Bath & Body Works, Inc. (BBWI) FY 2025 MD&A

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon our Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) as codified in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). The following information should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Our operating results are generally impacted by economic changes and, therefore, we monitor the retail environment using, among other things, certain key industry performance indicators including competitor performance and traffic data. These indicators can provide insight into consumer spending patterns and shopping behavior in the current retail environment and assist us in assessing our performance as well as the potential impact of industry trends on our future operating results. Additionally, we evaluate a number of key performance indicators including net sales, gross profit, operating income and other performance metrics, such as sales per average selling square foot and sales per average store, in assessing our performance.

A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for 2024 compared to 2023 is presented below. A discussion regarding our financial condition and results of operations for 2023 compared to 2022 can be found under Item 7. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 22, 2024.

Executive Overview

During 2024, we were focused on our three key strategic priorities of accelerating top-line growth, enhancing operational excellence and efficiency, and strengthening our financial positioning and disciplined deployment of capital. During the year, we built momentum and established a strong foundation for long-term growth by successfully executing a number of key strategic initiatives;

•Launched collaborations with leading brands in pop culture, which allow us to deliver highly differentiated storytelling that generates brand awareness with existing and new customer and enhances our cultural relevancy;

•Introduced new product innovations such as Everyday Luxuries, our prestige-inspired line of fine fragrance mists, to attract new customers;

•Grew our active loyalty membership to approximately 39 million members as of February 1, 2025, deepening brand connectivity with our customers;

•Expanded our customer reach by growing category adjacencies such as Men’s, Hair, Lip and Laundry; and

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•Delivered approximately $155 million of cost reductions as part of our cost optimization work, bringing our two-year total over $300 million, exceeding our initial targets of $200 million.

Fiscal 2024 Overview

We utilize the retail calendar for reporting. As such, the results for fiscal 2024 represent the 52-week period ended February 1, 2025, and the results for 2023 represent the 53-week period ended February 3, 2024.

For 2024, Net Sales decreased $122 million, or 1.6%, to $7.307 billion, compared to 2023, and was negatively impacted by approximately 100 basis points due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2023. Total North American Net Sales declined $81 million compared to 2023, primarily due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2023, partially offset by new store growth. International Net Sales declined $41 million compared to 2023, primarily driven by a decline in wholesale shipments to our franchise partners affected by the war in the Middle East.

For 2024, Operating Income decreased $19 million, or 1%, to $1.266 billion compared to 2023, and our Operating Income rate (expressed as a percentage of Net Sales) remained flat at 17.3%. Our Operating Income results were impacted by an increase in our Gross Profit rate, primarily driven by improvement in our merchandise margin rate, offset by General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses deleveraging, primarily due to marketing investments and wage inflation.

For additional information related to our 2024 financial performance, see “Results of Operations – 2024 Compared to 2023.”

Fiscal 2025 Outlook

We believe our strategy and actions position the Company to achieve sustainable, profitable growth and to drive long-term shareholder value. We believe our continued innovation across our core categories supported by compelling marketing and enhanced technology, building on innovation platforms we launched in 2024 and extending our reach through adjacencies and international expansion, will accelerate Net Sales growth. We anticipate continuing macroeconomic pressures and do not anticipate improvement in consumer sentiment with the continued challenging backdrop of economic uncertainty in 2025.

Our two-year Fuel for Growth cost optimization program delivered over $300 million of cost savings, and as we enter 2025 we are maintaining a continuous improvement mindset to manage costs and enhance operational efficiencies. We are investing these savings back into the business, primarily in marketing investments to drive customer acquisition and technology to build foundational tools to enable more personalization and seamless customer experience, to drive long-term growth.

Adjusted Financial Information

In addition to our results provided in accordance with GAAP above and throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K, provided below are non-GAAP measures that present Net Income and Net Income per Diluted Share in 2024 and 2023 on an adjusted basis, which removes certain items. We believe that these items are not indicative of our ongoing operations due to their size and nature. We use adjusted financial information as key performance measures for the purpose of evaluating performance internally. These non-GAAP measures are not intended to replace the presentation of our financial results in accordance with GAAP. Instead, we believe that the presentation of adjusted financial information provides additional information to investors to facilitate the comparison of past and present operations. Further, our definitions of adjusted financial information may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies.

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The tables below reconcile the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures:

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(a)In 2024, we sold our investments in Easton Town Center and Easton Gateway, resulting in an aggregate pre-tax gain of $39 million (after-tax gain of $25 million), included in Other Income. For additional information, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(b)In 2023, we recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $8 million (after-tax charge of $6 million), included in Other Income, related to an impairment charge on an equity method investment.

(c)In 2023, we recognized pre-tax gains of $34 million (after-tax gains of $26 million), included in Other Income, related to the repurchase and extinguishment of outstanding notes. For additional information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(d)In 2024, we recognized a $44 million tax benefit related to the release of a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset. In 2023, we recognized a $112 million tax benefit related to the partial release of a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset. For additional information, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Company-operated Store Data

The following table compares U.S. Company-operated store data for 2024 and 2023:

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(a)Sales per average selling square foot and sales per average store, which are indicators of store productivity, are calculated based on store sales for the period divided by the average, including the beginning and end of period, of total selling square footage and store count, respectively.

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The following table represents Company-operated store data for 2024:

The following table represents Company-operated store data for 2023:

Partner-operated Store Data

The following table represents partner-operated store data for 2024:

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(a)Includes store locations only and does not include kiosks, shop-in-shops, gondola or beauty counter locations.

The following table represents partner-operated store data for 2023:

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(a)Includes store locations only and does not include kiosks, shop-in-shops, gondola or beauty counter locations.

Results of Operations—2024 Compared to 2023

Net Sales

The following table provides Net Sales for 2024 in comparison to 2023:

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(a)Results include fulfilled BOPIS orders.

(b)Results include royalties associated with franchised stores and wholesale sales.

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For 2024, total Net Sales decreased $122 million to $7.307 billion, and was negatively impacted by approximately 100 basis points due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2023.

Direct Net Sales decreased $108 million, or 6.8%, due to a decline in orders, which was primarily due to our customers continuing to select our BOPIS option (which is recognized as store Net Sales) and the 53rd week in 2023, partially offset by an increased average order size. International Net Sales decreased $41 million, or 11.8%, primarily driven by a decline in wholesale shipments to our franchise partners affected by the war in the Middle East. Stores Net Sales increased $27 million, which was effectively flat, primarily due to new store growth and the increase in BOPIS fulfilled orders offset by a decline in average dollar sales and the 53rd week in 2023.

Gross Profit

For 2024, our Gross Profit decreased $2 million to $3.234 billion, and our Gross Profit rate (expressed as a percentage of Net Sales) increased to 44.3% from 43.6% in 2023. The Gross Profit rate increased primarily due to an increase in the merchandise margin rate, driven by cost saving initiatives, distribution productivity and international mix, partially offset by strategically planned promotional activities and our continued investment in product formulations and packaging innovation. Gross Profit dollars were effectively flat as the impact of lower Net Sales was offset by the increase in the merchandise margin rate.

General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses

The following table provides details for our General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses for 2024 compared to 2023:

For 2024, our General, Administrative and Store Operating Expenses increased $17 million to $1.968 billion, and the rate (expressed as a percentage of Net Sales) increased to 26.9% from 26.3%. Increases in Marketing Expenses, primarily due to additional spend to drive customer acquisition, were mostly offset by decreases in General and Administrative Expenses, primarily due to discrete corporate expenses in the prior year and benefits of our cost optimization work. Our Selling Expenses increased primarily due to increases in store count and wage inflation, partially offset by the benefits of our cost optimization work and the 53rd week in fiscal 2023.

The General, Administrative and Store Operating Expense rate increased primarily due to our investments in marketing and the increase in associate wages, partially offset by lapping discrete corporate expenses in the prior year and the benefits of our cost optimization work.

Other Income and Expenses

Interest Expense

The following table provides the average daily borrowings and average borrowing rates for 2024 and 2023:

For 2024, our Interest Expense decreased $33 million to $312 million due to lower average daily borrowings, which were driven by the repurchase and early extinguishment of outstanding notes, and the 53rd week in 2023.

Other Income, Net

For 2024, our Other Income was $74 million compared to $81 million for 2023. Included in 2024 is a $39 million pre-tax gain on sales of certain Easton investments in the second quarter and the recognition of a $10 million pre-tax loss on the repurchase and early extinguishment of outstanding notes. Included in 2023 is a $34 million pre-tax gain on the repurchase and early extinguishments of outstanding notes and an $8 million pre-tax impairment charge related to an equity method investment. The remaining difference in Other Income between the periods was primarily due to lower average invested cash balances and lower interest rates on invested cash in 2024.

Provision for Income Taxes

For 2024, our effective tax rate was 22.4% compared to 13.9% in 2023. The 2024 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the sales of Easton investments, which resulted in the release of a valuation

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allowance on a deferred tax asset. The 2023 rate was lower than our combined estimated federal and state statutory rate primarily due to the recognition of the tax benefit related to the partial release of a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

A discussion regarding our financial condition for 2023 compared to 2022 can be found under Item 7. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 3, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 22, 2024.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity, or access to cash, is an important factor in determining our financial stability. We are committed to maintaining adequate liquidity. Cash generated from our operating activities provides the primary resources to support current operations, growth initiatives, seasonal funding requirements, future common stock and debt repurchases, and capital expenditures. Our cash provided from operations is impacted by our net income and working capital changes. Our net income is impacted by, among other things, sales volume, seasonal sales patterns, success of new product introductions and product and market expansions, profit margins, income taxes and inflationary pressures. Our sales are highest during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year due to seasonal and holiday-related sales patterns. Generally, our need for working capital peaks during the summer and fall months as inventory builds in anticipation of the holiday period. Our cash and cash equivalents held by foreign subsidiaries were $171 million as of February 1, 2025.

During 2024, we repurchased and extinguished $514 million principal amount of our outstanding senior notes for an aggregate price of $522 million. Additionally, we repurchased 10.425 million shares of our common stock for $400 million. We may, from time to time, repurchase, or otherwise retire, additional debt or shares of our common stock, as applicable.

We believe that our current cash position, our cash flows generated from operations and our borrowing capacity under our ABL Facility will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs, including capital expenditure requirements, for at least the next twelve months.

Debt Leverage Ratio

Our debt leverage ratio is defined as adjusted debt, which includes our long-term debt and total operating lease liabilities, divided by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”). EBITDAR is calculated as operating income, which excludes interest and taxes, before depreciation, amortization and lease costs. Our debt leverage ratio is a non-GAAP financial measure which we believe is useful to analyze our capital structure. Our debt leverage ratio calculation may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Our debt leverage ratio should be evaluated in addition to, and not considered a substitute for, other GAAP financial measures.

The following table provides our debt leverage ratio as of, and for the years ended, February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024:

Free Cash Flow

Our free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. Free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which we believe is useful to analyze our ability to generate cash. Our free cash flow calculation may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies. Our free cash flow calculation should be evaluated in addition to, and not considered a substitute for, other GAAP financial measures.

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The following table provides our free cash flows for 2024 and 2023:

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(a)Fiscal 2024 includes tax payments of $65 million related to the sales of our investments in Easton Town Center and Easton Gateway.

Cash Flows

The following table provides a summary of our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for 2024 and 2023:

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2024 was $886 million, including net income of $798 million. Net income included depreciation of $282 million, a deferred income tax benefit of $112 million, share-based compensation expense of $40 million and an aggregate pre-tax gain on sales of certain Easton investments of $39 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the $50 million decrease associated with Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other, the $26 million decrease associated with Inventory and the $23 million decrease associated with Income Taxes Payable.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2023 was $954 million, including net income of $878 million. Net income included depreciation of $269 million, a deferred income tax benefit of $128 million, share-based compensation expense of $43 million and pre-tax gains on extinguishment of debt of $34 million. Other changes in assets and liabilities represent items that had a current period cash flow impact, such as changes in working capital. The most significant items in working capital were the $109 million decrease associated with Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other and the $34 million increase associated with Income Taxes Payable.

Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities in 2024 was $162 million, primarily related to capital expenditures of $226 million, partially offset by aggregate cash proceeds, net of fees, of $40 million related to the sales of certain Easton investments. The capital expenditures included approximately $140 million related to new off-mall stores and remodels of existing stores, approximately $45 million for various IT projects, primarily to support the growth and profitability of our business, and approximately $25 million related to distribution and logistics capabilities.

Net cash used for investing activities in 2023 was $286 million, primarily related to capital expenditures. The capital expenditures included approximately $155 million related to new off-mall stores and remodels of existing stores, approximately $85 million for various IT projects, primarily supporting the separation of our IT systems from Victoria’s Secret’s IT systems, and approximately $40 million related to distribution and logistics capabilities.

In 2025, we expect to invest between $250 million and $270 million in capital expenditures with a continued focus on real estate and technology.

Financing Activities

Net cash used for financing activities in 2024 was $1.132 billion, primarily consisting of $522 million for debt repurchases, $401 million for share repurchases, dividend payments of $0.80 per share, or $177 million, $17 million for payments on finance leases and tax payments of $16 million related to share-based awards.

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Net cash used for financing activities in 2023 was $815 million, primarily consisting of $447 million for debt repurchases, dividend payments of $0.80 per share, or $182 million, $148 million for share repurchases, $15 million for payments on finance leases and tax payments of $11 million related to share-based awards.

Common Stock and Debt Repurchases

Our Board will determine share and debt repurchase authorizations, giving consideration to our levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating and financing activities to fund our share and debt repurchase programs. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be made at our discretion, taking into account a number of factors, including market conditions.

Common Stock Repurchases

2022 Share Repurchase Program

In February 2022, our Board authorized a $1.5 billion share repurchase program (the “February 2022 Program”). Under the February 2022 Program, we repurchased the following shares of our common stock during 2024 and 2023:

The February 2022 Program had no remaining authority as of May 4, 2024. There were share repurchases of $1 million reflected in Accounts Payable on the February 3, 2024 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

2024 Share Repurchase Program

In January 2024, our Board authorized a $500 million share repurchase program (the “January 2024 Program”). Under the January 2024 Program, we repurchased the following shares of our common stock during 2024:

The January 2024 Program had $139 million of remaining authority as of February 1, 2025. There were share repurchases of $1 million reflected in Accounts Payable on the February 1, 2025 Consolidated Balance Sheet.

2025 Share Repurchase Program

In January 2025, our Board authorized a new $500 million share repurchase program (the “January 2025 Program”). On February 27, 2025, we cancelled the remaining $121 million authorization available under the January 2024 Program and began repurchasing shares under the January 2025 Program.

Subsequent to February 1, 2025 through March 14, 2025, we repurchased an additional 1.5 million shares of our common stock for $53 million under the January 2024 and January 2025 Programs.

Dividend Policy and Procedures

Our Board will determine future dividends after giving consideration to our levels of profit and cash flow, capital requirements, current and forecasted liquidity, the restrictions placed upon us by our borrowing arrangements as well as financial and other conditions existing at the time. We use cash flow generated from operating and financing activities to fund our dividends.

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We paid the following dividends during 2024 and 2023:

On March 7, 2025, we paid our first quarter 2025 ordinary dividend of $0.20 per share to stockholders of record at the close of business on February 21, 2025.

Long-term Debt and Borrowing Facility

The following table provides our outstanding Long-term Debt balances, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, as of February 1, 2025 and February 3, 2024:

Repurchases of Notes

The losses and gains on the extinguishment of debt include the write-offs of unamortized issuance costs and are included in Other Income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

2024 Repurchases

During the first and second quarters of 2024, we repurchased in the open market and extinguished $200 million principal amount of our outstanding senior notes. The aggregate repurchase price for these notes was $202 million, resulting in pre-tax losses of $3 million, net of the write-off of unamortized issuance costs.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, we completed a make-whole call to repurchase the remaining $314 million principal amount of our outstanding 2025 Notes. The repurchase price for these notes was $320 million, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $7 million, net of the write-off of unamortized issuance costs.

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2023 Repurchases

During 2023, we repurchased in the open market and extinguished $485 million principal amount of our outstanding senior notes. The aggregate repurchase price for these notes was $447 million, resulting in pre-tax gains of $34 million, net of the write-off of unamortized issuance costs.

The following table provides details of the outstanding principal amounts of senior notes repurchased and extinguished during 2024 and 2023:

Asset-backed Revolving Credit Facility

We and certain of our 100% owned subsidiaries guarantee and pledge collateral to secure our ABL Facility. The ABL Facility, which allows borrowings and letters of credit in U.S. dollars, has aggregate commitments of $750 million and an expiration date in August 2026.

Availability under the ABL Facility is the lesser of (i) the borrowing base, determined primarily based on our eligible U.S. and Canadian credit card receivables, accounts receivable, inventory and eligible real property, or (ii) the aggregate commitment. If at any time the outstanding amount under the ABL Facility exceeds the lesser of (i) the borrowing base and (ii) the aggregate commitment, we are required to repay the outstanding amounts under the ABL Facility to the extent of such excess. As of February 1, 2025, our borrowing base was $553 million, and we had no borrowings outstanding under the ABL Facility.

The ABL Facility supports our letter of credit program. We had $11 million of outstanding letters of credit as of February 1, 2025 that reduced our availability under the ABL Facility. As of February 1, 2025, our availability under the ABL Facility was $542 million.

As of February 1, 2025, the ABL Facility fees related to committed and unutilized amounts were 0.30% per annum, and the fees related to outstanding letters of credit were 1.25% per annum. In addition, the interest rate on outstanding U.S. dollar borrowings was the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate plus 1.25% and a credit spread adjustment of 0.10% per annum.

The ABL Facility requires us to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.00 to 1.00 during an event of default or any period commencing on any day when specified excess availability is less than the greater of (i) $70 million or (ii) 10% of the maximum borrowing amount. As of February 1, 2025, we were not required to maintain this ratio.

Credit Ratings

The following table provides our credit ratings as of February 1, 2025:

Guarantor Summarized Financial Information

Certain of our subsidiaries, which are listed on Exhibit 22 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, have guaranteed our obligations under the 2027 Notes, 2028 Notes, 2029 Notes, 2030 Notes, 2035 Notes and 2036 Notes (collectively, the “Notes”).

The Notes have been issued by Bath & Body Works, Inc. (the “Parent Company”). The Notes are its senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior unsecured obligations, are senior to

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any of our future subordinated indebtedness, are effectively subordinated to all of our existing and future indebtedness that is secured by a lien and are structurally subordinated to all existing and future obligations of each of our subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes.

The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, including certain subsidiaries that also guarantee our obligations under our ABL Facility (such guarantees, the “Guarantees”; and, such guaranteeing subsidiaries, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”). The Guarantees of the Subsidiary Guarantors are subject to release in limited circumstances only upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions. Each Guarantee is limited, by its terms, to an amount not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by the applicable Subsidiary Guarantor subject to avoidance under applicable fraudulent conveyance provisions of U.S. and non-U.S. law.

The following tables set forth summarized financial information for the Parent Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors on a combined basis after elimination of (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the Parent Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors and (ii) investments in and equity in the earnings of non-Guarantor subsidiaries.

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(a)Includes amounts due from non-Guarantor subsidiaries of $572 million as of February 1, 2025.

(b)Includes amounts due to non-Guarantor subsidiaries of $1.421 billion as of February 1, 2025.

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(a)Includes Net Sales of $189 million to non-Guarantor subsidiaries.

(b)Includes a Net Loss of $15 million related to transactions with non-Guarantor subsidiaries.

Contingent Liabilities and Contractual Obligations

The following table provides our contractual obligations, aggregated by type, including the maturity profile as of February 1, 2025:

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(a)Long-term Debt obligations relate to our principal and interest payments for outstanding notes and debentures. Interest payments have been estimated based on the coupon rate for fixed rate obligations. Interest obligations exclude amounts which have been accrued through February 1, 2025. For additional information, see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(b)Future lease obligations primarily represent minimum payments due under operating lease agreements. For additional information, see Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(c)Purchase obligations primarily include purchase orders for merchandise inventory and other agreements to purchase goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions.

(d)Other liabilities include future estimated payments associated with unrecognized tax benefits. The “Less Than 1 Year” category includes $136 million of these tax items because it is reasonably possible that the amounts could change in the next 12 months due to audit settlements or resolution of uncertainties. In addition, we have a liability of $17 million related to the deemed repatriation tax on our undistributed foreign earnings resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, expected to be paid in 2025. The remaining portion, totaling $36 million, is included in the “Other” category as it is not reasonably possible that the amounts could change in the next 12 months. For additional information, see Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Lease Guarantees

In connection with the spin-off of Victoria’s Secret and the disposal of a certain other business, we had remaining contingent obligations of $232 million as of February 1, 2025 related to lease payments under the current terms of noncancelable leases, primarily related to office space, expiring at various dates through 2037. These obligations include minimum rent and additional payments covering taxes, common area costs and certain other expenses and relate to leases that commenced prior to the disposition of these businesses. Our reserves related to these obligations were not significant for any period presented.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures, that expands reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess segment performance, and applies to companies with a single reportable segment. We adopted this standard in the fourth quarter of 2024. Refer to Note 15, “Segment Reporting,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for required disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, that requires enhanced income tax disclosures, primarily related to standardization and disaggregation of rate reconciliation categories and income taxes paid by jurisdiction. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our disclosures.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, that requires disclosures of disaggregated information about certain prescribed expense categories within relevant income statement expense captions. This standard is effective for annual reporting of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and for interim periods in the following year, with early adoption permitted. This standard should be applied prospectively, with retrospective application permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this standard on our disclosures.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to adopt accounting policies related to estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its accounting policies, estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, valuation of long-lived store assets, claims and contingencies, income taxes and revenue recognition. Management bases our estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Management has discussed the development and selection of our critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board and believes the following assumptions and estimates are most significant to reporting our results of operations and financial position.

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Inventories

Inventories are principally valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value, on an average cost basis.

We record valuation adjustments to our inventories if the cost of inventory on hand exceeds the amount we expect to realize from the ultimate sale or disposal of the inventory. These estimates are based on management’s judgment regarding future demand and market conditions and analysis of historical experience. If actual demand or market conditions are different than those projected by management, future period merchandise margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected by adjustments to these estimates.

We also record inventory loss adjustments for estimated physical inventory losses that have occurred since the date of the last physical inventory. These estimates are based on management’s analysis of historical results and current operating trends.

Management believes that the assumptions used in these estimates are reasonable and appropriate. A 10% increase or decrease in the inventory valuation adjustment would have impacted Net Income by approximately $2 million for 2024. A 10% increase or decrease in the estimated physical inventory loss adjustment would have impacted Net Income by approximately $2 million for 2024.

Valuation of Long-lived Store Assets

Long-lived store assets, which include leasehold improvements, store-related assets and operating lease assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Store assets are grouped at the lowest level for which they are largely independent of other assets or asset groups. If the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset group are less than the carrying value, we recognize a loss equal to the difference between the carrying value and the estimated fair value, determined by the estimated discounted future cash flows of the asset group. For operating lease assets, we determine the fair value of the assets by comparing the contractual rent payments to estimated market rental rates. An individual asset within an asset group is not impaired below its estimated fair value. The fair value of long-lived store assets is determined using Level 3 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

When a decision has been made to dispose of property and equipment prior to the end of the previously estimated useful life, depreciation estimates are revised to reflect the use of the asset over the shortened estimated useful life.

Claims and Contingencies

We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, taxes, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. Our determination of the treatment of claims and contingencies in the Consolidated Financial Statements is based on management’s view of the expected outcome of the applicable claim or contingency. We consult with legal counsel on matters related to litigation and seek input from both internal and external experts with respect to matters in the ordinary course of business. We accrue a liability if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. If the likelihood of an adverse outcome is only reasonably possible (as opposed to probable) or if an estimate is not reasonably determinable, disclosure of a material claim or contingency is disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, taxes currently payable or refundable are accrued, and deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets are also recognized for realizable operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in income tax rates is recognized in our Consolidated Statements of Income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets if it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized.

Significant judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. In determining our provision for income taxes, we consider permanent differences between book and tax income and statutory income tax rates. Our effective income tax rate is affected by items including changes in tax law, the tax jurisdiction of the Company’s operations and the level of earnings.

A number of countries have enacted legislation to implement the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s 15% global minimum tax regime (Pillar Two) with effect from January 1, 2024. These changes did not have a material impact on our effective tax rate, results of operations or financial position for 2024. We continue to evaluate the impacts of proposed and enacted legislation for the jurisdictions in which we operate.

We follow the authoritative guidance included in ASC 740, Income Taxes, which contains a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the available

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evidence indicates it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount which is more than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.  We consider many factors when evaluating and estimating our tax positions and tax benefits, which may require periodic adjustments and for which actual outcomes may differ from forecasted outcomes. Our policy is to include interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.

Our income tax returns, like those of most companies, are periodically audited by domestic and foreign tax authorities. These audits include questions regarding our tax filing positions, including the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. At any one time, multiple tax years are subject to audit by the various tax authorities. A number of years may elapse before a particular matter for which we have established an accrual is audited and fully resolved or clarified. We adjust our tax contingencies accrual and income tax provision in the period in which matters are effectively settled with tax authorities at amounts different from our established accrual, when the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when more information becomes available.

Revenue Recognition

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

We offer a loyalty program that allows customers to earn points based on purchasing activity. As customers accumulate points and reach point thresholds, points are converted to rewards that may be used to purchase merchandise in stores or online. Points expire if a loyalty account is inactive for a certain period of time, while rewards expire if unused after approximately three months. We allocate revenue to points earned on qualifying purchases and defer recognition of revenue until the rewards are redeemed. The amount of revenue deferred is based on the relative stand-alone selling price method, which includes an estimate for points and rewards not expected to be redeemed based on historical experience.

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

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