10-Q
Table of Contents


 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
Form 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2015
or
o
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 001-33608
 
 lululemon athletica inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
20-3842867
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
1818 Cornwall Avenue
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6J 1C7
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code:
604-732-6124
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report:
N/A
 
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 þ No o
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 during the preceding 12 months (of for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes þ No o
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
 
o
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
 
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes o No þ
At December 3, 2015, there were 128,749,784 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $0.005 per share, outstanding.
Exchangeable and Special Voting Shares:
At December 3, 2015, there were outstanding 9,803,819 exchangeable shares of Lulu Canadian Holding, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant. Exchangeable shares are exchangeable for an equal number of shares of the registrant's common stock.
In addition, at December 3, 2015, the registrant had outstanding 9,803,819 shares of special voting stock, through which the holders of exchangeable shares of Lulu Canadian Holding, Inc. may exercise their voting rights with respect to the registrant. The special voting stock and the registrant's common stock generally vote together as a single class on all matters on which the common stock is entitled to vote.
 


Table of Contents


TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 6.
 
 

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PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
lululemon athletica inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
November 1,
2015
 
February 1,
2015
ASSETS
Current assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
403,446

 
$
664,479

Accounts receivable
 
12,463

 
13,746

Inventories
 
357,753

 
208,116

Prepaid income taxes
 
124,776

 
40,547

Other prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
30,066

 
24,124

 
 
928,504

 
951,012

Property and equipment, net
 
346,705

 
296,008

Goodwill and intangible assets, net
 
25,407

 
26,163

Deferred income tax assets
 
10,759

 
16,018

Other non-current assets
 
10,184

 
7,012

 
 
$
1,321,559

 
$
1,296,213

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
 
$
5,845

 
$
9,339

Accrued inventory liabilities
 
40,250

 
22,296

Accrued compensation and related expenses
 
44,074

 
29,932

Income taxes payable
 
46,829

 
20,073

Unredeemed gift card liability
 
35,123

 
46,252

Other accrued liabilities
 
36,207

 
31,989

 
 
208,328

 
159,881

Deferred income tax liabilities
 
3,524

 
3,633

Other non-current liabilities
 
49,748

 
43,131

 
 
261,600

 
206,645

Stockholders' equity
 
 
 
 
Undesignated preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 5,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding
 

 

Exchangeable stock, no par value, 60,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 9,804 and 9,833
 

 

Special voting stock, $0.000005 par value, 60,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 9,804 and 9,833
 

 

Common stock, $0.005 par value, 400,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding 129,581 and 132,112
 
648

 
661

Additional paid-in capital
 
246,814

 
241,695

Retained earnings
 
1,003,331

 
1,020,619

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(190,834
)
 
(173,407
)
 
 
1,059,959

 
1,089,568

 
 
$
1,321,559

 
$
1,296,213

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements

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lululemon athletica inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited; Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Net revenue
 
$
479,693

 
$
419,396

 
$
1,356,247

 
$
1,194,722

Cost of goods sold
 
254,896

 
208,308

 
713,548

 
590,583

Gross profit
 
224,797

 
211,088

 
642,699

 
604,139

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
156,619

 
129,932

 
439,906

 
385,294

Income from operations
 
68,178

 
81,156

 
202,793

 
218,845

Other income (expense), net
 
(2,890
)
 
1,814

 
(1,519
)
 
5,347

Income before income tax expense
 
65,288

 
82,970

 
201,274

 
224,192

Income tax expense
 
12,135

 
22,519

 
52,643

 
96,012

Net income
 
$
53,153

 
$
60,451

 
$
148,631

 
$
128,180

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive loss:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
(665
)
 
(29,256
)
 
(17,427
)
 
(13,202
)
Comprehensive income
 
$
52,488

 
$
31,195

 
$
131,204

 
$
114,978

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.89

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.88

Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding
 
140,282

 
143,180

 
141,198

 
144,581

Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding
 
140,457

 
143,441

 
141,470

 
144,949

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements
 

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lululemon athletica inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Unaudited; Amounts in thousands)
 
 
Exchangeable
Stock
 
Special Voting
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Total
 
 
Shares
 
Par Value
 
Shares
 
Par Value
 
Shares
 
Par Value
 
 
 
 
Balance at February 1, 2015
 
9,833

 
 
 
9,833

 
$

 
132,112

 
$
661

 
$
241,695

 
$
1,020,619

 
$
(173,407
)
 
$
1,089,568

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
148,631

 
 
 
148,631

Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17,427
)
 
(17,427
)
Common stock issued upon exchange of exchangeable shares
 
(29
)
 
 
 
(29
)
 

 
29

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,639

 
 
 
 
 
6,639

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
666

 
 
 
 
 
666

Common stock issued upon settlement of stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
336

 
2

 
4,438

 
 
 
 
 
4,440

Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock-based compensation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(41
)
 

 
(2,439
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,439
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,855
)
 
(15
)
 
(4,040
)
 
(165,919
)
 
 
 
(169,974
)
Registration fees associated with prospectus supplement
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(145
)
 
 
 
 
 
(145
)
Balance at November 1, 2015
 
9,804

 
 
 
9,804

 
$

 
129,581

 
$
648

 
$
246,814

 
$
1,003,331

 
$
(190,834
)
 
$
1,059,959

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements


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lululemon athletica inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited; Amounts in thousands)
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
148,631

 
$
128,180

Items not affecting cash
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
52,498

 
41,709

Stock-based compensation expense
 
6,639

 
5,382

Deferred income taxes
 
5,105

 
20,917

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
(666
)
 
(53
)
Other, including net changes in other non-cash balances
 
 
 
 
Prepaid income taxes
 
(83,564
)
 
(18,054
)
Other prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
(6,097
)
 
(6,054
)
Inventories
 
(151,317
)
 
(44,595
)
Accounts payable
 
(3,448
)
 
(2,980
)
Accrued inventory liabilities
 
18,415

 
27,222

Other accrued liabilities
 
4,416

 
4,706

Income taxes payable
 
27,166

 
2,347

Accrued compensation and related expenses
 
14,448

 
13,815

Other non-cash balances
 
(6,286
)
 
(5,701
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
25,940

 
166,841

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
 
Purchase of property and equipment
 
(108,061
)
 
(89,373
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(108,061
)
 
(89,373
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from settlement of stock-based compensation
 
4,440

 
2,452

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
 
666

 
53

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
 
(2,439
)
 
(4,020
)
Repurchase of common stock
 
(169,974
)
 
(130,266
)
Registration fees associated with prospectus supplement
 
(145
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
 
(167,452
)
 
(131,781
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
(11,460
)
 
(10,754
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
(261,033
)
 
(65,067
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
 
664,479

 
698,649

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
403,446

 
$
633,582

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements


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lululemon athletica inc.
NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED INTERIM CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except per share and store count information, unless otherwise indicated)
NOTE 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Nature of operations
lululemon athletica inc., a Delaware corporation ("lululemon" and, together with its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires, the "Company") is engaged in the design, distribution, and retail of healthy lifestyle inspired athletic apparel, which is sold through a chain of company-operated stores, direct to consumer through e-commerce, showrooms, a network of wholesale accounts, outlets and warehouse sales. The Company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany, and Puerto Rico. There were a total of 354 and 302 company-operated stores in operation as of November 1, 2015 and February 1, 2015, respectively.
Basis of presentation
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements as of November 1, 2015 and for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 are presented in United States dollars and have been prepared by the Company under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The financial information is presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and, accordingly, does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The financial information as of February 1, 2015 is derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2015, included in Item 8 in the Company's fiscal 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2015. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are in the opinion of management necessary to a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company's fiscal 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January 31 of the following year, typically resulting in a 52 week year, but occasionally giving rise to an additional week, resulting in a 53 week year. Fiscal 2015 will end on January 31, 2016 and will be a 52 week year.
The Company's business is affected by the pattern of seasonality common to most retail apparel businesses. Historically, the Company has recognized a significant portion of its operating profit in the fourth fiscal quarter of each year as a result of increased sales during the holiday season.
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the financial presentation adopted for the current year.
NOTE 2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605 Revenue Recognition, including most industry-specific revenue recognition guidance throughout the Industry Topics of the Codification. This guidance requires that an entity recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services, and expands the related disclosure requirements. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date for public companies to years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early application permitted only as of years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the timing of adoption and impact that this new guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In June 2014, the FASB amended ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation ("ASC 718") for share-based payments in which the terms of the award provide that a performance target can be achieved after the requisite service period. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. This guidance is effective for public companies for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2015, and early application is permitted. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.

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In April 2015, the FASB amended ASC Subtopic 350-40, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software ("ASC 350-40") to provide guidance to customers about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. This guidance requires that if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. This guidance is effective for public companies for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2015, and early application is permitted. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB amended ASC Topic 330, Inventory ("ASC 330") to simplify the measurement of inventory. The amendments require that an entity measure inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value instead of the lower of cost and market. This guidance is effective for public companies for years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2016, with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. This guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this new guidance may have on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock-based compensation plans
The Company's eligible employees participate in various stock-based compensation plans, which are provided by the Company directly.
Stock-based compensation expense charged to income for the plans was $6,639 and $5,382 for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, respectively. Total unrecognized compensation cost for all stock-based compensation plans was $33,247 at November 1, 2015, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.5 years.
Company stock options, performance-based restricted stock units, restricted shares and restricted stock units
A summary of the Company's stock option, performance-based restricted stock unit, restricted share and restricted stock unit activity as of November 1, 2015 and changes during the thirty-nine week period then ended is presented below:
 
 
Stock Options
 
Performance-Based Restricted Stock Units
 
Restricted Shares
 
Restricted Stock Units
 
 
Number
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Number
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Number
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
 
Number
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Balance at February 1, 2015
 
879

 
$
39.25

 
452

 
$
59.27

 
62

 
$
42.86

 
186

 
$
45.75

Granted
 
388

 
57.74

 
152

 
63.86

 
19

 
66.07

 
230

 
62.16

Exercised/vested
 
228

 
19.43

 
55

 
67.26

 
30

 
39.08

 
37

 
44.98

Forfeited
 
140

 
55.55

 
134

 
63.35

 
4

 
38.25

 
39

 
50.95

Balance at November 1, 2015
 
899

 
$
49.74

 
415

 
$
58.57

 
47

 
$
54.97

 
340

 
$
56.33

Exercisable at November 1, 2015
 
253

 
$
37.85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on date of grant using the Black-Scholes model. The assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted are evaluated and revised, as necessary, to reflect market conditions and the Company's historical experience. The expected term of the options is based upon historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration for expectations of future employee behavior. Expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company's common stock for the period corresponding with the expected term of the options. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve for the period corresponding with the expected term of the options. The following assumptions were used in calculating the fair value of stock options granted in fiscal 2015:
 
 
Stock Options Granted During
Fiscal 2015
Expected term
 
4.0 years

Expected volatility
 
42.73
%
Risk-free interest rate
 
0.98
%
Dividend yield
 
%
The Company's performance-based restricted stock units are awarded to eligible employees and entitle the grantee to receive a maximum of two shares of common stock per performance-based restricted stock unit if the Company achieves specified performance goals and the grantee remains employed during the vesting period. The fair value of performance-based restricted stock units is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the award date. Expense for performance-based restricted stock units is recognized when it is probable that the performance goal will be achieved.
The fair value of the restricted shares and restricted stock units is based on the closing price of the Company's common stock on the award date.
Employee stock purchase plan
The Company's board of directors and stockholders approved the Company's Employee Share Purchase Plan ("ESPP") in September 2007. Contributions are made by eligible employees, subject to certain limits as defined in the ESPP, and the Company matches one-third of the contribution. The maximum number of shares available under the ESPP is 6,000 shares. During the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015, there were 29 shares purchased under the ESPP in the open market.
NOTE 4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The details of the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Net income
 
$
53,153

 
$
60,451

 
$
148,631

 
$
128,180

Basic weighted-average number of shares outstanding
 
140,282

 
143,180

 
141,198

 
144,581

Assumed conversion of dilutive stock options and awards
 
175

 
261

 
272

 
368

Diluted weighted-average number of shares outstanding
 
140,457

 
143,441

 
141,470

 
144,949

Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.89

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.88

The Company's calculation of weighted-average shares includes the common stock of the Company as well as the exchangeable shares. Exchangeable shares are the equivalent of common shares in all material respects. All classes of stock have in effect the same rights and share equally in undistributed net income. For the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, 77 and 369 stock options and awards, respectively, were anti-dilutive to earnings per share and therefore have been excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share.
On June 11, 2014, the Company's board of directors approved a program to repurchase shares of the Company's common stock up to an aggregate value of $450,000. The common stock is to be repurchased in the open market at prevailing market prices, with the timing and actual number of shares to be repurchased depending upon market conditions and other factors. The repurchases may be made up until June 2016. During the thirty-nine weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014, 2,855 and 3,261 shares, respectively, were repurchased under the program at a total cost of $169,974 and $130,266, respectively. Subsequent to November 1, 2015, and up to December 3, 2015, 832 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $40,817.

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NOTE 5. SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A summary of certain balance sheet accounts is as follows:
 
 
November 1,
2015
 
February 1,
2015
Inventories:
 
 
 
 
Finished goods
 
$
364,079

 
$
214,113

Provision to reduce inventory to market value
 
(6,326
)
 
(5,997
)
 
 
$
357,753

 
$
208,116

Property and equipment:
 
 
 
 
Land
 
$
59,086

 
$
60,548

Buildings
 
32,226

 
29,099

Leasehold improvements
 
219,620

 
176,677

Furniture and fixtures
 
67,769

 
55,320

Computer hardware
 
43,774

 
35,457

Computer software
 
109,634

 
84,854

Equipment and vehicles
 
12,058

 
11,908

Accumulated depreciation
 
(197,462
)
 
(157,855
)
 
 
$
346,705

 
$
296,008

Goodwill and intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
 
$
25,496

 
$
25,496

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 
(1,252
)
 
(1,083
)
 
 
24,244

 
24,413

Intangibles—reacquired franchise rights
 
10,150

 
10,150

Accumulated amortization
 
(8,879
)
 
(8,264
)
Changes in foreign currency exchange rates
 
(108
)
 
(136
)
 
 
1,163

 
1,750

 
 
$
25,407

 
$
26,163

Other accrued liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Sales tax collected
 
$
9,833

 
$
8,579

Accrued rent
 
5,425

 
5,567

Other
 
20,949

 
17,843

 
 
$
36,207

 
$
31,989

Other non-current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Deferred lease liability
 
$
25,149

 
$
20,837

Tenant inducements
 
24,599

 
22,294

 
 
$
49,748

 
$
43,131

NOTE 6. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the legal matters described below, the Company is, from time to time, involved in routine legal matters incidental to the conduct of its business, including legal matters such as initiation and defense of proceedings to protect intellectual property rights, personal injury claims, product liability claims, and similar matters. The Company believes the ultimate resolution of any such current proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on its continued financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On July 15, 2015, plaintiffs Hallandale Beach Police Officers and Firefighters' Personnel Retirement Fund and Laborers' District Council Industry Pension Fund filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery a derivative lawsuit on behalf of lululemon against certain current and former directors of lululemon, captioned Laborers' District Council Industry Pension Fund v. Bensoussan, et al., C.A. No. 11293-CB. This proceeding is discussed in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 10, 2015. On August 18, 2015, the individual defendants (including Mr. Wilson) filed motions to

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dismiss the action pursuant to Court of Chancery Rules 23.1 and 12(b)(6) for failure to adequately plead that demand on the board was excused and for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. Also on August 18, 2015, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the action pursuant to Court of Chancery Rule 23.1 for failure to adequately plead that demand on the board was excused.
On October 9, 2015, current and former hourly employees of the Company filed a class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of New York entitled Rebecca Gathmann-Landini et al v. lululemon USA inc. The lawsuit alleges that the Company violated various New York labor codes by failing to pay all earned wages, including overtime compensation. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend this matter. 
NOTE 7. INCOME TAXES
During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded certain tax and related interest adjustments which resulted in a net income tax recovery of $7,713 and a related net interest expense of $3,606.
The components of the tax adjustments are as follows:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
Income tax expense, before tax adjustments
 
$
19,848

 
 
 
Advance Pricing Arrangement adjustments, net
 
(5,095
)
Tax on foreign earnings expected to be repatriated
 
7,838

Tax adjustment on foreign tax credit calculations for fiscal 2014
 
(10,456
)
Total tax adjustments
 
(7,713
)
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
$
12,135

A summary reconciliation of the effective tax rate is as follows:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Federal income tax at statutory rate
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
 
35.0
 %
Foreign tax rate differentials, U.S. state taxes, and other
 
(6.2
)
 
(7.9
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(6.1
)
Effective tax rate, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
28.8

 
27.1

 
29.5

 
28.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advance Pricing Arrangement adjustments, net
 
(6.4
)
 

 
(2.0
)
 

Tax on foreign earnings expected to be repatriated
 
11.4

 

 
3.8

 

Tax adjustment on foreign tax credit calculations for fiscal 2014
 
(15.2
)
 

 
(5.1
)
 
13.9

Tax and related interest adjustments
 
(10.2
)
 

 
(3.3
)
 
13.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rate
 
18.6
 %
 
27.1
 %
 
26.2
 %
 
42.8
 %
The tax and related interest adjustments impacted diluted earnings per share as follows:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.88

Tax and related interest adjustments
 
(0.03
)
 

 
(0.03
)
 
0.22

Diluted earnings per share, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
$
0.35

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.02

 
$
1.10


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Advance Pricing Arrangement adjustments, net
The Company evaluates its tax filing positions and for uncertain tax positions recognizes the largest amount of tax benefit that is considered more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. This determination requires the use of significant judgment. Income tax expense is adjusted in the period in which the uncertain tax position is effectively settled, the statute of limitations expires, facts or circumstances change, tax laws change, or new information becomes available.
The Company's uncertain tax positions include the Company's inter-company transfer pricing policies and the allocation of income between tax jurisdictions. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company received new communications with respect to the bilateral Advance Pricing Arrangement ("APA") which the Company is in the process of finalizing with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA"). This resulted in a reassessment of the expected probable outcome of the APA and the related estimates of the amount of tax payable in each jurisdiction, for fiscal 2011 through fiscal 2015.
The Company has determined that it is considered more likely than not that the outcome of the APA will result in a decrease in taxable income in the United States and an increase in taxable income in Canada. This change in the expected outcome of the APA also has an impact on the foreign tax credits relating to the dividends paid in fiscal 2014. These changes resulted in a net income tax recovery of $5,095 during the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company has also recognized a related net interest expense of $3,606 in other income (expense), net.
The Company anticipates that the APA will be finalized within the next twelve months. The Company’s tax position will be updated as new information becomes available. Should the terms of the final APA differ to the Company’s assessment of the most likely outcome, it is possible that the Company may record income tax adjustments of up to approximately $10,000.
Tax on foreign earnings expected to be repatriated
The undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries as of November 1, 2015 was approximately $606,548.
As a result of the change in the expected outcome of the APA described above, it is now expected that a significant intercompany debt between one of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries and a Canadian subsidiary will arise upon the finalization of the APA, and that the ongoing net cash flow of the Company's U.S. operations will be lower than previously expected. As a result, the Company intends to distribute up to $156,000 to the U.S. parent entity to finance the payment of this intercompany debt. As these foreign earnings are no longer considered indefinitely reinvested, the Company has recorded an incremental tax expense and deferred tax liability as of November 1, 2015 of $7,838 to provide for U.S. income and applicable foreign withholding taxes on this expected distribution.
The remaining undistributed earnings of the foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested, and as a result, no provision has been made for the U.S. income or foreign withholding taxes which would be payable upon distribution of these earnings. In reaching the conclusion that the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are indefinitely reinvested, the Company considers its international expansion plans, projected working capital needs, projected head office capital investments, forecasted cash flow requirements within the United States, and other factors the Company believes are relevant.
Tax adjustment on foreign tax credit calculations for fiscal 2014
In fiscal 2014, the Company recorded a tax expense of $33,746 representing the estimated U.S. income tax and foreign withholding tax payable on the repatriation of earnings in the form of dividends of $473,700, which were distributed during fiscal 2014 by foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. parent entity to fund the share repurchase program. During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company finalized the amount of U.S. income tax payable on these distributions and recognized an adjustment on the foreign tax credits that had been initially calculated for the prior year distributions, which resulted in the recognition of an income tax recovery of $10,456 during the third quarter of fiscal 2015.

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NOTE 8. SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company applies ASC Topic 280, Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"), in determining reportable segments for its financial statement disclosure. The Company reports segments based on the financial information it uses in managing its business. The Company's reportable segments are comprised of company-operated stores and direct to consumer. Direct to consumer represents sales from the Company's e-commerce websites. Outlet sales, showroom sales, sales to wholesale accounts, warehouse sales, and sales from temporary locations have been combined into other. Information for these segments is detailed in the table below:
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 1, 2015
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended 
 November 2, 2014
Net revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated stores
 
$
353,399

 
$
310,014

 
$
1,007,272

 
$
892,156

Direct to consumer
 
89,330

 
77,203

 
255,205

 
206,658

Other
 
36,964

 
32,179

 
93,770

 
95,908

 
 
$
479,693

 
$
419,396

 
$
1,356,247

 
$
1,194,722

Income from operations before general corporate expense:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated stores
 
$
70,729

 
$
73,990

 
$
207,393

 
$
224,966

Direct to consumer
 
37,985

 
32,292

 
105,106

 
83,596

Other
 
1,569

 
3,279

 
4,370

 
9,507

 
 
110,283

 
109,561

 
316,869

 
318,069

General corporate expense
 
42,105

 
28,405

 
114,076

 
99,224

Income from operations
 
68,178

 
81,156

 
202,793

 
218,845

Other (expense) income, net
 
(2,890
)
 
1,814

 
(1,519
)
 
5,347

Income before income tax expense
 
$
65,288

 
$
82,970

 
$
201,274

 
$
224,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated stores
 
$
30,909

 
$
24,207

 
$
72,541

 
$
55,879

Direct to consumer
 
3,744

 
4,076

 
5,676

 
8,939

Corporate
 
8,290

 
8,988

 
29,844

 
24,555

 
 
$
42,943

 
$
37,271

 
$
108,061

 
$
89,373

Depreciation and amortization:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company-operated stores
 
$
13,126

 
$
9,912

 
$
36,139

 
$
27,335

Direct to consumer
 
1,759

 
1,991

 
4,894

 
4,252

Corporate
 
4,822

 
3,710

 
11,465

 
10,122

 
 
$
19,707

 
$
15,613

 
$
52,498

 
$
41,709


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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Some of the statements contained in this Form 10-Q and any documents incorporated herein by reference constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated in this Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements, particularly statements which relate to expectations, beliefs, projections, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts, such as statements regarding our future financial condition or results of operations, our prospects and strategies for future growth, the development and introduction of new products, and the implementation of our marketing and branding strategies. In many cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "intends," "predicts," "potential" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q and any documents incorporated herein by reference reflect our current views about future events and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and changes in circumstances that may cause events or our actual activities or results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future events, results, actions, levels of activity, performance or achievements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, those factors described in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report.
The forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-Q reflect our views and assumptions only as of the date of this Form 10-Q and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this Form 10-Q. Except as required by applicable securities law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
This information should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the notes included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes, and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We disclose material non-public information through one or more of the following channels: our investor relations website (http://investor.lululemon.com/), the social media channels identified on our investor relations website, press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, and webcasts.
Overview
lululemon is a designer, distributor, and retailer of technical athletic apparel. Since our inception, we have developed a distinctive corporate culture with a mission to produce products which create transformational experiences for people to live happy, healthy, fun lives. We promote a set of core values in our business which include, developing the highest quality products, operating with integrity, leading a balanced and fun life, and nurturing entrepreneurial spirit. These core values attract passionate and motivated employees who are driven to succeed and share our purpose of "elevating the world from mediocrity to greatness."
Our healthy lifestyle inspired athletic apparel is marketed under the lululemon athletica and ivivva athletica brand names. We offer a comprehensive line of apparel and accessories for women, men and female youth. Our apparel assortment includes items such as pants, shorts, tops and jackets designed for healthy lifestyle and athletic activities such as yoga, running, other sweaty pursuits, and dance-inspired apparel for female youth.
Financial Highlights
Our net revenue increased from $419.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 to $479.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, representing a growth rate of 14%. This increase resulted primarily from the addition of 65 new company-operated stores since the third quarter of fiscal 2014, and increased direct to consumer net revenue.
Total comparable sales, which includes comparable store sales and direct to consumer, increased 3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, and increased by 9% on a constant dollar basis.
Company-operated stores accounted for 73.7% of net revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 73.9% of net revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Comparable store sales increased by 6% on a constant dollar basis for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily as a result of increased traffic and increased dollar value per transaction.

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Our direct to consumer segment is an increasingly substantial part of our growth strategy, and represented 18.6% of our net revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 18.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Direct to consumer net revenue increased 21% on a constant dollar basis primarily as the result of higher traffic and conversion rates on our e-commerce websites.
Gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 increased by 7% to $224.8 million, from $211.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue, or gross margin, decreased to 46.9% compared to 50.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease in gross margin was primarily due to increased product costs, increased fixed costs, including occupancy and depreciation, unfavorable foreign exchange rates, and increased markdowns and discounts.
Income from operations for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 decreased by 16% to $68.2 million, from $81.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. As a percentage of net revenue, income from operations decreased to 14.2% compared to 19.4% of net revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
The income tax expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 was $12.1 million, which includes an income tax recovery of $7.7 million related to the Company's transfer pricing arrangements and taxes associated with the repatriation of foreign earnings. In addition, there was a related net interest expense of $3.6 million. The tax rate excluding these adjustments was 28.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 27.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 including these tax and related interest adjustments was 18.6%.
Diluted earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $0.38 compared to $0.42 in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Excluding certain tax and related interest adjustments, diluted earnings per share were $0.35 for the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
Refer to the non-GAAP reconciliation tables contained in the "Results of Operations" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for reconciliations of constant dollar total comparable sales, constant dollar comparable store sales, constant dollar changes in direct to consumer net revenue, the effective tax rate excluding certain tax and related interest adjustments, and diluted earnings per share excluding certain tax adjustments to measures calculated in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").

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Results of Operations
Thirteen Week Results
The following table summarizes key components of our results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014. The operating results are expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of net revenue.
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015

2014

2015

2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Net revenue
 
$
479,693

 
$
419,396

 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
Cost of goods sold
 
254,896

 
208,308

 
53.1

 
49.7

Gross profit
 
224,797

 
211,088

 
46.9

 
50.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
156,619

 
129,932

 
32.7

 
30.9

Income from operations
 
68,178

 
81,156

 
14.2

 
19.4

Other income (expense), net
 
(2,890
)
 
1,814

 
(0.6
)
 
0.4

Income before income tax expense
 
65,288

 
82,970

 
13.6

 
19.8

Income tax expense
 
12,135

 
22,519

 
2.5

 
5.4

Net income
 
$
53,153

 
$
60,451

 
11.1
 %
 
14.4
%
Net Revenue
Net revenue increased $60.3 million, or 14%, to $479.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $419.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Assuming the average exchange rates for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 remained constant with the average exchange rates for the third quarter of fiscal 2014, our net revenue would have increased $85.0 million, or 20%.
The net revenue increase was driven primarily by sales from new company-operated stores and the growth of our direct to consumer segment. Total comparable sales, which includes comparable store sales and direct to consumer, increased 3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total comparable sales would have increased 9%.
Our net revenue on a segment basis for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 is summarized below. Net revenue is expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of total net revenue.
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Company-operated stores
 
$
353,399

 
$
310,014

 
73.7
%
 
73.9
%
Direct to consumer
 
89,330

 
77,203

 
18.6

 
18.4

Other
 
36,964

 
32,179

 
7.7

 
7.7

Net revenue
 
$
479,693

 
$
419,396

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Company-operated Stores. Net revenue from our company-operated stores segment increased $43.4 million, or 14%, to $353.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $310.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The following contributed to the increase in net revenue from our company-operated stores segment:
Net revenue from company-operated stores we opened subsequent to November 2, 2014, and therefore not included in comparable store sales, contributed $43.1 million to the increase. We have opened 65 new company-operated stores since the third quarter of fiscal 2014, including 51 stores in the United States, four stores in the United Kingdom, three stores in Canada, two stores in each of Hong Kong and Singapore, and one store in each of Australia, Germany, and Puerto Rico; and
A comparable store sales increase of less than 1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 resulted in a $0.3 million increase to net revenue, including the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations,

16

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comparable store sales would have increased 6%, or $16.2 million, in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. The increase in comparable store sales was primarily as a result of increased traffic and increased dollar value per transaction.
Direct to Consumer. Net revenue from our direct to consumer segment increased $12.1 million, or 16%, to $89.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $77.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations, direct to consumer revenue would have increased 21%. The increase in net revenue was primarily the result of increased traffic and higher conversion rates on our e-commerce websites.
Other. Other net revenue increased $4.8 million, or 15%, to $37.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $32.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This increase was primarily the result of two warehouse sales held during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 and an increased number of outlets open during the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $13.7 million, or 7%, to $224.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $211.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue, or gross margin, decreased by 340 basis points, to 46.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from 50.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of:
a decrease in product margin of 130 basis points primarily due to increased product costs, partially offset by a decrease in air freight costs;
an increase in fixed costs, including occupancy and depreciation, relative to the increase in net revenue, which contributed to a decrease in gross margin of 120 basis points. This was primarily due to higher store opening costs, international expansion, and renovations and relocations of existing locations;
an unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates on product costs which contributed to a decrease in gross margin of 90 basis points; and
an increase in markdowns and discounts of 70 basis points.
The increase in gross margin was partially offset by a decrease in expenses related to our product and supply chain departments, relative to the increase in net revenue, of 70 basis points.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $26.7 million, or 21%, to $156.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $129.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was principally comprised of:
an increase in head office costs of $9.3 million primarily as a result of increased head office employee costs, professional fees, travel costs, and repairs and maintenance costs;
an increase in employee costs of $7.6 million primarily from a growth in bonuses and labor hours associated with new company-operated stores and showrooms;
an increase in other costs, including depreciation, repairs and maintenance costs, and communication costs of $4.4 million;
an increase in net foreign exchange revaluation losses of $3.4 million; and
an increase in variable costs such as distribution costs, packaging, and credit card fees of $2.9 million primarily as a result of increased sales volume from our direct to consumer segment as well as new company-operated stores.
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially offset by a decrease in administrative costs related to our direct to consumer segment of $0.9 million.
As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 180 basis points, to 32.7% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from 30.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Income from Operations
Income from operations decreased $13.0 million, or 16%, to $68.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $81.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in selling, general and administrative costs of $26.7 million, partially offset by an increase in gross profit of $13.7 million.

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On a segment basis, we determine income from operations without taking into account our general corporate expenses.
Income from operations before general corporate expenses for the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 is summarized below and is expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of net revenue of the respective operating segments.
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Company-operated stores
 
$
70,729

 
$
73,990

 
20.0
%
 
23.9
%
Direct to consumer
 
37,985

 
32,292

 
42.5

 
41.8

Other
 
1,569

 
3,279

 
4.2

 
10.2

Income from operations before general corporate expense
 
110,283

 
109,561

 
 
 
 
General corporate expense
 
42,105

 
28,405

 
 
 
 
Income from operations
 
$
68,178

 
$
81,156

 
 
 
 
Company-operated Stores. Income from operations from our company-operated stores segment decreased $3.3 million, or 4%, to $70.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $74.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014 primarily due to an increase in store employee costs as well as operating expenses associated with new stores, partially offset by increased gross profit of $7.9 million. Income from operations as a percentage of company-operated stores revenue decreased by 390 basis points primarily due to lower gross margin and deleverage of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Direct to Consumer. Income from operations from our direct to consumer segment increased $5.7 million, or 18%, to $38.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $32.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The increase was primarily the result of increased gross profit of $6.5 million primarily due to increased net revenue resulting from increased traffic and higher conversion rates on our e-commerce websites, partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses. Income from operations as a percentage of direct to consumer revenue increased by 70 basis points.
Other. Other income from operations decreased $1.7 million, or 52%, to $1.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $3.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of increased selling, general and administrative expenses and decreased gross profit of $0.6 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Income from operations as a percentage of other net revenue decreased by 600 basis points primarily due to lower gross margin and due to an increased number of showrooms in new international markets which have a higher cost structure than North America.
General Corporate Expense. General corporate expense increased $13.7 million, or 48%, to $42.1 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $28.4 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. This was primarily due to increased head office costs as a result of the overall growth of our business and investment in strategic initiatives and projects as well as an increase in net foreign exchange revaluation losses of $3.4 million.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net, decreased $4.7 million, or 259%, to an expense of $2.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from income of $1.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a net interest expense of $3.6 million related to certain tax adjustments that are outlined in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report, as well as less interest earned on our decreased cash and cash equivalents balance compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense decreased $10.4 million, or 46%, to $12.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $22.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The third quarter of fiscal 2015 included certain tax adjustments totaling a recovery of $7.7 million as outlined in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report. The effective tax rate excluding these tax adjustments and related interest was 28.8% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 27.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 including these tax adjustments was 18.6%.
Net Income
Net income decreased $7.3 million to $53.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 from $60.5 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease in net income was primarily the result of an increase in selling, general and administrative

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expenses of $26.7 million and a decrease in other income (expense), net of $4.7 million, partially offset by an increase in gross profit of $13.7 million and a decrease in income tax expense of $10.4 million.
Thirty-Nine Week Results
The following table summarizes key components of our results of operations for the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014. The operating results are expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of net revenue.
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Net revenue
 
$
1,356,247

 
$
1,194,722

 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
%
Cost of goods sold
 
713,548

 
590,583

 
52.6

 
49.4

Gross profit
 
642,699

 
604,139

 
47.4

 
50.6

Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
439,906

 
385,294

 
32.4

 
32.2

Income from operations
 
202,793

 
218,845

 
15.0

 
18.4

Other income (expense), net
 
(1,519
)
 
5,347

 
(0.1
)
 
0.4

Income before income tax expense
 
201,274

 
224,192

 
14.9

 
18.8

Income tax expense
 
52,643

 
96,012

 
3.9

 
8.1

Net income
 
$
148,631

 
$
128,180

 
11.0
 %
 
10.7
%
Net Revenue
Net revenue increased $161.5 million, or 14%, to $1,356.2 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $1,194.7 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Assuming the average exchange rates for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 remained constant with average exchange rates for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, our net revenue would have increased $222.1 million, or 19%.
The net revenue increase was driven by sales from new company-operated stores and the growth of our direct to consumer segment. Total comparable sales, which includes comparable store sales and direct to consumer, increased 4% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, total comparable sales would have increased 9%.
Our net revenue on a segment basis for the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 is summarized below. Net revenue is expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of total net revenue.
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Company-operated stores
 
$
1,007,272

 
$
892,156

 
74.3
%
 
74.7
%
Direct to consumer
 
255,205

 
206,658

 
18.8

 
17.3

Other
 
93,770

 
95,908

 
6.9

 
8.0

Net revenue
 
$
1,356,247

 
$
1,194,722

 
100.0
%
 
100.0
%
Company-operated Stores. Net revenue from our company-operated stores segment increased $115.1 million, or 13%, to $1,007.3 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $892.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Net revenue from company-operated stores we opened subsequent to November 2, 2014, and therefore not included in comparable store sales, contributed $125.6 million to the increase. We have opened 65 new company-operated stores since the third quarter of fiscal 2014, including 51 stores in the United States, four stores in the United Kingdom, three stores in Canada, two stores in each of Hong Kong and Singapore, and one store in each of Australia, Germany, and Puerto Rico. The increase in net revenue from our company-operated stores segment was offset by a comparable store sales decrease of 1% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, which resulted in a $10.5 million decrease to net revenue, including the effect of foreign currency fluctuations. Excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, comparable store sales would have increased 4%, or $28.0 million, in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. The increase in comparable store sales, excluding the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, was primarily as a result of increased traffic and increased dollar value per transaction.

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Direct to Consumer. Net revenue from our direct to consumer segment increased $48.5 million, or 23%, to $255.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $206.7 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. Excluding the effect of foreign exchange fluctuations, direct to consumer revenue would have increased 29%. The increase in net revenue was primarily the result of higher conversion rates and traffic on our e-commerce websites, partially offset by lower average order value.
Other. Other net revenue decreased $2.1 million, or 2%, to $93.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $95.9 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. This decrease was primarily the result of fewer temporary locations being open during first three quarters of fiscal 2015 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $38.6 million, or 6%, to $642.7 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $604.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.
Gross profit as a percentage of net revenue, or gross margin, decreased by 320 basis points, to 47.4% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from 50.6% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of:
an increase in fixed costs, including occupancy and depreciation, relative to the increase in net revenue, which contributed to a decrease in gross margin of 120 basis points. This was primarily due to higher store opening costs, international expansion, and renovations and relocations of existing locations;
a decrease in product margin of 110 basis points primarily due to increased product and air freight costs;
an unfavorable impact of foreign exchange rates on product costs which contributed to a decrease in gross margin of 80 basis points; and
an increase in markdowns and discounts of 30 basis points.
The increase in gross margin was partially offset by a decrease in expenses related to our product and supply chain departments, relative to the increase in net revenue, of 20 basis points.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $54.6 million, or 14%, to $439.9 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $385.3 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was principally comprised of:
an increase in employee costs of $25.1 million primarily from a growth in bonuses and labor hours associated with new company-operated stores and showrooms;
an increase in head office costs of $17.1 million primarily as a result of increased head office employee costs, professional fees, marketing costs, travel costs, and repairs and maintenance costs;
an increase in variable costs such as distribution costs, credit card fees, and packaging of $7.1 million primarily as a result of new company-operated stores as well as increased sales volume from our direct to consumer segment; and
an increase in other costs, including repairs and maintenance costs, depreciation, and marketing costs of $6.8 million.
The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was partially offset by a decrease in administrative costs related to our direct to consumer segment of $0.9 million and an increase in net foreign exchange revaluation gains of $0.6 million.
As a percentage of net revenue, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 20 basis points, to 32.4% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from 32.2% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.
Income from Operations
Income from operations decreased $16.1 million, or 7%, to $202.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $218.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in selling, general and administrative costs of $54.6 million, partially offset by increased gross profit of $38.6 million.
 
On a segment basis, we determine income from operations without taking into account our general corporate expenses.

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Income from operations before general corporate expenses for the thirty-nine week periods ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014 is summarized below and is expressed in dollar amounts. The percentages are presented as a percentage of net revenue of the respective operating segments.
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Company-operated stores
 
$
207,393

 
$
224,966

 
20.6
%
 
25.2
%
Direct to consumer
 
105,106

 
83,596

 
41.2

 
40.5

Other
 
4,370

 
9,507

 
4.7

 
9.9

Income from operations before general corporate expense
 
316,869

 
318,069

 
 

 
 

General corporate expense
 
114,076

 
99,224

 
 

 
 

Income from operations
 
$
202,793

 
$
218,845

 
 

 
 

Company-operated Stores. Income from operations from our company-operated stores segment decreased $17.6 million, or 8%, to $207.4 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $225.0 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 primarily due to an increase in employee costs as well as operating expenses associated with new stores, partially offset by increased gross profit of $20.3 million. Income from operations as a percentage of company-operated stores revenue decreased by 460 basis points primarily due to lower gross margin and deleverage of selling, general and administrative expenses.
Direct to Consumer. Income from operations from our direct to consumer segment increased $21.5 million, or 26%, to $105.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $83.6 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The increase was primarily the result of increased gross profit of $23.2 million primarily due to increased net revenue resulting from higher conversion rates and increased traffic on our e-commerce websites, partially offset by lower average order value. Income from operations as a percentage of direct to consumer revenue increased by 70 basis points primarily due to a reduction in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of direct to consumer revenue.
Other. Other income from operations decreased $5.1 million, or 54%, to $4.4 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $9.5 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of decreased gross profit of $5.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015. Income from operations as a percentage of other net revenue decreased by 520 basis points primarily due to decreased net revenues, lower gross margin, deleverage of selling, general and administrative expenses, and due to an increased number of showrooms in new international markets which have a higher cost structure than North America.
General Corporate Expense. General corporate expense increased $14.8 million, or 15%, to $114.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $99.2 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. This was primarily due to increased head office costs as a result of the overall growth of our business and investment in strategic initiatives and projects.
Other Income (Expense), Net
Other income (expense), net decreased $6.9 million, or 128%, to an expense of $1.5 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from income of $5.3 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily due to a net interest expense of $3.6 million related to certain tax adjustments that are outlined in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report as well as less interest earned on our decreased cash and cash equivalents balance compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense decreased $43.4 million, or 45%, to $52.6 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $96.0 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The first three quarters of fiscal 2015 included certain tax adjustments totaling a recovery of $7.7 million as outlined in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report. The effective tax rate excluding these tax adjustments and related interest was 29.5% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. The effective tax rate including these tax adjustments was 26.2%.
The first three quarters of fiscal 2014 includes a tax expense of $31.3 million to provide for U.S. income and applicable foreign withholding taxes on dividends which were distributed during fiscal 2014 from foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. parent entity to fund the share repurchase program. The effective tax rate excluding this tax adjustment was 28.9% in the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The effective tax rate including this tax adjustment was 42.8%.

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Net Income
Net income increased $20.5 million to $148.6 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $128.2 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The increase in net income was primarily a result of a decrease in income tax expense of $43.4 million and an increase in gross profit of $38.6 million, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $54.6 million and a decrease in other income (expense), net of $6.9 million.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Net revenue changes in constant dollars, total comparable sales in constant dollars, comparable store sales in constant dollars, changes in direct to consumer net revenue in constant dollars, the effective tax rate excluding certain tax and related interest adjustments, and diluted earnings per share excluding certain tax adjustments are non-GAAP performance measures.
We separately track comparable store sales, which reflect net revenue at company-operated stores that have been open for at least 12 months. Net revenue from a store is included in comparable store sales beginning with the first month for which the store has a full month of comparable prior year sales. Non-comparable store sales include sales from new stores that have not been open for 12 months or from stores which have been significantly remodeled or relocated. Also included in non-comparable stores sales are sales from direct to consumer sales, outlets, wholesale, warehouse sales, showrooms, temporary locations, and sales from company-operated stores which we have closed. Total comparable sales combines comparable store sales and direct to consumer sales. By measuring the change in year-over-year net revenue in stores that have been open for 12 months or more as well as direct to consumer sales, total comparable sales allows us to evaluate our performance eliminating the impact of newly opened stores.
We provide constant dollar changes in net revenue, total comparable sales, comparable store sales, and changes in direct to consumer net revenue because we use these measures to understand the underlying growth rate of net revenue excluding the impact of changes in foreign exchange rates, which are not under management's control. We believe that disclosing these measures on a constant dollar basis is useful to investors because it enables them to better understand the level of growth of our business.
We disclose the tax rate and diluted earnings per share excluding certain tax and related interest adjustments because of their comparability to our historical information as well as our diluted earnings per share guidance, which we believe is useful to investors.
The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures follows, which includes more detail on the GAAP financial measure that is most directly comparable to each non-GAAP financial measure, and the related reconciliations between these financial measures.
The below performance measures show the dollar and percentage change compared to the corresponding period in the prior year.
Constant dollar changes in net revenue
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Net revenue increase
 
$
60,297

 
$
39,496

 
14
%
 
10
%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
24,746

 
7,506

 
6

 
2

Net revenue increase in constant dollars
 
$
85,043

 
$
47,002

 
20
%
 
12
%

 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Net revenue increase
 
$
161,525

 
$
124,527

 
14
%
 
12
%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
60,534

 
22,605

 
5

 
2

Net revenue increase in constant dollars
 
$
222,059

 
$
147,132

 
19
%
 
14
%



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Constant dollar total comparable sales
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Percentages)
 
(Percentages)
Total comparable sales1
 
3
%
 
1
%
 
4
%
 
(1
)%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
6

 
2

 
5

 
2

Total comparable sales in constant dollars1
 
9
%
 
3
%
 
9
%
 
1
 %
__________
1Total comparable sales includes comparable store sales and direct to consumer sales. Comparable store sales reflects net revenue at company-operated stores that have been open for at least 12 months.
Constant dollar comparable store sales
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Comparable store sales1
 
$
298

 
$
(13,777
)
 
%
 
(5
)%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
15,903

 
4,763

 
6

 
2

Comparable store sales in constant dollars1
 
$
16,201

 
$
(9,014
)
 
6
%
 
(3
)%

 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
 
(Percentages)
Comparable store sales1
 
$
(10,458
)
 
$
(49,994
)
 
(1
)%
 
(6
)%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
38,432

 
14,890

 
5

 
2

Comparable store sales in constant dollars1
 
$
27,974

 
$
(35,104
)
 
4
 %
 
(4
)%
_________
1Comparable store sales reflects net revenue at company-operated stores that have been open for at least 12 months.
Constant dollar changes in direct to consumer revenue
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Percentages)
 
(Percentages)
Change in direct to consumer revenue
 
16
%
 
25
%
 
23
%
 
25
%
Adjustments due to foreign exchange rate changes
 
5

 
2

 
6

 
2

Change in direct to consumer revenue in constant dollars
 
21
%
 
27
%
 
29
%
 
27
%

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Effective tax rate, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Percentages)
 
(Percentages)
Effective tax rate
 
18.6
%
 
27.1
%
 
26.2
%
 
42.8
 %
Tax and related interest adjustments1
 
10.2

 

 
3.3

 
(13.9
)
Effective tax rate, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
28.8
%
 
27.1
%
 
29.5
%
 
28.9
 %
_________
1Please refer to Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report for an explanation as to the nature of these items.
Diluted earnings per share, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
 
Thirteen Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.38

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.05

 
$
0.88

Tax and related interest adjustments1
 
(0.03
)
 

 
(0.03
)
 
0.22

Diluted earnings per share, excluding tax and related interest adjustments
 
$
0.35

 
$
0.42

 
$
1.02

 
$
1.10

_________
1Please refer to Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report for an explanation as to the nature of these items.
Seasonality
Our business is affected by the general seasonal trends common to the retail apparel industry. Our annual net revenue is weighted more heavily toward our fourth fiscal quarter, reflecting our historical strength in sales during the holiday season, while our operating expenses are more equally distributed throughout the year. As a result, a substantial portion of our operating profits are generated in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are our current balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and borrowings available under our revolving credit facility. Our primary cash needs are capital expenditures for opening new stores and remodeling existing stores, making information technology system enhancements and funding working capital requirements. We may also use cash to repurchase shares of our common stock. Cash and cash equivalents in excess of our needs are held in interest bearing accounts with financial institutions.
At November 1, 2015, our working capital (excluding cash and cash equivalents) was $316.7 million and our cash and cash equivalents were $403.4 million.

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The following table summarizes our net cash flows provided by and used in operating, investing and financing activities for the periods indicated:
 
 
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended November 1, 2015 and November 2, 2014
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(In thousands)
Total cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
 
$
25,940

 
$
166,841

Investing activities
 
(108,061
)
 
(89,373
)
Financing activities
 
(167,452
)
 
(131,781
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
 
(11,460
)
 
(10,754
)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(261,033
)
 
$
(65,067
)
Operating Activities
Operating Activities consist primarily of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, including depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and the effect of changes in non-cash working capital items, principally accounts payable, inventories, prepaid expenses, income taxes payable, accrued compensation and related expenses, and deferred gift card revenue.
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $140.9 million, to $25.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to $166.8 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2014. The decrease was primarily the result of increased inventory purchased during the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 compared to the first three quarters of fiscal 2014 as well as an increase in prepaid income taxes partially due to certain tax adjustments as outlined in Note 7 to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included in Item 1 of Part I of this report. Inventory increased during the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 primarily due to the opening of new stores, increased inventory levels to support the sales growth in our direct to consumer and store segments, and the timing of product deliveries.
Investing Activities
Investing Activities relate entirely to capital expenditures. Cash used in investing activities increased $18.7 million to $108.1 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 from $89.4 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. The increase was primarily the result of increased capital expenditures related to new and renovated company-operated stores as well as information technology and business systems to support our growth.
Financing Activities
Financing Activities consist primarily of cash used to repurchase shares of our common stock, cash received on the exercise of stock options, taxes paid related to the net share settlement of stock-based compensation, and excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation. Cash used in financing activities increased $35.7 million, to $167.5 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 compared to $131.8 million for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014. We began our stock repurchase program in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, and our cash used in financing activities for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 included $170.0 million to repurchase 2.9 million shares compared to $130.3 million to repurchase 3.3 million shares for the first three quarters of fiscal 2014.
We believe that our cash and cash equivalent balances, cash generated from operations, and borrowings available to us under our revolving credit facility will be adequate to meet our liquidity needs and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months. Our cash from operations may be negatively impacted by a decrease in demand for our products as well as the other factors described in "Item 1A. Risk Factors". In addition, we may make discretionary capital improvements with respect to our stores, distribution facilities, headquarters, or other systems, which we would expect to fund through the use of cash, issuance of debt or equity securities or other external financing sources to the extent we were unable to fund such capital expenditures out of our cash and cash equivalents and cash generated from operations.
Revolving Credit Facility
In November 2013, we entered into unsecured demand revolving credit facilities with HSBC Bank Canada and Bank of America, N.A., Canada Branch, for up to $15.0 million in the aggregate to support the issuance of letters of credit and to fund our working capital requirements. Borrowings under the uncommitted credit facilities are made on a when-and-as-needed basis at our discretion. These facilities were renewed for a one year period in November 2015.

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Borrowings under the credit facility can be made either as (i) U.S. Dollar Loans - U.S. Dollar Loans bear interest a rate equal to U.S. LIBOR plus 100 basis points or U.S. prime rate, at our option; (ii) Letters of Credit - Borrowings drawn down under standby letters of credit issued by the banks bear a fee of 100 basis points; and (iii) CDN Dollar Loans - CDN Dollar Loans bear interest at a rate equal to the CDOR Rate plus 100 basis points or the Canadian Prime Rate, at our option.
At November 1, 2015, aside from letters of credit, there were no borrowings outstanding under these credit facilities.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into standby letters of credit to secure certain of our obligations, including leases, taxes and duties. As of November 1, 2015, letters of credit totaling $2.7 million have been issued.
We have not entered into any transactions, agreements or other contractual arrangements to which an entity unconsolidated with us is a party and under which we have (i) any obligation under a guarantee, (ii) any retained or contingent interest in assets transferred to an unconsolidated entity that serves as credit, liquidity or market risk support to such entity, (iii) any obligation under derivative instruments that are indexed to our shares and classified as equity in our consolidated balance sheets, or (iv) any obligation arising out of a variable interest in any unconsolidated entity that provides financing, liquidity, market risk or credit support to us or engages in leasing, hedging or research and development services with us.
Critical Accounting Policies
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions. Predicting future events is inherently an imprecise activity and, as such, requires the use of judgment. Actual results may vary from estimates in amounts that may be material to the financial statements. An accounting policy is deemed to be critical if it requires an accounting estimate to be made based on assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time the estimate is made, and if different estimates that reasonably could have been used or changes in the accounting estimates that are reasonably likely to occur periodically, could materially impact our consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2014 fiscal year end filed with the SEC on March 26, 2015 and in Note 2 included in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Operating Locations
Our company-operated stores by brand and by country as of November 1, 2015 and February 1, 2015, are summarized in the table below.
 
 
November 1,
2015
 
February 1,
2015
lululemon athletica
 
 
 
 
United States
 
223

 
200

Canada
 
48

 
46

Australia
 
26

 
26

New Zealand
 
5

 
5

United Kingdom
 
5

 
2

Singapore
 
2

 
1

Hong Kong
 
2

 

Germany
 
1

 

Puerto Rico
 
1

 

 
 
313

 
280

ivivva athletica
 
 
 
 
United States
 
29

 
11

Canada
 
12

 
11

 
 
41

 
22

Total
 
354

 
302

As of November 1, 2015, there was one franchised retail location in the United Arab Emirates, which is not included in the above table.

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Table of Contents


ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Market risk represents the risk of loss that may impact our financial position due to adverse changes in financial market prices and rates. Our market risk exposure is primarily a result of fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
Foreign Currency Exchange Risk. The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally the applicable local currency. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. Therefore, the net revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated from their functional currencies into U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar affect the reported amounts of net revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities. Foreign exchange differences which arise on translation of our foreign subsidiaries' balance sheets into U.S. dollars are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity.
We also have exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates associated with transactions which are undertaken by our subsidiaries in currencies other than their functional currency. Such transactions include intercompany transactions and inventory purchases denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the purchasing entity. As a result, we have been impacted by changes in exchange rates and may be impacted materially for the foreseeable future. The potential impact of currency fluctuation increases as international expansion increases.
We currently generate a significant portion of our net revenue and incur a significant portion of our expenses in Canada. We also hold a significant portion of our net assets in Canada. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the U.S. dollar. A strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar results in:
a decrease in our net revenue upon translation of the sales made by our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars for the purposes of consolidation;
a decrease in our selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars for the purposes of consolidation; and
foreign exchange gains by our Canadian subsidiaries on U.S. dollar cash and receivables denominated in U.S. dollars.
During the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the change in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar resulted in a $17.3 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, the change in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar resulted in a $12.3 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity.
A 10% appreciation in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar compared to the exchange rates in effect for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 would have resulted in additional income from operations of approximately $1.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. This assumes a consistent 10% appreciation in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar throughout the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. The timing of changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar combined with the seasonal nature of our business, can affect the magnitude of the impact that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates have on our income from operations.
We have not historically hedged foreign currency fluctuations. However, in the future, in an effort to mitigate losses associated with these risks, we may at times enter into derivative financial instruments, although we have not historically done so. We do not, and do not intend to, engage in the practice of trading derivative securities for profit.
Interest Rate Risk. Our revolving credit facilities provide us with available borrowings in amount up to $15.0 million in the aggregate. Because our revolving credit facilities bear interest at a variable rate, we will be exposed to market risks relating to changes in interest rates, if we have a meaningful outstanding balance. As of November 1, 2015, aside from letters of credit, we had no outstanding balances under our revolving facilities. We currently do not engage in any interest rate hedging activity and currently have no intention to do so in the foreseeable future. However, in the future, if we have a meaningful outstanding balance under our revolving facility, in an effort to mitigate losses associated with these risks, we may at times enter into derivative financial instruments, although we have not historically done so. These may take the form of forward contracts, option contracts, or interest rate swaps. We do not, and do not intend to, engage in the practice of trading derivative securities for profit.
Inflation
Inflationary factors such as increases in the cost of our product and overhead costs may adversely affect our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net revenue if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs.

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Table of Contents


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), to allow timely decisions to be made regarding required disclosure. We have established a Disclosure Committee, consisting of certain members of management, to assist in this evaluation. The Disclosure Committee meets on a quarterly basis, and as needed.
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act), at November 1, 2015. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at November 1, 2015, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
There was no change in internal control over financial reporting during the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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Table of Contents


PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the legal matters described below, we are, from time to time, involved in routine legal matters incidental to the conduct of our business, including legal matters such as initiation and defense of proceedings to protect intellectual property rights, personal injury claims, product liability claims, and similar matters. We believe the ultimate resolution of any such current proceeding will not have a material adverse effect on our continued financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
On July 15, 2015, plaintiffs Hallandale Beach Police Officers and Firefighters' Personnel Retirement Fund and Laborers' District Council Industry Pension Fund filed in the Delaware Court of Chancery a derivative lawsuit on behalf of lululemon against certain of our current and former directors, captioned Laborers' District Council Industry Pension Fund v. Bensoussan, et al., C.A. No. 11293-CB. This proceeding is discussed in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on September 10, 2015. On August 18, 2015, the individual defendants (including Mr. Wilson) filed motions to dismiss the action pursuant to Court of Chancery Rules 23.1 and 12(b)(6) for failure to adequately plead that demand on the board was excused and for failure to state a claim upon which relief may be granted. Also on August 18, 2015, we filed a motion to dismiss the action pursuant to Court of Chancery Rule 23.1 for failure to adequately plead that demand on the board was excused.
On October 9, 2015, certain of our current and former hourly employees filed a class action lawsuit in the Supreme Court of New York entitled Rebecca Gathmann-Landini et al v. lululemon USA inc. The lawsuit alleges that we violated various New York labor codes by failing to pay all earned wages, including overtime compensation. The plaintiffs are seeking an unspecified amount of damages. We intend to vigorously defend this matter. 
We have indemnification agreements with certain of our current and former officers and directors that may require us, among other things, to indemnify such current or former officers and directors against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against them as to which they could be indemnified.
We are unable at this time to predict the amount of our legal expenses associated with these proceedings and any settlement or damages associated with these matters. In the event that we are unsuccessful in our defense, or if we pursue settlement with regard to any of these actions, we could be required to pay significant final settlement amounts and/or judgments that exceed the limits of our insurance policies or the carriers may decline to fund such final settlements and/or judgments, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and liquidity. Regardless of whether any of the claims asserted against us in these actions are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, such litigation may be expensive to defend and may divert resources away from our operations and negatively impact earnings. Further, we may not be able to obtain adequate insurance to protect us from these types of litigation matters or extraordinary business losses.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information contained in this Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2014 fiscal year, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating our business. Our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks. Please note that additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial could also impair our business and operations.
Our success depends on our ability to maintain the value and reputation of our brand.
Our success depends on the value and reputation of the lululemon athletica brand. The lululemon athletica name is integral to our business as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Maintaining, promoting and positioning our brand will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide a consistent, high quality product and guest experience. We rely on social media, as one of our marketing strategies, to have a positive impact on both our brand value and reputation. Our brand and reputation could be adversely affected if we fail to achieve these objectives, if our public image was to be tarnished by negative publicity, if we fail to deliver innovative and high quality products acceptable to our guests, or if we face a product recall. Negative publicity regarding the production methods of any of our suppliers or manufacturers could adversely affect our reputation and sales and force us to locate alternative suppliers or manufacturing sources. Additionally, while we devote considerable efforts and resources to protecting our intellectual property, if these efforts are not successful the value of our brand may be harmed. Any harm to our brand and reputation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

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If any of our products are unacceptable to us or our guests, our business could be harmed.
We have occasionally received, and may in the future continue to receive, shipments of products that fail to comply with our technical specifications or that fail to conform to our quality control standards. We have also received, and may in the future continue to receive, products that either meet our technical specifications but that are nonetheless unacceptable to us, or products that are otherwise unacceptable to us or our guests. Under these circumstances, unless we are able to obtain replacement products in a timely manner, we risk the loss of net revenue resulting from the inability to sell those products and related increased administrative and shipping costs. Additionally, if the unacceptability of our products are not discovered until after such products are purchased by our guests, our guests could lose confidence in the technical attributes of our products or we could face a product recall and our results of operations could suffer and our business, reputation, and brand could be harmed.
Our reliance on suppliers to provide fabrics for and to produce our products could cause problems in our supply chain.
We do not manufacture our products or the raw materials for them and rely instead on suppliers. Many of the specialty fabrics used in our products are technically advanced textile products developed and manufactured by third parties and may be available, in the short-term, from only one or a very limited number of sources. For example, Luon fabric, which is included in many of our products, is supplied to the garment factories we use by a limited number of manufacturers, and the components used in manufacturing Luon fabric may each be supplied to our manufacturers by single companies. In fiscal 2014, approximately 63% of our products were produced by our top five manufacturing suppliers, 40% of raw materials were produced by a single manufacturer. We have no long-term contracts with any of our suppliers or manufacturing sources for the production and supply of our fabrics and garments, and we compete with other companies for fabrics, raw materials, production and import quota capacity.
We have experienced, and may in the future continue to experience, a significant disruption in the supply of fabrics or raw materials from current sources and we may be unable to locate alternative materials suppliers of comparable quality at an acceptable price, or at all. In addition, if we experience significant increased demand, or if we need to replace an existing supplier or manufacturer, we may be unable to locate additional supplies of fabrics or raw materials or additional manufacturing capacity on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all, or we may be unable to locate any supplier or manufacturer with sufficient capacity to meet our requirements or to fill our orders in a timely manner. Identifying a suitable supplier is an involved process that requires us to become satisfied with its quality control, responsiveness and service, financial stability and labor and other ethical practices. Even if we are able to expand existing or find new manufacturing or fabric sources, we may encounter delays in production and added costs as a result of the time it takes to train our suppliers and manufacturers in our methods, products and quality control standards. Delays related to supplier changes could also arise due to an increase in shipping times if new suppliers are located farther away from our markets or from other participants in our supply chain. Any delays, interruption or increased costs in the supply of fabric or manufacture of our products could have an adverse effect on our ability to meet guest demand for our products and result in lower net revenue and income from operations both in the short and long term.
An economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our key markets may adversely affect consumer discretionary spending and demand for our products.
Many of our products may be considered discretionary items for consumers. Factors affecting the level of consumer spending for such discretionary items include general economic conditions, particularly those in North America and other factors such as consumer confidence in future economic conditions, fears of recession, the availability of consumer credit, levels of unemployment, tax rates and the cost of consumer credit. As global economic conditions continue to be volatile or economic uncertainty remains, trends in consumer discretionary spending also remain unpredictable and subject to reductions due to credit constraints and uncertainties about the future. Unfavorable economic conditions may lead consumers to delay or reduce purchases of our products. Consumer demand for our products may not reach our targets, or may decline, when there is an economic downturn or economic uncertainty in our key markets, particularly in North America. Our sensitivity to economic cycles and any related fluctuation in consumer demand may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
We operate in a highly competitive market and the size and resources of some of our competitors may allow them to compete more effectively than we can, resulting in a loss of our market share and a decrease in our net revenue and profitability.
The market for technical athletic apparel is highly competitive. Competition may result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins or lost market share or a failure to grow our market share, any of which could substantially harm our business and results of operations. We compete directly against wholesalers and direct retailers of athletic apparel, including large, diversified apparel companies with substantial market share and established companies expanding their production and marketing of technical athletic apparel, as well as against retailers specifically focused on women's athletic apparel. We also

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face competition from wholesalers and direct retailers of traditional commodity athletic apparel, such as cotton T-shirts and sweatshirts. Many of our competitors are large apparel and sporting goods companies with strong worldwide brand recognition. Because of the fragmented nature of the industry, we also compete with other apparel sellers, including those specializing in yoga apparel and other activewear. Many of our competitors have significant competitive advantages, including longer operating histories, larger and broader customer bases, more established relationships with a broader set of suppliers, greater brand recognition and greater financial, research and development, store development, marketing, distribution and other resources than we do. In addition, our technical athletic apparel is sold at a price premium to traditional athletic apparel.
Our competitors may be able to achieve and maintain brand awareness and market share more quickly and effectively than we can. In contrast to our "grassroots" marketing approach, many of our competitors promote their brands through traditional forms of advertising, such as print media and television commercials, and through celebrity endorsements, and have substantial resources to devote to such efforts. Our competitors may also create and maintain brand awareness using traditional forms of advertising more quickly than we can. Our competitors may also be able to increase sales in their new and existing markets faster than we do by emphasizing different distribution channels than we do, such as catalog sales or an extensive franchise network, as opposed to distribution through retail stores, wholesale or internet, and many of our competitors have substantial resources to devote toward increasing sales in such ways.
In addition, because we hold limited patents and exclusive intellectual property rights in the technology, fabrics or processes underlying our products, our current and future competitors are able to manufacture and sell products with performance characteristics, fabrication techniques and styling similar to our products.
Our sales and profitability may decline as a result of increasing product costs and decreasing selling prices.
Our business is subject to significant pressure on pricing and costs caused by many factors, including intense competition, constrained sourcing capacity and related inflationary pressure, pressure from consumers to reduce the prices we charge for our products and changes in consumer demand. These factors may cause us to experience increased costs, reduce our prices to consumers or experience reduced sales in response to increased prices, any of which could cause our operating margin to decline if we are unable to offset these factors with reductions in operating costs and could have a material adverse effect on our financial conditions, operating results and cash flows.
If we are unable to anticipate consumer preferences and successfully develop and introduce new, innovative and updated products, we may not be able to maintain or increase our sales and profitability.
Our success depends on our ability to identify and originate product trends as well as to anticipate and react to changing consumer demands in a timely manner. All of our products are subject to changing consumer preferences that cannot be predicted with certainty. If we are unable to introduce new products or novel technologies in a timely manner or our new products or technologies are not accepted by our guests, our competitors may introduce similar products in a more timely fashion, which could hurt our goal to be viewed as a leader in technical athletic apparel innovation. Our new products may not receive consumer acceptance as consumer preferences could shift rapidly to different types of athletic apparel or away from these types of products altogether, and our future success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond to these changes. Our failure to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer preferences could lead to, among other things, lower sales and excess inventory levels. Even if we are successful in anticipating consumer preferences, our ability to adequately react to and address those preferences will in part depend upon our continued ability to develop and introduce innovative, high-quality products. Our failure to effectively introduce new products that are accepted by consumers could result in a decrease in net revenue and excess inventory levels, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Our results of operations could be materially harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast guest demand for our products.
To ensure adequate inventory supply, we must forecast inventory needs and place orders with our manufacturers based on our estimates of future demand for particular products. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including an increase or decrease in guest demand for our products or for products of our competitors, our failure to accurately forecast guest acceptance of new products, product introductions by competitors, unanticipated changes in general market conditions, and weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. If we fail to accurately forecast guest demand we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products available for sale in our stores or for delivery to guests.
Inventory levels in excess of guest demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which would cause our gross margin to suffer and could impair the strength and exclusivity of our brand. Conversely, if we underestimate guest demand for our products, our manufacturers may not be able to deliver products to meet our requirements, and this could result in damage to our reputation and guest relationships.

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Our inability to safeguard against security breaches with respect to our information technology systems could disrupt our operations.
Our business employs systems and websites that allow for the storage and transmission of proprietary or confidential information regarding our business, guests and employees including credit card information. Security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information and potential liability. We may not have the resources or technical sophistication to be able to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyber-attacks. Actual or anticipated attacks may cause us to incur increasing costs including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees and engage third party experts and consultants. Advances in computer capabilities, new technological discoveries or other developments may result in the technology used by us to protect transaction or other data being breached or compromised. Data and security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues including intentional or inadvertent breach by employees or persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Any compromise or breach of our security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, significant litigation and potential liability and damage to our brand and reputation or other harm to our business.
Any material disruption of our information systems could disrupt our business and reduce our sales.
We are increasingly dependent on information systems to operate our e-commerce websites, process transactions, respond to guest inquiries, manage inventory, purchase, sell and ship goods on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient operations. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems, including a disruption or slowdown caused by our failure to successfully upgrade our systems, system failures, viruses, computer "hackers" or other causes, could cause information, including data related to guest orders, to be lost or delayed which could-especially if the disruption or slowdown occurred during the holiday season-result in delays in the delivery of products to our stores and guests or lost sales, which could reduce demand for our products and cause our sales to decline. If changes in technology cause our information systems to become obsolete, or if our information systems are inadequate to handle our growth, we could lose guests.
If we continue to grow at a rapid pace, we may not be able to effectively manage our growth and the increased complexity of our business and as a result our brand image and financial performance may suffer.
We have expanded our operations rapidly since our inception in 1998 and our net revenue has increased from $40.7 million in fiscal 2004 to $1.8 billion in fiscal 2014. If our operations continue to grow at a rapid pace, we may experience difficulties in obtaining sufficient raw materials and manufacturing capacity to produce our products, as well as delays in production and shipments, as our products are subject to risks associated with overseas sourcing and manufacturing. We could be required to continue to expand our sales and marketing, product development and distribution functions, to upgrade our management information systems and other processes and technology, and to obtain more space for our expanding workforce. This expansion could increase the strain on our resources, and we could experience operating difficulties, including difficulties in hiring, training and managing an increasing number of employees. These difficulties could result in the erosion of our brand image which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
The fluctuating cost of raw materials could increase our cost of goods sold and cause our results of operations and financial condition to suffer.
The fabrics used by our suppliers and manufacturers include synthetic fabrics whose raw materials include petroleum-based products. Our products also include silver and natural fibers, including cotton. Our costs for raw materials are affected by, among other things, weather, consumer demand, speculation on the commodities market, the relative valuations and fluctuations of the currencies of producer versus consumer countries and other factors that are generally unpredictable and beyond our control. Increases in the cost of raw materials, including petroleum or the prices we pay for silver and our cotton yarn and cotton-based textiles, could have a material adverse effect on our cost of goods sold, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
Our limited operating experience and limited brand recognition in new international markets may limit our expansion strategy and cause our business and growth to suffer.
Our future growth depends in part on our expansion efforts outside of North America. We have limited experience with regulatory environments and market practices internationally, and we may not be able to penetrate or successfully operate in any new market. In connection with our expansion efforts we may encounter obstacles we did not face in North America, including cultural and linguistic differences, differences in regulatory environments, labor practices and market practices, difficulties in keeping abreast of market, business and technical developments and foreign guests' tastes and preferences. We may also encounter difficulty expanding into new international markets because of limited brand recognition leading to delayed acceptance of our technical athletic apparel by guests in these new international markets. Our failure to develop our business in

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new international markets or experiencing disappointing growth outside of existing markets will harm our business and results of operations.
If we encounter problems with our distribution system, our ability to deliver our products to the market and to meet guest expectations could be harmed.
We rely on our distribution facilities for substantially all of our product distribution. Our distribution facilities include computer controlled and automated equipment, which means their operations are complicated and may be subject to a number of risks related to security or computer viruses, the proper operation of software and hardware, electronic or power interruptions or other system failures. In addition, because substantially all of our products are distributed from four locations, our operations could also be interrupted by labor difficulties, extreme or severe weather conditions or by floods, fires or other natural disasters near our distribution centers. If we encounter problems with our distribution system, our ability to meet guest expectations, manage inventory, complete sales and achieve objectives for operating efficiencies could be harmed.
Our fabrics and manufacturing technology generally are not patented and can be imitated by our competitors.
The intellectual property rights in the technology, fabrics and processes used to manufacture our products generally are owned or controlled by our suppliers and are generally not unique to us. Our ability to obtain intellectual property protection for our products is therefore limited and we do not generally own patents or hold exclusive intellectual property rights in the technology, fabrics or processes underlying our products. As a result, our current and future competitors are able to manufacture and sell products with performance characteristics, fabrics and styling similar to our products. Because many of our competitors have significantly greater financial, distribution, marketing and other resources than we do, they may be able to manufacture and sell products based on our fabrics and manufacturing technology at lower prices than we can. If our competitors do sell similar products to ours at lower prices, our net revenue and profitability could suffer.
Our failure or inability to protect our intellectual property rights could diminish the value of our brand and weaken our competitive position.
We currently rely on a combination of copyright, trademark, trade dress and unfair competition laws, as well as confidentiality procedures and licensing arrangements, to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. We cannot assure you that the steps taken by us to protect our intellectual property rights will be adequate to prevent infringement of such rights by others, including imitation of our products and misappropriation of our brand. In addition, intellectual property protection may be unavailable or limited in some foreign countries where laws or law enforcement practices may not protect our intellectual property rights as fully as in the United States or Canada, and it may be more difficult for us to successfully challenge the use of our intellectual property rights by other parties in these countries. If we fail to protect and maintain our intellectual property rights, the value of our brand could be diminished and our competitive position may suffer.
We are subject to risks associated with leasing retail and distribution space subject to long-term and non-cancelable leases.
We lease the majority of our stores under operating leases and our inability to secure appropriate real estate or lease terms could impact our ability to grow. Our leases generally have initial terms of between five and ten years, and generally can be extended only in five-year increments if at all. We generally cannot cancel these leases at our option. If an existing or new store is not profitable, and we decide to close it, as we have done in the past and may do in the future, we may nonetheless be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term. Similarly, we may be committed to perform our obligations under the applicable leases even if current locations of our stores become unattractive as demographic patterns change. In addition, as each of our leases expire, we may fail to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all, which could require us to close stores in desirable locations.
We also lease the majority of our distribution centers and our inability to secure appropriate real estate or lease terms could impact our ability to deliver our products to the market.
Increasing labor costs and other factors associated with the production of our products in South and South East Asia could increase the costs to produce our products.
A significant portion of our products are produced in South and South East Asia and increases in the costs of labor and other costs of doing business in the countries in this area could significantly increase our costs to produce our products and could have a negative impact on our operations, net revenue and earnings. Factors that could negatively affect our business include a potential significant revaluation of the currencies used in these countries, which may result in an increase in the cost of producing products, labor shortage and increases in labor costs, and difficulties in moving products manufactured out of the

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countries in which they are manufactured and through the ports on the western coast of North America, whether due to port congestion, labor disputes, product regulations and/or inspections or other factors, and natural disasters or health pandemics. A labor strike or other transportation disruption affecting these ports could significantly disrupt our business. Also, the imposition of trade sanctions or other regulations against products imported by us from, or the loss of "normal trade relations" status with any country in which our products are manufactured, could significantly increase our cost of products imported into North America and/or Australia and harm our business.
We may not be able to successfully open new store locations in a timely manner, if at all, which could harm our results of operations.
Our growth will largely depend on our ability to successfully open and operate new stores. Our ability to successfully open and operate new stores depends on many factors, including, among others, our ability to:
identify suitable store locations, the availability of which is outside of our control;
negotiate acceptable lease terms, including desired tenant improvement allowances;
hire, train and retain store personnel and field management;
immerse new store personnel and field management into our corporate culture;
source sufficient inventory levels; and
successfully integrate new stores into our existing operations and information technology systems.
Successful new store openings may also be affected by our ability to initiate our grassroots marketing efforts in advance of opening our first store in a new market. We typically rely on our grassroots marketing efforts to build awareness of our brand and demand for our products. Our grassroots marketing efforts are often lengthy and must be tailored to each new market based on our emerging understanding of the market. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement our grassroots marketing efforts in a particular market in a timely manner, if at all. Additionally, we may be unsuccessful in identifying new markets where our technical athletic apparel and other products and brand image will be accepted or the performance of our stores will be considered successful.
Our failure to comply with trade and other regulations could lead to investigations or actions by government regulators and negative publicity.
The labeling, distribution, importation, marketing and sale of our products are subject to extensive regulation by various federal agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Product Safety Commission and state attorneys general in the United States, the Competition Bureau and Health Canada in Canada, as well as by various other federal, state, provincial, local and international regulatory authorities in the countries in which our products are distributed or sold. If we fail to comply with any of these regulations, we could become subject to enforcement actions or the imposition of significant penalties or claims, which could harm our results of operations or our ability to conduct our business. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretation of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or discontinuation of product sales and could impair the marketing of our products, resulting in significant loss of net revenue.
Our international operations are also subject to compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, and other anti-bribery laws applicable to our operations. In many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it may be a local custom that businesses operating in such countries engage in business practices that are prohibited by the FCPA or other U.S. and foreign laws and regulations applicable to us. Although we have implemented procedures designed to ensure compliance with the FCPA and similar laws, there can be no assurance that all of our employees, agents and other channel partners, as well as those companies to which we outsource certain of our business operations, will not take actions in violation of our policies. Any such violation could have a material and adverse effect on our business.
Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our senior management.
Our future success is substantially dependent on the continued service of our senior management and other key employees. In the last several years, several members of our senior management team have left us and we have focused time and resources on recruiting the new members of our current management team. The continued turnover of senior management and the loss of key members of our executive team could have a negative impact on our ability to manage and grow our business effectively.
We do not maintain a key person life insurance policy on any of the members of our senior management team. As a result, we would have no way to cover the financial loss if we were to lose the services of members of our senior management team.

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Our business is affected by seasonality.
Our business is affected by the general seasonal trends common to the retail apparel industry. Our annual net revenue is weighted more heavily toward our fourth fiscal quarter, reflecting our historical strength in sales during the holiday season, while our operating expenses are more equally distributed throughout the year. As a result, a substantial portion of our operating profits are generated in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. For example, we generated approximately 42%, 39% and 41% of our full year operating profit during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, respectively. This seasonality may adversely affect our business and cause our results of operations to fluctuate, and, as a result, we believe that comparisons of our operating results between different quarters within a single fiscal year are not necessarily meaningful and that results of operations in any period should not be considered indicative of the results to be expected for any future period.
Because a significant portion of our net revenue and expenses are generated in countries other than the United States, fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates have negatively affected our results of operations and may continue to do so in the future.
The functional currency of our foreign subsidiaries is generally the applicable local currency. Our consolidated financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars. Therefore, the net revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries are translated from their functional currencies into U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in the value of the U.S. Dollar affect the reported amounts of net revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities. Foreign exchange differences which arise on translation of our foreign subsidiaries' balance sheets into U.S. dollars are recorded as a cumulative translation adjustment in accumulated other comprehensive income within stockholders' equity. We also have exposure to changes in foreign exchange rates associated with transactions which are undertaken by our subsidiaries in currencies other than their functional currency. Such transactions include intercompany transactions and inventory purchases denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the purchasing entity. As a result, we have been impacted by changes in exchange rates and may be impacted materially for the foreseeable future. The potential impact of currency fluctuation increases as international expansion increases.
We currently generate a significant portion of our net revenue and incur a significant portion of our expenses in Canada. We also hold a significant portion of our net assets in Canada. The reporting currency for our consolidated financial statements is the U.S. dollar. A strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar results in:
a decrease in our net revenue upon translation of the sales made by our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars for the purposes of consolidation;
a decrease in our selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by our Canadian operations into U.S. dollars for the purposes of consolidation; and
foreign exchange gains by our Canadian subsidiaries on U.S. dollar cash and receivables denominated in U.S. dollars.
During the first three quarters of fiscal 2015, the change in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar resulted in a $17.3 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity. During the first three quarters of fiscal 2014, the change in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar resulted in a $12.3 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity.
A 10% appreciation in the relative value of the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar compared to the exchange rates in effect for the first three quarters of fiscal 2015 would have resulted in additional income from operations of approximately $1.2 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. This assumes a consistent 10% appreciation in the U.S. dollar against the Canadian dollar throughout the first three quarters of fiscal 2015. The timing of changes in the relative value of the U.S. dollar combined with the seasonal nature of our business, can affect the magnitude of the impact that fluctuations in foreign exchange rates have on our income from operations.
We have not historically hedged foreign currency fluctuations. However, in the future, in an effort to mitigate losses associated with these risks, we may at times enter into derivative financial instruments, although we have not historically done so. We do not, and do not intend to, engage in the practice of trading derivative securities for profit.

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Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect our effective income tax rate and profitability.
We are subject to the income tax laws of the United States, Canada and several other international jurisdictions. If our capital or financing needs in the United States require us to repatriate earnings from foreign jurisdictions or if our intentions should change with respect to repatriating earnings, our effective income tax rates could be unfavorably impacted.
Our effective income tax rate may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws, the outcome of income tax audits in various jurisdictions around the world and any repatriation of non-U.S. earnings for which we have not previously provided for U.S. taxes. Our effective tax rate might vary significantly as a result of our anticipated bilateral Advance Payment Arrangement that we are in the process of negotiating with the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA"). We expect that the outcome of the APA will result in a significant payment from one of the our U.S. subsidiaries to a Canadian subsidiary, that the ongoing net cash flow of our U.S. operations will be lower than previously expected, and that we will need to distribute funds to our U.S. parent entity to finance this payment and future working capital needs in the United States.
We are subject to the examination of our tax returns by the IRS, the CRA and other tax authorities. We regularly assess all of these matters to determine the adequacy of our tax provision, which is subject to significant discretion. Although we believe our tax provision is adequate, the final determination of tax audits and any related disputes could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of audits or related disputes could have an adverse effect on our financial statements for the period or periods for which the applicable final determinations are made.
We and our subsidiaries engage in a number of intercompany transactions across multiple tax jurisdictions. Although we believe that these transactions reflect the accurate economic allocation of profit and that proper transfer pricing documentation is in place, the profit allocation and transfer pricing terms and conditions may be scrutinized by local tax authorities during an audit and any resulting changes may impact our mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates.
Current economic and political conditions make tax rules in any jurisdiction, including the United States and Canada, subject to significant change. There have been proposals to reform U.S. and foreign tax laws that could significantly impact how U.S. multinational corporations are taxed on foreign earnings. Although we cannot predict whether or in what form such proposals will pass, several of the proposals considered, if enacted into law, could have an adverse impact on our income tax expense and cash flows.
The operations of many of our suppliers are subject to additional risks that are beyond our control and that could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Almost all of our suppliers are located outside of North America. During fiscal 2014, approximately 59% of our products were produced in South East Asia, approximately 23% in South Asia, approximately 11% in China, approximately 1% in North America and the remainder in other countries. As a result of our international suppliers, we are subject to risks associated with doing business abroad, including:
political unrest, terrorism, labor disputes and economic instability resulting in the disruption of trade from foreign countries in which our products are manufactured;
the imposition of new laws and regulations, including those relating to labor conditions, quality and safety standards, imports, duties, taxes and other charges on imports, as well as trade restrictions and restrictions on currency exchange or the transfer of funds;
reduced protection for intellectual property rights, including trademark protection, in some countries, particularly China;
disruptions or delays in shipments; and
changes in local economic conditions in countries where our manufacturers, suppliers or guests are located.
These and other factors beyond our control could interrupt our suppliers' production in offshore facilities, influence the ability of our suppliers to export our products cost-effectively or at all and inhibit our suppliers' ability to procure certain materials, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to source our merchandise profitably or at all could be hurt if new trade restrictions are imposed or existing trade restrictions become more burdensome.
The United States and the countries in which our products are produced or sold internationally have imposed and may impose additional quotas, duties, tariffs, or other restrictions or regulations, or may adversely adjust prevailing quota, duty or tariff levels. We have expanded our relationships with suppliers outside of China, which among other things has resulted in increased costs and shipping times for some products. Countries impose, modify and remove tariffs and other trade restrictions

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in response to a diverse array of factors, including global and national economic and political conditions, which make it impossible for us to predict future developments regarding tariffs and other trade restrictions. Trade restrictions, including tariffs, quotas, embargoes, safeguards and customs restrictions, could increase the cost or reduce the supply of products available to us or may require us to modify our supply chain organization or other current business practices, any of which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our trademarks and other proprietary rights could potentially conflict with the rights of others and we may be prevented from selling some of our products.
Our success depends in large part on our brand image. We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights have significant value and are important to identifying and differentiating our products from those of our competitors and creating and sustaining demand for our products. We have obtained and applied for some United States and foreign trademark registrations, and will continue to evaluate the registration of additional trademarks as appropriate. However, we cannot guarantee that any of our pending trademark applications will be approved by the applicable governmental authorities. Moreover, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge these registrations. Additionally, we cannot assure you that obstacles will not arise as we expand our product line and the geographic scope of our sales and marketing. Third parties may assert intellectual property claims against us, particularly as we expand our business and the number of products we offer. Our defense of any claim, regardless of its merit, could be expensive and time consuming and could divert management resources. Successful infringement claims against us could result in significant monetary liability or prevent us from selling some of our products. In addition, resolution of claims may require us to redesign our products, license rights from third parties or cease using those rights altogether. Any of these events could harm our business and cause our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition to suffer.
We are subject to periodic claims and litigation that could result in unexpected expenses and could ultimately be resolved against us.
From time to time, we are involved in litigation and other proceedings, including matters related to product liability claims, stockholder class action and derivative claims, commercial disputes and intellectual property, as well as trade, regulatory and other claims related to our business. Any of these proceedings could result in significant settlement amounts, damages, fines or other penalties, divert financial and management resources and result in significant legal fees. Although we cannot predict the outcome of any particular proceeding, an unfavorable outcome could exceed the limits of our insurance policies or the carriers may decline to fund such final settlements and/or judgments and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, any proceeding could negatively impact our reputation among our guests and our brand image.
Our business could be negatively affected as a result of actions of activist stockholders, and such activism could impact the trading value of our securities.
Responding to actions by activist stockholders can be costly and time-consuming, disrupting our operations and diverting the attention of management and our employees. Such activities could interfere with our ability to execute our strategic plan. In addition, a proxy contest for the election of directors at our annual meeting would require us to incur significant legal fees and proxy solicitation expenses and require significant time and attention by management and our board of directors. The perceived uncertainties as to our future direction also could affect the market price and volatility of our securities.
Anti-takeover provisions of Delaware law and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could delay and discourage takeover attempts that stockholders may consider to be favorable.
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and applicable provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law may make it more difficult or impossible for a third-party to acquire control of us or effect a change in our board of directors and management. These provisions include:
the classification of our board of directors into three classes, with one class elected each year;
prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors;
the ability of our board of directors to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval;
the ability to remove a director only for cause and only with the vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of our voting stock;
a special meeting of stockholders may only be called by our chairman or Chief Executive Officer, or upon a resolution adopted by an affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors, and not by our stockholders;

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prohibiting stockholder action by written consent; and
our stockholders must comply with advance notice procedures in order to nominate candidates for election to our board of directors or to place stockholder proposals on the agenda for consideration at any meeting of our stockholders.
In addition, we are governed by Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law which, subject to some specified exceptions, prohibits "business combinations" between a Delaware corporation and an "interested stockholder," which is generally defined as a stockholder who becomes a beneficial owner of 15% or more of a Delaware corporation's voting stock, for a three-year period following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder. Section 203 could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control that our stockholders might consider to be in their best interests.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of shares of our common stock during the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 related to our stock repurchase program:
Period(1)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased(2)
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)
 
Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
August 3, 2015 - August 30, 2015
 
320,292

 
$
63.06

 
320,292

 
$
200,470,925

August 31, 2015 - October 4, 2015
 
590,685

 
56.01

 
590,685

 
167,388,198

October 5, 2015 - November 1, 2015
 
673,658

 
51.45

 
673,658

 
132,726,382

Total
 
1,584,635

 
 
 
1,584,635

 
 
__________
(1) 
Monthly information is presented by reference to our fiscal periods during our third quarter of fiscal 2015.
(2) 
Our stock repurchase program was approved by our board of directors in June 2014. Common shares are repurchased in the open market at prevailing market prices, with the timing and actual number of common shares to be repurchased depending upon market conditions, eligibility to trade, and other factors. The repurchases may be made up until June 2016, and the maximum dollar value of shares to be repurchased is $450 million.

The following table provides information regarding our purchases of shares of our common stock during the thirteen weeks ended November 1, 2015 related to our Employee Share Purchase Plan:
Period(1)
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(2)
August 3, 2015 - August 30, 2015
 
7,936

 
$
64.03

 
7,936

 
5,220,182

August 31, 2015 - October 4, 2015
 
10,466

 
52.92

 
10,466

 
5,209,716

October 5, 2015 - November 1, 2015
 
10,687

 
50.50

 
10,687

 
5,199,029

Total
 
29,089

 
 
 
29,089

 
 
__________
(1) 
Monthly information is presented by reference to our fiscal periods during our third quarter of fiscal 2015.
(2) 
Our Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) was approved by our board of directors and stockholders in September 2007. All shares purchased under the ESPP are purchased on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (or such other stock exchange as we may designate from time to time). Unless our board of directors terminates the ESPP earlier, the ESPP will continue until all shares authorized for purchase under the ESPP have been purchased. The maximum number of shares authorized to be purchased under the ESPP is 6,000,000.
Excluded from this disclosure are shares repurchased to settle statutory employee tax withholding related to the vesting of stock-based compensation awards.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
No.
 
Exhibit Title
 
Filed
Herewith
 
Form
 
Exhibit
No.
 
File No.
 
Filing
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of November 5, 2015 between lululemon athletica inc. and Gina Warren
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1**
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and 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
 
The following unaudited interim consolidated financial statements from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (v) Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 
X
 

 

 

 

*
Denotes a compensatory plan, contract or arrangement, in which our directors or executive officers may participate.
**
Furnished herewith

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SIGNATURES
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.
 
 
 
lululemon athletica inc.
 
 
By:
 
/s/    STUART HASELDEN
 
 
Stuart Haselden
 
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer and
Principal Accounting Officer)
Dated: December 8, 2015

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Exhibit Index 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incorporated by Reference
Exhibit
No.
 
Exhibit Title
 
Filed
Herewith
 
Form
 
Exhibit
No.
 
File No.
 
Filing
Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.1*
 
Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of November 5, 2015 between lululemon athletica inc. and Gina Warren
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14(a)
 
X
 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
32.1**
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and 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
 
The following unaudited interim consolidated financial statements from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended May 3, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (v) Notes to the Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements
 
X
 

 

 

 

*
Denotes a compensatory plan, contract or arrangement, in which our directors or executive officers may participate.
**
Furnished herewith

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