Dick's Sporting Goods - 10-K annual report 2015

Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section titled "Risk Factors" (Item 1A of this Form 10-K). In addition, we operate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment; therefore, new risk factors can arise, and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor to assess the impact of all such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any individual risk factor, or combination of risk factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made as of this date. We do not assume any obligation and do not intend to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise except as may be required by the securities laws.

Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, referred to as "the Company", "we", "us" and "our" unless specified otherwise) is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops. The Company also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream and other specialty concept stores as well as eCommerce websites at www.DICKS.com, www.golfgalaxy.com, www.fieldandstreamshop.com and www.caliastudio.com. When used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise specified, any reference to "year" is to the Company's fiscal year.

The Company was founded in 1948 when Richard "Dick" Stack, the father of Edward W. Stack, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, opened his original bait and tackle store in Binghamton, New York. Edward W. Stack joined his father's business full-time in 1977 and in 1984 became President and Chief Executive Officer of the then two store chain. Our vision is to build leading brands that serve and inspire athletes and outdoor enthusiasts around the world to achieve their personal best; create value for our stockholders through the relentless improvement of everything we do; and make a lasting impact in our communities through sport.

We were incorporated in 1948 in New York under the name Dick's Clothing and Sporting Goods, Inc. In November 1997, we reincorporated as a Delaware corporation and in April 1999 we changed our name to Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. Our executive office is located at 345 Court Street, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania 15108 and our phone number is (724) 273-3400. Our website is located at www.DICKS.com. The information on our website does not constitute a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We include on our website, free of charge, copies of our Annual and Quarterly Reports filed on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

The key elements of our business strategy are:

Our objective is not only to carry leading brands, but to carry a full range of products within each category, including premium items for the sports enthusiast. We believe that the breadth of our product selections in each category of sporting goods offers our customers a wide range of good, better and best price points and enables us to address the needs of sporting goods consumers, from the beginner to the sports enthusiast, which distinguishes us from other large format sporting goods stores. We also believe that the range of merchandise and extensive in-store support services that we offer allows us to differentiate and compete effectively against all of our competitors, from traditional independent sporting goods stores and specialty shops to other large format sporting goods stores and mass merchant discount retailers to internet-based retailers.

Our customers may research products online, then visit a store to experience the merchandise and consult with one of our in-store experts, such as a bicycle mechanic or running specialist. Other customers may be inspired by one of our push notifications on their mobile device, visit our store to test the merchandise by utilizing such features as the golf hitting bay, archery lane or trying a pair of running shoes on the treadmill and complete the purchase in the store or later on their tablet device.

The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of our sales attributable to the hardlines, apparel and footwear categories for the periods presented:

We offer products to our customers through our retail stores and online. Although we sell through both of these channels, we believe that sales in one channel are not independent of the other. Regardless of the sales channel, we seek to provide our customers with a seamless omni-channel shopping experience.

Retail Stores:

eCommerce:

We operate four regional distribution centers for supplying stores with merchandise. Vendors directly ship floor ready merchandise to our distribution centers, where it is processed and allocated directly to our stores or to temporary storage at our distribution centers. Our distribution centers are responsible for consolidating damaged or defective merchandise from our stores that is being returned to vendors. We have contracted with common carriers to deliver merchandise from all of our distribution centers to our stores. During fiscal 2015, our stores received approximately 95% of merchandise through our distribution network with the remaining merchandise shipped directly to the stores from our vendors. We believe this flow of merchandise facilitates prompt and efficient distribution to our stores in order to enhance in-stocks, minimize freight costs and improve our inventory turns.

The market for sporting goods retailers is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. We compete with many retailing formats, including large format sporting goods stores, traditional sporting goods stores, specialty and vendor stores, mass merchants and department stores, and internet and catalog-based retailers. We seek to attract customers by offering a wide range of products and broad selection and distinctive marketing in stores that provide a unique shopping environment and superior service through an omni-channel experience.

The Company has a number of registered service marks and trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including various versions of the following: "Acuity", "CALIA", "DBX", "Dick's", "Dick's Sporting Goods", "Field & Stream", "Fitness Gear", "Golf Galaxy", "Lady Hagen", "MAXFLI", "Nishiki", "Primed", "Quest", "ScoreCard", "ScoreCard Rewards", "Top-Flite" and "Walter Hagen". The Company also has a number of registered domain names, including "dickssportinggoods.com", "DICKS.com", "golfgalaxy.com", "fieldandstreamshop.com" and "caliastudio.com". Our service marks, trademarks and other intellectual property are subject to risks and uncertainties that are discussed within Item 1A. "Risk Factors". We have entered into licensing agreements for names that we do not own, which provide for exclusive rights to use names such as "adidas" (baseball only), "Slazenger" (golf and racquets), "Louisville Slugger" (hosiery only), "Reebok" (performance apparel) and "Umbro" (performance soccer equipment, footwear and apparel) for specified product categories and, in some cases, specified channels. These licenses contemplate long-term business relationships, with substantial initial terms and the opportunity for multi-year extensions. These licenses contain customary termination provisions at the option of the licensor including, in some cases, termination upon our failure to purchase or sell a minimum volume of products and may include early termination fees. Our licenses are also subject to risks and uncertainties common to licensing arrangements that are described within Item 1A. "Risk Factors".

We must comply with various federal, state and local regulations, including regulations relating to consumer products and consumer protection, advertising and marketing, labor and employment, data protection and privacy, intellectual property, the environment and tax. In addition, in connection with the sale of firearms in our stores, we must comply with a number of federal and state laws and regulations related to the sale of firearms and ammunition, including the federal Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act. Ensuring our compliance with these various laws and regulations, and keeping abreast of changes to the legal and regulatory landscape, requires us to expend considerable resources.

The following table and accompanying narrative sets forth the name, age and business experience of the current Executive Officers of the Company:

Edward W. Stack has served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1984 when our founder and Mr. Stack's father, Richard "Dick" Stack, retired from our then two store chain. Mr. Stack has served us full-time since 1977 in a variety of positions, including President, Store Manager and Merchandise Manager.

André J. Hawaux became our Executive Vice President - Chief Operating Officer in August 2015. From February 2015 to August 2015, Mr. Hawaux served as our Executive Vice President - Chief Operating Officer / Chief Financial Officer. From June 2013 to January 2015, Mr. Hawaux served as our Executive Vice President - Finance, Administration and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hawaux served as the President, Consumer Foods at ConAgra Foods, Inc., one of North America's leading packaged food companies, since 2009. From 2006 to 2009, Mr. Hawaux served as ConAgra Foods' Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer where he was responsible for the company's Finance and Information System and Services organizations. Prior to ConAgra Foods, Mr. Hawaux served as general manager of a large U.S. division of PepsiAmericas and previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Pepsi-Cola North America and Pepsi International's China business unit. Mr. Hawaux is also a Trustee of Southern New Hampshire University and a member of the Board of Directors of PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM).

Teri L. List-Stoll became our Executive Vice President - Chief Financial Officer in August 2015. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Ms. List-Stoll served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Kraft Foods Group from December 2013 to February 2015. Ms. List-Stoll then transitioned to Senior Advisor at Kraft Foods Group from February 2015 to May 2015. During her tenure with Kraft Foods Group, Ms. List-Stoll also served as Senior Vice President of Finance from September 2013 to December 2013. Prior to joining Kraft Foods Group, Ms. List-Stoll worked for The Procter & Gamble Company ("P&G"), a consumer goods company, for nearly 20 years, in various finance and accounting leadership positions. She had most recently served as Senior Vice President and Treasurer of P&G from 2009 to 2013 and Vice President, Finance, Global Operations from 2007 to 2009. Before joining P&G, she was with Deloitte & Touche LLP for over nine years. Ms. List-Stoll is also a member of the Board of Directors and Audit Committees of Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR).

Lee J. Belitsky became our Executive Vice President - Product Development and Planning, Allocations and Replenishment in September 2014. Mr. Belitsky joined Dick's Sporting Goods in 1997 as Vice President - Controller and has held a number of roles at Dick's Sporting Goods. From July 2013 to September 2014, Mr. Belitsky served as Senior Vice President - Product Development; from September 2011 to July 2013, he served as Senior Vice President - Chief Risk and Compliance Officer; from January 2010 to September 2011, he served as Senior Vice President - Strategic Planning and Analysis and Treasury Services; from February 2009 to January 2010, he served as Senior Vice President - Store Operations and Distribution / Transportation; from April 2006 to February 2009, he served as Senior Vice President - Distribution and Transportation; from December 2005 to April 2006, he served as Vice President - Treasurer; and from December 1997 to December 2005, he served as Vice President - Controller. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Mr. Belitsky was the Chief Financial Officer of Domain, Inc., a Boston-based home furnishings retailer. He also served as Vice President - Controller and Treasurer with Morse Shoe, Inc. and as an Audit Manager with KPMG LLP.

Lauren R. Hobart became our Executive Vice President - Chief Marketing Officer in September 2015. Ms. Hobart joined Dick's Sporting Goods in February 2011 as our Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to that, Ms. Hobart spent 14 years with PepsiCo, Inc., most recently serving as Chief Marketing Officer for its Carbonated Soft Drink portfolio in the United States. During her career at PepsiCo, Ms. Hobart held several other significant marketing roles and also spent several years in strategic planning. Prior to joining PepsiCo, Ms. Hobart worked in commercial banking for JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo Bank. Ms. Hobart also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Sonic Corp. (Nasdaq: SONC).

Michele B. Willoughby has served as our Executive Vice President - eCommerce and Supply Chain since July 2013. Ms. Willoughby joined Dick's Sporting Goods in 2004. From November 2010 to July 2013, Ms. Willoughby served as Senior Vice President - eCommerce and from February 2009 to November 2010, she served as Senior Vice President - Supply Chain. She joined Dick's Sporting Goods in 2004 as Vice President, Planning and Allocation. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Ms. Willoughby was employed by Kohl's Department Stores, where she held various positions in Merchandise Planning and Allocation from 1997 to 2004, most recently as Vice President, Planning and Allocation.

John E. Hayes III became our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary in January 2015. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Mr. Hayes served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Coldwater Creek Inc. from February 2009 to September 2014. During his tenure with Coldwater Creek, Mr. Hayes also served as the Company's interim Chief Financial Officer from November 2009 to April 2010 and as Senior Vice President, Human Resources from April 2010 to May 2013. Prior to joining Coldwater Creek, Mr. Hayes was engaged for seventeen years in private law practice, most recently as a partner with Hogan & Hartson, LLP, from March 2003 to February 2009. Prior to his legal career, Mr. Hayes practiced as an accountant with KPMG LLP.

Joseph R. Oliver became our Senior Vice President - Chief Accounting Officer in November 2009. From February 2006 to November 2009, Mr. Oliver served as our Vice President and Controller and as our Director of Accounting from May 2000 to February 2006. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Mr. Oliver was employed by Dominion Resources, Inc. from 1983 to 2000 in various finance functions, most recently as Director of Accounting.

Deborah M. Victorelli became our Senior Vice President - Human Resources in September 2014. Ms. Victorelli joined Dick's Sporting Goods in 1999 and has held numerous leadership roles of increasing responsibility. From February 2013 to September 2014, she served as Vice President - Human Resources and from November 2004 to January 2013, she served as Vice President of Human Resources - Field. Prior to joining Dick's Sporting Goods, Ms. Victorelli was employed by Mine Safety Appliances and Coca-Cola Bottling Company in various human resource roles.

Our business depends on consumer discretionary spending, and as a result, our results are highly dependent on U.S. consumer confidence and the health of the U.S. economy. Consumer spending may be affected by many factors outside of the Company’s control, including general economic conditions, consumer disposable income levels, consumer confidence levels, the availability, cost and level of consumer debt, the costs of basic necessities and other goods and the effects of the weather or natural disasters. Decreases in consumer discretionary spending can result in the need for more promotional activities and a decrease in same store sales, customer traffic or average value per transaction, which could negatively affect the Company's business, financial performance and/or stock price, particularly if consumer spending is depressed for a prolonged period of time.

The market for sporting goods retailers is highly fragmented and intensely competitive. Our current and prospective competitors include many large companies, some of which have greater market presence, name recognition and financial, marketing and other resources than we do. Additionally, the ability of consumers to compare prices on a real-time basis through the use of smartphones and digital technology puts additional pressure on us to maintain competitive prices vis-à-vis our competitors. We compete with retailers from multiple categories, including large formats, traditional and specialty formats, mass merchants, department stores and catalog, internet-based and direct-sell retailers. Many factors affect the extent to which competition could affect our results, including pricing, quality, assortment, advertising, service, locations and reputation, and prolonged competitive pressures could have a material effect on our results of operations.

Our business has become increasingly omni-channel so our customers are able to shop online or in-store for a seamless shopping experience. Our omni-channel strategy includes the planned transition to an internal eCommerce platform, and the www.DICKS.com eCommerce business is planned to be launched on the internal eCommerce platform in early 2017. Installing our new, internal eCommerce platform involves substantial investment of capital and resources, integrating a number of information and management systems from different vendors, increasing supply chain and distribution capabilities, attracting, developing and retaining qualified personnel with relevant subject matter expertise, and effectively managing the customer experience. This involves substantial risk, including risk of implementation delays, cost overruns, technology interruptions, supply and distribution delays, and other issues that can affect the successful implementation and operation of our internal eCommerce platform. If we are not able to successfully implement and operate our internal eCommerce platform, our financial performance and future growth could be materially adversely affected.

Our success depends in part on our ability to anticipate and respond in a timely manner to changing consumer demand, preferences and shopping patterns regarding sporting goods. We must develop and execute merchandising initiatives with marketing programs that appeal to a broad range of consumers and markets throughout the country. Consumer preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to continual change and evolution. Additionally, our customers may also have expectations about how they shop in stores or through eCommerce or more generally engage with businesses across different channels or media (through internet-based and other digital or mobile channels or particular forms of social media), which may vary across demographics and may evolve rapidly. We often make commitments to purchase products from our vendors several months in advance of the proposed delivery. If we misjudge the market for our new merchandise our sales may decline significantly, we may have to take significant inventory markdowns or miss opportunities for other products, which could have a negative impact on our profitability.

Opening stores in new and existing markets is a critical part of our business strategy. Our plans to increase our number of retail stores will depend in part on the availability of existing retail stores or store sites. Furthermore, even if suitable properties are identified, if we fail to negotiate appropriate terms for new leases we enter into, we may incur lease costs that are excessive and cause operating margins to be below acceptable levels. We may also make term commitments that are too long or too short, without the option to exit early or extend. Factors such as the condition of local property markets, availability of lease financing, taxes, zoning and environmental issues, and competitive actions may impact the availability of, and our ability to successfully negotiate leases, for suitable property. Furthermore, the success of new stores depends on a number of factors, including the success of the shopping center where our store is located, consumer demographics and consumer shopping patterns. These factors cannot be predicted with complete accuracy. If we fail to profitably operate these new stores once they open, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

The protection of our customer, associate and Company data is critical to us. The Company receives confidential customer data, including payment card and personally identifiable information, in the normal course of customer transactions. While we have taken significant steps to protect customer and confidential information, the intentional or negligent actions of employees, business associates or third parties may undermine our security measures. As a result, unauthorized parties may obtain access to our data systems and misappropriate confidential data. There can be no assurance that advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments will prevent the compromise of our customer transaction processing capabilities and personal data. Because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems, change frequently and often are not recognized until launched against a target, we may be unable to anticipate these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures. While we have not experienced a material data security breach to date, any compromise of our data security could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws or standards, significant legal and financial exposure beyond the scope or limits of insurance coverage, interruption of our operations, increased operating costs associated with remediation, equipment acquisitions or disposal and added personnel, and a loss of confidence in our security measures, which could harm our business or investor confidence. Any security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or confidential information could attract a substantial amount of media attention, damage our reputation, expose us to risk of litigation and material liability, disrupt our operations and harm our business.

We offer our customers private brand products that are not available from other retailers. We expect to continue to grow our exclusive private brand offerings through a combination of brands that we own and brands that we license from third parties. We also evaluate and operate new retail concepts, including, for example, our Field & Stream, True Runner and Chelsea Collective concepts. We invest in our development and procurement resources and marketing efforts relating to these private brand offerings and new retail concepts. There is no assurance that our private brand products or our new retail concepts will be successful, and we could curtail or abandon any of our private brands or retail concepts at any time. Factors that could cause us to curtail or abandon one of our private brands or retail concepts include unexpected or increased costs or delays in development of the brand, demands on management resources, legal or regulatory constraints, change in consumer demands, preferences and shopping patterns regarding sporting goods, or a determination that the demand does not support the brand. Additional risks relating to private brand offerings include product liability and product recalls; our ability to successfully protect our proprietary rights (e.g., defending against counterfeit or otherwise unauthorized goods); our ability to successfully navigate and avoid claims related to the proprietary rights of third parties; and our ability to successfully administer and comply with obligations under license agreements that we have with the licensors of brands.

We have contracted with a single third party to operate and host our www.DICKS.com eCommerce website and provide related fulfillment and customer service. We rely on that party's operational, privacy and security procedures and controls to operate and host our www.DICKS.com eCommerce business. Failure by such third party to adequately service these aspects of our www.DICKS.com eCommerce business could result in a prolonged disruption that affects our customers' ability to utilize our website or receive product in a timely manner. As a result, we may lose customer sales and/or experience increased costs, which could materially affect our reputation, operations or financial results.

The operation and growth of our business, including opening new stores and expanding our eCommerce business, and our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions depend on the availability of adequate capital, which in turn depends on cash flow generated by our business and, if necessary, the availability of equity or debt capital. Our current senior secured revolving credit facility contains provisions that limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness or make substantial asset sales, which might otherwise be used to finance our operations. In the event of our insolvency, liquidation, dissolution or reorganization, the lenders under our senior secured revolving credit facility would be entitled to payment in full from our assets before distributions, if any, were made to our stockholders.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations in the future, and if availability under our current senior secured revolving credit facility is not sufficient, we may have to obtain additional financing. We cannot provide assurance that we could obtain refinancing or additional financing on favorable terms or at all. Our liquidity or access to capital could also be adversely affected by unforeseen changes in the financial markets and global economy.

We operate in a complex regulatory and legal environment that exposes us to compliance and litigation risks that could materially affect our operations and financial results. These laws may change, sometimes significantly, as a result of political, economic or social events. Some of the federal, state or local laws and regulations that affect us include those relating to consumer products, product liability or consumer protection; eCommerce, data protection and privacy; advertisement and marketing; labor and employment; firearms, ammunition, knives, food items or other regulated products; custom or import; and intellectual property.

In addition to potential damage to our reputation and brand, failure to comply with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations such as those outlined above may result in our being subject to claims, lawsuits, fines and adverse publicity that could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We purchase merchandise from approximately 1,600 vendors. In fiscal 2015, purchases from Nike and Under Armour represented approximately 20% and 12%, respectively, of our merchandise purchases. Although in fiscal 2015 purchases from no other vendor represented 10% or more of our total purchases, our dependence on our principal suppliers involves risk. We generally do not have long-term written contracts with our major suppliers that would require them to continue supplying us with merchandise. If any of our key vendors fails to supply us with products, as a result of supply chain disruptions or other causes, or continue to develop new products that create consumer demand, we may not be able to meet the demands of our customers and our revenue could materially decline. Moreover, many of our suppliers provide us with incentives, such as return privileges, volume purchasing allowances and cooperative advertising. A decline or discontinuation of these incentives could reduce or eliminate our profit margins.

From time to time the Company or its subsidiaries may be involved in lawsuits or other claims arising in the ordinary course of business, including those related to federal or state wage and hour laws, product liability, consumer protection, advertising, employment, intellectual property, tort, privacy or data protection and other matters.

We sell hunting rifles, semi-automatic hunting rifles and ammunition, and in some of our stores, including Field & Stream stores, handguns. These are products that are associated with an increased risk of injury and related lawsuits with respect to our compliance with Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives ("ATF") or state laws or regulations. Any improper or illegal use by our customers of ammunition or firearms sold by us could have a negative impact on our reputation and business. We may incur losses due to lawsuits, including potential class actions, relating to our performance of background checks on firearms purchases and compliance with other sales laws as mandated by state and federal law. We may also incur losses from lawsuits relating to the improper use of firearms or ammunition sold by us, including lawsuits by municipalities or other organizations attempting to recover costs from manufacturers and retailers of firearms and ammunition.

We may incur losses relating to claims filed against us, including costs associated with defending against such claims, and there is risk that any such claims or liabilities will exceed our insurance coverage, or affect our ability to retain adequate liability insurance in the future. Even if a claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any such assertions could adversely affect our reputation with our customers. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and other claims, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such matters.

A significant portion of the products that we purchase, including those purchased from domestic suppliers, is manufactured abroad in countries such as China, Taiwan and South Korea. In addition, most of our private brand merchandise is manufactured abroad. Foreign imports subject us to risk relating to changes in import duties, quotas, loss of "most favored nation" status with the U.S., shipment delays and shipping port constraints, labor strikes, work stoppages or other disruptions, freight cost increases and economic uncertainties. In addition, the U.S. government periodically considers other restrictions on the importation of products obtained by our vendors and us. If any of these or other factors were to cause a disruption of trade from the countries in which our vendors' supplies or our private brand products' manufacturers are located, our inventory levels may be reduced or the cost of our products may increase. In addition, to the extent that any foreign manufacturers from whom we directly or indirectly purchase products utilize labor, environmental, worker safety and other practices that vary from those commonly accepted in the U.S., we could be hurt by any resulting negative publicity or, in some cases, face potential liability. Also, the prices charged by foreign manufacturers may be affected by the fluctuation of their local currency against the U.S. dollar and the price of raw materials, which could cause the cost of our products to increase and negatively impact our sales or profitability.

Our trademarks, service marks, copyrights, patents, trade secrets, domain names and other intellectual property are valuable assets that are critical to our success. Effective trademark and other intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our products are manufactured or may be made available. The unauthorized reproduction or other misappropriation of our intellectual property could diminish the value of our brands or goodwill and cause a decline in our revenue. In addition, any infringement or other intellectual property claim made against us could be time-consuming to address, result in costly litigation, cause product delays, require us to enter into royalty or licensing agreements or result in our loss of ownership or use of the intellectual property.

We utilize a number of third party information systems for core system needs of our business. These systems, if not functioning properly, could disrupt our operations, including our ability to track, record and analyze the merchandise that we sell, process shipments of goods, process financial information or credit card transactions, deliver products or engage in similar normal business activities. Any material disruption, malfunction or other similar problems in or with our core information systems could negatively impact our financial results and materially adversely affect our business operations.

If we do not effectively implement our strategic and business planning processes to attract, retain, train and develop future leaders, our business may suffer. In addition, stores depend significantly on our ability to hire and retain quality associates, including store managers and sales associates. The market for non-entry level personnel, particularly for associates with retail expertise, is highly competitive. We also are dependent on the associates who staff our distribution centers, many of whom are skilled.

Furthermore, our success depends on continued service from Edward W. Stack, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who has been operating the Company since 1984. Mr. Stack possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Company and the industry. If we were to lose Mr. Stack, our business could be materially adversely affected.

Recently, various legislative movements have sought to increase the federal minimum wage in the United States, as well as the minimum wage in a number of individual states.  As federal or state minimum wage rates increase, we may need to increase not only the wage rates of our minimum wage employees, but also the wages paid to our other hourly employees as well.  Further, should we fail to increase our wages competitively in response to increasing wage rates, the quality of our workforce could decline, causing our customer service to suffer.  Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor ("DOL") has proposed rules that may have salary and wage impact for "exempt" employees, which could result in a substantial increase in store payroll expense. Any increase in the cost of our labor could have an adverse effect on our operating costs, financial condition and results of operations.

We currently operate a 914,000 square foot distribution center near Atlanta, Georgia, a 725,000 square foot distribution center in Plainfield, Indiana, a 601,000 square foot distribution center in Smithton, Pennsylvania and a 624,000 square foot distribution center in Goodyear, Arizona. Any natural disaster or other serious disruption to one of these facilities due to fire, tornado or any other cause could damage a material portion of our inventory, impair our ability to adequately stock our stores and process returns of products to vendors, and could negatively affect our sales and profitability.

We sell a significant amount of professional sports team merchandise, the sale of which may be subject to fluctuations based on the success or failure of such teams. The poor performance by the professional sports teams within our core regions of operations, as well as professional team lockouts and strikes, could cause our financial results to fluctuate accordingly year over year. In addition, to the extent we use sports superstars to market our products and advertise our stores, or we sell merchandise branded by one or more sports superstars, the retirement of such individuals or scandals in which they may be implicated could negatively impact our financial results.

Our business is seasonal based on sports seasons and the holiday selling season. Furthermore, a majority of our Dick's Sporting Goods stores are located in the eastern half of the United States, which exposes us to various regional risks, including those relating to weather conditions. Many of our stores are located in geographic areas that experience seasonably cold weather, and we sell a significant amount of cold weather sporting goods and apparel. Our highest sales and operating income results historically occur during our fourth fiscal quarter, which is due, in part, to the holiday selling season and, in part, to our strong sales of cold weather sporting goods and apparel. Poor performance during our fourth quarter, whether because of a slow holiday selling season, unseasonable weather conditions, economic conditions or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results for the entire fiscal year. Additionally, abnormally wet or cold weather in the spring or summer months could reduce our sales of golf, team sports or other merchandise and cause a decrease in our profitability.

We may from time to time acquire or invest in complementary companies or businesses. The success of such acquisitions or investments is based on our ability to make accurate assumptions regarding the valuation, operations, growth potential, integration and other factors relating to the respective business. There can be no assurance that our acquisitions or investments will produce the results that we expect at the time we enter into or we complete the transaction. Furthermore, acquisitions may result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, amortization expenses or write-offs of goodwill or other intangibles, any of which could harm our financial condition. We also may not be able to successfully integrate operations that we acquire, including their personnel, financial systems, supply chain and other operations, which could adversely affect our business. Acquisitions may also result in the diversion of our capital and our management's attention from other business issues and opportunities.

As of January 30, 2016, Mr. Edward W. Stack, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and his relatives controlled a majority of the combined voting power of our common stock and Class B common stock and would control the outcome of a vote on any corporate transaction or other matter submitted to our stockholders for approval. The interests of Mr. Stack and his relatives may differ from the interests of our other stockholders and they may take actions with which our other stockholders disagree.

Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws as well as provisions of Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our Company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include: authorizing the issuance of Class B common stock; classifying the Board of Directors such that only one-third of directors are elected each year; authorizing the issuance of "blank check" preferred stock that could be issued by our Board of Directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt; prohibiting the use of cumulative voting for the election of directors; if our Class B common stock is no longer outstanding, prohibiting stockholder action by partial written consent and requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders or by unanimous written consent; and establishing advance notice requirements for nominations for election to the Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law, to which we are subject, prohibits us, except under specified circumstances, from engaging in any mergers, significant sales of stock or assets or business combinations with any stockholder or group of stockholders who owns 15% or more of our common stock.

Although our Board of Directors has indicated an intention to pay future quarterly cash dividends on our common stock, any determination to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the future will be based primarily upon our financial condition, results of operations, business requirements, and the continuing determination from our Board of Directors that the declaration of dividends is in the best interests of our stockholders and is in compliance with all laws and agreements applicable to the dividend. Furthermore, although we have authorized a five-year $1 billion share repurchase program, we are not obligated to make any purchases under the program and we may discontinue it at any time.

None.

We lease all of our stores. Initial lease terms are generally for 10 to 15 years, and most leases contain multiple five-year renewal options and rent escalation provisions. We believe that our leases, when entered into, are at market rate rents. We generally select a new store site nine to 18 months before its opening. Our stores are primarily located in shopping centers in regional shopping areas, as well as in freestanding locations and malls.

The following is a list of distribution locations including the approximate square footage and if the location is leased or owned:

The Company’s Store Support Center occupies approximately 670,000 square feet of owned building space in Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. The Company is a direct tenant of Allegheny County Airport Authority ("ACAA") pursuant to an underlying ground lease through 2038. The Company holds a second ground lease with ACAA through 2038 for 89 acres adjacent to its Store Support Center for future expansion.

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various proceedings that are incidental to the normal course of our businesses. As of the date of this report, the Company does not expect that any of such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Not applicable.

The shares of Dick's Sporting Goods, Inc. common stock are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol "DKS". The Company also has shares of Class B common stock outstanding, which are not listed or traded on any stock exchange or other market. Shares of our Class B common stock can be converted on a one-for-one basis to shares of our common stock at any time at the holder's option and are automatically converted upon certain events. The following table shows the quarterly high and low closing sale prices per share of the Company's common stock as reported by the NYSE for each quarter during the last two fiscal years and the quarterly cash dividend declared per share of our common stock during the periods indicated:

 

The declaration of future dividends and the establishment of the per share amount, record dates and payment dates for any such future dividends are subject to the final determination of the Board of Directors, and will be dependent upon future earnings, cash flows, financial requirements and other factors.

The information set forth under Part III, Item 12. "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters" is incorporated herein.

Our fiscal year consists of 52 or 53 weeks, ends on the Saturday nearest to the last day in January and is referenced by the calendar year ending closest to that date. All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks of operations except fiscal 2012, which included 53 weeks.

The information set forth below should be read in conjunction with other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K including Part II, Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with Part II, Item 6, "Selected Financial Data" and our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors".

The Company is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear and accessories through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique specialty shop-in-shops. The Company also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field & Stream and other specialty concept stores as well as eCommerce websites at www.DICKS.com, www.golfgalaxy.com, www.fieldandstreamshop.com and www.caliastudio.com.

In recent years, the Company has innovated its eCommerce sites with enhancements in the customer experience, new releases of its mobile and tablet sites, and development of capabilities that integrate the Company's online presence with its brick and mortar stores, including ship-from-store; buy-online, pick-up in-store; return-to-store and multi-faceted marketing campaigns that are consistent across our stores and our eCommerce websites. On average, approximately 80% of the Company's eCommerce sales are generated within brick and mortar trade areas.

The Company's senior management focuses on certain key indicators to monitor the Company's performance including:

  

 

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, selected items in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a percentage of the Company's net sales, as well as the basis point change in percentage of net sales from the prior year:

Note - As retailers vary in how they record costs of operating their stores and supply chain between cost of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A"), our gross profit rate and SG&A rate may not be comparable to other retailers. For additional information regarding costs classified in cost of goods sold, SG&A or any other financial statement line item presented herein, refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net sales increased 10% to $6,814.5 million in fiscal 2014 from $6,213.2 million in fiscal 2013 due primarily to a 2.4% increase in consolidated same store sales and the growth of our store network. The 2.4% increase in consolidated same store sales contributed $146.4 million of the increase in net sales for fiscal 2014. The remaining $454.9 million increase in the Company's noncomparable sales is attributable to new stores. The 2.4% increase in consolidated same store sales consisted of a 3.1% increase at Dick's Sporting Goods and a 9.2% decrease at Golf Galaxy. eCommerce sales penetration was 9.2% of total net sales during the current period compared to 7.9% of total net sales during fiscal 2013, representing an approximate increase of 28% in eCommerce sales across both Dick's Sporting Goods and Golf Galaxy.

The increase in consolidated same store sales was primarily driven by increases across most of our apparel, hardlines and footwear categories, with the exception of the golf and hunting businesses. The same store sales increase at Dick's Sporting Goods was driven by an increase in sales per transaction of approximately 1.9% and an increase in transactions of approximately 1.2%. Based upon our fiscal 2014 sales mix, every 1% change in consolidated same store sales, which consists of both brick and mortar and eCommerce sales, would impact earnings before income taxes for fiscal 2014 by approximately $20.6 million.

Income from operations increased $17.3 million to $554.1 million in fiscal 2014 from $536.8 million in fiscal 2013.

Gross profit increased 7% to $2,086.7 million in fiscal 2014 from $1,944.0 million in fiscal 2013, but decreased as a percentage of net sales by 67 basis points compared to fiscal 2013. The decline in the gross profit rate was driven by a decrease in merchandise margin of 58 basis points and an increase in shipping expenses of 17 basis points in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. During fiscal 2014, the decrease in merchandise margin was primarily driven by higher promotional activity, partially offset by changes in sales mix to higher margin categories. The increase in shipping expenses during fiscal 2014 was the result of the growth and increased penetration of eCommerce sales as compared to the Company's total net sales. The decline in the gross profit rate was partially offset by leverage in occupancy costs, which decreased 10 basis points as a percentage of net sales. Though overall occupancy costs increased $62.3 million from fiscal 2013, these costs decreased as a percentage of net sales as occupancy costs increased at a lower rate than the 10% increase in net sales during fiscal 2014. Every 10 basis point change in merchandise margin would impact earnings before income taxes for fiscal 2014 by approximately $6.8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately 8% to $1,502.1 million in fiscal 2014 from $1,386.3 million in fiscal 2013, but decreased as a percentage of net sales by 27 basis points. Fiscal 2014 includes (i) a pre-tax gain on the sale of a Gulfstream G650 corporate aircraft of $14.4 million, (ii) severance charges totaling $3.7 million and (iii) non-cash impairment charges totaling $14.3 million related to the Company's golf restructuring. Fiscal 2013 included a $7.9 million non-cash impairment charge to reduce the carrying value of a Gulfstream G450 corporate aircraft held for sale to fair market value. Apart from the enumerated items, the year-over-year change in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales is due primarily to lower administrative payroll and related benefit costs, which increased in fiscal 2014 by $6.1 million from fiscal 2013 but decreased as a percentage of net sales by 20 basis points.

Pre-opening expenses increased to $30.5 million in fiscal 2014 from $20.8 million in fiscal 2013. Pre-opening expenses in any period fluctuate depending on the timing and number of store openings and relocations. Pre-opening rent expenses for our self-developed store sites will generally exceed those for sites built to our specifications by our landlords since we are in possession of the site for a longer period of time, which accelerates expense recognition but does not impact the timing of rent payments.

The Company's effective tax rate was 38.1% for fiscal 2014 as compared to 38.2% for fiscal 2013.

The Company's liquidity and capital needs have generally been met by cash from operating activities with additional liquidity from the Company's revolving credit facility. Cash flow from operations is seasonal in our business. Typically, we use cash flow from operations to increase inventory in advance of peak selling seasons, with the pre-holiday inventory increase being the largest. In the fourth quarter, inventory levels are reduced in connection with sales during the holiday season and this inventory reduction, combined with proportionately higher net income, typically produces significant positive cash flow.

The Company has a $1 billion revolving senior secured credit facility, including up to $150 million in the form of letters of credit, in the event further liquidity is needed. Under the Credit Agreement, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, the Company may request an increase of up to $250 million in borrowing availability. The Credit Agreement is further described within Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company generally utilizes its Credit Agreement for working capital needs based primarily on the seasonal nature of its operating cash flows, with the Company's peak borrowings occurring during its third quarter as the Company increases inventory in advance of the holiday selling season.

Liquidity information for the fiscal periods ended (dollars in thousands):

Liquidity information as of the fiscal periods ended (dollars in thousands):

The Company intends to allocate capital to invest in its future growth, specifically the development of its omni-channel platform and specialty store concepts, as well as to return capital to stockholders through dividends and share repurchases. 

 

Changes in cash and cash equivalents are as follows:

Operating activities consist primarily of net income, adjusted for certain non-cash items and changes in operating assets and liabilities. Adjustments to net income for non-cash items include depreciation and amortization, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation expense and tax benefits on stock options, as well as non-cash gains and losses on the disposal of the Company's assets. Changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily reflect changes in inventories, accounts payable and income taxes payable / receivable, as well as other working capital changes.