Edgar Filing: WILLIAMS SONOMA INC

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Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 30, 2016.

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

Commission File Number: 001-14077

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware		94-2203880
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3250 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA		94109
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (415) 421-7900

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

As of November 27, 2016, 87,845,738 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


		PAGE

Item 1.	Financial Statements		1

Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		13

Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		18

Item 4.	Controls and Procedures		19

	PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings		19

Item 1A.	Risk Factors		19

Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities And Use of Proceeds		19

Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities		20

Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures		20

Item 5.	Other Information		20

Item 6.	Exhibits		21

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)


	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands, except per share amounts	October 30, 2016		November 1, 2015		October 30, 2016		November 1, 2015
E-commerce net revenues	$	648,743	$	628,191	$	1,824,660	$	1,730,677
Retail net revenues		596,642		603,891		1,677,571		1,659,109
Net revenues		1,245,385		1,232,082		3,502,231		3,389,786
Cost of goods sold		787,162		780,894		2,240,952		2,153,132
Gross profit		458,223		451,188		1,261,279		1,236,654
Selling, general and administrative expenses		348,244		340,505		1,004,499		970,700
Operating income		109,979		110,683		256,780		265,954
Interest (income) expense, net		488		342		587		625
Earnings before income taxes		109,491		110,341		256,193		265,329
Income taxes		40,113		39,859		95,433		96,389
Net earnings	$	69,378	$	70,482	$	160,760	$	168,940
Basic earnings per share	$	0.78	$	0.78	$	1.81	$	1.85
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.78	$	0.77	$	1.79	$	1.82
Shares used in calculation of earnings per share:
Basic		88,382		90,437		88,906		91,129
Diluted		89,144		91,801		89,764		92,576

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)


	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands	October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015			October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015
Net earnings	$	69,378		$	70,482		$	160,760		$	168,940
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,731	)		(1,370	)		472			(4,197	)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax		520			118			(587	)		539
Reclassification adjustment for realized loss (gain) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax		299			(250	)		(41	)		(922	)
Comprehensive income	$	68,466		$	68,980		$	160,604		$	164,360

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)


In thousands, except per share amounts	October 30, 2016			January 31, 2016			November 1, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	75,381		$	193,647		$	72,264
Accounts receivable, net		96,386			79,304			88,535
Merchandise inventories, net		1,063,747			978,138			1,102,349
Prepaid catalog expenses		25,329			28,919			35,762
Prepaid expenses		74,195			44,654			59,276
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			130,684
Other assets		12,176			11,438			12,966
Total current assets		1,347,214			1,336,100			1,501,836
Property and equipment, net		918,020			886,813			883,459
Non-current deferred income taxes, net		136,558			141,784			2,560
Other assets, net		51,540			52,730			47,821
Total assets	$	2,453,332		$	2,417,427		$	2,435,676
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	450,144		$	447,412		$	395,033
Accrued salaries, benefits and other		111,445			127,122			115,720
Customer deposits		289,737			296,827			293,317
Borrowings under revolving line of credit		125,000			—			200,000
Income taxes payable		1,122			67,052			35,317
Other liabilities		53,423			58,014			55,152
Total current liabilities		1,030,871			996,427			1,094,539
Deferred rent and lease incentives		192,948			173,061			174,059
Other long-term obligations		70,031			49,713			50,545
Total liabilities		1,293,850			1,219,201			1,319,143
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock: $.01 par value; 7,500 shares authorized; none issued		—			—			—
Common stock: $.01 par value; 253,125 shares authorized; 88,014, 89,563 and 90,010 shares issued and outstanding at October 30, 2016, January 31, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively		881			896			901
Additional paid-in capital		547,513			541,307			538,737
Retained earnings		623,243			668,545			585,928
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(10,772	)		(10,616	)		(7,127	)
Treasury stock, at cost: 20, 29 and 29 shares as of October 30, 2016, January 31, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively		(1,383	)		(1,906	)		(1,906	)
Total stockholders’ equity		1,159,482			1,198,226			1,116,533
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	2,453,332		$	2,417,427		$	2,435,676

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)


	Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands	October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings	$	160,760		$	168,940
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		127,745			125,093
Loss on disposal/impairment of assets		1,852			3,558
Amortization of deferred lease incentives		(18,789	)		(18,326	)
Deferred income taxes		(14,461	)		(13,526	)
Tax benefit related to stock-based awards		23,571			29,603
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based awards		(4,817	)		(14,283	)
Stock-based compensation expense		37,975			36,182
Other		(647	)		91
Changes in:
Accounts receivable		(17,400	)		(21,875	)
Merchandise inventories		(82,410	)		(216,294	)
Prepaid catalog expenses		3,591			(1,820	)
Prepaid expenses and other assets		(29,205	)		(20,909	)
Accounts payable		(17,403	)		(10,179	)
Accrued salaries, benefits and other current and long-term liabilities		(507	)		(13,494	)
Customer deposits		(7,445	)		32,016
Deferred rent and lease incentives		25,969			25,561
Income taxes payable		(65,915	)		2,707
Net cash provided by operating activities		122,464			93,045
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment		(127,169	)		(136,069	)
Other		370			535
Net cash used in investing activities		(126,799	)		(135,534	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving line of credit		125,000			200,000
Repurchase of common stock		(115,167	)		(196,497	)
Payment of dividends		(100,854	)		(96,020	)
Tax withholdings related to stock-based awards		(26,518	)		(31,019	)
Excess tax benefit related to stock-based awards		4,817			14,283
Proceeds related to stock-based awards		1,532			2,647
Repayment of long-term obligations		—			(1,968	)
Other		(48	)		—
Net cash used in financing activities		(111,238	)		(108,574	)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents		(2,693	)		400
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(118,266	)		(150,663	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		193,647			222,927
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	75,381		$	72,264

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE A. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

These financial statements include Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (“we,” “us” or “our”). The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks then ended, and the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks then ended, have been prepared by us, without audit. In our opinion, the financial statements include all adjustments (which include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position at the balance sheet dates and the results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks then ended. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. The balance sheet as of January 31, 2016, presented herein, has been derived from our audited Consolidated Balance Sheet included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.

The results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results of the full year.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) have been omitted. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016.

In November 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires entities to present both deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. We early adopted this ASU prospectively as of January 31, 2016, and have presented both deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 2016 and October 30, 2016. In accordance with the provisions of the ASU, the balance sheet as of November 1, 2015, presented herein, has not been retrospectively adjusted.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, to clarify the principles of recognizing revenue and create common revenue recognition guidance between U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. In addition, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations. The amendments are intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The FASB also issued ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing in April 2016, which amends certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 for identifying performance obligations and the implementation guidance on licensing. These ASUs are effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the potential impact of these ASUs on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which revises an entity’s accounting related to the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which will require lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all of their leases (other than short-term leases). This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently assessing the impact of this ASU on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, but expect that it will result in a significant increase in our long-term assets and liabilities.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payment transactions (including the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, among other areas). The ASU requires entities to, among other things, recognize all excess tax benefits and deficiencies in the income statement in the period in which they occur. This ASU is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently assessing the potential impact of this ASU on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

NOTE B. BORROWING ARRANGEMENTS

Credit Facility

We have a $500,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit (“credit facility”) that may be used to borrow revolving loans or request the issuance of letters of credit. We may, upon notice to the administrative agent, request existing or new lenders to increase the credit facility by up to $250,000,000, at such lenders’ option, to provide for a total of $750,000,000 of unsecured revolving credit. As of October 30, 2016, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit facility and based on current projections, we expect to remain in compliance throughout the next twelve months. The credit facility matures on November 19, 2019, at which time all outstanding borrowings must be repaid and all outstanding letters of credit must be cash collateralized.

We may elect interest rates calculated at (i) Bank of America’s prime rate (or, if greater, the average rate on overnight federal funds plus one-half of one percent, or a rate based on LIBOR plus one percent) plus a margin based on our leverage ratio or (ii) LIBOR plus a margin based on our leverage ratio. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we had no borrowings under the credit facility. For year-to-date 2016, we borrowed $125,000,000 (at a weighted average interest rate of 1.55%), all of which was outstanding as of October 30, 2016. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we borrowed $50,000,000 under the credit facility. For year-to-date 2015, we borrowed $200,000,000 (at a weighted average interest rate of 1.11%), all of which was outstanding as of November 1, 2015. Additionally, as of October 30, 2016, $12,289,000 issued but undrawn standby letters of credit was outstanding under the credit facility. The standby letters of credit were issued to secure the liabilities associated with workers’ compensation and other insurance programs.

Letter of Credit Facilities

We have three unsecured letter of credit reimbursement facilities for a total of $70,000,000, each of which matures on August 26, 2017. The letter of credit facilities contain covenants that are consistent with our unsecured revolving line of credit. Interest on unreimbursed amounts under the letter of credit facilities accrues at the lender’s prime rate (or, if greater, the average rate on overnight federal funds plus one-half of one percent) plus 2.0%. As of October 30, 2016, an aggregate of $6,585,000 was outstanding under the letter of credit facilities, which represents only a future commitment to fund inventory purchases to which we had not taken legal title. The latest expiration possible for any future letters of credit issued under the facilities is January 23, 2018.

NOTE C. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity Award Programs

Our Amended and Restated 2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) provides for grants of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (collectively, “option awards”), restricted stock awards, restricted stock units (including those that are performance-based), deferred stock awards (collectively, “stock awards”) and dividend equivalents up to an aggregate of 32,310,000 shares. As of October 30, 2016, there were approximately 7,421,000 shares available for future grant. Awards may be granted under the Plan to officers, employees and non-employee members of the board of directors of the company (the “Board”) or any parent or subsidiary. Shares issued as a result of award exercises or releases are primarily funded with the issuance of new shares.

Option Awards

Annual grants of option awards are limited to 1,000,000 shares on a per person basis and have a maximum term of seven years. The exercise price of these option awards is not less than 100% of the closing price of our stock on the day prior to the grant date. Option awards granted to employees generally vest evenly over a period of four years for service-based awards. Certain option awards contain vesting acceleration clauses resulting from events including, but not limited to, retirement, merger or a similar corporate event.

Stock Awards

Annual grants of stock awards are limited to 1,000,000 shares on a per person basis. Stock awards granted to employees generally vest evenly over a period of four years for service-based awards. Certain performance-based awards, which have variable payout conditions based on predetermined financial targets, vest three years from the date of grant. Certain stock awards and other agreements contain vesting acceleration clauses resulting from events including, but not limited to, retirement, merger or a similar corporate event. Stock awards granted to non-employee Board members generally vest in one year. Non-employee Board members automatically receive stock awards on the date of their initial election to the Board and annually thereafter on the date of the annual meeting of stockholders (so long as they continue to serve as a non-employee Board member).

Stock-Based Compensation Expense

During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense, as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses, of $10,499,000 and $37,975,000, respectively. During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015, we recognized total stock-based compensation expense of $11,269,000 and $36,182,000, respectively.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes our stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016:


	Shares
Balance at January 31, 2016 (100% vested)		38,500
Granted		—
Exercised		(38,500	)
Cancelled		—
Balance at October 30, 2016		—

Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights

The following table summarizes our stock-settled stock appreciation right activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016:


	Shares
Balance at January 31, 2016 (100% vested)		634,609
Granted		—
Converted into common stock		(204,201	)
Cancelled		—
Balance at October 30, 2016 (100% vested)		430,408

Restricted Stock Units

The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016:


	Shares
Balance at January 31, 2016		2,288,958
Granted		1,098,253
Released		(954,170	)
Cancelled		(205,130	)
Balance at October 30, 2016		2,227,911
Vested plus expected to vest at October 30, 2016		1,423,998

NOTE D. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common stock equivalents for the period. Common stock equivalents consist of shares subject to stock-based awards with exercise prices less than or equal to the average market price of our common stock for the period, to the extent their inclusion would be dilutive.

The following is a reconciliation of net earnings and the number of shares used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations:


In thousands, except per share amounts	Net Earnings		Weighted Average Shares		Earnings Per Share
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016
Basic	$	69,378		88,382	$	0.78
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards				762
Diluted	$	69,378		89,144	$	0.78
Thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015
Basic	$	70,482		90,437	$	0.78
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards				1,364
Diluted	$	70,482		91,801	$	0.77
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016
Basic	$	160,760		88,906	$	1.81
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards				858
Diluted	$	160,760		89,764	$	1.79
Thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015
Basic	$	168,940		91,129	$	1.85
Effect of dilutive stock-based awards				1,447
Diluted	$	168,940		92,576	$	1.82

Stock-based awards of 610,000 and 540,000 were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016, as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. There were no stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen or thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015.

NOTE E. SEGMENT REPORTING

We have two reportable segments, e-commerce and retail. The e-commerce segment has the following merchandising strategies: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm, PBteen, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation and Mark and Graham, which sell our products through our e-commerce websites and direct-mail catalogs. Our e-commerce merchandising strategies are operating segments, which have been aggregated into one reportable segment, e-commerce. The retail segment has the following merchandising strategies: Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm and Rejuvenation, which sell our products through our retail stores. Our retail merchandising strategies are operating segments, which have been aggregated into one reportable segment, retail. Management’s expectation is that the overall economic characteristics of each of our operating segments will be similar over time based on management’s judgment that the operating segments have had similar historical economic characteristics and are expected to have similar long-term financial performance in the future.

These reportable segments are strategic business units that offer similar products for the home. They are managed separately because the business units utilize two distinct distribution and marketing strategies. Based on management’s best estimate, our operating segments include allocations of certain expenses, including advertising and employment costs, to the extent they have been determined to benefit both channels. These operating segments are aggregated at the channel level for reporting purposes due to the fact that our brands are interdependent for economies of scale and we do not maintain fully allocated income statements at the brand level. As a result, material financial decisions related to the brands are made at the channel level. Furthermore, it is not practicable for us to report revenue by product group.

We use operating income to evaluate segment profitability. Operating income is defined as earnings (loss) before net interest income (expense) and income taxes. Unallocated costs before interest and income taxes include corporate employee-related costs, occupancy expenses (including depreciation expense), administrative costs and third-party service costs, primarily in our corporate administrative and systems departments. Unallocated assets include corporate cash and cash equivalents, prepaid expenses, the net book value of corporate facilities and related information systems, deferred income taxes and other corporate long-lived assets.

Income tax information by reportable segment has not been included as income taxes are calculated at a company-wide level and are not allocated to each reportable segment.

Segment Information


In thousands	E-commerce		Retail		Unallocated			Total
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016
Net revenues¹	$	648,743	$	596,642	$	—		$	1,245,385
Depreciation and amortization expense		7,812		21,676		14,888			44,376
Operating income (loss)²		150,164		47,080		(87,265	)		109,979
Capital expenditures		5,231		25,820		18,241			49,292
Thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015
Net revenues¹	$	628,191	$	603,891	$	—		$	1,232,082
Depreciation and amortization expense		7,856		20,880		13,124			41,860
Operating income (loss)		137,828		49,213		(76,358	)		110,683
Capital expenditures		4,819		25,239		19,162			49,220
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016
Net revenues¹	$	1,824,660	$	1,677,571	$	—		$	3,502,231
Depreciation and amortization expense		23,415		63,764		40,566			127,745
Operating income (loss)²		414,442		110,422		(268,084	)		256,780
Assets³		664,105		1,118,913		670,314			2,453,332
Capital expenditures		13,673		64,699		48,797			127,169
Thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015
Net revenues¹	$	1,730,677	$	1,659,109	$	—		$	3,389,786
Depreciation and amortization expense		24,156		61,433		39,504			125,093
Operating income (loss)		387,863		117,842		(239,751	)		265,954
Assets³		666,993		1,151,657		617,026			2,435,676
Capital expenditures		13,337		68,432		54,300			136,069

Includes net revenues related to our international operations (including our operations in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and our franchise businesses) of approximately $82.8 million and $80.0 million for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively, and $232.5 million and $201.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively.

Includes $1.2 million and $14.4 million for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016, respectively, of severance-related reorganization charges due to a reduction of headcount, primarily in our corporate functions, which is recorded as selling, general and administrative expense within the unallocated segment.

³	Includes long-term assets related to our international operations of approximately $59.2 million and $60.6 million as of October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively.

NOTE F. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are involved in lawsuits, claims and proceedings incident to the ordinary course of our business. These disputes, which are not currently material, are increasing in number as our business expands and our company grows larger. We review the need for any loss contingency reserves and establish reserves when, in the opinion of management, it is probable that a matter would result in liability, and the amount of loss, if any, can be reasonably estimated. In view of the inherent difficulty of predicting the outcome of these matters, it may not be possible to determine whether any loss is probable or to reasonably estimate the amount of the loss until the case is close to resolution, in which case no reserve is established until that time. Any claims against us, whether meritorious or not, could be time consuming, result in costly litigation, require significant amounts of management time and result in the diversion of significant operational resources. The results of these lawsuits, claims and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty. However, we believe that the ultimate resolution of these current matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.

NOTE G. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM AND DIVIDENDS

Stock Repurchase Program

In March 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a new stock repurchase program to purchase up to $500,000,000 of our common stock that we intend to execute over the next three years. During the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016, we repurchased 771,327 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $50.56 per share for a total cost of approximately $39,001,000. During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016, we repurchased 2,164,473 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $53.21 per share for a total cost of approximately $115,167,000. As of October 30, 2016, we held treasury stock of $1,383,000 that represents the cost of shares available for issuance intended to satisfy future stock-based award settlements in certain foreign jurisdictions.

During the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015, we repurchased 922,127 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $77.54 per share for a total cost of approximately $71,497,000. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015, we repurchased 2,485,830 shares of our common stock at an average cost of $79.05 per share for a total cost of approximately $196,497,000.

Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

Dividends

We declared cash dividends of $0.37 and $0.35 per common share during the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively. We declared cash dividends of $1.11 and $1.05 per common share during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, respectively. Our quarterly cash dividend may be limited or terminated at any time.

NOTE H. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

We have retail and/or e-commerce businesses in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and operations throughout Asia and Europe, which expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Substantially all of our purchases and sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to this risk. To mitigate this risk, we hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposure with foreign currency forward contracts in accordance with our risk management policies. We do not enter into such contracts for speculative purposes.

The assets or liabilities associated with the derivative instruments are measured at fair value and recorded in either other current assets or other current liabilities. As discussed below, the accounting for gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value depends on whether the derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and qualifies for hedge accounting in accordance with the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, Derivatives and Hedging.

Cash Flow Hedges

We enter into foreign currency forward contracts designated as cash flow hedges (to sell Canadian dollars and purchase U.S. dollars) for forecasted inventory purchases in U.S. dollars by our foreign subsidiaries. These hedges generally have terms of up to 12 months. All hedging relationships are formally documented, and the forward contracts are designed to further mitigate foreign currency exchange risk on hedged transactions. We record the effective portion of changes in the fair value of our cash flow hedges in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) until the earlier of when the hedged forecasted inventory purchase occurs or the respective contract reaches maturity. Subsequently, as the inventory is sold to the customer, we reclassify amounts previously recorded in OCI to cost of goods sold. Changes in the fair value of the forward contract related to interest charges (or forward points) are excluded from the assessment and measurement of hedge effectiveness and are recorded immediately in selling, general and administrative expense, net. Based on the rates in effect as of October 30, 2016, we expect to reclassify a net gain of approximately $322,000 from OCI to cost of goods sold over the next 12 months.

We also enter into non-designated foreign currency forward contracts (to sell Australian dollars and purchase U.S. dollars) to reduce the exchange risk associated with our assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency. Any foreign exchange gains (losses) related to these contracts are recognized in selling, general and administrative expense, net.

As of October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015, we had foreign currency forward contracts outstanding (in U.S. dollars) with notional values as follows:


In thousands	October 30, 2016		November 1, 2015
Contracts designated as cash flow hedges	$	29,000	$	20,000
Contracts not designated as cash flow hedges	$	46,000	$	37,000

Hedge effectiveness is evaluated prospectively at inception, on an ongoing basis, as well as retrospectively using regression analysis. Any measureable ineffectiveness of the hedge is recorded in selling, general and administrative expense, net. No gain or loss was recognized for cash flow hedges due to hedge ineffectiveness and all hedges were deemed effective for assessment purposes for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 and November 1, 2015.

The effect of derivative instruments in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, pre-tax, was as follows:


In thousands	Thirteen Weeks Ended October 30, 2016			Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015			Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2016			Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015
Net gain (loss) recognized in OCI	$	704		$	158		$	(795	)	$	729
Net gain (loss) reclassified from OCI into cost of goods sold	$	(406	)	$	339		$	53		$	1,250
Net foreign exchange gain (loss) recognized in selling, general and administrative expense:
Instruments designated as cash flow hedges¹	$	(22	)	$	(12	)	$	(12	)	$	(54	)
Instruments not designated or de-designated²	$	(566	)	$	748		$	(3,599	)	$	3,153

¹	Changes in fair value of the forward contract related to interest charges (or forward points).

²	Changes in fair value for instruments not designated as cash flow hedges as well as de-designated instruments.

The fair values of our derivative financial instruments are presented below. All fair values were measured using Level 2 inputs as defined by the fair value hierarchy described in Note I.


In thousands	Balance sheet location		October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow hedge foreign currency forward contracts		Other current assets	$	653		$	412
Cash flow hedge foreign currency forward contracts		Other long-term assets		176			—
Cash flow hedge foreign currency forward contracts		Other current liabilities		(328	)		—

Total, net			$	501		$	412


Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Foreign currency forward contracts		Other current assets	$	314		$	541

Total, net			$	314		$	541

We record all derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis. They do not meet the balance sheet netting criteria as discussed in ASC 210, Balance Sheet, because we do not have master netting agreements established with our derivative counterparties that would allow for net settlement.

NOTE I. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

We determine the fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities using the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement, which defines three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, as follows:

•

Level 1: inputs which include quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

•

Level 2: inputs which include observable inputs other than Level 1 inputs, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and

•

Level 3: inputs which include unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the underlying asset or liability.

The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents are based on Level 1 inputs, which include quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

Foreign Currency Derivatives and Hedging Instruments

We use the income approach to value our derivatives using observable Level 2 market data at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount, assuming that participants are motivated but not compelled to transact. Level 2 inputs are limited to quoted prices that are observable for the assets and liabilities, which include interest rates and credit risk ratings. We use mid-market pricing as a practical expedient for fair value measurements. Key inputs for currency derivatives are the spot rates, forward rates, interest rates and credit derivative market rates.

The counterparties associated with our foreign currency forward contracts are large credit-worthy financial institutions, and the derivatives transacted with these entities are relatively short in duration, therefore, we do not consider counterparty concentration and non-performance to be material risks at this time. Both we and our counterparties are expected to perform under the contractual terms of the instruments. None of the derivative contracts entered into are subject to credit risk-related contingent features or collateral requirements.

Property and Equipment

We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets for impairment, primarily at a store level, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We measure these assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate that approximates our weighted average cost of capital.

There were no transfers between Level 1, 2 or 3 categories during the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 or November 1, 2015.

NOTE J. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, are as follows:


In thousands	Foreign Currency Translation			Cash Flow Hedges			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Balance at January 31, 2016	$	(11,480	)	$	864		$	(10,616	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		5,208			—			5,208
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			(2,165	)		(2,165	)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments ¹		—			(302	)		(302	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		5,208			(2,467	)		2,741
Balance at May 1, 2016		(6,272	)		(1,603	)		(7,875	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(3,005	)		—			(3,005	)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			1,058			1,058
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments ¹		—			(38	)		(38	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(3,005	)		1,020			(1,985	)
Balance at July 31, 2016		(9,277	)		(583	)		(9,860	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,731	)		—			(1,731	)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			520			520
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments¹		—			299			299
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,731	)		819			(912	)
Balance at October 30, 2016	$	(11,008	)	$	236		$	(10,772	)


Balance at February 1, 2015	$	(3,522	)	$	974		$	(2,548	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		867			—			867
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			(379	)		(379	)
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments ¹		—			(198	)		(198	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		867			(577	)		290
Balance at May 3, 2015		(2,655	)		397			(2,257	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(3,694	)		—			(3,694	)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			800			800
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments ¹		—			(474	)		(474	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(3,694	)		326			(3,368	)
Balance at August 2, 2015		(6,349	)		723			(5,625	)
Foreign currency translation adjustments		(1,370	)		—			(1,370	)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments		—			118			118
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on derivative financial instruments¹		—			(250	)		(250	)
Other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,370	)		(132	)		(1,502	)
Balance at November 1, 2015	$	(7,719	)	$	591		$	(7,127	)

¹	Refer to Note H for additional disclosures about reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income and their corresponding effects on the respective line items in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or are proven incorrect, could cause our business and results of operations to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements related to: our merchandise strategies; our beliefs regarding the resolution of current lawsuits, claims and proceedings; our stock repurchase program; our expectations regarding our cash flow hedges and foreign currency risks; our planned use of cash; our compliance with the financial covenants contained in our credit facilities; our belief that our cash on-hand, in addition to our available credit facilities, will provide adequate liquidity for our business operations over the next 12 months; our beliefs regarding our exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; and our beliefs regarding seasonal patterns associated with our business, as well as statements of belief and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “intends,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above that could cause our results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this document and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016, and the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed from time to time in our other public filings and public announcements. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. These products, representing distinct merchandise strategies – Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, West Elm, PBteen, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham – are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct mail catalogs and 635 stores. We have retail and/or e-commerce businesses in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and ship our products to customers worldwide. Our catalogs reach customers throughout the U.S. and Australia. In addition, we have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores and/or e-commerce websites in the Middle East, the Philippines and Mexico.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity and capital resources for the thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2016 (“third quarter of fiscal 2016”), as compared to the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 (“third quarter of fiscal 2015) and the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2016 (“year-to-date 2016”), as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015 (“year-to-date 2015”), should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.

All explanations of changes in operational results are discussed in order of their magnitude.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016 Financial Results

Net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 increased by $13,303,000, or 1.1%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015, with comparable brand revenues declining 0.4%. The increase in net revenues was driven by a 3.3% increase in our e-commerce net revenues (primarily driven by West Elm, Williams-Sonoma and Rejuvenation), with particular strength in furniture, partially offset by a 1.2% decrease in retail net revenues (primarily driven by Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids). Retail leased square footage increased 3.1% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 due to 12 net new stores, primarily in the West Elm brand, where we saw a year-over-year retail net revenue increase. Net revenue growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 included a 3.5% increase in international revenues.

In Pottery Barn, our largest brand, comparable brand revenues decreased 4.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Pottery Barn was most impacted by a softening retail environment from a more cautious consumer. At the same time, we are very focused on reestablishing growth in this brand and, as a result, we have begun to see improved trends across several categories, including our new furniture collections and textiles. In the third quarter of fiscal 2016, Williams-Sonoma comparable brand revenues were up 0.1% over the third quarter of fiscal 2015. We saw favorable results in cookware, bakeware and cutlery this quarter, but experienced some softness in electrics. In West Elm, comparable brand revenues increased 12.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 15.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The brand continues to experience gains across core segments, but was particularly strong in both furniture and lighting. In Pottery Barn Kids, comparable brand revenues declined by 1.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Strength in our furniture and seasonal businesses was offset by softness in the textiles category. In PBteen, comparable brand revenues declined 10.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. After a strong start to back-to-school and a successful dorm season, we saw softening in our core furniture and textile businesses.

Additionally, in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, diluted earnings per share was $0.78 versus $0.77 in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, and we returned $72,284,000 to our stockholders through stock repurchases and dividends.

NET REVENUES

Net revenues consist of e-commerce net revenues and retail net revenues. E-commerce net revenues include sales of merchandise to customers through our e-commerce websites and our catalogs, as well as shipping fees. Retail net revenues include sales of merchandise to customers at our retail stores and to our franchisees, as well as shipping fees on any products shipped to our customers’ homes. Shipping fees consist of revenue received from customers for delivery of merchandise to their homes. Revenues are presented net of sales returns and other discounts.

The following table summarizes our net revenues for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, and year-to-date 2016 and 2015:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended										Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands	October 30, 2016		% Total			November 1, 2015		% Total			October 30, 2016		% Total			November 1, 2015		% Total
E-commerce net revenues	$	648,743		52.1	%	$	628,191		51.0	%	$	1,824,660		52.1	%	$	1,730,677		51.1	%
Retail net revenues		596,642		47.9	%		603,891		49.0	%		1,677,571		47.9	%		1,659,109		48.9	%
Net revenues	$	1,245,385		100.0	%	$	1,232,082		100.0	%	$	3,502,231		100.0	%	$	3,389,786		100.0	%

Net revenues for year-to-date 2016 increased by $112,445,000 or 3.3%, compared to year-to-date 2015, with comparable brand revenue growth of 1.4%. The increase in net revenues was driven by a 5.4% increase in our e-commerce net revenues (primarily driven by West Elm, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn Kids and Rejuvenation) and a 1.1% increase in our retail net revenues (primarily driven by West Elm and our international operations), with particular strength in furniture. Net revenue growth for year-to-date 2016 included a 15.3% increase in international revenues and a 3.1% increase in retail leased square footage primarily due to 12 net new stores.

Comparable Brand Revenue Growth

Comparable brand revenue includes retail comparable store sales and e-commerce sales, as well as shipping fees, sales returns and other discounts associated with current period sales. Outlet comparable store net revenues are included in their respective brands. Comparable brand revenue excludes sales from certain operations until such time that we believe those sales are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the brand. Sales related to our international franchise operations have also been excluded as they are not operated by us.

Comparable stores are defined as permanent stores where gross square footage did not change by more than 20% in the previous 12 months and which have been open for at least 12 consecutive months without closure for seven or more consecutive days.


	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
Comparable brand revenue growth (decline)	October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015			October 30, 2016			November 1, 2015
Pottery Barn		(4.6	%)		2.0	%		(3.2	%)		3.5	%
Williams-Sonoma		0.1	%		1.2	%		1.2	%		1.2	%
West Elm		12.0	%		15.7	%		15.4	%		15.6	%
Pottery Barn Kids		(1.0	%)		4.7	%		0.2	%		3.1	%
PBteen		(10.9	%)		(0.9	%)		(5.5	%)		1.8	%
Total		(0.4	%)		4.5	%		1.4	%		5.1	%

RETAIL STORE DATA


	Store Count											Average Leased Square Footage Per Store
	July 31, 2016		Openings		Closings			October 30, 2016		November 1, 2015		October 30, 2016		November 1, 2015
Williams-Sonoma		241		1		(1	)		241		243		6,600		6,600
Pottery Barn		201		1		—			202		200		13,800		13,700
Pottery Barn Kids		89		—		—			89		90		7,500		7,500
West Elm		89		10		(2	)		97		84		13,300		13,400
Rejuvenation		6		—		—			6		6		9,300		9,000
Total		626		12		(3	)		635		623		10,000		9,900
Store selling square footage at period-end													3,966,000		3,839,000
Store leased square footage at period-end													6,381,000		6,188,000

COST OF GOODS SOLD


	Thirteen Weeks Ended										Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands	October 30, 2016		% Net Revenues			November 1, 2015		% Net Revenues			October 30, 2016		% Net Revenues			November 1, 2015		% Net Revenues
Cost of goods sold¹	$	787,162		63.2	%	$	780,894		63.4	%	$	2,240,952		64.0	%	$	2,153,132		63.5	%

¹	Includes total occupancy expenses of $168,020,000 and $159,415,000 for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 and the third quarter of fiscal 2015, respectively, and $494,741,000 and $466,859,000 for year-to-date 2016 and year-to-date 2015, respectively.

Cost of goods sold includes cost of goods, occupancy expenses and shipping costs. Cost of goods consists of cost of merchandise, inbound freight expenses, freight-to-store expenses and other inventory related costs such as shrinkage, damages and replacements. Occupancy expenses consist of rent, depreciation and other occupancy costs, including common area maintenance, property taxes and utilities. Shipping costs consist of third-party delivery services and shipping materials.

Our classification of expenses in cost of goods sold may not be comparable to other public companies, as we do not include non-occupancy related costs associated with our distribution network in cost of goods sold. These costs, which include distribution network employment, third party warehouse management and other distribution related administrative expenses, are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Within our reportable segments, the e-commerce channel does not incur freight-to-store or store occupancy expenses, and typically operates with lower markdowns and inventory shrinkage than the retail channel. However, the e-commerce channel incurs higher customer shipping, damage and replacement costs than the retail channel.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Cost of goods sold increased by $6,268,000, or 0.8%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 63.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 from 63.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by higher selling margins from reduced shipping and fulfillment-related costs as a result of our focus on our supply chain and inventory initiatives, partially offset by occupancy deleverage.

In the e-commerce channel, cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily driven by reduced shipping and fulfillment-related costs as a result of our focus on our supply chain and inventory initiatives.

In the retail channel, cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily driven by occupancy deleverage.

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2016 vs. Year-to-Date Fiscal 2015

Cost of goods sold increased by $87,820,000, or 4.1%, year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015. Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues increased to 64.0% year-to-date 2016 from 63.5% year-to-date fiscal 2015. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in occupancy costs related to investments in our supply chain.

In the e-commerce channel, cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues decreased year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015 primarily driven by higher selling margins from reduced shipping and fulfillment-related costs as a result of our focus on our supply chain and inventory initiatives, partially offset by an increase in occupancy costs related to investments in our supply chain.

In the retail channel, cost of goods sold as a percentage of net revenues increased year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015 primarily driven by lower selling margins and occupancy deleverage.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES


	Thirteen Weeks Ended										Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
In thousands	October 30, 2016		% Net Revenues			November 1, 2015		% Net Revenues			October 30, 2016		% Net Revenues			November 1, 2015		% Net Revenues
Selling, general and administrative expenses	$	348,244		28.0	%	$	340,505		27.6	%	$	1,004,499		28.7	%	$	970,700		28.6	%

Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of non-occupancy related costs associated with our retail stores, distribution warehouses, customer care centers, supply chain operations (buying, receiving and inspection) and corporate administrative functions. These costs include employment, advertising, third party credit card processing and other general expenses.

We experience differing employment and advertising costs as a percentage of net revenues within the retail and e-commerce channels due to their distinct distribution and marketing strategies. Employment costs represent a greater percentage of net revenues within the retail channel as compared to the e-commerce channel. However, advertising expenses are higher within the e-commerce channel than in the retail channel.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2016 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2015

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $7,739,000, or 2.3%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 28.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 from 27.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. This increase as a percentage of net revenues was primarily driven by an increase in advertising expenses as a result of our focus on new customer acquisition, the deleverage of general expenses, and severance-related reorganization charges of approximately $1,185,000 in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, partially offset by the leverage of employment costs.

In the e-commerce channel, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily driven by an increase in advertising expenses.

In the retail channel, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily driven by a reduction in advertising, general expenses and employment costs.

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2016 vs. Year-to-Date Fiscal 2015

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $33,799,000, or 3.5%, year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased to 28.7% year-to-date fiscal 2016 from 28.6% year-to-date fiscal 2015. This increase as a percentage of net revenues was primarily driven by severance-related reorganization charges of approximately $14,406,000 during year-to-date fiscal 2016, partially offset by the leverage of employment costs.

In the e-commerce channel, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues increased year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015 primarily driven by an increase in advertising expenses as a result of our focus on new customer acquisition, partially offset by the leverage of general expenses.

In the retail channel, selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenues decreased year-to-date fiscal 2016 compared to year-to-date fiscal 2015 primarily driven by the leverage of employment costs.

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate was 37.3% for year-to-date 2016 and 36.3% for year-to-date 2015, reflecting favorable resolution of certain tax matters for year-to-date 2015.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of October 30, 2016, we held $75,381,000 in cash and cash equivalents, the majority of which is held in demand deposit accounts and money market funds, of which $51,914,000 was held by our foreign subsidiaries. As is consistent within our industry, our cash balances are seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter historically representing a significantly higher level of cash than other periods.

In fiscal 2016, we plan to use our cash resources to fund our inventory and inventory related purchases, advertising and marketing initiatives, stock repurchases, dividend payments and purchases of property and equipment. In addition to our cash balances on hand, we have a $500,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit (“credit facility”) that may be used to borrow revolving loans or to request the issuance of letters of credit. We may, upon notice to the administrative agent, request existing or new lenders to increase the credit facility by up to $250,000,000, at such lenders’ option, to provide for a total of $750,000,000 of unsecured revolving credit. For year-to-date 2016, we borrowed $125,000,000 under the credit facility, all of which was outstanding as of October 30, 2016. For year-to-date 2015, we borrowed $200,000,000 under the credit facility, all of which was outstanding as of November 1, 2015.

As of October 30, 2016, issued but undrawn standby letters of credit totaling $12,289,000 were outstanding under the credit facility. Additionally, as of October 30, 2016, we had three unsecured letter of credit reimbursement facilities for a total of $70,000,000, of which $6,585,000 was outstanding. These letter of credit facilities represent only a future commitment to fund inventory purchases to which we had not taken legal title. We are currently in compliance with all of our financial covenants under the credit facility and the three unsecured letter of credit reimbursement facilities and, based on our current projections, we expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12 months. We believe our cash on hand, in addition to our available credit facilities, will provide adequate liquidity for our business operations over the next 12 months.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For year-to-date 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was $122,464,000 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $93,045,000 for year-to-date 2015. For year-to-date 2016, net cash provided by operating activities was primarily attributable to earnings adjusted for non-cash items and an increase in deferred rent and lease incentives partially offset by an increase in merchandise inventories and income taxes payable. Net cash provided by operating activities increased compared to year-to-date 2015 primarily due to a decrease in year over year merchandise inventories, partially offset by a decrease in income taxes payable and customer deposits.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

For year-to-date 2016 and year-to-date 2015, net cash used in investing activities was $126,799,000 and $135,534,000, respectively, and was primarily attributable to purchases of property and equipment.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For year-to-date 2016, net cash used in financing activities was $111,238,000 compared to $108,574,000 for year-to-date 2015. For year-to-date 2016, net cash used in financing activities was primarily attributable to repurchases of common stock and the payment of dividends, partially offset by borrowings under our revolving line of credit. Net cash used in financing activities compared to year-to-date 2015 increased primarily due to a decrease in borrowings under our revolving line of credit, partially offset by a decrease in the repurchase of common stock.

Stock Repurchase Program and Dividends

See Note G to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Stock Repurchase Program and Dividends, within Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

Critical Accounting Policies

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. During the third quarter of fiscal 2016, there have been no significant changes to the critical accounting policies discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2016.

Seasonality

Our business is subject to substantial seasonal variations in demand. Historically, a significant portion of our revenues and net earnings have been realized during the period from October through January, and levels of net revenues and net earnings have typically been lower during the period from February through September. We believe this is the general pattern associated with the retail industry. In preparation for and during our holiday selling season, we hire a substantial number of additional temporary employees, primarily in our retail stores, customer care centers and distribution centers, and incur significant fixed catalog production and mailing costs.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks, which include significant deterioration of the U.S. and foreign markets, changes in U.S. interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and the effects of economic uncertainty which may affect the prices we pay our vendors in the foreign countries in which we do business. We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our revolving line of credit has a variable interest rate which, when drawn upon, subjects us to risks associated with changes in that interest rate. As of October 30, 2016, we had borrowings of $125,000,000 outstanding under the credit facility. A hypothetical increase or decrease of one percentage point on our existing variable rate debt instrument would not materially affect our results of operations or cash flows.

In addition, we have fixed and variable income investments consisting of short-term investments classified as cash and cash equivalents, which are also affected by changes in market interest rates. As of October 30, 2016, our investments, made primarily in demand deposit accounts and money market funds, are stated at cost and approximate their fair values.

Foreign Currency Risks

We purchase a significant amount of inventory from vendors outside of the U.S. in transactions that are denominated in U.S. dollars. Approximately 1% of our international purchase transactions are in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, primarily the euro. Any foreign currency impact related to these international purchase transactions was not significant to us during the third quarter of fiscal 2016 or the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Since we pay for the majority of our international purchases in U.S. dollars, however, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to other foreign currencies would subject us to risks associated with increased purchasing costs from our vendors in their effort to offset any lost profits associated with any currency devaluation. We cannot predict with certainty the effect these increased costs may have on our financial statements or results of operations.

In addition, our retail and/or e-commerce businesses in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and our operations throughout Asia and Europe, expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Substantially all of our purchases and sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to this risk. However, some of our foreign operations

have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. While the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations was not material to us in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 or the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we have continued to see volatility in the exchange rates in the countries in which we do business. As we continue to expand globally, the foreign currency exchange risk related to our foreign operations may increase. To mitigate this risk, we hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposure with foreign currency forward contracts in accordance with our risk management policies (see Note H to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements).

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of October 30, 2016, an evaluation was performed by management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely discussions regarding required disclosures, and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information required by this Item is contained in Note F to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I of this Form 10-Q.

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

See Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2016 for a description of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. There were no material changes to such risk factors in the current quarterly reporting period.

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

The following table provides information as of October 30, 2016 with respect to shares of common stock we repurchased during the third quarter of fiscal 2016. For additional information, please see Note G to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I of this Form 10-Q.


Fiscal period	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program		Maximum Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
August 1, 2016 – August 28, 2016		224,031	$	52.82		224,031	$	473,851,000
August 29, 2016 – September 25, 2016		235,980	$	50.85		235,980	$	461,851,000
September 26, 2016 – October 30, 2016		311,316	$	48.72		311,316	$	446,683,000

Total		771,327	$	50.56		771,327	$	446,683,000

In March 2016, we announced that our Board of Directors had authorized a new stock repurchase program to purchase up to an additional $500,000,000 of our common stock that we intend to execute over the next three years. Stock repurchases under this program may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability and other market conditions. The stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits


Exhibit Number		Exhibit Description
10.1*		Third Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement between Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Williams-Sonoma Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Bank of America, N.A., dated as of August 26, 2016
10.2*		Third Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement between Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Williams-Sonoma Singapore Pte. Ltd., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., dated as of August 26, 2016
10.3*		Third Amendment to Reimbursement Agreement between Williams-Sonoma, Inc., Williams-Sonoma Singapore Pte. Ltd., and U.S. Bank National Association, dated as of August 26, 2016
31.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
31.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
32.1*		Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*		Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS*		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE*		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*	Filed herewith.

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.


WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

By:		/s/ Julie P. Whalen
		Julie P. Whalen
		Chief Financial Officer

Date: December 7, 2016

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