For forward foreign exchange contracts, inputs include foreign currency exchange and interest rates and, where applicable, credit default swap prices.

(3)The Company’s over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net-settlementnet settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis.
The following table presents the carrying value – including related accrued interest – and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments that are carried at adjusted historical cost:
March 1, 2015 November 30, 2014February 28, 2016 November 29, 2015
Carrying
Value
 Estimated Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Estimated Fair Value
Carrying
Value
 Estimated Fair Value 
Carrying
Value
 Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Financial liabilities carried at adjusted historical cost              
Senior revolving credit facility$
 $
 $100,098
 $100,098
$20,031
 $20,031
 $99,020
 $99,020
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016(1)
33,983
 35,198
 34,108
 35,383
35,861
 36,480
 32,736
 33,593
7.625% senior notes due 2020(1)
536,898
 565,117
 526,779
 556,967
6.875% senior notes due 2022(1)
545,256
 600,567
 536,501
 583,848
536,519
 575,871
 527,715
 570,355
5.00% senior notes due 2025(1)
488,749
 486,347
 482,145
 480,945
Short-term borrowings33,923
 33,923
 31,742
 31,742
20,806
 20,806
 15,996
 15,996
Total$1,150,060
 $1,234,805
 $1,229,228
 $1,308,038
$1,101,966
 $1,139,535
 $1,157,612
 $1,199,909
_____________
 
(1)Fair values are estimated using Level 1 inputs and incorporate mid-market price quotes. Level 1 inputs are inputs which consist of quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date.



89




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 3: DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
As of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, the Company had forward foreign exchange contracts to buy $544.4$725.7 million and to sell $292.5$271.0 million against various foreign currencies. These contracts are at various exchange rates and expire at various dates through August 2016.November 2017.
The table below provides data about the carrying values of derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments: 
March 1, 2015 November 30, 2014February 28, 2016 November 29, 2015
Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Net Carrying Value Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Net Carrying ValueAssets (Liabilities) Derivative Net Carrying Value Assets (Liabilities) Derivative Net Carrying Value
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
Carrying
Value
 
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments                      
Forward foreign exchange contracts(1)
$25,338
 $(2,452) $22,886
 $15,587
 $(5,076) $10,511
$25,123
 $(5,382) $19,741
 $31,808
 $(4,677) $27,131
Forward foreign exchange contracts(2)
2,125
 (11,796) (9,671) 1,833
 (12,186) (10,353)1,668
 (11,041) (9,373) 253
 (8,062) (7,809)
Total$27,463
 $(14,248)   $17,420
 $(17,262)  $26,791
 $(16,423)   $32,061
 $(12,739)  
Non-derivatives designated as hedging instruments                      
Yen-denominated Eurobonds$
 $(9,714)   $
 $(10,195)  $
 $(8,496)   $
 $(7,832)  
_____________
 
(1)Included in “Other current assets” or “Other non-current assets” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
(2)Included in “Other accrued liabilities” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
The Company's over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts are subject to International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. master agreements. These agreements permit the net settlement of these contracts on a per-institution basis. The table below presents, by type of financial instrument, the gross amounts of the Company's derivative instruments, amounts offset due to master netting arrangements with the Company's various counterparties, and the net amounts recognized on the Company's consolidated balance sheets:
March 1, 2015 November 30, 2014February 28, 2016 November 29, 2015
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities) Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities) Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial PositionGross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities) Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets / (Liabilities) Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position Net Amounts of Assets / (Liabilities) Presented in the Statement of Financial Position
   
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Over-the-counter forward foreign exchange contracts                      
Financial assets$26,417
 $(4,577) $21,840
 $15,555
 $(6,908) $8,647
$26,211
 $(7,050) $19,161
 $30,837
 $(4,930) $25,907
Financial liabilities(6,038) 4,577
 (1,461) (9,587) 6,908
 (2,679)(9,690) 7,050
 (2,640) (7,599) 4,930
 (2,669)
Total    $20,379
     $5,968
    $16,521
     $23,238
Embedded derivative contracts                      
Financial assets$1,046
 $
 $1,046
 $1,865
 $
 $1,865
$580
 $
 $580
 $1,224
 $
 $1,224
Financial liabilities(8,210) 
 (8,210) (7,675) 
 (7,675)(6,733) 
 (6,733) (5,140) 
 (5,140)
Total    $(7,164)     $(5,810)    $(6,153)     $(3,916)



910




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivative instruments and non-derivative instruments designated as net investment hedges included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” (“AOCI”) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, and in “Other income (expense),expense, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
(Effective Portion)
 Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Income (Expense), net (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in AOCI
(Effective Portion)
 Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other expense, net (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)
As of As of Three Months EndedAs of As of Three Months Ended
March 1,
2015
November 30,
2014
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
November 29,
2015
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Forward foreign exchange contracts$4,637
 $4,637
 

 

$4,637
 $4,637
 

 

Yen-denominated Eurobonds(19,226) (19,367) $346
 $217
(19,646) (18,982) $(2,103) $346
Euro senior notes(15,751) (15,751) 
 
(15,751) (15,751) 
 
Cumulative income taxes8,706
 8,760
    12,104
 11,849
    
Total$(21,634) $(21,721)    $(18,656) $(18,247)    
The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses related to derivatives not designated as hedging instruments included in “Other income (expense),expense, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
 Gain or (Loss)
 Three Months Ended
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 (Dollars in thousands)
Forward foreign exchange contracts:   
Realized$(3,960) $5,915
Unrealized11,868
 (1,479)
Total$7,908
 $4,436



10




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015

NOTE 4: DEBT
 March 1,
2015
 November 30,
2014
 (Dollars in thousands)
  
Long-term debt   
Unsecured:   
4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016$33,498
 $33,985
7.625% senior notes due 2020525,000
 525,000
6.875% senior notes due 2022533,124
 533,493
Total unsecured1,091,622
 1,092,478
Total long-term debt$1,091,622
 $1,092,478
Short-term debt   
Secured:   
Senior revolving credit facility$
 $100,000
Unsecured:   
Short-term borrowings33,847
 31,524
Total short-term debt$33,847
 $131,524
Total long-term and short-term debt$1,125,469
 $1,224,002
Senior Revolving Credit Facility
The Company’s unused availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility was $717.0 million at March 1, 2015, as the Company’s total availability of $776.2 million was reduced by $59.2 million of letters of credit and other credit usage allocated under the credit facility.
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, the Company borrowed approximately $50 million under its senior secured revolving credit facility.
Interest Rates on Borrowings
The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three months ended March 1, 2015, was 7.55% as compared to 7.91% in the same period of 2014.
 Gain or (Loss)
 Three Months Ended
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 (Dollars in thousands)
Forward foreign exchange contracts:   
Realized$12,967
 $(3,960)
Unrealized(9,231) 11,868
Total$3,736
 $7,908



11




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 4: DEBT
 February 28,
2016
 November 29,
2015
 (Dollars in thousands)
Long-term debt   
Unsecured:   
6.875% senior notes due 2022524,689
 524,807
5.00% senior notes due 2025480,554
 480,131
Total unsecured long-term debt$1,005,243
 $1,004,938
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt   
Secured:   
Senior revolving credit facility$20,000
 $99,000
Unsecured:   
Current maturities of 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 201635,394
 32,625
Short-term borrowings20,779
 15,978
Total short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt$76,173
 $147,603
Total debt$1,081,416
 $1,152,541
Senior Revolving Credit Facility
The Company’s unused availability under its senior secured revolving credit facility was $739.7 million at February 28, 2016, as the Company’s total availability of $798.2 million was reduced by $58.5 million of letters of credit and other credit usage allocated under the credit facility.
Interest Rates on Borrowings
The Company’s weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding during the three months ended February 28, 2016, was 6.26% as compared to 7.65% in the same period of 2015.



12




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 5: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The following table summarizes the components of net periodic benefit cost and the changes recognized in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans and postretirement benefit plans: 
        
Pension Benefits Postretirement BenefitsPension Benefits Postretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended Three Months EndedThree Months Ended Three Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Net periodic benefit cost:              
Service cost$2,128
 $2,159
 $63
 $68
$2,058
 $2,128
 $50
 $63
Interest cost(1)11,840
 13,761
 1,147
 1,338
9,472
 11,840
 806
 1,147
Expected return on plan assets(12,717) (13,843) 
 
(12,134) (12,717) 
 
Amortization of prior service benefit(16) (17) 
 (1)(15) (16) 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss3,160
 2,696
 1,128
 989
3,007
 3,160
 742
 1,128
Curtailment loss335
 232
 
 700

 335
 
 
Net settlement loss
 60
 
 
Net periodic benefit cost4,730
 5,048
 2,338
 3,094
2,388
 4,730
 1,598
 2,338
Changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss:              
Actuarial loss152
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service benefit16
 17
 
 1
15
 16
 
 
Amortization of actuarial loss(3,160) (2,696) (1,128) (989)(3,007) (3,160) (742) (1,128)
Curtailment loss(335) 
 
 

 (335) 
 
Net settlement loss
 (25) 
 
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss(3,479) (2,704) (1,128) (988)(2,840) (3,479) (742) (1,128)
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive loss$1,251
 $2,344
 $1,210
 $2,106
$(452) $1,251
 $856
 $1,210
_____________
(1)The decrease in interest cost is primarily due to the election made at the end of 2015 to adopt the spot-rate approach to determine the interest cost component of pension and postretirement expense.


1213




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 6: RESTRUCTURING
In 2014, the Company announced and began to implement a global productivity initiative designed to streamline operations and fuel long-term profitable growth. The Company expects that the majority of the actions related to the global productivity initiative will continue to be implemented through the end of 2015,2016, with a focus on redesigning business processes and identifying opportunities to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and further streamline processes in supporting functions, supply chain and planning.
For the three months ended March 1, 2015, and February 23, 2014,28, 2016, the Company recognized restructuring charges, net, of $1.8 million, as compared to $4.3 million and $57.9 million, respectively, whichfor the same period in 2015. These restructuring charges were recorded in "Restructuring, net" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Related charges of $8.0 million and $6.4$1.5 million for the three months ended March 1,February 28, 2016, as compared to $8.0 million for the same period in 2015, and February 23, 2014, respectively, consist primarily of consulting fees for the Company's centrally-led cost-savings and productivity projects, as well as transition costs associated with the Company's decision to outsource certain global business service activities. These related charges represent costs incurred associated with ongoing operations which willare expected to benefit future periods and thus were recorded in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Company's consolidated statements of income. Cash payments for charges recognized to date are expected to continue through the first half of 2016.2017.
The table below summarizes the components of charges included in “Restructuring, net” in the Company’s consolidated statements of income:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Restructuring, net:      
Severance and employee-related benefits(1)
$5,320
 $51,321
$1,445
 $5,320
Adjustments to severance and employee-related benefits(1,249) 
279
 (1,249)
Lease and other contract termination costs
 

 
Other(2)
414
 5,657
124
 414
Adjustments to other(482) 

 (482)
Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment losses, net(3)
335
 957

 335
Total$4,338
 $57,935
$1,848
 $4,338
_____________

(1)Severance and employee-related benefits relate to items such as severance, based on separation benefits provided by Company policy or statutory benefit plans, out-placement services and career counseling for employees affected by the global productivity initiative.

(2)Other restructuring costs are expensed as incurred and primarily relate to consulting fees and legal expenses associated with the execution of the restructuring initiative.

(3)Noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses resulting from the global productivity initiative are included in restructuring charges, with the associated liabilities included in "Pension liability" and "Postretirement medical benefits" inon the Company's consolidated balance sheets.
The Company is unable at this time to make a good faith determination of cost estimates, or ranges of cost estimates, for additional actions associated with the global productivity initiative. Final estimates for headcount, timing and charges in certain areas of the international business are subject to completion of applicable local works council and other consultative processes.


1314




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

The following table summarizes the activities associated with restructuring liabilities for the three months ended February 28, 2016, and March 1, 2015.2015. In the table below, "Charges" represents the initial charge related to the restructuring activity. "Adjustments" includes revisions of estimates related to severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs. "Payments" consists of cash payments for severance, employee-related benefits, lease and other contract termination costs, and other restructuring costs.
 Three Months Ended March 1, 2015
 Liabilities   Adjustments   Foreign Currency Fluctuation Liabilities
 November 30, 2014 Charges  Payments  March 1, 2015
 (Dollars in thousands)
            
Severance and employee-related benefits$56,963
 $5,320
 $(1,249) $(13,681) $(3,738) $43,615
Lease and other contract termination costs
 
 
 
 
 
Other6,400
 414
 (482) (6,331) 
 1
Total$63,363
 $5,734
 $(1,731) $(20,012) $(3,738) $43,616
            
Current portion$57,817
         $42,596
Long-term portion5,546
         1,020
Total$63,363
         $43,616
Three Months Ended February 23, 2014
Liabilities   Adjustments   Foreign Currency Fluctuation LiabilitiesThree Months Ended February 28, 2016
November 24, 2013 Charges Payments February 23, 2014Liabilities   Adjustments   Foreign Currency Fluctuation Liabilities
(Dollars in thousands)November 29, 2015 Charges Payments February 28, 2016
           (Dollars in thousands)
Severance and employee-related benefits$
 $51,321
 $
 $
 $
 $51,321
$20,774
 $1,445
 $279
 $(7,339) $515
 $15,674
Lease and other contract termination costs
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
Other
 5,657
 
 
 
 5,657
964
 124
 
 (124) 
 964
Total$
 $56,978
 $
 $
 $
 $56,978
$21,738
 $1,569
 $279
 $(7,463) $515
 $16,638
                      
Current portion$
         $56,978
$20,141
         $15,736
Long-term portion
         
1,597
         902
Total$
         $56,978
$21,738
         $16,638
           
Three Months Ended March 1, 2015
Liabilities   Adjustments   Foreign Currency Fluctuation Liabilities
November 30, 2014 Charges Payments March 1, 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
Severance and employee-related benefits$56,963
 $5,320
 $(1,249) $(13,681) $(3,738) $43,615
Lease and other contract termination costs
 
 
 
 
 
Other6,400
 414
 (482) (6,331) 
 1
Total$63,363
 $5,734
 $(1,731) $(20,012) $(3,738) $43,616
           
Current portion$57,817
         $42,596
Long-term portion5,546
         1,020
Total$63,363
         $43,616



1415




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts
The Company uses over-the-counter derivative instruments to manage its exposure to foreign currencies. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the forward foreign exchange contracts. However, the Company believes that its exposures are appropriately diversified across counterparties and that these counterparties are creditworthy financial institutions. Please see Note 3 for additional information.
Other Contingencies
Litigation.  There have been no material developments with respect to the information previously reported in the Company’s 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K related to legal proceedings.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has various pending cases involving contractual matters, facility and employee-related matters, distribution matters, product liability claims, trademark infringement and other matters. The Company does not believe any of these pending legal proceedings will have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 8: DIVIDEND
The Company's Board of Directors (the “Board”) declared a cash dividend of $50.0$60.0 million in the first quarter of 20152016, payable in the second quarter of 20152016 to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 19, 2015.2016. Dividend payable is included in "Other accrued liabilities" on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent to the Company's quarter-end, on April 2, 2015,7, 2016, the Company paid the cash dividend.
The Company does not have an established annual dividend policy. The Company will continue to review its ability to pay cash dividends at least annually, and dividends may be declared at the discretion of the Board depending upon, among other factors, the Company's financial condition and compliance with the terms of the Company's debt agreements.

NOTE 9: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
The following is a summary of the components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” net of related income taxes: 
March 1,
2015
 November 30,
2014
February 28,
2016
 November 29,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Pension and postretirement benefits$(257,355) $(261,454)$(234,166) $(236,340)
Net investment hedge losses(21,634) (21,721)(18,656) (18,247)
Foreign currency translation losses(96,838) (85,362)(125,743) (117,394)
Unrealized gain on marketable securities2,304
 2,234
Unrealized gains on marketable securities754
 1,880
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(373,523) (366,303)(377,811) (370,101)
Accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest9,014
 9,037
9,184
 8,965
Accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$(382,537) $(375,340)$(386,995) $(379,066)

No material amounts were reclassified out of "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" into net income other than those that pertain to the Company's pension and postretirement benefit plans. Please see Note 5 for additional information. These amounts are included in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" in the Company's consolidated statements of income.



1516




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 10: OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE),EXPENSE, NET
The following table summarizes significant components of “Other income (expense),expense, net”: 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Foreign exchange management gains(1)
$7,908
 $4,436
$3,736
 $7,908
Foreign currency transaction losses(2)
(35,959) (2,238)(8,203) (35,959)
Interest income460
 627
209
 460
Investment income439
 307
708
 439
Other1,124
 1,051
1,331
 1,124
Total other income (expense), net$(26,028) $4,183
Total other expense, net$(2,219) $(26,028)
_____________
 
(1)Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange contracts primarily result from currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates. Gains in 2016 and 2015 were primarily due to favorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contractscontract rates on positions to sell the Mexican Peso.Peso, partially offset in 2016 by unfavorable currency fluctuations relative to negotiated contract rates on positions to sell the Euro.

(2)Foreign currency transaction gains and losses reflect the impact of foreign currency fluctuation on the Company's foreign currency denominated balances. Losses in 2016 were primarily due to the weakening of various currencies against the Euro. Losses in 2015 were primarily due to the weakening of various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, against the U.S. Dollar.
  
NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rate was 34.1%33.4% for the three months ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, compared to 24.8%34.1% for the same period ended February 23, 2014March 1, 2015.
The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2014 included a tax benefit that the Company recorded as a result of reversing a deferred tax liability associated with the change in assertion during the quarter to indefinitely reinvest certain undistributed foreign earnings. The effective tax rate in 2015 reflected an increase in state income taxes due to higher projected domestic income in 2015.

NOTE 12: RELATED PARTIES
Robert D. Haas, Chairman Emeritus of the Company, Charles V. Bergh, President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter E. Haas Jr., a director of the Company, and Kelly McGinnis, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, are board members of the Levi Strauss Foundation, which is not a consolidated entity of the Company. Seth R. Jaffe, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, is Vice President of the Levi Strauss Foundation. During the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, the Company donated $5.9$0.3 million to the Levi Strauss Foundation as compared to $5.2$5.9 million for the same prior-year period.



1617




LEVI STRAUSS & CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (continued)
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 1, 2015FEBRUARY 28, 2016

NOTE 13: BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages its business according to three regional segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia. The Company considers its chief executive officer to be the Company’s chief operating decision maker. The Company’s chief operating decision maker manages business operations, evaluates performance and allocates resources based on the regional segments’ net revenues and operating income.
Effective as of the beginning of 2015, the Company's regional licensing revenue, previously recorded centrally in the Company's Americas region, was revised to be recorded in the Company's respective regions. Regional licensing revenues are not significant to any of the Company's regional segments individually in any of the periods presented herein, and accordingly, business segment information for the prior-year period has not been revised.
Business segment information for the Company is as follows: 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Net revenues:      
Americas$574,087
 $626,836
$571,185
 $574,087
Europe277,488
 300,426
276,486
 277,488
Asia203,500
 202,728
208,829
 203,500
Total net revenues$1,055,075
 $1,129,990
$1,056,500
 $1,055,075
Operating income:      
Americas$102,292
 $111,052
$81,749
 $102,292
Europe58,189
 71,406
61,709
 58,189
Asia47,340
 46,902
46,605
 47,340
Regional operating income207,821
 229,360
190,063
 207,821
Corporate:      
Restructuring, net4,338
 57,935
1,848
 4,338
Restructuring-related charges8,007
 6,441
1,497
 8,007
Other corporate staff costs and expenses88,031
 71,328
70,131
 88,031
Corporate expenses100,376
 135,704
73,476
 100,376
Total operating income107,445
 93,656
116,587
 107,445
Interest expense(23,312) (31,829)(14,902) (23,312)
Other income (expense), net(26,028) 4,183
Other expense, net(2,219) (26,028)
Income before income taxes$58,105
 $66,010
$99,466
 $58,105



1718

Table of Contents

Item 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 
Overview
We design, market and sell – directly or through third parties and licensees – products that include jeans, casual and dress pants, tops, shorts, skirts, jackets, footwear and related accessories for men, women and children around the world under our Levi’s®, Dockers®, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co.™ (“Signature”) and Denizen® brands.
Our business is operated through three geographic regions: Americas, Europe and Asia. Our products are sold in approximately 50,000 retail locations in more than 110 countries. We support our brands through a global infrastructure, developing, sourcing and marketing our products around the world. We distribute our Levi’s® and Dockers® products primarily through chain retailers and department stores in the United States and primarily through department stores, specialty retailers and approximately 2,100 franchised or other brand-dedicated stores and shop-in-shops outside of the United States. We also distribute our Levi’s® and Dockers® products through 569655 company-operated stores located in 3231 countries, including the United States, and through the ecommerce sites we operate. Our company-operated stores and ecommerce sites generated approximately 28%31% of our net revenues in the first three months of 20152016, as compared to 27%28% in the same period in 20142015, with our ecommerce sites representing approximately 14%15% of this revenue in 20152016, as compared to 13%14% in the same period in 20142015. In addition, we distribute our Levi’s® and Dockers® products through ecommerce sites operated by certain of our key wholesale customers and other third parties. We distribute products under our Signature and Denizen® brands primarily through mass channel retailers in the Americas.
Our Europe and Asia businesses, collectively, contributed approximately 46% of our net revenues and 51%57% of our regional operating income in the first three months of 20152016, as compared to 45% and 52%46% of our net revenues and 51% of our regional operating income respectively, in the same period in 2014.2015. Sales of Levi’s® brand products represented approximately 87% of our total net sales in each of the first three-month periodperiods in 2015, as compared to 86% of our total net sales for the same period2016 and in 2014.2015.
Global Productivity Initiative
In 2014, we announced and began to implement a global productivity initiative designed to streamline operations and fuel long-term profitable growth. The global productivity initiative will continue to be implemented through the end of 2015, with a focus on redesigning business processes and identifying opportunities to reduce costs, increase efficiencies and further streamline processes in supporting functions, supply chain and planning. We expect that this initiative, when completed, will generate net annualized cost savings of $175 – $200 million, relative to the cost structure of the Company and foreign currency exchange rates prior to the commencement of this initiative.
For the three months ended March 1, 2015, and February 23, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges, net, of $4.3 million and $57.9 million, respectively, for the global productivity initiative, which consist primarily of severance benefits, consulting fees and noncash pension and postretirement curtailment gains or losses. Related charges of $8.0 million and $6.4 million for the three months ended March 1, 2015, and February 23, 2014, respectively, consist primarily of consulting fees for our centrally-led cost-savings and productivity projects, as well as transition costs associated with our decision to outsource certain global business service activities. These related charges represent costs incurred associated with ongoing operations which will benefit future periods and thus were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"). Cash payments for charges are expected to continue through the first half of 2016. Actions taken to date for the global productivity initiative are expected to deliver approximately $125 – $150 million in net annualized savings, relative to the cost structure of the Company and foreign currency exchange rates prior to the commencement of this initiative.
We are unable at this time to make a good faith determination of cost estimates, or ranges of cost estimates, for additional actions associated with the global productivity initiative. Final estimates for headcount, timing and charges in certain areas of the international business are subject to completion of applicable local works council and other consultative processes. We expect additional savings in future periods to come from streamlining our planning and go-to-market strategies, implementing efficiencies across our retail, supply chain and distribution network, and continuing to pursue improved procurement practices. Additional restructuring charges will be recorded for these efforts as they become estimable and probable.
Trends Affecting Our Business
Our key long-term objectives are to strengthen our brands globally in order to deliver sustainable profitable growth, generate strong cash flow and reduce our debt. Critical strategies to achieve these objectives include driving our profitable core business; expanding the reach of our global brands and building a more balanced product portfolio; elevating the performance of our retail channel, including ecommerce; and leveraging our global scale to improve our cost structure.


18

Table of Contents

Consumer discretionary spending, which remains mixed globally, continues to result in a challenging retail environment for us and our customers, characterized by inconsistentdeclining traffic patterns and contributing to a generally promotional environment.  Slow real wage growth in developed economies and a shift in consumer spending to interest-rate sensitive durable goods and other non-apparel categories also continue to pressure global discretionary spending.  Both our wholesale and retail channels continue to face competition from vertically-integrated specialty stores, fast-fashion retailers, and, increasingly, ecommerce shopping enabled by the proliferation of online technologies, which constitutes an increasing proportion of global apparel sales, particularly around the key holiday selling season.  Our domestic and multi-national competitors also continue to expand their global footprints in both brick-and-mortar retail and online.  Given consumers’ increasing focus on value pricing amid the slowly recovering economy, the off-price retail channel remains strong, partially to the detriment of traditional broadline retailers, particularly at the mid-tier.  Both our wholesale and retail channels continue to face competition from ecommerce shopping enabled by the proliferation of online technologies, which constitutes an increasing proportion of global apparel sales, particularly around key selling seasons.  Our domestic and multi-national competitors also continue to expand their global footprints in both brick-and-mortar retail and online.  While currency values are in constant flux, the recent appreciation of the U.S. Dollar against various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, has impacted the global retail environment and will continue to impact our financial results, affecting translation, margins, as well as traffic in the near-term.stores located in or near major domestic tourist attractions.
Our First Quarter 20152016 Results
 
Net revenues. Compared to the first quarter of 2014,2015, consolidated net revenues decreasedwas flat on a reported basis by 7% and decreasedbut increased on a constant-currency basis by 1%5%, primarily reflecting lower sales at wholesalehigher retail revenues due to improved performance and retail in the Americas, partially offset by increased sales fromexpansion of our retail network in Europe and Asia.
Operating income. Compared to the first quarter of 2014,2015, consolidated operating income increased by 15%approximately 9% and operating margin improved to 10%11%, primarily reflecting lower restructuring chargesan improvement in 2015,our gross margin and higher constant-currency revenues, partially offset by higher SG&A as a percentage of lower revenuesincreased investments in retail and advertising and the effects of currency.
Cash flows. Cash flows provided by operating activities were approximately $38$46 million for the three-month period in 20152016 as compared to $36$38 million for the same period in 2014.2015; the increase reflected higher trade receivable collections and lower payments to vendors, partially offset by higher inventory levels.


19

Table of Contents

Financial Information Presentation
Fiscal year.    Our fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of November in each year, although the fiscal years of certain foreign subsidiaries end on November 30. Each quarter of fiscal years 20152016 and 20142015 consists of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2014, which consisted of 14 weeks. Due to our fiscal calendar, the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 included the last calendar week of November 2013, while the first quarter of fiscal year 2015 included the last calendar week of February 2015.
Segments.    We manage our business according to three regional segments: the Americas, Europe and Asia. Effective as of the beginning of 2015, our regional licensing revenue, previously recorded centrally in our Americas region, was revised to be recorded in our respective regions. Regional licensing revenues are not significant to any of our regional segments individually in any of the periods presented herein, and accordingly, business segment information for the prior-year period has not been revised.
Classification.    Our classification of certain significant revenues and expenses reflects the following:
 
Net revenues is primarily comprised of sales of products to wholesale customers, including franchised stores, and direct sales to consumers at our company-operated ecommerce sites and ecommerce stores and at our company-operated shop-in-shops located within department stores. It includes discounts, allowances for estimated returns and incentives. Net revenues also includes royalties earned from the use of our trademarks by third-party licensees in connection with the manufacturing, advertising and distribution of trademarked products.
Cost of goods sold is primarily comprised of product costs, labor and related overhead, sourcing costs, inbound freight, internal transfers, and the cost of operating our remaining manufacturing facilities, including the related depreciation expense.
Selling costs include, among other things, all occupancy costs and depreciation associated with our company-operated stores and commissions associated with our company-operated shop-in-shops, as well as costs associated with our ecommerce operations.
We reflect substantially all distribution costs in selling, general and administrative expenses, including costs related to receiving and inspection at distribution centers, warehousing, shipping to our customers, handling, and certain other activities associated with our distribution network.
Gross margins may not be comparable to those of other companies in our industry since some companies may include costs related to their distribution network and occupancy costs associated with company-operated stores in cost of goods sold.
Constant currency.    Constant-currency comparisons are based on translating local currency amounts in the prior-year period at actual foreign exchange rates for the current year. We routinely evaluate our financial performance on a constant-currency basis in order to facilitate period-to-period comparisons without regard to the impact of changing foreign currency exchange rates.


19

Table of Contents

Results of Operations for Three Months Ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, as Compared to Same Period in 20142015
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, our consolidated statements of income, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues$1,055.1
 $1,130.0
 (6.6)% 100.0 % 100.0 %$1,056.5
 $1,055.1
 0.1 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold518.0
 553.6
 (6.4)% 49.1 % 49.0 %496.9
 518.0
 (4.1)% 47.0 % 49.1 %
Gross profit537.1
 576.4
 (6.8)% 50.9 % 51.0 %559.6
 537.1
 4.2 % 53.0 % 50.9 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses425.4
 424.8
 0.1 % 40.3 % 37.6 %441.2
 425.4
 3.7 % 41.8 % 40.3 %
Restructuring, net4.3
 57.9
 (92.5)% 0.4 % 5.1 %1.8
 4.3
 (57.4)% 0.2 % 0.4 %
Operating income107.4
 93.7
 14.7 % 10.2 % 8.3 %116.6
 107.4
 8.5 % 11.0 % 10.2 %
Interest expense(23.3) (31.9) (26.8)% (2.2)% (2.8)%(14.9) (23.3) (36.1)% (1.4)% (2.2)%
Other income (expense), net(26.0) 4.2
 (722.2)% (2.5)% 0.4 %
Other expense, net(2.2) (26.0) (91.5)% (0.2)% (2.5)%
Income before income taxes58.1
 66.0
 (12.0)% 5.5 % 5.8 %99.5
 58.1
 71.2 % 9.4 % 5.5 %
Income tax expense19.8
 16.4
 21.0 % 1.9 % 1.5 %33.2
 19.8
 67.4 % 3.1 % 1.9 %
Net income38.3
 49.6
 (22.9)% 3.6 % 4.4 %66.3
 38.3
 73.2 % 6.3 % 3.6 %
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest0.1
 0.4
 (68.7)% 
 
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest(0.5) 0.1
 (517.4)% 
 
Net income attributable to Levi Strauss & Co.$38.4
 $50.0
 (23.2)% 3.6 % 4.4 %$65.8
 $38.4
 71.5 % 6.2 % 3.6 %


20

Table of Contents

Net revenues
The following table presents net revenues by reporting segment for the periods indicated and the changes in net revenues by reporting segment on both reported and constant-currency bases from period to period.
 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
    
% Increase
(Decrease)
    
% Increase
(Decrease)
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
As
Reported
 
Constant
Currency
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
As
Reported
 
Constant
Currency
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues:              
Americas$574.1
 $626.9
 (8.4)% (7.3)%$571.2
 $574.1
 (0.5)% 1.5%
Europe277.5
 300.4
 (7.6)% 9.1 %276.5
 277.5
 (0.4)% 8.1%
Asia203.5
 202.7
 0.4 % 4.5 %208.8
 203.5
 2.6 % 9.7%
Total net revenues$1,055.1
 $1,130.0
 (6.6)% (1.3)%$1,056.5
 $1,055.1
 0.1 % 4.7%
Total net revenues decreasedincreased on both reported and constant-currency bases for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, as compared to the same prior-year period.
Americas.    Net revenues in our Americas region decreased on botha reported basis and increased on a constant-currency basesbasis for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, with currency affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $7 million.$11 million.
NetConstant-currency net revenues increased at wholesale decreasedand retail, primarily due to our performance in Mexico. In the timing of our fiscal calendar, as well as our decisionUnited States, net revenues declined slightly, primarily at wholesale due to licensea decline in the Dockers® brand women's business; our results in the first quarteranticipation of 2014 included wholesale revenues for the Dockers® brand women's business. Lower sales at retail in the first quarter of 2015 reflected the timing of the Black Friday sales weeks, which were included the first and fourth quarters of 2014, based on our fiscal calendar.product transitions.
Europe.    Net revenues in Europe decreased on a reported basis and increased on a constant-currency basis for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, with currency affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $46 million.$22 million.
Constant-currency net revenues increased fromas a result of the improved performance and expansion of our company-operated retail network, particularly in the Spain, U.K. and Russia markets.including ecommerce.
Asia.    Net revenues in Asia increased on both reported and constant-currency bases for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, with currency affecting net revenues unfavorably by approximately $8 million.$13 million.
The increase in net revenues for the three-month period was primarily due to the expansion of our company-operated retail network, particularly in China, and increased promotional activity, particularly during the Chinese New Year sales season.improved wholesale performance in Japan.


21

Table of Contents

Gross profit
The following table shows consolidated gross profit and gross margin for the periods indicated and the changes in these items from period to period: 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Net revenues$1,055.1
 $1,130.0
 (6.6)%$1,056.5
 $1,055.1
 0.1 %
Cost of goods sold518.0
 553.6
 (6.4)%496.9
 518.0
 (4.1)%
Gross profit$537.1
 $576.4
 (6.8)%$559.6
 $537.1
 4.2 %
Gross margin50.9% 51.0%  53.0% 50.9%  
Currency translation unfavorably impacted gross profit by approximately $35$24 million and gross margin by approximately 40 basis points for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015. Excluding the currency translation effect, grossFebruary 28, 2016. Gross margin improved primarily due to lower negotiated product costs and streamlined supply chain operations. Higher margins of our international businesses were also impactedoperations, partially offset by the unfavorable transactional impact of currency. Gross margin also benefited from our international retail growth.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
The following table shows our selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”) for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
(Dollars in millions)(Dollars in millions)
Selling$181.0
 $183.2
 (1.2)% 17.2% 16.2%$189.4
 $181.0
 4.7 % 17.9% 17.2%
Advertising and promotion50.2
 31.6
 59.0 % 4.8% 2.8%57.5
 50.2
 14.5 % 5.4% 4.8%
Administration83.7
 86.9
 (3.8)% 7.9% 7.7%84.4
 83.7
 1.0 % 8.0% 7.9%
Other102.5
 116.7
 (12.2)% 9.7% 10.3%108.4
 102.5
 5.7 % 10.3% 9.7%
Restructuring-related charges8.0
 6.4
 24.3 % 0.8% 0.6%1.5
 8.0
 (81.3)% 0.1% 0.8%
Total SG&A$425.4
 $424.8
 0.1 % 40.3% 37.6%$441.2
 $425.4
 3.7 % 41.8% 40.3%

Currency impacted SG&A favorably by approximately $22$15 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, as compared to the same prior-year period.February 28, 2016.
Selling.  Currency impacted selling expenses favorably by approximately $13$9 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, as compared to the same prior-year period. Excluding the currency impact, higherFebruary 28, 2016. Higher selling expenses of $11 millionprimarily reflected costs associated with the expansion of our company-operated store network and investment in our ecommerce business. We had 3286 more company-operated stores at the end of the first quarter of 20152016 than we did at the end of the first quarter of 2014.2015.
Advertising and promotion.   The increase inCurrency did not have a significant impact on advertising and promotion expenses for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015,February 28, 2016. The increase in advertising and promotion expenses primarily reflected a difference in the timing of production and media spend for our campaigns.campaigns as well as increased investment in strengthening our brands through advertising.
Administration.    Administration expenses include functional administrative and organization costs. Currency impacted administration expenses favorably by approximately $4$2 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, as compared to the same prior-year period. Administration expenses primarily reflected higher expenses associated with our stock-based incentive compensation plans, resulting from an increase in the fair value of our common stock, partially offset by savings in the current year resulting from our global productivity initiative.February 28, 2016.
Other.   Other SG&A includes distribution, information resources, and marketing organization costs.  Currency impacted other SG&A expenses favorably by approximately $4$3 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, as compared to the same prior-year period. LowerFebruary 28, 2016. Higher other SG&A costs primarily reflected marketing organization and information resources savings resulting from our global productivity initiative.increased distribution expenses.


22

Table of Contents

Restructuring-related charges.  Restructuring-related charges consist primarily of consulting fees incurred for our centrally-led cost-savings and productivity projects, as well as transition costs associated with our decision to outsource certain global business service activities. These related charges represent costs incurred associated with ongoing operations which willare expected to benefit future periods and thus were recorded in SG&A in the Company's consolidated statements of income.


22

Table of Contents

Operating income
The following table shows operating income by reporting segment and corporate expenses for the periods indicated, the changes in these items from period to period and these items expressed as a percentage of net revenues:
 
Three Months Ended Three Months Ended 
March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
%
Increase
(Decrease)
 February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
  
% of Net
Revenues
 
% of Net
Revenues
 
(Dollars in millions) (Dollars in millions) 
Operating income:                    
Americas$102.3
 $111.1
 (7.9)% 17.8% 17.7% $81.8
 $102.3
 (20.1)% 14.3% 17.8% 
Europe58.2
 71.4
 (18.5)% 21.0% 23.8% 61.7
 58.2
 6.0 % 22.3% 21.0% 
Asia47.3
 46.9
 0.9 % 23.3% 23.1% 46.6
 47.3
 (1.6)% 22.3% 23.3% 
Total regional operating income207.8
 229.4
 (9.4)% 19.7%*20.3%*190.1
 207.8
 (8.5)% 18.0%*19.7%*
          
Corporate:                    
Restructuring, net4.3
 57.9
 (92.5)% 0.4%*5.1%*1.8
 4.3
 (57.4)% 0.2%*0.4%*
Restructuring-related charges8.0
 6.4
 24.3 % 0.8%*0.6%*1.5
 8.0
 (81.3)% 0.1%*0.8%*
Other corporate staff costs and expenses88.1
 71.4
 23.4 % 8.3%*6.3%*70.2
 88.1
 (20.3)% 6.6%*8.3%*
Corporate expenses100.4
 135.7
 (26.0)% 9.5%*12.0%*73.5
 100.4
 (26.8)% 7.0%*9.5%*
Total operating income$107.4
 $93.7
 14.7 % 10.2%*8.3%*$116.6
 $107.4
 8.5 % 11.0%*10.2%*
Operating margin10.2% 8.3%       11.0% 10.2%       
______________
 * Percentage of consolidated net revenues
Currency translation unfavorably affected total operating income by approximately $13$9 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016.
Regional operating income.    
Americas. For the three-month period ended March 1, 2015, the decline in operating income reflected increased investment in advertising and lower net revenues in the region, partially offset by an improvement in the region's gross margin. Currency had no significant impact on the region's operating income for the three-month period.
Europe. Currencytranslation unfavorably affected operating income in the region by approximately $12$2 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015. OperatingFebruary 28, 2016. Lower operating income primarily reflected higher SG&A in the region, primarily advertising.
Europe. Currency translation unfavorably affected operating income in the region by approximately $4 million for the three-month period ended February 28, 2016. Excluding the effect of currency, operating income and operating margin decreased primarilyincreased due to the region's lowerhigher net revenues and an improvement in the region's gross margin, which was driven by higher sourcing costs for the region.margin.
Asia. The increase inCurrency translation unfavorably affected operating income andin the region by approximately $4 million for the three-month period ended February 28, 2016. Excluding the effect of currency, operating margin primarily reflectedincome increased due to the region's higher net revenues. Currency had no significant impact on the region's operating income for the three-month period.
Corporate.    Corporate expenses include SG&Arepresent costs that are not attributed to any of our regional operating segments. Included in corporate expenses are restructuring charges, the consulting fees incurred for our centrally-led cost-savings and productivity projects, and other corporate staff costs. Currency translation did not have a significant impact on corporate expenses for the three-month period ended February 28, 2016. As compared to the same prior-year period, lower corporate expenses in the three-month period ended March 1, 2015,primarily reflected lower global sourcing organization costs as well as lower restructuring charges in the current year and savings in the current year resulting from our global productivity initiative. These lower costs were partially offset by the higher stock-based incentive compensation expense in the current year.restructuring-related charges.


23

Table of Contents

Interest expense
Interest expense was $23.3$14.9 million for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, as compared to $31.9$23.3 million for the same period in 20142015. The decrease in interest expense was primarily due to lower average borrowing rates in 2016, resulting from our debt balancesrefinancing activities in 2015.2015, and lower interest expense on our deferred compensation plans.
The weighted-average interest rate on average borrowings outstanding for the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, was 7.55%6.26% as compared to 7.91%7.65% for the same period in 20142015. The weighted-average interest rate decreased for the three-month period as a result


23

Table of our debt reduction activities in 2014.Contents

Other income (expense),expense, net
Other income (expense),expense, net, primarily consists of foreign exchange management activities and transactions. For the three-month period ended March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, we recorded net expense of $26.0$2.2 million, as compared to income of $4.2$26.0 million for the same prior-year period. The net expense in 20152016 primarily reflected net losses on our foreign currency denominated balances.balances, partially offset by net gains on our foreign exchange derivatives. The net expense in 2015 primarily reflected net losses on our foreign currency denominated balances due to the weakening of various foreign currencies, particularly the Euro, against the U.S. Dollar.
Income tax expense
The effective income tax rate was 34.1%33.4% for the three months endedMarch 1, 2015, February 28, 2016, compared to 24.8%34.1% for the same period ended February 23, 2014.
The effective tax rate in the first quarter of 2014 included a tax benefit that we recorded as a result of reversing a deferred tax liability associated with the change in assertion during the quarter to indefinitely reinvest certain undistributed foreign earnings. The effective tax rate in 2015 reflected an increase in state income taxes due to higher projected domestic income inMarch 1, 2015.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity outlook
We believe we will have adequate liquidity over the next twelve months to operate our business and to meet our cash requirements.
Cash sources
We are a privately-held corporation. We have historically relied primarily on cash flows from operations, borrowings under credit facilities, issuances of notes and other forms of debt financing. We regularly explore financing and debt reduction alternatives, including new credit agreements, unsecured and secured note issuances, equity financing, equipment and real estate financing, securitizations and asset sales. Key sources of cash include earnings from operations and borrowing availability under our revolving credit facility.
We are borrowers under a senior secured revolving credit facility. The facility is an asset-based facility, in which the borrowing availability is primarily based on the value of our U.S. Levi’s® trademarks and the levels of accounts receivable and inventory in the United States and Canada. The maximum availability under the facility is $850 million, of which $800 million is available to us for revolving loans in U.S. Dollars and $50 million is available to us for revolving loans either in U.S. Dollars or Canadian Dollars.
As of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, we had no borrowings of $20.0 million under the credit facility, and unusedall of which is classified as short-term debt. Unused availability under the credit facility was $717.0739.7 million, as our total availability of $776.2798.2 million, based on collateral levels as defined by the agreement, was reduced by $59.258.5 million of other credit-related instruments.
Subsequent to the end of the first quarter, we borrowed approximately $50 million under our senior secured revolving credit facility.
As of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $202.7271.1 million, resulting in a total liquidity position (unused availability and cash and cash equivalents) of approximately $919.7 million1.0 billion.
Cash uses
Our principal cash requirements include working capital, capital expenditures, payments of principal and interest on our debt, payments of taxes, contributions to our pension plans and payments for postretirement health benefit plans, settlement of shares issued under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended to date ("EIP"), and, if market conditions warrant, occasional investments in, or acquisitions of, business ventures in our line of business. In addition, we regularly evaluate our ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock, all consistent with the terms of our debt agreements.


24

Table of Contents

There have been no material changes to our estimated cash requirements for 20152016 from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, except that potential payments in 20152016 under the terms of the EIP are now estimated to be insignificant.


24

Table of Contents

Cash flows
The following table summarizes, for the periods indicated, selected items in our consolidated statements of cash flows:
 
  Three Months Ended 
  March 1,
2015
 February 23,
2014
 
  (Dollars in millions) 
 Cash provided by operating activities$37.6
 $35.7
 
 Cash used for investing activities(25.1) (14.5) 
 Cash used for financing activities(96.5) (7.0) 
 Cash and cash equivalents202.7
 502.8
 
  Three Months Ended 
  February 28,
2016
 March 1,
2015
 
  (Dollars in millions) 
 Cash provided by operating activities$46.1
 $37.6
 
 Cash used for investing activities(17.8) (25.1) 
 Cash used for financing activities(73.6) (96.5) 
 Cash and cash equivalents271.1
 202.7
 
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash provided by operating activities was $37.6$46.1 million for the three-month period in 2015,2016, as compared to $35.7$37.6 million for the same period in 2014.2015. Cash provided by operating activities increased compared to the prior year primarily due to a decrease in cash used for inventory, reflecting our lower inventory levels, and an increase in cash received from customers, reflecting our higher beginning accounts receivable balance partially offset byand higher constant-currency revenues, as well as lower net revenues. Cash provided by operating activities in 2015 also reflectedpayments to vendors due to timing and lower cash payments for our global productivity initiativeinitiative. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was partially offset by an increase in cash used for inventory, reflecting our higher inventory levels due to earlier timing of inventory receipts and increased pension contributions.lower-than-anticipated sales, particularly in the Americas.
Cash flows from investing activities
Cash used for investing activities was $25.117.8 million for the three-month period in 20152016, as compared to $14.525.1 million for the same period in 20142015. The increasedecrease in cash used for investing activities as compared to the prior year primarily reflected realized lossesgains on the settlement of our forward foreign exchange contracts.contracts, partially offset by increased investment in information technology systems and distribution.
Cash flows from financing activities
Cash used for financing activities was $96.573.6 million for the three-month period in 20152016, as compared to $7.096.5 million for the same period in 20142015. The increase in cashCash used in 2016 and 2015 primarily reflected repaymentthe utilization of our senior revolving credit facility.
Indebtedness
The borrower of substantially all of our debt is Levi Strauss & Co., the parent and U.S. operating company. Substantially all ofOf our total debt of $1.1 billion as of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, waswe had fixed-rate debt.debt of $1.1 billion (98% of total debt), net of capitalized debt issuance costs, and variable-rate debt of $26.4 million (2% of total debt). As of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, our required aggregate debt principal payments on our unsecured long-term debt were $33.5 million in 2016 and the remaining $1.1$1.0 billion in 2020years after 2021. Current maturities of our 4.25% Yen-denominated Eurobonds due 2016 will be paid in 2016. Short-term debt of $20.0 million borrowed under our senior secured revolving credit facility was expected to be repaid over the next twelve months, and years after. Short-termshort-term borrowings of $33.8$20.8 million at various foreign subsidiaries were expected to be either paid over the next ninetwelve months or refinanced at the end of their applicable terms.
Our long-term debt agreements contain customary covenants restricting our activities as well as those of our subsidiaries. Currently, we areWe were in compliance with all of these covenants.covenants as of February 28, 2016.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Guarantees and Other Contingent Obligations
There have been no significant changes to our off-balance sheet arrangements or contractual commitments from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and the related notes. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
See Note 1 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report for recently issued accounting standards, including the expected dates of adoption and estimated effects on our consolidated financial statements.


25

Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain matters discussed in this report, including (without limitation) statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contain forward-looking statements. Although we believe that, in making any such statements, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected.
These forward-looking statements include statements relating to our anticipated financial performance and business prospects, including profitable growth, strong cash flow, debt reduction, currency values and financial impact, the benefits and timing of our global productivity initiative, the impact of pending legal proceedings, and/or statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “believe”, "will", "so we can", "when", “anticipate”, “intend”, “estimate”, “expect”, “project”, “could”, “plans”, “seeks” and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date stated, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements will not be realized. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these expectations may not prove to be correct or we may not achieve the financial results, savings or other benefits anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our senior management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, some of which may be beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties, including those disclosed under “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended November 30, 201429, 2015, and this report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 1, 2015, and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements and include, without limitation:
 
changes in general economic and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on the level of discretionary consumer spending for apparel and pricing trends and currency fluctuations, and our ability to plan for and respond to the impact of those changes in the global retail environment in which we operate our business;changes;
our ability to timely and effectively implement our global productivity initiative as planned, which is intended to increase productivity and efficiency in our global operations, take advantage of lower-cost service deliveryservice-delivery models in our distribution network and streamline our procurement practices to maximize efficiency in our global operations, without business disruption or mitigation to such disruptions;
consequences of impacts to the businesses of our wholesale customers, including a suddensignificant decline in a wholesale customer's financial condition, leading to restructuring actions, bankruptcies, liquidations or other unfavorable events for our wholesale customers, caused by factors such as inability to secure financing, decreased discretionary consumer spending, inconsistent traffic patterns and an increase in promotional activity as a result of decreased traffic, pricing fluctuations, general economic and financial conditions and changing consumer preferences;
our and our wholesale customers' decisions to modify strategies and adjust product mix and pricing, and our ability to manage any resulting product transition costs, including liquidating inventory or increasing promotional activity;
our ability to purchase products through our independent contract manufacturers that are made with quality raw materials and our ability to mitigate the variability of costs related to manufacturing, sourcing, and raw materials supply and to manage consumer response to such mitigating actions;
our ability to gauge and adapt to changing U.S. and international retail environments and fashion trends and changing consumer preferences in product, price-points, as well as in-store and onlinedigital shopping experiences;
our ability to respond to price, innovation and other competitive pressures in the global apparel industry, on and from our key customers and in our key markets;
our ability to increase the number of dedicated stores for our products, including through opening and profitably operating company-operated stores;
consequences of foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;
our ability to successfully prevent or mitigate the impacts of data security breaches;
our ability to attract and retain key executives and other key employees;
our ability to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property;
the impact of the variables that affect the net periodic benefit cost and future funding requirements of our postretirement benefits and pension plans;
our dependence on key distribution channels, customers and suppliers;
our ability to utilize our tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards;


26

Table of Contents

ongoing or future litigation matters and disputes and regulatory developments;
changes in or application of trade and tax laws; and
political, social and economic instability, or natural disasters, in countries where we andor our customers do business.


26

Table of Contents

Our actual results might differ materially from historical performance or current expectations. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. 
Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
There have been no material changes in our primary market risk exposures or how those exposures are managed from the information disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit to the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016. Based on that evaluation, our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer concluded that as of March 1, 2015February 28, 2016, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Controls
We maintain a system of internal control over financial reporting that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that our books and records accurately reflect our transactions and that our established policies and procedures are followed. We continued the transition of certain global business service activities to our outsourced service provider during our last fiscal quarter, and this resulted in a change to our processes and control environment. There were no other changes to our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


27

Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Litigation.    There have been no material developments with respect to the information previously reported in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K related to legal proceedings.
In the ordinary course of business, we have various pending cases involving contractual matters, facility and employee-related matters, distribution matters, product liability claims, trademark infringement and other matters. We do not believe any of these pending legal proceedings will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS
There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in our 20142015 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On February 4, 2015, our Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved the award of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) representing an aggregate of 1,262 shares of our common stock to Jenny Ming in connection with her appointment to the Company's Board. The RSUs were granted as a part of the standard annual compensation provided to our non-employee directors, and represent a pro-rated grant for the period of time since Ms. Ming joined our Board. This award was made under our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the “Plan”).
RSUs are units, representing beneficial ownership interests, corresponding in number and value to a specified number of underlying shares of stock. The RSUs vest in three equal installments after 13, 24 and 36 months following the grant date. However, if the recipient's continuous service terminates for any reason other than for cause after the first vesting installment, but prior to full vesting, then the remaining unvested portion of the award becomes fully vested as of the date of such termination. Each recipient's initial grant of RSUs is subject to a mandatory deferral feature, by which the RSU will be converted to a share of common stock six months after discontinuation of service with the Company for each fully vested RSU held at that date. For subsequent grants, recipients of the RSUs have the opportunity to make deferral elections regarding when shares of our common stock are to be delivered in settlement of vested RSUs. If the recipient does not elect to defer the receipt of common stock, then the RSUs are immediately converted into shares upon vesting. The RSUs additionally have “dividend equivalent rights”, of which dividends paid by the Company on its common stock are credited by the equivalent addition of RSUs.
Also on February 4, 2015,9, 2016, our Board approved the award of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) representing an aggregate of 768,527871,153 shares of our common stock to certain of our executives. These awards were made under our Plan.2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).
SARs are granted with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock, as determined under the Plan, on the date of grant. The SARs were granted in two groups and are identical except as described below:
461,117522,694 of the SARs, referred to as service-vested SARs, were granted with the following vesting schedule: 25% percent of the SAR grant vests on the one-year anniversary of the date of grant, with the remaining 75% balance vesting monthly over 36 months commencing on the month following such anniversary, at a rate of 2.08% per month;anniversary; and
307,410348,459 of the SARs, referred to as performance-based SARs, were granted with the following vesting schedule: 50% of the performance-based SARs will vest to the extent that the Company has achieved certain goals based on the Company's (i) average earnings before interest and taxes margin percentage and (ii) the compound annual growth rate of the Company's net revenues, each over fiscal years 2015, 2016, 2017 and 20172018 and the remaining 50% of the performance-based SARs will vest based on the Company's performance against a three-year market-related relative total shareholder return goal. Our Board will determine the extent to which the goals under the performance-based SARs have been satisfied on or before March 1, 2018.2019.
Upon the exercise of a SAR, the recipient will be entitled to receive common stock with an aggregate fair market value equal to the excess of the per share fair market value of the Company's common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise price, multiplied by the number of SARs exercised.


28

Table of Contents

We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance or vesting of RSUs or SARs. The RSUs and SARs were granted under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Section 4(a)(2) generally provides an exemption from registration for transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering.
We are a privately-held corporation; there is no public trading of our common stock. As of April 9, 2015,7, 2016, we had 37,419,78837,452,319 shares outstanding.

Item 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
None.
 
Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
 
Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION
The Company intends to use the Investors portionNone.


28

Table of its website to make available a variety of information for investors, analysts and media. The Company's goal is to maintain the Investors portion of its website as the authoritative portal through which visitors can easily find information, including:Contents
the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after that material is electronically filed or furnished to the SEC;
information on business strategies, financial results, and key performance indicators, as applicable;
announcements of analyst conferences, speeches, and events at which the Company's executives talk about our business;
results of quarterly earnings, other financial information and announcements that we may post from time to time that analysts might find useful or interesting; and
opportunities to sign up for email alerts to have information, including quarterly earnings announcements, pushed in real time.


Item 6.EXHIBITS
 
10.1First Amendment to Stockholders' Agreement, dated December 22, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 23, 2014.
31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
32  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
   
101.INS  XBRL Instance Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.SCH  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.CAL  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.LAB  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

 



29


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.
 
Date:April 14, 201512, 2016 LEVI STRAUSS & Co.
   (Registrant)
    
    
  By:
/s/    WADE W. WEBSTER
   
Wade W. Webster
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)



30


EXHIBIT INDEX
 

10.1First Amendment to Stockholders' Agreement, dated December 22, 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on December 23, 2014.
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Filed herewith.
   
32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 18 U.S.C. 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Furnished herewith.
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. Filed herewith.

  



31