Table of Contents

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 _________________________________
FORM 10-Q
 _________________________________
ýQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended October 28, 2017May 5, 2018
OR
oTRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 1-8344
 _________________________________
L BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 _________________________________
Delaware 31-1029810
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (IRS Employer Identification No.)
  
Three Limited Parkway
Columbus, Ohio
 43230
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
   
(614) 415-7000
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý   No  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filerýAccelerated filero
    
Non-accelerated filer
o  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting companyo
    
  Emerging growth companyo

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.):    Yes  o    No  ý
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Common Stock, $.50 Par Value Outstanding at November 24, 2017June 1, 2018
  282,265,177277,204,090 Shares
 

L BRANDS, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 Page No.
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Item 1A. Risk Factors
  
  
  
  
  
Item 6. Exhibits
  
 
*The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “third“first quarter of 2018” and “first quarter of 2017” and “third quarter of 2016” refer to the thirteen weekthirteen-week periods ending October 28,ended May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, and October 29, 2016, respectively. “Year-to-date 2017” and “year-to-date 2016” refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively.


PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in millions except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
 
Third Quarter Year-to-DateFirst Quarter
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net Sales$2,618
 $2,581
 $7,809
 $8,085
$2,626
 $2,437
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy(1,629) (1,556) (4,890) (4,904)(1,682) (1,534)
Gross Profit989
 1,025

2,919

3,181
944
 903
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(757) (741) (2,177) (2,166)(789) (694)
Operating Income232
 284

742

1,015
155
 209
Interest Expense(99) (97) (300) (295)(98) (101)
Other Income2
 3
 28
 83
2
 10
Income Before Income Taxes135
 190

470

803
59
 118
Provision for Income Taxes49
 68
 151
 277
11
 24
Net Income$86
 $122

$319

$526
$48
 $94
Net Income Per Basic Share$0.30
 $0.43
 $1.12
 $1.83
$0.17
 $0.33
Net Income Per Diluted Share$0.30
 $0.42
 $1.11
 $1.81
$0.17
 $0.33
Dividends Per Share$0.60
 $0.60
 $1.80
 $3.80
$0.60
 $0.60


L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
Third Quarter Year-to-DateFirst Quarter
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
Net Income$86
 $122
 $319
 $526
$48
 $94
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:          
Foreign Currency Translation(2) (15) 8
 (25)(13) 3
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges10
 9
 (7) (2)
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges6
 9
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings(4) (4) 1
 5
2
 (6)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities
 
 1
 (3)
Reclassification of Gain on Marketable Securities to Earnings
 
 
 (3)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax4
 (10)
3

(28)(5) 6
Total Comprehensive Income$90
 $112
 $322
 $498
$43
 $100


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions except par value amounts)
 
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(Unaudited)   (Unaudited)(Unaudited)   (Unaudited)
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and Cash Equivalents$735
 $1,934
 $654
$1,032
 $1,515
 $1,555
Accounts Receivable, Net285
 294
 325
274
 310
 213
Inventories1,715
 1,096
 1,651
1,350
 1,240
 1,147
Other195
 141
 256
234
 228
 237
Total Current Assets2,930
 3,465
 2,886
2,890
 3,293
 3,152
Property and Equipment, Net2,920
 2,741
 2,770
2,894
 2,893
 2,761
Goodwill1,348
 1,348
 1,348
1,348
 1,348
 1,348
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net411
 411
 411
Trade Names411
 411
 411
Deferred Income Taxes23
 19
 30
22
 14
 23
Other Assets184
 186
 218
184
 190
 187
Total Assets$7,816
 $8,170
 $7,663
$7,749
 $8,149
 $7,882
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)          
Current Liabilities:          
Accounts Payable$1,037
 $683
 $962
$717
 $717
 $664
Accrued Expenses and Other896
 997
 909
848
 1,029
 813
Current Portion of Long-term Debt80
 36
 23
Current Debt89
 87
 44
Income Taxes6
 298
 113
204
 198
 310
Total Current Liabilities2,019
 2,014
 2,007
1,858
 2,031
 1,831
Deferred Income Taxes367
 352
 262
234
 238
 360
Long-term Debt5,705
 5,700
 5,701
5,719
 5,707
 5,702
Other Long-term Liabilities844
 831
 881
907
 924
 824
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit):          
Preferred Stock - $1.00 par value; 10 shares authorized; none issued
 
 

 
 
Common Stock - $0.50 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 318, 315 and 315 shares issued; 282, 286 and 286 shares outstanding, respectively159
 157
 157
Common Stock - $0.50 par value; 1,000 shares authorized; 283, 283 and 317 shares issued; 278, 280 and 286 shares outstanding, respectively141
 141
 159
Paid-in Capital732
 650
 620
696
 678
 695
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income15
 12
 12
17
 24
 18
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)8
 205
 (254)
Less: Treasury Stock, at Average Cost; 36, 29 and 29 shares, respectively(2,035) (1,753) (1,725)
Retained Earnings (Deficit)(1,580) (1,434) 128
Less: Treasury Stock, at Average Cost; 5, 3 and 31 shares, respectively(245) (162) (1,836)
Total L Brands, Inc. Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)(1,121) (729) (1,190)(971) (753) (836)
Noncontrolling Interest2
 2
 2
2
 2
 1
Total Equity (Deficit)(1,119) (727) (1,188)(969) (751) (835)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)$7,816
 $8,170
 $7,663
$7,749
 $8,149
 $7,882

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

L BRANDS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
Year-to-DateYear-to-Date
2017 20162018 2017
Operating Activities:      
Net Income$319
 $526
$48
 $94
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities:      
Depreciation and Amortization of Long-lived Assets426
 378
Depreciation of Long-lived Assets148
 142
Amortization of Landlord Allowances(35) (35)(11) (12)
Share-based Compensation Expense74
 70
25
 25
Deferred Income Taxes11
 9
(13) 5
Gains on Distributions from Easton Investments(20) (112)
 (9)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
 36
Gain on Sale of Marketable Securities
 (4)
Changes in Assets and Liabilities, Net of Assets and Liabilities from Acquisition:   
Changes in Assets and Liabilities:   
Accounts Receivable9
 (75)41
 80
Inventories(616) (527)(114) (52)
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other247
 224
(219) (200)
Income Taxes Payable(307) (74)7
 11
Other Assets and Liabilities30
 (5)9
 (77)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities138
 411
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities(79) 7
Investing Activities:      
Capital Expenditures(599) (825)(160) (165)
Return of Capital from Easton Investments27
 116
1
 10
Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired of $1
 (33)
Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities
 10
Other Investing Activities(9) 11
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities(581) (721)(159) (155)
Financing Activities:      
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs
 692
Payment of Long-term Debt
 (742)
Borrowings from Foreign Facilities67
 20
21
 9
Repayments on Foreign Facilities(23) (4)
Repayments of Foreign Facilities(8) (1)
Dividends Paid(516) (1,096)(168) (172)
Repurchases of Common Stock(283) (410)(81) (85)
Tax Payments related to Share-based Awards(31) (56)(8) (17)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options37
 17
1
 36
Financing Costs(5) 
Other Financing Activities(4) (2)
Net Cash Used for Financing Activities(758) (1,581)(243) (230)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents2
 (3)(2) (1)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents(1,199) (1,894)(483) (379)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period1,934
 2,548
1,515
 1,934
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$735
 $654
$1,032
 $1,555

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

L BRANDS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
L Brands, Inc. (“the Company”) operates in the highly competitive specialty retail business. The Company is a specialty retailer of women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care, beauty and home fragrance products. The Company sells its merchandise through company-owned specialty retail stores in the United States (“U.S.”), Canada, United Kingdom (“U.K.”), Ireland and Greater China (China and Hong Kong), which are primarily mall-based, and through its websites and other channels. The Company's other international operations are primarily through franchise, license and wholesale partners. The Company currently operates the following retail brands:
Victoria’s Secret
PINK
Bath & Body Works
La Senza
Henri Bendel
Fiscal Year
The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “thirdfirst quarter of 2018” and “first quarter of 2017” and “third quarter of 2016” refer to the thirteen week-week periods endingended October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017, respectively. “Year-to-date 2017” and “year-to-date 2016” refer to the thirty-nine week periods ending October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016, respectively.
Basis of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The Company accounts for investments in unconsolidated entities where it exercises significant influence, but does not have control, using the equity method. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company recognizes its share of the investee's net income or loss. Losses are only recognized to the extent the Company has positive carrying value related to the investee. Carrying values are only reduced below zero if the Company has an obligation to provide funding to the investee. The Company’s share of net income or loss of unconsolidated entities from which the Company purchases merchandise or merchandise components is included in Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s share of net income or loss of all other unconsolidated entities is included in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company’s equity method investments are required to be tested for impairment when it is determined there may be an other-than-temporary loss in value.
Interim Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the periods ended October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017 are unaudited and are presented pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto contained in the Company’s 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments which are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods.
Seasonality of Business
Due to seasonal variations in the retail industry, the results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full fiscal year.
Concentration of Credit Risk and Investments
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom the Company transacts and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Typically, the Company’s investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, commercial paper and bank deposits.

The Company also periodically reviews the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which the Company grants credit terms in the normal course of business. The Company records an allowance for uncollectable accounts when it becomes probable that the counterparty will be unable to pay.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and the Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.

2. New Accounting Pronouncements
Share-Based Compensation
In the first quarter of 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  On a prospective basis, this standard requires recognition of the income tax effects of share-based awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are exercised.  These effects were historically recorded in equity on the balance sheet.  As a result, the Company recognized $13 million of excess tax benefits related to share-based awards in Provision for Income Taxes in the year-to-date 2017 Consolidated Statement of Income. The standard also requires all tax-related cash flows from share-based awards to be reported as operating activities on the statements of cash flows and any cash payments made to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf from withheld shares as financing activities.  The retrospective application of these changes resulted in an $95 million increase in operating cash flows and a corresponding decrease to financing cash flows on the 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Further, as allowed by the standard, the Company will continue to estimate award forfeitures at the time awards are granted and adjust, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on historical experience and expected future forfeiture rates. 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which was further clarified and amended in 2015 and 2016. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will resultresults in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will beis effective beginning in fiscal 2018. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method.

The Company continues to evaluateadopted the impactsstandard in the first quarter of this standard. The new standard will change current accounting related to loyalty points earnedfiscal 2018 under the Victoria's Secret customer loyalty program as revenue associated with customer loyalty points will be deferred until redeemed using a relative stand-alone selling price method. The newmodified retrospective approach. Under the standard, will also change the Company's accounting for sales returns which requires balance sheet presentation on a gross basis. Further, income from the Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement, which has historically been presented as a reduction to General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses, will now beis presented as revenuerevenue. Further, historical accounting related to loyalty points earned under the new standard.Victoria's Secret customer loyalty program changed as the Company now defers revenue associated with customer loyalty points until the points are redeemed using a relative stand-alone selling price method. The standard also changed accounting for sales returns which requires balance sheet presentation on a gross basis.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recorded a cumulative catch-up adjustment resulting in a reduction to opening retained earnings, net of tax, of $28 million. The cumulative adjustment primarily related to the deferral of revenue related to outstanding points, net of estimated forfeitures, under the Victoria's Secret customer loyalty program. In addition, Net Sales and General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses both increased $25 million in the first quarter of 2018 due to the change in presentation for the Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement. Further, gross presentation of the Company's sales return reserve resulted in a $4 million increase in Other Current Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other on the May 5, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities, which addresses certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. The standard requires the recognition of changes in the fair value of marketable equity securities in net income as compared to historical treatment in accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet. The Company is continuing to evaluate the further impacts the standard will have on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows and disclosures. The Company will adoptadopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 under the modified retrospective approach, which will result in a cumulative adjustmentand recorded an increase to opening retained earnings.

earnings, net of tax, of $2 million.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC 842, Leases, which requires companies classified as lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. The new standard also will result in enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing leases. The standard currently requires a modified retrospective adoption and willtransition approach. In March 2018, the FASB tentatively approved an amendment to the standard that provides companies an option that would not require earlier periods to be restated upon adoption. The standard is effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted.

The Company is currently evaluating the impacts that this standard will have on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows. The Company currently expects that most of its operating lease commitments will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption of the

standard. Thus, the Company expects adoption will result in a material increase to the assets and liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company will adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which is intended to better align risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. The new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. It also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this standard on its Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
3. Revenue Recognition

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following table provides a disaggregation of Net Sales for the first quarter of 2018 in comparison to the first quarter of 2017:
 First Quarter
 2018 2017 (a)
 (in millions)
Victoria’s Secret Stores (b)$1,236
 $1,247
Victoria’s Secret Direct353
 286
Victoria’s Secret North America1,589
 1,533
Bath & Body Works Stores (b)649
 588
Bath & Body Works Direct112
 90
Bath & Body Works North America761
 678
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International (c)135
 104
Other (d)141
 122
Total Net Sales$2,626
 $2,437
 _______________
(a)2017 amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective approach.
(b)Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(c)Includes company-owned stores in the U.K., Ireland and Greater China, direct sales in Greater China and wholesale sales, royalties and other fees associated with non-company owned stores.
(d)Includes wholesale revenues from the Company's sourcing function, and La Senza and Henri Bendel store and direct sales.

4. Earnings Per Share and Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per basic share is computed based on the weighted-average number of outstanding common shares. Earnings per diluted share include the weighted-average effect of dilutive options and restricted stock on the weighted-average shares outstanding.
The following table provides shares utilized for the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share forduring the thirdfirst quarter and year-to-date 2017of 2018 and 20162017:
Third Quarter Year-to-DateFirst Quarter
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Weighted-average Common Shares:          
Issued Shares318
 315
 317
 314
283
 316
Treasury Shares(34) (29) (32) (27)(4) (30)
Basic Shares284
 286

285

287
279
 286
Effect of Dilutive Options and Restricted Stock1
 4
 3
 4
3
 3
Diluted Shares285
 290

288

291
282
 289
Anti-dilutive Options and Awards (a)6
 2
 5
 2
5
 5
 _______________
(a)These options and awards were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.


Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)
Common Stock Share Repurchases
Under the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors, the Company repurchased shares of its common stock under the following repurchase programs for year-to-date 2017during the first quarter of 2018 and 20162017:
Amount
Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Amount
Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
(in millions) (in thousands) (in millions)    (in millions) (in thousands) (in millions)    
March 2018$250
 1,563
 NA
 $58
 NA
 $36.93
 NA
September 2017$250
 935
 NA
 $39
 NA
 $41.30
 NA
250
 527
 NA
 25
 NA
 $46.98
 NA
February 2017250
 5,500
 NA
 240
 NA
 $43.57
 NA
250
 NA
 1,570
 NA
 $80
 NA
 $50.92
February 2016500
 51
 5,270
 3
 $410
 $58.95
 $77.75
500
 NA
 51
 NA
 3
 NA
 $58.95
Total  6,486
 5,270
 $282
 $410
      2,090
 1,621
 $83
 $83
    
In March 2018, the third quarterCompany's Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $23 million remaining under the September 2017 repurchase program.
In September 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $10 million remaining under the February 2017 repurchase program.
In the first quarter ofFebruary 2017, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $59 million remaining under the February 2016 repurchase program.
In the first quarter ofFebruary 2016, the Company's Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program, which included the $17 million remaining under the June 2015 repurchase program.

The September 2017March 2018 repurchase program had $211$192 million remaining as of October 28, 2017.May 5, 2018. Subsequent to October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, the Company repurchased an additional 0.11.2 million shares of common stock for $6$42 million under this program.
There were $4 million, $2 million and $3$1 million of share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and January 28,April 29, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 29, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Treasury Stock Retirement
Subsequent to October 28, 2017, the Company retired 36 million shares of its treasury stock.
Dividends
Under the authority and declaration of the Board of Directors, the Company paid the following dividends during year-to-date 2017the first quarter of 2018 and 2016:2017:
  Ordinary Dividends Special Dividends Total Dividends Total Paid
  (per share) (in millions)
2017        
Third Quarter $0.60
 $
 $0.60
 $172
Second Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 172
First Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 172
2017 Total $1.80
 $
 $1.80
 $516
2016        
Third Quarter $0.60
 $
 $0.60
 $173
Second Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 173
First Quarter 0.60
 2.00
 2.60
 750
2016 Total $1.80
 $2.00
 $3.80
 $1,096
  Ordinary Dividends Total Paid
  (per share) (in millions)
2018    
First Quarter $0.60
 $168
2017    
First Quarter $0.60
 $172

4. Acquisition
On April 18, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of American Beauty Limited for a total purchase price of $44 million. This agreement included the reacquisition of the franchise rights from one of our partners to operate Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories stores in Greater China, including 26 stores already open at the time of acquisition. The purchase price included $10 million in forgiveness of liabilities owed to the Company from the pre-existing relationship. As a result of this acquisition, the Company's financial statements include the financial results of American Beauty Limited, which are reported as part of the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segment.
The total purchase price was allocated to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair value. Such estimated fair values require management to make estimates and judgments, especially with respect to intangible assets. The allocation of the purchase price to goodwill was complete as of the second quarter of 2016. Goodwill related to the acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes.
The allocation of the purchase price to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed is as follows:
 (in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1
Inventories3
Property and Equipment10
Goodwill30
Other Assets3
Current Liabilities(3)
Net Assets Acquired$44
Forgiveness of Liabilities Owed to the Company(10)
Consideration Paid$34


5. Restructuring Activities
During the first quarter of 2016, the Company made strategic changes within the Victoria’s Secret segment designed to focus the brand on its core merchandise categories, streamline operations and emphasize brand building and loyalty-enhancing marketing and advertising rather than using traditional catalogues and offers. As a result of these actions, the Company recorded charges related to cancellations of fabric commitments for non-go forward merchandise and a reserve against paper that was previously intended for future catalogues. These costs, totaling $11 million, including non-cash charges of $10 million, are included in Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated Statement of Income. These actions also resulted in the elimination of approximately 200 positions primarily in the Company's Ohio and New York home offices. Severance and related costs associated with these eliminations, totaling $24 million, are included in General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses on the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated Statement of Income. The Company recognized a total pre-tax charge of $35 million for these items in the first quarter of 2016. The remaining liability for unpaid severance and related costs was not significant as of October 28, 2017.

6. Inventories
The following table provides details of inventories as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Finished Goods Merchandise$1,549
 $982
 $1,499
$1,225
 $1,121
 $1,049
Raw Materials and Merchandise Components166
 114
 152
125
 119
 98
Total Inventories$1,715
 $1,096
 $1,651
$1,350
 $1,240
 $1,147
Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost, as determined by theon a weighted-average cost method,basis, or net realizable value.


7.6. Property and Equipment, Net
The following table provides details of property and equipment, net as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Property and Equipment, at Cost$6,608
 $6,282
 $6,218
$6,760
 $6,687
 $6,354
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization(3,688) (3,541) (3,448)(3,866) (3,794) (3,593)
Property and Equipment, Net$2,920
 $2,741
 $2,770
$2,894
 $2,893
 $2,761
Depreciation expense was $144$148 million and $133$142 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and 2016, respectively. Depreciation expense was $426 million and $378 million for year-to-date 2017, and 2016, respectively.

8.7. Equity Investments and Other
Easton Investments
The Company has land and other investments in Easton, a planned community in Columbus, Ohio, that integrates office, hotel, retail, residential and recreational space. These investments, totaling $78$82 million as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018, $79$81 million as of January 28, 2017February 3, 2018, and $8079 million as of OctoberApril 29, 20162017, and are recorded in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Included in the Company’s Easton investments are equity interests in Easton Town Center, LLC (“ETC”) and Easton Gateway, LLC (“EG”), entities that own and develop commercial entertainment and shopping centers. The Company’s investments in ETC and EG are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a majority financial interest in ETC and EG, but another unaffiliated member manages them, and certain significant decisions regarding ETC and EG require the consent of unaffiliated members in addition to the Company.

During 2017, the Company received cash distributions of $27 million from certain of its Easton investments. As a result, the Company recognized pre-tax gains totaling $20 million which are included in Other Income on the 2017 Consolidated

Statements of Income and the return of capital is included within the Investing Activities section of the 2017 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

In July 2016, ETC refinanced its bank loan. In conjunction with the loan refinancing, the Company received a cash distribution from ETC of $124 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $108 million (after-tax gain of $70 million). The gain is included in Other Income on the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated Statements of Income and the return of capital is included within the Investing Activities section of the 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

9.8. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The Company’s quarterly effective tax rate does not reflect a benefit associated with losses related to certain foreign subsidiaries.
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, the Company’s effective tax rate was 36.1%18.5% compared to 36.0%20.6% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2017. The thirdfirst quarter 20172018 rate and the third quarter 2016 rate werewas lower than the Company's combined federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolutionrelease of a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax matters.
For year-to-date 2017, the Company's effective tax rate was 32.2% comparedassets that are more likely than not to 34.5% year-to-date 2016.be realized. The year-to-datefirst quarter 2017 rate was lower than the Company's combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of excess tax benefits resulting fromrecorded through the income statement on stock options exercised.exercised in the quarter.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "TCJA") was enacted into law. The year-to-date 2016legislation significantly changes U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. The TCJA reduces the U.S. corporate income tax rate was lower thanfrom a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. 
On December 22, 2017, the Company's combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarilySEC staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 (“SAB 118”) to address the application of GAAP in situations when a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete the accounting for certain income tax effects of the TCJA. The ultimate impact may differ from provisional amounts, due to changes in interpretations and assumptions the resolutionCompany has made regarding application of certain tax matters.
Asthe TCJA as well as additional regulatory guidance that may be issued. Any adjustments made to the provisional amounts under SAB 118 should be recorded as discrete adjustments in the period identified (not to extend beyond the one-year measurement provided in SAB 118). During the first quarter of October 28, 2017,2018, the Company did not make any unrecognized deferred income tax liability resulting fromadjustments to its provisional amounts included in its consolidated financial statements for the Company's undistributed foreign earnings from non-U.S. subsidiariesyear ended February 3, 2018. The accounting is not expected to reversebe completed in the foreseeable future; furthermore, the undistributed foreign earnings are permanently reinvested. If the Company elects to distribute these foreign earnings in the future, they could be subject to additional income taxes. Determinationfourth quarter of the amount of any unrecognized deferred income tax liability on these undistributed foreign earnings is not practicable because such liability, if any, is dependent on circumstances existing if and when remittance occurs.2018.
Income taxes paid were approximately $141$11 million and $103$15 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and 2016, respectively. Income taxes paid were approximately $461 million and $441 million for year-to-date 2017, and 2016, respectively.


10.9. Long-term Debt and Borrowing Facilities
The following table provides the Company’s debt balance, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee          
$1 billion, 6.875% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2035 (“2035 Notes”)$990
 $989
 $989
$990

$990

$989
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)993
 992
 992
994

994

993
$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”)994
 992
 992
995

994

993
$700 million, 6.75% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2036 (“2036 Notes”)692
 692
 692
693

693

692
$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”)497
 497
 497
497

497

497
$500 million, 5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2028 (“2028 Notes”)495
 495
 
$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019 (“2019 Notes”)(a)496
 496
 498




496
$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”)398
 397
 396
398

398

397
Foreign Facilities with Subsidiary Guarantee12
 1
 
Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee$5,060
 $5,055
 $5,056
$5,074

$5,062

$5,057
Senior Unsecured Debt          
$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033 (“2033 Notes”)$348
 $348
 $348
$348

$348

$348
$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037 (“2037 Notes”)297
 297
 297
297

297

297
Foreign Facilities80
 36
 23
Foreign Facilities without Subsidiary Guarantee89

87

44
Total Senior Unsecured Debt$725
 $681
 $668
$734

$732

$689
Total$5,785
 $5,736
 $5,724
$5,808

$5,794

$5,746
Current Portion of Long-term Debt(80) (36) (23)
Current Debt(89)
(87)
(44)
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion$5,705
 $5,700
 $5,701
$5,719

$5,707

$5,702
 ________________
(a)The balances includebalance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $1 million as of October 28, 2017, $2 million as of January 28, 2017 and $6 million as of OctoberApril 29, 2016.2017.
Issuance of Notes
In June 2016,January 2018, the Company issued $700$500 million of 6.75%5.25% notes due in July 2036.February 2028. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by certain of the Company's 100% owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”). The proceeds from the issuance were $692$495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $8$5 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of July 2036February 2028 and are included within Long-term Debt on the May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RepurchaseRedemption of Notes
In July 2016,January 2018, the Company used the proceeds from the 20362028 Notes to repurchaseredeem the $700$500 million 20172019 Notes for $742$540 million. In the secondfourth quarter of 2016,2017, the Company recognized a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of this debt of $36$45 million (after-tax net loss of $22$29 million), which is netincludes write-offs of gains of $7 millionunamortized issuance costs and discounts and losses related to terminated interest rate swaps associated with the 20172019 Notes. This loss is included in Other Income in
Exchange Offer
Subsequent to May 5, 2018, the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated StatementCompany announced the commencement of Income.separate private offers to eligible holders to exchange certain of its outstanding 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes (collectively, the "offers") for a series of its newly issued debt securities due 2027 and cash. The offers will expire on June 27, 2018 with a potential early settlement date of June 18, 2018, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Revolving Facility
In May 2017, theThe Company entered into an amendment and restatement (“Amendment”) of itsmaintains a secured revolving credit facility (“Revolving Facility”). The Amendment maintains the aggregate amount of the commitments of the lenders under the Revolving Facility athas aggregate availability of $1 billion and extends the termination date from July 18, 2019 toexpires May 11, 2022. The AmendmentRevolving Facility allows certain of the Company's non-U.S. subsidiaries to borrow and obtain letters of credit in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Hong Kong dollars or British pounds.
In addition, the Amendment reduced the commitment fees payable under the Revolving Facility, which are based on the Company's long-term credit rating, to 0.25% per annum. The Amendment did not modify the Company's quantitative covenant requirements, but did provide an increased limit on restricted payments in the event the Company does not meet the criteria to make these payments without limitation and provides greater flexibility with respect to the Company’s ability to grant liens on assets.

The Company incurred fees related to the Amendment of the Revolving Facility of $5 million, which were capitalized and recorded in Other Assets on the October 28, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet and are being amortized over the remaining term of the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.25% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings is London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding foreign denominated borrowings is the applicable benchmark rate plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. The Company is required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, the Company was in compliance with both of its financial covenants, and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility supports the Company’s letter of credit program. The Company had $8$9 million of outstanding letters of credit as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 that reduced its remaining availability under the Revolving Facility.
Foreign Facilities
In addition to the Revolving Facility, the Company maintains various revolving and term loan bank facilities to support operations in Greater China ("Foreign Facilities"). These facilities allow certain of the Company's Greater China subsidiaries to borrow and obtain letters of credit in U.S. dollars and Chinese yuan.
The Company maintains various revolving and term loan bank facilities that are guaranteed by L Brands, Inc. with availability totaling $100 million to support its foreign operations (“Foreign Facilities”). Current borrowings on these Foreign Facilities mature between October 31, 2017 and October 18, 2018.million. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate for the currency of each borrowing.
For year-to-date 2017, During the first quarter of 2018, the Company borrowed $67$10 million and made payments of $23$8 million under the Foreign Facilities.these facilities. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during 2017the first quarter of 2018 was $80$90 million. Borrowings on these facilities mature between May 7, 2018 and December 18, 2018 and are included within Current Debt on the May 5, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements
For information related toThe Company also maintains a revolving facility that is guaranteed by L Brands, Inc. and the Company’s fair valueGuarantors with availability totaling $100 million. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate swap arrangements, see Notefor the currency of each borrowing. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company borrowed $11 million under this facility. These borrowings, which mature on May 11, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”2022, are included within Long-term Debt on the May 5, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

11.10. Derivative Financial Instruments
Foreign Exchange Derivative Instruments
The earnings of the Company's wholly owned foreign businesses are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of their merchandise is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges to mitigate this foreign currency exposure for its Canadian and U.K. businesses. These forward contracts currently have a maximum term of 18 months. Amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) upon sale of the hedged merchandise to the customer. These gains and losses are recognized in CostCosts of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company hashad a cross-currency swap related to an intercompany loan of approximately CAD$170 million maturingthat matured in January 2018 which iswas designated as a cash flow hedge of foreign currency exchange risk. This cross-currency swap mitigatesmitigated the exposureexposures to fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate related to the Company's Canadian operations. The cross-currency swap requires the periodic exchange of fixed-rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed-rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. Changes in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate and the related swap settlements resultresulted in reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loan.

The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to mitigate the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates relative to recognized payable balances denominated in non-functional currencies. The fair value of these non-designated foreign currency forward contracts is not significant as of October 28, 2017.May 5, 2018.


The following table provides the U.S. dollar notional amount of outstanding foreign currency derivative financial instruments as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 2016:2017:
 October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
 (in millions)
Notional Amount$379
 $360
 $362
 May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
 (in millions)
Notional Amount$208
 $217
 $362

The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of outstanding derivative financial instruments designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 2016:2017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Other Current Assets$14
 $18
 $6
$1
 $
 $27
Accrued Expenses and Other4
 1
 
2
 8
 1
Other Long-term Assets1
 
 20
Other Long-term Liabilities
 1
 

The following table provides a summary of the pre-tax financial statement effect of the gains and losses on derivative financial instruments designated as foreign currency cash flow hedges for the thirdfirst quarter 2018 and year-to-date 2017 and 2016:2017:
 Third Quarter Year-to-Date
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 (in millions)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)$11
 $10
 $(8) $(1)
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy Expense (a)
 
 (3) 
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Other Income (b)(4) (4) 3
 5
 First Quarter
 2018 2017
 (in millions)
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income$6
 $10
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy Expense (a)2
 (2)
(Gain) Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Other Income (b)
 (5)
 ________________
(a)Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings when the hedged merchandise is sold to the customer. No ineffectiveness was associated with these foreign currency cash flow hedges.
(b)Represents reclassification of amounts from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to earnings to completely offset foreign currency transaction gains and losses recognized on the intercompany loan. No ineffectiveness was associated with this foreign currency cash flow hedge.

The Company estimates that $3$2 million of net losses included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 related to foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges will be reclassified into earnings within the following 12 months. Actual amounts ultimately reclassified depend on the exchange rates in effect when derivative contracts that are currently outstanding mature.
Interest Rate Derivative Instruments
The Company has interest rate swap arrangements related to $300 million of the outstanding 2019 Notes that are designated as interest rate fair value hedges. The interest rate swap arrangements effectively convert the fixed interest rate on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
The following table provides a summary of the fair value and balance sheet classification of the derivative financial instruments designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016:
 October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
 (in millions)
Other Long-term Assets$1
 $2
 $6


12.11. Fair Value Measurements
The following table provides a summary of the principal value and estimated fair value of long-term debt, excluding foreign facilityForeign Facility borrowings, as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Principal Value$5,750
 $5,750
 $5,750
$5,750
 $5,750
 $5,750
Fair Value (a)6,033
 6,030
 6,352
5,735
 5,943
 5,992
  _______________
(a)
The estimated fair value of the Company’s publicly traded debt is based on reported transaction prices which are considered Level 2 inputs in accordance with ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

The authoritative guidance included in ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted market prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices of similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

The following table provides a summary of assets and liabilities measured in the consolidated financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018, January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 TotalLevel 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in millions)(in millions)
As of October 28, 2017       
As of May 5, 2018       
Assets:       
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1,032
 $
 $
 $1,032
Marketable Securities17
 
 
 17
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 1
 
 1
Liabilities:       
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 2
 
 2
As of February 3, 2018       
Assets:       
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1,515
 $
 $
 $1,515
Marketable Securities17
 
 
 17
Liabilities:       
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 9
 
 9
As of April 29, 2017       
Assets:              
Cash and Cash Equivalents$735
 $
 $
 $735
$1,555
 $
 $
 $1,555
Marketable Securities6
 
 
 6
5
 
 
 5
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges
 1
 
 1

 2
 
 2
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 15
 
 15

 27
 
 27
Liabilities:              
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 4
 
 4

 1
 
 1
As of January 28, 2017       
Assets:       
Cash and Cash Equivalents$1,934
 $
 $
 $1,934
Marketable Securities5
 
 
 5
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges
 2
 
 2
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 18
 
 18
Liabilities:       
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 1
 
 1
As of October 29, 2016       
Assets:       
Cash and Cash Equivalents$654
 $
 $
 $654
Marketable Securities8
 
 
 8
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges
 6
 
 6
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges
 26
 
 26

The Company's Level 1 fair value measurements use unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company sold a portion of itsThe Company's marketable securities, which are classified as available-for-sale, for $10 million and recognized a pre-tax gain of $4 million (after-tax gain of $3 million). The gain is included within Other Income in the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated Statement of Income, and the cash proceeds are included in Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities within the Investing Activities section of the 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. These securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements as they are traded with sufficient frequency and volume to enable the Company to obtain pricing information on an ongoing basis.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities. The standard requires the recognition of changes in the fair value of the Company's marketable securities in net income as compared to historical treatment in accumulated other comprehensive income. The Company adopted the standard in the first quarter of 2018. The Company recognized an unrealized holding loss of less than $1 million related to its marketable equity securities in Other Income in the first quarter of 2018 Consolidated Statement of Income.
The Company’s Level 2 fair value measurements use market approach valuation techniques. The primary inputs to these techniques include benchmark interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, as applicable to the underlying instruments.
Management believes that the carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and current debt approximate fair value because of their short maturity.


13.12. Comprehensive Income
The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for year-to-date 2017:the first quarter of 2018:
Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(in millions)(in millions)
Balance as of January 28, 2017$9
 $3
 $
 $12
Balance as of February 3, 2018$32
 $(10) $2
 $24
Amount reclassified to Retained Earnings upon adoption of ASC 321
 
 (2) (2)
Balance as of February 4, 201832
 (10) 
 22
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications8
 (8) 1
 1
(13) 6
 
 (7)
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 1
 
 1
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 2
 
 2
Tax Effect
 1
 
 1

 
 
 
Current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)8
 (6) 1
 3
(13) 8
 
 (5)
Balance as of October 28, 2017$17
 $(3) $1
 $15
Balance as of May 5, 2018$19
 $(2) $
 $17

The following table provides the rollforward of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for year-to-date 2016:the first quarter of 2017:
Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)Foreign Currency Translation Cash Flow Hedges Marketable Securities Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
(in millions)(in millions)
Balance as of January 30, 2016$28
 $4
 $8
 $40
Balance as of January 28, 2017$9
 $3
 $
 $12
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications(25) (1) (6) (32)3
 10
 
 13
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 5
 (4) 1
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 (7) 
 (7)
Tax Effect
 (1) 4
 3

 
 
 
Current-period Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)(25) 3
 (6) (28)3
 3
 
 6
Balance as of October 29, 2016$3
 $7
 $2
 $12
Balance as of April 29, 2017$12
 $6
 $
 $18

The following table provides a summary of the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018 and year-to-date 2017 and 2016:2017:
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Location on Consolidated Statements of Income
  Third Quarter Year-to-Date  
  2017 2016 2017 2016  
  (in millions)  
(Gain) Loss on Cash Flow Hedges $
 $
 $(3) $
 Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
  (4) (4) 3
 5
 Other Income
  
 
 1
 
 Provision for Income Taxes
  $(4) $(4) $1
 $5
 Net Income
           
Sale of Available-for-Sale Securities $
 $
 $
 $(4) Other Income
  
 
 
 1
 Provision for Income Taxes
  $
 $
 $
 $(3) Net Income
Details About Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Location on Consolidated Statements of Income
  First Quarter  
  2018 2017  
  (in millions) 
(Gain) Loss on Cash Flow Hedges $2
 $(2) Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
  
 (5) Other Income
  
 1
 Provision for Income Taxes
  $2
 $(6) Net Income

14.13. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Actions filed against the Company from time to time include commercial, tort, intellectual property, customer, employment, data privacy, securities and other claims, including purported class action lawsuits. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Guarantees
In connection with the disposition of a certain businesses,business, the Company has remaining guarantees of $11$9 million related to lease payments under the current terms of noncancellable leases expiring at various dates through 2021. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses.business. In certain instances, the Company’s guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended. The Company has not recorded a liability with respect to these guarantee obligations as of October 28,May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 or April 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 or October 29, 2016 as it concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable.
In connection with noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, the Company providesprovided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire at various dates through 2021, and the total amount of the guarantees is $104 million. The Company recorded a liability of $3 million as of May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018, and a liability of less than $1 million as of October 28,April 29, 2017 a liability of $1 million as of January 28, 2017, and a liability of $3 million as of October 29, 2016 related to these guarantee obligations, which are included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

15.14. Retirement Benefits
The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and a non-qualified supplemental retirement plan for substantially all of its associates within the U.S. Participation in the tax-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age and service requirements. Participation in the non-qualified plan is available to associates who meet certain age, service, job level and compensation requirements.
The qualified plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to the maximum limits allowable under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible annual compensation and years of service. Associate contributions and Company matching contributions vest immediately. Additional Company contributions and the related investment earnings are subject to vesting based on years of service. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $17$18 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and $15$16 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2016. Total expense recognized related to the qualified plan was $49 million for year-to-date 2017 and $47 million for year-to-date 2016.2017.
The non-qualified plan is an unfunded plan which provides benefits beyond the Internal Revenue Code limits for qualified defined contribution plans. The plan permits participating associates to elect contributions up to a maximum percentage of eligible compensation. The Company matches associate contributions according to a predetermined formula and contributes additional amounts based on a percentage of the associates’ eligible compensation and years of service. The plan also permits participating associates to defer additional compensation up to a maximum amount which the Company does not match. Associates’ accounts are credited with interest using a fixed rate determined by the Company and reviewed by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, prior to the beginning of each year. Associate contributions and the related interest vest immediately. Company contributions, along with related interest, are subject to vesting based on years of service. Associates may elect in-service distributions for the unmatched additional deferred compensation component only. The remaining vested portion of associates’ accounts in the plan will be distributed upon termination of employment in either a lump sum or in annual installments over a specified period of up to 10 years. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $6 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and $7$4 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 2016. Total expense recognized related to the non-qualified plan was $15 million for year-to-date 2017 and $20 million for year-to-date 2016.2017.

16.15. Segment Information
The Company has three reportable segments: Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works and Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International.
The Victoria’s Secret segment sells women’s intimate and other apparel, personal care and beauty products under the Victoria’s Secret and PINK brand names. Victoria’s Secret merchandise is sold online and through retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and its website, www.VictoriasSecret.com.Canada.
The Bath & Body Works segment sells body care, home fragrance products, soaps and sanitizers under the Bath & Body Works, White Barn, C.O. Bigelow and other brand names. Bath & Body Works merchandise is sold online and at retail stores located in the U.S. and Canada and through its website, www.BathandBodyWorks.com.

Canada.
The Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International segment includes the Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works company-owned and partner-operated stores located outside of the U.S. and Canada, as well as itsthe online business in Greater China on the Tmall domestic platform. This segment includes the following:
Victoria's Secret International, comprised of company-owned stores in the U.K., Ireland and Greater China, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise and license arrangements;

Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories, comprised of company-owned stores in Greater China, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements, which feature Victoria's Secret branded beauty and accessories products in travel retail and other locations; and
Bath & Body Works International stores in travel retail and other locations operated by partners under franchise, license and wholesale arrangements.
Other consists of the following:
Mast Global, a merchandise sourcing and production function serving the Company and its international partners;
La Senza, which sells women's intimate apparel online and through company-owned stores located in Canada and the U.S. and Canada, its website, www.LaSenza.com,, as well as stores operated by partners under franchise and license arrangements;
Henri Bendel, which sells handbags, jewelry and other accessory products online and through company-owned stores and its website, www.HenriBendel.com;stores; and
Corporate functions including non-core real estate, equity investments and other governance functions such as treasury and tax.
The following table provides the Company’s segment information for the thirdfirst quarter and year-to-dateof 20172018 and 20162017:
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 Other Total
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 Other Total
(in millions)(in millions)
2017         
Third Quarter:         
2018         
First Quarter:         
Net Sales$1,539
 $816
 $115
 $148
 $2,618
$1,589
 $761
 $135
 $141
 $2,626
Operating Income (Loss)134
 138
 
 (40) 232
83
 124
 (5) (47) 155
Year-to-Date:         
2017         
First Quarter:         
Net Sales$4,718
 $2,354
 $332
 $405
 $7,809
$1,533
 $678
 $104
 $122
 $2,437
Operating Income (Loss)476
 396
 1
 (131) 742
159
 102
 (1) (51) 209
2016         
Third Quarter:         
Net Sales$1,584
 $770
 $104
 $123
 $2,581
Operating Income (Loss)164
 145
 9
 (34) 284
Year-to-Date:        

Net Sales$5,192
 $2,232
 $299
 $362
 $8,085
Operating Income (Loss)679
 405
 30
 (99) 1,015
The Company's international net sales include sales from company-owned stores, royalty revenue from franchise and license arrangements, wholesale revenues and direct sales shipped internationally. Certain of these sales are subject to the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency. The Company’s international net sales across all segments totaled $365$359 million and $330$299 million for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and 2016, respectively. The Company's international net sales across all segments totaled $1.014 billion and $958 million for year-to-date 2017, and 2016, respectively.
 
17.16. Subsequent Events
Subsequent to October 28, 2017,
On May 31, 2018, the Company retired 36 million sharesannounced the commencement of separate private offers to eligible holders to exchange certain of its treasury stock.outstanding 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes (collectively, the "offers") for a series of its newly issued debt securities due 2027 and cash. The offers will expire on June 27, 2018 with a potential early settlement date of June 18, 2018, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Subsequent to October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, the Company repurchased an additional 0.11.2 million shares of common stock for $6$42 million under the September 2017March 2018 repurchase program. For additional information, see Note 3, “Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit).”


18.17. Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s 2019 Notes, 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes, 2028 Notes, 2035 Notes, and 2036 Notes and certain of its Foreign Facilities are jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by the Guarantors. The Company is a holding company, and its most significant assets are the stock of its subsidiaries. The Guarantors represent: (a) substantially all of the sales of the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, (b) more than 90% of the assets owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries, other than real property, certain other assets and intercompany investments and balances and (c) more than 95% of the accounts receivable and inventory directly owned by the Company’s domestic subsidiaries.
The following supplemental financial information sets forth for the Company and its guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries: the Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018, January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017 and the Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income and Cash Flows for the periods ended October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017.

L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
October 28, 2017May 5, 2018
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS                  
Current Assets:                  
Cash and Cash Equivalents$
 $377
 $358
 $
 $735
$
 $677
 $355
 $
 $1,032
Accounts Receivable, Net1
 181
 103
 
 285

 152
 122
 
 274
Inventories
 1,519
 196
 
 1,715

 1,199
 151
 
 1,350
Other(1) 74
 122
 
 195
1
 136
 97
 
 234
Total Current Assets
 2,151
 779
 
 2,930
1
 2,164
 725
 
 2,890
Property and Equipment, Net
 2,056
 864
 
 2,920

 1,970
 924
 
 2,894
Goodwill
 1,318
 30
 
 1,348

 1,318
 30
 
 1,348
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
 411
 
 
 411
Trade Names
 411
 
 
 411
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates4,552
 18,111
 1,687
 (24,350) 
4,690
 18,969
 2,025
 (25,684) 
Deferred Income Taxes
 10
 13
 
 23

 9
 13
 
 22
Other Assets130
 26
 640
 (612) 184
129
 16
 651
 (612) 184
Total Assets$4,682
 $24,083
 $4,013
 $(24,962) $7,816
$4,820
 $24,857
 $4,368
 $(26,296) $7,749
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)                  
Current Liabilities:                  
Accounts Payable$2
 $567
 $468
 $
 $1,037
$5
 $350
 $362
 $
 $717
Accrued Expenses and Other108
 485
 303
 
 896
59
 461
 328
 
 848
Current Portion of Long-term Debt
 
 80
 
 80
Current Debt
 
 89
 
 89
Income Taxes
 
 6
 
 6
6
 176
 22
 
 204
Total Current Liabilities110
 1,052
 857
 
 2,019
70
 987
 801
 
 1,858
Deferred Income Taxes(2) (82) 451
 
 367
(2) (41) 277
 
 234
Long-term Debt5,705
 597
 
 (597) 5,705
5,707
 597
 12
 (597) 5,719
Other Long-term Liabilities3
 766
 90
 (15) 844
1
 823
 98
 (15) 907
Total Equity (Deficit)(1,134) 21,750
 2,615
 (24,350) (1,119)(956) 22,491
 3,180
 (25,684) (969)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)$4,682
 $24,083
 $4,013
 $(24,962) $7,816
$4,820
 $24,857
 $4,368
 $(26,296) $7,749

















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

January 28, 2017February 3, 2018
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS                  
Current Assets:                  
Cash and Cash Equivalents$
 $1,562
 $372
 $
 $1,934
$
 $1,164
 $351
 $
 $1,515
Accounts Receivable, Net
 228
 66
 
 294

 186
 124
 
 310
Inventories
 976
 120
 
 1,096

 1,095
 145
 
 1,240
Other
 53
 88
 
 141

 132
 96
 
 228
Total Current Assets
 2,819
 646
 
 3,465

 2,577
 716
 
 3,293
Property and Equipment, Net
 1,897
 844
 
 2,741

 1,984
 909
 
 2,893
Goodwill
 1,318
 30
 
 1,348

 1,318
 30
 
 1,348
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
 411
 
 
 411
Trade Names
 411
 
 
 411
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates4,923
 15,824
 1,350
 (22,097) 
4,912
 18,359
 2,106
 (25,377) 
Deferred Income Taxes
 10
 9
 
 19

 10
 4
 
 14
Other Assets130
 28
 639
 (611) 186
129
 18
 654
 (611) 190
Total Assets$5,053
 $22,307
 $3,518
 $(22,708) $8,170
$5,041
 $24,677
 $4,419
 $(25,988) $8,149
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)                  
Current Liabilities:                  
Accounts Payable$3
 $326
 $354
 $
 $683
$2
 $349
 $366
 $
 $717
Accrued Expenses and Other100
 526
 371
 
 997
101
 529
 399
 
 1,029
Current Portion of Long-term Debt
 
 36
 
 36
Current Debt
 
 87
 
 87
Income Taxes(11) 221
 88
 
 298
6
 174
 18
 
 198
Total Current Liabilities92
 1,073
 849
 
 2,014
109
 1,052
 870
 
 2,031
Deferred Income Taxes(3) (93) 448
 
 352
(2) (46) 286
 
 238
Long-term Debt5,700
 597
 
 (597) 5,700
5,706
 597
 1
 (597) 5,707
Other Long-term Liabilities3
 761
 81
 (14) 831
3
 835
 100
 (14) 924
Total Equity (Deficit)(739) 19,969
 2,140
 (22,097) (727)(775) 22,239
 3,162
 (25,377) (751)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)$5,053
 $22,307
 $3,518
 $(22,708) $8,170
$5,041
 $24,677
 $4,419
 $(25,988) $8,149


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
October 29, 2016April 29, 2017
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
ASSETS                  
Current Assets:                  
Cash and Cash Equivalents$
 $370
 $284
 $
 $654
$
 $1,207
 $348
 $
 $1,555
Accounts Receivable, Net1
 260
 64
 
 325
1
 130
 82
 
 213
Inventories
 1,501
 150
 
 1,651

 1,000
 147
 
 1,147
Other
 158
 98
 
 256

 130
 107
 
 237
Total Current Assets1
 2,289
 596
 
 2,886
1
 2,467
 684
 
 3,152
Property and Equipment, Net
 1,955
 815
 
 2,770

 1,935
 826
 
 2,761
Goodwill
 1,318
 30
 
 1,348

 1,318
 30
 
 1,348
Trade Names and Other Intangible Assets, Net
 411
 
 
 411
Trade Names
 411
 
 
 411
Net Investments in and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates4,475
 15,461
 1,815
 (21,751) 
4,819
 16,358
 1,449
 (22,626) 
Deferred Income Taxes1
 11
 18
 
 30

 10
 13
 
 23
Other Assets133
 35
 661
 (611) 218
129
 34
 636
 (612) 187
Total Assets$4,610
 $21,480
 $3,935
 $(22,362) $7,663
$4,949
 $22,533
 $3,638
 $(23,238) $7,882
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)                  
Current Liabilities:                  
Accounts Payable$
 $580
 $382
 $
 $962
$2
 $371
 $291
 $
 $664
Accrued Expenses and Other111
 513
 285
 
 909
109
 394
 310
 
 813
Current Portion of Long-term Debt
 
 23
 
 23
Current Debt
 
 44
 
 44
Income Taxes
 (2) 115
 
 113
(11) 226
 95
 
 310
Total Current Liabilities111
 1,091
 805
 
 2,007
100
 991
 740
 
 1,831
Deferred Income Taxes(3) (83) 348
 
 262
(3) (86) 449
 
 360
Long-term Debt5,701
 597
 
 (597) 5,701
5,702
 597
 
 (597) 5,702
Other Long-term Liabilities1
 747
 147
 (14) 881
3
 752
 84
 (15) 824
Total Equity (Deficit)(1,200) 19,128
 2,635
 (21,751) (1,188)(853) 20,279
 2,365
 (22,626) (835)
Total Liabilities and Equity (Deficit)$4,610
 $21,480
 $3,935
 $(22,362) $7,663
$4,949
 $22,533
 $3,638
 $(23,238) $7,882


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Third Quarter 2017First Quarter 2018
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales$
 $2,508
 $947
 $(837) $2,618
$
 $2,466
 $839
 $(679) $2,626
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
 (1,639) (717) 727
 (1,629)
 (1,622) (669) 609
 (1,682)
Gross Profit
 869
 230
 (110) 989

 844
 170
 (70) 944
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(2) (731) (104) 80
 (757)(4) (726) (109) 50
 (789)
Operating Income (Loss)(2) 138
 126
 (30) 232
(4) 118
 61
 (20) 155
Interest Expense(98) (28) (3) 30
 (99)(97) (20) (3) 22
 (98)
Other Income
 2
 
 
 2
Other Income (Loss)
 4
 (2) 
 2
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes(100) 112
 123
 
 135
(101) 102
 56
 2
 59
Provision for Income Taxes1
 27
 21
 
 49
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(2) 13
 
 
 11
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax187
 166
 67
 (420) 
147
 215
 152
 (514) 
Net Income (Loss)$86
 $251
 $169
 $(420) $86
$48
 $304
 $208
 $(512) $48



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Third Quarter 2017First Quarter 2018
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)$86
 $251
 $169
 $(420) $86
$48
 $304
 $208
 $(512) $48
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:                  
Foreign Currency Translation
 
 (2) 
 (2)
 
 (13) 
 (13)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 10
 
 10
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 6
 
 6
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
 
 (4) 
 (4)
 
 2
 
 2
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 4
 
 4

 
 (5) 
 (5)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)$86
 $251
 $173
 $(420) $90
$48
 $304
 $203
 $(512) $43












L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Third Quarter 2016First Quarter 2017
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales$
 $2,478
 $846
 $(743) $2,581
$
 $2,310
 $696
 $(569) $2,437
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
 (1,545) (678) 667
 (1,556)
 (1,486) (571) 523
 (1,534)
Gross Profit
 933
 168
 (76) 1,025

 824
 125
 (46) 903
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(1) (685) (111) 56
 (741)(4) (635) (90) 35
 (694)
Operating Income (Loss)(1) 248
 57
 (20) 284
(4) 189
 35
 (11) 209
Interest Expense(97) (20) (2) 22
 (97)(100) (11) (3) 13
 (101)
Other Income (Loss)
 
 3
 
 3
Other Income
 3
 7
 
 10
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes(98) 228
 58
 2
 190
(104) 181
 39
 2
 118
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes
 82
 (14) 
 68
Provision for Income Taxes
 20
 4
 
 24
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax220
 47
 4
 (271) 
198
 179
 150
 (527) 
Net Income (Loss)$122
 $193
 $76
 $(269) $122
$94
 $340
 $185
 $(525) $94



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
 Third Quarter 2016
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)$122
 $193
 $76
 $(269) $122
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:         
Foreign Currency Translation
 
 (15) 
 (15)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 9
 
 9
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
 
 (4) 
 (4)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 (10) 
 (10)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)$122
 $193
 $66
 $(269) $112


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 Year-to-Date 2017
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales$
 $7,398
 $2,472
 $(2,061) $7,809
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
 (4,779) (1,930) 1,819
 (4,890)
Gross Profit
 2,619
 542
 (242) 2,919
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(8) (2,059) (290) 180
 (2,177)
Operating Income (Loss)(8) 560
 252
 (62) 742
Interest Expense(298) (61) (8) 67
 (300)
Other Income (Loss)
 6
 22
 
 28
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes(306) 505
 266
 5
 470
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes1
 92
 58
 
 151
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax626
 642
 447
 (1,715) 
Net Income (Loss)$319
 $1,055
 $655
 $(1,710) $319



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 Year-to-Date 2017
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)$319
 $1,055
 $655
 $(1,710) $319
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:         
Foreign Currency Translation
 
 8
 
 8
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 (7) 
 (7)
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
 
 1
 
 1
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities
 
 1
 
 1
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 3
 

3
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)$319
 $1,055
 $658
 $(1,710) $322









L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 Year-to-Date 2016
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Sales$
 $7,674
 $2,512
 $(2,101) $8,085
Costs of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy
 (4,785) (2,058) 1,939
 (4,904)
Gross Profit
 2,889
 454
 (162) 3,181
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses(6) (1,959) (330) 129
 (2,166)
Operating Income (Loss)(6) 930
 124
 (33) 1,015
Interest Expense(295) (40) (7) 47
 (295)
Other Income (Loss)(36) 2
 117
 
 83
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes(337) 892
 234
 14
 803
Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes(13) 216
 74
 
 277
Equity in Earnings (Loss), Net of Tax850
 332
 268
 (1,450) 
Net Income (Loss)$526
 $1,008
 $428
 $(1,436) $526



L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 Year-to-Date 2016
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)$526
 $1,008
 $428
 $(1,436) $526
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:         
Foreign Currency Translation
 
 (25) 
 (25)
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 (2) 
 (2)
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
 
 5
 
 5
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Marketable Securities
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Reclassification of Gain on Marketable Securities to Earnings
 
 (3) 
 (3)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 (28) 
 (28)
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)$526
 $1,008
 $400
 $(1,436)
$498



 First Quarter 2017
 L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Income (Loss)$94
 $340
 $185
 $(525) $94
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:         
Foreign Currency Translation
 
 3
 
 3
Unrealized Gain on Cash Flow Hedges
 
 9
 
 9
Reclassification of Cash Flow Hedges to Earnings
 
 (6) 
 (6)
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
 
 6
 
 6
Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)$94
 $340
 $191
 $(525) $100





L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Year-to-Date 2017Year-to-Date 2018
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities$(289) $230
 $197
 $
 $138
$(141) $65
 $(3) $
 $(79)
Investing Activities:                  
Capital Expenditures
 (461) (138) 
 (599)
 (91) (69) 
 (160)
Return of Capital from Easton Investments
 
 27
 
 27

 
 1
 
 1
Net Investments in Consolidated Affiliates
 
 (12) 12
 

 
 (11) 11
 
Other Investing Activities
 
 (9) 
 (9)
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities
 (461) (132) 12
 (581)
 (91) (79) 11
 (159)
Financing Activities:                  
Borrowings from Foreign Facilities
 
 67
 
 67

 
 21
 
 21
Repayments on Foreign Facilities
 
 (23) 
 (23)
Repayments of Foreign Facilities
 
 (8) 
 (8)
Dividends Paid(516) 
 
 
 (516)(168) 
 
 
 (168)
Repurchases of Common Stock(283) 
 
 
 (283)(81) 
 
 
 (81)
Tax Payments related to Share-based Awards(31) 
 
 
 (31)(8) 
 
 
 (8)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options37
 
 
 
 37
1
 
 
 
 1
Financing Costs(5) 
 
 
 (5)
Other Financing Activities
 (4) 
 
 (4)
Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates1,087
 (950) (125) (12) 
397
 (461) 75
 (11) 
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities289
 (954) (81) (12) (758)141
 (461) 88
 (11) (243)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 2
 
 2

 
 (2) 
 (2)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 (1,185) (14) 
 (1,199)
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 (487) 4
 
 (483)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
 1,562
 372
 
 1,934

 1,164
 351
 
 1,515
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$
 $377
 $358
 $
 $735
$
 $677
 $355
 $
 $1,032


L BRANDS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions)
(Unaudited)
 
Year-to-Date 2016Year-to-Date 2017
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
L Brands, Inc. 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
guarantor
Subsidiaries
 Eliminations 
Consolidated
L Brands, Inc.
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities$(286) $437
 $260
 $
 $411
$(96) $181
 $(78) $
 $7
Investing Activities:                  
Capital Expenditures
 (648) (177) 
 (825)
 (135) (30) 
 (165)
Return of Capital from Easton Investments
 
 116
 
 116

 
 10
 
 10
Acquisition, Net of Cash Acquired of $1
 
 (33) 
 (33)
Proceeds from Sale of Marketable Securities
 
 10
 
 10
Net Investments in Consolidated Affiliates
 
 (27) 27
 
Other Investing Activities
 1
 10
 
 11
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities
 (647) (101) 27
 (721)
Net Cash Used for Investing Activities
 (135) (20) 
 (155)
Financing Activities:                  
Proceeds from the Issuance of Long-term Debt, Net of Issuance Costs692
 
 
 
 692
Payment of Long-term Debt(742) 
 
 
 (742)
Borrowings from Foreign Facilities
 
 20
 
 20

 
 9
 
 9
Repayments on Foreign Facilities
 
 (4) 
 (4)
Repayments of Foreign Facilities
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Dividends Paid(1,096) 
 
 
 (1,096)(172) 
 
 
 (172)
Repurchases of Common Stock(410) 
 
 
 (410)(85) 
 
 
 (85)
Tax Payments related to Share-based Awards(56) 
 
 
 (56)(17) 
 
 
 (17)
Proceeds from Exercise of Stock Options17
 
 
 
 17
36
 
 
 
 36
Other Financing Activities
 (2) 
 
 (2)
Net Financing Activities and Advances to/from Consolidated Affiliates1,881
 (1,608) (246) (27) 
334
 (401) 67
 
 
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities286
 (1,610) (230) (27) (1,581)96
 (401) 75
 
 (230)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
 (3) 
 (3)
 
 (1) 
 (1)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents
 (1,820) (74) 
 (1,894)
 (355) (24) 
 (379)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
 2,190
 358
 
 2,548

 1,562
 372
 
 1,934
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$
 $370
 $284
 $
 $654
$
 $1,207
 $348
 $
 $1,555


Review Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


To the Shareholders and Board of Directors and Shareholders
of L Brands, Inc.:

Results of Review of Interim Financial Statements

We have reviewed the accompanying consolidated balance sheetsheets of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries(the Company) as of October 28,May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, and October 29, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, and comprehensive income, for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 28, 2017 and October 29, 2016 and cash flows for the thirty-nine weekthirteen-week periods ended October 28,May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017, and October 29, 2016. Thesethe related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated interim financial statements”). Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We conducted our reviewhave previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of February 3, 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, total equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (not presented herein); and in our report dated March 23, 2018, we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of February 3, 2018, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

Basis for Review Results

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the PCAOB. We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. A review of interim financial informationstatements consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States),PCAOB, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated interim financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 28, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, total equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and we expressed an unqualified audit opinion on those consolidated financial statements in our report dated March 17, 2017. In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of L Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 28, 2017, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Grandview Heights, Ohio
December 1, 2017June 7, 2018


SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE
SECURITIES LITIGATION ACT OF 1995
Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995
We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this report or made by our company or our management involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various factors, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, our future performance and financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking statements. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “planned,” “potential” and any similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Risks associated with the following factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements included in this report or otherwise made by our company or our management:
general economic conditions, consumer confidence, consumer spending patterns and market disruptions including severe weather conditions, natural disasters, health hazards, terrorist activities, financial crises, political crises or other major events, or the prospect of these events;
the seasonality of our business;
the dependence on mall traffic and the availability of suitable store locations on appropriate terms;
our ability to grow through new store openings and existing store remodels and expansions;
our ability to successfully expand internationally and related risks;
our independent franchise, license and wholesale partners;
our direct channel businesses;
our ability to protect our reputation and our brand images;
our ability to attract customers with marketing, advertising and promotional programs;
our ability to protect our trade names, trademarks and patents;
the highly competitive nature of the retail industry and the segments in which we operate;
consumer acceptance of our products and our ability to manage the life cycle of our brands, keep up with fashion trends, develop new merchandise and launch new product lines successfully;
our ability to source, distribute and sell goods and materials on a global basis, including risks related to:
political instability, significant health hazards, environmental hazards or natural disasters;
duties, taxes and other charges;
legal and regulatory matters;
volatility in currency exchange rates;
local business practices and political issues;
potential delays or disruptions in shipping and transportation and related pricing impacts;
disruption due to labor disputes; and
changing expectations regarding product safety due to new legislation;
our geographic concentration of suppliervendor and distribution facilities in central Ohio;
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates;
stock price volatility;
our ability to pay dividends and related effects;
our ability to maintain our credit rating;
our ability to service or refinance our debt;
our ability to retain key personnel;
our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified associates and manage labor-related costs;

the ability of our manufacturersvendors to deliver products in a timely manner, meet quality standards and comply with applicable laws and regulations;
fluctuations in product input costs;
our ability to adequately protect our assets from loss and theft;
fluctuations in energy costs;
increases in the costs of mailing, paper and printing;
claims arising from our self-insurance;
our ability to implement and maintain information technology systems and to protect associated data;
our ability to maintain the security of customer, associate, supplierthird-party or company information;
our ability to comply with regulatory requirements;
legal and compliance matters; and
tax, trade and other regulatory matters.
We are not under any obligation and do not intend to make publicly available any update or other revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect circumstances existing after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of future events even if experience or future events make it clear that any expected results expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements will not be realized. Additional information regarding these and other factors can be found in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations are based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Executive Overview
In the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, our operating income decreased $52$54 million, or 18%26%, to $232$155 million, and our operating income rate decreased to 8.8%5.9% from 11.0%8.6%. Net sales increased $37$189 million to $2.618$2.626 billion, comparable sales decreased 1%increased 3% and comparable store sales decreased 3%2%. At Victoria's Secret, net sales decreased 3%increased 4%, and operating income decreased 18%48%. At Bath & Body Works, net sales increased 6%12%, and operating income decreased 5%increased 21%. At Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International, net sales increased 11%31%, and operating income decreased to approximately break-even.by $4 million. For additional information related to our thirdfirst quarter 20172018 financial performance, see “Results of Operations.”
The global retail sector and our business continue to face an uncertain environment and, as a result, we continue to take a conservative stance with respect to the financial management of our business. We will continue to manage our business carefully,thoughtfully, and we will focus on the execution of the retail fundamentals.
At the same time, we are aggressively focusing on bringing compelling merchandise assortments and marketing, store and online experiences to our customers. We will look for, and seek to capitalize on, those opportunities available to us. We believe that our brands, which lead their categories and offer high emotional content to customers at accessible prices, are well-positioned.

Adjusted Financial Information
In addition to our results provided in accordance with GAAP above and throughout this Form 10-Q, provided below are non-GAAP measurements which present net income and earnings per share in 2016 on an adjusted basis, which remove certain special items. We believe that these special items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. We use adjusted financial information as key performance measures of results of operations for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measurements are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Instead, we believe that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Further, our definition of adjusted financial information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies. The table below reconciles the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures.
 Third Quarter Year-to-Date
(in millions, except per share amounts)2017 2016 2017 2016
Detail of Special Items included in Operating Income - Income (Expense)       
Victoria's Secret Restructuring (a)$
 $
 $
 $(35)
Total Special Items included in Operating Income$
 $
 $
 $(35)
        
Detail of Special Items included in Other Income - Income (Loss)       
Gain on Distribution from Easton Town Center, LLC (b)$
 $
 $
 $108
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (c)
 
 
 (36)
Total Special Items included in Other Income$
 $
 $
 $72
        
Detail of Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes - Provision       
Tax effect of Special Items$
 $
 $
 $(11)
Total Special Items included in Provision for Income Taxes$
 $
 $
 $(11)
        
Reconciliation of Reported Operating Income to Adjusted Operating Income       
Reported Operating Income$232
 $284
 $742
 $1,015
Special Items included in Operating Income
 
 
 35
Adjusted Operating Income$232
 $284
 $742
 $1,050
        
Reconciliation of Reported Net Income to Adjusted Net Income       
Reported Net Income$86
 $122
 $319
 $526
Special Items included in Net Income
 
 
 (26)
Adjusted Net Income$86
 $122
 $319
 $500
        
Reconciliation of Reported Earnings Per Diluted Share to Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share       
Reported Earnings Per Diluted Share$0.30
 $0.42
 $1.11
 $1.81
Special Items included in Earnings Per Diluted Share
 
 
 (0.09)
Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share$0.30
 $0.42
 $1.11
 $1.72
_______________
(a)In the first quarter of 2016, we made strategic changes within the Victoria’s Secret segment designed to focus the brand on its core merchandise categories and streamline operations. As a result of these changes, we recorded charges related to severance and related costs, fabric cancellations and catalogue paper write-offs. For additional information see Note 5, “Restructuring Activities” included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
(b)In the second quarter of 2016, we received a $124 million cash distribution from Easton Town Center, LLC resulting in a pre-tax gain of $108 million (after-tax gain of $70 million). For additional information see Note 8, "Equity Investments and Other" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
(c)In the second quarter of 2016, we repurchased our $700 million 6.90% Senior Unsecured Notes due July 2017 resulting in a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of $36 million (after-tax loss of $22 million). For additional information see Note 10, "Long-term Debt" included in Item 1. Financial Statements.


well positioned.

Company-Owned Store Data
The following table compares the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 company-owned store data to the thirdfirst quarter of 2016 and year-to-date 2017 store data to year-to-date 2016:2017:
Third Quarter Year-to-DateFirst Quarter
2017 2016 % Change 2017 2016 % Change2018 2017 % Change
Sales per Average Selling Square Foot                
Victoria’s Secret U.S.$164
 $174
 (6)% $510
 $563
 (9)%$166
 $167
 (1)%
Bath & Body Works U.S.162
 164
 (1)% 480
 485
 (1)%150
 140
 7 %
Sales per Average Store (in thousands)                
Victoria’s Secret U.S.$1,050
 $1,091
 (4)% $3,252
 $3,523
 (8)%$1,063
 $1,061
  %
Bath & Body Works U.S.407
 399
 2 % 1,196
 1,170
 2 %381
 346
 10 %
Average Store Size (selling square feet)                
Victoria’s Secret U.S.6,390
 6,330
 1 %      6,419
 6,352
 1 %
Bath & Body Works U.S.2,525
 2,444
 3 %      2,542
 2,467
 3 %
Total Selling Square Feet (in thousands)                
Victoria’s Secret U.S.7,234
 7,153
 1 %      7,189
 7,191
  %
Bath & Body Works U.S.4,045
 3,891
 4 %      4,052
 3,935
 3 %

The following table represents company-owned store data for year-to-date 2017:the first quarter of 2018:
Stores Operating at     Stores Operating atStores Operating at     Stores Operating at
January 28, 2017 Opened Closed October 28, 2017February 3, 2018 Opened Closed May 5, 2018
Victoria’s Secret U.S.1,131
 10
 (9) 1,132
1,124
 1
 (5) 1,120
Victoria’s Secret Canada46
 2
 (2) 46
46
 
 (1) 45
Total Victoria's Secret1,177
 12
 (11) 1,178
1,170
 1
 (6) 1,165
Bath & Body Works U.S.1,591
 25
 (14) 1,602
1,592
 13
 (11) 1,594
Bath & Body Works Canada102
 
 
 102
102
 
 
 102
Total Bath & Body Works1,693
 25
 (14) 1,704
1,694
 13
 (11) 1,696
Victoria's Secret U.K.18
 2
 
 20
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories31
 1
 (3) 29
Victoria's Secret U.K. / Ireland24
 
 
 24
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories China29
 
 
 29
Victoria's Secret China
 2
 
 2
7
 
 
 7
Total Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International49
 5
 (3) 51
60
 
 
 60
Henri Bendel29
 
 (1) 28
27
 
 (3) 24
La Senza Canada119
 
 
 119
La Senza U.S.4
 1
 
 5
5
 
 
 5
La Senza Canada122
 1
 (2) 121
Total L Brands Stores3,074
 44
 (31) 3,087
3,075
 14
 (20) 3,069


The following table represents company-owned store data for year-to-date 2016:the first quarter of 2017:
Stores Operating at       Stores Operating atStores Operating at     Stores Operating at
January 30, 2016 Opened Acquired (a) Closed October 29, 2016January 28, 2017 Opened Closed April 29, 2017
Victoria’s Secret U.S.1,118
 19
 
 (7) 1,130
1,131
 2
 (1) 1,132
Victoria’s Secret Canada46
 
 
 
 46
46
 1
 (1) 46
Total Victoria's Secret1,164
 19
 
 (7) 1,176
1,177
 3
 (2) 1,178
Bath & Body Works U.S.1,574
 23
 
 (5) 1,592
1,591
 7
 (3) 1,595
Bath & Body Works Canada98
 4
 
 
 102
102
 
 
 102
Total Bath & Body Works1,672
 27
 
 (5) 1,694
1,693
 7
 (3) 1,697
Victoria's Secret U.K.14
 3
 
 
 17
18
 
 
 18
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories
 4
 26
 (1) 29
Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories China31
 
 
 31
Victoria's Secret China
 2
 
 2
Total Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International14
 7
 26
 (1) 46
49

2



51
Henri Bendel29
 
 
 
 29
29
 
 
 29
La Senza Canada122
 1
 (2) 121
La Senza U.S.
 3
 
 
 3
4
 
 
 4
La Senza Canada126
 
 
 (1) 125
Total L Brands Stores3,005
 56
 26
 (14) 3,073
3,074
 13
 (7) 3,080
_______________
(a)    Relates to the acquisition of Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories franchise stores in Greater China. For additional
information see Note 4, “Acquisition” included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
Noncompany-Owned Store Data
The following table represents noncompany-owned store data for year-to-date 2017:the first quarter of 2018:
Stores Operating at     Stores Operating atStores Operating at     Stores Operating at
January 28, 2017 Opened Closed October 28, 2017February 3, 2018 Opened Closed May 5, 2018
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories391
 25
 (18) 398
397
 13
 (10) 400
Victoria's Secret28
 7
 
 35
37
 6
 
 43
Bath & Body Works159
 18
 (1) 176
185
 13
 (3) 195
La Senza203
 4
 (13) 194
194
 
 (2) 192
Total781
 54
 (32) 803
813
 32
 (15) 830
The following table represents noncompany-owned store data for year-to-date 2016:the first quarter of 2017:
 Stores Operating at       Stores Operating at
 January 30, 2016 Opened Closed Transferred (a) October 29, 2016
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories373
 43
 (9) (26) 381
Victoria's Secret19
 7
 
 
 26
Bath & Body Works125
 26
 (1) 
 150
La Senza221
 4
 (18) 
 207
Total738
 80
 (28) (26) 764
_______________
(a)    Relates to the acquisition of Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories franchise stores in Greater China. For additional
information see Note 4, “Acquisition” included in Item 1. Financial Statements.
 Stores Operating at     Stores Operating at
 January 28, 2017 Opened Closed April 29, 2017
Victoria’s Secret Beauty & Accessories391
 11
 (6) 396
Victoria's Secret28
 2
 
 30
Bath & Body Works159
 7
 (1) 165
La Senza203
 2
 (6) 199
Total781
 22
 (13) 790


Results of Operations
ThirdFirst Quarter of 20172018 Compared to ThirdFirst Quarter of 20162017
Operating Income
The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 in comparison to the thirdfirst quarter of 20162017:
    Operating Income Rate    Operating Income Rate
2017 2016 2017 20162018 2017 2018 2017
Third Quarter(in millions)    
First Quarter(in millions)    
Victoria’s Secret$134
 $164
 8.7 % 10.3 %$83
 $159
 5.2 % 10.4 %
Bath & Body Works138
 145
 16.9 % 18.9 %124
 102
 16.3 % 15.0 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International
 9
 (0.1)% 8.6 %(5) (1) (3.6)% (0.5)%
Other (a)(40) (34) (26.9)% (28.1)%(47) (51) (33.5)% (41.6)%
Total Operating Income$232
 $284
 8.8 % 11.0 %$155
 $209
 5.9 % 8.6 %
  _______________
(a)Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018, operating income decreased $52$54 million, or 18%26%, to $232$155 million, and the operating income rate decreased to 8.8%5.9% from 11.0%8.6%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 in comparison to the thirdfirst quarter of 20162017:
2017 2016 % Change2018 2017 % Change
Third Quarter(in millions)  
First Quarter(in millions)  
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)$1,243
 $1,286
 (3)%$1,236
 $1,247
 (1)%
Victoria’s Secret Direct296
 298
 (1)%353
 286
 23 %
Total Victoria’s Secret1,539
 1,584
 (3)%1,589
 1,533
 4 %
Bath & Body Works Stores (a)703
 682
 3 %649
 588
 10 %
Bath & Body Works Direct113
 88
 27 %112
 90
 25 %
Total Bath & Body Works816
 770
 6 %761
 678
 12 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International115
 104
 11 %135
 104
 31 %
Other (b)148
 123
 20 %141
 122
 15 %
Total Net Sales$2,618
 $2,581
 1 %$2,626
 $2,437
 8 %
 _______________
(a)Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)Includes Mast Global, La Senza and Henri Bendel and Corporate.Bendel.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for the thirdfirst quarter of 2018 to the first quarter of 2017 to the third quarter of 2016:
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 Other Total
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 Other Total
Third Quarter(in millions)
2016 Net Sales$1,584
 $770
 $104
 $123
 $2,581
First Quarter(in millions)
2017 Net Sales$1,533
 $678
 $104
 $122
 $2,437
Comparable Store Sales(59) 4
 (2) 1
 (56)(55) 29
 (12) 
 (38)
Sales Associated with New, Closed and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net13
 16
 6
 (1) 34
25
 30
 20
 (1) 74
Foreign Currency Translation3
 2
 1
 2
 8
2
 2
 5
 1
 10
Direct Channels(2) 24
 5
 2
 29
59
 22
 8
 2
 91
Private Label Credit Card25
 
 
 
 25
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other
 
 1
 21
 22

 
 10
 17
 27
2017 Net Sales$1,539
 $816
 $115
 $148
 $2,618
2018 Net Sales$1,589
 $761
 $135
 $141
 $2,626

The following table compares the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 comparable sales to the thirdfirst quarter of 20162017:
Third Quarter2017 2016
First Quarter2018 2017
Comparable Sales (Stores and Direct) (a)      
Victoria's Secret (b)(4)% (1)%1 % (14)%
Bath & Body Works (b)4 % 7 %8 % 2 %
Total Comparable Sales(1)% 2 %3 % (9)%
      
Comparable Store Sales (a)      
Victoria’s Secret (b)(5)% (2)%(5)% (12)%
Bath & Body Works (b)1 % 5 %5 % (1)%
Total Comparable Store Sales(3)%  %(2)% (9)%
________
(a)The percentage change in comparable sales represents direct and comparable store sales. The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. The percentage change in comparable sales are calculated on a comparable calendar period as opposed to a fiscal basis. Comparable sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(b)Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, net sales decreased $45increased $56 million to $1.539$1.589 billion, comparable sales decreased 4%increased 1%, and comparable store sales decreased 5%. Net sales decreasedincreased primarily due to strategic decisions to exit the swim and apparel categories, a decreaseincreases in core bra sales due to a decline in unconstructedconstructed bras and a decline in panties as we reposition the category. These results were partially offset by increases in PINKcontinue to focus on that core business and beauty and sleep driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion. Additionally, net sales increased $25 million as a result of the change in presentation for income received from our Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement. These results were partially offset by declines in unconstructed and sport bras due to merchandise performance and category resets, and PINK driven by a decline in swim as we exit the category.
The decrease in comparable store sales was driven primarily by a decrease in total transactions driven bylower average unit retail and reduced traffic.
Bath & Body Works
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, net sales increased $46$83 million to $816$761 million, comparable sales increased 4%8%, and comparable store sales increased 1%5%. Net sales increased in themost categories including home fragrance, and body care categories,and soaps and sanitizers, which incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.

The increase in comparable store sales was driven primarily by higher average dollar sales.conversion.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, net sales increased $11$31 million to $115$135 million primarily related to new company-owned Victoria's Secret stores, additional stores opened by our partners and direct channel growth in Greater China and additional stores openedChina. These increases were partially offset by our partners.a decline in Victoria's Secret U.K. sales.
Other
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, net sales increased $25$19 million to $148$141 million primarily due to an increase in wholesale sales to our international partners.
Gross Profit
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, our gross profit decreased $36increased $41 million to $989$944 million, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 37.8%35.9% from 39.7%37.1%, primarily driven by the following:
Victoria's Secret
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, the gross profit decrease was primarily driven by lower merchandise margin dollars related to the decrease in net sales and higher store inventory shrink, and higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate.increased promotional activity to drive traffic and attract new customers.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by an increasea decline in occupancy expenses primarilythe merchandise margin rate due to investments in store real estate and buying and occupancy deleverage on lower sales.


additional promotional activity to drive traffic.
Bath & Body Works
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales, partially offset by higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate.estate and distribution and fulfillment expenses related to higher direct channel sales.
The gross profit rate decreaseincrease was primarily driven by a decrease in the merchandise margin rate due to increased promotional activitybuying and product mix, and an increase in occupancy expenses primarily due to investments in store real estate.leverage on higher net sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, the gross profit decreaseincrease was primarily driven by higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate at Victoria's Secret U.K. and in Greater China, partially offset by increased merchandise margin dollars related to higher net sales in Greater China and additional stores opened by our partners.partners, partially offset by higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate in Greater China and the U.K.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by an increase in occupancy expenses due to the investments in store real estate at Victoria's Secret U.K. and in Greater China.estate.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $16$95 million to $757$789 million driven by an increasethe change in marketing expenses primarily due to the return to targeted direct mail atpresentation for income received from our Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement, incremental wage investments and higher selling expenses at Bath & Body Works andrelated to new company-owned stores in Greater China, partially offset by lower selling expenses related to lower sales volumes at Victoria's Secret and lower legal expenses.China.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate increased to 28.9%30.0% from 28.7%28.5% due to the presentation change for income received from our Victoria's Secret private label credit card and increased marketing expenses.wage investments.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for the thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 and 20162017:
Third Quarter2017 2016
First Quarter2018 2017
Average daily borrowings (in millions)$5,819
 $5,770
$5,845
 $5,790
Average borrowing rate (in percentages)6.95% 6.75%6.5% 7.0%
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, our interest expense increased $2decreased $3 million to $99$98 million primarily due to a lower average borrowing rate partially offset by higher average daily borrowings as well asborrowings.
Other Income
For the first quarter of 2018, our other income decreased $8 million to $2 million primarily due to a higher average borrowing rate.distribution received from our Easton investments in the first quarter of 2017.

Provision for Income Taxes
For the thirdfirst quarter of 2017,2018, our effective tax rate was 36.1%18.5% compared to 36.0%20.6% in the thirdfirst quarter of 2016.2017. The thirdfirst quarter of 20172018 rate and the third quarter of 2016 rate werewas lower than ourthe Company's combined federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the resolutionrelease of a valuation allowance against certain deferred tax matters.

Year-to-Date 2017 Comparedassets that are more likely than not to Year-to-Date 2016
Operating Income
be realized. The following table provides our segment operating income (loss) and operating income (loss) rates (expressed as a percentage of net sales) for year-to-date 2017 in comparison to year-to-date 2016:
     Operating Income Rate
 2017 2016 2017 2016
Year-to-Date(in millions)    
Victoria’s Secret$476
 $679
 10.1 % 13.1 %
Bath & Body Works396
 405
 16.8 % 18.2 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International1
 30
 0.3 % 9.9 %
Other (a)(131) (99) (32.3)% (27.3)%
Total Operating Income$742
 $1,015
 9.5 % 12.6 %
 _______________
(a)Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.
For year-to-date 2017, operating income decreased $273 million, or 27%, to $742 million, and the operating income rate decreased to 9.5% from 12.6%. The drivers of the operating income results are discussed in the following sections.
Net Sales
The following table provides net sales for year-to-date 2017 in comparison to year-to-date 2016:
 2017 2016 % Change
Year-to-Date(in millions)  
Victoria’s Secret Stores (a)$3,840
 $4,136
 (7)%
Victoria’s Secret Direct878
 1,056
 (17)%
Total Victoria’s Secret4,718
 5,192
 (9)%
Bath & Body Works Stores (a)2,044
 1,977
 3 %
Bath & Body Works Direct310
 255
 22 %
Total Bath & Body Works2,354
 2,232
 5 %
Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works International332
 299
 11 %
Other (b)405
 362
 12 %
Total Net Sales$7,809
 $8,085
 (3)%
 _______________
(a)Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
(b)Includes Mast Global, La Senza, Henri Bendel and Corporate.

The following table provides a reconciliation of net sales for year-to-date 2017 to year-to-date 2016:
 
Victoria’s
Secret
 
Bath &
Body Works
 
Victoria’s Secret
and
Bath & Body Works International
 Other Total
Year-to-Date(in millions)
2016 Net Sales$5,192
 $2,232
 $299
 $362
 $8,085
Comparable Store Sales(356) 22
 (7) (4) (345)
Sales Associated with New, Closed and Non-comparable Remodeled Stores, Net59
 44
 38
 
 141
Foreign Currency Translation1
 1
 (7) 1
 (4)
Direct Channels(178) 55
 12
 7
 (104)
International Wholesale, Royalty and Other
 
 (3) 39
 36
2017 Net Sales$4,718
 $2,354
 $332
 $405
 $7,809


The following table compares year-to-date 2017 comparable sales to year-to-date 2016:
Year-to-Date2017 2016
Comparable Sales (Stores and Direct) (a)   
Victoria's Secret (b)(11)% 1%
Bath & Body Works (b)4 % 6%
Total Comparable Sales(6)% 3%
    
Comparable Store Sales (a)   
Victoria’s Secret (b)(9)% %
Bath & Body Works (b)1 % 4%
Total Comparable Store Sales(6)% 1%
________
(a)The percentage change in comparable sales represents direct and comparable store sales. The percentage change in comparable store sales represents the change in sales at comparable stores only and excludes the change in sales from our direct channels. A store is typically included in the calculation of comparable store sales when it has been open or owned 12 months or more and it has not had a change in selling square footage of 20% or more. Additionally, stores of a given brand are excluded if total selling square footage for the brand in the mall changes by 20% or more through the opening or closing of a second store. Comparable store sales attributable to our international stores are calculated on a constant currency basis.
(b)Includes company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada.
The results by segment are as follows:
Victoria's Secret
For year-to-date 2017, net sales decreased $474 million to $4.718 billion, comparable sales decreased 11%, and comparable store sales decreased 9%. Net sales decreased primarily due to strategic decisions to exit the swim and apparel categories and decrease direct mail and certain other promotional activities, a decline in core bra sales and a decline in panties and beauty as we reposition the categories. These results were partially offset by increases in PINK and sport driven by a compelling merchandise assortment that incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.
The decrease in comparable store sales was driven primarily by a decrease in total transactions driven by reduced traffic, impacted significantly by the exit of certain categories and the promotional changes discussed above.
Bath & Body Works
For year-to-date 2017, net sales increased $122 million to $2.354 billion, comparable sales increased 4%, and comparable store sales increased 1%. Net sales increased in the home fragrance and body care categories, which incorporated newness, innovation and fashion.
The increase in comparable store sales was driven by higher average dollar sales.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For year-to-date 2017, net sales increased $33 million to $332 million primarily related to new company-owned Victoria's Secret stores and direct channel growth in Greater China and additional stores opened by our partners. These results were partially offset by declines in the Victoria's Secret International business and the negative impacts of foreign currency at Victoria's Secret U.K.
Other
For year-to-date 2017, net sales increased $43 million to $405 million primarily due to an increase in wholesale sales to our international partners.
Gross Profit
For year-to-date 2017, our gross profit decreased $262 million to $2.919 billion, and our gross profit rate (expressed as a percentage of net sales) decreased to 37.4% from 39.3%, primarily driven by the following:

Victoria's Secret
For year-to-date 2017, the gross profit decrease was primarily driven by lower merchandise margin dollars related to the decrease in net sales, partially offset by lower buying and occupancy expenses which decreased due to the discontinuation of catalogue production and other cost reductions from strategic actions taken in the first quarter of 2016. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by deleverage of buying and occupancy expenses on lower sales, partially offset by lower catalogue costs and other cost reductions.
Bath & Body Works
For year-to-date 2017, the gross profit increase was primarily driven by higher merchandise margin dollars related to the increase in net sales, partially offset by higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by an increase in occupancy expenses primarily due to investments in store real estate.
Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works International
For year-to-date 2017, the gross profit decrease was primarily driven by higher occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate in Greater China, lower merchandise margin dollars in our Victoria's Secret International business due to performance and the negative impacts of foreign currency at Victoria's Secret U.K. These decreases were partially offset by increased merchandise margin dollars related to higher net sales in Greater China and additional stores opened by our partners.
The gross profit rate decrease was driven by an increase in occupancy expenses due to investments in store real estate in Greater China and buying and occupancy deleverage on lower sales in our Victoria's Secret International business.
General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses
For year-to-date 2017, our general, administrative and store operating expenses increased $11 million to $2.177 billion primarily driven by an increase in marketing expenses due to the return of targeted direct mail at Victoria's Secret, higher selling expenses at Bath & Body Works and in Greater China, and increased corporate expenses in Greater China. These increases were partially offset by lower selling expenses related to lower sales volumes at Victoria's Secret and severance charges recorded in the first quarter of 2016 related to the Victoria's Secret restructuring.
The general, administrative and store operating expense rate increased to 27.9% from 26.8% due to deleverage from lower sales and increased marketing expenses, partially offset by Victoria's Secret restructuring charges recorded in the first quarter of 2016.
Other Income and Expense
Interest Expense
The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for year-to-date 2017 and 2016:
Year-to-Date2017 2016
Average daily borrowings (in millions)$5,804
 $5,843
Average borrowing rate (in percentages)6.98% 6.73%
For year-to-date 2017, our interest expense increased $5 million to $300 million primarily due to a higher average borrowing rate partially offset by lower average daily borrowings.
Other Income
For year-to-date 2017, our other income decreased $55 million to $28 million primarily driven by 2016 activity which included a distribution received from Easton Town Center, LLC resulting in a pre-tax gain of $108 million, partially offset by a $36 million pre-tax loss on extinguishment of the 2017 Notes. The 2016 activity was partially offset by gains in 2017 related to distributions from certain of our Easton investments.
Provision for Income Taxes
For year-to-date 2017, our effective tax rate was 32.2% compared to 34.5% year-to-date 2016. The year-to-date 2017 rate was lower than ourthe Company's combined federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of excess tax benefits resulting fromrecorded through the income statement on stock options exercised. The year-to-date 2016 rate was lower than our combined federal and state statutory rate primarily due toexercised in the resolution of certain tax matters.quarter.


FINANCIAL CONDITION

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resources to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions, profit margins and income taxes. Historically, sales are higher during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held by domestic subsidiaries. Our cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $354 million as of May 5, 2018.
We believe in returning value to our shareholders through a combination of dividends and share repurchase programs. During 2017,the first quarter of 2018, we have paid $516$168 million in regular dividends and repurchased $282$83 million of our common stock. We use cash flow generated from operating and financing activities to fund our dividends and share repurchase programs.
Our total cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $357 million as of October 28, 2017. Under current tax laws and regulations, if cash and cash equivalents held outside the U.S. are repatriated to the U.S., in certain circumstances we may be subject to additional income taxes.
The following table provides our debt balance, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 2016:2017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28,
2017
 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3,
2018
 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee          
$1 billion, 6.875% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due November 2035 (“2035 Notes”)$990
 $989
 $989
$990
 $990
 $989
$1 billion, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2022 (“2022 Notes”)993
 992
 992
994
 994
 993
$1 billion, 6.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due April 2021 (“2021 Notes”)994
 992
 992
995
 994
 993
$700 million, 6.75% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2036 (“2036 Notes”)692
 692
 692
693
 693
 692
$500 million, 5.625% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due October 2023 (“2023 Notes”)497
 497
 497
497
 497
 497
$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019 (“2019 Notes”) (a)496
 496
 498
$500 million, 5.25% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due February 2028 (“2028 Notes”)495
 495
 
$500 million, 8.50% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due June 2019 (“2019 Notes”)(a)
 
 496
$400 million, 7.00% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due May 2020 (“2020 Notes”)398
 397
 396
398
 398
 397
Foreign Facilities with Subsidiary Guarantee12
 1
 
Total Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary Guarantee$5,060
 $5,055
 $5,056
$5,074
 $5,062
 $5,057
Senior Unsecured Debt          
$350 million, 6.95% Fixed Interest Rate Debentures due March 2033 (“2033 Notes”)$348
 $348
 $348
$348
 $348
 $348
$300 million, 7.60% Fixed Interest Rate Notes due July 2037 (“2037 Notes”)297
 297
 297
297
 297
 297
Foreign Facilities80
 36
 23
Foreign Facilities without Subsidiary Guarantee89
 87
 44
Total Senior Unsecured Debt$725
 $681
 $668
$734
 $732
 $689
Total$5,785
 $5,736
 $5,724
$5,808
 $5,794
 $5,746
Current Portion of Long-term Debt(80) (36) (23)
Current Debt(89) (87) (44)
Total Long-term Debt, Net of Current Portion$5,705
 $5,700
 $5,701
$5,719
 $5,707
 $5,702
 _______________
(a)The balances includebalance includes a fair value interest rate hedge adjustment which increased the debt balance by $1 million as of October 28, 2017, $2 million as of January 28, 2017 and $6 million as of OctoberApril 29, 2016.2017.


Issuance of Notes
In June 2016,January 2018, we issued $700$500 million of 6.75%5.25% notes due in July 2036.February 2028. The obligation to pay principal and interest on these notes is jointly and severally guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis by ourthe Guarantors. The proceeds from the issuance were $692$495 million, which were net of issuance costs of $8$5 million. These issuance costs are being amortized through the maturity date of July 2036February 2028 and are included within Long-term Debt on the May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RepurchaseRedemption of Notes
In July 2016,January 2018, we used the proceeds from the 20362028 Notes to repurchaseredeem the $700$500 million 20172019 Notes for $742$540 million. In the secondfourth quarter of 2016,2017, we recognized a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of this debt of $36$45 million (after-tax net loss of $22$29 million), which is netincludes write-offs of gains of $7 millionunamortized issuance costs and discounts and losses related to terminated interest rate swaps associated with the 20172019 Notes. This loss is included in Other Income in
Exchange Offer
Subsequent to May 5, 2018, we announced the year-to-date 2016 Consolidated Statementcommencement of Income.separate private offers to eligible holders to exchange certain of our outstanding 2020 Notes, 2021 Notes and 2022 Notes (collectively, the "offers") for a series of our newly issued debt securities due 2027 and cash. The offers will expire on June 27, 2018 with a potential early settlement date of June 18, 2018, subject to certain terms and conditions.
Revolving Facility
In May 2017, we entered into an amendment and restatement of ourWe maintain a secured revolving credit facility. The Amendment maintains thefacility that has aggregate amountavailability of the commitments of the lenders under the Revolving Facility at $1 billion and extends the termination date from July 18, 2019 toexpires May 11, 2022. The AmendmentRevolving Facility allows certain of our non-U.S. subsidiaries to borrow and obtain letters of credit in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Hong Kong dollars or British pounds.
In addition, the Amendment reduced the commitment fees payable under the Revolving Facility, which are based on our long-term credit rating, to 0.25% per annum. The Amendment did not modify our quantitative covenant requirements, but did provide an increased limit on restricted payments in the event we do not meet the criteria to make these payments without limitation and provides greater flexibility with respect to our ability to grant liens on assets.
We incurred fees related to the Amendment of the Revolving Facility of $5 million, which were capitalized and recorded in Other Assets on the October 28, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheet and are being amortized over the remaining term of the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility fees related to committed and unutilized amounts are 0.25% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit are 1.50% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings is LIBOR plus 1.50% per annum. The interest rate on outstanding foreign denominated borrowings is the applicable benchmark rate plus 1.50% per annum.
The Revolving Facility contains fixed charge coverage and debt to EBITDA financial covenants. We are required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.75 to 1.00 and a consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA ratio not exceeding 4.00 to 1.00 for the most recent four-quarter period. In addition, the Revolving Facility provides that investments and restricted payments may be made, without limitation on amount, if (a) at the time of and after giving effect to such investment or restricted payment, the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA for the most recent four-quarter period is less than 3.00 to 1.00 and (b) no default or event of default exists. As of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, we were in compliance with both of our financial covenants, and the ratio of consolidated debt to consolidated EBITDA was less than 3.00 to 1.00.
As of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, there were no borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Facility.
The Revolving Facility supports our letter of credit program. We had $8$9 million of outstanding letters of credit as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018 that reduced our remaining availability under ourthe Revolving Facility.
Foreign Facilities
In addition to the Revolving Facility, we maintain various revolving and term loan bank facilities to support our operations in Greater China. These facilities allow certain of our Greater China subsidiaries to borrow and obtain letters of credit in U.S. dollars and Chinese yuan.
We maintain various revolving and term loan bank facilities that are guaranteed by L Brands, Inc. with availability totaling $100 million to support our foreign operations. Current borrowings on these Foreign Facilities mature between October 31, 2017 and October 18, 2018.million. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate for the currency of each borrowing.
For year-to-date 2017, During the first quarter of 2018, we borrowed $67$10 million and made payments of $23$8 million under the Foreign Facilities.these facilities. The maximum daily amount outstanding at any point in time during 2017the first quarter of 2018 was $80$90 million.
Interest Rate Swap Arrangements Borrowings on these facilities mature between May 7, 2018 and December 18, 2018 and are included within Current Debt on the May 5, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
We have interest rate swap arrangements related to $300 million ofalso maintain a revolving facility that is guaranteed by L Brands, Inc. and the outstanding 2019 Notes that are designated as interest rate fair value hedges as of October 28, 2017.Guarantors with availability totaling $100 million. The interest rates on outstanding borrowings are based upon the applicable benchmark rate swap arrangements effectively convertfor the fixed interest ratecurrency of each borrowing. During the first quarter of 2018, we borrowed $11 million under this facility. These borrowings, which mature on May 11, 2022, are included within Long-term Debt on the related debt to a variable interest rate based on LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. The changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps have an equal and offsetting impact to the carrying value of the debt on the balance sheet. The differential to be paid or received on the interest rate swap arrangements is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.May 5, 2018 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Working Capital and Capitalization
We believe that our available short-term and long-term capital resources are sufficient to fund foreseeable requirements.
The following table provides a summary of our working capital position and capitalization as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 2016:2017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28, 2017 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3, 2018 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities (a) (b)$138
 $1,990
 $411
Net Cash Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities (a)$(79) $1,406
 $7
Capital Expenditures (a)599
 990
 825
160
 707
 165
Working Capital911
 1,451
 879
1,032
 1,262
 1,321
Capitalization:          
Long-term Debt5,705
 5,700
 5,701
5,719
 5,707
 5,702
Shareholders’ Equity (Deficit)(1,121) (729) (1,190)(971) (753) (836)
Total Capitalization$4,584
 $4,971
 $4,511
$4,748
 $4,954
 $4,866
Remaining Amounts Available Under Credit Agreements (c)(b)$992
 $992
 $992
$991
 $991
 $992
 _______________
(a)The January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 amounts represent a fifty-twofifty-three week period, and the October 28,May 5, 2018 and April 29, 2017 and October 29, 2016 amounts represent thirty-nine weekthirteen-week periods.
(b)
As further discussed in Note 2 included in Item 1. Financial Statements, prior year amounts have been recast to reflect the retrospective application of ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.
(c)Letters of credit issued reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility. We had outstanding letters of credit that reduce our remaining availability under the Revolving Facility of $9 million as of May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018, and $8 million as of October 28, 2017, January 28, 2017 and OctoberApril 29, 2016.2017.
Credit Ratings
The following table provides our credit ratings as of October 28, 2017:May 5, 2018:
 Moody’s S&P Fitch
CorporateBa1 BB+ BB+
Senior Unsecured Debt with Subsidiary GuaranteeBa1 BB+ BB+
Senior Unsecured DebtBa2 BB- BB
OutlookStable Stable Stable
On May 30, 2018, Fitch revised our outlook from stable to negative, while reaffirming our ratings. This outlook revision has no impact to our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility.
Our borrowing costs under our Revolving Facility are linked to our credit ratings at Moody’s, S&P and Fitch. If we receive an upgrade or downgrade to our corporate credit ratings by Moody’s, S&P or Fitch, the borrowing costs could decrease or increase, respectively. The guarantees of our obligations under the Revolving Facility by the Guarantors and the security interests granted in our and the Guarantors’, collateral securing such obligations are released if our credit ratings are higher than a certain level. Additionally, the restrictions imposed under the Revolving Facility on our ability to make investments and to make restricted payments cease to apply if our credit ratings are higher than certain levels. Credit rating downgrades by any of the agencies do not accelerate the repayment of any of our debt.
Common Stock Share Repurchases
Our Board of Directors will determine share repurchase authorizations giving consideration to our levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating and financing activities to fund our share repurchase programs. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made at our discretion, taking into account a number of factors, including market conditions.

Under the authority of our Board of Directors, we repurchased shares of our common stock under the following repurchase programs for year-to-date 2017during the first quarter of 2018 and 2016:2017:
Amount
Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Amount
Authorized
 
Shares
Repurchased
 
Amount
Repurchased
 Average Stock Price of Shares Repurchased within Program
Repurchase Program 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
(in millions) (in thousands) (in millions)    (in millions) (in thousands) (in millions)    
March 2018$250
 1,563
 NA
 $58
 NA
 $36.93
 NA
September 2017$250
 935
 NA
 $39
 NA
 $41.30
 NA
250
 527
 NA
 25
 NA
 $46.98
 NA
February 2017250
 5,500
 NA
 240
 NA
 $43.57
 NA
250
 NA
 1,570
 NA
 $80
 NA
 $50.92
February 2016500
 51
 5,270
 3
 $410
 $58.95
 $77.75
500
 NA
 51
 NA
 3
 NA
 $58.95
Total  6,486
 5,270
 $282
 $410
      2,090
 1,621
 $83
 $83
    
In March 2018, our Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the third quarter of$23 million remaining under the September 2017 repurchase program.
In September 2017, our Board of Directors approved a new $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $10 million remaining under the February 2017 repurchase program.
In the first quarter ofFebruary 2017, our Board of Directors approved a $250 million share repurchase program, which included the $59 million remaining under the February 2016 repurchase program.
In the first quarter ofFebruary 2016, our Board of Directors approved a $500 million share repurchase program, which included the $17 million remaining under the June 2015 repurchase program.
The September 2017March 2018 repurchase program had $211$192 million remaining as of October 28, 2017.May 5, 2018. Subsequent to October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, we repurchased an additional 0.11.2 million shares of common stock for $6$42 million under this program.
There were $4 million, $2 million and $3$1 million of share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 28, 2017May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 and January 28,April 29, 2017 Consolidated Balance Sheets, respectively. There were no share repurchases reflected in Accounts Payable on the October 29, 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Treasury Stock Retirement
Subsequent to October 28, 2017, we retired 36 million shares of our treasury stock to reduce the related administrative expense.
Dividend Policy and Procedures
Our Board of Directors will determine future dividends after giving consideration to our levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating activities to fund our ordinary dividends and a combination of cash flow generated from operating activities and financing activities to fund our special dividends.
Under the authority and declaration of our Board of Directors, we paid the following dividends during year-to-date 2017the first quarter of 2018 and 2016:2017:
  Ordinary Dividends Special Dividends Total Dividends Total Paid
  (per share) (in millions)
2017        
Third Quarter $0.60
 $
 $0.60
 $172
Second Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 172
First Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 172
2017 Total $1.80
 $
 $1.80
 $516
2016        
Third Quarter $0.60
 $
 $0.60
 $173
Second Quarter 0.60
 
 0.60
 173
First Quarter 0.60
 2.00
 2.60
 750
2016 Total $1.80
 $2.00
 $3.80
 $1,096


  Ordinary Dividends Total Paid
  (per share) (in millions)
2018    
First Quarter $0.60
 $168
2017    
First Quarter $0.60
 $172



Cash Flow
The following table provides a summary of our cash flow activity for year-to-date 2017the first quarter of 2018 and 2016:2017:
Year-to-DateYear-to-Date
2017 20162018 2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period$1,934
 $2,548
$1,515
 $1,934
Net Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities138
 411
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used for) Operating Activities(79) 7
Net Cash Flows Used for Investing Activities(581) (721)(159) (155)
Net Cash Flows Used for Financing Activities(758) (1,581)(243) (230)
Effects of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents2
 (3)(2) (1)
Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents(1,199) (1,894)(483) (379)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period$735
 $654
$1,032
 $1,555
Operating Activities
Net cash provided byused for operating activities in 20172018 was $138$79 million, including net income of $319$48 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $426$148 million and share-based compensation expense of $74$25 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal changes in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other and Inventories, (and related increasesand the change in Accounts Payable), as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.Receivable.
Net cash provided by operating activities in 20162017 was $411$7 million, including net income of $526$94 million. Net income included depreciation and amortization of $378$142 million a gain on distribution from Easton investments of $112 million,and share-based compensation expense of $70 million and loss on extinguishment of debt of $36$25 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the seasonal changes in Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other and Inventories, (and related increasesand the change in Accounts Payable), as we build our inventory levels in anticipation of the holiday season, which generates a substantial portion of our operating cash flow for the year. In addition, our Income Taxes Payable decrease was due to seasonal tax payments.Receivable.
Investing Activities
Net cash used for investing activities in 20172018 was $581$159 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $599 million partially offset by a $27 million return of capital from certain of our Easton investments.$160 million. The capital expenditures included $527$122 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Net cash used for investing activities in 20162017 was $721$155 million consisting primarily of capital expenditures of $825$165 million and$33 million related to the acquisition of our Victoria's Secret Beauty and Accessories franchise partner's operations and stores in Greater China, partially offset by a $116$10 million return of capital from certain of our Easton investments and proceeds from the sale of marketable securities of $10 million.Investments. The capital expenditures included $691$150 million for opening new stores and remodeling and improving existing stores. Remaining capital expenditures were primarily related to spending on technology and infrastructure to support growth.
Financing Activities
Net cash used for financing activities in 20172018 was $758$243 million consisting primarily of quarterly dividend payments of $1.80$0.60 per share, or $516$168 million, payments for repurchases of common stock of $283$81 million and tax payments related to share-based awards of $31$8 million, and $44partially offset by $13 million of net new borrowings under our foreign facilities,Foreign Facilities.
Net cash used for financing activities in 2017 was $230 million consisting primarily of quarterly dividend payments of $0.60 per share, or $172 million, payments for repurchases of common stock of $85 million, and tax payments related to share-based awards of $17 million, partially offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $37$36 million.
Net cash used for financing activities in 2016 was $1.581 billion consisting primarily of quarterly and special dividend payments aggregating to $3.80 per share, or $1.096 billion, $742 million to repurchase our 2017 Notes, payments for repurchases of common stock of $410 million, and tax payments related to share-based awards of $56 million, partially offset by net proceeds of $692 million from the 2036 Notes issuance and proceeds from the exercise of stock options of $17 million.

Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations
In connection with the disposition of a certain businesses,business, we have remaining guarantees of $11$9 million related to lease payments under the current terms of noncancellable leases expiring at various dates through 2021. These guarantees include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of the businesses.business. In certain instances, our guarantee may remain in effect if the term of a lease is extended. We have not recorded a liability with respect to these guarantee obligations as of October 28,May 5, 2018, February 3, 2018 or April 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 or October 29, 2016 as we concluded that payments under these guarantees were not probable.
In connection with noncancellable operating leases of certain assets, we provided residual value guarantees to the lessor if the leased assets cannot be sold for an amount in excess of a specified minimum value at the conclusion of the lease term. The leases expire at various dates through 2021, and the total amount of the guarantees is $104 million. We recorded a liability of $3 million as of May 5, 2018 and February 3, 2018, and a liability of less than $1 million as of October 28,April 29, 2017 a liability of $1 million as of January 28, 2017, and a liability of $3 million as of October 29, 2016 related to these guarantee obligations, which are included in Other Long-term Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Our contractual obligations primarily consist of long-term debt and the related interest payments, operating leases, purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other long-term obligations. These contractual obligations impact our short-term and long-term liquidity and capital resource needs. There have been no material changes in our contractual obligations since January 28, 2017,February 3, 2018, as discussed in “Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations” in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain of our contractual obligations may fluctuate during the normal course of business (primarily changes in our merchandise inventory-related purchase obligations which fluctuate throughout the year as a result of the seasonal nature of our operations).

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Share-Based Compensation
In the first quarter of 2017, we adopted ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.  On a prospective basis, this standard requires recognition of the income tax effects of share-based awards in the income statement when the awards vest or are exercised.  These effects were historically recorded in equity on the balance sheet.  As a result, we recognized $13 million of excess tax benefits related to share-based awards in Provision for Income Taxes in the year-to-date 2017 Consolidated Statement of Income. The standard also requires all tax-related cash flows from share-based awards to be reported as operating activities on the statements of cash flows and any cash payments made to taxing authorities on an employee's behalf from withheld shares as financing activities.  The retrospective application of these changes resulted in an $95 million increase in operating cash flows and a corresponding decrease to financing cash flows on the 2016 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Further, as allowed by the standard, we will continue to estimate award forfeitures at the time awards are granted and adjust, if necessary, in subsequent periods based on historical experience and expected future forfeiture rates. 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which was further clarified and amended in 2015 and 2016. This guidance requires companies to recognize revenue in a manner that depicts the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which a company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The new standard also will resultresults in enhanced disclosures about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. This guidance will beis effective beginning in fiscal 2018. The standard allows for either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective transition method.

We continue to evaluateadopted the impactsstandard in the first quarter of this standard. The new standard will change current accounting related to loyalty points earnedfiscal 2018 under the Victoria's Secret customer loyalty program as revenue associated with customer loyalty points will be deferred until redeemed using a relative stand-alone selling price method. The newmodified retrospective approach. Under the standard, will also change our accounting for sales returns which requires balance sheet presentation on a gross basis. Further, income from ourthe Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement, which has historically been presented as a reduction to General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses, will now beis presented as revenuerevenue. Further, historical accounting related to loyalty points earned under the new standard. WeVictoria's Secret customer loyalty program changed as we now defer revenue associated with customer loyalty points until the points are continuingredeemed using a relative stand-alone selling price method. The standard also changed accounting for sales returns which requires balance sheet presentation on a gross basis.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, we recorded a cumulative catch-up adjustment resulting in a reduction to evaluateopening retained earnings, net of tax, of $28 million. The cumulative adjustment primarily related to the further impactsdeferral of revenue related to outstanding points, net of estimated forfeitures, under our Victoria's Secret customer loyalty program. In addition, Net Sales and General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses both increased $25 million in the standard will havefirst quarter of 2018 due to the change in presentation for the Victoria's Secret private label credit card arrangement. Further, gross presentation of our sales return reserve resulted in a $4 million increase in Other Current Assets and Accrued Expenses and Other on the May 5, 2018 Consolidated StatementsBalance Sheet.
Fair Value of IncomeFinancial Instruments
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities, which addresses certain aspects of the recognition, measurement, presentation and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets, Statementsdisclosure of Cash Flows and disclosures.financial instruments. The standard requires the recognition of changes in the fair value of marketable equity securities in net income as compared to historical treatment in accumulated other comprehensive income on the balance sheet. We will adoptadopted the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2018 under the modified retrospective approach, which will result in a cumulative adjustmentand recorded an increase to opening retained earnings.



earnings, net of tax, of $2 million.
Leases
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASC 842, Leases, which requires companies classified as lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets but recognize expenses on their income statements in a manner similar to today’s accounting. The new standard also will result in enhanced quantitative and qualitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, to provide greater insight into the extent of revenue and expense recognized and expected to be recognized from existing leases. The standard currently requires a modified retrospective adoption and willtransition approach. In March 2018, the FASB tentatively approved an amendment to the standard that provides companies an option that would not require earlier periods to be restated upon adoption. The standard is effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted.

We are currently evaluating the impacts that this standard will have on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows. We currently expect that most of our operating lease commitments will be recognized as operating lease liabilities and right-of-use assets upon adoption of the standard. Thus, we expect adoption will result in a material increase to the assets and liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. We will adopt the standard in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.

Hedging Activities
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which is intended to better align risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships. The new standard eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness and generally requires the entire change in the fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the hedged item. It also eases certain documentation and assessment requirements. This guidance will be effective beginning in fiscal 2019, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of this standard on our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, Balance Sheets and Statements of Cash Flows.
IMPACT OF INFLATION
While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we believe the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial condition have been minor.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, claims and contingencies, income taxes and revenue recognition. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
There have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies and estimates disclosed in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than the adoption of ASU No. 2016-09,ASC 606, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

Item 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market Risk
The market risk inherent in our financial instruments represents the potential loss in fair value, earnings or cash flows arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates or interest rates. We may use derivative financial instruments like cross-currency swaps, foreign currency forward contracts and interest rate swap arrangements to manage exposure to market risks. We do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Exchange Rate Risk
We have operations in foreign countries which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. To mitigate the translation risk to our earnings and the fair value of our Canadian operations associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate, we entered into a cross-currency swap related to a Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loan. This cross-currency swap requires the periodic exchange of fixed rate Canadian dollar interest payments for fixed rate U.S. dollar interest payments as well as exchange of Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar principal payments upon maturity. The swap arrangement matures in January 2018 at the same time as the related loan. As a result of the Canadian dollar denominated intercompany loan and the related cross-currency swap, we do not believe there is any material translation risk to our Canadian net earnings associated with fluctuations in the U.S. dollar-Canadian dollar exchange rate.

In addition, ourOur Canadian dollar, British pound, Chinese yuan, and Hong Kong dollar and Euro denominated earnings are subject to exchange rate risk as substantially all of our merchandise sold in Canada, the U.K., Ireland and Greater China is sourced through U.S. dollar transactions. Although we utilize foreign currency forward contracts to partially offset risks associated with Canadian dollar and British pound denominated earnings, these measures may not succeed in offsetting all of the short-term impact of foreign currency rate movements and generally may not be effective in offsetting the long-term impact of sustained shifts in foreign currency rates.
Further, although our royalty arrangements with our international partners are denominated in U.S. dollars, the royalties we receive in U.S. dollars are calculated based on sales in the local currency. As a result, our royalties in these arrangements are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Interest Rate Risk
Our investment portfolio primarily consists of interest-bearing instruments that are classified as cash and cash equivalents based on their original maturities. Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy, which specifies permitted types of investments, specifies credit quality standards and maturity profiles and limits credit exposure to any single issuer. The primary objective of our investment activities are the preservation of principal, the maintenance of liquidity and the maximization of interest income while minimizing risk. Typically, our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, commercial paper and bank deposits. Given the short-term nature and quality of investments in our portfolio, we do not believe there is any material risk to principal associated with increases or decreases in interest rates.
The majority
Excluding our Foreign Facilities, all of our long-term debt as of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, has fixed interest rates. We will from time to time adjust our exposure to interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap arrangements. As of October 28, 2017, we have interest rate swap arrangements with notional amounts of $300 million related to a portion of our 2019 Notes.
The effect of the interest rate swap arrangements is to convert the respective amount of debt from a fixed interest rate to a variable interest rate. The variable interest rate associated with these swap arrangements fluctuates based on changes in three-month LIBOR.
For the balance of our long-term debt that is not subject to interest rate swap arrangements, ourOur exposure to interest rate changes is limited to the fair value of the debt issued, which would not have a material impact on our earnings or cash flows.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
As of October 28, 2017,May 5, 2018, we believe that the carrying values of accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and current debt approximate fair value because of their short maturity.
The following table provides a summary of the principal value and fair value of long-term debt, excluding foreign facilityForeign Facility borrowings and swap arrangements, as of October 28, 2017May 5, 2018January 28, 2017February 3, 2018 and OctoberApril 29, 20162017:
October 28,
2017
 January 28, 2017 October 29,
2016
May 5,
2018
 February 3, 2018 April 29,
2017
(in millions)(in millions)
Long-term Debt:          
Principal Value$5,750
 $5,750
 $5,750
$5,750
 $5,750
 $5,750
Fair Value, Estimated (a)6,033
 6,030
 6,352
5,735
 5,943
 5,992
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedges (b)(11) (17) (26)1
 9
 (26)
Interest Rate Fair Value Hedges (b)(1) (2) (6)
 
 (2)
 _______________
(a)The estimated fair value is based on reported transaction prices. The estimates presented are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that we could realize in a current market exchange.
(b)Hedge arrangements are in a net assetliability (asset) position.
Concentration of Credit Risk
We maintain cash and cash equivalents and derivative contracts with various major financial institutions. We monitor the relative credit standing of financial institutions with whom we transact and limit the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. Typically, our investment portfolio is primarily comprised of U.S. government obligations, U.S. Treasury and AAA-rated money market funds, commercial paper and bank deposits. We also periodically review the relative credit standing of franchise, license and wholesale partners and other entities to which we grant credit terms in the normal course of business.


Item 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting. The adoption of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, required the implementation of new controls and the modification of certain accounting processes related to revenue recognition. There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred in the thirdfirst quarter 20172018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

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

Item 1A.RISK FACTORS

The risk factors that affect our business and financial results are discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in the 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. We wish to caution the reader that the risk factors discussed in “Item 1A: Risk Factors” in our 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K and those described elsewhere in this report or other SEC filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated in any forward-looking statements.

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

The following table provides our repurchases of our common stock during the thirdfirst quarter of 2017:2018:
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (a)
 
Average Price
Paid per
Share (b)
 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (c) Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (c)
 (in thousands)   (in thousands)
August 20172,206
 $38.36
 2,199
 $36,433
September 20171,079
 38.31
 1,074
 235,040
October 2017577
 42.45
 558
 211,352
Total3,862
   3,831
  
Period
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (a)
 
Average Price
Paid per
Share (b)
 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Programs (c) Maximum Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) that May Yet be Purchased Under the Programs (c)
 (in thousands)   (in thousands)
February 2018425
 $47.58
 417
 $28,019
March 2018863
 39.39
 650
 228,695
April 20181,027
 35.63
 1,023
 192,232
Total2,315
   2,090
  
  _______________
(a)The total number of shares repurchased includes shares repurchased as part of publicly announced programs, with the remainder relating to shares repurchased in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards and the use of our stock to pay the exercise price on employee stock options.
(b)The average price paid per share includes any broker commissions.
(c)For additional share repurchase program information, see Note 3,4, “Earnings Per Share and Shareholders' Equity (Deficit)” included in Item 1. Financial Statements.

Item 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

Item 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5.OTHER INFORMATION

None.


Item 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibits 
  
   
15 
   
31.1 
   
31.2 
   
32 
   
101.INS XBRL Instance Document
   
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
   
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
   
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document
   
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
   
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document


SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. 
 
L BRANDS, INC.
 (Registrant)
 By:/s/ STUART B. BURGDOERFER
  
Stuart B. Burgdoerfer
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer *
Date: December 1, 2017June 7, 2018
*Mr. Burgdoerfer is the principal financial officer and the principal accounting officer and has been duly authorized to sign on behalf of the Registrant.


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