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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

     
[X]   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2002

     
[   ]   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 0-12994

Nordstrom Credit, Inc.


(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Colorado
 
91-1181301

 

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
     
13531 East Caley, Englewood, Colorado
 
80111

 

(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303-397-4700

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $.50 par value


(Title of class)

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [   ]

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On March 31, 2002 Registrant had 10,000 shares of common stock ($.50 par value) outstanding; all such shares are owned by Registrant’s parent, Nordstrom, Inc.

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.

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PART I
Item 1. Business.
Item 2. Properties.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.
SIGNATURES
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT 10.4
EXHIBIT 10.11
EXHIBIT 10.14
EXHIBIT 10.15
EXHIBIT 10.16
EXHIBIT 10.17
EXHIBIT 10.18
EXHIBIT 10.19
EXHIBIT 10.20
EXHIBIT 10.21
EXHIBIT 10.22
EXHIBIT 10.23
EXHIBIT 10.24
EXHIBIT 10.25
EXHIBIT 10.26
EXHIBIT 12.1
EXHIBIT 23.1


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PART I

Item 1. Business.

The information required under this item is included in Note 1 to the Financial Statements on page 17 of this report, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 2. Properties.

The Company owns an office building in Englewood, Colorado where its principal offices are located.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.

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

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters.

The class of securities registered is the Company’s common stock, $.50 par value per share. There are 100,000 shares of authorized common stock, of which 10,000 shares were issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2002. The Company’s common stock is owned entirely by its parent, Nordstrom, Inc. (“Nordstrom”). The stock has not been traded and, accordingly, no market value has been established. No dividends were paid in the fiscal years ended January 31, 2002 and 2001.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Service charge income decreased slightly in 2001 as compared to 2000 primarily as a result of a decline in the service charge rate, caused by a decline in interest rates. The decrease in service charge income was offset by a slight increase in the average accounts receivable balances on which the Company earns service fees.

Net interest expense decreased in 2001 as compared to 2000 due primarily to a decrease in short-term interest rates, offset by an increase in the volume of long-term debt outstanding.

Servicing and marketing fees paid to Nordstrom fsb decreased in 2001 as compared to 2000 due to higher marketing costs in 2000 associated with the company-wide program, the “Reinvent” campaign. The decrease can also be attributed to a change in the servicing fee structure between the Company and Nordstrom fsb.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased in 2001 as compared to 2000 in part as a result of charges associated with the Nordstrom credit card rewards program wherein customers earn points from purchases at Nordstrom which are redeemable for merchandise at Nordstrom stores upon the accumulation of a specified number of points. The increase is also attributed to a change in the Company’s policy effective February 1, 2001, pursuant to which the Company now incurs bad debt expense related to returned checks instead of Nordstrom, provided the store followed proper check acceptance procedures.

Certain other information required under this item is included in Notes 1, 2 and 6 to the Financial Statements on pages 17, 18, 20 and 21 respectively, of this report, which are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. In seeking to minimize risk, the Company manages exposure through its regular operating and financing activities. The Company does not use financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes and is not party to any leveraged financial instruments.

The Company manages interest rate exposure through its mix of fixed and variable rate borrowings which finance customer accounts receivable. Short-term borrowings generally bear interest at variable rates but, because they have maturities of three months or less, the Company believes that the risk of material loss is low.

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The table below presents principal amounts and related weighted average interest rates by year of maturity. All items described in the table are non-trading and are stated in U.S. dollars.

                                                                                             
                                                              Fair Value
                                                              January 31,
                                                             
Dollars in thousands   2002   2003   2004   2005   2006   Thereafter   Total   2002   2001

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INTEREST RATE RISK
                                                                       
ASSETS
                                                                       
Customer accounts receivable
  $ 643,943                         $ 643,943     $ 643,943     $ 661,655  
 
Variable interest rate*
    16.5 %                         16.5 %        
Note receivable from Nordstrom, Inc.
  $ 17,215                         $ 17,215     $ 17,215        
 
Year end Interest rate
    1.7 %                         1.7 %        
Note receivable from Nordstrom federal savings bank
  $ 20,880                         $ 20,880     $ 20,880        
 
Year end Interest rate
    1.7 %                         1.7 %        
LIABILITIES
                                                                       
Note payable to Nordstrom, Inc.
                                        $ 301,430  
 
Year end interest rate
                                       
Long-term debt
  $ 76,750                 $ 100,000     $ 300,000           $ 476,750     $ 471,251     $ 183,666  
 
Fixed average interest rate
    7.3 %                 6.7 %     4.8 %           5.6 %        

*     This is the Company’s weighted average interest rate on customer accounts receivable, which is primarily a floating rate based on prime. The actual effective interest rate is lower due to accounts which are paid off within 30 days and defaults.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

        A)    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
 
             The consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page 11 of this report are incorporated herein by reference.
 
        B)    Other Financial Statements and Schedule
 
             The schedule required under Regulation S-X is filed pursuant to Item 14 of this report.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

     None

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PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.

Not required under reduced disclosure format.

PART IV

Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)    1. Financial Statements
 
     The following consolidated financial statements of the Company and the Independent Auditors’ Report are incorporated by reference in Part II, Item 8:
 
          Independent Auditors’ Report
     Consolidated Statements of Earnings
     Consolidated Balance Sheets
     Consolidated Statements of Investment of Nordstrom, Inc.
     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(a)    2. Financial Statement Schedules
 
     The financial statement schedule listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page 11 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

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(a)3.   Exhibits

(3.1)   Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant are hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1991, Exhibit 3.1.
     
(3.2)   By-laws of the Registrant, as amended and restated on December 19, 1995, are hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1996, Exhibit 3.3.
     
(10.1)   Investment Agreement dated October 8, 1984 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10, Exhibit 10.1.
     
(10.2)   Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1, as amended.
     
(10.3)   First Amendment to the Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated March 1, 2000 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2001, Exhibit 10.3.
     
(10.4)   Second Amendment to the Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated October 1, 2001 is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.5)   Corporate Services Agreement dated February 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom federal savings bank (fsb) is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2001, Exhibit 10.4.
     
(10.6)   Loan Agreement dated July 17, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1.
     
(10.7)   Amendment to the Loan Agreement dated July 17, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated September 3, 1997 is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.2.
     
(10.8)   Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank, and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, is incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.3.
     
(10.9)   Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated December 10, 1997, is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998, Exhibit 10.13.
     
(10.10)   Second Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated February 28, 1999, is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1999, Exhibit 10.1.

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(10.11)   Third Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated October 1, 2001 is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.12)   Receivables Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc. is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.10.
     
(10.13)   Participation Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank is hereby incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.11.
     
(10.14)   Loan Agreement dated November 1, 2001 between Nordstrom, Inc. and Registrant is filed herein as an exhibit
     
(10.15)   Loan Agreement dated March 1, 2000 between Nordstrom fsb and Registrant is filed herein as an exhibit.
     
(10.16)   Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc. is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.17)   Amendment to the Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated October 1, 2001 is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.18)   Second Amendment to the Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated November 30, 2001 is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.19)   Recourse Agreement dated March 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc. is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.20)   Amendment to the Recourse Agreement dated March 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated October 1, 2001 is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.21)   Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.22)   Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC, Nordstrom fsb, Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., and Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.23)   Master Indenture dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.24)   Series 2001-1 Indenture Supplement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(10.25)   Series 2001-2 Indenture Supplement dated December 4, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee, is filed herein as an Exhibit.

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(10.26)   Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee, is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(12.1)   Computation of Ratio of Earnings Available for Fixed Charges to Fixed Charges is filed herein as an Exhibit.
     
(23.1)   Independent Auditors’ Consent is filed herein as an Exhibit.

All other exhibits are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

        (b)    Reports on Form 8-K
 
             No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the last quarter of the period for which this report is filed.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

         
      NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: April 18, 2002   /s/   Michael G. Koppel

 
    by:   Michael G. Koppel
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated.

             
/s/   Kevin T. Knight   /s/   Blake W. Nordstrom

 
    Kevin T. Knight
Director and President
(Principal Executive Officer)
      Blake W. Nordstrom
Director
             
/s/   Michael G. Koppel   /s/   Carol S. Powell

 
    Michael G. Koppel
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting and
Financial Officer)
      Carol S. Powell
Director

Date: April 18, 2002

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

              
      Page
      Number
     
Independent Auditors’ Report     12  
Consolidated Statements of Earnings     13  
Consolidated Balance Sheets     14  
Consolidated Statements of Investment of Nordstrom, Inc.     15  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows     16  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements     17  
Additional financial information required to be furnished -        
  Financial Statement Schedule:        
  Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts     24  

All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere in the financial statements or notes thereto.

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Board of Directors
Nordstrom Credit, Inc.
Englewood, Colorado

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and subsidiary (the “Company”) as of January 31, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, investment of Nordstrom, Inc. and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2002. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule. These financial statements and the financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and subsidiary as of January 31, 2002 and 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

/s/Deloitte & Touche LLP
Seattle, Washington
April 18, 2002

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(Dollars in thousands)

                                   
Year Ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
Revenue:
                       
   
Service charge income
  $ 106,097       106,440     $ 98,479  
   
Rental income from affiliates
    2,041       1,346       1,335  
 
   
     
     
 
 
Total revenue
    108,138       107,786       99,814  
Expenses:
                       
   
Interest, net
    24,707       29,322       27,203  
   
Servicing and marketing fees paid to Nordstrom fsb
    32,496       42,452       36,206  
   
Selling, general and administrative
    27,506       20,747       1,729  
 
   
     
     
 
 
Total expenses
    84,709       92,521       65,138  
 
   
     
     
 
Earnings before income taxes
    23,429       15,265       34,676  
Income taxes
    8,700       5,700       12,400  
 
   
     
     
 
Net earnings
  $ 14,729     $ 9,565     $ 22,276  
 
   
     
     
 
Ratio of earnings available for fixed charges to fixed charges
    1.94       1.52       2.27  
 
   
     
     
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

                      
January 31,   2002   2001

 
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,368     $ 152  
Customer accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $23,022 and $16,531
    620,921       645,124  
Receivable from Affiliates and other
    43,849       7,650  
Land, buildings and equipment, net (at cost)
    5,204       4,471  
Deferred taxes and other assets
    10,168       5,918  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 683,510     $ 663,315  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND INVESTMENT OF NORDSTROM, INC
               
Note payable to Nordstrom, Inc.
  $     $ 301,430  
Payable to affiliates
    22,796       414  
Accrued interest, taxes and other
    7,080       11,566  
Long-term debt
    476,750       187,750  
 
   
     
 
 
Total liabilities
    506,626       501,160  
Investment of Nordstrom, Inc.
    176,884       162,155  
 
   
     
 
 
  $ 683,510     $ 663,315  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INVESTMENT OF NORDSTROM, INC.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                 
    Common Stock, $.50 par value,                
    100,000 shares authorized                
   
  Retained        
    Shares   Amount   Earnings   Total
   
 
 
 
Balance at February 1, 1999
    10,000     $ 55,058     $ 75,256     $ 130,314  
Net earnings
            22,276       22,276  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at January 31, 2000
    10,000       55,058       97,532       152,590  
Net earnings
            9,565       9,565  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at January 31, 2001
    10,000     $ 55,058       107,097       162,155  
Net earnings
            14,729       14,729  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Balance at January 31, 2002
    10,000     $ 55,058     $ 121,826     $ 176,884  
 
   
     
     
     
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

                                                    
Year Ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
 
Net earnings
  $ 14,729     $ 9,565     $ 22,276  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
   
Depreciation and amortization
    875       549       616  
   
Change in:
                       
     
Receivable from Affiliates and other
    1,896       (5,558 )     617  
     
Deferred taxes and other assets
    (4,462 )     935       3,264  
     
Payable to Affiliates
    22,382       414       (3,610 )
     
Accrued interest, taxes and other
    (4,486 )     6,201       (1,055 )
 
Additions to notes receivable from Affiliates, net
    (38,095 )            
 
   
     
     
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
    (7,161 )     12,106       22,108  
 
   
     
     
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
 
(Increase) decrease in customer accounts receivable, net
    24,203       (86,433 )     7,752  
 
Additions to property and equipment, net
    (1,396 )     (495 )     (23 )
 
   
     
     
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    22,807       (86,928 )     7,729  
 
   
     
     
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
 
Payments of commercial paper, net
                (78,784 )
 
(Repayments) borrowings under note payable to Nordstrom, Inc., net
    (301,430 )     132,350       107,080  
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
    (11,000 )     (57,600 )     (58,000 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    300,000              
 
   
     
     
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (12,430 )     74,750       (29,704 )
 
   
     
     
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
    3,216       (72 )     133  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    152       224       91  
 
   
     
     
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 3,368     $ 152     $ 224  
 
   
     
     
 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands)

NOTE 1 — DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Nordstrom Credit, Inc. (the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nordstrom, Inc. (“Nordstrom”), was incorporated in the state of Washington in 1982 and reincorporated in the state of Colorado in 1990. The primary business of the Company is to finance customer accounts receivable generated under revolving charge accounts through sales of merchandise in Nordstrom stores (“Accounts”). The Accounts originate through the use of credit cards issued by Nordstrom fsb, (“the Bank”) a federal savings association organized as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nordstrom effective August 30, 1991.

The Company and the Bank are parties to an operating agreement dated August 30, 1991, as amended on March 1, 2000 and October 1, 2001 (the “Operating Agreement”) under which the Company purchases Accounts from the Bank for a price equal to the amount of Accounts originated less an allowance for amounts to be written off (the “holdback allowance”). The Bank performs the servicing functions for the Accounts. Previously, the Company paid the Bank a servicing fee of 2.3% based on the amount of such Accounts originated, effective through October 31, 2001. Effective November 1, 2001, the Company pays a servicing fee of 2% to the Bank based on average accounts receivable balances. The Company also pays a monthly marketing fee to the Bank for its marketing efforts to increase customer accounts receivable balances upon which the Company earns service charge income.

On October 1, 2001, the Company established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Nordstrom Private Label Receivables LLC (NPLR) in connection with the issuance of the $300 million receivable-backed securities supported by the Company’s private label receivables. The Company sells substantially all of the private label receivables to NPLR. The receivables sold to NPLR are then pledged to Wilmington Trust, the Owner Trustee, who issues certificates that are backed by the receivables.

In the first quarter of 2000, the Company implemented a customer loyalty program for the Nordstrom private label credit card. Customers earn reward points based on their spending habits. Upon the accumulation of a specified number of points, the customer is given a merchandise certificate to be redeemed at any Nordstrom store. The expense is accrued by the Company as the reward points are earned. When the merchandise certificate is issued, the liability is assumed by Nordstrom.

The Company and Nordstrom are parties to an investment agreement (the “Investment Agreement”) dated October 8, 1984, which, among other things, governs ownership of Company stock and the financial relationships between Nordstrom and the Company. The Investment Agreement requires that Nordstrom maintain the Company’s ratio of earnings available for fixed charges to fixed charges at not less than 1.25:1 and further requires that Nordstrom retain ownership of all the outstanding shares of stock of the Company. This agreement does not, however, represent a guarantee by Nordstrom of the payment of any obligation of the Company.

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NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the balances of Nordstrom Credit, Inc. and Nordstrom Private Label Receivables LLC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates: Management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of prior year balances have been made for consistent presentation with the current year.

Cash Equivalents: Cash equivalents represent short-term investments with a maturity of three months or less from the time of purchase.

Asset Impairment: The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of these assets may not be recoverable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The carrying amount of cash equivalents, customer accounts receivable, notes receivable and notes payable approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt (including current maturities), using quoted markets prices of the same or similar issues with the same remaining term to maturity, is approximately $471,251 and $183,666 at January 31, 2002 and 2001.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In February 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” as amended by SFAS No. 137 and No. 138. It requires the fair value of all derivatives to be recognized as either assets or liabilities, and specifies accounting for changes in their fair value. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In March 2001, the Company adopted SFAS No. 140 “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities,” a replacement of SFAS No. 125 with the same title. It revises the standards for securitizations and other transfers of financial assets and collateral and requires certain additional disclosures, but otherwise retains most of SFAS No. 125’s provisions. Adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

The Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) has reached a consensus on Issue No. 99-20, “Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased and Retained Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets,” which provides guidance on how a transferor that retains an interest in securitized financial assets, or an enterprise that purchases a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets, should account for related interest income and impairment. Adoption of this accounting issue in the quarter ended July 31, 2001, did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

In February 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” SFAS No. 144 retains the fundamental provisions of SFAS No. 121, but establishes new criteria for asset classification and broadens the scope of qualifying discontinued operations. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

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NOTE 3 — RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Company owns an office building in Englewood, Colorado, and leases space in the building to the Bank on a month-to-month basis. Rent received from the Bank was $1,980 in 2001 and $1,285 in 2000 and 1999. The Company also owns property adjacent to the office building on which Nordstrom locates its data center. Rent received from Nordstrom for the data center, under a month-to-month agreement, was $61 in 2001 and 2000, and $50 in 1999, respectively.

The Company pays a monthly marketing fee to the Bank for its marketing efforts to increase customer accounts receivable balances upon which the Company earns service charge income. The fee is based on the amount of revenue generated by the Company’s customer accounts receivable. Fees paid to the Bank were $5,899 in 2001, $10,300 in 2000 and $7,200 in 1999.

NOTE 4 — INTEREST, NET

The components of interest, net are as follows:

                         
Year ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
Note payable to Nordstrom, Inc.
  $ 8,410     $ 15,487       6,611  
Commercial paper
                137  
Long-term debt
    16,602       13,852       20,460  
 
   
     
     
 
Total interest cost
    25,012       29,339       27,208  
Less: Interest income
    (305 )     (17 )     (5 )
 
   
     
     
 
Interest, net
  $ 24,707     $ 29,322     $ 27,203  
 
   
     
     
 

NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES

The Company files consolidated income tax returns with Nordstrom. Income taxes have been provided on a separate return basis, and the difference between the effective tax rate and the statutory Federal income tax rate is due to the provision for state and local income taxes. At January 31, 2002 and 2001, amounts due to Nordstrom for income taxes totaled $6,290 and $1,200 and are included in Payable to Affiliates. The components of income taxes are as follows:

                           
Year ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
Current income taxes:
                       
 
Federal
  $ 8,930     $ 3,780     $ 12,360  
 
State and local
    420       370       833  
 
   
     
     
 
Total current income taxes
    9,350       4,150       13,193  
Deferred income taxes
    (650 )     1,550       (793 )
 
   
     
     
 
Total income taxes
  $ 8,700     $ 5,700     $ 12,400  
 
   
     
     
 

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expenses for tax and financial reporting purposes. At January 31, 2002 and 2001, deferred tax assets and liabilities are primarily related to the securitization of the VISA accounts receivable (See Note 6).

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NOTE 6 — CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Customer accounts receivable, net, consists of the following:

                 
January 31,   2002   2001

 
 
Unrestricted accounts
  $ 5,441     $ 642,951  
Restricted accounts
    628,271        
Master trust certificates
    10,231       18,704  
 
   
     
 
 
    643,943       661,655  
Holdback allowance
    (23,022 )     (16,531 )
 
   
     
 
Customer accounts receivable, net
  $ 620,921     $ 645,124  
 
   
     
 

The Company has no credit risk with respect to the Accounts, as Nordstrom bears the risk of credit loss.

Restricted accounts back the $300 million of Class A notes and the $200 million variable funding note issued by the Company in November 2001.

The Company owns an undivided, subordinate interest (Class B Certificate) in a pool of VISA credit card receivables. External investors hold the Class A Certificates and the Bank owns the Seller Retained Certificate and Interest Only Strip. The carrying amount of the Class B certificate approximates fair value and is included in customer accounts receivable.

The receivables sold to the trust are allocated between the various interests in the trust based on those interests’ relative fair market value. The fair values of the assets are calculated as the present value of their expected future cash flows over the estimated life of the receivables sold into the trust. Assumptions used to measure future cash flows are based on the current performance trends of the receivable portfolio and include a weighted average life of the receivables of 2.4 months, average credit losses of 7.41%, average payment rate of 22.04%, and discount rate of 13.62% for the Class B Certificate.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the securities held by the Company:

                 
January 31,   2002   2001

 
 
Class B Certificate
  $ 10,849     $ 11,000  
Seller Retained Interest
          9,047  

The Company previously held a portion of the Seller Retained Interest, but at January 31, 2002, the Bank held and will continue to hold, the entire amount of the Seller Retained Interest.

Interest income earned on the Class B Certificate and Seller Retained Interest totaled $1,570, $2,818 and $1,550 as of January 31, 2002, 2001 and 2000 and is included in service charge income and other on the consolidated statements of earnings.

The Company’s continuing involvement in the securitization of VISA receivables will include recognizing income on retained assets as prescribed by EITF 99-20 and holding subordinated interests in the trust. The Bank will continue to service the portfolio.

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NOTE 6 — CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE (CONT.)

The Company also issued $300 million of receivable-backed securities supported by substantially all of its private label receivables. This transaction is accounted for as a secured financing. Total principal receivables of the securitized portfolio on January 31, 2002 were approximately $625,516, receivables more than 30 days past due were approximately $19,301, and charged off receivables for the 12 months ending January 31, 2002 were $28,134. The private label receivables also serve as collateral for a variable funding facility with a limit of $200 million. Nothing was outstanding on this facility on January 31, 2002.

The Company’s continuing involvement in the securitization of private label receivables will include pledging new receivables to the master note trust and accounting for the transaction as a secured financing. The Bank will continue to service the portfolio.

NOTE 7 – RECEIVABLE FROM AFFILIATES AND OTHER

Receivable from Affiliates and other consist primarily of amounts due from Nordstrom for borrowings under an agreement dated November 1, 2001 and amounts due from the Bank for borrowings under an agreement dated March 1, 2000. Borrowings under the agreements bear interest at floating rates based on a published LIBOR rate (1.7% at January 31, 2002) and are due upon demand. At January 31, 2002, $17,215 was outstanding on the note receivable from Nordstrom and $20,880 was outstanding on the note receivable from the Bank. Receivable from Affiliates and other also includes income and late fees due from Nordstrom fsb related to the securitized accounts receivables.

NOTE 8 – LAND, BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT

Land, buildings and equipment consist of the following:

                 
January 31,   2002   2001

 
 
Land and land improvements
  $ 662     $ 662  
Buildings
    6,900       6,889  
Capitalized software
    1,189       142  
Fixtures and equipment
    722       119  
 
   
     
 
 
    9,473       7,812  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (4,269 )     (3,606 )
 
   
     
 
 
    5,204       4,206  
Construction in progress
          265  
 
   
     
 
Land, buildings and equipment, net
  $ 5,204     $ 4,471  
 
   
     
 

Depreciation is computed using a combination of accelerated and straight-line methods. Estimated useful lives by major asset category are as follows:

         
Asset   Life (in years)

 
Buildings
    5-40  
Fixtures and equipment
    3-15  
Software
    3-7  

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NOTE 9 — NOTES PAYABLE AND COMMERCIAL PAPER

The note payable to Nordstrom represents amounts borrowed under an agreement dated July 17, 1997. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at floating rates based on a published LIBOR rate (5.4% at January 31, 2001 and 5.7% at January 31, 2000) and are due upon demand. At January 31, 2002 there were no outstanding borrowings on the note payable.

A summary of notes payable is as follows:

                             
Year ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
Average daily borrowings outstanding:
                         
 
Nordstrom
  $ 218,517     $ 241,987     $ 122,166  
 
Other
                2,598  
Maximum amount outstanding:
                       
 
Nordstrom
      338,680       398,130       253,180  
 
Other
                  78,784  
Weighted average interest rate:
                         
 
During the year:
                       
   
Nordstrom
      3.8 %     6.4 %     5.4 %
   
Other
                  5.3 %
 
At year-end:
                         
   
Nordstrom
            5.4 %     5.7 %

NOTE 10 — LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consists of the following:

                 
January 31,   2002   2001

 
 
Medium-term notes, 7.25%, due 2002
  $ 76,750     $ 87,750  
Notes payable, 6.7%, due 2005
    100,000       100,000  
Receivable-backed PL Term, 4.82%, due 2006
    300,000        
 
   
     
 
Total long-term debt
  $ 476,750     $ 187,750  
 
   
     
 

Aggregate principal payments on long-term debt are as follows: 2002 — $76,750, 2003 — $0, 2004 — $0, 2005 — $100,000, 2006 — $300,000 and after 2006 — $0.

In November 2001, the Company issued $300 million of Class A notes backed by Nordstrom Private Label Receivables (“PL Term”). The PL Term bears a fixed interest rate of 4.82% and has an expected maturity of five years.

NOTE 11 — SUPPLEMENTARY CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Supplementary cash flow information is as follows:

                           
Year Ended January 31,   2002   2001   2000

 
 
 
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
 
Interest
  $ 26,728     $ 29,446     $ 27,996  
 
Income taxes paid to Nordstrom
    3,610       6,100       12,700  

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NOTE 12 — SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

                                         
Year ended January 31, 2002   1st quarter   2nd quarter   3rd quarter   4th quarter   Total

 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
    29,317       26,588       24,789       27,444       108,138  
Earnings before income taxes
    8,610       1,547       4,675       8,597       23,429  
Net earnings
    5,410       977       2,935       5,407       14,729  
                                         
Year ended January 31, 2001   1st quarter   2nd quarter   3rd quarter   4th quarter   Total

 
 
 
 
 
Revenue
    25,125       25,447       27,221       29,993       107,786  
Earnings before income taxes
    5,895       2,739       4,338       2,293       15,265  
Net earnings
    3,695       1,739       2,738       1,393       9,565  

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NORDSTROM CREDIT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND
QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(Dollars in thousands)

                                                                     
            Column C   Column D        
Column A   Column B   Additions   Deductions   Column E

 
 
 
 
                                    Account        
    Balance   Charged to   Charged   write-offs   Balance
    beginning   costs and   to other   net of   end of
Description   of period   expenses   accounts   recoveries   period

 
 
 
 
 
Holdback allowance - customer accounts receivable
                                               
Year ended January 31, 2002
  $ 16,531                   $ 34,624 *   $ 28,133     $ 23,022  
Year ended January 31, 2001
  $ 15,838                   $ 20,369 *   $ 19,676     $ 16,531  
Year ended January 31, 2000
  $ 24,543                   $ 11,707 *   $ 20,412     $ 15,838  

*     The Company purchases Accounts net of this amount which represents the allowance for uncollectible amounts. Bad debt expenses are reflected on the books of Nordstrom for Accounts generated through sales at Nordstrom stores.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

         
EXHIBIT   METHOD OF FILING

 
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1991, Exhibit 3.1
3.2
 
By-laws, as amended and restated on December 19, 1995
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1996, Exhibit 3.3
10.1
 
Investment Agreement dated October 8, 1984 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10, Exhibit 10.1
10.2
 
Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 31, 1991, Exhibit 10.1, as amended
10.3
 
First Amendment to the Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 Between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated March 1, 2000
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2001, Exhibit 10.3
10.4
 
Second Amendment to the Operating Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank, dated October 1, 2001
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.5
 
Corporate Services Agreement dated February 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom federal savings bank (fsb)
 
Incorporated by reference from the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2001, Exhibit 10.4
10.6
 
Loan Agreement dated July 17, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.1
10.7
 
Amendment to the Loan Agreement dated July 17, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated September 3, 1997
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.2
10.8
 
Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1996, Exhibit 10.3
10.9
 
Amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14,1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank, and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated December 10, 1997
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1998, Exhibit 10.13

 


Table of Contents

         
EXHIBIT   METHOD OF FILING

 
10.10
 
Second amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14,1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank, and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as trustee, dated February 28, 1999
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 1999, Exhibit 10.1
10.11
 
Third amendment to the Series 1996-A Supplement to Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant, Nordstrom National Credit Bank, and Norwest Bank Colorado, N.A., as Trustee, dated October 1, 2001
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.12
 
Receivables Purchase Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc.
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.10
10.13
 
Participation Agreement dated August 14, 1996 between Registrant and Nordstrom National Credit Bank
 
Incorporated by reference from Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 1997, Exhibit 10.11
10.14
 
Loan Agreement dated November 1, 2001 between Nordstrom, Inc. and Registrant
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.15
 
Loan Agreement dated March 1, 2000 between Nordstrom fsb and Registrant
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.16
 
Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc.
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.17
 
Amendment to the Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated October 1, 2001
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.18
 
Second Amendment to the Business Account Operating Agreement dated February 1, 1997 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated November 30, 2001
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.19
 
Recourse Agreement dated March 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc.
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.20
 
Amendment to the Recourse Agreement dated March 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom, Inc., dated October 1, 2001
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.21
 
Receivables Purchase Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Registrant and Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC
 
Filed herewith electronically

 


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EXHIBIT   METHOD OF FILING

 
10.22
 
Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC, Nordstrom fsb, Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., and Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.23
 
Master Indenture dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A., as trustee
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.24
 
Series 2001-1 Indenture Supplement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. as trustee
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.25
 
Series 2001-2 Indenture Supplement dated December 4, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Credit Card Master Note Trust and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, N.A. as trustee
 
Filed herewith electronically
10.26
 
Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated October 1, 2001 between Nordstrom Private Label Receivables, LLC, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee
 
Filed herewith electronically
12.1
 
Computation of Ratio of Earnings Available for Fixed Charges to Fixed Charges
 
Filed herewith electronically
23.1
 
Independent Auditors’ Consent
 
Filed herewith electronically