UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q

[ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 30, 2016

OR

[ ] 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     1-32545
DSW INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
 
31-0746639
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
810 DSW Drive, Columbus, Ohio
 
43219
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
                                    (614) 237-7100
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
 
 
 
 
 
þ
Yes
o
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
 
 
 
 
þ
Yes
o
No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 
 
 
 
Large Accelerated Filer
þ
 
Accelerated Filer
o
 
Non-accelerated Filer
o
 
(Do not check if smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company
o
 
 
 
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
 
 
 
 
 
o
Yes
þ
No
    
The number of outstanding Class A Common Shares, without par value, as of August 26, 2016 was 74,501,062 and Class B Common Shares, without par value, as of August 26, 2016 was 7,732,807 .





DSW INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS



Item No.
Page
Part I. Financial Information
 
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
Part II. Other Information
 

    

1


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements

DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Net sales
$
658,944

 
$
627,206

 
$
1,340,211

 
$
1,282,692

Cost of sales
(472,083
)
 
(435,904
)
 
(948,993
)
 
(878,332
)
Operating expenses
(145,088
)
 
(131,721
)
 
(299,284
)
 
(271,207
)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
(2,166
)
 

 
(3,611
)
 

Operating profit
39,607

 
59,581

 
88,323

 
133,153

Interest expense
(50
)
 
(40
)
 
(99
)
 
(78
)
Interest income
673

 
792

 
1,243

 
1,750

Interest income, net
623

 
752

 
1,144

 
1,672

Non-operating income (expense)
100

 
(7
)
 
264

 
3,305

Income before income taxes and income (loss) from Town Shoes
40,330

 
60,326


89,731


138,130

Income tax provision
(15,716
)
 
(22,486
)
 
(34,794
)
 
(51,582
)
Income (loss) from Town Shoes
418

 
(230
)
 
109

 
(1,572
)
Net income
$
25,032

 
$
37,610


$
55,046


$
84,976

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.31

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.96

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.30

 
$
0.42

 
$
0.67

 
$
0.95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares used in per share calculations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic shares
82,053

 
88,713

 
82,003

 
88,619

Diluted shares
82,655

 
89,693

 
82,691

 
89,660

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain
$
(4,903
)
 
$
(8,652
)
 
$
7,246

 
$
(6,838
)
Unrealized net gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $14, $6, $130 and $6, respectively)
150

 
50

 
276

 
(311
)
Total comprehensive income
$
20,279

 
$
29,008

 
$
62,568

 
$
77,827
















The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
62,324

 
$
32,495

 
$
151,007

Short-term investments
103,467

 
226,027

 
140,821

Accounts receivable, net
18,848

 
15,437

 
18,533

Accounts receivable from related parties
81

 
27

 
63

Inventories
556,183

 
484,236

 
505,170

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
30,040

 
37,444

 
31,599

Prepaid rent to related parties
12

 
2

 

Total current assets
770,955

 
795,668

 
847,193

 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
379,643

 
374,241

 
354,477

Long-term investments
77,901

 
71,953

 
179,305

Goodwill
81,043

 
25,899

 
25,899

Deferred income taxes
20,690

 
21,815

 
32,111

Long-term prepaid rent to related parties
821

 
875

 
866

Investment in Town Shoes
17,261

 
21,188

 
21,986

Note receivable from Town Shoes
50,200

 
44,170

 
44,627

Intangible assets
39,316

 
46

 
46

Other assets
21,145

 
13,254

 
7,554

Total assets
$
1,458,975

 
$
1,369,109

 
$
1,514,064

 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
Accounts payable
$
198,584

 
$
214,893

 
$
190,382

Accounts payable to related parties
656

 
733

 
529

Accrued expenses
115,192

 
107,800

 
113,466

Total current liabilities
314,432

 
323,426

 
304,377

 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-current liabilities
143,562

 
140,759

 
144,029

Commitments and contingencies
59,611

 

 

Total liabilities
$
517,605

 
$
464,185

 
$
448,406

 
 
 
 
 
 
Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares paid in capital, no par value; 250,000 Class A Common Shares authorized; 84,570, 84,396 and 84,047 issued, respectively; 74,359, 74,185 and 81,011 outstanding, respectively; 100,000 Class B Common Shares authorized, 7,733 issued and outstanding
$
936,572

 
$
930,011

 
$
920,682

Preferred Shares, no par value; 100,000 authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

 

Treasury shares, at cost, 10,211, 10,211 and 3,036 outstanding, respectively
(266,531
)
 
(266,531
)
 
(86,938
)
Retained earnings
309,503

 
287,140

 
270,510

Basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity
(24,993
)
 
(24,993
)
 
(24,993
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(13,181
)
 
(20,703
)
 
(13,603
)
Total shareholders’ equity
$
941,370

 
$
904,924

 
$
1,065,658

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
$
1,458,975

 
$
1,369,109

 
$
1,514,064


The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Number of Shares
 
 
 
Retained earnings
Basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity
 Accumulated other comprehensive loss


Total
 
 
Class A
Common
Shares
Class B Common
Shares
Treasury Shares
 
Common shares paid in capital
Treasury shares
Balance, January 31, 2015
 
80,666

7,733

3,036

 
$
908,679

$
(86,938
)
$
220,826

$
(24,993
)
$
(6,454
)
$
1,011,120

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 



 


84,976



84,976

Stock-based compensation expense, before related tax effects
 



 
6,729





6,729

Stock units granted
 
31



 
926





926

Exercise of stock options
 
263



 
3,431





3,431

Vesting of restricted stock units, net of settlement of taxes
 
51



 
(1,272
)




(1,272
)
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation
 



 
2,189





2,189

Foreign currency translation
 



 




(6,838
)
(6,838
)
Unrealized net loss on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $6)
 



 




(311
)
(311
)
Dividends paid ($0.40 per share)
 



 


(35,292
)


(35,292
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, August 1, 2015
 
81,011

7,733

3,036

 
$
920,682

$
(86,938
)
$
270,510

$
(24,993
)
$
(13,603
)
$
1,065,658

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, January 30, 2016
 
74,185

7,733

10,211

 
$
930,011

$
(266,531
)
$
287,140

$
(24,993
)
$
(20,703
)
$
904,924

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 



 


55,046



55,046

Stock-based compensation expense, before related tax effects
 



 
6,326





6,326

Stock units granted
 
52



 
990





990

Exercise of stock options
 
37



 
429





429

Vesting of restricted stock units, net of settlement of taxes
 
85



 
(1,104
)




(1,104
)
Tax shortfall related to stock-based compensation
 



 
(80
)




(80
)
Foreign currency translation
 



 




7,246

7,246

Unrealized net gain on available-for-sale securities (net of taxes of $130)
 



 




276

276

Dividends paid   ($0.40   per share)
 



 


(32,683
)


(32,683
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, July 30, 2016
 
74,359

7,733

10,211

 
$
936,572

$
(266,531
)
$
309,503

$
(24,993
)
$
(13,181
)
$
941,370
















The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


DSW INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:  
 
 
 
Net income
$
55,046

 
$
84,976

 
 
 
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash and equivalents provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
40,389

 
36,712

Stock-based compensation expense
7,316

 
7,655

Deferred income taxes
1,125

 
(1,033
)
(Income) loss from Town Shoes
(109
)
 
1,572

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
3,611

 

Loss on disposal of long-lived assets
702

 
292

Impairment of long-lived assets

 
418

Amortization of investment discounts and premiums
759

 
3,432

Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation

 
(2,189
)
Gain on foreign currency exchange rate

 
(3,305
)
 
 
 
 
Change in working capital, assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, net
(1,842
)
 
5,811

Inventories
(41,795
)
 
(54,334
)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
7,946

 
9,051

Accounts payable
(17,059
)
 
17,693

Accrued expenses
3,256

 
1,984

Other
1,799

 
5,835

Net cash and equivalents provided by operating activities
$
61,144

 
$
114,570

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Cash paid for property and equipment
(51,934
)
 
(50,979
)
Purchases of available-for-sale investments
(57,484
)
 
(105,572
)
Sales of available-for-sale investments
178,980

 
163,808

(Increase) decrease in restricted cash
(467
)
 
2,385

Payment-in-kind interest from Town Shoes
(6,641
)
 
(4,737
)
Acquisition of Ebuys
(60,411
)
 

Net cash and equivalents provided by investing activities
$
2,043

 
$
4,905

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
429

 
3,431

Cash paid for income taxes for shares withheld
(1,104
)
 
(1,272
)
Dividends paid
(32,683
)
 
(35,292
)
Excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation

 
2,189

Net cash and equivalents used in financing activities
$
(33,358
)
 
$
(30,944
)
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances
$

 
$
3,305

Net increase in cash and equivalents
29,829

 
88,531

Cash and equivalents, beginning of period
32,495

 
59,171

Cash and equivalents, end of period
$
62,324

 
$
151,007

 
 
 
 

5


 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
$
25,685

 
$
43,705

Proceeds from construction and tenant allowances
$
9,179

 
$
14,004

 
 
 
 
Non-cash operating, investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Balance of accounts payable and accrued expenses due to property and equipment purchases
$
4,944

 
$
8,277

Contingent consideration liability
$
59,611

 
$




















































The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


1 . BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Business Operations- DSW Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries are herein referred to collectively as DSW Inc. or the “Company”. DSW refers to the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com. DSW Inc. Class A Common Shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “DSW”. DSW Inc. Class B Common Shares are not listed on a stock exchange but are exchangeable for Class A Common Shares at the election of the shareholder.

DSW Inc. has two reportable segments: the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com, and the Affiliated Business Group (“ABG”) segment. DSW offers a wide assortment of brand name dress, casual and athletic footwear and accessories for women, men and kids. As of July 30, 2016 , DSW operated a total of 480 stores located in 42 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and dsw.com. During the six months ended July 30, 2016 , DSW opened 13 new DSW stores and closed one DSW store.

DSW Inc., through its ABG segment, also partners with three other retailers to help build and optimize their footwear businesses. As of July 30, 2016 , ABG supplied merchandise to 281 Stein Mart stores and Steinmart.com, 103 Gordmans stores and Gordmans.com, and one Frugal Fannie’s store. During the six months ended July 30, 2016 , ABG added eight new shoe departments and ceased operations in two shoe departments.

DSW Inc. also has an equity investment in Town Shoes Limited ("Town Shoes"). Town Shoes is the market leader in branded footwear in Canada. As of July 30, 2016 , Town Shoes operated 186 locations across Canada primarily under The Shoe Company, Shoe Warehouse, Town Shoes and DSW banners, as well as an e-commerce site. As of July 30, 2016 , there are 17 DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse stores in Canada operating under a licensing agreement. See Note 4 for further disclosure on the licensing agreement.

On March 4, 2016 , the Company acquired Ebuys, Inc. ("Ebuys"), a leading off price footwear and accessories retailer operating in digital marketplaces. Ebuys sells products to customers located in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. The transaction supports DSW Inc.’s efforts to grow its market share within footwear and accessories domestically and internationally.

Basis of Presentation- The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with DSW Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 24, 2016 (the “2015 Annual Report”). In the opinion of management, the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are necessary to present fairly the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The condensed consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of DSW Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in United States dollars ("USD"), unless otherwise noted.

Prior Period Reclassification- Certain prior period disclosure amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. Intangible assets are no longer included in other assets and are presented separately in the Company’s balance sheets. Software is no longer included in furniture, fixtures and equipment and is presented separately in the property, plant and equipment footnote (Note 10).

2.     ACQUISITION AND EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT

Town Shoes- On May 12, 2014, DSW Inc. acquired a 49.2% ownership interest in Town Shoes for $75.1 million Canadian dollars ("CAD") ( $68.9 million USD) at the purchase date. As of July 30, 2016 , DSW Inc.'s ownership interest is 46.3% . The dilution of the Company's ownership is due to Town Shoes' employee exercise of stock options. DSW Inc.'s initial stake provides 50% voting control and board representation equal to the co-investor.

Additionally, the Town Shoe co-investor holds the option to sell the remaining portion of the company in fiscal 2017 to DSW Inc., and for the subsequent two years. DSW Inc. holds the option to purchase the remaining portion of the company in fiscal 2018, and for the subsequent two years, if the Town Shoe co-investor has not exercised their put option. DSW Inc. purchased $100 million CAD during the first quarter of fiscal 2015 (approximately $79 million USD at purchase date) to take advantage of the strength of the dollar and in anticipation of funding the future purchase of the remaining interest in Town Shoes. The funds are also available to fund other business opportunities or return to U.S. operations, if needed. As this was a cash transaction, the gains or losses related to the purchase of the CAD were recorded in the consolidated statement of operations. During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded $3.3 million in foreign currency exchange gains related to the

7

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


purchase of CAD within non-operating income. The Company invested the CAD in available-for-sale securities in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The accumulated comprehensive loss was impacted by an increase of $2.9 million for the three months ended July 30, 2016 and a decrease of $5.3 million for the six months ended July 30, 2016 .

Ebuys- On March 4, 2016 , the Company acquired Ebuys, a digital marketplace and accessories retailer, for a total purchase price of $116.4 million . In addition to cash consideration of $62.5 million , less adjustments for working capital, the purchase price includes future payments that are contingent upon the achievement of specified milestones. The Company will revalue its contingent consideration obligation of $56.0 million each reporting period. Since the acquisition date, Ebuys has recognized revenues of $34.7 million , which is included in the consolidated statement of operations. Goodwill was calculated as the excess of the consideration paid over the net assets recognized and represents the future economic benefits expected to arise from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill related to this acquisition is deductible for income tax purposes.

The purchase price allocation for the Ebuys acquisition is preliminary and subject to change based on the finalization of the detailed valuations. The following table represents the estimate of the allocation of the purchase price (in thousands):

 
Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation as of March 4, 2016
 
Adjustments
 
Updated Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation as of July 30, 2016
Accounts and other receivables
$
1,623

 
$
(361
)
 
$
1,262

Inventory
30,152

 
251

 
30,403

Other current assets
191

 

 
191

Property and equipment
1,221

 
22

 
1,243

Goodwill
54,785

 
359

 
55,144

Other intangible assets
41,301

 
(200
)
 
41,101

Accounts payable and other long-term liabilities
(12,862
)
 
(71
)
 
(12,933
)
Total preliminary purchase price
$
116,411

 
$

 
$
116,411


The preliminary fair value of intangible assets of $41.1 million includes $5.7 million for non-compete agreements, $24.4 million for customer and online retailer relationships, and $11.0 million for trade names.

Per Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, Business Combinations, the acquirer shall disclose pro-forma financial information as though the business combination had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period. For the acquisition of Ebuys in March 2016, pro-forma information was not practicable to obtain as of the time that financial statements were ready for issuance.

In connection with the acquisition of Ebuys, the Company adopted or updated the following significant accounting policies:

Business Combinations - In accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations , the Company recognizes assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, including contingent assets and liabilities, based on fair value estimates as of the date of acquisition. The purchase price allocation process requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions with respect to the fair value of any intangible assets acquired, deferred revenues assumed, or contingent consideration within the arrangement. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions or estimates.

Contingent Consideration - The Company agreed to pay additional amounts to the sellers contingent upon achievement of certain negotiated goals. The Company has recognized a liability for this contingent obligation based on its estimated fair value at the date of acquisition with any differences between the acquisition-date fair value and the ultimate settlement of the obligation being recognized as an adjustment to income from operations. For the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 , the change in fair value of contingent consideration was $2.2 million and $3.6 million , respectively, which is recognized within the statement of operations.


8

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


Inventories - Merchandise inventories for Ebuys are accounted for using the cost method, where the cost is based on invoice cost.

3 .     SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

A description of the Company's significant accounting policies is included in the 2015 Annual Report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") released Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09 on the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers that is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions. The standard will take effect for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods. The Company has completed an assessment identifying areas of impact for the business, including the Company's loyalty program and co-branded credit card. The Company is currently assessing and evaluating these results and developing an implementation plan, as well as evaluating the transition methods for adoption of the standard.
In April 2015, the FASB released ASU 2015-05 to provide guidance to customers concerning whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. Under this new standard, (1) if a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the software license element of the arrangement should be accounted for in a manner consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses, or, (2) if the arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement should be accounted for as a service contract. The standard took effect for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim reporting periods. The Company has adopted the new standard and is applying the new guidance prospectively.
In January 2016, the FASB released ASU 2016-01, which aims to improve and achieve convergence of the FASB and IASB standards on the accounting for financial instruments. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. An entity should apply the amendments by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values (including disclosure requirements) should be applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its financial statements and disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB released ASU 2016-02, which will increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet. The standard will take effect for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim reporting periods. Early application will be permitted for all entities upon issuance of the final standard. In addition, the FASB has decided to require a lessee to apply a modified retrospective transition approach for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements (the date of initial application). The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the date of initial application. The FASB decided to not permit a full retrospective transition approach. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB released ASU 2016-07, which will eliminate the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations and retained earnings retroactively on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The ASU will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods. The update should be applied prospectively upon effective date to increases in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence that result in the adoption of the equity method. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its financial statements and disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB released ASU 2016-09, which simplifies the guidance surrounding several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The standard will take effect for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the standard on its financial statements and disclosures.

9

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


4.     RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Schottenstein Affiliates- As of July 30, 2016 , the Schottenstein Affiliates (entities owned or controlled by Jay L. Schottenstein, the executive chairman of the DSW Inc. Board of Directors, and members of his family) beneficially owned approximately 18% of outstanding DSW Inc. Common Shares, representing approximately 51% of the combined voting power of outstanding DSW Inc. Common Shares. As of July 30, 2016 , the Schottenstein Affiliates beneficially owned 7.2 million Class A Common Shares and 7.7 million Class B Common Shares.

The Company leases its fulfillment center and certain store locations owned by Schottenstein Affiliates and purchases services and products from Schottenstein Affiliates. Accounts receivable from and payable to affiliates principally result from commercial transactions or affiliate transactions and normally settle in the form of cash in 30 to 60 days. Related party balances are disclosed on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

License Agreement with Town Shoes- DSW Shoe Warehouse, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSW Inc., licenses the use of its trade name and trademark, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, to its equity investee, Town Shoes, for a fee calculated as of a fixed percent of sales. The license is exclusive and non-transferable for use in Canada. Town Shoes pays DSW Inc. a percentage of net sales from its Canadian DSW stores on a monthly basis. The Canadian DSW stores operate in a manner similar to DSW stores in the United States and are required to maintain the standards and specifications that DSW uses to operate its own stores. DSW Inc. classifies the royalty fee as net sales.

5.     EARNINGS PER SHARE AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Earnings per Share- Basic earnings per share is based on net income and a simple weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common shares adjusted for outstanding stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and performance-based restricted stock units ("PSUs") calculated using the treasury stock method.

The following table is a reconciliation of the number of shares used in the calculation of diluted earnings per share computations for the periods presented:
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Weighted average shares outstanding
82,053

 
88,713

 
82,003

 
88,619

Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options
392

 
756

 
442

 
807

Assumed exercise of dilutive RSUs and PSUs
210

 
224

 
246

 
234

Number of shares for computation of diluted earnings per share
82,655

 
89,693


82,691


89,660


Options, RSUs and PSUs - The number of potential common shares that were not included in the computation of dilutive earnings per share because the effect would be anti-dilutive was approximately 3.6 million and 2.0 million for the three months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively, and 3.3 million and 1.5 million for the six months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , respectively.


10

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


6.     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The DSW Inc. 2014 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("the 2014 Plan") provides for the issuance of equity awards to purchase up to 8.5 million DSW Inc. Common Shares. The Company began issuing shares under the 2014 Plan after the DSW Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan expired in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. The 2014 Plan covers stock options, RSUs, PSUs, director stock units ("DSUs") and stock appreciation rights ("SARs"). Eligible recipients include key employees of DSW Inc. and affiliates, as well as directors. Options generally vest 20% per year on a cumulative basis. Options granted under the 2014 Plan generally remain exercisable for a period of ten years from the date of grant.

Stock-Based Compensation Expense- The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense:
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Stock options
$
3,224

 
$
3,626

Restricted stock units
1,870

 
1,401

Performance-based restricted stock units
1,232

 
1,702

Director stock units
990

 
926

Total
$
7,316

 
$
7,655


Stock Options, RSUs, PSUs and DSUs- The following table summarizes all stock-based compensation activity:
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
Stock Options
 
RSUs
 
PSUs
 
DSUs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Outstanding, beginning of period
3,849

 
372

 
293

 
305

Granted
835

 
181

 
112

 
52

Exercised/units vested
(37
)
 
(83
)
 
(133
)
 
(58
)
Forfeited
(251
)
 
(51
)
 
(27
)
 

Outstanding, end of period
4,396

 
419

 
245

 
299

Exercisable, end of period
2,388

 

 

 

 
The following table summarizes the total compensation cost related to nonvested shares not yet recognized and the weighted average expense recognition period remaining (amounts in thousands):
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
Stock Options
 
RSUs
 
PSUs
Unrecognized compensation cost
$
14,781

 
$
8,201

 
$
4,952

Weighted average expense recognition period
2.2 years

 
2.0 years

 
2.1 years














11

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


The following table illustrates the weighted average assumptions used in the Black-Scholes pricing model for options granted in each of the periods presented:    
 
Six months ended
Assumptions:
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Risk-free interest rate
1.5%
 
1.4%
Expected volatility of DSW Inc. Common Shares
36.0%
 
37.9%
Expected option term
5.4 years
 
5.1 years
Dividend yield
3.0%
 
2.1%
Other Data:
 
 
 
Weighted average grant date fair value
$6.59
 
$10.22

Stock Appreciation Rights- DSW Inc. entered into a SARs agreement with a non-employee on June 16, 2014, wherein DSW Inc. granted a total of 0.5 million SARs in two equal tranches with respect to DSW Class A Common Shares. During the three and six months ended August 1, 2015 , DSW Inc. recorded a benefit of $1.9 million and expense of $1.6 million , respectively. During the three months ended April 30, 2016 DSW Inc. recorded a benefit of $0.3 million . The unexercised SARs expired in June 2016, and the Company reversed the remaining liability of $0.3 million .

7.     INVESTMENTS

For the available-for-sale bonds and term notes, the carrying value, plus any unrealized gains or losses, equals the fair value. The unrealized holding gains or losses for the available-for-sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income. The Company accounts for its purchases and sales of investments on the trade date of the investment. The classification of available-for-sale securities is based on management's intention of the use of the investments. The Company used a portion of these investments for its acquisition of Ebuys (see Note 2 for additional discussion on the acquisition of Ebuys).

The following table discloses the major categories of the Company's investments as of the dates presented:
 
Short-term investments
 
Long-term investments
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Available-for-sale securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying value
$
103,051

 
$
225,985

 
$
140,778

 
$
78,068

 
$
72,153

 
$
179,659

Unrealized gains included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
455

 
477

 
91

 
33

 
22

 
14

Unrealized losses included in accumulated other comprehensive loss
(39
)
 
(435
)
 
(48
)
 
(200
)
 
(222
)
 
(368
)
Total investments
$
103,467

 
$
226,027

 
$
140,821

 
$
77,901

 
$
71,953

 
$
179,305


8.     FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Therefore, fair value is a market-based measurement based on assumptions of the market participants. As a basis for these assumptions, the Company classifies its fair value measurements under the following fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are publicly accessible. Active markets have frequent transactions with enough volume to provide ongoing pricing information.
Level 2 inputs are other than level 1 inputs that are directly or indirectly observable. These can include unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets or other observable inputs.
Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs.


12

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


Financial Assets and Liabilities- The following table presents financial assets and liabilities at fair value as of the dates presented:
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015 (1)
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and equivalents
$
62,324

 
$
62,324

 

 

 
$
32,495

 
$
32,495

 

 

 
$
151,007

 
$
151,007

 

Short-term investments (a)
103,467

 
120

 
$
103,347

 

 
226,027

 
2,127

 
$
223,900

 

 
140,821

 

 
$
140,821

Long-term investments (a)
77,901

 
314

 
77,587

 

 
71,953

 
181

 
71,772

 

 
179,305

 

 
179,305

Cost method investments (b)
7,250

 

 

 
$
7,250

 
6,000

 

 

 
$
6,000

 

 

 

Note receivable from Town Shoes (c)
43,640

 

 
43,640

 

 
33,311

 

 
33,311

 

 
44,627

 

 
44,627

Total financial assets
$
294,582


$
62,758


$
224,574


$
7,250

 
$
369,786

 
$
34,803


$
328,983


$
6,000

 
$
515,760

 
$
151,007

 
$
364,753

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial liabilities:


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock appreciation rights (d)

 

 

 

 
$
561

 

 
$
561

 

 
$
3,380

 

 
$
3,380

Contingent consideration (e)
$
59,611

 

 

 
$
59,611

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities
$
59,611


$


$


$
59,611


$
561


$


$
561


$

 
$
3,380


$


$
3,380

(1) There were no Level 3 measurements as of August 1, 2015.

(a) Short-term and long-term investments are valued using a market-based approach using Level 2 inputs such as prices of similar assets in active markets.

(b) Cost method investments are valued using Level 3 inputs. The fair value approximates the carrying value as there have been no triggering events that would indicate impairment.

(c) The Company estimated the fair value of the note receivable based upon current interest rates offered on similar instruments. The change in fair value is based on the change in comparable rates on similar instruments. Based on the Company’s intention and ability to hold the note until maturity or the exercise of the put/call option (see Note 2), the carrying value is not other-than-temporarily impaired.

(d) Stock appreciation rights are valued using the Black-Scholes model. See Note 6 for further disclosure on SARs.

(e) Included in the Level 3 liabilities is the contingent consideration liability related to the Company's acquisition of Ebuys. The liability is adjusted to fair value each reporting period. The categorization of the framework used to price the liability is considered Level 3 due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.

Level 3 Measurements- Financial assets and liabilities are considered Level 3 when the fair values are determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques and at least one significant model assumption or input is unobservable.

The following table presents activity related to Level 3 fair value measurements for cost method investments for the periods presented:
 
 
Fiscal period ended
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Carrying value, beginning of period
 
$
6,000

 

Additional cost method investment
 
1,250

 
$
6,000

Carrying value, end of period
 
$
7,250

 
$
6,000


13

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


The following table presents activity related to Level 3 fair value measurements for DSW Inc.'s contingent consideration liability for the period presented:
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
(in thousands)
Balance, acquisition date of contingent consideration
$
56,000

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
3,611

Balance, end of period
$
59,611


Non-Financial Assets- The Company evaluates the carrying amount of its long-lived assets, primarily property and equipment, and finite-lived intangible assets when events and circumstances warrant such a review to ascertain if any assets have been impaired. For the six months ended July 30, 2016, there was no impairment. For the six months ended August 1, 2015, there was a full impairment related to one store in the ABG segment of $0.4 million , recorded in cost of sales, where the future expected cash flows would not recover the carrying amount of its long-lived assets.

9. DEBT OBLIGATIONS

The Company has a $100 million Secured Credit Facility and a $50 million Letter of Credit Agreement, which are described more fully in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 . As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit under the Credit Facility with availability of $100 million , $100 million and $50 million , respectively. As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the Company had $7.9 million , $7.1 million and $8.5 million , respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under the Letter of Credit Agreement, and $8.1 million , $7.7 million and $9.1 million , respectively, in restricted cash on deposit as collateral under the Letter of Credit Agreement. The restricted cash balance is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

10.    PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

The balance sheet caption "Property and equipment, net" was comprised of the following as of the periods presented:
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Land
 
$
1,110

 
$
1,110

 
$
1,110

Furniture, fixtures and equipment
 
404,626

 
385,780

 
357,255

Software
 
131,675

 
120,567

 
114,351

Buildings, building and leasehold improvements
 
394,702

 
385,861

 
368,976

    Total property and equipment
 
932,113

 
893,318

 
841,692

Accumulated depreciation and amortization
 
(552,470
)
 
(519,077
)
 
(487,215
)
Property and equipment, net
 
$
379,643

 
$
374,241

 
$
354,477


11.     ACCRUED EXPENSES

The balance sheet caption "Accrued expenses" was comprised of the following as of the periods presented:
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Gift cards and merchandise credits
 
$
38,062

 
$
43,446

 
$
35,373

Compensation
 
15,184

 
8,042

 
15,862

Taxes
 
18,887

 
17,004

 
17,389

Customer loyalty program
 
11,401

 
10,084

 
15,113

Other accrued expenses  (1)
 
31,658

 
29,224

 
29,729

Total accrued expenses
 
$
115,192

 
$
107,800

 
$
113,466


14

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)



(1) Other accrued expenses is comprised of deferred revenue, sales return allowance, stock appreciation rights and various other accrued expenses, including advertising, professional fees and rent.

12.     NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES

The balance sheet caption "Non-current liabilities" was comprised of the following as of the periods presented:
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
January 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Construction and tenant allowances
 
$
89,460

 
$
86,777

 
$
88,998

Deferred rent
 
37,814

 
37,650

 
37,852

Other non-current liabilities (1)
 
16,288

 
16,332

 
17,179

Total non-current liabilities
 
$
143,562

 
$
140,759

 
$
144,029


(1) Other non-current liabilities is comprised of a reserve for a lease of an office facility assumed in the merger with Retail Ventures, Inc. ("RVI"), income tax reserves and deferred compensation. As of July 30, 2016 , the accrual related to the office facility was $8.6 million .

13.    SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company's operating segments are the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com, the ABG segment and Other, which includes Ebuys. The Company has identified such segments based on internal management reporting and responsibilities and measures segment profit as gross profit, which is defined as net sales less cost of sales. All operations are located in the United States and its territories. As of July 30, 2016 , the goodwill balance of $81.0 million is made up of $25.9 million recorded in the DSW segment (consistent with prior periods) and $55.1 million recorded in Other related to Ebuys.
 

15

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


 
DSW segment
 
ABG segment
 
Other (1)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Three months ended July 30, 2016
Net sales
$
603,927

 
$
35,446

 
$
19,571

 
$
658,944

Gross profit
177,885

 
7,217

 
1,759

 
186,861

Capital expenditures
25,908

 
145

 
14

 
26,067

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended August 1, 2015
Net sales
$
592,583

 
$
34,623

 
$

 
$
627,206

Gross profit
184,738

 
6,564

 

 
191,302

Capital expenditures
26,338

 
111

 

 
26,449

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended July 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,226,959

 
$
78,585

 
$
34,667

 
$
1,340,211

Gross profit
369,304

 
18,030

 
3,884

 
391,218

Capital expenditures
43,258

 
469

 
14

 
43,741

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six months ended August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
1,204,794

 
$
77,898

 
$

 
$
1,282,692

Gross profit
388,800

 
15,560

 

 
404,360

Capital expenditures
53,573

 
218

 

 
53,791

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of July 30, 2016
$
1,077,789

 
$
112,541

 
$
268,645

 
$
1,458,975

As of January 30, 2016
1,126,179

 
105,259

 
137,671

 
1,369,109

As of August 1, 2015
1,254,349

 
116,453

 
143,262

 
1,514,064


(1) Other includes assets, liabilities and expenses of the former RVI (see Note 15), the Company's investment in Town Shoes and Ebuys (see Note 2).

14.    INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes is based on the current estimate of the annual effective tax rate and is adjusted as necessary for quarterly events. The effective tax rate reflects the impact of federal, state and local, and foreign taxes, as well as tax on the income or loss from Town Shoes. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 is 38.6% and 38.7% , respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended August 1, 2015 was 37.4% and 37.8% , respectively.

15.    COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Legal Proceedings- The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of its business. Although it is not possible to predict with certainty the eventual outcome of any litigation, in the opinion of management, the amount of any potential liability with respect to current legal proceedings will not be material to results of operations or financial condition. As additional information becomes available, the Company will assess the potential liability related to its pending litigation and revise the estimates as needed.

Merger with Retail Ventures, Inc. ("the Merger")- As of the effective time of the Merger, a subsidiary of DSW Inc. assumed the obligations under RVI’s guarantees related to discontinued operations. DSW Inc. may become subject to various risks related to guarantees and in certain circumstances may be responsible for certain other liabilities related to these discontinued operations. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company recorded a $2.0 million benefit from the final distribution from the bankruptcy debtor's estates related to Filene's Basement's bankruptcy in 2011 within the consolidated statement of operations.

Contractual Obligations- As of July 30, 2016 , the Company has entered into various construction commitments, including capital items to be purchased for projects that were under construction, or for which a lease has been signed. The Company's

16

Table of Contents
NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)


obligations under these commitments were $5.8 million as of July 30, 2016 . In addition, the Company has signed lease agreements for 28 new DSW store locations, expected to be opened in fiscal 2016 and 2017 , with total annualized rent of $7.9 million . In connection with the new lease agreements, the Company will receive a total of $11.5 million of construction and tenant allowance reimbursements for expenditures at these locations.

16.    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Dividends - On August 30, 2016 , DSW Inc.'s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.20 per share. The dividend will be paid on September 30, 2016 to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 16, 2016 . The payment of any future dividends is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in taxation laws, general economic condition and any other relevant factors.

International Franchise Agreement - On August 2, 2016, DSW Inc. signed an agreement with Apparel Group as an exclusive franchise partner in the Middle East. The agreement will expand DSW by up to 40 stores across the territory, both in malls and on high street locations, with the first stores opening in fiscal 2017.



17


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

All references to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q mean DSW Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. DSW refers to the DSW segment, which includes DSW stores and dsw.com. DSW Inc. Class A Common Shares are listed for trading under the ticker symbol “DSW” on the New York Stock Exchange.

Company Overview

DSW is the destination for fabulous brands at a great value every single day. With a breathtaking assortment of shoes, handbags and accessories for women, men and kids in 480 stores nationwide and on dsw.com, DSW strives to delight customers with finding the perfect shoe at an incredible price. Our DSW stores average approximately 21,000 square feet and carry approximately 23,000 pairs of shoes. In addition, our DSW Rewards loyalty program means shopping comes with perks; members earn points towards certificates every time they purchase. We believe this combination of assortment, convenience and value differentiates us from our competitors and appeals to consumers from a broad range of socioeconomic and demographic backgrounds.

As a segment of DSW Inc., the Affiliated Business Group ("ABG") partners with multi-category retailers to develop strategies and business models for targeted shoe assortments. ABG provides service to 385 store locations and two e-commerce channels through leased partnerships with Stein Mart, Gordmans and Frugal Fannie's.

DSW Inc. also has an equity investment in Town Shoes Limited ("Town Shoes"). Town Shoes is the market leader in branded footwear in Canada, with sales of approximately $160 million CAD for the six months ended the second quarter of fiscal 2016. As of July 30, 2016 , Town Shoes operated 186 locations across Canada, primarily under The Shoe Company, Shoe Warehouse, Town Shoes and DSW banners, as well as an e-commerce site. In 2014, DSW Inc. entered into a licensing agreement with Town Shoes, which allows Town Shoes to use the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse trade name for their new larger concept Canadian stores. As of July 30, 2016 , there are 17 DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse stores in Canada.

On March 4, 2016 , the Company acquired Ebuys, Inc. ("Ebuys"), a leading off price footwear and accessories retailer operating in digital marketplaces. Ebuys sells products to customers located in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia. The transaction supports DSW Inc.’s efforts to grow its market share within footwear and accessories domestically and internationally.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information for Purposes of the “Safe Harbor” Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

Some of the statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contain forward-looking statements which reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “predicts,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words. Any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon current plans, estimates, expectations and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, financial condition, growth strategy and liquidity. The inclusion of this forward-looking information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the future plans, estimates or expectations contemplated by us will be achieved. Such forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to those factors described under “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Form 10-K filed on March 24, 2016 and within this Form 10-Q, some important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those discussed in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:

our success in opening and operating new stores on a timely and profitable basis;
maintaining strong relationships with our vendors;
our ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends;
our success in meeting customer expectations;
disruption of our distribution and/or fulfillment operations;
continuation of agreements and the financial condition of our affiliated business and international partners;
fluctuation of our comparable sales and quarterly financial performance;
risks related to our information systems and data;
failure to retain our key executives or attract qualified new personnel;
our competitiveness with respect to style, price, brand availability and customer service;
our reliance on our DSW Rewards program and marketing to drive traffic, sales and customer loyalty;
uncertain general economic conditions;
our reliance on foreign sources for merchandise and risks inherent to international trade;

18


risks related to our handling of sensitive and confidential data;
risks related to leases of our properties;
risks related to prior and current acquisitions;
foreign currency exchange risk; and
risks related to our cash and investments.

If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from what we have projected. Furthermore, new factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such factors, nor can management assess the impact of any such factor on the business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Results of Operations

The following table includes selected components of our results of operations, expressed as percentages of net sales:    
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
Net sales
100.0%
 
100.0%
 
100.0%
 
100.0%
Cost of sales
(71.6)
 
(69.5)
 
(70.8)
 
(68.5)
Gross profit
28.4
 
30.5
 
29.2
 
31.5
Operating expenses
(22.0)
 
(21.0)
 
(22.3)
 
(21.1)
Change in fair value of contingent consideration
(0.4)
 
 
(0.3)
 
Operating profit
6.0
 
9.5

6.6

10.4
Interest income, net
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
 
0.1
Non-operating income (expense)
0.0
 
0.0
 
0.0
 
0.3
Income before income taxes and income (loss) from Town Shoes
6.1
 
9.6
 
6.7
 
10.8
Income tax provision
(2.4)
 
(3.6)
 
(2.6)
 
(4.1)
Income (loss) from Town Shoes
0.1
 
0.0
 
0.0
 
(0.1)
Net income
3.8%

6.0%

4.1%

6.6%

Overview. Our reported net income for the six months ended July 30, 2016 was $55.0 million , or $0.67 per diluted share, including pre-tax charges of $8.4 million, or $0.06 per share, from purchase accounting, transaction costs and fair market value accounting charges related to the Ebuys acquisition, and $2.7 million, or $0.02 per share, from restructuring costs. This compares against last year’s net income of $85.0 million , or $0.95 per diluted share.

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 30, 2016 COMPARED TO THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 1, 2015

Net Sales. Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 5.1% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2015 . Net sales for the six months ended July 30, 2016 increased 4.5% compared to the six months ended August 1, 2015 . The following table summarizes the net change in our net sales (in millions):
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
July 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
(in millions)
Net sales for the same period last year
$
627.2

 
$
1,282.7

Decrease in comparable sales
(7.4
)
 
(17.6
)
Increase due to Ebuys sales
19.6

 
34.7

Net increase from non-comparable and closed store sales
19.5

 
40.4

Net sales for the current period
$
658.9

 
$
1,340.2



19


The following table summarizes our net sales by segment and in total:
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
DSW segment
$
603,927

 
$
592,583

 
$
1,226,959

 
$
1,204,794

ABG segment
35,446

 
34,623

 
78,585

 
77,898

Other (1)
19,571

 

 
34,667

 

Total DSW Inc.
$
658,944

 
$
627,206

 
$
1,340,211

 
$
1,282,692


(1) Other represents net sales for Ebuys.

The following table summarizes our comparable sales change by reportable segment and in total:
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
DSW segment
(1.2)%
 
1.9%
 
(1.3)%
 
3.5%
ABG segment
(1.0)%
 
0.7%
 
(2.3)%
 
3.1%
Total DSW Inc.
(1.2)%
 
1.8%
 
(1.4)%
 
3.5%

Our increase in total net sales for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 was driven by the DSW segment and incremental sales from the acquisition of Ebuys. For the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 , transactions for the DSW segment increased in the low single digits, offset by a low single digit decline in average dollar sales.

Sales for the ABG segment remained relatively flat for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 , while revenue from our Ebuys acquisition (included in Other above) contributed $19.6 million and $34.7 million for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 , respectively.

For the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , the combined athletic and non-athletic comparable sales for men and women was consistent with the DSW segment, led by the demand for athletic footwear. During the second quarter of fiscal 2016 , we introduced a new kids assortment in approximately half the chain after a successful pilot.

Gross Profit. Gross profit is defined as net sales less cost of sales. Gross profit decreased as a percentage of net sales to 28.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 from 30.5% in the second quarter of fiscal 2015 . Gross profit decreased as a percentage of net sales to 29.2% for the six months ended July 30, 2016 from 31.5% for the six months ended August 1, 2015 . By segment and in total, gross profit as a percentage of net sales was:
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
DSW segment
29.5%
 
31.2%
 
30.1%
 
32.3%
ABG segment
20.4%
 
19.0%
 
22.9%
 
20.0%
Other (1)
9.0%
 
—%
 
11.2%
 
—%
Total DSW Inc.
28.4%
 
30.5%
 
29.2%
 
31.5%

(1) Other represents gross profit attributable to Ebuys.











20


The reconciliation of each segment's merchandise margin (as described below under "Non-GAAP Measures", is a measure not under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP")) to gross profit (the most comparable GAAP measure) as a percentage of net sales is provided below:
 
Three months ended
 
Six months ended
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
DSW segment gross profit
29.5
%
 
31.2
%
 
30.1
%
 
32.3
%
Store occupancy expense
11.5
%
 
11.3
%
 
11.2
%
 
10.8
%
Distribution and fulfillment expenses
2.1
%
 
2.0
%
 
2.2
%
 
2.0
%
DSW segment merchandise margin
43.1
%
 
44.5
%
 
43.5
%
 
45.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ABG segment gross profit
20.4
%
 
19.0
%
 
22.9
%
 
20.0
%
Occupancy fees
20.2
%
 
19.9
%
 
20.3
%
 
22.3
%
Distribution and fulfillment expenses
1.1
%
 
1.1
%
 
1.1
%
 
1.1
%
ABG segment merchandise margin
41.7
%
 
40.0
%
 
44.3
%
 
43.4
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other gross profit (1)
9.0
%
 
%
 
11.2
%
 
%
Marketplace fees
12.0
%
 
%
 
11.5
%
 
%
Distribution and fulfillment expenses
13.0
%
 
%
 
11.5
%
 
%
Other merchandise margin
34.0
%
 
%
 
34.2
%
 
%

(1) Other represents gross profit attributable to Ebuys.

Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 decreased 210 basis points as a percentage of net sales primarily driven by lower initial markup and higher marketing markdowns. Occupancy costs were relatively flat while distribution and fulfillment costs deleveraged due to higher fulfillment costs. Gross profit for our ABG segment increased for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily as a result of last year's impairment charges.

Gross profit for the six months ended July 30, 2016 decreased 230 basis points as a percentage of net sales primarily due to lower initial markup from category mix and sharper pricing, as well as higher markdowns. Occupancy, distribution and fulfillment costs deleveraged due to a higher mix of digital sales and higher fulfillment costs. Gross profit for our ABG segment increased for the six months ended July 30, 2016 primarily as a result of last year's impairment charges. Other represents gross profit attributable to Ebuys.

Operating Expenses. Reported operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was 22.0% and 21.0% for the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015 , respectively, and 22.3% and 21.1% for the six months ended July 30, 2016 and the August 1, 2015, respectively. The deleverage for both periods was driven by higher marketing and technology expenses, as well as purchase accounting and transaction costs related to the Ebuys acquisition.

Change in Fair Value of Contingent Consideration . For the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 , the change in fair value of contingent consideration was $2.2 million and $3.6 million , respectively, due to the passage of time. The consideration for our acquisition of Ebuys includes future payments that are contingent upon the achievement of specified milestones. We will revalue our contingent consideration obligation each reporting period. The change in the fair value of contingent consideration is recognized within our statement of operations.

Interest Income, Net. Interest income, net, for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 decreased $0.1 million and $0.5 million, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended August 1, 2015 due to lower cash and investments. The lower cash balance reflects our investment in Ebuys last quarter and our share repurchases last year.

Non-operating Income (Expense). DSW Inc. reported a foreign currency gain of $3.3 million related to the purchase of $100 million CAD in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The CAD was invested during the second quarter of fiscal 2015 and any foreign exchange gains/losses are recorded in other comprehensive income. Non-operating income (expense) also includes realized capital gains/losses related to the Company's investment portfolio.

Income Tax Provision. The effective tax rate reflects the impact of federal, state and local, and foreign taxes, as well as tax on the income or loss from Town Shoes. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 is 38.6% and 38.7% ,

21


respectively. The effective tax rate for the three and six months ended August 1, 2015 was 37.4% and 37.8% , respectively. The increase in the tax rate is due to favorable discrete tax items last year.

Income (Loss) from Town Shoes. Income (loss) from Town Shoes for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 increased $0.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, compared to the three and six months ended August 1, 2015 due to improved operating results. Income (loss) from Town Shoes includes DSW's portion of the income or loss in Town Shoes' operations, partially offset by interest income on the shareholder note.

Seasonality

Our business is subject to seasonal merchandise trends when our customers’ interest in new seasonal styles increases. New spring styles are primarily introduced in the first quarter, and new fall styles are primarily introduced in the third quarter.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview. Our primary ongoing operating cash flow requirements are for inventory purchases, capital expenditures for new stores, improving our information technology systems and infrastructure growth. Our working capital and inventory levels typically build seasonally. We believe that we have sufficient financial resources and access to financial resources at this time. We are committed to a cash management strategy that maintains liquidity to adequately support the operation of the business, pursue our growth strategy and to withstand unanticipated business volatility. We believe that cash generated from our operations, together with our current levels of cash and investments, as well as availability under our revolving credit facility, should be sufficient to maintain our ongoing operations, support seasonal working capital requirements, and fund capital expenditures related to projected business growth.

Net Working Capital. Net working capital is defined as current assets less current liabilities. As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , net working capital was $456.5 million , $472.2 million and $542.8 million , respectively. As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the current ratio was 2.5 , 2.5 and 2.8 , respectively.

In November 2015, the FASB released ASU 2015-17, which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as non-current in a classified balance sheet. We elected to early adopt the standard in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015 and applied the amendments retrospectively to maintain comparability of our balance sheet and related ratios. The change in accounting standard has been applied retrospectively by adjusting the balance sheet for the prior period presented.
The table below represents the change in net working capital and the current ratio for the prior period presented:
 
 
As of August 1, 2015
 
 
As previously reported
 
As adjusted
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Net working capital
 
$
566.0

 
$
542.8

Current ratio
 
2.9

 
2.8


Operating Cash Flows. For the six months ended July 30, 2016 , our net cash provided by operations was $61.1 million compared to $114.6 million for the six months ended August 1, 2015 with the change driven primarily by changes in working capital and lower net income.

Investing Cash Flows. For the six months ended July 30, 2016 , our net cash provided by investing activities was $2.0 million compared to $4.9 million for the six months ended August 1, 2015 . During the six months ended July 30, 2016 , we incurred $43.7 million for capital expenditures, of which $20.7 million related to new stores and remodels and $23.0 million related to business infrastructure. During the six months ended July 30, 2016, we had net sales of short-term and long-term investments of $121.5 million compared to $58.2 million during the six months ended August 1, 2015. The overall change in investment activity for the six months ended July 30, 2016 was attributable in part to the liquidation of our investments to fund the amount paid of $60.4 million for the acquisition of Ebuys.

Financing Cash Flows. For the six months ended July 30, 2016 , our net cash used in financing activities was $33.4 million compared to $30.9 million for the six months ended August 1, 2015 . Net cash used in financing activities was primarily related to the payment of dividends for the six months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .



22


Free cash flow (a non-GAAP liquidity measure), as described under "Non-GAAP Measures", is defined as cash flows from operating activities less capital expenditures. The table below represents the free cash flow for the periods presented:
 
 
Six months ended
 
 
July 30, 2016
 
August 1, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities
 
$
61,144

 
$
114,570

Less: Capital expenditures
 
43,741

 
53,791

Free cash flow
 
$
17,403

 
$
60,779


We expect to spend approximately $85 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2016, with half going into new stores and store remodels and the other half going into technology investments and other business projects. Our future investments will depend primarily on the number of stores we open and remodel, infrastructure and information technology projects that we undertake and the timing of these expenditures. We plan to open 34 DSW stores in fiscal 2016 . During fiscal 2015, the average investment required to open a new DSW store was approximately $1.4 million, prior to construction and tenant allowances, which averaged $0.4 million. Of this amount, gross inventory typically accounted for $0.5 million, fixtures and leasehold improvements typically accounted for $0.7 million and new store advertising and other new store expenses typically accounted for $0.2 million.

The Company has a $100 million Secured Credit Facility and a $50 million Letter of Credit Agreement, which are described more fully in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 . As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the Company had no outstanding borrowings or letters of credit under the Credit Facility with availability of $100 million , $100 million and $50 million , respectively. As of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 , the Company had $7.9 million , $7.1 million and $8.5 million , respectively, in outstanding letters of credit under the Letter of Credit Agreement, and $8.1 million , $7.7 million and $9.1 million , respectively, in restricted cash on deposit as collateral under the Letter of Credit Agreement. The restricted cash balance is recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Contractual Obligations

As of July 30, 2016 , we have entered into various construction commitments, including capital items to be purchased for projects that were under construction, or for which a lease has been signed. The Company's obligations under these commitments were $5.8 million as of July 30, 2016 . In addition, the Company has signed lease agreements for 28 new DSW store locations, expected to be opened in fiscal 2016 and 2017 , with total annualized rent of $7.9 million . In connection with the new lease agreements, the Company will receive a total of $11.5 million of construction and tenant allowance reimbursements for expenditures at these locations.

As of July 30, 2016 , we operated all of our stores and our fulfillment center from leased facilities. Ebuys also operates from leased facilities. Lease obligations are accounted for either as operating leases or as capital leases based on a lease by lease review at lease inception. DSW does not have any capital leases of real estate as of July 30, 2016 , January 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .

Future Cash

The Company is not dependent on dividends from its foreign subsidiaries to fund its U.S. operations or make distributions to DSW Inc. shareholders. Unremitted earnings from foreign subsidiaries, which are considered to be invested indefinitely, would become subject to income tax if they were remitted as dividends or were lent to DSW Inc. or a U.S. affiliate.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of July 30, 2016 , DSW Inc. has not entered into any "off-balance sheet" arrangements, as that term is described by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Proposed Accounting Standards

The FASB periodically issues Accounting Standards Updates, some of which require implementation by a date falling within or after the close of the fiscal year. See Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for new accounting standards that will impact the Company.


23


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to our condensed consolidated interim financial statements included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the preparation of our condensed consolidated interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and contingencies at the date of the condensed consolidated interim financial statements and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We base these estimates and judgments on our historical experience and other factors we believe to be relevant, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The process of determining significant estimates is fact-specific and takes into account factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions, product mix, and in some cases, actuarial and appraisal techniques. We constantly re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where facts and circumstances dictate.

Non-GAAP Measures

We utilize merchandise margin (a non-GAAP financial measure), which reflects gross profit, as a percentage of net sales (under GAAP), adjusted to add back in occupancy expenses and distribution and fulfillment expenses. We also utilize free cash flow (a non-GAAP liquidity measure), which reflects cash flows from operating activities (under GAAP) less capital expenditures. We believe that these non-GAAP measures provide useful information as indicators of the Company's performance and financial condition on a consistent basis between periods.

Management uses these non-GAAP measures to assist in the evaluation of the performance of our segments and to make operating decisions based on such evaluation. Within the Results of Operations section, we disclose and reconcile merchandise margin to gross profit, as a percentage of net sales, for the three and six months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 . Within the Liquidity and Capital Resources section, we disclose and reconcile free cash flows for the six months ended July 30, 2016 and August 1, 2015 .

These non-GAAP measures should be considered supplemental and not a substitute for the Company's results reported in accordance with GAAP for the periods presented. The Company's non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies.

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Cash and Equivalents and Investments- Our cash and equivalents have maturities of 90 days or less. At times, cash and equivalents may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits. We also have available-for-sale investments.

$100 Million Credit Facility and $50 Million Letter of Credit Agreement - As of July 30, 2016 , there was no long-term debt outstanding. Future borrowings, if any, would bear interest at rates in accordance with our credit facility and credit agreement and would be subject to interest rate risk. Because we have no outstanding debt, we do not believe that a hypothetical adverse change of 1% in interest rates would have a material effect on our financial position.

Foreign Currency Exchange Risk- As a result of our equity investment in Town Shoes, we are exposed to foreign currency rate risk. We currently do not utilize hedging instruments to mitigate foreign currency exchange risks.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, we purchased $100 million CAD, which we held in Canadian bank accounts. During the second quarter of fiscal 2015, we invested the $100 million CAD in available-for-sale securities in Canada. As the CAD was fully invested, any gains/losses due to remeasurement will be recorded in other comprehensive income. If the funds are transferred to cash, we will be exposed to foreign currency rate risk due to remeasurement in our statement of operations.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

24



Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change was made in our internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d -15(e), during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

25


PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    Legal Proceedings.

The Company's legal proceedings are set forth in Part I, Item 3 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 .

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

The following risk factor supplements DSW Inc.'s risk factors as set forth in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016 .

International Franchise Risk - We are exposed to risks through international relationships. We have signed a franchise agreement that will permit our franchisee to operate our DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse stores in the Middle East. Although we evaluated and selected our franchisee and will do so with further franchisees, our ability to impact the success of their operations is limited. Our franchisees may not run the stores according to our standards, which could impact our brand reputation internationally.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(a) Recent sales of unregistered securities. None.

(b) Use of Proceeds. Not applicable.

(c) Purchases of equity securities by the issuer and affiliated purchasers.

Share Repurchase Program - In fiscal 2015, the Board of Directors approved a $200 million share repurchase program. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time, and the Company has no obligation to repurchase any amount of its common shares under the program. Shares will be repurchased on the open market at times and in amounts considered appropriate by the Company based on price and market conditions. As of July 30, 2016 , we have repurchased a total of 10.2 million Class A common shares at a cost of $266.5 million , with $83.5 million remaining available. The shares withheld and repurchased are summarized in the table below (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

Period
 
Total number of shares purchased
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs
 
Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the programs
May 1, 2016 to May 28, 2016 (a)
 
5,445

 
$
23.89

 

 
$
83,469

May 29, 2016 to July 2, 2016
 

 

 

 
83,469

July 3, 2016 to July 30, 2016
 

 

 

 
83,469

 
 
5,445

 
$
23.89

 

 
$
83,469


(a) The total number of shares repurchased relates to shares withheld in connection with tax payments due upon vesting of employee restricted stock awards.

Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities. None.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures. Not Applicable.

Item 5.    Other Information. None.

Item 6.    Exhibits. See Index to Exhibits on page 28.

26


SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
DSW INC.
(Registrant)
Date:
September 1, 2016
 
By:
 /s/ Jared Poff
 
 
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
 
 
SVP Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
 
(principal financial and accounting officer and duly authorized officer)


27


INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit Number
 
Description
3.1
 
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of DSW Inc. dated November 1, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Form 8-K (file no. 001-32545) filed November 4, 2013.
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of DSW Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-K (file no. 001-32545) filed April 13, 2006.
4.1
 
Specimen Class A Common Shares Certificate. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Form 10-K (file no. 001-32545) filed April 13, 2006.
10.1
*
Employment agreement, dated July 20, 2016, between Jared Poff and DSW Inc.
31.1
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
*
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1
*
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2
*
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
101
*
XBRL Instance Documents
* Filed herewith


28


EXHIBIT 10.1

STANDARD EXECUTIVE SEVERANCE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
DSW INC.
AND
JARED POFF
This Standard Executive Severance Agreement (“Agreement”) by and between DSW Inc. (“Company”) and Jared Poff (“Executive”), collectively, the “Parties,” is effective as of the date signed (“Effective Date”) and supersedes and replaces any other oral or written employment-related agreement between the Executive and the Company.
The severance offer to the Executive is provided by the Company in exchange for the Executive’s performance of the obligations described in this Agreement. The Executive agrees that the severance offered is adequate consideration for the performance of the duties and the covenants and releases made and entered into by and between the Executive and the Company in this Agreement.
1.00      EXECUTIVE’S OBLIGATIONS
1.01      Scope of Duties. The Executive will:
[1]     Devote all available business time, best efforts and undivided attention to the Company’s business and affairs; and
[2]     Not engage in any other business activity, whether or not for gain, profit or other pecuniary benefit.
[3]     However, the restriction described in Section 1.02[1] and [2] will not preclude the Executive from:
[a]     Making or holding passive investments in outstanding shares in the securities of publicly-owned companies or other businesses [other than organizations described in Section 1.05], regardless of when and how that investment was made; or
[b]     Serving on corporate, civic, religious, educational and/or charitable boards or committees but only if this activity [i]  does not interfere with the performance of duties under this Agreement and [ii]  is approved by the Executive’s manager.
1.02      Confidential Information .
[1]      Obligation to Protect Confidential Information. The Executive acknowledges that the Company and its subsidiaries, parent corporation and affiliated entities (collectively, “Group” and separately, “Group Member”) have a legitimate and continuing proprietary interest in the protection of Confidential Information (as defined in Section 1.02[2]) and have invested, and will continue to invest, substantial sums of money to develop, maintain and protect Confidential Information. The Executive agrees [a]  during and after employment with all Group Members [i]  that any Confidential Information will be held in confidence and treated as proprietary to the Group, [ii]  not to use or disclose any Confidential Information except to promote and advance the Group’s business interests and [b]  immediately upon separation from employment with all Group Members, to return to the Company any Confidential Information.
[2]      Definition of Confidential Information. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information includes any confidential data, figures, projections, estimates, pricing data, customer lists, buying manuals or procedures, distribution manuals or procedures, other policy and procedure manuals or handbooks, supplier information, tax records, personnel histories and records, information regarding sales, information regarding properties and any other Confidential Information regarding the business, operations, properties or personnel of the Group (or any Group Member) which are disclosed to or learned by the Executive as a result of employment with any Group Member, but will not include [a]  the Executive’s personal personnel records or [b]  any information that [i]  the Executive possessed





before the date of initial employment (including periods before the Effective Date) with any Group Member that was a matter of public knowledge, [ii]  became or becomes a matter of public knowledge through sources independent of the Executive, [iii]  has been or is disclosed by any Group Member without restriction on its use or [iv]  has been or is required to be disclosed by law or governmental order or regulation. The Executive also agrees that, if there is any reasonable doubt whether an item is public knowledge, to not regard the item as public knowledge until and unless the Senior Vice President of Human Resources confirms to the Executive that the information is public knowledge or an arbitrator, acting under Section 6.00, finally decides that the information is public knowledge.
[3]      Intellectual Property. The Executive expressly acknowledges that all right, title and interest to all inventions, designs, discoveries, works of authorship, and ideas conceived, produced, created, discovered, authored, or reduced to practice during the Executive’s performance of services under this Agreement, whether individually or jointly with any Group Member (the “Intellectual Property”) shall be owned solely by the Group, and shall be subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 1.02[1] above. All Intellectual Property which constitutes copyrightable subject matter under the copyright laws of the United States shall, from the inception of creation, be deemed to be a "work made for hire" under the United States copyright laws and all right, title and interest in and to such copyrightable works shall vest in the Group. All right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property developed or produced under this Agreement by the Executive, whether constituting patentable subject matter or copyrightable subject matter (to the extent deemed not to be a "work made for hire") or otherwise, shall be assigned and is hereby irrevocably assigned to the Group by the Executive. The Executive shall, without any additional consideration, execute all documents and take all other actions needed to convey the Executive’s complete ownership interest in any Intellectual Property to the Group so that the Group may own and protect such Intellectual Property and obtain patent, copyright and trademark registrations for it. The Executive agrees that any Group Member may alter or modify the Intellectual Property at the Group Member’s sole discretion, and the Executive waives all right to claim or disclaim authorship.
1.03      Solicitation of Employees . The Executive agrees that during employment, and for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for two years after terminating employment with all Group Members [1]  not, directly or indirectly, to solicit any employee of any Group Member to leave employment with the Group, [2]  not, directly or indirectly, to employ or seek to employ any employee of any Group Member and [3]  not to cause or induce any of the Group’s (or Group Member’s) competitors to solicit or employ any employee of any Group Member.
1.04      Solicitation of Third Parties . The Executive agrees that during employment, and for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for two years after terminating employment with all Group Members not, directly or indirectly, to recruit, solicit or otherwise induce or influence any customer, supplier, sales representative, lender, lessor, lessee or any other person having a business relationship with the Group (or any Group Member) to discontinue or reduce the extent of that relationship except in the course of discharging the duties described in this Agreement and with the good faith objective of advancing the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) business interests.
1.05      Non-Competition . The Executive agrees that for the longer of any period of salary continuation or for one year after terminating employment with all Group Members not, directly or indirectly, to accept employment with, act as a consultant to, or otherwise perform services that are substantially the same or similar to those for which the Executive was compensated by any Group Member (this comparison will be based on job-related functions and responsibilities and not on job title) for any business that directly competes with the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) business, which is understood by the Parties to be the sale of significant branded or discount and off-price shoes at department stores, specialty retail stores or online footwear retailers. Illustrations of businesses that compete with the Group’s business include, but are not limited to, Amazon (Footwear); Famous Footwear; Footstar; Kohl’s (Footwear); Macy’s; Nordstrom’s (Non-apparel); Off-Broadway Shoes; Payless ShoeSource; Shoe Carnival; The TJX Companies, Inc. (T.J. Maxx; Marshall’s; The Maxx; Marmaxx); and Zappos. This restriction applies to any parent, division, affiliate, newly formed or purchased business(es) and/or successor of a business that competes with the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) business.
1.06      Post-Termination Cooperation . As is required of the Executive during employment, the Executive agrees that during and after employment with any Group Members and without additional compensation (other than reimbursement for reasonable associated expenses), to cooperate with the Group (and with each Group Member) in the following areas:
[1]      Cooperation With the Company . The Executive agrees [a]  to be reasonably available to answer questions for the Group’s (and any Group Member’s) officers regarding any matter, project, initiative or effort for which the Executive was responsible while employed by any Group Member and [b]  to cooperate with the Group (and with each Group Member) during the course of all third-party proceedings arising out of the Group’s (and any Group Member’s) business about which the Executive has knowledge or information. For purposes of this Agreement, [c]  “proceedings” includes internal investigations, administrative investigations or proceedings and lawsuits (including pre-trial





discovery and trial testimony) and [d]  “cooperation” includes [i]  the Executive’s being reasonably available for interviews, meetings, depositions, hearings and/or trials without the need for subpoena or assurances by the Group (or any Group Member), [ii]  providing any and all documents in the Executive’s possession that relate to the proceeding, and [iii]  providing assistance in locating any and all relevant notes and/or documents.
[2]      Cooperation With Third Parties . Unless compelled to do so by lawfully-served subpoena or court order, the Executive agrees not to communicate with, or give statements or testimony to, any opposing attorney, opposing attorney’s representative (including private investigator) or current or former employee relating to any matter (including pending or threatened lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information as defined in Section 1.02[2]) as a result of employment with the Group (or any Group Member) except in cooperation with the Company. The Executive also agrees to notify the Senior Vice President of Human Resources immediately after being contacted by a third party or receiving a subpoena or court order to appear and testify with respect to any matter affected by this section.
[3]      Cooperation With Media . The Executive agrees not to communicate with, or give statements to, any member of the media (including print, television or radio media) relating to any matter (including pending or threatened lawsuits or administrative investigations) about which the Executive has knowledge or information (other than knowledge or information that is not Confidential Information as defined in Section 1.02[2]) as a result of employment with the Group (or any Group Member). The Executive also agrees to notify the Senior Vice President of Human Resources immediately after being contacted by any member of the media with respect to any matter affected by this section.
1.07      Non-Disparagement . The Executive and the Company (on its behalf and on behalf of the Group and each Group Member) agree that neither will make any disparaging remarks about the other and the Executive will not make any disparaging remarks about the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or any of the Group’s senior executives. However, this section will not preclude [1]  any remarks that may be made by the Executive under the terms of Section 1.06[2] or that are required to discharge the duties described in this Agreement or [2]  the Company from making (or eliciting from any person) disparaging remarks about the Executive concerning any conduct that may lead to a termination for Cause, as defined in Section 2.03 (including initiating an inquiry or investigation that may result in a termination for Cause), but only to the extent reasonably necessary to investigate the Executive’s conduct and to protect the Group’s (or any Group Member’s) interests.
1.08      Notice of Subsequent Employment. The Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company of any subsequent employment during the period of salary continuation after employment terminates.
1.09      Nondisclosure. The Executive agrees not to disclose the terms of this Agreement in any manner to any person other than the Executive’s manager, one of the Company’s Vice Presidents of Human Resources (or any Company representative they expressly approve for such disclosure), the Executive’s personal attorney, accountant and financial advisor, and the Executive’s immediate family or as otherwise required by law.
1.10      Remedies . The Executive acknowledges that money will not adequately compensate the Group for the substantial damages that will arise upon the breach of any provision of Section 1.00. For this reason, any disputes arising under Section 1.00 will not be subject to arbitration under Section 6.00. Instead, if the Executive breaches or threatens to breach any provision of Section 1.00, the Company will be entitled, in addition to other rights and remedies, to specific performance, injunctive relief and other equitable relief to prevent or restrain any breach or threatened breach of Section 1.00.
1.11      Return of Company Property. Upon termination of employment, the Executive agrees to promptly return to the Company all property belonging to the Group or any Group Member.
2.00      TERMINATION AND RELATED BENEFITS
2.01      Rules of General Application. The following rules apply generally to the implementation of Section 2.00:
[1]      Method of Payment. If the amount of any installment payments is or becomes less than or equal to the applicable dollar amount under Section 402(g)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, the Company may elect to pay such remaining installments as a lump sum.





[2]      Application of Pro Rata . Any pro rata share required to be paid under Section 2.00 will be based on the number of days between the first day of the fiscal year during which the Executive terminates employment and the date that the Executive terminates employment divided by the number of days in the fiscal year during which the Executive terminates employment.
2.02      Involuntary Termination Without Cause . The Company may terminate the Executive’s employment at any time Without Cause (as defined below) by delivering to the Executive a written notice specifying the date termination is to be effective. If all requirements of this Agreement are met, the Company will make the following payments to the Executive as of the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause:
[1]      Base Salary. For twelve (12) months beginning on the date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, the Company will continue to pay the Executive’s base salary at the rate in effect on the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause. If such amount exceeds two times the annual compensation limit prescribed by Section 401(a)(17) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the “Involuntary Termination Limit”), then the Company will pay the severance obligation described in this Section 2.02[1] in two payment streams. The first payment stream will be equal to the Involuntary Termination Limit, and the Company will pay this amount in 12 monthly installments, beginning on the date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause. The amount of the second payment stream will equal the amount in excess of the Involuntary Termination Limit. The Company will pay this amount in six monthly installments beginning on the date that is six months after the date of the Executive’s Involuntary Termination Without Cause. As a condition of this salary continuation, the Executive is expected to promptly and reasonably pursue new employment. If during the salary continuation period the Executive becomes employed either as an employee or a consultant, the Executive’s Base Salary paid by the Company will be reduced by 50% of the Base Salary amount for the remainder of the salary continuation period. The Executive agrees to immediately notify the Company of any subsequent employment or consulting work during the period of salary continuation.
[2]      Health Care . The Company will reimburse the Executive for the cost of maintaining continuing health coverage under COBRA for a period of no more than twelve (12) months following the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, less the amount the Executive is expected to pay as a regular employee premium for such coverage. Such reimbursements will cease if the Executive becomes eligible for similar coverage under another benefit plan.
[3]      Cash Incentive Bonus . The Company will pay to the Executive the pro- rata share of any Cash Incentive Bonus that would have been paid to the Executive had the Executive not been involuntarily terminated Without Cause. The pro-rated bonus will be calculated based on the extent to which performance standards are met on the last day of the year in which the Executive is involuntarily terminated Without Cause and will be paid at the same time as all other participants.

[4]      Equity Incentives . Subject to the terms of the DSW Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, the DSW Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, any future shareholder approved Company equity plan, and any applicable agreement, the Executive shall have the following rights:

[a] For these purposes, Award means any award granted under the
DSW Inc. 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, the DSW Inc. 2014 Equity Incentive Plan, any future shareholder approved Company equity plan, and any other agreement, as such term is defined in the applicable plan.

[b]
Executive may exercise any outstanding Awards that are vested on the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause.

[c]
With respect to Awards that would vest solely upon the passage of time and such vesting date would occur within the 12 month period following the effective date of Involuntary Termination Without Cause, such Award shall vest and, if applicable, be awarded to Executive as of the date of termination Without Cause.

[d]
With respect to Awards that would vest upon the satisfaction of a specified requirement, or upon satisfaction of the passage of time and satisfaction of a specified requirement; in the event that all such requirements are satisfied prior to the expiration of the 12 month period following the date of





termination Without Cause, such Award shall vest and be awarded to Executive upon the satisfaction of all applicable requirements.
 
In any event, Executive must exercise any vested Awards during the three-month period following the date of vesting.

[5]      Other . Any rights accruing to the Executive under any employee benefit plan, fund or program maintained by any Group Member will be distributed or made available as required by the terms of the plan fund or program or as required by law.
2.03      Definition of Cause. For these purposes, Cause means the Executive’s [a]  breach of Section 1.00 of this Agreement; [b] willful, illegal or grossly negligent conduct that is materially injurious to the Company or any Group Member monetarily or otherwise; [c]  violation of laws or regulations governing the Company or to any Group Member; [d]  breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Company or any Group Member; [e]  misrepresentation or dishonesty which the Company determines has had or is likely to have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s or any Group Member’s operations or financial condition; [f]  involvement in any act of moral turpitude that has an injurious effect on the Company (or any Group Member) or its reputation; or [g]  breach of the terms of any non-solicitation or confidentiality clauses contained in an standard executive employment agreement(s) with a former employer. The Company’s dissatisfaction with the Executive’s performance, or the business results achieved, shall not, in and of itself, constitute Cause under this Section.
2.04      Subsequent Information . The terms of Section 2.03 will apply if, after the Executive terminates, the Company learns of an event that, had it been known before the Executive terminated employment, would have justified a termination for Cause. In this case, the Company will be entitled to recover (and the Executive agrees to repay) any amounts (other than legally protected benefits) that the Executive received.
For purposes of this Agreement, Without Cause means termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company for any reason other than those set forth in Section 2.03 or 2.04.
3.00      NOTICE
3.01      How Given . Any notice permitted or required to be given under this Agreement must be given in writing and delivered in person or by registered, U.S. mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, or through Federal Express, UPS, DHL or any other reputable professional delivery service that maintains a confirmation of delivery system. Any delivery must be addressed to the Company’s Senior Vice President of Human Resources at the Company’s then-current corporate offices or to the Executive at the Executive’s address as contained in the Executive’s personnel file.
3.02      Effective Date . Any notice permitted or required to be given under this Agreement will be effective on the date it is delivered, in the event of personal delivery, or on the date its receipt is acknowledged, in the event of delivery by registered mail or through a professional delivery service described in Section 3.01.
4.00      RELEASE
In exchange for the payments and benefits described in section 2.02 of this Agreement, upon termination the Executive and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees, legatees and assigns (together, the “Executive Representatives”) agree to execute a release forever discharging the Company, the Group and each Group Member and their executives, officers, directors, agents, attorneys, successors and assigns, from any and all claims, suits and/or causes of action that grow out of or are in any way related to the Executive’s recruitment to or employment with the Company and all Group Members, other than: (i) any claim that the Company has breached this Agreement, and (ii) any charge filed with an administrative agency (although Executive and Executive Representatives waives any right to recover any money or other benefits arising from such charge(s)).. This release includes, but is not limited to, any claims that the Company, the Group or any Group Member violated the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); the Family and Medical Leave Act; any law prohibiting discrimination, harassment or retaliation in employment; any claim of promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress; or the public policy of any state, or any federal, state or local law. If the Executive or the Executive Representatives fails to execute this release, the Executive or the Executive Representatives agrees to forego any payment from the Company as if the Executive had terminated employment voluntarily. Specifically, the Executive and Executive Representatives agree that a necessary condition for the payment of any of the amounts described in Section 2.00 in the event of termination is the Executive’s or the Executive Representatives’ execution of this release upon termination of employment.





The Executive acknowledges that the Executive is an experienced senior executive knowledgeable about the claims that might arise in the course of employment with the Company and knowingly agrees that the payments upon termination provided for in this Agreement are satisfactory consideration for the release of all possible claims. The Executive is advised to consult with an attorney prior to executing this Agreement. Upon termination, the Executive or the Executive Representatives will receive 21 days to consider this release. The Executive or the Executive Representatives may revoke consent to the release by delivering a written notice of such revocation to the Company within seven days of signing the release. If the Executive or Executive Representatives revokes consent to the release, the release will become null and void and the Executive or the Executive Representatives must return any compensation received under Section 2.02 of this Agreement, except salary the Executive earned for actual work.
5.00      INSURANCE
To the extent permitted by law and its organizational documents, the Company will include the Executive under any liability insurance policy the Company maintains for employees of comparable status. The level of coverage will be at least as favorable to the Executive (in amount and each other material respect) as the coverage of other employees of comparable status. This obligation to provide insurance for the Executive will survive termination of this Agreement with respect to proceedings or threatened proceedings based on acts or omissions occurring during the Executive’s employment with the Company or with any Group Member.
6.00      ARBITRATION
6.01     Acknowledgment of Arbitration. Unless stated otherwise in this Agreement, the Parties agree that arbitration is the sole and exclusive remedy for each of them to resolve and redress any dispute, claim or controversy involving the interpretation of this Agreement or the terms, conditions or termination of this Agreement or the terms, conditions or termination of Executive’s employment with the Group and with each Group Member, including any claims for any tort, breach of contract, violation of public policy or discrimination, whether such claim arises under federal or state law.
6.02      Scope of Arbitration . The Executive expressly understands and agrees that claims subject to arbitration under this section include asserted violations of the Employee Retirement and Income Security Act of 1974; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Older Worker’s Benefit Protection Act; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (as amended); the Family and Medical Leave Act; any law prohibiting discrimination, harassment or retaliation in employment; any claim of promissory estoppel or detrimental reliance, defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress; or the public policy of any state, or any federal, state or local law.
6.03      Effect of Arbitration . The Parties intend that any arbitration award relating to any matter described in Section 6.00 will be final and binding on them and that a judgment on the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction, and enforcement may be had according to the terms of that award. This section will survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.
6.04      Location of Arbitration . Arbitration will be held in Columbus, Ohio, and will be conducted by a retired federal judge or other qualified arbitrator. The arbitrator will be mutually agreed upon by the Parties and the arbitration will be conducted in accordance with the National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes of the American Arbitration Association. The Parties will have the right to conduct discovery pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure; provided, however, that the arbitrator will have the authority to establish an expedited discovery schedule and cutoff and to resolve any discovery disputes. The arbitrator will have no jurisdiction or authority to change any provision of this Agreement by alterations of, additions to or subtractions from the terms of this Agreement. The arbitrator’s sole authority will be to interpret or apply any provision(s) of this Agreement or any public law alleged to have been violated. The arbitrator will be limited to awarding compensatory damages, including unpaid wages or benefits, but, to the extent allowed by law, will have no authority to award punitive, exemplary or similar-type damages.
6.05      Time for Initiating Arbitration . Any claim or controversy not sought to be submitted to arbitration, in writing, within 120 days of the date the Party asserting the claim knew, or through reasonable diligence should have known, of the facts giving rise to that Party’s claim, will be deemed waived and the Party asserting the claim will have no further right to seek arbitration or recovery with respect to that claim or controversy. Both Parties agree to strictly comply with the time limitation specified in Section 6.00. For purposes of this section, a claim or controversy is sought to be submitted to arbitration on the date the complaining Party gives written notice to the other that [1]  an issue has arisen or is likely to arise that, unless resolved otherwise, may be resolved through arbitration under Section 6.00 and [2]  unless the issue is resolved otherwise, the complaining Party intends to submit the matter to arbitration under the terms of Section 6.00.





6.06      Costs of Arbitration . The Company will bear the arbitrator’s fee and other costs associated with any arbitration, unless the arbitrator, acting under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 54(b), elects to award these fees to the Company.
6.07      Arbitration Exclusive Remedy . The Parties acknowledge that, because arbitration is the exclusive remedy for resolving issues arising under this Agreement, neither Party may resort to any federal, state or local court or administrative agency concerning breaches of this Agreement or any other matter subject to arbitration under Section 6.00, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, and that the decision of the arbitrator will be a complete defense to any suit, action or proceeding instituted in any federal, state or local court before any administrative agency with respect to any arbitrable claim or controversy.
6.08      Waiver of Jury . The Executive and the Company each waive the right to have a claim or dispute with one another decided in a judicial forum or by a jury, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement.
7.00      GENERAL PROVISIONS
7.01      Representation of Executive . The Executive represents and warrants that the Executive is not under any contractual or legal restraint that prevents or prohibits the Executive from entering into this Agreement or performing the duties and obligations described in this Agreement.
7.02      Modification or Waiver; Entire Agreement . No provision of this Agreement may be modified or waived except in a document signed by the Executive and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer or other person designated by the Company’s Board of Directors. This Agreement, and any attachments referenced in the Agreement, constitute the entire agreement between the Parties regarding the employment relationship described in this Agreement, and any other agreements are terminated and of no further force or legal effect. No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, with respect to the Executive’s employment relationship with the Company have been made or relied upon by either Party which are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.
7.03      Governing Law; Severability . This Agreement is intended to be performed in accordance with, and only to the extent permitted by, all applicable laws, ordinances, rules and regulations. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any provision of this Agreement to any person or circumstance, is, for any reason and to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable, such invalidity and unenforceability will not affect the remaining provisions of this Agreement of its application to other persons or circumstances, all of which will be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law and the Executive and the Company agree that the arbitrator (or judge) is authorized to reform the invalid or enforceable provision [1]  to the extent needed to avoid the invalidity or unenforceability and [2]  in a manner that is as similar as possible to the intent (as described in this Agreement). The validity, construction and interpretation of this Agreement and the rights and duties of the Parties will be governed by the laws of the State of Ohio, without reference to the Ohio choice of law rules.
7.04      No Waiver . Except as otherwise provided in Section 6.05, failure to insist upon strict compliance with any term of this Agreement will not be considered a waiver of any such term.
7.05 Withholding . All payments made to the Executive under this Agreement will be reduced by any amount:
[1]      That the Company is required to withhold in advance payment of the Executive’s federal, state and local income, wage and employment tax liability; and
[2]     To the extent allowed by law, that the Executive owes (or, after employment is deemed to owe) to the Company.
However, application of Section 7.05[2] will not extinguish the Company’s right to seek additional amounts from the Executive (or to pursue other appropriate remedies) to the extent that the amount that may be recovered by application of Section 7.05[2] does not fully discharge the amount the Executive owes to the Company and does not preclude the Company from proceeding directly against the Executive without first exhausting its right of recovery under Section 7.05[2].
7.06      Survival . Subject to the terms of the Executive’s Beneficiary designation form, the Parties agree that the covenants and promises set forth in this Agreement will survive the termination of this Agreement and continue in full force and effect.







7.07      Miscellaneous .
[1]     The Executive may not assign any right or interest to, or in, any payments payable under this Agreement; provided, however, that this prohibition does not preclude the Executive from designating in writing one or more beneficiaries to receive any amount that may be payable after the Executive’s death and does not preclude the legal representative of the Executive’s estate from assigning any right under this Agreement to the person or persons entitled to it.
[2]     This Agreement will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of the Executive, the Executive’s heirs and legal representatives and the Company and its successors.
[3]     The headings in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not be a part of or control or affect the meaning of any provision of the Agreement.
7.08      Successors to Company . This Agreement may and will be assigned or transferred to, and will be binding upon and will inure to the benefit of, any successor of the Company, and any successor will be substituted for the Company under the terms of this Agreement. As used in this Agreement, the term “successor” means any person, firm, corporation or business entity which at any time, whether by merger, purchase or otherwise, acquires all or essentially all of the assets of the business of the Company. Notwithstanding any assignment, the Company will remain, with any successor, jointly and severally liable for all its obligations under this Agreement.
7.09      IRC Section 409A Compliance. The parties will administer this Agreement in a good faith attempt to avoid imposition on Executive of penalties under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the guidance promulgated thereunder. If Executive is a “specified employee” as defined under Section 409A, and to the extent any payments under this Agreement are otherwise payable in the period beginning with the termination date and ending six months after the termination date and would subject Executive to penalties under Section 409A, such payments will be delayed, aggregated, and paid as soon as practicable after the date that is six months after the date of termination. For purposes of this Agreement, “termination of employment” or any similar term shall be interpreted consistent with the definition of “separation from service” under Section 409A.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have duly executed and delivered this Agreement, which includes an arbitration provision, and consists of 13 pages.

Date:
July 20, 2016
By:
/s/ Jared Poff
 
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
 
Executive
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
/s/ Thomas Jessep
 
 
 
Thomas Jessep
 
 
 
SVP, Human Resources






EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Roger Rawlins, certify that:
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSW Inc.;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f))for the registrant and have:
(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
September 1, 2016
By:
/s/ Roger Rawlins
 
 
Roger Rawlins
 
 
Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Jared Poff, certify that:
1.      I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of DSW Inc.;
2.      Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.      Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and
5.      The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
(b)     Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.
September 1, 2016
By:
/s/ Jared Poff
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
SVP Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT 32.1

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION *

In connection with the Quarterly Report of DSW Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Roger Rawlins, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

September 1, 2016
By:
/s/ Roger Rawlins
 
 
Roger Rawlins
 
 
Chief Executive Officer

*
This Certification is being furnished as required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This Certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by 18 U.S.C. § 1350 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





EXHIBIT 32.2

SECTION 1350 CERTIFICATION *

In connection with the Quarterly Report of DSW Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended July 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Jared Poff, SVP Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best of my knowledge:

(1)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and result of operations of the Company.

September 1, 2016
By:
/s/ Jared Poff
 
 
Jared Poff
 
 
SVP Finance and Interim Chief Financial Officer

*
This Certification is being furnished as required by Rule 13a-14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code, and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This Certification shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, except as otherwise stated in such filing.

A signed original of this written statement required by 18 U.S.C. § 1350 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.