SPLS Staples, Inc.

Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) announced today the results for its second quarter ended August 1, 2015. Total company sales for the second quarter of 2015 were $4.9 billion, a decrease of five percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. On a GAAP basis, the company reported net income of $36 million, or $0.06 per diluted share. Second quarter 2015 results on a GAAP basis include pre-tax charges of $24 million related to restructuring and related activities, as well as $34 million related to the acquisition of Office Depot.

Total company sales increased one percent during the second quarter, excluding the impact of store closures in North America during the past year and changes in foreign exchange rates. Excluding the impact of charges taken during the second quarter of 2015, the company reported non-GAAP net income of $76 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, compared to second quarter 2014 non-GAAP net income of $75 million, or $0.12 per diluted share.

“Our second quarter results were in-line with our expectations and reflect steady progress on our strategic reinvention,” said Ron Sargent, Staples’ chairman and chief executive officer. “We continued to drive growth in our delivery businesses and in categories beyond office supplies, and we grew operating income during the second quarter. We remain on track with the acquisition of Office Depot, which we expect to close by the end of 2015.”

Second Quarter 2015 Highlights

• Achieved North American Commercial sales growth of three percent.
• Grew North American copy and print sales in comparable stores, Staples.com and Contract.
• Increased total company gross profit as a percentage of sales by 54 basis points on a GAAP basis, or 44 basis points after excluding a $5 million charge related to inventory write-downs in the prior year.
• Grew operating income in North American Commercial and North American Stores and Online.
• Secured more than $50 million of annualized cost savings during the second quarter of 2015.
• Secured more than $400 million of annualized cost savings since the beginning of 2014, as part of a previously announced plan to eliminate at least $500 million of annualized costs in 2014 and 2015 combined.
• Closed 15 stores in North America during the second quarter of 2015.
• Closed 212 stores in North America since the beginning of 2014, as part of a previously announced plan to close at least 225 stores in 2014 and 2015 combined.

 

Second Quarter 2015 Financial Summary

        Second Quarter (dollar amounts in millions, except per share data) 2015       2014       Change Total company sales $4,937 $5,220 -5.4% Total company sales growth excluding the impact of store closures and changes in foreign exchange rates* 0.7%   GAAP operating income $92 $19 $73 Non-GAAP operating income* $126 $120 $6   GAAP operating income rate 1.9% 0.4% 151 basis points Non-GAAP operating income rate* 2.6% 2.3% 26 basis points   GAAP net income $36 $82 -$46 Non-GAAP net income* $76 $75 $1   GAAP earnings per diluted share $0.06 $0.13 -54% Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share*         $0.12       $0.12       0%

*Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about these non-GAAP measures.

Total company non-GAAP operating income rate increased 26 basis points to 2.56 percent from an operating income rate of 2.30 percent achieved during the second quarter of 2014. This increase reflects improved product margin rate in North American Stores and Online, as well as reduced rent expense. This was partially offset by the negative impact of lower sales on fixed expenses.

The company generated operating cash flow of $300 million and invested $138 million in capital expenditures year to date, resulting in free cash flow of $162 million for the first half of 2015, a decrease of $32 million compared to the first half of 2014. The company ended the quarter with $1.7 billion in liquidity, including $611 million in cash and cash equivalents.

  North American Stores and Online         Second Quarter (dollar amounts in millions) 2015       2014       Change Sales $2,108 $2,282 -7.6% Comparable sales* -2% Comparable store sales -3% Staples.com local currency sales growth 1%   Operating income $28 $28 $0 Operating income rate         1.3%       1.2%       11 basis points

*Comparable sales includes comparable store sales and Staples.com sales growth excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates.

Sales for the second quarter of 2015 were $2.1 billion, a decrease of eight percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. Sales growth was negatively impacted by approximately four percent due to store closures during the past year. Changes in foreign exchange rates also negatively impacted second quarter 2015 sales growth by approximately three percent. Comparable sales, which combines comparable store sales and Staples.com sales growth excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, decreased two percent versus the prior year. Sales declines in mobility, business machines, technology accessories, and computers were partially offset by growth in ink and toner, copy and print, and facilities supplies. Comparable store sales decreased three percent, reflecting a two percent decline in average order size and a one percent decline in traffic versus the prior year. Staples.com sales declined one percent in U.S. dollars and grew one percent on a local currency basis during the second quarter of 2015.

Operating income rate increased 11 basis points to 1.3 percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. This increase primarily reflects improved product margin rate in retail stores and online, as well as reduced labor, rent and other operating expenses in stores. This was partially offset by the negative impact of lower sales on fixed expenses.

  North American Commercial       Second Quarter (dollar amounts in millions) 2015       2014       Change Sales $2,049 $1,997 2.6%   Operating income $138 $131 $7 Operating income rate       6.7%       6.5%       19 basis points  

Sales for the second quarter of 2015 were $2.0 billion, an increase of three percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. This primarily reflects growth in facilities supplies, breakroom supplies, furniture, and promotional products, partially offset by sales declines in ink and toner and paper.

Operating income rate increased 19 basis points to 6.7 percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. This increase primarily reflects the favorable impact of higher sales on fixed expenses. It also reflects increased product margin rate and lower marketing expense. This was partially offset by continued investments in sales force to drive growth in categories beyond office supplies.

  International Operations       Second Quarter (dollar amounts in millions) 2015       2014       Change Sales $780 $941 -17.2%   Operating loss -$22 -$22 $0 Operating loss rate       -2.8%       -2.3%       -52 basis points  

Sales for the second quarter of 2015 were $780 million, a decrease of 17 percent in U.S. dollars and a decrease of one percent on a local currency basis compared to the second quarter of 2014. This was primarily driven by a four percent decline in comparable store sales in Europe.

Operating income rate for International Operations decreased 52 basis points to an operating loss of 2.8 percent compared to the second quarter of 2014. This decrease primarily reflects lower product margin rate in Europe, partially offset by improved profitability in Australia and China.

Outlook

For the third quarter of 2015, the company expects sales to decrease versus the third quarter of 2014. The company expects to achieve fully diluted non-GAAP earnings per share in the range of $0.33 to $0.36 for the third quarter of 2015. The company’s guidance reflects a sequential increase in the unfavorable impact of the stronger U.S. dollar on sales and earnings. The company’s earnings guidance excludes any potential impact related to restructuring and other related activities or costs related to the company’s planned acquisition of Office Depot. For the full year 2015, the company expects to generate more than $600 million of free cash flow.

Presentation of Non-GAAP Information

This press release presents certain results with and without restructuring and related charges, long-lived asset impairment, inventory write-downs, and costs related to the acquisition of Office Depot. This press release also presents certain results both with and without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates and with and without the impact of store closures. The presentation of these results, as well as the presentation of free cash flow, are non-GAAP financial measures that should be considered in addition to, and should not be considered superior to, or as a substitute for, the presentation of results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures enable management and investors to understand and analyze the company’s performance by providing meaningful information that facilitates the comparability of underlying business results from period to period. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the operating results of the company’s business against prior year results and its operating plan, and to forecast and analyze future periods. Management recognizes there are limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as they may reduce comparability with other companies that use different methods to calculate similar non-GAAP measures. Management generally compensates for these limitations by considering GAAP as well as non-GAAP results. In addition, management provides a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure. With respect to earnings per share and free cash flow, financial guidance on a GAAP basis has not been provided given that current estimates for charges to be incurred related to restructuring initiatives, the planned acquisition of Office Depot, and the potential related impact on cash flow represent broad ranges which are based on preliminary analysis and are subject to change as plans become finalized.

Today's Conference Call

The company will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to review these results and its outlook. Investors may listen to the call at http://investor.staples.com.

About Staples

Staples makes it easy to make more happen with more products and more ways to shop. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples lets customers shop however and whenever they want, whether it’s in-store, online or on mobile devices. Staples offers more products than ever, such as technology, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, safety supplies, medical supplies, and Copy and Print services. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. More information about Staples (SPLS) is available at www.staples.com.

Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, the information set forth under “Outlook” and other statements regarding our future business and financial performance. Any statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “estimates”, and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, although not all forward-looking statements include such words. Forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections which involve substantial uncertainty and risk, including the review of our assessments by our outside auditor and changes in management’s assumptions and projections. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of the risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those factors discussed or referenced in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 6, 2015, as well as our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC since the 10-K, under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere, and any subsequent periodic or current reports filed by us with the SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the date such statements are made (unless another date is indicated) and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.

  STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Share Data) (Unaudited)         August 1, 2015       January 31, 2015 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 611 $ 627 Receivables, net 1,862 1,928 Merchandise inventories, net 2,360 2,144 Deferred income tax assets 214 224 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 327   252   Total current assets 5,374 5,175   Property and equipment: Land and buildings 926 948 Leasehold improvements 1,201 1,231 Equipment 2,798 2,825 Furniture and fixtures 984   1,016   Total property and equipment 5,909 6,020 Less: Accumulated depreciation 4,312   4,314   Net property and equipment 1,597 1,706   Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 310 335 Goodwill 2,662 2,680 Other assets 383   412   Total assets $ 10,326   $ 10,308   LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 2,129 $ 1,867 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,193 1,332 Debt maturing within one year 90   92   Total current liabilities 3,412 3,291   Long-term debt, net of current maturities 1,018 1,018 Other long-term obligations 673 686   Stockholders’ equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued — — Common stock, $.0006 par value, 2,100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 944,769,441 and 643,528,252 shares at August 1, 2015 and 941,561,541 shares and 640,320,352 shares at January 31, 2015, respectively 1 1 Additional paid-in capital 4,966 4,935 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,104 ) (1,041 ) Retained earnings 6,771 6,829 Less: Treasury stock at cost, 301,241,189 shares at August 1, 2015 and January 31, 2015 (5,419 ) (5,419 ) Total Staples, Inc. stockholders’ equity 5,215 5,305 Noncontrolling interests 8   8   Total stockholders’ equity 5,223   5,313   Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $ 10,326   $ 10,308       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)         13 Weeks Ended       26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015       August 2, 2014 August 1, 2015       August 2, 2014 Sales $ 4,937 $ 5,220 $ 10,198 $ 10,874 Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs 3,673   3,912   7,588   8,156   Gross profit 1,264 1,308 2,610 2,718 Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative 1,131 1,180 2,302 2,403 Impairment of long-lived assets 1 5 23 27 Restructuring charges 23 88 64 102 Amortization of intangibles 17   15   34   30   Total operating expenses 1,172   1,289   2,423   2,562     Gain on sale of businesses and assets, net —   —   3   22     Operating income 92 19 190 178   Other income (expense): Interest income 1 1 2 2 Interest expense (35 ) (13 ) (51 ) (25 ) Other income (expense), net (2 ) 5   (1 ) 5   Income before income taxes 56 12 140 160 Income tax expense (benefit) 20   (70 ) 45   (18 ) Net income $ 36   $ 82   $ 95   $ 178     Earnings Per Share: Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.06 $ 0.13 $ 0.15 $ 0.28 Diluted Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.06 $ 0.13 $ 0.15 $ 0.27   Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 641 641 640 642 Diluted 647 647 646 648   Dividends declared per common share $ 0.12   $ 0.12   $ 0.24   $ 0.24     Comprehensive income $ (49 ) $ 11   $ 33   $ 178       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Amounts in Millions) (Unaudited)         26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015       August 2, 2014 Operating Activities: Net income $ 95 $ 178 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 198 200 Amortization of intangibles 34 30 Gain on sale of businesses and assets, net (3 ) (22 ) Impairment of long-lived assets 23 27 Inventory write-downs related to restructuring activities — 16 Stock-based compensation 34 37 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements (4 ) — Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 1 (11 ) Other 4 7 Changes in assets and liabilities: Decrease in receivables 51 13 Increase in merchandise inventories (231 ) (219 ) Increase in prepaid expenses and other assets (57 ) (71 ) Increase in accounts payable 277 163 Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities (126 ) (43 ) Increase in other long-term obligations 4   —   Net cash provided by operating activities 300 304   Investing Activities: Acquisition of property and equipment (138 ) (110 ) Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 8 3 Sale of businesses, net — 50 Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (21 ) (68 ) Net cash used in investing activities (151 ) (124 )   Financing Activities: Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans 23 20 Proceeds from borrowings 3 13 Payments on borrowings, including payment of deferred financing fees (14 ) (14 ) Cash dividends paid (153 ) (154 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 4 — Repurchase of common stock (21 ) (126 ) Net cash used in financing activities (158 ) (261 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents (7 ) (2 ) Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (16 ) (83 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 627   493   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 611 409 Add: Cash and cash equivalents attributed to disposal group held for sale at February 1, 2014 —   8   Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period $ 611   $ 417       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Segment Reporting (Amounts in Millions) (Unaudited)       13 Weeks Ended       26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015     August 2, 2014 August 1, 2015     August 2, 2014 Sales North American Stores & Online $ 2,108 $ 2,282 $ 4,479 $ 4,916 North American Commercial 2,049 1,997 4,157 4,053 International Operations 780   941   1,562   1,905   Total segment sales $ 4,937   $ 5,220   $ 10,198   $ 10,874     Business Unit Income (Loss) North American Stores & Online $ 28 $ 28 $ 103 $ 120 North American Commercial 138 131 272 266 International Operations (22 ) (22 ) (42 ) (47 ) Business unit income 144 136 333 340 Stock-based compensation (17 ) (16 ) (34 ) (37 ) Impairment of long-lived assets (1 ) (5 ) (23 ) (27 ) Restructuring charges (23 ) (88 ) (64 ) (102 ) Inventory write-downs related to restructuring activities — (5 ) — (16 ) Accelerated depreciation related to restructuring activities (1 ) (2 ) (5 ) (2 ) Gain on sale of businesses and assets, net — — 3 22 Interest and other expense, net (36 ) (7 ) (50 ) (18 ) Merger-related costs (10 ) —   (20 ) —   Income before income taxes $ 56   $ 12   $ 140   $ 160       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Income Statement Disclosures (Dollar Amounts in Millions, Except Per Share Data) (Unaudited)  

For the non-GAAP measures related to results of operations, reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures areshown below (amounts in millions, except per share data):

        13 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015 GAAP    

Restructuringcharges

   

Impairment of long-lived assets &accelerateddepreciation

   

Merger-relatedcosts

    Non-GAAP Operating income $ 92 $ 23   $ 1 $ 10 $ 126 Interest and other expense, net 36   24 12   Income before income taxes 56 114   Income tax expense 20 20 Adjustments —   18   Adjusted income tax expense 20 38     Net income $ 36   $ 76     Effective tax rate 35.4 % 33.5 %   Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.12         26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015 GAAP    

Restructuringcharges

   

Impairment oflong-lived assets &accelerateddepreciation

   

Gain on sale ofassets, net

   

Merger-relatedcosts

    Non-GAAP Operating income $ 190 $ 64 $ 28 $ (3 ) $ 20 $ 299 Interest and other expense, net 50   28 22   Income before income taxes 140 277   Income tax expense 45 45 Adjustments —   48   Adjusted income tax expense 45 93     Net income $ 95   $ 184     Effective tax rate 32.2 % 33.5 %   Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.15 $ 0.28         13 Weeks Ended August 2, 2014 GAAP    

Inventorywrite-downs

   

Restructuringcharges

   

Impairment oflong-livedassets &accelerateddepreciation

    Non-GAAP Sales $ 5,220 $ 5,220 Gross profit 1,308 $ 5 — — 1,313 Gross profit rate 25.1 % 25.2 %   Operating income 19 5 $ 88 $ 7 120 Interest and other expense, net 7   7   Income before income taxes 12 113   Income tax benefit (70 ) (70 ) Reduction of liability for unrecognized tax benefits & other discrete tax items — 67 Tax benefit on charges related to restructuring activities —   41   Adjusted income tax (benefit) expense (70 ) 38     Net income $ 82   $ 75     Effective tax rate (581.0 )% 33.5 %   Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.13 $ 0.12         26 Weeks Ended August 2, 2014 GAAP    

Inventorywrite-downs

   

Restructuringcharges

   

Impairment oflong-livedassets &accelerateddepreciation

   

Gain on sale ofbusinesses, net

    Non-GAAP Sales $ 10,874 $ 10,874 Gross profit 2,718 $ 16 2,734 Gross profit rate 25.0 % 25.1 %   Operating income 178 16 $ 102 $ 29 $ (22 ) 303 Interest and other expense, net (18 ) (18 ) Income before income taxes 160 285   Income tax benefit (18 ) (18 ) Reduction of liability for unrecognized tax benefits & other discrete tax items — 58 Tax benefit on charges related to restructuring activities —   55   Adjusted income tax (benefit) expense (18 ) 95     Net income 178   190     Effective tax rate (11.2 )% 33.5 %   Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.27 $ 0.29  

Note that certain percentage figures shown in the tables above may not recalculate due to rounding.

  STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Sales Growth (Dollar amounts in Millions) (Unaudited)   Staples.com Sales Growth                  

Second quarter offiscal 2015

Second quarter offiscal 2014

Change GAAP sales $ 541 $ 546 $ (5 ) GAAP sales growth (1.1 )%   Impact of changes in exchange rates $ 13   Non-GAAP sales $ 554 $ 546 $ 8 Non-GAAP sales growth 1.3 %        

Year-to-date fiscal2015

Year-to-date fiscal2014

Change GAAP sales $ 1,136 1,136 $ — GAAP sales growth — %   Impact of changes in exchange rates $ 25   Non-GAAP sales $ 1,161 $ 1,136 $ 25 Non-GAAP sales growth 2.3 %       13 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015

Sales GrowthGAAP

     

Impact ofLocalCurrency

     

Sales Growth on aLocal CurrencyBasis

Sales: North American Stores & Online (7.6 )% 2.8 % (4.8 )% North American Commercial 2.6 % 0.9 % 3.5 % International Operations (17.2 )% 16.3 % (0.9 )% Total sales (5.4 )% 4.5 % (0.9 )%   26 Weeks Ended Ended August 1, 2015

Sales GrowthGAAP

Impact ofLocalCurrency

Sales Growth on aLocal CurrencyBasis

Sales: North American Stores & Online (8.9 )% 2.5 % (6.4 )% North American Commercial 2.6 % 0.8 % 3.4 % International Operations (18.0 )% 16.4 % (1.6 )% Total sales (6.2 )% 4.3 % (1.9 )%

This presentation refers to growth rates in local currency so that business results can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of Staples' business performance. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at the prior year average monthly exchange rates.

  STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Sales Growth (continued) (Unaudited)        

13 Weeks EndedAugust 1, 2015

GAAP sales growth (5.4 )% Impact of change in exchange rates (4.5 )% Impact of store closures (1.6 )% Non-GAAP sales growth 0.7 %     STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow Disclosures (Amounts in Millions) (Unaudited)         26 Weeks Ended August 1, 2015       August 2, 2014 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 300 $ 304 Acquisition of property and equipment (138 ) (110 ) Free cash flow $ 162   $ 194  

Free cash flow is not defined under U.S. GAAP. Therefore, it should not be considered a substitute for income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. The company believes free cash flow is a useful measure of performance and uses this measure as an indication of the company's ability to generate cash and invest in its business.

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Staples, Inc.Media Contact:Kirk Saville, 508-253-8530orInvestor Contact:Chris Powers or Kevin Barry, 508-253-4632/1487