UNITED STATES

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

   
 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

[X]

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED FEBRUARY 28, 2005


OR


[ ]

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______to _______

 

Commission File Number

 

1-604

 

WALGREEN CO.

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Illinois

36-1924025

(State of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 Wilmot Road, Deerfield, Illinois

60015

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(847) 940-2500

 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Yes [X] No [ ]

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock, $.078125 par value, as of March 31, 2005 was 1,022,394,559.

Page 1 of 18

WALGREEN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated condensed financial statements included herein have been prepared by the company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet as of February 28, 2005, the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings for the three and six months ended February 28, 2005 and February 29, 2004, and the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended February 28, 2005 and February 29, 2004, have been prepared without audit. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. It is suggested that these consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the company's latest annual report on Form 10-K/A.

In the opinion of the company, the consolidated condensed statements for the unaudited interim periods presented include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present a fair statement of the results for such interim periods. Because of the influence of certain holidays, seasonal and other factors on the company's operations, net earnings for any interim period may not be comparable to the same interim period in previous years, nor necessarily indicative of earnings for the full year.

 

WALGREEN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in Millions)

February 28,

August 31,

2005

2004

Assets

Current Assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 453.1

$ 444.0

Short term investments - available for sale

994.1

1,251.5

Accounts receivable, net

1,483.0

1,169.1

Inventories

5,159.9

4,738.6

Other current assets

176.1

161.2

Total Current Assets

8,266.2

7,764.4

Property and Equipment, at cost, less

accumulated depreciation and amortization of

$1,814.5 at February 28 and $1,647.9 at August 31

5,780.3

5,446.4

Other Non-Current Assets

127.5

131.3

Total Assets

$ 14,174.0

$ 13,342.1

Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity

Current Liabilities:

Trade accounts payable

$ 2,811.4

$ 2,641.5

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

1,291.5

1,370.5

Income taxes

203.9

65.9

Total Current Liabilities

4,306.8

4,077.9

Non-Current Liabilities:

Deferred income taxes

264.7

274.1

Other non-current liabilities

937.3

850.4

Total Non-Current Liabilities

1,202.0

1,124.5

Shareholders' Equity

Preferred stock $.0625 par value; authorized

32 million shares; none issued

-

-

Common stock $.078125 par value; authorized

3.2 billion shares; issued 1,025,400,000

at February 28 and August 31

80.1

80.1

Paid-in capital

595.5

632.6

Employee stock loan receivable

(87.9)

-

Retained earnings

8,215.5

7,503.3

Treasury stock, at cost; 3,589,042 shares at February 28 and

2,107,263 shares at August 31

(138.0)

(76.3)

Total Shareholders' Equity

8,665.2

8,139.7

Total Liabilities & Shareholders' Equity

$ 14,174.0

$ 13,342.1

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial

Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

3

 

 

WALGREEN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(UNAUDITED)

(In Millions Except Per Share Data)

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

February 29,

February 29,

2004

2004

February 28,

(Restated)

February 28,

(Restated)

2005

(See Note 1)

2005

(See Note 1)

Net sales

$ 10,987.0

$ 9,782.2

$ 20,876.1

$ 18,503.0

Costs and Deductions:

Cost of sales

7,856.4

7,076.6

15,037.6

13,497.3

Selling, occupancy and

administration

2,359.7

2,031.6

4,576.5

3,932.2

10,216.1

9,108.2

19,614.1

17,429.5

Other Income:

Interest income

6.7

4.0

11.8

6.8

Other income

4.7

12.7

19.7

12.7

11.4

16.7

31.5

19.5

Earnings before income tax provision

782.3

690.7

1,293.5

1,093.0

Income tax provision

291.4

259.1

474.0

409.9

Net earnings

$ 490.9

$ 431.6

$ 819.5

$ 683.1

Per share-

Basic

$ .48

$ .42

$ .80

$ .67

Diluted

$ .48

$ .42

$ .80

$ .66

Dividends declared

$ .0525

$ .043125

$ .105

$ .08625

Average shares outstanding

1,021.6

1,024.2

1,022.3

1,024.6

Dilutive effect of stock options

8.0

8.2

7.4

7.6

Average shares outstanding

assuming dilution

1,029.6

1,032.4

1,029.7

1,032.2

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial

Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

4

 

WALGREEN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(Dollars in Millions)

Six Months Ended

February 28,

February 29,

2005

2004

Net cash provided by operating activities

$ 586.9

$ 619.0

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of short term investments available for sale

(5,080.2)

(4,957.5)

Proceeds from sale of short term investments available for sale

5,346.0

4,959.3

Additions to property and equipment

(568.4)

(411.5)

Disposition of property and equipment

1.8

5.8

Net cash used for investing activities

(300.8)

(403.9)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Stock purchases

(284.5)

(113.4)

Proceeds related to employee stock plans

91.8

69.4

Cash dividends paid

(107.5)

(88.4)

Other

23.2

(9.2)

Net cash used for financing activities

(277.0)

(141.6)

Changes in cash and cash equivalents:

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

9.1

73.5

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

444.0

1,268.0

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 453.1

$ 1,341.5

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial

Statements are an integral part of these Statements.

5

 

WALGREEN CO. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) The company has recorded a non-cash correction of lease accounting errors. These adjustments conform the accounting for leases to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as described in a recent letter issued by the Chief Accountant of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the company does not believe that these errors resulted in a material misstatement of its consolidated financial statements for any annual or interim period previously reported, the effect of correcting the cumulative impact of the errors in the current quarter would have had a material effect on the current quarter and fiscal year results.

Historically, when accounting for leases, the company recorded rent expense on a straight-line basis over the firm term of the lease, with the term commencing when actual rent payments began. Depreciation of buildings on leased land occurred over a period that may have included both the firm term of the lease as well as certain option periods.

The company has revised its accounting such that the commencement date of all lease terms is the earlier of the date the company becomes legally obligated to make rent payments or the date the company has the right to control the property. Additionally, the company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over a time period that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation of buildings on leased land.

The following is a summary of the effects of the corrections (In Millions, Except Per Share Data):

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Earnings

 

Three Months Ended February 29, 2004

 

As Reported

Adjustment

As Restated

Selling, Occupancy and Administration

$ 2,028.6

$ 3.0

$ 2,031.6

Earnings Before Income Tax Provision

693.7

(3.0)

690.7

Income Tax Provision

260.2

(1.1)

259.1

Net Earnings

433.5

(1.9)

431.6

Per Share-

     
 

Basic

$ .42

-

$ .42

 

Diluted

.42

-

.42

Consolidated Condensed Statement of Earnings

 

Six Months Ended February 29, 2004

 

As Reported

Adjustment

As Restated

Selling, Occupancy and Administration

$ 3,923.7

$ 8.5

$ 3,932.2

Earnings Before Income Tax Provision

1,101.5

(8.5)

1,093.0

Income Tax Provision

413.1

(3.2)

409.9

Net Earnings

688.4

(5.3)

683.1

Per Share-

     
 

Basic

$ .67

-

$ .67

 

Diluted

.67

(.01)

.66

Additionally, auction rate securities which were previously classified as cash and cash equivalents have been reclassified as short term investments-available for sale. The cash flows related to these investments are now disclosed as investing activities in the company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.

(2) Inventories are valued on a lower of last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost or market basis. At February 28, 2005 and August 31, 2004, inventories would have been greater by $782.0 million and $736.4 million respectively, if they had been valued on a lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market basis. LIFO inventory costs can only be determined annually when inflation rates and inventory levels are finalized; therefore, LIFO inventory costs for interim financial statements are estimated. Included in inventory are product cost and inbound freight. Cost of sales is primarily based upon point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and adjusted based on periodic inventories.

6

(3) The company capitalized interest expense as part of significant construction projects. The amounts capitalized were $.8 million and $2.0 million for the quarter and six-month periods ended February 28, 2005 versus $.2 million and $.5 million a year ago.

(4) The company remains secondarily liable on 47 assigned leases. The maximum potential of undiscounted future payments is $10.5 million as of February 28, 2005. Lease option dates vary with some extending to 2009. Most of the assignments were a result of the sale of the "Wag's" restaurants in August 1988.

(5) The company applies Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. Accordingly, no compensation has been recognized based on the fair value of its grants under these plans. The following table illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," to stock-based employee compensation in fiscal 2005 and 2004.

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

February 29,

February 29,

(In Millions Except Per Share Data)

2004

2004

February 28,

(Restated)

February 28,

(Restated)

2005

(See Note 1)

2005

(See Note 1)

Net Earnings, as reported

$490.9

$ 431.6

$819.5

$ 683.1

Add:

Stock-based employee compensation expense included in reported net income, net of related tax effects

.1

 

.1

 

.1

 

.2

Deduct:

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(16.7)

 

(11.2)

 

(29.8)

 

(22.3)

Pro forma net earnings

$474.3

$ 420.5

$789.8

$ 661.0

Earnings per share-

Basic - as reported

$ .48

$ .42

$ .80

$ .67

Basic - pro forma

$ .46

$ .41

$ .77

$ .65

Diluted - as reported

$ .48

$ .42

$ .80

$ .66

Diluted - pro forma

$ .46

$ .41

$ .77

$ .64

(6) The principal retirement plan for employees is the Walgreen Profit-Sharing Retirement Trust to which both the company and the employees contribute. The company's contribution, which is determined annually at the discretion of the Board of Directors, has historically related to pre-tax income. The profit-sharing provision was $69.6 million for the second quarter and $115.1 million for the six month period of this fiscal year. This compares to $61.7 million and $98.0 million for the same periods last year. The company's contributions were $73.3 million during the second quarter and $262.3 million during the six month period ended February 28, 2005. This compares to no contribution for the quarter and $161.5 million for the six month period ended February 29, 2004.

The company provides certain health insurance benefits for retired employees who meet eligibility requirements, including age, years of service and date of hire. The costs of these benefits are accrued over the period earned. The company's postretirement health benefit plans currently are not funded.

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs

February 28,

February 29,

February 28,

February 29,

        (In Millions)

2005

2004

2005

2004

Service cost

$ 5.6

$ 4.8

$11.2

$ 9.6

Interest cost

6.3

5.6

12.7

11.2

Amortization of actuarial loss

2.5

2.5

5.0

5.0

Amortization of prior service cost

(0.5)

(0.1)

(1.0)

(0.2)

Total postretirement benefit cost

$13.9

$12.8

$27.9

$25.6

7

(7) On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 was signed into law. The Act introduces a prescription drug benefit under Medicare as well as a federal subsidy to sponsors of retirement health care benefit plans. Effective March 1, 2005, management believes that the company will qualify for the subsidy. Appropriate disclosures relating to the effects of the subsidy will be made as of the Company's third quarter ending May 31, 2005.

(8) Certain other amounts for fiscal 2004 and 2003 have been reclassified to be consistent with the fiscal 2005 presentation.

 

 

 

8

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

INTRODUCTION

Walgreens is engaged in the retail sale of prescription and nonprescription drugs and general merchandise. General merchandise includes, among other things, cosmetics, toiletries, household items, food, beverages and photofinishing. Customers can have prescriptions filled at the drugstore counter, as well as through the mail, by telephone, and on the Internet. The total number of drugstores (including three mail service facilities) at February 28, 2005 was 4,738 located in 45 states and Puerto Rico.

The drugstore industry is highly competitive. In addition to other drugstore chains, independent drugstores, mail order prescription providers and Internet pharmacies, we also compete with various other retailers including grocery stores, mass merchants and dollar stores.

The long-term outlook for prescription sales is strong due in part to the aging population, as well as the continued development of innovative drugs that improve quality of life and control healthcare costs. Although the effect of the new Medicare prescription drug legislation on retail pharmacy is difficult to ascertain at this time, we are experiencing additional prescription sales as a result of the new senior discount cards; however, gross margin rates on these sales are lower. As an efficient provider, we feel we are positioned well for these industry developments. We continue with expansion into new markets and increased penetration in existing markets. We believe we are well staffed with pharmacists for both current demands and future growth, with only select market needs.

RESTATEMENT AND RECLASSIFICATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

As disclosed in our March 21, 2005 Form 8-K, we recorded a non-cash correction of lease accounting errors. These adjustments conform the accounting for leases to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as described in a recent letter issued by the Chief Accountant of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Although we do not believe that these errors resulted in a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements for any annual or interim period previously reported, the effect of correcting the cumulative impact of the errors in the current quarter would have had a material effect on the current quarter and fiscal year results.

Historically, when accounting for leases, we recorded rent expense on a straight-line basis over the firm term of the lease, with the term commencing when actual rent payments began. Depreciation of buildings on leased land occurred over a period that may have included both the firm term of the lease as well as certain option periods.

We have revised our accounting such that the commencement date of all lease terms is the earlier of the date we become legally obligated to make rent payments or the date we have the right to control the property. Additionally, we recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over a time period that equals or exceeds the time period used for depreciation of buildings on leased land.

As a result, we have restated our consolidated condensed statement of earnings for the three and six months ended February 29, 2004. Refer to Note 1 on page 6. The following discussion of Results of Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources reflect those restatements.

Additionally, auction rate securities which were previously classified as cash and cash equivalents have been reclassified as short term investments-available for sale. The cash flows related to these investments are now disclosed as investing activities in the company's Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows.

 

 

 

 

9

OPERATING STATISTICS

 

Percentage Increases

 

Three Months Ended
February 28, 2005

Six Months Ended
February 28, 2005

Net Sales

12.3

12.8

Net Earnings

13.7

20.0

Comparable Drugstore Sales

7.7

8.5

Prescription Sales

13.8

14.1

Comparable Prescription Sales

10.1

10.7

Front-End Sales

10.0

10.7

Comparable Front-End Sales

4.1

5.0

 

Percent to Sales

 

Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

 

February 28,

February 29,

February 28,

February 29,

 

2005

2004

2005

2004

Gross Margin

28.5

27.7

28.0

27.1

Selling, Occupancy and

       

    Administration Expenses

21.5

20.8

21.9

21.3

 

Other Statistics

 

February 28, 2005

February 29, 2004

Year to Date Prescription Sales as a %

   

     of Net Sales

62.8

62.1

Year to Date Third Party Sales as a %

   

     of Prescription Sales

92.7

91.3

Total Number of Stores

4,738

4,336

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net earnings for the second quarter ended February 28, 2005, were $490.9 million or $.48 per share (diluted). This was a 13.7% increase in net earnings over the second quarter last year. Net earnings for the six months increased 20.0% to $819.5 million or $.80 per share (diluted). This quarter's results included a $4.7 million pre-tax gain for receipt of our share of prescription drug antitrust litigation settlements. This compares to similar pre-tax settlements of $12.7 million recorded in the second quarter last year. The six month periods included $19.7 million of pre-tax litigation settlements this year and $12.7 million of pre-tax litigation settlements last year. Excluding these gains, earnings rose 15.1% to $487.9 million in the second quarter and 19.5% to $807.1 million for the six month period. The quarterly and six month net earnings increases resulted from improved sales and higher gross margin ratios partially offset by higher expense ratios. Last year's results benefited from one extra day because of the leap year.

Net sales increased by 12.3% in the second quarter to $11.0 billion, and rose by 12.8% to $20.9 billion for the first six months. Drugstore sales increases resulted from sales gains in existing stores and added sales from new stores, each of which include an indeterminate amount of market-driven price changes. Comparable drugstore (those open at least one year) sales were up 7.7% for the quarter and 8.5% for the six month period. We operated 4,738 drugstores as of February 28, 2005 compared to 4,336 a year earlier.

Prescription sales increased 13.8% for the second quarter and 14.1% for the six month periods. The effect of generic drugs, which have a lower retail price, replacing brand name drugs reduced prescription sales by 2.5% in the quarter and 2.4% for the six month period. Prescriptions accounted for 61.2% of sales in the quarter and 62.8% year-to-date. Prescription sales in comparable drugstores increased 10.1% for the quarter and 10.7% for the six-month period. Third party sales, where reimbursement is received from managed care organizations and government and private insurance, were 92.7% of pharmacy sales for the quarter and six month periods in fiscal 2005. This compares to 91.5% for the quarter and 91.3% for the six month period a year ago.

10

Non-prescription (front-end) sales increased 10.0% in the second quarter and 10.7% for the first six months. Front-end sales are 38.7% of total sales for the quarter and 37.1% for the six-month period. This compares to 39.5% and 37.8% for the same periods a year ago. Comparable front-end drugstore sales were up 4.1% for the quarter and 5.0% for the first six months. Sales increased in part due to new items in the cough and cold category during the periods.

Gross margins were 28.5% of sales in the quarter and 28.0% for the six month period compared to 27.7% and 27.1% for the comparable periods last year. The quarter and six month increase in gross margin was caused by a number of factors. Prescription margins increased because of higher generic drug utilization and better purchasing terms. The higher generic drug utilization was primarily due to a steady stream of new generics over the past year. Partially offsetting these increases was a shift in sales mix toward prescriptions, which carry a lower margin than front-end merchandise. In addition, third party sales, which typically have lower profit margins than cash prescriptions, continue to become a larger portion of prescription sales. Despite favorable increases in photofinishing, non-prescription margins decreased for the quarter due to more aggressive advertising.

We use the LIFO method of inventory valuation, which can only be determined annually when inflation rates and inventory levels are finalized; therefore, LIFO inventory costs for interim financial statements are estimated. Cost of sales includes a LIFO provision of $27.1 million ($.01 per share) and $45.6 million ($.02 per share) for the quarter and six month periods ended February 28, 2005 versus $22.4 million ($.01 per share) and $42.5 million ($.02 per share) for the same periods a year ago. This year and last year our estimated annual inflation rates at the end of February were 1.75%.

Selling, occupancy and administration expenses increased to 21.5% from 20.8% of sales in the quarter and to 21.9% from 21.3% of sales for the six months. The quarter and six month increase was principally caused by costs associated with our ongoing conversion from analog to digital photo labs, store salaries and other store expenses. The quarter increase was partially offset by lower insurance costs as a percent to sales. New generic drugs, which tempered the rate of sales growth, also increased expense ratios in the quarter and six month periods of both fiscal years.

The effective tax rate was 37.25% for the quarter and 36.64% for the six month period this fiscal year compared to 37.50% for the quarter and six month periods a year ago. The decrease for the six month period is principally the result of the settlement of prior year Internal Revenue Service matters in the quarter ended November 30, 2004. We expect that our effective income tax rate for the remainder of fiscal 2005 will be 37.25%.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts based on management's prudent judgments and estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Management believes that any reasonable deviation from those judgments and estimates would not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations. To the extent that the estimates used differ from actual results, however, adjustments to the statement of earnings and corresponding balance sheet accounts would be necessary. These adjustments would be made in future statements. Some of the more significant estimates include liability for closed locations, liability for insurance claims, vendor allowances, allowance for doubtful accounts, and cost of sales. We use the following techniques to determine estimates:

Liability for closed locations -

 

The liability is based on the present value of future rent obligations and other related costs (net of estimated sublease rent) to the first lease option date.

Liability for insurance claims -

 

The liability for insurance claims is recorded based on estimates for claims incurred. The provisions are estimated in part by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors and other actuarial assumptions.

Vendor allowances -

 

Vendor allowances are principally received as a result of purchase levels, sales or promotion of vendors' products. Allowances are generally recorded as a reduction of inventory and are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold. Those allowances received for promoting vendors' products are offset against advertising expense and result in a reduction of selling, occupancy and administration expense to the extent of advertising incurred, with the excess treated as a reduction of inventory costs.

11

Allowance for doubtful accounts -

 

The provision for bad debt is based on both specific receivables and historic write-off percentages.

Cost of sales -

 

Drugstore cost of sales is primarily derived based on point-of-sale scanning information with an estimate for shrinkage and adjusted based on periodic inventories.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash and cash equivalents were $453.1 million at February 28, 2005, compared to $1,341.5 million at February 29, 2004. Short-term investment objectives are to minimize risk, maintain liquidity and maximize after-tax yields. To attain these objectives, investment limits are placed on the amount, type and issuer of securities. Investments are principally in top-tier money market funds and commercial paper.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first half of fiscal 2005 was $586.9 million compared to $619.0 million a year ago. Our profitability is the principal source for providing funds for expansion and remodeling programs, dividends to shareholders, the stock repurchase program and various technological improvements.

Net cash used for investing activities was $300.8 million versus $403.9 million last year. Investments in auction rate securities net of redemptions provided $264.0 million over last year for the six month period. We actively invest in municipal bonds and student obligations and purchase these securities at par. While the underlying security is issued as a long term investment, they typically can be purchased and sold every 7, 28 and 35 days. The trading of auction rate securities takes place through a dutch auction with an interest rate reset at the beginning of each holding period. At the end of each holding period the interest is paid to the investor. Additions to property and equipment were $568.4 million compared to $411.5 million last year. There were 180 new or relocated drugstores, including two home medical centers opened during the first six months of this year. This compares to 146 in the same period last year which included three home medical centers and three home infusion locations. New stores are owned or leased. There were 33 owned locations added during the first six months and 90 under construction at February 28, 2005 versus 15 owned locations added and 59 under construction as of February 29, 2004.

Capital expenditures for fiscal 2005 are expected to be approximately $1.3 billion, which is a decrease of $.2 billion from estimates at the beginning of the year. We plan to open approximately 450 new stores in fiscal 2005, with a net increase of approximately 365 stores, and have a total of 7,000 drugstores by the year 2010. We are continuing to relocate stores to more convenient and profitable freestanding locations. In addition to new stores, expenditures are planned for technology and distribution centers. A new distribution center is planned for South Carolina with an anticipated opening date in 2007.

Net cash used for financing activities was $277.0 million compared to $141.6 million last year. On July 14, 2004 the Board of Directors announced a stock repurchase program of up to $1 billion, which we plan to execute over the next four years. During the six months, we purchased $79.6 million of company shares related to the stock repurchase program for a total of $101.6 million purchases since the start of the program. An additional $204.9 million of shares were purchased to support the needs of the employee stock plans, compared to purchases of $113.4 million during the same period last year. For the first six months of this year we had proceeds related to employee stock plans of $91.8 million versus $69.4 million for the same period last year. There were no new borrowings during either period. At February 28, 2005, we had a syndicated bank line of credit facility of $200 million to support our short-term commercial paper program.

 

 

 

12

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS

The following table lists our contractual obligations and commitments as of February 28, 2005:

 

Payments Due by Period (In Millions)

 

Total

Less than 1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years

Over 5 Years

Operating leases*

$22,768.2

$ 1,321.8

$ 2,683.6

$ 2,553.1

$16,209.7

Purchase obligations:

         

Open inventory purchase orders*

715.5

715.5

-

-

-

Real estate development*

405.2

405.2

-

-

-

Other corporate obligations*

78.6

56.6

22.0

-

-

Insurance

403.9

148.3

136.3

78.7

40.6

Retiree health & life

228.6

7.7

15.7

20.6

184.6

Closed location obligations

78.3

19.6

27.2

16.8

14.7

Long-term debt

33.2

21.3

9.3

.6

2.0

Capital lease obligations

40.7

1.0

2.0

2.0

35.7

Other long-term liabilities reflected on the balance sheet

172.7

8.4

13.4

16.6

134.3

Total

$24,924.9

$2,705.4

$2,909.5

$2,688.4

$16,621.6

* Not on balance sheet.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

Letters of credit are issued to support purchase obligations and other commitments (as reflected on the Contractual Obligations and Commitments table) as follows (In Millions):

Inventory obligations

$ 20.7

Real estate development

1.6

Insurance

225.3

Total

$247.6

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than those disclosed on the above Contractual Obligations and Commitments table.

Both on and off balance sheet financing are considered when targeting debt to equity ratios to balance the interest of equity and debt (real estate) investors. This balance allows us to lower our cost of capital while maintaining a prudent level of financial risk.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement 151, "Inventory Costs - an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4" which will be effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. We have evaluated this pronouncement and no material impact is anticipated.

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123 (revised) "Share-Based Payment," which will be effective in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006. This statement will eliminate the ability to account for share-based compensation transactions using APB Opinion No. 25 (Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees) and will require instead that compensation expense be recognized based on the fair value on the date of the grant. Additional footnote disclosures will be required. The Company is evaluating the impact of this pronouncement.

 

 

 

 

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain information in this Form 10-Q, as well as in other public filings, the company website, press releases and oral statements made by our representatives, is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes statements concerning pharmacy sales trends, prescription margins, number and location of new store openings, the level of capital expenditures, demographic trends; as well as those that include or are preceded by the words "expects," "estimates," "believes," "plans," "anticipates" or similar language. For such statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

The following factors, in addition to those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004, could cause results to differ materially from management expectations as projected in such forward-looking statements: the impact of events related to any terrorist actions; changes in economic conditions generally or in the markets served by the company; consumer preferences and spending patterns; competition from other drugstore chains, supermarkets, on-line retailers, other retailers, mail order companies and pharmacies; the introduction of new brand and generic prescription drugs; changes in state or federal legislation or regulations; the efforts of third party payers to reduce pharmacy reimbursement rates; the success of planned advertising and merchandising strategies; the availability and cost of real estate and construction; changes in accounting policies and practices; the company's ability to hire and retain pharmacists and other store and management personnel; the company's relationships with its suppliers; the company's ability to successfully implement new computer systems and technology; and adverse determinations with respect to litigation or other claims. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, the company assumes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Item 3. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Management does not believe that there is any material market risk exposure with respect to derivative or other financial instruments that would require disclosure under this item.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Based on their evaluation as of February 28, 2005 and taking into consideration the restatement described in Note 1 on page 6, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe the company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e)) are effective.

In connection with the evaluation pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(d) of the company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) by the company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, no changes during the quarter ended February 28, 2005 were identified that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

 

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PART 11. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 2. Change in Securities, Use of Proceeds and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

(c)

The following table provides information about purchases by the company during the quarter ended February 28, 2005 of equity securities that are registered by the company pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act:

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period

Total Number of
Shares Purchased (1)

Average Price
Paid per Share

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or
Programs

Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (2)

12/01/2004 - 12/31/2004

-

$ -

-

$911,681,810

01/01/2005 -01/31/2005

1,550,400

41.80

318,000

898,415,282

02/01/2005 -02/28/2005

2,326,500

43.17

-

898,415,282

Total

3,876,900

$42.62

318,000

$898,415,282

 

(1)

The company repurchased an aggregate of 3,558,900 shares of its common stock in open-market transactions to satisfy the requirements of the company's employee stock purchase and option plans, as well as the company's Nonemployee Director Stock Plan.

 

(2)

On July 14, 2004, the Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which up to $1 billion of the company's common stock may be repurchased. This program was announced in the company's report on Form 8-K, which was filed on July 15, 2004. The total remaining authorization under the repurchase programs was $898,415,282 as of February 28, 2005. The expiration date of the repurchase program is July 13, 2008.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

    a.  The company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders on January 12, 2005.

    c.  (1) The shareholders voted for election of the following directors to serve until the next annual
    meeting or until their successors are elected and qualified:

 

Votes For

Votes Withheld

David W. Bernauer

871,221,729

17,870,767

William C. Foote

866,615,137

22,477,359

James J. Howard

870,639,017

18,453,479

Alan G. McNally

878,394,871

10,697,624

Cordell Reed

877,500,739

11,591,757

Jeffrey A. Rein

863,950,395

25,142,101

David Y. Schwartz

877,400,736

11,691,760

John B. Schwemm

858,999,084

30,093,411

Marilou M. von Ferstel

870,405,526

18,686,969

Charles R. Walgreen III

871,018,127

18,074,368

 

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(2) The proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche as the company's independent registered public accounting firm was approved by a vote of 876,944,543 for, 6,028,193 against and 6,118,760 abstentions. There were 1,000 broker non-votes.

(3) The shareholder proposal to amend the by-laws to separate the positions of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer was rejected by a vote of 240,382,333 for, 455,087,933 against and 14,148,907 abstentions. There were 179,473,323 broker non-votes.

 

 

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Item 6. Exhibits

  1. Exhibits

    3. (a)    Articles of Incorporation of the company, as amended, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 3(a) to the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1999, and incorporated by reference herein.

(b)    By-Laws of the company, as amended and restated effective as of July 9, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange  Commission as Exhibit 3(b) to the company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2003, and  incorporated by reference herein.

4.(a)  Rights Agreement dated as of July 10, 1996, between the company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 1 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A on July 11, 1996 (File No. 1-604), and incorporated by reference herein.

10.(a)  Form of Memorandum Summarizing Executive Retirement Benefits, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as Exhibit 10(a) to the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2005.

31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2  Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. U.S.C. Section 1350.

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SIGNATURES

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.

 

WALGREEN CO.

 

(Registrant)

   

Dated: April 8, 2005

/s/ W.M. Rudolphsen

 

W.M. Rudolphsen

 

Senior Vice President

 

(Chief Financial Officer)

   

Dated: April 8, 2005

/s/ M.M. Scholz

 

M.M. Scholz

 

Controller

 

(Chief Accounting Officer)

   
   
   

 

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