Staples, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Performance06:00 EST Wednesday, March 06, 2013 FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (Business Wire) -- Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) announced today the results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended February 2, 2013.   Fourth Quarter 2012 Financial Summary   Fourth Quarter (dollar amounts in millions) 2012   2011   Change Total company sales $6,568 $6,374 3.0% Total company sales excluding the 53rd week in 2012* $6,107 $6,374 (4.2%)   GAAP operating income $314 $469 ($155) Non-GAAP operating income* $495 $469 $26   GAAP operating income rate 4.8% 7.4% (257 basis points) Non-GAAP operating income rate* 7.5% 7.4% 18 basis points   GAAP earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. $0.14 $0.41 (66%) Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc.*   $0.46   $0.41   12% *Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about these non-GAAP measures. Fourth quarter 2012 non-GAAP measures include results for the 53rd week in 2012, unless otherwise noted. “During the fourth quarter we did a great job managing expenses in a challenging sales environment,” said Ron Sargent, Staples' chairman and chief executive officer. “We're making progress toward our new vision: Every product your business needs to succeed.” Total company sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $6.6 billion, an increase of three percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding $461 million of sales for the 53rd week in fiscal year 2012, total company sales decreased four percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. On a GAAP basis, the company reported fourth quarter 2012 net income of $90 million, or $0.14 per share, from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc., compared to net income of $284 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, achieved in the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding the impact of charges taken during the fourth quarter of 2012, the company reported non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $308 million, or $0.46 per diluted share, compared to $284 million, or $0.41 per diluted share, achieved in the fourth quarter of 2011. Fourth quarter 2012 results on a GAAP basis include $181 million of pre-tax charges related to European store closures and restructuring, U.S. store closures and accelerated Australia tradename amortization, a $57 million pre-tax charge related to the early extinguishment of debt, as well as a $26 million pre-tax charge related to the termination of the company's existing joint venture agreement in India. The company's fourth quarter 2012 results on a GAAP basis also include pre-tax income of $83 million related to the extra week in 2012. On a GAAP basis, fourth quarter 2012 operating income rate declined 257 basis points to 4.78 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding the pre-tax charges related to European store closures and restructuring, U.S. store closures and accelerated Australia tradename amortization described above, non-GAAP fourth quarter 2012 operating income rate improved 18 basis points versus the fourth quarter of 2011 to 7.53 percent. This increase primarily reflects reduced incentive compensation and marketing expense, partially offset by lower product margin.   Full Year 2012 Financial Summary   Full Year (dollar amounts in millions) 2012   2011   Change Total company sales $24,381 $24,665 (1.2%) Total company sales excluding the 53rd week in 2012* $23,919 $24,665 (3.0%)   GAAP operating income $510 $1,634 ($1,124) Non-GAAP operating income* $1,548 $1,634 ($86)   GAAP operating income rate 2.1% 6.6% (453 basis points) Non-GAAP operating income rate* 6.3% 6.6% (27 basis points)   GAAP (loss) earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. ($0.24) $1.40 NM Non-GAAP earnings per diluted share from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc.*   $1.39   $1.37   1% *Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about these non-GAAP measures. Full year 2012 non-GAAP measures include results for the 53rd week in 2012, unless otherwise noted. For the full year 2012, total company sales decreased one percent to $24.4 billion compared to full year 2011. Excluding the favorable impact of the extra week in 2012, total company sales decreased three percent to $23.9 billion versus the prior year. On a GAAP basis, the company reported a net loss from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $161 million, or $0.24 per share, compared to net income of $988 million, or $1.40 per diluted share, achieved in 2011. Excluding the impact of the charges taken during the fourth quarter of 2012 described above, as well as previously announced charges recorded during 2012 and a tax refund in 2011, the company reported non-GAAP net income from continuing operations attributable to Staples, Inc. of $936 million, or $1.39 per diluted share, during 2012, compared to $967 million, or $1.37 per diluted share, achieved during the prior year. The company generated operating cash flow of $1.2 billion and invested $350 million in capital expenditures in 2012, resulting in free cash flow of $870 million for the full year. The company utilized free cash flow to repurchase 35 million shares for $449 million and returned $294 million to shareholders through cash dividends in 2012. At the end of the year, the company had $2.5 billion in liquidity, including $1.3 billion in cash and cash equivalents. New Segment Reporting Structure As part of Staples' strategic reinvention, the company realigned its business segments during the fourth quarter of 2012 to support growth and better address the changing needs of its customers. Under the new structure, the North American Stores and Online segment includes the company's retail stores and Staples.com businesses in the U.S. and Canada. The North American Commercial segment includes the company's Contract operations in the U.S. and Canada, as well as the company's Quill.com business. The International Operations segment includes all of the company's continuing operations outside of the U.S. and Canada.   North American Stores and Online   Fourth Quarter   Full Year (dollar amounts in millions) 2012   2011   Change2012   2011   Change Sales $3,298 $3,197 3.1% $11,828 $11,742 0.7% Sales excluding the 53rd week in 2012* $3,076 $3,197 (3.8%) $11,606 $11,742 (1.2%) Comparable store sales (5.0%) (2.0%)   Operating income $317 $296 $21 $987 $1,021 ($34) Operating income rate   9.6%   9.2%   37 basis points   8.3%   8.7%   (35 basis points) *Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about this non-GAAP measure. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $3.3 billion, an increase of three percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. This primarily reflects $221 million of sales during the extra week in 2012. Growth in tablets, e-readers, facilities and breakroom supplies, and copy and print services was partially offset by lower sales of computers, digital cameras, and software. Excluding the extra week of sales in 2012, fourth quarter sales decreased four percent versus the prior year. Comparable store sales, which exclude sales in Staples.com, decreased five percent, reflecting a five percent decline in traffic, and flat average order size versus the prior year. Staples.com sales grew seven percent during the fourth quarter of 2012. Excluding the extra week in 2012, Staples.com sales declined one percent during the fourth quarter of 2012. Operating income rate increased 37 basis points to 9.61 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. This increase primarily reflects lower incentive compensation and marketing expense, partially offset by investments to drive growth in Staples.com. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the company closed 32 stores and opened one store in the U.S. and closed one store and opened one store in Canada. For the full year 2012, North American Stores and Online achieved sales of $11.8 billion, an increase of one percent compared to 2011. Excluding the extra week of sales in 2012, full year 2012 sales decreased one percent compared to 2011. Comparable store sales decreased two percent versus the prior year. Staples.com sales grew five percent versus the prior year, and increased three percent excluding the extra week in 2012. Full year 2012 operating income rate declined 35 basis points to 8.34 percent versus 2011. In 2012, the company closed 45 stores and opened nine stores in the U.S., and opened eight stores and closed three stores in Canada ending the year with 1,886 stores in North America.   North American Commercial   Fourth Quarter   Full Year (dollar amounts in millions) 2012   2011   Change2012   2011   Change Sales $2,102 $1,962 7.2% $8,108 $7,975 1.7% Sales excluding the 53rd week in 2012* $1,943 $1,962 (0.9%) $7,949 $7,975 (0.3%)   Operating income $195 $176 $19 $680 $661 $19 Operating income rate   9.3%   9.0%   31 basis points   8.4%   8.3%   10 basis points *Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about this non-GAAP measure. Sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $2.1 billion, an increase of seven percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. This primarily reflects $159 million of sales during the extra week in 2012, as well as growth in facilities and breakroom supplies. Excluding the extra week of sales in 2012, fourth quarter sales decreased one percent versus the prior year. Operating income rate increased 31 basis points to 9.26 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. This increase primarily reflects lower incentive compensation, partially offset by reduced product margin. For the full year 2012, North American Commercial achieved sales of $8.1 billion, an increase of two percent, and approximately flat excluding the extra week, compared to 2011. Full year 2012 operating income rate increased 10 basis points to 8.39 percent versus 2011.   International Operations   Fourth Quarter   Full Year (dollar amounts in millions) 2012   2011   Change2012   2011   Change Sales $1,168 $1,215 (3.9%) $4,444 $4,948 (10.2%) Sales excluding the 53rd week in 2012* $1,087 $1,215 (10.5%) $4,363 $4,948 (11.8%)   Operating (loss) income $6 $32 ($26) ($21) $103 ($124) Operating (loss) income rate   0.5%   2.7%   (215 basis points)   (0.5%)   2.1%   (256 basis points) *Indicates a non-GAAP measure. Refer to “Presentation of Non-GAAP Information” and the accompanying reconciliations for more detailed information about this non-GAAP measure. Sales in International Operations for the fourth quarter were $1.2 billion, a decrease of four percent in U.S. dollars, as well as on a local currency basis, compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. These results reflect weak sales in Australia and Europe, partially offset by $81 million of sales during the extra week in 2012. Comparable store sales in Europe declined nine percent with lower traffic driving the majority of the decline versus the prior year. Excluding the extra week of sales in 2012, sales in International Operations for the fourth quarter decreased 11 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Operating income rate decreased 215 basis points to 0.51 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2011. Excluding $4 million of accelerated Australia tradename amortization during the fourth quarter, operating income rate decreased 177 basis points to 0.89 percent compared to the prior year. This decline primarily reflects lower product margin in Europe and deleverage of fixed expenses in Europe and Australia, partially offset by savings related to headcount reductions in Europe and Australia. During the fourth quarter of 2012, the company closed 46 stores in Europe. For the full year 2012, International Operations achieved sales of $4.4 billion, a decrease of 10 percent in U.S. dollars and a decrease of seven percent on a local currency basis compared to the prior year. Excluding the extra week of sales in 2012, sales for the full year decreased 12 percent in U.S. dollars compared to 2011. Full year 2012 operating income rate declined 256 basis points to an operating loss of 0.48 percent compared to the prior year. Excluding $20 million of accelerated Australia tradename amortization during 2012, operating income rate decreased 211 basis points to a loss of 0.02 percent. In 2012, the company closed 49 stores and opened one store, ending the year with 283 stores in Europe. Discontinued Operations During the fourth quarter of 2012, the company recorded an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $12 million related to its European Printing Systems business, which includes $2 million of charges related to restructuring. This compares to an after-tax loss of $69 thousand from discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2011. For the full year 2012, the company recorded an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $50 million related to its European Printing Systems business, which includes $25 million of charges related to restructuring and incremental tax expense. This compares to an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $4 million during 2011. Outlook The company expects full year 2013 sales to increase in the low single-digits compared to 2012 sales on a 52 week basis of $23.9 billion. The company expects full year 2013 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations to be in the range of $1.30 to $1.35. The company expects to generate more than $900 million of free cash flow and plans to continue repurchasing its common stock through open-market purchases during 2013. “We took important steps in 2012 to reposition the company,” said Sargent. “We successfully launched our new strategic plan and made solid progress on our reinvention. We look forward to building on our momentum throughout 2013.” Presentation of Non-GAAP Information To provide more comparable financial results on a year over year basis, this press release presents certain results with and without the impact of the 53rd week during fiscal year 2012, without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, and without the impact of certain charges described below. Charges for the impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets in the third quarter of 2012 and for accelerated tradename amortization in the third and fourth quarters of 2012 were excluded because such items are non-cash in nature. Management has excluded the store closure and restructuring charges recorded in the third and fourth quarters of 2012, certain tax items recorded in the third quarter of 2012, the loss on early extinguishment of debt in the fourth quarter 2012 and the tax refund in 2011 because the exclusion of such amounts facilitates the comparison of the company's financial results to its historical operating results. The charges related to the termination of the company's joint venture arrangement in India in the fourth quarter of 2012 were excluded because the event is non-recurring in nature. The presentation of results that excludes these items, as well as the presentation of free cash flow, are non-GAAP financial measures that should be considered in addition to, and should not be considered superior to, or as a substitute for, the presentation of results determined in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that the non-GAAP financial measures enable management and investors to understand and analyze the company's performance by providing meaningful information relevant to certain events and foreign currency fluctuations that impact the comparability of underlying business results from period to period. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the operating results of the company's business against prior year results and its operating plan, and to forecast and analyze future periods. Management recognizes there are limitations associated with the use of non-GAAP financial measures as they may reduce comparability with other companies that use different methods to calculate similar non-GAAP measures. Management generally compensates for the limitations resulting from the exclusion of these items by considering the impact of these items separately in GAAP as well as non-GAAP results. In addition, management presents the most comparable GAAP measures ahead of non-GAAP measures and provides a reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP financial measure. Today's Conference Call The company will host a conference call today at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to review these results and its outlook. Investors may listen to the call at http://investor.staples.com. About Staples Staples is the world's largest office products company and second largest internet retailer. For 26 years, Staples has served the needs of business customers and its vision is to provide every product businesses need to succeed. Through its world-class retail, online and delivery capabilities, Staples offers office supplies, technology products and services, facilities and breakroom supplies, furniture, copy and print services and a wide range of other product categories. With thousands of associates worldwide dedicated to making it easy for businesses of all sizes, Staples operates throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media. Certain information contained in this news release constitutes forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, but not limited to, the information set forth under “Outlook” and other statements regarding our future business and financial performance. Any statements contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the use of the words “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “may”, “will”, “would”, “intends”, “estimates”, and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or affirmative, although not all forward-looking statements include such words. Forward-looking statements are based on a series of expectations, assumptions, estimates and projections which involve substantial uncertainty and risk, including the review of our assessments by our outside auditor and changes in management's assumptions and projections. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: global economic conditions could adversely affect our business and financial performance; we face uncertainties in connection with the implementation of our strategies to transform our business; we have recognized substantial goodwill impairment charges in the current fiscal year and may be required to recognize additional goodwill impairment charges in the future; our market is highly competitive and we may not be able to continue to compete successfully; if the products and services that we offer fail to meet our customer needs, our performance could be adversely affected; we may be unable to continue to enter new markets successfully; our international operations expose us to risks inherent in foreign operations; failure to manage growth and our operations successfully could adversely affect our financial results; our effective tax rate may fluctuate; fluctuations in foreign exchange rates could lead to lower earnings; we may be unable to attract, train, engage and retain qualified associates; our quarterly operating results are subject to significant fluctuation; our indebtedness could adversely affect us by reducing our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions; our expanded offering of proprietary branded products may not improve our financial performance and may expose us to intellectual property liability, product liability, import/export liability, government investigations and claims, and other risks associated with global sourcing; problems in our information systems and technologies may disrupt our operations; compromises of our information systems or unauthorized access to confidential information or our customers' or associates' personal information may materially harm our business or damage our reputation; our business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks associated with third-party vendors and service providers; various legal proceedings may adversely affect our business and financial performance; failure to comply with laws, rules and regulations could negatively affect our business operations and financial performance; and those factors discussed or referenced in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, under the heading “Risk Factors” and elsewhere, and any subsequent periodic or current reports filed by us with the SEC. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent our estimates only as of the date such statements are made (unless another date is indicated) and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, even if our estimates change.   STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCondensed Consolidated Balance Sheets(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Share Data)(Unaudited)     February 2, 2013   January 28, 2012ASSETSCurrent assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,334,302 $ 1,264,149 Receivables, net 1,815,586 2,033,680 Merchandise inventories, net 2,314,058 2,431,845 Deferred income tax assets 218,899 305,611 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 346,773 255,535 Current assets of discontinued operations 170,819   —   Total current assets 6,200,437 6,290,820   Property and equipment: Land and buildings 1,015,225 1,034,983 Leasehold improvements 1,300,258 1,330,373 Equipment 2,625,949 2,462,351 Furniture and fixtures 1,088,669   1,084,358   Total property and equipment 6,030,101 5,912,065 Less: Accumulated depreciation 4,066,926   3,831,704   Net property and equipment 1,963,175 2,080,361   Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization 384,609 449,781 Goodwill 3,221,162 3,982,130 Other assets 510,622   627,530   Total assets $ 12,280,005   $ 13,430,622     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITYCurrent liabilities: Accounts payable $ 1,896,040 $ 2,220,414 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 1,405,752 1,414,721 Debt maturing within one year 987,161 439,143 Current liabilities of discontinued operations 129,672   —   Total current liabilities 4,418,625 4,074,278   Long-term debt, net of current maturities 1,001,943 1,599,037 Other long-term obligations 723,343 735,094   Stockholders' equity: Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued — — Common stock, $.0006 par value, 2,100,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding 932,246,614 and 669,182,785 shares at February 2, 2013 and 922,126,579 shares and 695,743,547 shares at January 28, 2012, respectively 559 553 Additional paid-in capital 4,711,113 4,551,299 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (388,773 ) (319,743 ) Retained earnings 6,694,207 7,199,060 Less: Treasury stock at cost, 263,063,829 shares at February 2, 2013 and 226,383,032 shares at January 28, 2012 (4,888,953 ) (4,416,018 ) Total Staples, Inc. stockholders' equity 6,128,153 7,015,151 Noncontrolling interests 7,941   7,062   Total stockholders' equity 6,136,094   7,022,213   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 12,280,005   $ 13,430,622       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCondensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income(Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)(Unaudited)     14 and 13 Weeks Ended   Fiscal Year EndedFebruary 2,2013   January 28,2012February 2,2013   January 28,2012 Sales $ 6,567,980 $ 6,374,306 $ 24,380,510 $ 24,664,752 Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs 4,848,571   4,655,424   17,889,249   17,974,884   Gross profit 1,719,409 1,718,882 6,491,261 6,689,868 Operating expenses: Selling, general and administrative 1,210,686 1,234,602 4,884,284 4,991,195 Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets — — 810,996 — Integration and restructuring costs 176,620 — 207,016 — Amortization of intangibles 18,434   15,459   78,900   64,902   Total operating expenses 1,405,740   1,250,061   5,981,196   5,056,097     Operating income 313,669 468,821 510,065 1,633,771   Other (expense) income: Interest income 1,089 1,708 5,340 7,370 Interest expense (38,282 ) (41,972 ) (162,477 ) (173,394 ) Loss on early extinguishment of debt (56,958 ) — (56,958 ) — Other income (expense), net (27,078 ) 1,125   (30,547 ) (3,103 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 192,440 429,682 265,423 1,464,644 Income tax expense 102,490   146,092   426,270   477,247   Income (loss) from continuing operations, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interests 89,950 283,590 (160,847 ) 987,397 Discontinued Operations: Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes (11,892 ) (69 ) (49,978 ) (3,564 ) Consolidated net income (loss) 78,058 283,521 (210,825 ) 983,833 Loss attributed to the noncontrolling interests —   (72 ) (119 ) (823 ) Income (loss) attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 78,058   $ 283,593   $ (210,706 ) $ 984,656     Amounts attributable to Staples, Inc. Income (loss) from continuing operations $ 89,950 $ 283,662 $ (160,728 ) $ 988,220 Loss from discontinued operations (11,892 ) (69 ) (49,978 ) (3,564 ) Income (loss) attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 78,058   $ 283,593   $ (210,706 ) $ 984,656     Basic Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 0.14 $ 0.41 $ (0.24 ) $ 1.42 Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. (0.02 ) —   (0.07 ) —   Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 0.12   $ 0.41   $ (0.31 ) $ 1.42   Diluted Earnings Per Common Share: Continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 0.14 $ 0.41 $ (0.24 ) $ 1.40 Discontinued operations attributed to Staples, Inc. (0.02 ) —   (0.07 ) —   Net (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 0.12   $ 0.41   $ (0.31 ) $ 1.40     Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Basic 658,653 683,505 669,479 694,986 Diluted 664,947 691,993 669,479 704,019   Dividends declared per common share $ 0.11   $ 0.10   $ 0.44   $ 0.40       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESConsolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income   14 and 13 Weeks EndedFebruary 2,2013   January 28,2012 Comprehensive (loss) income from consolidated operations $ 70,361 $ (41,847 ) Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests 765   1,389   Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 69,596   $ (43,236 )     Fiscal Year EndedFebruary 2, 2013   January 28, 2012 Consolidated net (loss) income $ (210,825 ) $ 983,833   Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments 36,602 (191,972 ) Derivative gains (losses) arising from cash flow hedging activities, net 2,022 (1,505 ) Deferred benefit costs (106,656 )   (27,520 ) Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax (68,032 ) (220,997 )   Consolidated comprehensive (loss) income (278,857 ) 762,836 Comprehensive income (loss) attributed to noncontrolling interests 879     990   Comprehensive (loss) income attributed to Staples, Inc. $ (279,736 )   $ 761,846       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESCondensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)(Unaudited)     Fiscal Year EndedFebruary 2,2013   January 28,2012Operating Activities: Consolidated net (loss) income, including loss from the noncontrolling interests $ (210,825 ) $ 983,833 Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 408,413 417,154 Amortization of intangible assets 78,900 64,902 Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets 810,996 — Stock-based compensation 117,813 151,822 Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements (185 ) (1,805 ) Deferred income tax expense 112,148 6,706 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 56,958 — Loss related to equity method investment 26,211 — Other 7,208 4,452 Changes in assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in receivables 122,628 (73,670 ) Decrease (increase) in merchandise inventories 87,246 (82,343 ) (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets (48,145 ) 123,660 (Decrease) increase in accounts payable (260,263 ) 23,677 Decrease in accrued expenses and other liabilities (111,246 ) (117,389 ) Increase in other long-term obligations 21,331   75,476   Net cash provided by operating activities 1,219,188 1,576,475   Investing Activities: Acquisition of property and equipment (349,574 ) (383,654 ) Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment 9,500 — Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired (1,941 ) —   Net cash used in investing activities (342,015 ) (383,654 )   Financing Activities: Proceeds from the exercise of stock options and the sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans 49,993 73,866 Proceeds from borrowings 1,087,843 301,843 Payments on borrowings (485,554 ) (820,631 ) Early settlement of debt (689,740 ) — Purchase of noncontrolling interest (7,910 ) (10,000 ) Cash dividends paid (294,147 ) (277,936 ) Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements 185 1,805 Purchase of treasury stock, net (472,935 ) (629,041 ) Net cash used in financing activities (812,265 ) (1,360,094 ) Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 5,245   (29,835 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 70,153 (197,108 ) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 1,264,149   1,461,257   Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 1,334,302   $ 1,264,149       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESSegment Reporting(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)(Unaudited)     14 and 13 Weeks Ended   Fiscal Year EndedFebruary 2, 2013   January 28, 2012February 2, 2013   January 28, 2012Sales North American Stores & Online $ 3,297,555 $ 3,197,396 $ 11,827,906 $ 11,741,998 North American Commercial 2,102,370 1,962,028 8,108,402 7,974,860 International Operations 1,168,055   1,214,882   4,444,202   4,947,894   Total segment sales $ 6,567,980   $ 6,374,306   $ 24,380,510   $ 24,664,752     Business Unit Income (Loss) North American Stores & Online $ 317,029 $ 295,558 $ 987,025 $ 1,021,442 North American Commercial 194,699 175,667 680,011 660,822 International Operations 5,968   32,345   (21,146 ) 103,329   Business unit income 517,696 503,570 1,645,890 1,785,593 Equity compensation (27,407 ) (34,749 ) (117,813 ) (151,822 ) Impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets — — (810,996 ) — Integration and restructuring costs (176,620 ) — (207,016 ) — Interest and other expense, net (121,229 ) (39,139 ) (244,642 ) (169,127 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes $ 192,440   $ 429,682   $ 265,423   $ 1,464,644       STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESReconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Income Statement Disclosures(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)(Unaudited)     53 Weeks EndedFebruary 2, 2013GAAP   Impairment ofgoodwill &long livedassets (1)   Restructuringcharges (2)   Acceleratedtrade-nameamortization(3)   Loss on earlyextinguishment ofdebt (4)   Terminationof JVarrangementin India (5)   Non-GAAP Operating income $ 510,065 $ 810,996 $ 207,016 $ 20,049 $ — $ — $ 1,548,126 Interest and other expense, net (244,642 ) — — — 56,958 26,211 (161,473 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 265,423 1,386,653   Income taxes 426,270 426,270 Adjustments (6) —   24,390   Adjusted income taxes 426,270 450,660   (Loss) income from continuing operations (160,847 ) 935,993 Loss attributed to noncontrolling interests (119 ) (119 ) (Loss) income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ (160,728 ) $ 936,112     Effective tax rate 160.6 % 32.5 %   Per share (loss) income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc: Basic earnings per common share $ (0.24 ) $ 1.40 Diluted earnings per common share $ (0.24 ) $ 1.39   Weighted average common shares outstanding 669,479 669,479 Effect of dilutive securities —   6,526   Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution 669,479   676,005       52 Weeks EndedJanuary 28, 2012Net income   Per Diluted Share Income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 988,220 $ 1.40 Tax refund (7) (20,800 ) (0.03 ) Non-GAAP income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 967,420   $ 1.37     (1) Consists of goodwill impairment charges of $468.1 million and $303.3 million related to the Company's Europe Catalog and Europe Retail reporting units, respectively, and $39.5 million for the write-down of fixed assets primarily related to the closure and consolidation of certain operations.(2) Restructuring charges include $106.4 million for ongoing lease obligations related to facility closures, $75.6 million for severance and benefit costs, and $24.9 million for other associated costs related to the closure of 46 retail stores and the consolidation of certain sub-scale delivery businesses in Europe and the accelerated closure of 15 retail stores in the United States.(3) Relates to a strategic decision to transition from using the legacy Corporate Express tradename in the Company's Australian business to the exclusive use of the Staples tradename.(4) Relates to the pre-tax debt tender premiums and fees incurred as a result of the repurchase of approximately $632.8 million of the January 2014 Notes pursuant to a cash tender offer.(5) Relates to a charge incurred as a result of the Company's termination of its joint venture arrangement in India.(6) The $24.4 million adjustment to income tax expense in 2012 relates to tax benefits related to the charges recorded in 2012, partially offset by the establishment of valuation allowances as a result of the planned closure and consolidation of certain operations in the Company's Europe Retail and Europe Catalog reporting units.(7) Relates to a tax benefit related to a refund due to Corporate Express N.V. from the Italian government that was previously deemed uncollectible. The table below shows the impact of the 53rd week on sales for the current year (in thousands):     SalesYear-over-year sales growthcompared with the 52 weeksended January 28, 2012   2012   201153 weeks ended     52 weeks ended52 weeks ended53 weeks ended   52 weeks endedFebruary 2,201353rd weekJanuary 26,2013January 28,2012February 2,2013January 26,2013 North American Stores & Online $ 11,827,906 $ 221,425 $ 11,606,481 $ 11,741,998 0.7 % (1.2 )% North American Commercial 8,108,402 158,943 7,949,459 7,974,860 1.7 % (0.3 )% International Operations 4,444,202   80,816   4,363,386   4,947,894   (10.2 )% (11.8 )% Staples, Inc. consolidated $ 24,380,510   $ 461,184   $ 23,919,326   $ 24,664,752   (1.2 )% (3.0 )%     14 Weeks EndedFebruary 2, 2013GAAP   Restructuringcharges (2)   Acceleratedtrade-nameamortization(3)   Loss on earlyextinguishment ofdebt (4)   Terminationof JVarrangementin India (5)   Non-GAAP Operating income $ 313,669 $ 176,620 $ 4,450 $ — $ — $ 494,739 Interest and other expense, net (121,229 ) — — 56,958 26,211 (38,060 ) Income from continuing operations before income taxes 192,440 456,679   Income taxes 102,490 102,490 Adjustments (1) —   45,931   Adjusted income taxes 102,490 148,421     Income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc. $ 89,950   $ 308,258     Effective tax rate 53.3 % 32.5 %   Per share income from continuing operations attributed to Staples, Inc: Basic earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.47 Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.14 $ 0.46   Weighted average common shares outstanding 658,653 658,653 Effect of dilutive securities 6,294   6,294   Weighted average common shares outstanding assuming dilution 664,947   664,947     (1) The $45.9 million adjustment to income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2012 relates to net tax benefits related to the charges recorded in 2012.(2) Restructuring charges include $106.4 million for ongoing lease obligations related to facility closures, $56.4 million for severance and benefit costs, and $13.8 million for other associated costs, primarily related to the closure of 46 retail stores and the consolidation of certain sub-scale delivery businesses in Europe and the accelerated closure of 15 retail stores in the United States.(3) Relates to a strategic decision to transition from using the legacy Corporate Express tradename in the Company's Australian business to the exclusive use of the Staples tradename.(4) Relates to the pre-tax debt tender premiums and fees incurred as a result of the repurchase of approximately $632.8 million of the January 2014 Notes pursuant to a cash tender offer.(5) Relates to a charge incurred as a result of the Company's termination of its joint venture arrangement in India. The table below shows the impact of the 53rd week on sales for the four quarter of 2012 (in thousands):   Sales   Year-over-year sales growthcompared with the 13 weeksended January 28, 2012   2012   201114 weeks ended     13 weeks ended13 weeks ended14 weeks ended   13 weeks endedFebruary 2,201314th WeekJanuary 26,2013January 28,2012February 2,2013January 26,2013 North American Stores & Online $ 3,297,555 $ 221,425 $ 3,076,130 $ 3,197,396 3.1 % (3.8 )% North American Commercial 2,102,370 158,943 1,943,427 1,962,028 7.2 % (0.9 )% International Operations 1,168,055   80,816   1,087,239   1,214,882   (3.9 )% (10.5 )% Staples, Inc. consolidated $ 6,567,980   $ 461,184   $ 6,106,796   $ 6,374,306   3.0 % (4.2 )%   STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESReconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Sales Growth(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)(Unaudited)     14 Weeks Ended February 2, 2013Sales Growth GAAP   Impact of LocalCurrency   Sales Growth on aLocal Currency Basis Sales: North American Stores & Online 3.1 % (0.6 )% 2.5 % North American Commercial 7.2 % (0.2 )% 7.0 % International Operations (3.9 )% (0.4 )% (4.3 )% Total sales 3.0 % (0.4 )% 2.6 %   Fiscal Year Ended February 2, 2013Sales Growth GAAPImpact of LocalCurrencySales Growth on aLocal Currency Basis Sales: North American Stores & Online 0.7 % 0.1 % 0.8 % North American Commercial 1.7 % — 1.7 % International Operations (10.2 )% 3.7 % (6.5 )% Total sales (1.2 )% 0.8 % (0.4 )%   This presentation refers to growth rates in local currency so that business results can be viewed without the impact of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, thereby facilitating period-to-period comparisons of Staples' business performance. To present this information, current period results for entities reporting in currencies other than U.S. dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at the prior year average monthly exchange rates.   STAPLES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIESReconciliation of Free Cash Flow(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)(Unaudited)     Fiscal Year EndedFebruary 2, 2013   January 28, 2012 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 1,219,188 $ 1,576,475 Acquisition of property and equipment (349,574 ) (383,654 ) Free cash flow $ 869,614   $ 1,192,821   Free cash flow is not defined under U.S. GAAP. Therefore, it should not be considered a substitute for income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The company defines free cash flow as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures. It should not be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is available for discretionary expenditures. The company believes free cash flow is a useful measure of performance and uses this measure as an indication of the company's ability to generate cash and invest in its business. Staples, Inc.Media Contact:Kirk Saville/Owen Davis, 508-253-8530/8468orInvestor Contact:Chris Powers/Kevin Barry, 508-253-4632/1487