HBC Reports Third Quarter 2019 Financial Results

  • Revenues totaled $1.8 billion, with comparable sales down 1.7% including a 15% year-over-year increase in digital sales

  • Gross profit margin was 38.3%, down 120 basis points year-over-year; Adjusted for liquidating stores, gross margin rate was unchanged year-over-year
  • Fourth consecutive quarter of year-over-year decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses, resulting in 70 basis points of SG&A leverage
  • Net loss from continuing operations of $175 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA declined $40 million year-over-year to $84 million, due to the sale of our interest in the European real estate joint venture and lower profitability in North American retail
  • Net debt declined $2.2 billion or 56% year-over-year to $1.7 billion; Strong liquidity of $2.1 billion at quarter end

TORONTO & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 10, 2019-- HBC’s (TSX: HBC) third quarter comparable sales declined 1.7 percent, as the company lapped its top-performing quarter in 2018. The sale of the company’s interest in the European real estate joint venture and strategic changes in vendor relationships also weighed on the company’s profitability, with Adjusted EBITDA down 32 percent year-over-year to $84 million.

“In the third quarter, we faced our toughest comp, soft industry-wide luxury sales and the challenge of winning back market share in Canada. Strong digital growth, continued cost containment and inventory control were not enough to deliver the financial performance we wanted,” said Helena Foulkes, HBC’s CEO. “We must quicken the pace of improvement while bearing the ongoing costs of our strategic portfolio reset and the headwinds impacting our industry. I’m confident that we are on the right journey with each of our businesses as we sharpen our focus to deliver on the potential of HBC.”

In the third quarter, HBC sold its remaining stakes in the European real estate and retail joint ventures for $1.5 billion. As part of the transaction, HBC acquired 100 percent ownership of HBC Netherlands.

Operating Results

HBC’s financial results and comparable sales are for the thirteen week period ended November 2, 2019, as compared to the thirteen weeks ended November 3, 2018. Certain metrics, including those expressed on an adjusted, normalized, comparable and/or constant currency basis, are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information please refer to the “Supplemental Information” section of this press release and the reconciliation tables provided.

As of the close of the European transactions on October 1, 2019, the company’s Netherlands financial results are included in retail sales, gross profit, and selling general and administrative expenses. As a result of the sale to Le Tote, Lord + Taylor has been classified and presented as discontinued operations and its financial results are not included in the following discussion, including any impacts related to Lord + Taylor’s inventory or lease obligations.

Third quarter revenues totaled $1.8 billion, including $55 million from liquidating stores at Saks OFF 5TH, Hudson’s Bay clearance centers, and HBC Netherlands. Digital sales increased 15 percent year-over year due to continued improvements in our data-driven marketing strategy.

HBC’s third quarter comparable sales decreased 1.7 percent. On a two-year stacked basis, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay, and Saks OFF 5TH each posted positive comparable sales.

  • Saks Fifth Avenue’scomparable sales decreased 2.3 percent in the third quarter, as compared to a 7.3 percent increase a year ago, resulting in a two-year stacked comp of 5.0 percent. Men’s and jewelry were fast growing categories, and the Fifth Avenue Club, Saks’ personal shopping service available in every store, grew 15 percent year-over-year.
  • Hudson’s Bay comparable sales decreased 3.9 percent in the third quarter, and increased 0.4 percent on a two-year stacked basis. As the quarter progressed and the weather changed, sales improved and were boosted throughout the quarter by increased traffic and conversion in The Bay’s digital channels.
  • Exceptional growth in digital at Saks OFF 5THresulted in a positive 4.9 percent comparable sales and an increase of 2.6 percent on a two-year stacked basis. The team is focused on fixing the fundamentals, including delivering more merchandise newness, marketing modernization, and improving our service model.

Foulkes continued, “With last year’s historically high comparable sales growth for Saks, we knew the third quarter would be challenging. Across the industry, there was a pullback among luxury consumers, allowing shoppers to more frequently take advantage of markdowns, which ultimately reduced full-price sales. As expected, reigniting sales at Hudson’s Bay is taking time as we replace unproductive brands and improve service. Our better, more modern merchandise had good performance, reinforcing confidence in our strategy, which we are accelerating for the upcoming spring season. Across HBC, we will continue to make the necessary investments to capitalize on our greatest opportunities - Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue - as we drive the upside in our digital business and deliver the kind of excitement and experiences shoppers expect from our iconic brands.”

Third quarter gross profit declined by $38 million year-over-year to $706 million, primarily driven by lower sales volume, and the strategic changes in our vendor relationships.

Gross profit margin was 38.3 percent, down 120 basis points year-over-year. Adjusting for the sales and gross profit impact from liquidating stores, gross profit margin rate was 39.5 percent in the third quarter, consistent with the prior year’s performance.

The company continues to exercise financial discipline, while making necessary investments in marketing and digital capabilities. The expected benefits from strategic choices in our store footprint, and further optimization of our in-store scheduling to best meet customer demand contributed to a decline of $29 million in SG&A expenses to $679 million. SG&A as a percentage of sales improved by 70 basis points year-over-year to 36.9 percent.

Third quarter net loss from continuing operations was $175 million, a $105 million decrease from the same period a year ago. Excluding one-time items, HBC’s normalized net loss1 was $128 million, as compared to a normalized net loss of $56 million a year ago.

Adjusted EBITDA1 declined $40 million to $84 million for the third quarter. The sale of our interest in the European real estate joint venture contributed $16 million to the decline, while less than expected performance in our retail business was $24 million of the decline.

Given the company’s financial performance through the first three quarters of fiscal 2019, the company expects North American Department Stores Adjusted EBITDA1 to be lower, as compared to the equivalent measure in Fiscal 2018.

Adjusted EBITDAR1 was $146 million in the third quarter, as compared to $202 million in the same period a year ago.

Balance Sheet & Capital Spending

Net debt,1 defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents, was $1.7 billion at November 2, 2019 down 56 percent year-over-year. During the third quarter, the company repaid the $429 million balance of the term loan and additional proceeds from the European transaction were added to the company’s cash balances.

At November 2, 2019, HBC had the following outstanding loans and borrowings on its balance sheet:

(in millions of Canadian dollars at respective quarterly foreign exchange rates)

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Global ABL

1,170

1,149

U.S. Term Loan B

656

Saks Mortgage

1,643

1,639

Lord + Taylor Mortgage

512

Other loans

26

28

Total Outstanding Loans and Borrowings

2,839

3,984

Cash and cash equivalents

1,094

19

Net debt1

1,745

3,965

Capital expenditures were $85 million during the third quarter of 2019. In fiscal 2019, the company expects its capital expenditures to moderate year-over-year to approximately $350 million or, net of landlord incentives, $300 million.2

Portfolio Changes and Associated Liabilities

The company’s efforts to streamline the business have resulted in an estimated $825 million of cash obligations from closing the HBC Netherlands operations, rent for the initial three years of Le Tote’s ownership of Lord + Taylor, dark rent from the closure of Home Outfitters and the 15 Saks OFF 5TH locations, as well as other restructuring and non-recurring expenses.

After the quarter closed, HBC Netherlands filed for protection from creditors under Dutch law. This does not change the company’s overall outlook for resolution of the guaranteed lease liability in the Netherlands. HBC has reached a settlement with one landlord to eliminate one lease guarantee for an upfront payment.

After the quarter closed, the company completed the sale of Lord + Taylor to Le Tote. For the initial three years, HBC has agreed to maintain economic responsibility for the rent payments owed by Lord + Taylor at the 38 locations operated by Le Tote. Net of HBC’s distributions from HBS Global Properties, HBC expects to continue to be liable for approximately $77 million in Lord + Taylor total cash rent on an annual basis.

Starting in 2021, HBC and Le Tote will have options to reassess the Lord + Taylor store network. This may include HBC recapturing select locations to determine their highest and best use, including possible redevelopment into mixed-use properties with a variety of services, experiences and retail offerings. HBC has hired a team of seasoned professionals to lead the planning and execution of any redevelopment, which is an inherently complex, capital intensive, long-term project. For any recaptured or returned stores, HBC retains long-term rent responsibility, risk and costs for redevelopment.

Dividend

The Board of Directors of HBC declared the company’s regular quarterly dividend to be paid on January 15, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 31, 2019. The dividend is in the amount of $0.0125 per HBC common share and is designated as an "eligible dividend" for Canadian tax purposes. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of HBC's board.

Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis

The company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019 and Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) thereon are available under the company’s profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the company’s website at www.hbc.com. HBC encourages investors to review the MD&A.

Conference Call to Discuss Results

Management will discuss the third quarter financial results and other matters during a conference call on December 10, 2019 at 8:30 am EST.

The conference call will be accessible by calling the participant operator assisted toll-free dial-in number (800) 535-7056 or international dial-in number (253) 237-1145. A live webcast of the conference call will be accessible on HBC’s website at: http://investor.hbc.com/events.cfm. The audio replay also will be available via this link.

About HBC

HBC is a diversified retailer focused on driving the performance of high-quality stores and their omni-channel platforms and unlocking the value of real estate holdings. Founded in 1670, HBC is the oldest company in North America. HBC’s portfolio today includes formats ranging from luxury to premium department stores to off price fashion shopping destinations, with nearly 250 stores and approximately 30,000 employees around the world. HBC’s leading businesses across North America include Saks Fifth Avenue, Hudson’s Bay, and Saks OFF 5TH.

HBC also has significant investments in real estate joint ventures. It has partnered with Simon Property Group Inc. in the HBS Joint Venture, which owns properties in the United States. In Canada, it has partnered with RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust in the RioCan-HBC Joint Venture.

Consolidated Financial Information

The following tables set out summary consolidated financial information and supplemental information for the periods indicated. The summary financial information set out below for the quarters ended November 2, 2019 and November 3, 2018 has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) as issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) on a retrospective basis beginning with the company’s published first quarter 2019 results. In the opinion of the company’s management, this unaudited financial data reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for those periods. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year or any future period. The information presented herein does not contain disclosures required by GAAP for consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2019.

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF LOSS

(millions of Canadian dollars, except per share amounts)

Thirteen week period ended

Thirty-nine week period ended

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Retail sales

1,818

1,858

5,474

5,508

Credit revenue and other, net

23

27

73

82

Total revenue

1,841

1,885

5,547

5,590

Cost of goods sold (exclusive of depreciation shown separately below)

(1,135

)

(1,141

)

(3,488

)

(3,366

)

Gross profit

706

744

2,059

2,224

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”)

(679

)

(708

)

(2,057

)

(2,141

)

Depreciation and amortization

(116

)

(110

)

(323

)

(320

)

Transaction, restructuring and other costs

(29

)

(13

)

(150

)

(31

)

Net gain on sale of European investments

220

220

Gain on sale of property, net

817

Gain on settlement of lease obligations of HBC Netherlands

36

36

Gain on sale of equity-method investment - real estate

3

Impairment

(32

)

(49

)

(7

)

Operating (loss) income

106

(87

)

556

(275

)

Interest expense, net

(50

)

(46

)

(137

)

(133

)

Income from equity-method investments - real estate

(1

)

11

19

14

Loss from investment in the EDS Group

(80

)

(282

)

Dilution gain from equity method investments - real estate

5

6

(Loss) income before income tax

(25

)

(117

)

156

(388

)

Income tax (expense) benefit

(150

)

47

(477

)

112

Net loss - continuing operations

(175

)

(70

)

(321

)

(276

)

Net loss - discontinued operations, net of taxes

(51

)

(91

)

(614

)

(547

)

Net loss for the period

(226

)

(161

)

(935

)

(823

)

Loss per share - basic and diluted

Continuing operations

(0.95

)

(0.38

)

(1.74

)

(1.51

)

Discontinued operations

(0.28

)

(0.50

)

(3.34

)

(2.99

)

Total operations

(1.23

)

(0.88

)

(5.08

)

(4.50

)

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Nov 2, 2019

Feb 2, 2019

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

1,094

19

Trade and other receivables

147

148

Inventories

2,542

2,162

Asset held for sale

279

Assets of discontinued operations held for sale

972

676

Other current assets

104

162

Total current assets

4,859

3,446

Property, plant and equipment

3,376

3,885

Operating lease assets

2,396

Finance lease assets

391

Goodwill

208

207

Other intangible assets

489

580

Pensions and employee benefits

172

170

Deferred tax assets

167

318

Equity-method investments - real estate

202

554

Investment in the EDS Group

284

Other assets

76

73

Total assets

12,336

9,517

Liabilities

Current portion of loans and borrowings

1,157

471

Current portion of operating lease liabilities

172

Current portion of finance lease liabilities

26

29

Trade payables

1,106

949

Other payables and accrued liabilities

854

742

Deferred revenue

107

112

Liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale

1,164

272

Other current liabilities

86

246

Total current liabilities

4,672

2,821

Loans and borrowings

1,630

2,538

Operating lease liabilities

3,769

Finance lease liabilities

310

318

Pensions and employee benefits

172

177

Deferred tax liabilities

250

143

Equity-method investment - real estate

233

239

Other liabilities

527

1,597

Total liabilities

11,563

7,833

Shareholders’ equity

Common shares - 184 and 183 million shares issued and outstanding

1,438

1,434

Convertible preferred shares

618

618

Accumulated deficit

(1,853

)

(931

)

Additional paid-in capital

197

170

Accumulated other comprehensive income

373

393

Total shareholders’ equity

773

1,684

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

12,336

9,517

INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Thirty-nine week period ended

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Operating activities

Net loss

(935

)

(823

)

Net loss - discontinued operations, net of tax

614

547

Net loss - continuing operations

(321

)

(276

)

Loss from investment in the EDS Group

282

Depreciation and amortization

323

320

Impairment

49

7

Loss on disposal of assets

13

Net defined benefit pension and employee benefits expense

13

17

Distributions of earnings from equity-method investments - real estate

77

155

Dilution gains from equity method investment - real estate

(6

)

Income from equity-method investments - real estate

(19

)

(14

)

Net gain on sale of European investments

(220

)

Gain on sale of property, net

(817

)

Gain on sale of equity-method investment - real estate

(3

)

Share of rent expense to equity-method investments - real estate

(91

)

(94

)

Gain on settlement of lease obligations in HBC Netherlands

(36

)

Share based compensation

35

43

Other operating activities

8

26

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

364

(119

)

Cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations

(343

)

59

Cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations

(239

)

(691

)

Net cash used in operating activities

(582

)

(632

)

Investing activities

Capital investments

(223

)

(298

)

Proceeds on sale of property, net of transaction costs

770

33

Proceeds on sale of European investments

1,463

Proceeds on sale of equity-method investments - real estate

3

Investment in equity-method investments - real estate

(13

)

Transaction costs paid

(21

)

Proceeds on disposal of assets

2

10

Proceeds on sale of Gilt operations

41

Other investing activities

(10

)

(12

)

Cash provided by (used in) investing activities from continuing operations

1,971

(226

)

Cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations

(3

)

(146

)

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

1,968

(372

)

Financing activities

Repayments

(948

)

(6

)

Borrowing costs

(10

)

Long-term loans and borrowings

(958

)

(6

)

Net borrowings from asset-based credit facilities

702

745

Borrowing costs

(10

)

(1

)

Short-term loans and borrowings

692

744

Settlement of share based compensation

(4

)

(4

)

Payments on finance leases

(25

)

(26

)

Dividends paid

(7

)

(7

)

Cash (used in) provided by financing activities - continuing operations

(302

)

701

Cash provided by financing activities - discontinued operations

321

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

(302

)

1,022

Foreign exchange (loss) gain on cash

(9

)

1

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

1,075

19

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

21

70

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

1,096

89

Deduct: cash reclassified to assets of discontinued operations held for sale

(2

)

(64

)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period - continuing operations

1,094

25

Supplemental Information

On the pages that follow, the company has provided certain supplemental information that we believe will assist the reader in assessing our business operations and performance, including certain non-GAAP financial information and required reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measure.

Supplemental schedules provided include:

Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA & Adjusted EBITDAR Reconciliations

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDAR are provided. The information provides the reader with information we believe is necessary to analyze the company.

Quarterly Combined Adjusted EBITDA & Adjusted EBITDAR Reconciliations

A reconciliation of Combined Adjusted EBITDA and Combined Adjusted EBITDAR are provided.

Normalized Net Loss

A reconciliation of Normalized Net Loss is provided. The information provides the reader with information we believe is necessary to analyze the company.

Non-GAAP and Quarterly Supplemental Data

On this schedule, the company provides certain non-GAAP business unit information that we believe is useful to understanding the business operations of the company.

HBC QUARTERLY ADJUSTED EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDAR RECONCILIATIONS

Thirteen week period ended

Thirty-nine week period ended

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

$

$

$

$

Net loss – continuing operations

(175

)

(70

)

(321

)

(276

)

Interest expense, net

50

46

137

133

Income tax expense (benefit)

150

(47

)

477

(112

)

Depreciation and amortization

116

110

323

320

EBITDA (1)

141

39

616

65

Transaction, restructuring and other costs

29

13

150

31

Impairment

32

49

7

Loss (income) from equity-method investments - real estate

1

(11

)

(19

)

(14

)

Loss from investment in the EDS Group (3)

80

282

Dilution gains from equity-method investments - real estate(4)

(5

)

(6

)

Net gain on sale of European investments

(220

)

(220

)

Gain on settlement of lease obligations in HBC Netherlands

(36

)

(36

)

Gain on sale of property, net

(817

)

Gain on sale of equity-method investment - real estate

(3

)

Non-cash share based compensation

11

12

25

33

Non-cash pension expense

4

6

12

17

Adjustment for store closures

(1

)

(1

)

(1

)

(1

)

Other

(1

)

11

21

30

Adjusted EBITDA (1)- North American Department Stores

40

64

59

162

Share of (income) loss from equity-method investments - real estate

(1

)

11

19

14

Interest expense, net

23

24

72

70

Income tax expense

2

5

11

13

Depreciation and amortization

15

14

52

48

Foreign exchange adjustment

6

38

Other

5

3

Adjusted EBITDA (1) - Real estate equity method investments

44

60

157

183

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

84

124

216

345

Rent adjustments

62

78

197

237

Adjusted EBITDAR (1)

146

202

413

582

Share of net loss in the EDS Group

(80

)

(282

)

Share of net loss in excess of the investment balance(3)

(156

)

(156

)

Interest expense, net

11

30

Income tax benefit

109

87

Depreciation and amortization

34

87

Impairment

37

37

Inventory purchase price adjustment included in cost of sales

30

Restructuring

61

91

Adjusted EBITDA (1)- EDS Group

16

(76

)

Third party rent expense - EDS Group

102

292

Adjusted EBITDAR (1) - EDS Group

118

216

Combined Adjusted EBITDA (1)

100

124

140

345

Combined Adjusted EBITDAR (1)

264

202

629

582

NORMALIZED NET LOSS RECONCILIATION

Thirteen week period ended

Thirty-nine week period ended

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Nov 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

$

$

$

$

Net loss – continuing operations

(175

)

(70

)

(321

)

(276

)

Gain on sale of property, net

(533

)

Pre-tax, net gain on sale of European investments

(220

)

(220

)

Tax related to net gain on sale of European investments

153

153

Gain on settlement of lease obligations in HBC Netherlands

(36

)

(36

)

Gain on sale of investment in equity method investment - real estate

(2

)

Dilution gains from equity-method investment - real estate

(5

)

(6

)

Impairment

26

38

7

Transaction, restructuring and other costs

21

10

132

23

Adjustments to (income) loss on equity method investments - real estate(5)

3

2

2

22

Adjustments to loss from investment in the EDS Group

69

111

Adjustment for store closure

(1

)

(1

)

(1

)

(1

)

Tax related adjustments

37

162

Other

(5

)

8

16

22

Total adjustments(6)

47

14

(178

)

67

Normalized net loss (1)

(128

)

(56

)

(499

)

(209

)

HBC QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTAL DATA

Nov 2, 2019

Aug 3, 2019

May 4, 2019

Feb 2, 2019

Nov 3, 2018

Aug 4, 2018

May 5, 2018

Feb 3, 2018

Retail sales (in millions)

Hudson’s Bay

$657

$620

$599

$938

$683

$642

$631

$1,028

Saks Fifth Avenue

$799

$827

$879

$1,087

$832

$855

$862

$1,083

Saks OFF 5TH

$327

$315

$311

$388

$312

$297

$292

$403

Home Outfitters

$0

$63

$42

$35

$31

$36

$35

$56

HBC Netherlands

$35

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

$0

Total retail sales

$1,818

$1,825

$1,831

$2,448

$1,858

$1,830

$1,820

$2,570

Comparable sales

Hudson’s Bay

(3.9

%)

(3.4

%)

(4.3

%)

(2.9

%)

4.3

%

(0.6

%)

3.2

%

1.4

%

Saks Fifth Avenue

(2.3

%)

0.6

%

2.4

%

3.9

%

7.3

%

6.7

%

6.0

%

3.1

%

Saks OFF 5TH

4.9

%

3.4

%

4.4

%

(2.1

%)

(2.3

%)

(7.6

%)

(3.5

%)

(2.0

%)

Total HBC

(1.7

%)

(0.4

%)

0.3

%

0.2

%

4.5

%

1.5

%

3.4

%

1.3

%

Change in comparable digital sales

14.6

%

19.3%

13.9

%

9.0

%

8.3

%

10.4

%

6.8

%

9.0

%

Store count(7)

Hudson’s Bay

89

89

89

89

89

89

89

89

Saks Fifth Avenue

42

42

42

42

42

42

42

41

Saks OFF 5TH

115

128

129

129

133

132

132

129

246

259

260

260

264

263

263

259

Gross leasable area/square footage(7) (in thousands)

Hudson’s Bay

15,771

15,771

15,771

15,771

15,739

15,720

15,720

15,731

Saks Fifth Avenue

5,217

5,217

5,217

5,216

5,303

5,303

5,303

5,187

Saks OFF 5TH

3,467

3,845

3,871

3,868

3,998

3,966

3,939

3,879

24,455

24,833

24,859

24,855

25,040

24,989

24,962

24,797

Cash rent to joint ventures (in millions)

$35

$35

$34

$34

$34

$34

$33

$33

End Notes

1 These performance metrics have been identified by the company as Non-GAAP measures. For the relevant definitions and reconciliations, please refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” and “Supplemental Information” sections, respectively, of this release.

2 The capital investment expectations reflect exchange rate assumptions of USD:CAD = 1:1.31 for the year. Any variation in the foreign exchange rate assumptions and/or other material assumptions and factors described in the "Forward-Looking Statements" section of this press release could impact the above outlook.

3 During the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2019, the Company stopped recording its 49.99% share of the net loss of the EDS Group when the value of its investment in the EDS Group was reduced to nil. The Company sold its interest in the EDS Group on October 1, 2019 - See also ‘Investment in the European Department Store Group’ in the company’s Management Discussion and Analysis.

4 Represents gains realized as a result of the changes in ownership related to the company’s equity method investments in real estate.

5 Relates to the Company’s share of net non-recurring items incurred by the equity-method, real estate investment entities, which primarily includes unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains) of the HBS Joint Venture arising from the translation of certain intra-group monetary assets and liabilities related to the overall tax and legal structure of the joint venture.

6 All adjustments are tax-effected as appropriate.

7 The company operates one Hudson’s Bay outlet and two Zellers clearance centres that are excluded from the store count and gross leasable area. Also excluded from the store count and gross leasable area are all stores and outlets of Lord + Taylor as part of discontinued operations, and HBC Netherlands locations which are expected to close at the end of the year.

Non-GAAP Measures

“EBITDA” is defined as net income or loss before net interest expense, income tax expense or benefit and depreciation and amortization expense.

“Adjusted EBITDA - North American Department Stores” is defined as EBITDA adjusted to exclude: (A) transaction, restructuring and other costs, (B) impairment, (C) loss from equity method investments - real estate, (D) loss from investment in the EDS Group, (E) dilution gains from equity method investments - real estate, (F) gain or loss on sale of property, net, (G) non-cash share based compensation expense, (H) non-cash pension expense (I) adjustments for store closures and (J) other adjustments not associated with day to day operations.

“Adjusted EBITDA - Real estate equity method investments” is defined as share of net income or loss in real estate equity method investments adjusted for interest expenses, net, income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization and foreign exchange adjustment.

“Adjusted EBITDA” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA - North American Department Stores plus Adjusted EBITDA - Real estate equity method investments.

“Adjusted EBITDAR” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA before rent expense.

“Adjusted EBITDA of the EDS Group” is defined as share of net loss in EDS Group adjusted for interest expense, net, income tax (expense) benefit, depreciation and amortization, inventory purchase price adjustment included in cost of sales and restructuring charges.

“Adjusted EBITDAR of the EDS Group” is defined as Adjusted EBITDA of the EDS Group before third party rent expense.

“Combined Adjusted EBITDA” equals Adjusted EBITDA plus Adjusted EBITDA of the EDS Group.

“Combined Adjusted EBITDAR” equals Adjusted EBITDAR plus Adjusted EBITDAR of the EDS Group.

“Normalized net loss” is defined as net income (loss) adjusted to exclude: (A) gain on sale of property, net, (B) net gain on sale of European investments, (C) gain on settlement of lease obligations in HBC Netherlands, (D) gain on sale of investment in equity method investment - real estate, (E) dilution gains from equity method investments - real estate, (F) impairment, (G) transaction, restructuring and other costs, (H) adjustment to share of income or loss from equity method investments - real estate, (I) adjustment to share of loss from investment in the EDS Group, (J) adjustment for store closures costs, (K) other adjustments not associated with day to day operations, and (L) tax related adjustments.

“Net debt” is defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents.

Comparable store sales growth on a “two-year stacked basis” is computed by adding comparable sales growth of the period referenced and that of the same fiscal period ended twelve months prior.

The company uses these non-GAAP measures to provide investors and others with supplemental measures of its operating performance. The company believes these non-GAAP measures are important supplemental measures of operating performance because they eliminate items that have less bearing on the company’s operating performance and thus highlight trends in its core business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on GAAP financial measures. The company also believes that securities analysts, investors, rating agencies and other interested parties frequently use these non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of issuers, many of which present similar metrics when reporting their results. The company’s management also uses Adjusted EBITDAR in order to facilitate retail business operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess the company’s ability to meet its future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements and the company’s ability to pay dividends on its Common Shares. As other companies may calculate these non-GAAP measures differently than the company, these metrics may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

This press release makes reference to certain comparable financial results expressed on a constant currency basis, including comparable sales, comparable digital sales and comparable inventory. In calculating the sales change, including digital sales, on a constant currency basis where applicable, prior year foreign exchange rates are applied to both current year and prior year comparable sales. This enhances the ability to compare underlying sales trends by excluding the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The company calculates comparable inventory levels on a year-over-year constant currency basis and does not include new store openings after the end of the same comparable quarter of the prior fiscal year. Definitions and calculations of comparable financial results differ among companies in the retail industry. All comparative sales figures are for the thirteen week period ended November 2, 2019, compared to the thirteen week period ended November 3, 2018.

For further discussion of the company’s financial and operating results, please refer to the MD&A of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended November 2, 2019.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this news release, including, but not limited to, expectation with respect to North American Department Stores Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2019 relative to Fiscal 2018, closing of operations of HBC Netherlands, HBC’s expectation with respect to its continued liability for guaranteed lease liabilities in the Netherlands and its continued liability for Lord + Taylor cash rent on an annual basis, HBC’s anticipated plans with respect to the redevelopment of any recaptured or returned stores, including the cost and timing thereof, HBC’s expected Fiscal 2019 capital expenditure, HBC’s prospects for making necessary investments, fixing the fundamentals, strengthening operations and future growth opportunities and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking. Often but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “estimate”, “plan”, “could”, “should”, “would”, “outlook”, “forecast”, “anticipate”, “foresee”, “continue” or the negative of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

Implicit in forward-looking statements in respect of the company’s expectations about North American Department Store Adjusted EBTIDA will be lower in Fiscal 2019 as compared to Fiscal 2018 and HBC’s anticipated Fiscal 2019 total North American capital investments of $350 million or, net of landlord incentives, $300 million are certain assumptions regarding, among others, the overall retail environment and currency exchange rates for Fiscal 2019. Specifically, the company has assumed the following exchange rates for Fiscal 2019: EUR:CAD = 1:1.5 and USD:CAD = 1:1.31. These current assumptions, although considered reasonable by the company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Readers are cautioned that actual North American Department Store Adjusted EBITDA and capital investments for Fiscal 2019 could differ materially from what is currently expected and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others described below, general economic, geo-political, market and business conditions, retail environment, changes in foreign currency rates from those assumed, the risk of unseasonal weather patterns and the risk that the company may not achieve overall anticipated financial performance.

Although HBC believes that the forward-looking statements in this news release are based on information and assumptions that are current, reasonable and complete, these statements are by their nature subject to a number of factors that could cause the company’s actual results, level of activity, performance, achievements, future events or developments to differ materially from management’s expectations and plans as set forth in such forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the following factors, many of which are beyond HBC’s control and the effects of which can be difficult to predict: ability to execute our retail strategies, changing consumer preferences, demand and fashion trends, marketing and advertising program success, damage to brands and dependence on vendors, ability to make successful acquisitions, investments, expansions and divestitures, ability to successfully manage inventory levels, loss of or disruption in centralized distribution centers, ability to upgrade, maintain and secure the company’s information systems to support the needs of the company and protect against cyber security threats, risks related to privacy issues and cyber and other security breaches, ability to attract and retain quality employees, risks related to labor costs and other challenges from a large workforce, deterioration in labor relations, ability to maintain pension plan surplus, funding requirements of Saks’ pension plan, limits on insurance policies, loss of intellectual property rights, insolvency risk of parties with whom we do business or their unwillingness to perform their obligations, exposure to changes in the real estate market, loss of flexibility with respect to properties in the real estate joint ventures, ability to realize the expected benefits from the real estate joint ventures or to effect a future monetization transaction with each of the real estate joint ventures, exposure to potential environmental liabilities relating to owned and leased real property, liabilities associated with lease guarantees (including in the Netherlands) and with third parties who have assumed leases from the company, ability to realize the expected benefits from the European transaction or the Lord + Taylor sale transaction, increased or new competition, change in spending of consumers and lower demand, extreme or unseasonable weather conditions or natural disasters, international operational risks, fluctuations in the U.S. dollar, Canadian dollar, Euro and other foreign currencies, increase in raw material costs, seasonality of business, ability to manage indebtedness and cash flow, risks related to increasing indebtedness, restrictions of existing credit facilities reducing flexibility, loss of flexibility due to restrictive debt covenants, future availability of financing, limitations related to changes in the company’s credit ratings, ability to maintain adequate financial and management processes and controls, ability to maintain dividends, ability of a small number of shareholders to influence the business, future sales of the company’s Common Shares by significant shareholders could affect share price, constating documents could delay and discourage favorable takeover attempts, effect of existence and creation of Convertible Preferred Shares on holders of Common Shares, effect of actions by activist shareholders, risks related to regulatory liability, risks of product liability claims and product recalls, inability to comply with laws and regulations that impact the company’s business could lead to litigation or regulatory actions against the company, non-compliance with changing privacy regulatory environment, exposure to significant additional costs and expenses relating to losing foreign private issuer status in the future, risks related to tax matters, changes in accounting standards and other risks inherent to the company’s business and/or factors beyond the company’s control which could have a material adverse effect on us. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in the company’s materials filed with the Canadian regulatory authorities from time to time. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect us; however, these factors should be considered carefully.

HBC cautions that the foregoing list of important factors and assumptions is not exhaustive and other factors could also adversely affect its results. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause HBC’s actual results to differ from current expectations, please refer to the “Risk Factors” section of HBC’s Annual Information Form dated May 3, 2019 and HBC’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the Thirteen and Thirty-Nine Week Periods Ended November 2, 2019, as well as HBC’s other public filings, available at www.sedar.com and at www.hbc.com.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release describe HBC’s expectations at the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Except as may be required by applicable Canadian securities laws, HBC does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com:https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20191210005281/en/

Source: Hudson's Bay Company

INVESTOR RELATIONS:
Jennifer Bewley
Phone: (646) 802-4631
Email: jennifer.bewley@hbc.com

MEDIA:
Andrew Blecher
Phone: (646) 802-4030
Email: press@hbc.com