Williams-Sonoma 10-Q 2024-10-27

Filed 2024-11-22. 8 sections, 120K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON

Cover and table of contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☒QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 27, 2024.

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: 001-14077

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

3250 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA

(Address of principal executive offices)

94-2203880

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

94109

(Zip Code)

(415) 421-7900

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per shareWSMNew York Stock Exchange, Inc.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer☒Accelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer¨Smaller reporting company☐
Emerging growth company☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ☐ No ☒

As of November 17, 2024, 123,099,943 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 27, 2024

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
PAGE
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)1
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations14
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk21
Item 4.Controls and Procedures22
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.Legal Proceedings23
Item 1A.Risk Factors23
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds23
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities23
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures23
Item 5.Other Information24
Item 6.Exhibits25

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(Unaudited)

For the Thirteen Weeks EndedFor the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
(In thousands, except per share amounts)October 27, 2024October 29, 2023October 27, 2024October 29, 2023
Net revenues$1,800,668$1,853,650$5,249,323$5,471,715
Cost of goods sold958,9531,031,2902,778,7673,216,729
Gross profit841,715822,3602,470,5562,254,986
Selling, general and administrative expenses521,072507,2831,536,1691,468,884
Operating income320,643315,077934,387786,102
Interest income, net11,8027,18243,06316,015
Earnings before income taxes332,445322,259977,450802,117
Income taxes83,49284,974237,086206,794
Net earnings$248,953$237,285$740,364$595,323
Basic earnings per share$1.99$1.85$5.81$4.60
Diluted earnings per share$1.96$1.83$5.74$4.56
Shares used in calculation of earnings per share:
Basic125,333128,285127,334129,436
Diluted126,892129,549129,019130,596

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

For the Thirteen Weeks EndedFor the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
(In thousands)October 27, 2024October 29, 2023October 27, 2024October 29, 2023
Net earnings$248,953$237,285$740,364$595,323
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments(13)(4,028)(1,404)(4,062)
Change in fair value of derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $0, $27, $0, and $57.—781163
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains (losses) on derivative financial instruments, net of tax of $0, $40, $(33), and $316.—(114)94(896)
Comprehensive income$248,940$233,221$739,055$590,528

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited)

As of
(In thousands, except per share amounts)October 27, 2024January 28, 2024October 29, 2023
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents$826,784$1,262,007$698,807
Accounts receivable, net105,620122,914124,238
Merchandise inventories, net1,450,1351,246,3691,396,864
Prepaid expenses84,81059,466100,045
Other current assets19,43229,04127,381
Total current assets2,486,7812,719,7972,347,335
Property and equipment, net1,019,8741,013,1891,026,819
Operating lease right-of-use assets1,147,6731,229,6501,235,425
Deferred income taxes, net109,444110,65676,272
Goodwill77,30177,30677,279
Other long-term assets, net127,267122,950120,639
Total assets$4,968,340$5,273,548$4,883,769
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable$665,803$607,877$675,505
Accrued expenses235,146264,306203,958
Gift card and other deferred revenue583,022573,904528,403
Income taxes payable28,40096,55453,139
Operating lease liabilities231,667234,517231,236
Other current liabilities101,272103,15796,745
Total current liabilities1,845,3101,880,3151,788,986
Long-term operating lease liabilities1,083,8091,156,1041,163,631
Other long-term liabilities132,612109,268117,918
Total liabilities3,061,7313,145,6873,070,535
Commitments and contingencies – See Note F
Stockholders’ equity
Preferred stock: $0.01 par value; 7,500 shares authorized; none issued———
Common stock: $0.01 par value; 253,125 shares authorized; 123,876, 128,301 and 128,270 shares issued and outstanding at October 27, 2024, January 28, 2024 and October 29, 2023, respectively1,2391,2841,283
Additional paid-in capital545,205587,960571,765
Retained earnings1,377,4611,555,5951,260,216
Accumulated other compre

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Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, as well as assumptions that, if they do not fully materialize or are proven incorrect, could cause our business and results of operations to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include statements related to: continuing changes in general economic, political, competitive and other conditions beyond our control, and the impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending; the continuing impact of inflation and measures to control inflation, including changing interest rates, on consumer spending; the impact of current and potential future tariffs and our ability to mitigate impacts; the outcome of our growth initiatives; our ability to anticipate consumer preferences and buying trends; dependence on timely introduction and customer acceptance of our merchandise; our ability to introduce and grow new brands and brand extensions; delays in store openings; competition from companies with concepts or products similar to ours; labor and material shortages; timely and effective sourcing of merchandise from our foreign and domestic vendors and delivery of merchandise through our supply chain to our stores and customers; effective inventory management; our ability to manage customer returns; uncertainties in e-marketing, infrastructure and regulation; multi-channel and multi-brand complexities; challenges associated with our increasing global presence; the continuing impact of global conflicts, such as the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and shortages of various raw materials on our global supply chain, retail store operations and customer demand; dependence on external funding sources for operating capital; disruptions in the financial markets; our ability to control employment, occupancy, supply chain, product, transportation and other operating costs; our ability to improve our systems and processes; changes to our information technology infrastructure; new interpretations of or changes to current accounting rules; impact of actual and potential wars, conflicts or acts of terrorism; the potential for increased corporate income taxes; and other risks and uncertainties, as well as statements of belief and statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “may,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “intends,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above that could cause our results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in this document and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024, and the risks, uncertainties and assumptions discussed from time to time in our other public filings and public announcements. All forward-looking statements included in this document are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

OVERVIEW

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. ("Company", "we", or "us") is a specialty retailer of high-quality sustainable products for the home. Our products in our portfolio of nine brands – Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow – are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs and our retail stores. These brands are also part of The Key Rewards, our loyalty and credit card program that offers members exclusive benefits across the Williams-Sonoma family of brands. We operate in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, offer international shipping to customers worldwide, and have unaffiliated franchisees that operate stores in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India as well as e-commerce websites in certain locations. We are also proud to be a leader in our industry with our values-based culture and commitment to achieving our sustainability goals.

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity and capital resources for the thirteen weeks ended October 27, 2024 (“third quarter of fiscal 2024”), as compared to the thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2023 (“third quarter of fiscal 2023”) and thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2024 ("first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024"), as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2023 ("first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023"), should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. All explanations of changes in operational results are discussed in order of magnitude.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 Financial Results

Net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased $53.0 million or 2.9%, with company comparable brand revenue ("company comp") decline of 2.9%. This decrease was driven by continuing customer hesitancy towards furniture purchases, partially offset by strength in our emerging brands and our children's home furnishings business.

In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, Pottery Barn, our largest brand, saw 7.5% comparable brand revenue ("brand comp") decline driven by reduced furniture sales, partially offset by relative strength from our decorating, entertaining, and seasonal holiday categories. The Pottery Barn Kids and Teen brands saw 3.8% brand comp growth in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 driven by strength in decor, seasonal products, textiles and collaborations.

West Elm saw 3.5% brand comp decline in the third quarter of fiscal 2024, driven by the continuing impacts of the customer pull back in furniture as a result of the brand's high percentage of its assortment in the furniture category, partially offset by strength from new product introductions across categories including textiles, kids and furniture.

The Williams Sonoma brand saw 0.1% brand comp decline in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 with strength in the brand's kitchen business driven by high ticket electrics and tabletop.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2024, diluted earnings per share was $1.96, compared to $1.83 in the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

As of October 27, 2024, we had $827 million in cash and cash equivalents and generated operating cash flow of $726.7 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024. In addition to our cash balance, we also ended the third quarter of fiscal 2024 with no outstanding borrowings under our revolving line of credit. Our liquidity position allowed us to fund the operations of the business by investing $154.4 million in capital expenditures in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, and to provide stockholder returns of $916.3 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024 through stock repurchases and dividends.

Out-of-Period Adjustment

Subsequent to the filing of our Form 10-K, in April 2024, the Company determined that it over-recognized freight expense in fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 for a cumulative amount of $49.0 million. The Company evaluated the error, both qualitatively and quantitatively, and determined that no prior interim or annual periods were materially misstated. The Company then evaluated whether the cumulative amount of the over-accrual was material to its projected fiscal 2024 results, and determined the cumulative amount was not material. Therefore, the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2024 include an out-of-period adjustment of $49.0 million, recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, to reduce cost of goods sold and accounts payable, which corrected the cumulative error on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 28, 2024.

Looking Ahead

As we look forward to the balance of the year, we are focused on three key priorities, which include (i) returning to growth, (ii) elevating our world-class customer service and (iii) driving earnings. We believe these key priorities will set us apart from our competition and allow us to drive long-term growth and profitability. We believe we have a powerful portfolio of brands, serving a range of categories, aesthetics, and life stages and we have built a strong omni-channel platform and infrastructure, which will position us well for the next stage of growth. However, the uncertain macroeconomic environment with the slow housing market, elevated interest rates, layoffs, inflationary pressure, political uncertainty and global geopolitical tension may continue to impact our results. For information on risks, please see “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024.

NET REVENUES

Net revenues primarily consist of sales of merchandise to our customers through our e-commerce websites, retail stores and direct-mail catalogs, and include shipping fees received from customers for delivery of merchandise to their homes. Our revenues also include sales to our business-to-business customers and franchisees, incentives received from credit card issuers in connection with our private label and co-branded credit cards and breakage income related to our stored-value cards. Revenue from the sale of merchandise is reported net of sales returns.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

Net revenues in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 decreased $53.0 million or 2.9%, with company comp decline of 2.9%. This decrease was driven by continuing customer hesitancy towards furniture purchases, partially offset by strength in our emerging brands and our children's home furnishings business.

First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2024 vs. First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2023

Net revenues for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024 decreased by $222.4 million, or 4.1%, with company comp decline of 3.7%. This was driven by continuing customer hesitancy towards furniture purchases, partially offset by strength in our emerging brands and children's home furnishings.

Comparable Brand Revenue

Comparable brand revenue includes comparable e-commerce sales, including through our direct-mail catalog, and store sales, as well as shipping fees, sales returns and other discounts associated with current period sales. Comparable stores are defined as permanent stores where gross square footage did not change by more than 20% in the previous 12 months, and which have been open for at least 12 consecutive months without closure for more than seven days within the same fiscal month. Outlet comparable store revenues are included in their respective brands. Business-to-business revenues are included in comparable brand revenue for each of our brands. Sales to our international franchisees are excluded from comparable brand revenue as their stores and e-commerce websites are not operated by us. Sales from certain operations are also excluded until such time that we believe those sales are meaningful to evaluating their performance. Additionally, comparable brand revenue for newer concepts is not separately disclosed until such time that we believe those sales are meaningful to evaluating the performance of the brand.

For the Thirteen Weeks Ended 1For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended 1
Comparable brand revenue growth (decline)October 27, 2024October 29, 2023October 27, 2024October 29, 2023
Pottery Barn(7.5)%(16.6)%(8.4)%(9.7)%
West Elm(3.5)(22.4)(4.1)(19.8)
Williams Sonoma(0.1)(1.9)0.0(2.3)
Pottery Barn Kids and Teen3.8(6.9)2.7(6.7)
Total 2(2.9)%(14.6)%(3.7)%(11.1)%
1 Comparable brand revenue includes business-to-business revenues within each brand.
2 Total comparable brand revenue growth includes the results of Rejuvenation, Mark and Graham, and GreenRow.

STORE DATA

Store CountAverage Leased Square Footage Per Store
July 28, 2024OpeningsClosingsOctober 27, 2024October 29, 2023October 27, 2024October 29, 2023
Pottery Barn1852(1)18619115,00015,000
Williams Sonoma1582—1601636,9006,900
West Elm122——12212313,20013,200
Pottery Barn Kids451—46467,8007,800
Rejuvenation11——11108,1008,200
Total5215(1)52553311,40011,400
Store selling square footage at period-end3,886,0003,905,000
Store leased square footage at period-end5,972,0006,061,000

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit is equal to our net revenues less cost of goods sold. Cost of goods sold includes (i) cost of goods, which consists of cost of merchandise, inbound freight expenses, freight-to-store expenses and other inventory related costs such as replacements, damages, obsolescence and shrinkage; (ii) occupancy expenses, which consists of rent, other occupancy costs (including property taxes, common area maintenance and utilities) and depreciation; and (iii) shipping costs, which consists of third-party delivery services and shipping materials.

Our classification of expenses in cost of goods sold may not be comparable to other public companies, as we do not include non-occupancy-related costs associated with our distribution network in cost of goods sold. These costs, which include distribution network employment, third-party warehouse management and other distribution-related administrative expenses, are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A").

For the Thirteen Weeks Ended
(In thousands)October 27, 2024% Net RevenuesOctober 29, 2023% Net RevenuesOctober 30, 2022% Net Revenues
Gross profit 1$841,71546.7%$822,36044.4%$910,52641.5%

1**Includes occupancy expenses of $195.0 million, $200.4 million and $202.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

Gross profit increased $19.4 million, or 2.4%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Gross margin increased to 46.7% from 44.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. The increase in gross margin of 230 basis points was driven by (i) higher merchandise margins of 130 basis points and (ii) supply chain efficiencies of 100 basis points, including reductions in returns, replacements, accommodations and damages as well as limiting out-of-market and multiple shipments. Occupancy rate was flat compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023.

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2022

Gross profit decreased $88.2 million or 9.7%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2022. Gross margin increased to 44.4% from 41.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2022. The increase in gross margin of 290 basis points was primarily driven by (i) improvement in input costs resulting from lower ocean freight, detention and demurrage, (ii) lower customer shipping and other inventory costs, including reductions in out-of-market shipments, multiple shipments, returns, replacements, damages, and accommodations and (iii) higher pricing power of our proprietary products and our focus on full-price selling, partially offset by (iv) deleveraged occupancy costs resulting from lower revenues.

For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
(In thousands)October 27, 2024% Net RevenuesOctober 29, 2023% Net RevenuesOctober 30, 2022% Net Revenues
Gross profit 1$2,470,55647.1%$2,254,98641.2%$2,667,88342.9%

1**Includes occupancy expenses of $588.3 million, $606.3 million and $581.7 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively.

First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2024 vs. First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2023

Gross profit increased $215.6 million, or 9.6%, compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023. Gross margin increased to 47.1% from 41.2% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023. This increase in gross margin of 590 basis points was driven by (i) higher merchandise margins of 330 basis points, (ii) supply chain efficiencies of 170 basis points, including reductions in returns, replacements, accommodations and damages as well as limiting out-of-market and multiple shipments, and (iii) an out-of-period freight adjustment of 100 basis points, partially offset by (iv) the deleverage of occupancy costs of 10 basis points resulting from lower sales.

First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2023 vs. First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2022

Gross profit decreased $412.9 million, or 15.5%, compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2022. Gross margin decreased to 41.2% from 42.9% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2022. The decline in gross margin of 170 basis points was primarily driven by (i) higher input costs resulting from ocean freight, detention and demurrage in the first half of fiscal 2023, which improved in the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and (ii) higher occupancy costs resulting from incremental costs from our new distribution centers on the East and West Coasts to support our long-term growth, partially offset by (iii) higher pricing power of our proprietary products and our focus on full-price selling.

SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

SG&A consists of non-occupancy related costs associated with our retail stores, distribution and manufacturing facilities, customer care centers, supply chain operations (buying, receiving and inspection) and corporate administrative functions. These costs include employment, advertising, third party credit card processing, impairment and other general expenses.

For the Thirteen Weeks EndedFor the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
(In thousands)October 27, 2024% Net RevenuesOctober 29, 2023% Net RevenuesOctober 27, 2024% Net RevenuesOctober 29, 2023% Net Revenues
Selling, general and administrative expenses$521,07228.9%$507,28327.4%$1,536,16929.3%$1,468,88426.8%

Third Quarter of Fiscal 2024 vs. Third Quarter of Fiscal 2023

SG&A increased $13.8 million, or 2.7%, compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2023. SG&A as a percentage of net revenues increased to 28.9% from 27.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2023. This increase of 150 basis points was primarily driven by (i) an increase in employment expense of 160 basis points due to higher performance-based incentive compensation and employee benefits costs and (ii) an increase in advertising expenses of 20 basis points; partially offset by (iii) lower general expenses of 30 basis points from timing of administrative expenses.

First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2024 vs. First Thirty-nine Weeks of Fiscal 2023

SG&A increased $67.3 million, or 4.6%, compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023. SG&A as a percentage of net revenues increased to 29.3% from 26.8% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023. This increase of 250 basis points was primarily driven by (i) an increase in employment expense of 150 basis points due to higher performance-based incentive compensation, which does not include a benefit from the out-of-period freight adjustment and (ii) an increase in advertising expenses of 110 basis points, partially offset by (iii) exit costs of $15.8 million and reduction-in-force initiatives of $8.3 million recorded in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023 which did not recur in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024.

INCOME TAXES

The effective tax rate was 24.3% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, and 25.8% for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to (i) higher excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation in first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024 and (ii) the tax effect of earnings mix change, partially offset by (iii) the expiration of the statutes of limitations related to uncertain tax positions in fiscal 2023.

Since the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development ("OECD") announced the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ("Framework") in 2021, a number of countries have begun to enact legislation to implement the OECD international tax framework, including the Pillar Two minimum tax regime. To mitigate the administrative burden for Multinational Enterprises in complying with the OECD Global Anti-Base Erosion rules during the initial years of implementation, the OECD developed the temporary “Transitional Country-by-Country Safe Harbor” ("Safe Harbor"). This transitional Safe Harbor applies for fiscal years beginning on or before December 31, 2026, but not including a fiscal year that ends after June 30, 2028. Under the Safe Harbor, the top-up tax for such jurisdiction is deemed to be zero, provided that at least one of the Safe Harbor tests is met for the jurisdiction.

In the regions in which we operate, Canada, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy and Vietnam have implemented Pillar Two frameworks effective January 1, 2024. The Company's subsidiaries are not subject to Pillar Two minimum tax in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024 under the Safe Harbor rules.

Pillar Two minimum tax will be treated as a period cost in future periods when it is applicable. We are continuing to evaluate the potential impact on future periods of the Pillar Two Framework, and monitoring legislative developments by other countries, especially in the regions in which we operate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Material Cash Requirements

There were no material changes during the quarter to the Company’s material cash requirements, commitments and contingencies that are described in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Stock Repurchase Programs and Dividends

See Note G to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, Stock Repurchase Programs and Dividends, within Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for further information.

Liquidity Outlook

For the remainder of fiscal 2024, we plan to use our cash resources to fund our inventory and inventory-related purchases, employment-related costs, advertising and marketing initiatives, stock repurchases, property and equipment purchases, dividend payments, rental payments on our leases and the payment of income taxes.

We believe our cash on hand, cash flows from operations and our available credit facilities will provide adequate liquidity for our business operations as well as stock repurchases, dividends, capital expenditures and other liquidity requirements associated with our business operations over the next 12 months. We are currently not aware of any other trends or demands, commitments, events or uncertainties that will result in, or that are reasonably likely to result in, our liquidity increasing or decreasing in any material way that will impact our capital needs during or beyond the next 12 months.

Sources of Liquidity

As of October 27, 2024, we held $826.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, the majority of which was held in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and money market funds, and of which $82.7 million was held by our international subsidiaries. As is consistent within our industry, our cash balances are seasonal in nature, with the fourth quarter historically representing a significantly higher level of cash than other periods.

In addition to our cash balances on hand, we have a credit facility (the "Credit Facility") which provides for a $500 million unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Revolver”). Our Revolver may be used to borrow revolving loans or to request the issuance of letters of credit. We may, upon notice to the administrative agent, request existing or new lenders, at such lenders’ option, to increase the Revolver by up to $250 million to provide for a total of up to $750 million of unsecured revolving credit.

During the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2024 and October 29, 2023, we had no borrowings under our Revolver. Additionally, as of October 27, 2024, issued but undrawn standby letters of credit of $12.1 million were outstanding under our Revolver. The standby letters of credit were primarily issued to secure the liabilities associated with workers’ compensation and other insurance programs.

Our Credit Facility contains certain restrictive loan covenants, including, among others, a financial covenant requiring a maximum leverage ratio (funded debt adjusted for operating lease liabilities to earnings before interest, income tax, depreciation, amortization and rent expense), and covenants limiting our ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, make acquisitions, merge or consolidate, and dispose of assets. As of October 27, 2024, we were in compliance with our financial covenants under our Credit Facility and, based on our current projections, we expect to remain in compliance throughout the next 12 months.

Letter of Credit Facilities

We have three unsecured letter of credit facilities for a total of $35 million. Our letter of credit facilities contain covenants that are consistent with our Credit Facility. Interest on unreimbursed amounts under our letter of credit facilities accrues at a base rate as defined in the Credit Facility, plus an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio. As of October 27, 2024, the aggregate amount outstanding under our letter of credit facilities was $0.8 million, which represents only a future commitment to fund inventory purchases to which we had not taken legal title. On August 16, 2024, we renewed two of our letter of credit facilities totaling $30 million on substantially similar terms. The two letter of credit facilities mature on August 18, 2025, and the latest expiration date possible for future letters of credit issued under these facilities is January 15, 2026. One of the letter of credit facilities totaling $5 million matures on September 30, 2026, which is also the latest expiration date possible for future letters of credit issued under the facility.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

For the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $726.7 million compared to $1.0 billion for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023, and was primarily attributable to net earnings adjusted for non-cash items, partially offset by higher spending on merchandise inventories as a result of timing of seasonal receipts and a decrease in income taxes payable. Net cash provided by operating activities compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023 decreased primarily due to higher spending on merchandise inventories, a decrease in accounts payable (as a result of supplier payment timing) and a decrease in income taxes payable, partially offset by an increase in net earnings adjusted for non-cash items.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

For the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, net cash used in investing activities was $154.0 million compared to $134.4 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023, and was primarily attributable to purchases of property and equipment related to technology, store construction and supply chain enhancements.

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

For the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $1.0 billion compared to $538.7 million for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023, primarily driven by repurchases of common stock, payment of dividends and tax withholdings remittance related to stock-based awards. Net cash used in financing activities for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2024 increased compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2023, primarily due to an increase in repurchases of common stock.

Seasonality

Our business is subject to substantial seasonal variations in demand. Historically, a significant portion of our revenues and net earnings have been realized during the period from October through January, and levels of net revenues and net earnings have typically been lower during the period from February through September. We believe this is the general pattern associated with the retail industry. In preparation for and during our holiday selling season, we hire a substantial number of additional temporary associates, primarily in our retail stores, distribution facilities and customer care centers.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based on our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, which have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, there were no significant changes to the critical accounting estimates discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks, which include significant deterioration of the U.S. and foreign markets, changes in U.S. interest rates, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, and the effects of economic uncertainty which may affect the prices we pay our vendors in the foreign countries in which we do business. We do not engage in financial transactions for trading or speculative purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

Our Revolver has a variable interest rate which, when drawn upon, subjects us to risks associated with changes in that interest rate. During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, we had no borrowings under our Revolver.

In addition, we have fixed and variable income investments consisting of short-term investments classified as cash and cash equivalents, which are also affected by changes in market interest rates. As of October 27, 2024, our investments, made primarily in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and money market funds, are stated at cost and approximate their fair values.

Foreign Currency Risks

We purchase the majority of our inventory from suppliers outside of the U.S. in transactions that are primarily denominated in U.S. dollars and, as such, any foreign currency impact related to these international purchase transactions was not significant to us during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 or the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Since we pay for the majority of our international purchases in U.S. dollars, however, a decline in the U.S. dollar relative to other foreign currencies would subject us to risks associated with increased purchasing costs from our suppliers in their effort to offset any lost profits associated with any currency devaluation. We cannot predict with certainty the effect these increased costs may have on our financial statements or results of operations.

In addition, our businesses in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and our operations throughout Asia and Europe, expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Substantially all of our purchases and sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, which limits our exposure to this risk. However, some of our foreign operations have a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. While the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations was not material to us in the third quarter of fiscal 2024 or the third quarter of fiscal 2023, we have continued to see volatility in the exchange rates in the countries in which we do business. Additionally, the effect of a hypothetical 10% change in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to our business would not have a material impact on our historical or current Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. As we continue to expand globally, the foreign currency exchange risk related to our foreign operations may increase. To mitigate this risk, we may hedge a portion of our foreign currency exposure with foreign currency forward contracts in accordance with our risk management policies.

Inflation

While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, we have experienced varying levels of inflation, resulting in part from various supply chain disruptions, increased shipping and transportation costs, increased product costs, increased labor costs in the supply chain and other disruptions caused by the pandemic and the uncertain economic environment. We believe the effects of inflation, if any, on our financial statements and results of operations have been immaterial to date. However, there can be no assurance that our results of operations and financial condition will not be materially impacted by inflation in the future, including by the heightened levels of inflation experienced globally during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Global trends, including inflationary pressures, are weakening customer sentiment, negatively impacting consumer spending behavior and slowing down consumer demand for our products. However, our unique operating model and pricing power helped mitigate these increased costs during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 and the third quarter of fiscal 2023. Our inability or failure to offset the impact of inflation could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of October 27, 2024, an evaluation was performed by management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our CEO and CFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow for timely discussions regarding required disclosures, and that such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter of fiscal 2024, that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Information required by this Item is contained in Note F to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I of this Form 10-Q.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

See Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2024 for a description of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business. There were no material changes to such risk factors in the current quarterly reporting period.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table provides information as of October 27, 2024 with respect to shares of common stock we repurchased during the third quarter of fiscal 2024 under the $1.0 billion stock repurchase program announced in March 2024 (the “March 2024 program”).

Fiscal PeriodTotal Number of Shares Purchased 1Average Price Paid Per ShareTotal Number of Shares Purchased as Part of a Publicly Announced Program 1Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July 29, 2024 - August 25, 20241,450,334$137.901,450,334$626,397,000
August 26, 2024 - September 22, 20241,759,199$132.941,759,199$392,523,000
September 23, 2024 - October 27, 2024719,958$138.90719,958$292,523,000
Total3,929,491$135.863,929,491$292,523,000

1 Excludes shares withheld for employee taxes upon vesting of stock-based awards.

Additionally, in November 2024, we announced that in September 2024 our Board of Directors authorized a new $1.0 billion stock repurchase program (together with the March 2024 program, “our programs”), which will become effective once our March 2024 program is fully utilized. As of October 27, 2024, we had a total of $1.3 billion in stock repurchase authorization remaining under our programs. For additional information, please see Note G to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements within Part I of this Form 10-Q.

Stock repurchases under our programs may be made through open market and privately negotiated transactions at times and in such amounts as management deems appropriate. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, capital availability and other market conditions. The stock repurchase programs do not have an expiration date and may be limited or terminated at any time without prior notice.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Insider Adoption or Termination of Trading Arrangements

During the third quarter of fiscal 2024, none of our directors or officers adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as those terms are defined in Regulation S-K, Item 408, except as described in the table below:

Name & TitleDate AdoptedCharacter of Trading Arrangement 1Aggregate Number of Shares of Common Stock to be Purchased or Sold Pursuant to Trading ArrangementDuration 2Other Material TermsDate Terminated
Laura Alber, Director, President and Chief Executive OfficerSeptember 10, 2024Rule 10b5-1 Trading ArrangementUp to 270,000 shares to be soldJanuary 21, 2025 through November 28, 2025N/AN/A
Jeff Howie, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerAugust 26, 2024Rule 10b5-1 Trading ArrangementUp to 78,724 shares to be sold 3December 2, 2024 through September 30, 2025N/AN/A

1 Except as indicated by footnote, each trading arrangement marked as a “Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement” is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c), as amended (the “Rule”).

2 The Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements permit transactions through and including the earlier to occur of (a) the completion of all purchases or sales or (b) the date listed in the table. The Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements only permit transactions upon expiration of the applicable mandatory cooling-off period under the Rule. The Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements also provide for automatic expiration in the event of written notice of death or legal incapacity, our filing of a bankruptcy petition, the closing of a merger, recapitalization, acquisition, tender or exchange offer, or other business combination or reorganization resulting in the exchange or conversion of our common stock into shares of another company, the conversion of our common stock into rights to receive fixed amounts of cash or into debt securities and/or preferred stock (whether in whole or in part), the termination of the Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement by the executive, or, in the case of Mr. Howie, our common stock is no longer listed on a national securities exchange.

3 This number includes shares of our common stock issuable pursuant to unvested restricted stock units and unvested performance stock units (“PSUs”). The PSUs are subject to the achievement of certain performance conditions as set forth in the applicable PSU agreement. The actual number of PSUs that vest following the end of the applicable performance period, if any, and therefore the resulting shares of our common stock available for sale under the plan will depend on the attainment of the performance metrics*.*

Item 6. EXHIBITS

(a) Exhibits

Exhibit NumberExhibit Description
3.1Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, effective as of September 25, 2024, as amended (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 27, 2024 (File No. 001-14077), and incorporated herein by reference)
10.1+*Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Director Compensation Policy
31.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
31.2*Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act, as amended
32.1*Certification of Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*Certification of Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*The following financial statements from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 27, 2024, formatted in Inline XBRL: (i) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and including detailed tags
104*Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in the Interactive Data Files submitted under Exhibit 101)
*Filed herewith.
+Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

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.

WILLIAMS-SONOMA, INC.
By:/s/ Jeffrey E. Howie
Jeffrey E. Howie
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By:/s/ Jeremy Brooks
Jeremy Brooks
Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)

Date: November 22, 2024