UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 2009

 

Commission File Number 1-6049

 


 

 

TARGET CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Minnesota

 

41-0215170

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

1000 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, Minnesota

 

55403

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 612/304-6073

Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).        Yes  x   No  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

 

Large accelerated filer  x   Accelerated filer  o   Non-accelerated filer  o   Smaller Reporting company  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   Yes  o   No  x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Total shares of common stock, par value $.0833, outstanding at December 2, 2009 were 752,312,784.

 


 

TARGET CORPORATION

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

1

 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

2

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

3

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

4

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

12

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

22

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

22

 

 

 

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

23

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

23

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

23

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

24

Item 5.

Other Information

24

Item 6.

Exhibits

24

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signature

 

26

Exhibit Index

 

27

 



 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

 

 Three Months Ended

 

 

   Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31

,

November 1

,

 

October 31

,

November 1

,

(millions, except per share data) (unaudited)

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Sales

 

$

14,789

 

$

14,588

 

 

$

43,717

 

$

43,861

 

Credit card revenues

 

487

 

526

 

 

1,459

 

1,527

 

Total revenues

 

15,276

 

15,114

 

 

45,176

 

45,388

 

Cost of sales

 

10,229

 

10,130

 

 

30,080

 

30,332

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

3,255

 

3,245

 

 

9,405

 

9,436

 

Credit card expenses

 

381

 

403

 

 

1,153

 

1,023

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

537

 

469

 

 

1,487

 

1,352

 

Earnings before interest expense and income taxes

 

874

 

867

 

 

3,051

 

3,245

 

Net interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

23

 

60

 

 

74

 

126

 

Other interest expense

 

168

 

180

 

 

517

 

550

 

Interest income

 

 

(6

)

 

(3

)

(24

)

Net interest expense

 

191

 

234

 

 

588

 

652

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

683

 

633

 

 

2,463

 

2,593

 

Provision for income taxes

 

247

 

264

 

 

911

 

988

 

Net earnings

 

$

436

 

$

369

 

 

$

1,552

 

$

1,605

 

Basic earnings per share

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.49

 

 

$

2.06

 

$

2.07

 

Diluted earnings per share

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.49

 

 

$

2.06

 

$

2.06

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

751.8

 

753.5

 

 

752.0

 

776.4

 

Diluted

 

755.7

 

756.6

 

 

754.3

 

780.1

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

1



 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

 

 

October 31,

 

January 31,

 

November 1,

 

(millions)

 

2009

 

2009

 

2008

 

Assets

 

(unaudited

)

 

 

(unaudited

)

Cash and cash equivalents, including marketable securities of $273, $302 and $397

 

$

864

 

$

864

 

$

918

 

Credit card receivables, net of allowance of $1,025, $1,010 and $765

 

7,023

 

8,084

 

7,999

 

Inventory

 

9,382

 

6,705

 

9,050

 

Other current assets

 

2,314

 

1,835

 

2,272

 

Total current assets

 

19,583

 

17,488

 

20,239

 

Property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

5,754

 

5,767

 

5,727

 

Buildings and improvements

 

22,250

 

20,430

 

20,454

 

Fixtures and equipment

 

4,732

 

4,270

 

4,212

 

Computer hardware and software

 

2,599

 

2,586

 

2,610

 

Construction-in-progress

 

291

 

1,763

 

1,320

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(10,035

)

(9,060

)

(8,798

)

Property and equipment, net

 

25,591

 

25,756

 

25,525

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

805

 

862

 

1,277

 

Total assets

 

$

45,979

 

$

44,106

 

$

47,041

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

7,641

 

$

6,337

 

$

7,590

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

3,117

 

2,913

 

3,057

 

Unsecured debt and other borrowings

 

577

 

1,262

 

2,849

 

Nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

1,063

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

12,398

 

10,512

 

13,496

 

Unsecured debt and other borrowings

 

11,432

 

12,000

 

11,966

 

Nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

4,463

 

5,490

 

5,478

 

Deferred income taxes

 

804

 

455

 

589

 

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

1,911

 

1,937

 

1,932

 

Total noncurrent liabilities

 

18,610

 

19,882

 

19,965

 

Shareholders’ investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock

 

63

 

63

 

63

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

2,866

 

2,762

 

2,725

 

Retained earnings

 

12,559

 

11,443

 

10,967

 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

(517

)

(556

)

(175

)

Total shareholders’ investment

 

14,971

 

13,712

 

13,580

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ investment

 

$

45,979

 

$

44,106

 

$

47,041

 

Common shares outstanding

 

752.2

 

752.7

 

752.8

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

2



 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31

,

November 1

,

(millions) (unaudited)

 

2009

 

2008

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

1,552

 

$

1,605

 

Reconciliation to cash flow

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,487

 

1,352

 

Share-based compensation expense

 

72

 

43

 

Deferred income taxes

 

451

 

(32

)

Bad debt expense

 

900

 

751

 

Loss on disposal of property and equipment, net

 

85

 

33

 

Other non-cash items affecting earnings

 

44

 

165

 

Changes in operating accounts providing/(requiring) cash

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts receivable originated at Target

 

190

 

(313

)

Inventory

 

(2,677

)

(2,270

)

Other current assets

 

(251

)

(322

)

Other noncurrent assets

 

27

 

5

 

Accounts payable

 

1,303

 

869

 

Accrued and other current liabilities

 

(148

)

(270

)

Other noncurrent liabilities

 

(8

)

4

 

Other

 

 

160

 

Cash flow provided by operations

 

3,027

 

1,780

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Expenditures for property and equipment

 

(1,440

)

(2,827

)

Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment

 

25

 

26

 

Change in accounts receivable originated at third parties

 

(29

)

(383

)

Other investments

 

10

 

(179

)

Cash flow required for investing activities

 

(1,434

)

(3,363

)

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Change in commercial paper, net

 

 

1,382

 

Reductions of short-term notes payable

 

 

(500

)

Additions to long-term debt

 

 

3,557

 

Reductions of long-term debt

 

(1,255

)

(1,254

)

Dividends paid

 

(369

)

(345

)

Repurchase of stock

 

 

(2,815

)

Stock option exercises and related tax benefit

 

31

 

34

 

Other

 

 

(8

)

Cash flow (required for)/provided by financing activities

 

(1,593

)

51

 

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(1,532

)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

864

 

2,450

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

864

 

$

918

 

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

3



 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Investment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income/(Loss)

 

 

 

(millions, except footnotes)

 

Common
Stock
Shares

 

Stock
Par
Value

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings

 

Pension and
Other
Benefit
Liability
Adjustments

 

Derivative
Instruments
and Other

 

Total

 

February 2, 2008

 

818.7

 

$

68

 

$

2,656

 

$

12,761

 

$

(134

)

$

(44

)

$

15,307

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

2,214

 

 

 

2,214

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit liability adjustments, net of taxes of $242

 

 

 

 

 

(376

)

 

(376

)

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $2

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2

)

(2

)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,836

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

(471

)

 

 

(471

)

Repurchase of stock

 

(67.2

)

(5

)

 

(3,061

)

 

 

(3,066

)

Stock options and awards

 

1.2

 

 

106

 

 

 

 

106

 

January 31, 2009

 

752.7

 

$

63

 

$

2,762

 

$

11,443

 

$

(510

)

$

(46

)

$

13,712

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

 

1,552

 

 

 

1,552

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension and other benefit liability adjustments, net of taxes of $25

 

 

 

 

 

38

 

 

38

 

Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $2

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

2

 

Currency translation adjustment, net of taxes of $0

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1

)

(1

)

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,591

 

Dividends declared

 

 

 

 

(376

)

 

 

(376

)

Repurchase of stock

 

(1.5

)

 

 

(60

)

 

 

(60

)

Stock options and awards

 

1.0

 

 

104

 

 

 

 

104

 

October 31, 2009

 

752.2

 

$

63

 

$

2,866

 

$

12,559

 

$

(472

)

$

(45

)

$

14,971

 

 

Dividends declared per share were $0.17 and $0.16 for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively, and $0.50 and $0.46 for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, dividends declared per share were $0.62.

 

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

4



 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

1.  Accounting Policies

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statement disclosures contained in the 2008 Form 10-K for Target Corporation (Target or the Corporation). The same accounting policies are followed in preparing quarterly financial data as are followed in preparing annual data. See Note 1 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 for those policies. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of quarterly operating results are reflected herein and are of a normal, recurring nature.  We evaluated subsequent events through December 4, 2009, the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q.

 

Due to the seasonal nature of our business, quarterly revenues, expenses, earnings and cash flows are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year.

 

2.  Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share (EPS) is net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the incremental shares assumed to be issued upon the exercise of stock options and the incremental shares assumed to be issued under performance share and restricted stock unit arrangements.

 

 

 

Basic EPS

 

Diluted EPS

 

 

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Oct. 31

,

Nov. 1

,

Oct. 31

,

Nov. 1

,

Oct. 31

,

Nov. 1

,

Oct. 31

,

Nov. 1

,

(millions, except per share data)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

Net earnings

 

$

436

 

$

369

 

$

1,552

 

$

1,605

 

$

436

 

$

369

 

$

1,552

 

$

1,605

 

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

 

751.8

 

753.5

 

752.0

 

776.4

 

751.8

 

753.5

 

752.0

 

776.4

 

Incremental stock options, performance share units and restricted stock units

 

 

 

 

 

3.9

 

3.1

 

2.3

 

3.7

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

751.8

 

753.5

 

752.0

 

776.4

 

755.7

 

756.6

 

754.3

 

780.1

 

Earnings per share

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.49

 

$

2.06

 

$

2.07

 

$

0.58

 

$

0.49

 

$

2.06

 

$

2.06

 

 

For the October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008 computations, 16.3 million and 13.7 million stock options, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of weighted average shares for diluted EPS because their effects were antidilutive.

 

3.  Fair Value Measurements

 

The fair value is the price at which an asset could be exchanged in a current transaction between knowledgeable, willing parties. A liability’s fair value is defined as the amount that would be paid to transfer the liability to a new obligor, not the amount that would be paid to settle the liability with the creditor.  Fair value measurements are categorized into one of three levels based on the lowest level of significant input used: Level 1 (unadjusted quoted prices in active markets); Level 2 (observable market inputs available at the measurement date, other than quoted prices included in Level 1); and Level 3 (unobservable inputs that cannot be corroborated by observable market data).

 

5



 

The following table presents financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

Fair Value Measurements –

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recurring Basis

 

Fair Value at

 

Fair Value at

 

Fair Value at

 

 

 

October 31, 2009

 

January 31, 2009

 

November 1, 2008

 

(millions)

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities

 

$

273

 

$

 

$

 

$

302

 

$

 

$

 

$

397

 

$

 

$

 

Other current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid forward contracts

 

54

 

 

 

68

 

 

 

86

 

 

 

Equity swaps

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest rate swaps(a)

 

 

134

 

 

 

163

 

 

 

88

 

 

Company-owned life insurance investments(b)

 

292

 

 

 

296

 

 

 

438

 

 

 

Total

 

$

620

 

$

134

 

$

 

$

667

 

$

163

 

$

 

$

921

 

$

88

 

$

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other noncurrent liabilities
Interest rate swaps

 

$

 

$

21

 

$

 

$

 

$

30

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Total

 

$

 

$

21

 

$

 

$

 

$

30

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

 

(a)

At November 1, 2008, two interest rate swaps with a combined fair value of $25 million were designated as accounting hedges.

(b)

Company-owned life insurance investments consist of equity index funds and fixed income assets.  Amounts are presented net of loans that are secured by some of these policies of $240 million at October 31, 2009, $197 million at January 31, 2009, and $441 million at November 1, 2008.

 

Certain assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment).  The fair value measurements related to long-lived assets held for sale and held and used in the following table were determined using available market prices at the measurement date based on recent investments or pending transactions of similar assets, third-party independent appraisals, valuation multiples and/or public comparables. We classify these measurements as Level 2. The fair value measurement of an intangible asset was determined using unobservable inputs that reflect our own assumptions regarding how market participants price the intangible assets at the measurement date. We classify these measurements as Level 3.

 

Fair Value Measurements – Nonrecurring Basis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

Property and equipment

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

 

 

Long-lived assets

 

Long-lived assets

 

Intangible

 

(millions)

 

held for sale(a)

 

held and used(b)

 

asset

 

Measured as of May 2, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

$

 30

 

$

 11

 

$

 

 

Fair value measurement

 

24

 

6

 

 

Gain/(loss)

 

(6

)

(5

)

 

Measured as of August 1, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

15

 

51

 

5

 

Fair value measurement

 

11

 

34

 

 

Gain/(loss)

 

(4

)

(17

)

(5

)

Measured as of October 31, 2009:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carrying amount

 

34

 

29

 

 

Fair value measurement

 

31

 

22

 

 

Gain/(loss)

 

(3

)

(7

)

(—

)

 

(a)

Reported measurement is fair value less cost to sell. Costs to sell were approximately $1 million at October 31, 2009, August 1, 2009 and May 2, 2009.

(b)

Real estate and buildings intended for sale in the future but not currently meeting the held for sale criteria. Reported measurement is fair value less cost to sell. Costs to sell were approximately $1 million at October 31, 2009 and $2 million at August 1, 2009. There were no costs to sell at May 2, 2009.

 

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The fair value of marketable securities is determined using available market prices at the reporting date.  The fair value of debt is measured using a discounted cash flow analysis based on our current market interest rates for similar types of financial instruments.

 

6



 

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

 

October 31, 2009

 

 

 

Carrying

 

Fair

 

(millions)

 

Amount

 

Value

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

Other current assets

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities(a)

 

$

55

 

$

55

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

 

 

 

 

Marketable securities(a)

 

4

 

4

 

Total

 

$

59

 

$

59

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt(b)

 

$

17,149

 

$

18,441

 

Total

 

$

17,149

 

$

18,441

 

 

 

(a)

Amounts include held-to-maturity government and money market investments that are held to satisfy the capital requirements of Target Bank and Target National Bank.

(b)

Represents the sum of nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables and unsecured debt and other borrowings excluding unamortized swap valuation adjustments and capital lease obligations.

 

The carrying amounts of credit card receivables, net of allowance, accounts payable, and certain accrued and other current liabilities approximate fair value at October 31, 2009.

 

4.  Credit Card Receivables

 

Credit card receivables are recorded net of an allowance for expected losses. The allowance, recognized in an amount equal to anticipated future write-offs of existing receivables, was $1,025 million at October 31, 2009, $1,010 million at January 31, 2009 and $765 million at November 1, 2008. This allowance includes provisions for uncollectible finance charges and other credit-related fees. We estimate future write-offs based on historical experience of delinquencies, risk scores, aging trends, and industry risk trends. Substantially all accounts continue to accrue finance charges until they are written off. Total receivables past due ninety days or more and still accruing finance charges were $370 million at October 31, 2009, $393 million at January 31, 2009 and $336 million at November 1, 2008. Accounts are written off when they become 180 days past due.

 

Under certain circumstances, we offer cardholder payment plans that modify finance charges and minimum payments, which meet the accounting definition of a troubled debt restructuring (TDRs). These concessions are made on an individual cardholder basis for economic or legal reasons specific to each individual cardholder’s circumstances. As a percentage of period-end gross receivables, receivables classified as TDRs were 6.7 percent at October 31, 2009, 4.9 percent at January 31, 2009, and 4.0 percent at November 1, 2008. Receivables classified as TDRs are treated consistently with other aged receivables in determining our allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

As a method of providing funding for our credit card receivables, we sell on an ongoing basis all of our consumer credit card receivables to Target Receivables Corporation (TRC), a wholly owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiary. TRC then transfers the receivables to the Target Credit Card Master Trust (the Trust), which from time to time will sell debt securities to third parties either directly or through a related trust. These debt securities represent undivided interests in the Trust assets. TRC uses the proceeds from the sale of debt securities and its share of collections on the receivables to pay the purchase price of the receivables to the Corporation.

 

We consolidate the receivables within the Trust and any debt securities issued by the Trust, or a related trust, in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position based upon the applicable accounting guidance. The receivables transferred to the Trust are not available to general creditors of the Corporation. The payments to the holders of the debt securities issued by the Trust or the related trust are made solely from the assets transferred to the Trust or the related trust and are nonrecourse to the general assets of the Corporation. Upon termination of the securitization program and repayment of all debt securities, any remaining assets could be distributed to the Corporation in a liquidation of TRC.

 

In the second quarter of 2008, we sold an interest in our credit card receivables to a JPMorgan Chase affiliate (JPMC). The interest sold represented 47 percent of the receivables portfolio at the time of the transaction. This transaction was accounted for as a secured borrowing, and accordingly, the credit card receivables and the note payable issued are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Notwithstanding this accounting treatment, the accounts receivable assets that collateralize the note payable supply the cash flow to pay principal and interest to the note holder; the receivables are not available to general creditors of the Corporation; and the payments to JPMC are made solely from the trust assets

 

7



 

and are nonrecourse to the general assets of the Corporation. Interest and principal payments due on the note are satisfied provided the cash flows from the trust assets are sufficient. If the cash flows are less than the periodic interest, the available amount, if any, is paid with respect to interest. Interest shortfalls will be paid to the extent subsequent cash flows from the assets in the trust are sufficient.  Future principal payments will be made from JPMC’s prorata share of cash flows from the trust assets.

 

In the event of a decrease in the receivables principal amount such that JPMC’s interest in the entire portfolio would exceed 47 percent for three consecutive months, TRC (using the cash flows from the assets in the trust) may pay JPMC a pro rata amount of principal collections such that the portion owned by JPMC would not exceed 47 percent. Conversely, at the option of the Corporation, JPMC may be required to fund an increase in the portfolio to maintain their 47 percent interest up to a maximum JPMC principal balance of $4.2 billion. If a three-month average of monthly finance charge excess (JPMC’s prorata share of finance charge collections less write-offs and specified expenses) is less than 2 percent of the outstanding principal balance of JPMC’s interest, the Corporation must implement mutually agreed upon underwriting strategies. If the three-month average finance charge excess falls below 1 percent of the outstanding principal balance of JPMC’s interest, JPMC may compel the Corporation to implement underwriting and collections activities, provided those activities are compatible with the Corporation’s systems, as well as consistent with similar credit card receivable portfolios managed by JPMC. If the Corporation fails to implement the activities, JPMC may cause the accelerated repayment of the note payable issued in the transaction.  As noted in the preceding paragraph, payments would be made solely from the trust assets.

 

5.  Contingencies

 

We are exposed to claims and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business and use various methods to resolve these matters in a manner that we believe serves the best interest of our shareholders and other constituents. We believe the recorded reserves in our consolidated financial statements are adequate in light of the probable and estimable liabilities. We do not believe that any of the currently identified claims or litigation will materially affect our results of operations, cash flows or financial condition.

 

6.  Notes Payable

 

We obtain short-term financing from time to time under our commercial paper program, a form of notes payable. There were no amounts outstanding under our commercial paper program at October 31, 2009 or January 31, 2009.  Notes payable under this program totaled $1,382 at November 1, 2008 and are included in the current portion of unsecured debt and other borrowings in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position.

 

7.  Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Derivative financial instruments are reported at fair value on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. Our derivative instruments have been primarily interest rate swaps. We use these derivatives to mitigate our interest rate risk.  We have counterparty credit risk resulting from our derivative instruments. This risk lies primarily with two global financial institutions.  We monitor this concentration of counterparty credit risk on an ongoing basis.

 

Historically, the majority of our derivative instruments were designated as hedge instruments in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.  The changes in market value of an interest rate swap, as well as the offsetting change in market value of the hedged debt, were recognized within earnings in the current period.  We assessed at the inception of the derivative hedge whether the hedge was highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of hedged items. Ineffectiveness resulted when changes in the market value of the hedged debt were not completely offset by changes in the market value of the interest rate swap. For those derivative contracts whose terms met the conditions of the “short-cut method”, 100 percent hedge effectiveness was assumed.  There was no ineffectiveness recognized during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008 related to our hedges. At October 31, 2009, we had no derivative instruments designated as accounting hedges.

 

During the first quarter of 2008, we terminated certain “pay floating” interest rate swaps with a combined notional amount of $3,125 million for cash proceeds of $160 million, which are classified within other operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Because these swaps were designated as hedges, concurrent with their terminations, we stopped making market value adjustments to the associated hedged debt. Gains realized upon termination are being amortized into earnings over the remaining life of the associated hedged debt.

 

Additionally, during 2008, we de-designated certain “pay floating” interest rate swaps, and upon de-designation, these swaps no longer qualified for hedge accounting treatment. As a result of the de-designation, the unrealized gains on these

 

8



 

swaps determined at the date of de-designation are being amortized into earnings over the remaining lives of the previously hedged items.

 

Total net gains amortized into net interest expense for terminated and de-designated swaps were $13 million during the three months ended October 31, 2009 and $14 million during the three months ended November 1, 2008.  Total net gains amortized into net interest expense for terminated and de-designated swaps were $46 million and $40 million during the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively. The amount remaining on unamortized hedged debt valuation gains from terminated and de-designated interest rate swaps that will be amortized into earnings over the remaining lives totaled $216 million, $263 million and $206 million, at October 31, 2009, January 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008.

 

Simultaneous to the de-designations during 2008, we entered into “pay fixed” swaps to economically hedge the risks associated with the de-designated “pay floating” swaps. These swaps are not designated as hedging instruments and along with the de-designated “pay floating” swaps are measured at fair value. Changes in fair value measurements are a component of net interest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Periodic payments, valuation adjustments and amortization of gains or losses from the termination or de-designation of derivative contracts are summarized below:

 

Derivative Contracts – Effect on Results of Operations

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

Classification of

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

(millions)

 

Income/(Expense)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

Interest Rate Swaps

 

Other interest expense

 

$

17

 

$

19

 

$

48

 

$

51

 

 

For further description of the fair value measurement of derivative contracts and their classification on the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, see Note 3, Fair Value Measurements.

 

8.  Income Taxes

 

We file a U.S. federal income tax return and income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for years before 2006 and, with few exceptions, are no longer subject to state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.

 

We accrue for the effects of uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest. There were no material adjustments to our recorded liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months.

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we filed income tax returns that included tax accounting method changes allowed under applicable tax regulations.  These changes resulted in a substantial increase in tax deductions related to property and equipment, resulting in an increase in noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities of approximately $300 million and a corresponding increase in current income taxes receivable, which is classified as other current assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  These changes did not affect income tax expense during the quarter.

 

9.  Share Repurchase

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of our common stock, for a total cash investment of $14 million (average price per share of $43.80), of which $9 million was paid in prior periods. During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, we repurchased 1.5 million shares of our common stock, for a total cash investment of $56 million (average price per share of $36.57), of which $42 million was paid in prior periods.  All shares reacquired during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 were delivered upon settlement of prepaid forward contracts.  The prepaid forward contracts settled during the three months ended October 31, 2009 had a total cash investment of $14 million and an aggregate market value of $15 million at their respective settlement dates.  The prepaid forward contracts settled during the nine months ended October 31, 2009 had a total cash investment of $56 million and an aggregate market value of $60 million at their respective settlement dates. In November 2008 we announced a temporary suspension to our open-market share repurchase program.  See Note 10, Pension, Postretirement Health Care and Other Benefits, for further details of our prepaid forward contracts.

 

9



 

During the three months ended November 1, 2008, we repurchased 2.5 million shares of our common stock, for a total cash investment of $140 million ($54.93 per share), all of which was paid in prior periods.  During the nine months ended November 1, 2008, we repurchased 66.8 million shares of our common stock for a total cash investment of $3,380 million ($50.54 per share), of which $453 million was paid in prior periods. Of the repurchases during the nine months ended November 1, 2008, 30 million shares were acquired through the exercise of call options.

 

Since the inception of our share repurchase program, which began in the fourth quarter of 2007, we have repurchased 95.2 million shares of our common stock, for a total cash investment of $4,897 million (average price per share of $51.42).

 

10.  Pension, Postretirement Health Care and Other Benefits

 

We have qualified defined benefit pension plans covering team members who meet age and service requirements, including in certain circumstances date of hire. We also have unfunded, nonqualified pension plans for team members with qualified plan compensation restrictions. Benefits are provided based on years of service and team member compensation. Upon retirement, team members also become eligible for certain health care benefits if they meet minimum age and service requirements and agree to contribute a portion of the cost.

 

Net Pension Expense and

 

Pension Benefits

 

Postretirement Health Care Benefits

 

Postretirement Healthcare

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Month Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Expense

 

Oct. 31,

 

Nov. 1,

 

Oct. 31,

 

Nov. 1,

 

Oct. 31,

 

Nov. 1,

 

Oct. 31,

 

Nov. 1,

 

(millions)

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

Service cost

 

$

25

 

$

24

 

$

75

 

$

70

 

$

2

 

$

1

 

$

5

 

$

3

 

Interest cost

 

32

 

29

 

94

 

87

 

2

 

2

 

6

 

6

 

Expected return on assets

 

(44

)

(41

)

(132

)

(121

)

 

 

 

 

Recognized losses

 

6

 

4

 

18

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

Recognized prior service cost

 

(1

)

(1

)

(3

)

(3

)

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

18

 

$

15

 

$

52

 

$

45

 

$

4

 

$

3

 

$

11

 

$

9

 

 

In the first quarter of 2009, we made a discretionary contribution of $100 million to our qualified defined benefit pension plan.  We are likely to make contributions of $100 million or more during the fourth quarter of 2009, depending on a variety of factors, including the return on our pension plan assets in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we amended our postretirement health care plan, resulting in a $46 million reduction to our recorded liability, with a corresponding increase to shareholders’ equity of $28 million, net of taxes of $18 million.  At October 31, 2009 our postretirement health care liability was $74 million.  The financial benefits of this amendment will be recognized through a reduction of benefit plan expense over the next 6 years.

 

We also maintain a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan for approximately 3,400 current and retired team members whose participation in our 401(k) plan is limited by statute or regulation. These team members choose from a menu of crediting rate alternatives that are the same as the investment choices in our 401(k) plan, including Target common stock. We credit an additional two percent per year to the accounts of all active participants, excluding executive officer participants, in part to recognize the risks inherent to their participation in a plan of this nature. We also maintain a nonqualified, unfunded deferred compensation plan that was frozen during 1996, covering 11 current and 50 retired participants. In this plan, deferred compensation earns returns tied to market levels of interest rates plus an additional six percent return, with a minimum of 12 percent and a maximum of 20 percent, as determined by the plan’s terms.

 

We control some of our risk of offering the nonqualified plans by investing in vehicles that offset a substantial portion of our economic exposure to the returns of the plans.  These investment vehicles include company owned life insurance on approximately 3,500 highly compensated, current and former team members who have given their consent to be insured and prepaid forward contracts in our own common stock. All of these investments are general corporate assets and are marked-to-market with the related gains and losses recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period they occur.

 

The total change in fair value for contracts indexed to our own common stock recorded in earnings was a pretax gain of $6 million and $29 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively, and a pretax gain/(loss) of $31 million and $(2) million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively. For the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, we invested approximately $14 million and $207 million, respectively, in such investment instruments, and these investments are included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows within other investing activities. Adjusting our position in these investment vehicles may involve

 

10



 

repurchasing shares of Target common stock when settling the forward contracts. For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, these repurchases totaled 0.3 million and 1.5 million shares, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended November 1, 2008, these repurchases totaled 2.5 million and 4.3 million shares, respectively, and are included in the total share repurchases described in Note 9, Share Repurchase.

 

At October 31, 2009, January 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, our outstanding interest in contracts indexed to our common stock was as follows:

 

Prepaid Forward Contracts on Target

Common Stock

 

(millions, except per share data)

 

Number of 

Shares 

 

Contractual
Price Paid
per Share

 

Fair
Value

 

Total Cash
Investment

November 1, 2008

 

2.3 

 

$

41.11

 

$

86

 

$

95

January 31, 2009

 

2.2 

 

39.98

 

68

 

88

October 31, 2009

 

1.1 

 

41.11

 

54

 

46

 

11.  Segment Reporting

 

Our measure of profit for each segment is a measure that management considers analytically useful in measuring the return we are achieving on our investment.

 

Business Segment Results

 

Three Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

Three Months Ended November 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

Sales/Credit card revenues

 

$

14,789

 

$

487

 

$

15,276

 

 

$

14,588

 

$

526

 

$

15,114

 

Cost of sales

 

10,229

 

 

10,229

 

 

10,130

 

 

10,130

 

Bad debt expense(a)

 

 

301

 

301

 

 

 

314

 

314

 

Selling, general and administrative/Operations and marketing expenses(a), (b)

 

3,236

 

99

 

3,335

 

 

3,221

 

113

 

3,334

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

533

 

4

 

537

 

 

465

 

4

 

469

 

Earnings before interest expense and income taxes

 

791

 

83

 

874

 

 

772

 

95

 

867

 

Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

 

23

 

23

 

 

 

60

 

60

 

Segment profit

 

$

791

 

$

60

 

851

 

 

$

772

 

$

35

 

807

 

Unallocated (income) and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

168

 

 

 

 

 

 

180

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6

Earnings before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

$

683

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)       The combination of bad debt expense and operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment represent credit card expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(b)       New account and loyalty rewards redeemed by our guests reduce reported sales. Our Retail Segment charges the cost of these discounts to our Credit Card Segment, and the reimbursements of $19 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and $24 million for the three months ended November 1, 2008 are recorded as a reduction to SG&A expenses within the Retail Segment and an increase to operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment.

Note: The sum of the segment amounts may not equal the total amounts due to rounding.

 

11



 

Business Segment Results

 

Nine Months Ended October 31, 2009

 

 

Nine Months Ended November 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

Sales/Credit card revenues

 

$

43,717

 

$

1,459

 

$

45,176

 

 

$

43,861

 

$

1,527

 

$

45,388

 

Cost of sales

 

30,080

 

 

30,080

 

 

30,332

 

 

30,332

 

Bad debt expense(a)

 

 

900

 

900

 

 

 

751

 

751

 

Selling, general and administrative/ Operations and marketing expenses(a), (b)

 

9,345

 

312

 

9,658

 

 

9,361

 

347

 

9,708

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,476

 

11

 

1,487

 

 

1,339

 

13

 

1,352

 

Earnings before interest expense and income taxes

 

2,816

 

236

 

3,051

 

 

2,829

 

416

 

3,245

 

Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

 

74

 

74

 

 

 

126

 

126

 

Segment profit

 

$

2,816

 

$

162

 

2,977

 

 

$

2,829

 

$

290

 

3,119

 

Unallocated (income) and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest expense

 

 

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

 

 

 

550

 

Interest income

 

 

 

 

 

(3

)

 

 

 

 

 

(24

Earnings before income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,463

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

2,593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)       The combination of bad debt expense and operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment represent credit card expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

(b)       New account and loyalty rewards redeemed by our guests reduce reported sales. Our Retail Segment charges the cost of these discounts to our Credit Card Segment, and the reimbursements of $59 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and $75 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2008 are recorded as a reduction to SG&A expenses within the Retail Segment and an increase to operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment.

Note: The sum of the segment amounts may not equal the total amounts due to rounding.

 

Total Assets by Segment

 

October 31, 2009

 

January 31, 2009

 

November 1, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

 

 

Credit

 

 

 

(millions)

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

Retail

 

Card

 

Total

 

Total assets

 

$

38,519

 

$

7,460

 

$

45,979

 

$

35,651

 

$

8,455

 

$

44,106

 

$

38,780

 

$

8,261

 

$

47,041

 

 

Substantially all of our revenues are generated in, and long-lived assets are located in, the United States.

 

12.  Subsequent Events

 

On November 6, 2009, the United States District Court of New York approved the distribution of settlement funds to class members for the Visa Check/Mastermoney Antitrust Litigation.  Accordingly, we will record a gain of approximately $25 million (as a reduction of SG&A expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations) and will likely receive the settlement proceeds in the fourth quarter of 2009.

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

Executive Summary

 

Our financial results for the third quarter reflect the challenging economy in which we operated. Our Retail Segment’s results reflect a modest decrease in comparable-store sales, strong gross margin rate performance and disciplined expense control. Despite continuing to operate in a harsh consumer credit environment, our Credit Card Segment’s portfolio continues to exhibit stability and modest profitability.

 

Cash flow provided by operations was $3,027 million and $1,780 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and November 1, 2008, respectively. During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we opened 25 new stores representing 24 stores net of 1 closing. During the three months ended November 1, 2008, we opened 45 new stores representing 36 stores net of 9 relocations.

 

12



 

Analysis of Results of Operations

 

Retail Segment

 

Retail Segment Results

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

Percent

 

 

October 31,

 

November  1,

 

Percent

 

(millions)

 

2009

 

2008

 

Change

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

Change

 

Sales

 

$

14,789

 

$

14,588

 

1.4

%

 

$

43,717

 

$

43,861

 

(0.3

)%

Cost of sales

 

10,229

 

10,130

 

1.0

 

 

30,080

 

30,332

 

(0.8

)

Gross margin

 

4,560

 

4,458

 

2.3

 

 

13,637

 

13,529

 

0.8

 

SG&A expenses(a)

 

3,236

 

3,221

 

0.5

 

 

9,345

 

9,361

 

(0.2

)

EBITDA

 

1,324

 

1,237

 

7.1

 

 

4,292

 

4,168

 

3.0

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

533

 

465

 

14.8

 

 

1,476

 

1,339

 

10.2

 

EBIT

 

$

791

 

$

772

 

2.4

%

 

$

2,816

 

$

2,829

 

(0.4

)%

EBITDA is earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.

EBIT is earnings before interest expense and income taxes.

(a)       New account and loyalty rewards redeemed by our guests reduce reported sales. Our Retail Segment charges the cost of these discounts to our Credit Card Segment, and the reimbursements of $19 million and $59 million for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, respectively, and $24 million and $75 million for the three and nine months ended November 1, 2008, respectively, are recorded as a reduction to SG&A expenses within the Retail Segment.

 

Retail Segment Rate Analysis

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

Gross margin rate

 

30.8%

 

30.6%

 

31.2%

 

30.8%

 

SG&A expense rate

 

21.9%

 

22.1%

 

21.4%

 

21.3%

 

EBITDA margin rate

 

9.0%

 

8.5%

 

9.8%

 

9.5%

 

Depreciation and amortization expense rate

 

3.6%

 

3.2%

 

3.4%

 

3.1%

 

EBIT margin rate

 

5.3%

 

5.3%

 

6.4%

 

6.4%

 

Retail Segment rate analysis metrics are computed by dividing the applicable amount by sales.

 

Sales

 

Sales include merchandise sales, net of expected returns, from our stores and our online business, as well as gift card breakage. Comparable-store sales is a measure that indicates the performance of our existing stores by measuring the growth in sales for such stores for a period over the comparable, prior-year period of equivalent length. The method of calculating comparable-store sales varies across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable-store sales calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

 

Comparable-store sales are sales from our online business and sales from general merchandise and SuperTarget stores open longer than one year, including:

·

sales from stores that have been remodeled or expanded while remaining open

·

sales from stores that have been relocated to new buildings of the same format within the same trade area, in which the new store opens at about the same time as the old store closes

 

Comparable-store sales do not include:

·

sales from general merchandise stores that have been converted, or relocated within the same trade area, to a SuperTarget store format

·

sales from stores that were intentionally closed to be remodeled, expanded or reconstructed

 

13



 

Comparable-Store Sales

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

October 31,

 

November 1,

 

 

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2008

 

Comparable-store sales

 

(1.6)%

 

(3.3)%

 

(3.9)%

 

(1.5)%

 

Drivers of changes in comparable-store sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of transactions

 

0.6%

 

(3.6)%

 

(1.1)%

 

(2.5)%

 

Average transaction amount

 

(2.2)%

 

0.3%

 

(2.8)%

 

1.0%

 

Units per transaction

 

(1.6)%

 

(1.5)%

 

(2.4)%

 

(1.3)%

 

Selling price per unit

 

(0.6)%

 

1.8%

 

(0.4)%

 

2.3%

 

The comparable-store sales increases or decreases above are calculated by comparing sales in fiscal year periods with comparable prior fiscal year periods of equivalent length.

 

Transaction-level metrics are influenced by a broad array of macroeconomic, competitive and consumer behavioral factors, and comparable-store sales rates are negatively impacted by transfer of sales to new stores.

 

Gross Margin Rate

 

Gross margin rate represents gross margin (sales less cost of sales) as a percentage of sales. See Note 3 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 for a description of expenses included in cost of sales. Markup is the difference between an item’s cost and its retail price (expressed as a percentage of its retail price). Factors that affect markup include vendor offerings and negotiations, vendor income, sourcing strategies, market forces like raw material and freight costs, and competitive influences. Markdowns are the reduction in the original or previous price of retail merchandise. Factors that affect markdowns include inventory management, competitive influences and economic conditions.

 

For the three months ended October 31, 2009, our consolidated gross margin rate was 30.8 percent, compared with 30.6 percent in the same period last year. Our 2009 gross margin rate benefitted from rate improvements within categories, partially offset by a smaller-than-expected mix impact of faster sales growth in nondiscretionary lower margin rate categories.  The impact of rate performance within merchandise categories on gross margin rate was an approximate 0.4 percentage point increase for the three months ended October 31, 2009, the majority of which is the result of improved markdown performance.  The impact of sales mix on gross margin rate was an approximate 0.2 percentage point reduction for the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, our gross margin rate was 31.2 percent compared with 30.8 percent in the same period last year. The impact of rate performance within merchandise categories on gross margin rate was an approximate 0.9 percentage point increase for the nine months ended October 31, 2009, driven primarily by improved markdown performance and lower transportation costs.  The impact of sales mix on gross margin rate was an approximate 0.5 percentage point reduction for the nine months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expense Rate

 

Our selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expense rate represents SG&A expenses as a percentage of sales. See Note 3 in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 for a description of expenses included in SG&A expenses. SG&A expenses exclude depreciation and amortization, as well as expenses associated with our credit card operations, which are reflected separately in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

For the three months ended October 31, 2009, SG&A expense rate was 21.9 percent, compared with 22.1 percent for the same period last year. Favorability in SG&A expense rate during the quarter was driven by sustained productivity gains in our stores, an approximate 0.4 percentage point reduction.  This favorability was partially offset by increases in incentive compensation due to better than expected performance.  For the nine months ended October 31, 2009, SG&A expense rate was 21.4 percent, compared with 21.3 percent for the same period last year.

 

14



 

Depreciation and Amortization Expense Rate

 

Our depreciation and amortization expense rate represents depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of sales. For the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, our depreciation and amortization expense rates were 3.6 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively, compared with 3.2 percent and 3.1 percent for the same respective periods last year.  Approximately two-thirds of the rate increase was due to accelerated depreciation on assets that will be replaced as part of our 350-store, 2010 remodel program.

 

Store Data

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, we opened 25 new stores, including 20 general merchandise stores (19 net of 1 store relocation) and 5 SuperTarget stores. During the three months ended November 1, 2008, we opened 45 new stores, including 37 general merchandise stores (28 net of 9 store relocations) and 8 SuperTarget stores.

 

Number of Stores and Retail Square Feet

 

Number of Stores

 

Retail Square Feet(a)

 

 

 

October 31,

 

January 31,

 

November 1,

 

October 31,

 

January 31,

 

November 1,

 

 

 

2009

 

2009

 

2008

 

2009

 

2009

 

2008

 

Target general merchandise stores

 

1,491

 

1,443

 

1,445

 

187,481

 

180,321

 

180,200

 

SuperTarget stores

 

252

 

239

 

239

 

44,645

 

42,267

 

42,220

 

Total

 

1,743

 

1,682

 

1,684

 

232,126

 

222,588

 

222,420

 

(a)

In thousands; reflects total square feet, less office, distribution center and vacant space.

 

Credit Card Segment

 

Credit card revenues are comprised of finance charges, late fees and other revenues, and third party merchant fees, or the amounts received from merchants who accept the Target Visa credit card.

 

Credit Card Segment Results

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31, 2009

 

November 1, 2008

 

 

 

Amount

 

Annualized

 

Amount

 

Annualized

 

(millions)

 

(in millions)

 

Rate(d)

 

(in millions)

 

Rate(d)

 

Finance charge revenue

 

$

365

 

17.8

%

$

366

 

16.7

%

Late fees and other revenue

 

92

 

4.5

 

123

 

5.6

 

Third party merchant fees

 

30

 

1.5

 

37

 

1.7

 

Total revenues

 

487

 

23.8

 

526

 

24.1

 

Bad debt expense

 

301

 

14.7

 

314

 

14.4

 

Operations and marketing expenses(a)

 

99

 

4.8

 

113

 

5.2

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

4

 

0.2

 

4

 

0.2

 

Total expenses

 

404

 

19.7

 

431

 

19.7

 

EBIT

 

83

 

4.1

 

95

 

4.3

 

Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

23

 

 

 

60

 

 

 

Segment profit

 

$

60

 

 

$

35

 

 

 

Average receivables funded by Target(b)

 

$

2,677

 

 

$

3,272

 

 

 

Segment pretax ROIC(c)

 

9.0

%

 

4.3

%

 

 

(a)

New account and loyalty rewards redeemed by our guests reduce reported sales. Our Retail Segment charges the cost of these discounts to our Credit Card Segment, and the reimbursements of $19 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and $24 million for the three months ended November 1, 2008, respectively, are recorded as an increase to operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment.

(b)

Amounts represent the portion of average gross credit card receivables funded by Target. These amounts exclude $5,520 million for the three months ended October 31, 2009 and $5,473 million for the three months ended November 1, 2008 of receivables funded by nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables.

(c)

ROIC is return on invested capital, and this rate equals our segment profit divided by average gross credit card receivables funded by Target, expressed as an annualized rate.

(d)

As an annualized percentage of average gross credit card receivables.

 

15



 

Credit Card Segment Results

 

Nine Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31, 2009

 

November 1, 2008

 

 

 

Amount

 

Annualized

 

Amount

 

Annualized

 

(millions)

 

(in millions)

 

Rate(d)

 

(in millions)

 

Rate(d)

 

Finance charge revenue

 

$

1,097

 

17.4

%

$

1,060

 

16.5

%

Late fees and other revenue

 

270

 

4.3

 

352

 

5.5

 

Third party merchant fees

 

92

 

1.5

 

115

 

1.8

 

Total revenues

 

1,459

 

23.1

 

1,527

 

23.8

 

Bad debt expense

 

900

 

14.3

 

751

 

11.7

 

Operations and marketing expenses(a)

 

312

 

4.9

 

347

 

5.4

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11

 

0.2

 

13

 

0.2

 

Total expenses

 

1,223

 

19.4

 

1,111

 

17.3

 

EBIT

 

236

 

3.7

 

416

 

6.5

 

Interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables

 

74

 

 

 

126

 

 

 

Segment profit

 

$

162

 

 

$

290

 

 

 

Average receivables funded by Target(b)

 

$

2,910

 

 

$

4,392

 

 

 

Segment pretax ROIC(c)

 

7.4

%

 

8.8

%

 

 

(a)

New account and loyalty rewards redeemed by our guests reduce reported sales. Our Retail Segment charges the cost of these discounts to our Credit Card Segment, and the reimbursements of $59 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and $75 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2008, respectively, are recorded as an increase to operations and marketing expenses within the Credit Card Segment.

(b)

Amounts represent the portion of average gross credit card receivables funded by Target. These amounts exclude $5,508 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 and $4,176 million for the nine months ended November 1, 2008 of receivables funded by nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables.

(c)

ROIC is return on invested capital, and this rate equals our segment profit divided by average gross credit card receivables funded by Target, expressed as an annualized rate.

(d)

As an annualized percentage of average gross credit card receivables.

 

Spread Analysis - Total Portfolio

 

Three Months Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Three Months Ended
November 1, 2008

 

 

 

Yield

 

Yield

 

 

 

Amount

 

Annualized  

 

Amount

 

Annualized  

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Rate  

 

(in millions)

 

Rate  

 

EBIT

 

$

83

 

4.1%  

 (b)

$

95

 

4.3%  

 (b)

LIBOR(a)

 

 

 

0.3%  

 

 

 

3.1%  

 

Spread to LIBOR(c)

 

$

78

 

3.8%  

 (b)

$

27

 

1.2%  

 (b)

(a)

Balance-weighted one-month LIBOR.

(b)

As a percentage of average gross credit card receivables.

(c)

Spread to LIBOR is a metric used to analyze the performance of our total credit card portfolio because the vast majority of our portfolio earned finance charge revenue at rates tied to the Prime Rate, and the interest rate on all nonrecourse debt securitized by credit card receivables is tied to LIBOR.

 

Spread Analysis - Total Portfolio

 

Nine Months Ended
October 31, 2009

 

Nine Months Ended
November 1, 2008

 

 

 

Yield

 

Yield

 

 

 

Amount

 

Annualized  

 

Amount

 

Annualized  

 

 

 

(in millions)

 

Rate  

 

(in millions)

 

Rate  

 

EBIT

 

$

236

 

3.7%  

 (b)

$

416

 

6.5%  

 (b)

LIBOR(a)

 

 

 

0.3%  

 

 

 

2.8%  

 

Spread to LIBOR(c)

 

$

213

 

3.4%  

 (b)

$

235

 

3.7%  

 (b)

(a)

Balance-weighted one-month LIBOR.

(b)

As a percentage of average gross credit card receivables.

(c)

Spread to LIBOR is a metric used to analyze the performance of our total credit card portfolio because the vast majority of our portfolio earned finance charge revenue at rates tied to the Prime Rate, and the interest rate on all nonrecourse debt securitized by credit card receivables is tied to LIBOR.

 

16



 

Our primary measure of Segment profit in our Credit Card Segment is the EBIT generated by our total credit card receivables portfolio less the interest expense on nonrecourse debt collateralized by credit card receivables. We analyze this measure of profit in light of the amount of capital we have invested in our credit card receivables. In addition, we measure the performance of our overall credit card receivables portfolio by calculating the dollar spread to LIBOR at the portfolio level. This metric approximates the overall financial performance of the entire credit card portfolio we manage by measuring the difference between EBIT earned on the portfolio and a hypothetical benchmark rate financing cost applied to the entire portfolio. For the 2009 first quarter, the vast majority of our portfolio accrued finance charge revenue at rates tied to the Prime Rate, and the interest rate on all nonrecourse debt securitized by credit card receivables is tied to LIBOR. We implemented a terms change to our portfolio, effective in April 2009, that establishes a minimum annual percentage rate (APR) applied to cardholder account balances. Under this terms change, finance charges will accrue at a fixed APR if the benchmark Prime Rate is less than 6%; if the Prime Rate is greater than 6%, finance charges will accrue at the benchmark Prime Rate, plus a spread.

 

Credit Card Segment profit for the three months ended October 31, 2009 increased to $60 million from $35 million for the three months ended November 1, 2008. Revenues for the 2009 three months were negatively impacted by a lower Prime Rate index and lower levels of late fees assessed, almost entirely offset by terms changes implemented in 2008 and 2009.  Segment expenses decreased during the three months by $28 million, driven by a decrease in bad debt expense of $14 million over the comparable period, strong expense management and lower rewards expense. Interest expense was favorably impacted by the lower LIBOR rates during 2009 compared with 2008. This portfolio performance, combined with the lower average receivables funded by Target, resulted in an increase in segment pretax ROIC from 4.3 percent in 2008 to 9.0 percent in 2009.

 

During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, Credit Card Segment profit declined to $162 million from $290 million in the same period last year as a result of a decline in the spread to LIBOR earned on the overall portfolio and a 33.7 percent reduction in Target’s investment in average gross credit card receivables. Segment revenues decreased due to a decline in late fee revenue and third party merchant fees, moderately offset by higher finance charge revenue resulting from the terms changes implemented between the comparative periods. Segment expenses for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 were $1,223 million, an increase of $112 million, or 10.1 percent, from the same period last year, reflecting higher bad debt expense, offset by lower operating and marketing expenses.

 

Receivables Rollforward Analysis

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

 

November 1,

 

 

October 31,

 

 

November 1,

 

 

(millions)

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008 

 

 

Beginning gross credit card receivables

 

$

8,293

 

 

$

8,641

 

 

$

9,094

 

 

$

8,624

 

 

Charges at Target

 

799

 

 

955

 

 

2,445

 

 

2,923

 

 

Charges at third parties

 

1,648

 

 

2,082

 

 

5,080

 

 

6,488

 

 

Payments

 

(2,870

)

 

(3,221

)

 

(9,071

)

 

(10,209

)

 

Other

 

178

 

 

307

 

 

500

 

 

938

 

 

Period-end gross credit card receivables

 

$

8,048

 

 

$

8,764

 

 

$

8,048

 

 

$

8,764

 

 

Average gross credit card receivables

 

$

8,197

 

 

$

8,745

 

 

$

8,418

 

 

$

8,568

 

 

Accounts with three or more payments (60+ days) past due as a percentage of period-end gross credit card receivables

 

6.5

%

 

5.6

%

 

6.5

%

 

5.6

%

 

Accounts with four or more payments (90+ days) past due as a percentage of period-end gross credit card receivables

 

4.6

%

 

3.8

%

 

4.6

%

 

3.8

%

 

 

17



 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Three Months Ended

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

October 31,

 

 

November 1,

 

 

October 31,

 

 

November 1,

 

 

(millions)

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

Allowance at beginning of period

 

$

1,004

 

 

$

661

 

 

$

1,010

 

 

$

570

 

 

Bad debt expense

 

301

 

 

314

 

 

900

 

 

751

 

 

Net write-offs(a)

 

(280

)

 

(210

)

 

(885

)

 

(556

)

 

Allowance at end of period

 

$

1,025

 

 

$

765

 

 

$

1,025

 

 

$

765

 

 

As a percentage of period-end gross credit card receivables

 

12.7

%

 

8.7

%

 

12.7

%

 

8.7

%

 

Net write-offs as a percentage of average gross credit card receivables (annualized)

 

13.7

%

 

9.6

%

 

14.0

%

 

8.7

%

 

(a)

Net write-offs include the principal amount of losses (excluding accrued and unpaid finance charges) less current period principal recoveries.

 

Our period-end gross credit card receivables at October 31, 2009 were $8,048 million compared with $8,764 million at November 1, 2008, a decrease of 8.2 percent. Average gross credit card receivables for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 decreased 6.3 percent and 1.7 percent, respectively, compared with the same 2008 periods. This change was driven by risk management and underwriting initiatives that have significantly reduced available credit lines for higher-risk cardholders, a reduction in charge activity resulting from reductions in card usage by our guests, offset in part by the impact of an industry-wide decline in payment rates.

 

Other Performance Factors

 

Net Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense was $191 million and $588 million for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, respectively, decreasing $43 million (18.3 percent) and $64 million (9.8 percent), respectively, from the same periods last year. Approximately two-thirds of the decline during the quarter was a result of annualized average portfolio interest rates decreasing from 5.4 percent to 4.7 percent.  The remaining decrease is attributable to lower average debt balances.  The decline during the nine months was a result of the annualized average portfolio interest rates decreasing from 5.5 percent to 4.7 percent.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

 

Our effective income tax rate for the third quarter of 2009 was 36.1 percent compared with 41.7 percent for the third quarter of 2008. The year-to-date effective tax rate decreased to 37.0 percent in 2009 from 38.1 percent in 2008. The decrease in the effective rates between periods is primarily due to nontaxable capital market returns in 2009 compared with nondeductible losses in 2008.  The 2009 effective income tax rates are also lower due to resolution of income tax examinations, resulting in a decrease in the amount of reserves recorded during the quarter.  The 2009 effective income tax rates are also lower due to a comparatively larger proportion of earnings subject to rate differences between taxing jurisdictions than in 2008.

 

Analysis of Financial Condition

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Historically, we have funded our operations and growth through internally generated funds and, if needed, debt financing. Cash flow provided by operations was $3,027 million for the nine months ended October 31, 2009 compared with $1,780 million for the same period last year. The first of our two large 2009 debt maturities, $750 million, was paid during the three months ended August 1, 2009, and our final 2009 large debt maturity, $500 million, was paid during the three months ended October 31, 2009.

 

Our period-end gross credit card receivables were $8,048 million at the end of the third quarter of 2009 compared with $8,764 million at the end of the third quarter of 2008, a decrease of 8.2 percent. This change was driven by the factors indicated in the Credit Card Segment discussion above.  This trend and the factors influencing it are likely to continue into 2010.  Due to the decrease in gross credit card receivables, TRC, using cash flows from the trust, repaid JPMC $163 million in November 2009 under the terms of our agreement with them as described in Note 4.  To the extent the receivables

 

18



 

balance continues to decline, TRC may continue to pay JPMC a prorata portion of principal collections such that the portion owned by JPMC would not exceed 47 percent.

 

Inventory levels increased $332 million, or 3.7 percent from November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2009, reflecting increased inventory levels required to support comparatively higher retail square footage. Accounts payable increased by $49 million, or 0.6 percent over the same period.

 

Capital expenditures for the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009 were $399 million and $1,440 million, respectively, compared with $871 million and $2,827 million for the three and nine months ended November 1, 2008, respectively. This decrease was driven by lower capital expenditures for new stores, remodels and technology-related assets.  In light of the current operating environment, we have fewer opportunities to productively invest capital and forecast capital expenditures for 2009 full year at approximately $1.8 billion.

 

During the three months ended October 31, 2009, through settlement of prepaid forward contracts, we repurchased 0.3 million shares of our common stock for a total cash investment of $14 million ($43.80 per share), of which $9 million was outlaid prior to that period. During the nine months ended October 31, 2009, through settlement of prepaid forward contracts, we repurchased 1.5 million shares of our common stock for a total cash investment of $56 million ($36.57 per share), of which $42 million was outlaid prior to that period. During the three months ended November 1, 2008, we repurchased 2.5 million shares of our common stock for a total cash investment of $140 million ($54.93 per share), all of which was paid in prior periods. During the nine months ended November 1, 2008, we repurchased 66.8 million shares of our common stock for a total cash investment of $3,380 million ($50.54 per share), of which $453 million was outlaid prior to that period. Of the repurchases during the nine months ended November 1, 2008, 30 million shares were acquired through the exercise of call options.

 

We paid dividends totaling $128 million and $369 million during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, respectively, an increase of 5.7 percent and 6.9 percent, respectively, from the same period last year. We declared dividends totaling $128 million ($0.17 per share) and $376 million ($0.50 per share) during the three and nine months ended October 31, 2009, respectively, an increase of 6.2 percent and 7.3 percent, respectively, over the same period last year. We have paid dividends every quarter since our first dividend was declared following our 1967 initial public offering, and it is our intent to continue to do so in the future.

 

Our financing strategy is to ensure liquidity and access to capital markets, to manage our net exposure to floating interest rate volatility, and to maintain a balanced spectrum of debt maturities. Within these parameters, we seek to minimize our borrowing costs.

 

Maintaining strong investment-grade debt ratings is a key part of our financing strategy. Our current debt ratings are as follows:

 

Debt Ratings

 

Moody’s

 

Standard and Poor’s

 

Fitch

 

Long-term debt

 

A2

 

A+

 

A

 

Commercial paper

 

P-1

 

A-1

 

F1

 

Securitized receivables(a)

 

Aa2

 

AA

 

n/a

 

(a)

These rated securitized receivables exclude the interest in our credit card receivables sold to JPMC.

 

An additional source of liquidity is available to us through a committed $1.9 billion unsecured revolving credit facility obtained through a group of banks in April 2007, which will expire in April 2012. No balances were outstanding at any time during 2009 or 2008 under this credit facility.

 

Most of our long-term debt obligations contain covenants related to secured debt levels. In addition to a secured debt level covenant, our credit facility also contains a debt leverage covenant. We are, and expect to remain, in compliance with these covenants. Additionally, at October 31, 2009, no notes or debentures contained provisions requiring acceleration of payment upon a debt rating downgrade, except that certain outstanding notes allow the note holders to put the notes to us if within a matter of months of each other we experience both (i) a change in control; and (ii) our long-term debt ratings are either reduced and the resulting rating is non-investment grade, or our long-term debt ratings are placed on watch for possible reduction and those ratings are subsequently reduced and the resulting rating is non-investment grade.

 

19



 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 166, “Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140” (SFAS 166), codified in ASC 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” which amends the derecognition guidance in former FASB Statement No. 140 and eliminates the exemption from consolidation for qualifying special-purpose entities. This guidance will be effective for the Corporation beginning in fiscal 2010 and adoption is not anticipated to affect our consolidated net earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

In June 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 167, “Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R)” (SFAS 167), codified in ASC 810, “Consolidation,” which amends the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities. The amendments will significantly affect the overall consolidation analysis under former FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). This guidance will be effective for the Corporation beginning in fiscal 2010 and adoption is not anticipated to affect our consolidated net earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

In December 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 132(R)-1, “Employers’ Disclosures about Postretirement Benefit Plan Assets” (FSP FAS 132(R)-1), codified in ASC 715-10-50, “Compensation-Retirement Benefits”, which amends former SFAS No. 132(R), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” to require more detailed disclosures about employers’ plan assets, including employers’ investment strategies, major categories of plan assets, concentrations of risk within plan assets, and valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of plan assets. This guidance will be effective at the end of fiscal 2009.  We intend to adopt these additional disclosure requirements on the effective date.

 

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2009-05, “Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value”, to provide guidance on measuring the fair value of liabilities under ASC 820.  This update clarifies that the quoted price for the identical liability, when traded as an asset in an active market, is also a Level 1 measurement for that liability when no adjustment to the quoted price is required.  This update will be effective for Target in the fourth quarter of 2009 and adoption is not anticipated to affect our consolidated net earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

In September 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-12, “Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share (or Its Equivalent)”, to provide guidance on measuring the fair value of certain alternative investments.  This update amends ASC 820 to offer investors a practical expedient for measuring the fair value of investments in certain entities that calculate net asset value per share.  This update will be effective for Target in the first quarter of 2010 and adoption is not anticipated to affect our consolidated net earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, “Multiple Deliverable Arrangements, a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force”, which supersedes former EITF Issue 00-21, codified in ASC 605-25, “Revenue Recognition”, related to accounting for revenue arrangements with multiple deliverables.  This update addresses the unit of accounting for arrangements involving multiple deliverables and how arrangement consideration should be allocated to the separate units of accounting.  This update will be effective for Target in fiscal 2011 and adoption is not anticipated to affect our consolidated net earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

Outlook

 

We expect strong profit growth in the fourth quarter, as both our retail segment EBIT and our credit card segment profit are annualizing on much weaker prior-year performances.

 

In our retail segment, our outlook envisions modest negative comparable-store sales due to continued weak macroeconomic conditions and longer-term trends that have led to diminished holiday season sales growth, balanced against the easiest prior-year comparison we will have this year. While we continue to believe that it is possible we could see positive comparable-store sales in the fourth quarter, we have planned our inventory commitments on markdown-sensitive categories in line with a modest decline.

 

Our gross margin rate in the fourth quarter will be affected by the level of price competition across the industry, the category mix of our sales, and the level of our inventory relative to the pace of our sales. If fourth quarter comparable-store sales performance meets or exceeds our expectation of a modest decline, we expect to generate a meaningful increase in our retail gross margin rate, as we cycle over the unusually high clearance markdowns in last year’s fourth quarter.

 

20



 

We continue to expect low single-digit percentage growth in SG&A expenses for the year overall, but we expect a mid single-digit increase in SG&A expense for the fourth quarter.  We do not expect the same year-over-year productivity improvement in store labor in this year’s fourth quarter that we have seen in the first nine months of the year because of the greater-than-expected surge of last-minute shopping in December 2008, which created a staffing environment that was leaner than we had intended.

 

Accelerated depreciation due to our expected 2010 store remodel program will have a similar dollar impact in the fourth quarter that we recorded in the third quarter, but its impact on a rate basis will be somewhat lower because of the seasonality of our sales.

 

In our credit card segment, we will continue to manage the portfolio conservatively in light of the underlying risk environment and the legislative and regulatory mandates imposed on the credit card industry, the adverse impacts of which will begin to be measurable in our fourth quarter.  In response to the current economic and risk environment and these legislative and regulatory changes which limit or eliminate risk pricing tools available to us, we will make several changes to our card terms in the fourth quarter to address regulatory changes, simplify our terms, eliminate minimum annual percentage rates and position the portfolio for a reasonable return on investment.   We expect that these terms changes will partially offset the adverse factors that will impact us in 2010. Despite the challenging environment, we expect that our approach will continue to generate modest rates of portfolio profitability in the fourth quarter and into 2010.

 

We expect to build about 12 total new stores in 2010, which will likely result in fewer than 10 additional locations, net of closings and relocations.  In addition, we expect to remodel about 350 existing stores in 2010, at a total investment of just over $1 billion. Including these initiatives, we expect capital investment in 2010 to lie in a range centered around $2.5 billion, up from about $1.8 billion in 2009.  When considered along with our expectation for cash flow generated from operations, we expect that in 2010 we will discuss with our board of directors the option of lifting our temporary suspension of open-market share repurchase activity. If we were able to resume this activity, we would continue to manage the pace of share repurchase with the goal of maintaining our strong credit ratings.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements, which are based on our current assumptions and expectations.  These statements are typically accompanied by the words “expect,” “may,” “could,” “believe,” “would,” “might,” “anticipates,” or words of similar import. The principal forward-looking statements in this report include: for our Retail Segment, our outlook for segment EBIT, comparable-store sales, inventory commitments, store productivity, sales mix, gross margin rate and SG&A expense levels; for our Credit Card Segment, our outlook for period-end gross receivables, portfolio size, future write-offs of current receivables, credit card terms changes, portfolio performance and profitability; on a consolidated basis, the adequacy of our reserves in light of the expected outcome of litigation, the expected compliance with debt covenants, our forecasted capital expenditures, our expectations for the 2010 store remodel program and the number of stores to be opened in 2010, our intentions regarding future dividends, the possible resumption of our share repurchase activity, and the anticipated impact of new accounting pronouncements.

 

All such forward-looking statements are intended to enjoy the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Although we believe there is a reasonable basis for the forward-looking statements, our actual results could be materially different. The most important factors which could cause our actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements are set forth on our description of risk factors in Item 1A to our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, which should be read in conjunction with the forward-looking statements in this report. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

 

21



 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes in the other primary risk exposures or management of market risks from those disclosed in our Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 2, 2009 or Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we conducted an evaluation, under supervision and with the participation of management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are defined by Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act as controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

22



 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

 

We are one of many defendants in a lawsuit filed on February 13, 2008, by the State of California involving environmental matters that may involve potential monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000. The allegation, initially made by the California Air Resources Board in April 2006, involves a non-food product (hairspray) that allegedly contained levels of a volatile organic compound in excess of permissible levels. We anticipate that the settlement, to be fully indemnified by the vendor, is likely to exceed $100,000 but will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.  In addition, we are a defendant in a civil lawsuit filed by the California Attorney General in June 2009 alleging that we did not handle and dispose of certain unsold products as a hazardous waste.  The case is in its early stages.  We anticipate that this lawsuit may involve potential monetary sanctions in excess of $100,000, but will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

We are the subject of an ongoing Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) investigation for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act (CAA).  In March 2009, the EPA issued a Finding of Violation (FOV) related to alleged violations of the CAA, specifically the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) promulgated by the EPA for asbestos.  The FOV pertains to the remodeling of 36 Target stores that occurred between January 1, 2003 and October 28, 2007.  The EPA FOV process is ongoing and no specific relief has been sought to date by the EPA.  We anticipate that any resolution of this matter will be in the form of monetary penalties that are likely to exceed $100,000 but will not be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

For a description of other legal proceedings, see Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 1, Financial Statements.

 

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 requires SEC registrants to disclose if they have been required to pay certain penalties for failing to disclose to the Internal Revenue Service their participation in listed transactions. We have not been required to pay any of the penalties set forth in Section 6707A(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I, Item 1A, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009.

 

Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

The following table presents information with respect to purchases of Target common stock made during the quarter ended October 31, 2009, by the Corporation or any “affiliated purchaser” of the Corporation, as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act.

 

In November 2007, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of $10 billion of our common stock. Since the inception of this share repurchase program, we have repurchased 95.2 million common shares for a total cash investment of $4,897 million ($51.42 per share). In November 2008 we announced that, in light of our business outlook, we were temporarily suspending our open-market share repurchase program.

 

23



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number

 

Approximate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of Shares

 

Dollar Value of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchased as

 

Shares that

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Part of

 

May Yet Be

 

 

 

Number

 

Average

 

Publicly

 

Purchased

 

 

 

of Shares

 

Price Paid

 

Announced

 

Under the

 

Period

 

Purchased

 

per Share

 

Program

 

Program

 

August 2, 2009 through August 29, 2009

 

225,632

 

$

41.13

 

95,135,119

 

$

5,108,325,023

 

August 30, 2009 through October 3, 2009

 

 

 

95,135,119

 

5,108,325,023

 

October 4, 2009 through October 31, 2009

 

100,475

 

49.78

 

95,235,594

 

5,103,322,945

 

 

 

326,107

 

$

43.80

 

95,235,594

 

$

5,103,322,945

 

 

The table above includes shares of common stock reacquired from team members who wish to tender owned shares to satisfy the tax withholding on equity awards as part of our long-term incentive plans or to satisfy the exercise price on stock option exercises.  In the third quarter of 2009, no such shares were acquired.

 

The table above includes shares reacquired upon settlement of prepaid forward contracts. For the three months ended October 31, 2009, 0.3 million shares were reacquired through these contracts. At October 31, 2009, we held asset positions in prepaid forward contracts for 1.1 million shares of our common stock, for a total cash investment of $46  million, or $41.11 per share.

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

(3)A

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation (as amended May 24, 2007)(1)

 

 

 

(3)B

 

By-laws (as amended through September 10, 2009)(2)

 

 

 

(12)

 

Statements of Computations of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

 

 

(31)A

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

(31)B

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

(32)A

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer As Adopted Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

(32)B

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer As Adopted Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

24



 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 


(1)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)A to the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report filed May 25, 2007

 

 

 

(2)

 

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (3)B to the Registrant’s Form 8-K Report filed September 10, 2009

 

25



 

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.

 

 

TARGET CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:  December 4, 2009

By:

 /s/ Douglas A. Scovanner

 

 

 

Douglas A. Scovanner

 

 

Executive Vice President,

 

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

and Chief Accounting Officer

 

26



 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

 

Description

 

Manner of Filing

 

 

 

 

 

(3)A

 

Restated Articles of Incorporation (as amended May 24, 2007)

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

 

 

 

 

(3)B

 

By-Laws (as amended through September 10, 2009)

 

Incorporated by Reference

 

 

 

 

 

(12)

 

Statements of Computations of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

(31)A

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

(31)B

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

(32)A

 

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer As Adopted Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

(32)B

 

Certification of the Chief Financial Officer As Adopted Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase

 

Filed Electronically

 

 

 

 

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

 

Filed Electronically

 

27