Form 10-Q

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 quarterly period (12 weeks) ended September 10, 2005.

 

¨ 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 1-5418

 


 

SUPERVALU INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

 


 

DELAWARE   41-0617000

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

identification No.)

11840 VALLEY VIEW ROAD

EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA

  55344
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

(952) 828-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

N/A

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

 


 

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  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock as of October 13, 2005 is as follows:

 

Title of Each Class


 

Shares Outstanding


Common Shares   136,185,224

 



PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

(In thousands, except percent and per share data)

 

     Second Quarter (12 weeks) ended

 
     September 10, 2005

   % of
sales


    September 11, 2004

   % of
sales


 
     (unaudited)  
Net sales    $ 4,556,218    100.0 %   $ 4,486,963    100.0 %
Costs and expenses                           

Cost of sales

     3,895,230    85.5       3,831,825    85.4  

Selling and administrative expenses

     582,378    12.8       500,722    11.2  

Restructure and other charges

     984    —         5,861    0.1  
    

  

 

  

Operating earnings      77,626    1.7       148,555    3.3  
Interest expense, net      24,018    0.5       23,895    0.5  
    

  

 

  

Earnings before income taxes      53,608    1.2       124,660    2.8  
Provision for income taxes      19,835    0.5       46,124    1.0  
    

  

 

  

Net earnings    $ 33,773    0.7 %   $ 78,536    1.8 %
    

  

 

  

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

                          

Basic

     136,125            135,230       

Diluted

     145,948            144,888       
Net earnings per common share—basic    $ 0.25          $ 0.58       
Net earnings per common share—diluted    $ 0.24          $ 0.55       
Dividends declared per common share    $ 0.1625          $ 0.1525       

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

(In thousands, except percent and per share data)

 

     Year-to-date (28 weeks) ended

 
     September 10, 2005

   % of
sales


    September 11, 2004

    % of
sales


 
     (unaudited)  
Net sales    $ 10,528,508    100.0 %   $ 10,397,612     100.0 %
Costs and expenses                            

Cost of sales

     8,997,969    85.5       8,897,437     85.6  

Selling and administrative expenses

     1,270,086    12.1       1,174,398     11.3  

Gain on sale of WinCo Foods, Inc.

     —      —         (109,238 )   (1.1 )

Restructure and other charges

     1,170    —         6,140     0.1  
    

  

 


 

Operating earnings      259,283    2.4       428,875     4.1  
Interest expense, net      60,910    0.5       66,187     0.6  
    

  

 


 

Earnings before income taxes      198,373    1.9       362,688     3.5  
Provision for income taxes      73,398    0.7       134,741     1.3  
    

  

 


 

Net earnings    $ 124,975    1.2 %   $ 227,947     2.2 %
    

  

 


 

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding

                           

Basic

     135,924            135,238        

Diluted

     145,743            145,168        
Net earnings per common share—basic    $ 0.92          $ 1.68        
Net earnings per common share—diluted    $ 0.88          $ 1.60        
Dividends declared per common share    $ 0.3150          $ 0.2975        

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED COMPOSITION OF NET SALES AND OPERATING EARNINGS

 

(In thousands, except percent data)

 

    

Second Quarter

(12 weeks) ended


   

Year-to-date

(28 weeks) ended


 
     September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

    September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

 
     (unaudited)  
Net sales                                 

Retail food

   $ 2,446,058     $ 2,435,174     $ 5,630,586     $ 5,565,370  

% of total

     53.7 %     54.3 %     53.5 %     53.5 %

Supply chain services

     2,110,160       2,051,789       4,897,922       4,832,242  

% of total

     46.3 %     45.7 %     46.5 %     46.5 %
    


 


 


 


Total net sales

   $ 4,556,218     $ 4,486,963     $ 10,528,508     $ 10,397,612  
       100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
    


 


 


 


Operating earnings                                 

Retail food operating earnings

   $ 39,001     $ 105,264     $ 166,541     $ 234,061  

% of sales

     1.6 %     4.3 %     3.0 %     4.2 %

Supply chain services operating earnings

     47,689       52,749       119,045       115,648  

% of sales

     2.3 %     2.6 %     2.4 %     2.4 %
    


 


 


 


Subtotal

     86,690       158,013       285,586       349,709  

% of sales

     1.9 %     3.5 %     2.7 %     3.4 %
    


 


 


 


General corporate expenses

     (8,080 )     (3,597 )     (25,133 )     (23,932 )

Gain on sale of WinCo Foods, Inc.

     —         —         —         109,238  

Restructure and other charges

     (984 )     (5,861 )     (1,170 )     (6,140 )
    


 


 


 


Total operating earnings

     77,626       148,555       259,283       428,875  

% of sales

     1.7 %     3.3 %     2.5 %     4.1 %
Interest expense, net      (24,018 )     (23,895 )     (60,910 )     (66,187 )
    


 


 


 


Earnings before income taxes      53,608       124,660       198,373       362,688  
Provision for income taxes      (19,835 )     (46,124 )     (73,398 )     (134,741 )
    


 


 


 


Net earnings    $ 33,773     $ 78,536     $ 124,975     $ 227,947  
    


 


 


 


 

The company’s business is classified by management into two reportable segments: Retail food and supply chain services. Effective in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, SUPERVALU changed its food distribution segment name to supply chain services reflecting the evolving nature of the business that now includes traditional food distribution services, as well as the recently acquired third party logistics business. Retail food operations include three retail formats: extreme value stores, regional price superstores and regional supermarkets. The retail formats include results of food stores owned and results of sales to extreme value stores licensed by the company. Supply chain services operations include results of sales to affiliated food stores, mass merchants and other customers and logistics arrangements. Substantially all of the company’s operations are domestic. Management utilizes more than one measurement and multiple views of data to assess segment performance and to allocate resources to the segments. However, the dominant measurements are consistent with the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(In thousands)

 

     Second
Quarter


   Fiscal Year
End


     September 10,
2005


   February 26,
2005


     (unaudited)
Assets              
Current Assets              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 753,456    $ 463,915

Receivables, less allowance of $16,542 as of September 10, 2005 and $22,523 as of February 26, 2005

     470,086      464,249

Inventories, net

     1,028,773      1,032,034

Other current assets

     122,208      161,922
    

  

Total current assets

     2,374,523      2,122,120

Long-term receivables, less allowance of $10,510 as of September 10, 2005 and $11,240 as of February 26, 2005

     83,963      88,551
Property, plant and equipment, net      2,122,899      2,190,888
Goodwill and other assets      1,887,813      1,872,403
    

  

Total assets    $ 6,469,198    $ 6,273,962
    

  

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity              
Current Liabilities              

Accounts payable

   $ 1,244,119    $ 1,106,860

Current debt and obligations under capital leases

     143,518      99,463

Other current liabilities

     451,078      420,888
    

  

Total current liabilities

     1,838,715      1,627,211
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases      1,509,119      1,578,867
Other liabilities and deferred income taxes      520,403      557,323
Commitments and contingencies              
Total stockholders’ equity      2,600,961      2,510,561
    

  

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity    $ 6,469,198    $ 6,273,962
    

  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(In thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

     Common Stock

  

Capital in

Excess of

Par Value


   Treasury Stock

   

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Losses


   

Retained

Earnings


    Total

 
     Shares

   Amount

      Shares

    Amount

       

BALANCES AT FEBRUARY 28, 2004

   150,670    $ 150,670    $ 102,352    (15,910 )   $ (298,291 )   $ (98,732 )   $ 2,353,575     $ 2,209,574  

Net earnings

   —        —        —      —         —         —         385,823       385,823  

Other comprehensive loss

   —        —        —      —         —         (5,849 )     —         (5,849 )

Sales of common stock under option plans

   —        —        12,522    2,646       44,143       —         —         56,665  

Cash dividends declared on common stock $0.6025 per share

   —        —        —      —         —         —         (81,386 )     (81,386 )

Compensation under employee incentive plans

   —        —        1,173    49       520       —         —         1,693  

Purchase of shares for treasury

   —        —        —      (1,977 )     (55,959 )     —         —         (55,959 )
    
  

  

  

 


 


 


 


BALANCES AT FEBRUARY 26, 2005

   150,670      150,670      116,047    (15,192 )     (309,587 )     (104,581 )     2,658,012       2,510,561  

Net earnings

   —        —        —      —         —         —         124,975       124,975  

Sales of common stock under option plans

   —        —        12,232    1,392       19,003       —         —         31,235  

Cash dividends declared on common stock $0.3150 per share

   —        —        —      —         —         —         (42,940 )     (42,940 )

Compensation under employee incentive plans

   —        —        2,351    194       3,590       —         —         5,941  

Purchase of shares for treasury

   —        —        —      (895 )     (28,811 )     —         —         (28,811 )
    
  

  

  

 


 


 


 


BALANCES AT SEPTEMBER 10, 2005

   150,670    $ 150,670    $ 130,630    (14,501 )   $ (315,805 )   $ (104,581 )   $ 2,740,047     $ 2,600,961  
    
  

  

  

 


 


 


 


 

    

28 weeks

ended

September 10,
2005


  

28 weeks

ended

September 11,
2004


Comprehensive income:

             

Net earnings

   $ 124,975    $ 227,947
    

  

Comprehensive income

   $ 124,975    $ 227,947
    

  

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(In thousands)

 

    

Year-to-date

(28 weeks) ended


 
     September 10,
2005


    September 11,
2004


 
     (unaudited)  

Cash flows from operating activities

                

Net earnings

   $ 124,975     $ 227,947  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     167,149       162,972  

Impairment charge

     53,617       —    

LIFO expense

     4,254       5,644  

Provision for losses on receivables

     (572 )     1,663  

Loss on sale of property, plant and equipment

     1,411       3,139  

Gain on sale of WinCo Foods, Inc.

     —         (109,238 )

Restructure and other charges

     1,170       6,140  

Deferred income taxes

     (35,480 )     (17,148 )

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries

     (7,269 )     (9,171 )

Other adjustments, net

     3,006       2,827  

Changes in assets and liabilities

     195,701       190,155  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     507,962       464,930  
    


 


Cash flows from investing activities

                

Proceeds from sale of assets

     10,353       15,721  

Proceeds from sale of WinCo Foods, Inc.

     —         229,846  

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (140,863 )     (123,490 )
    


 


Net cash provided (used) by investing activities

     (130,510 )     122,077  
    


 


Cash flows from financing activities

                

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

     —         3,813  

Repayment of long-term debt

     (33,247 )     (263,237 )

Reduction of obligations under capital leases

     (16,979 )     (16,046 )

Net proceeds from the sale of common stock under option plans

     21,788       20,334  

Dividends paid

     (41,473 )     (39,233 )

Payment for purchase of treasury shares

     (18,000 )     (55,960 )
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities      (87,911 )     (350,329 )
    


 


Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

     289,541       236,678  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     463,915       291,956  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period

   $ 753,456     $ 528,634  
    


 


 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

7


SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

GENERAL

 

Accounting Policies:

 

The summary of significant accounting policies is included in the notes to consolidated financial statements set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended February 26, 2005 (fiscal 2005). References to the company refer to SUPERVALU INC. and its subsidiaries.

 

Fiscal Year:

 

The company’s fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in February. The company’s first quarter consists of 16 weeks and the second, third and fourth quarters each consist of 12 weeks for a total of 52 weeks.

 

Statement of Registrant:

 

The condensed balance sheet as of February 26, 2005, has been derived from audited financial statements and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position of the company and its subsidiaries at September 10, 2005 and September 11, 2004, and the results of the company’s operations and condensed consolidated cash flows for the periods then ended. These interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

 

Use of Estimates:

 

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Reclassifications:

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to conform prior years’ data to the current presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on reported earnings.

 

Stock-based Compensation:

 

The company has stock based employee compensation plans, which are described more fully in the Stock Option Plans note in the notes to consolidated financial statements set forth in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005. The company utilizes the intrinsic value-based method, per Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” for measuring the cost of compensation paid in company common stock. This method defines the company’s cost as the excess of the stock’s market value at the time of the grant over the amount that the employee is required to pay. In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, no compensation expense was recognized for options issued under the stock option plans in fiscal 2006 and 2005 as the exercise price of all options granted was not less than 100 percent of fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant.

 

8


The following table illustrates the effect on net earnings and net earnings per share if the company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to stock-based employee compensation:

 

    

Second Quarter

(12 weeks) Ended


   

Year-to-Date

(28 weeks) Ended


 
     September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

    September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

 
     (In thousands, except per share amounts)  

Net earnings, as reported

   $ 33,773     $ 78,536     $ 124,975     $ 227,947  

Add: stock-based compensation expense included in reported net earnings, net of related tax effect

     9       1,104       2,686       2,599  

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect

     (3,688 )     (2,834 )     (13,108 )     (11,161 )
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net earnings

     30,094       76,806       114,553       219,385  

Add: interest on dilutive convertible debentures, net of related tax effect

     1,610       1,587       3,781       3,676  
    


 


 


 


Pro forma net earnings for diluted earnings per share

   $ 31,704     $ 78,393     $ 118,334     $ 223,061  
    


 


 


 


Earnings per share—basic:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.25     $ 0.58     $ 0.92     $ 1.68  

Pro forma

   $ 0.22     $ 0.57     $ 0.84     $ 1.62  

Earnings per share—diluted:

                                

As reported

   $ 0.24     $ 0.55     $ 0.88     $ 1.60  

Pro forma

   $ 0.22     $ 0.54     $ 0.82     $ 1.54  

 

Net Earnings Per Share (EPS):

 

Basic EPS is calculated using earnings available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is similar to basic EPS except that the weighted average number of common shares outstanding is after giving affect to the dilutive impacts of stock options, restricted stock and outstanding contingently convertible debentures. In addition, for the calculation of diluted earnings per share, net income is adjusted to eliminate the after tax interest expense recognized during the period related to contingently convertible debentures.

 

The following table reflects the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

 

    

Second Quarter

(12 weeks) Ended


  

Year-to-date

(28 weeks) Ended


     September 10, 2005

   September 11, 2004

   September 10, 2005

   September 11, 2004

     (In thousands, except per share amounts)

Earnings per share—basic

                           

Net earnings

   $ 33,773    $ 78,536    $ 124,975    $ 227,947

Weighted average shares outstanding—basic

     136,125      135,230      135,924      135,238

Earnings per share—basic

   $ 0.25    $ 0.58    $ 0.92    $ 1.68

Earnings per share—diluted

                           

Net earnings

   $ 33,773    $ 78,536    $ 124,975    $ 227,947

Interest related to dilutive contingently convertible debentures, net of tax

     1,610      1,587      3,781      3,676
    

  

  

  

Net earnings used for diluted earnings per share calculation

   $ 35,383    $ 80,123    $ 128,756    $ 231,623
    

  

  

  

Weighted average shares outstanding

     136,125      135,230      135,924      135,238

Dilutive impact of options outstanding

     2,005      1,840      2,001      2,112

Dilutive impact of contingently convertible debentures

     7,818      7,818      7,818      7,818
    

  

  

  

Weighted average shares—diluted

     145,948      144,888      145,743      145,168
    

  

  

  

Earnings per share—diluted

   $ 0.24    $ 0.55    $ 0.88    $ 1.60

 

 

9


Comprehensive Income:

 

The company reports comprehensive income in accordance with SFAS No. 130, “Reporting Comprehensive Income.” Comprehensive income includes net earnings and expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net earnings but rather directly in stockholders’ equity in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity.

 

New Accounting Standards

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” This revised statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The company currently accounts for its share-based payments to employees under the intrinsic value method of accounting set forth in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” Additionally, the company complies with the stock-based employer compensation disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” The company is in the process of evaluating the use of certain option-pricing models as well as the assumptions to be used in such models. The company plans to adopt the revised statement in the first quarter of its fiscal year 2007, which begins on February 26, 2006.

 

BENEFIT PLANS

 

The following table provides the components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005:

 

     Second Quarter (12 weeks) Ended

 
     Pension Benefits

    Postretirement Benefits

 
     September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

    September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

 
     (In thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 4,777     $ 4,628     $ 414     $ 326  

Interest cost

     9,325       9,068       1,979       1,362  

Expected return on plan assets

     (9,388 )     (9,998 )     —         —    

Amortization of:

                                

Unrecognized net loss

     5,335       4,515       1,543       546  

Unrecognized prior service cost

     298       301       (437 )     (446 )
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 10,347     $ 8,514     $ 3,499     $ 1,788  
    


 


 


 


     Year-to-Date (28 weeks) Ended

 
     Pension Benefits

    Postretirement Benefits

 
     September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

    September 10, 2005

    September 11, 2004

 
     (In thousands)  

Service cost

   $ 11,060     $ 10,589     $ 962     $ 775  

Interest cost

     21,590       20,747       4,595       3,698  

Expected return on plan assets

     (21,735 )     (22,873 )     —         —    

Amortization of:

                                

Unrecognized net loss

     12,352       10,329       3,581       1,998  

Unrecognized prior service cost

     690       689       (1,015 )     (1,045 )
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 23,957     $ 19,481     $ 8,123     $ 5,426  
    


 


 


 


 

10


The company contributed $25.0 million to its non–union defined benefit pension plan in the first quarter of fiscal 2006, as anticipated at the end of fiscal 2005.

 

GAIN ON SALE OF WINCO FOODS, INC.

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the company completed the sale of its minority ownership interest in WinCo Foods, Inc. (WinCo), a privately-held regional grocery chain that operates stores in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada, Washington and California, for $229.8 million in cash proceeds, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of $109.2 million.

 

DEBT REDEMPTION

 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2005, the company utilized cash proceeds from the sale of WinCo and available cash balances to voluntarily redeem $250 million of 7.625 percent notes due September 15, 2004, in accordance with the note redemption provisions. The company incurred $5.7 million in pre-tax costs related to this early redemption, which are included in interest expense.

 

RESTRUCTURE AND OTHER CHARGES

 

In the first half of fiscal 2006, the company recognized pre-tax restructure and other charges of $1.2 million. The charges primarily relate to the 2001 restructure plan and consisted of adjustments to the restructure reserves and asset impairment charges of $0.1 million and holding costs of $1.1 million. All activity for the fiscal 2001 restructure plan was completed in fiscal 2003. At September 10, 2005, remaining restructure reserves for the 2001 plan were $31.7 million. The remaining restructure 2001 reserves include $13.4 million for lease related costs and $18.3 million for employee related costs. See the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2005, for additional information regarding restructure and other charges.

 

ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND RESERVES FOR CLOSED PROPERTIES

 

During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the company announced plans to dispose of its twenty corporate operated Shop ‘n Save retail stores in Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh). Related to this disposition, the company reflected a charge of $57.2 million, which included asset and goodwill impairment charges of $53.4 million and $3.8 million of other costs. The company anticipates completing the disposition and incurring approximately $11 million in additional charges in fiscal 2006.

 

Asset Impairment

 

The company recognized asset impairment charges of $53.6 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, on the write-down of property, plant and equipment primarily for Pittsburgh. Impairment charges, a component of selling and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, reflect the difference between the carrying value of the assets and the estimated fair values, which were based on the estimated market values for similar assets.

 

Reserves for Closed Properties

 

The company maintains reserves for estimated losses on retail stores, distribution warehouses and other properties that are no longer being utilized in current operations. The reserves for closed properties include management’s estimates for lease subsidies, lease terminations, future payments on exited real estate and severance. The second quarter activity includes $2.9 million related to the disposition of the Pittsburgh corporate stores. Details of the activity in the closed property reserves for year-to-date fiscal 2006 are as follows:

 

    

Balance

February 26,

2005


   Additions

   Usage

   

Balance

September 10,

2005


     (In thousands)

Reserves for closed properties

   $ 37,446    6,193    (4,630 )   $ 39,009

 

11


GOODWILL AND OTHER ACQUIRED INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

In fiscal 2005, the company acquired Total Logistics, Inc. (Total Logistics), a national provider of third party logistics services for approximately $234 million comprised of $164 million of cash and $70 million of assumed debt. As part of the Total Logistics acquisition, the company acquired Zero Zone, a refrigeration case and system manufacturer, which will be divested in fiscal 2006 as it is non-core to the company’s food retail and supply chain services businesses. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in approximately $14.7 million of intangible assets related to trademarks, tradenames and customer relationships and approximately $135.6 million of goodwill including a second quarter goodwill adjustment of $17.7 million. The allocation of the acquisition cost was based on a preliminary independent appraisal of fair values. The appraised values will be finalized during fiscal 2006 and may differ from the amounts presented.

 

At September 10, 2005, the company had approximately $1.7 billion of goodwill of which $0.8 billion related to retail food and $0.9 billion related to supply chain services.

 

A summary of changes in the company’s other acquired intangible assets year-to-date fiscal 2006 follows:

 

    

February 26,

2005


    Amortization

   

Net

Additions


  

September 10,

2005


 

Goodwill

   $ 1,627,847             $ 22,558    $ 1,650,405  

Other acquired intangible assets:

                               

Trademarks and tradenames

     22,254               70      22,324  

Leasehold rights, customer lists and other (accumulated amortization of $22,300 and $20,573 at September 10, 2005 and February 26, 2005, respectively)

     49,285               389      49,674  

Customer relationships (accumulated amortization of $3,987 and $2,492 at September 10, 2005 and February 26, 2005, respectively)

     47,069               500      47,569  

Non-compete agreements (accumulated amortization of $4,747 and $4,329 at September 10, 2005 and February 26, 2005, respectively)

     8,294               —        8,294  
    


         

  


Total other acquired intangible assets

     126,902               959      127,861  

Accumulated amortization

     (27,394 )   $ (3,640 )     —        (31,034 )
    


 


 

  


Total goodwill and other acquired intangible assets, net

   $ 1,727,355     $ (3,640 )   $ 23,517    $ 1,747,232  
    


 


 

  


 

Other acquired intangible assets are a component of goodwill and other assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Year-to-date for fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005, the company recorded amortization expense relating to other acquired intangible assets of approximately $3.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively. Future amortization expense relating to other acquired intangible assets will approximate $6.0 million per year for each of the next five years. Intangible assets with a definite life are amortized on a straight-line basis with estimated useful lives ranging from five to twenty years. All intangible assets are amortizable with the exception of the trademarks and tradenames.

 

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

 

In fiscal 2003, the company entered into swap agreements in the notional amount of $225.0 million that exchanged a fixed interest rate payment obligation for a floating interest rate payment obligation. The swaps have been designated as a fair value hedge on long-term fixed rate debt of the company and are a component of goodwill and other long-term assets in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the swaps and debt are reflected as a component of selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings, and through September 10, 2005, the net earnings impact was zero.

 

12


The company has limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and uses them only to manage well-defined interest rate risks. The company does not use financial instruments or derivatives for any trading or other speculative purposes.

 

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The company has guaranteed certain leases, fixture financing loans and other debt obligations of various retailers at September 10, 2005. These guarantees are generally made to support the business growth of its affiliated retailers. The guarantees are generally for the entire term of the lease or other debt obligation with remaining terms that range from less than one year to twenty-two years, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately eleven years. For each guarantee issued, if the affiliated retailer defaults on a payment, the company would be required to make payments under its guarantee. Generally, the guarantees are secured by indemnification agreements or personal guarantees of the affiliated retailer. At September 10, 2005, the maximum amount of undiscounted payments the company would be required to make in the event of default of all guarantees was $244 million and represented $138 million on a discounted basis.

 

The company is contingently liable for leases that have been assigned to various third parties in connection with facility closings and dispositions. The company could be required to satisfy the obligations under the leases if any of the assignees are unable to fulfill their lease obligations. Due to the wide distribution of the company’s assignments among third parties, and various other remedies available, the company believes the likelihood that it will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote.

 

The company is party to a synthetic leasing program for a major warehouse. The lease expires in April 2008 and may be renewed with the lessor’s consent through April 2013, and has a purchase option of $60.0 million. At September 10, 2005, the estimated market value of the property underlying this lease equaled the purchase option. The company’s fair value of the obligation under its guaranty arrangements related to this synthetic lease has a balance of $1.0 million at September 10, 2005, which is included in other liabilities and deferred income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

The company had $180.1 million of outstanding letters of credit as of September 10, 2005, of which $152.3 million were issued under a credit facility and $27.8 million were issued under separate agreements with financial institutions. These letters of credit primarily support workers’ compensation, merchandise import programs and payment obligations. The company pays fees, which vary by instrument, of up to 0.90 percent on the outstanding balance of the letters of credit.

 

The company is a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities, none of which, in management’s opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on the company’s consolidated financial position.

 

The company is party to a variety of contractual agreements under which the company may be obligated to indemnify the other party for certain matters, which indemnities may be secured by operation of law or otherwise, in the ordinary course of business. These contracts primarily relate to the company’s commercial contracts, operating leases and other real estate contracts, financial agreements, agreements to provide services to the company and agreements to indemnify officers, directors and employees in the performance of their work. While the company’s aggregate indemnification obligation could result in a material liability, the company is aware of no current matter that it expects to result in a material liability.

 

SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Refer to page 4 for the company’s segment information.

 

13


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

 

OVERVIEW

 

Fiscal 2006 reflects an economy that continues to expand within a modest inflationary environment that is pressured by higher fuel prices. Our supply chain services business is comprised of our traditional food distribution business and third party logistics business including the acquisition of Total Logistics, Inc. (Total Logistics), a national provider of integrated third-party logistics services, which was acquired late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Fiscal 2006 supply chain services results will also include start-up costs for new growth and return initiatives for supply chain technology and the launch of our specialty produce distribution business, W. Newell and Co.

 

In September 2005, the company announced plans to dispose of its twenty corporate operated Shop ‘n Save retail stores in Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh). The charges related to the exit are expected to total approximately $43 million after-tax or $0.30 per diluted share. Fiscal 2006 second quarter results reflect charges of approximately $36 million after-tax, or $0.25 per diluted share, with the remainder expected to occur in the last half of fiscal 2006 as the stores are disposed of. The second quarter results also reflect incurred property losses of approximately $3 million after-tax, or $0.02 per diluted share from Hurricane Katrina primarily at Save-A-Lot locations in Louisiana (Hurricane).

 

Given the life cycle maturity of our traditional distribution business with its inherent attrition rate, future growth will be modest and primarily achieved through serving new independent customers, net growth from existing customers, and further consolidation opportunities. Annual sales attrition in the traditional food distribution business is planned to be in the historical range of two to four percent when excluding the cycling of three large customer transitions to other suppliers in fiscal 2005. Same-store retail sales decreased 1.6 percent in the second quarter and decreased 0.7 percent for year-to-date and is expected to be soft for the remainder of the year. As a result of the plan to dispose of twenty Pittsburgh stores, these stores have been excluded from the same store sales calculation. We remain committed to our strategy, which includes innovative retail merchandising programs and network expansion and the delivery of best-in-class supply chain services across the grocery retail channel and beyond, and achieving our return on invested capital goal through a variety of initiatives.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

SECOND QUARTER RESULTS:

 

In the second quarter of fiscal 2006, the company achieved net sales of $4.6 billion compared with $4.5 billion last year. Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $33.8 million, basic earnings per share were $0.25 and diluted earnings per share were $0.24 compared with net earnings of $78.5 million, basic earnings per share of $0.58 and diluted earnings per share of $0.55 last year. Results for fiscal 2006 include charges of approximately $36 million after-tax or $0.25 per diluted share related to Pittsburgh and $3 million after-tax or $0.02 per diluted share for losses related to the Hurricane.

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $4.6 billion compared with $4.5 billion last year, an increase of $0.1 billion or 1.5 percent from last year. Retail food sales were approximately 54 percent of net sales and supply chain services sales were approximately 46 percent of net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006, consistent with last year.

 

Retail food sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $2.4 billion, flat compared with last year. Retail food sales reflect net new store growth of approximately two percent, which was substantially offset by negative same store sales including sales to licensees. Same store retail sales, defined as corporate stores operating for four full quarters, including store expansions, for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 decreased 1.6 percent.

 

Store activity since last year’s second quarter, including licensed stores, resulted in 79 new stores opened and 39 stores closed for a total of 1,553 stores at the end of second quarter fiscal 2006. Total retail square footage, including licensed stores, increased approximately 3 percent from last year’s second quarter.

 

Supply chain services sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $2.1 billion compared with $2.0 billion last year, an increase of $0.1 billion or 2.8 percent. Sales reflect increases related to the acquisition of Total Logistics, new business from the traditional food distribution business and temporary new business of three percent, three percent and two percent, respectively, partially offset by customer attrition, which includes the impact of cycling three large customer transitions to other suppliers in the prior year.

 

14


Gross Profit

 

Gross profit (calculated as net sales less cost of sales), as a percent of net sales, was 14.5 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with 14.6 percent last year. The decrease in gross profit as a percent of net sales primarily reflects the impact of approximately $10 million pre-tax related to start-up costs for growth initiatives which more than offset the higher third party logistics business margin associated with Total Logistics and benefits of retail merchandising execution.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of net sales, were 12.8 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with 11.2 percent last year. The increase in selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of net sales, primarily reflects the asset impairment and other charges related to Pittsburgh and the impact of the Hurricane. In addition, the increase reflects higher utilities, bank fees and depreciation expenses and the negative expense leverage from retail food sales. Second quarter fiscal 2005 includes a favorable litigation settlement of $7.6 million pre-tax.

 

Restructure and Other Charges

 

For the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and 2005, the company incurred $1.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, in pre-tax restructure and other charges, consisting of adjustments in restructure reserves and holding costs and changes in estimates on exited real estate in certain markets.

 

Operating Earnings

 

Operating earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $77.6 million compared with $148.6 million last year. Results for fiscal 2006 include charges of approximately $57 million pre-tax related to Pittsburgh and $5 million pre-tax related to the Hurricane. Retail food operating earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 were $39.0 million, or 1.6 percent of net sales, compared to last year’s operating earnings of $105.3 million, or 4.3 percent of net sales. The decrease in retail food operating earnings, as a percent of net sales, primarily reflects the asset impairment and other charges for Pittsburgh and the Hurricane. Also impacting results were higher expenses and negative expense leverage from retail food sales. Supply chain services operating earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2006 decreased 9.6 percent to $47.7 million, or 2.3 percent of net sales, from last year’s operating earnings of $52.7 million, or 2.6 percent of net sales. The decrease in supply chain services operating earnings, as a percent of net sales, primarily reflects the start-up costs related to growth initiatives which more than offset the higher margin third party logistics business.

 

Net Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense was $24.0 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with $23.9 million last year.

 

Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate was 37.0 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005.

 

Net Earnings

 

Net earnings were $33.8 million, or $0.25 per basic share and $0.24 per diluted share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with net earnings of $78.5 million, or $0.58 per basic share and $0.55 per diluted share last year. Results for fiscal 2006 include charges of $0.25 per diluted share related to Pittsburgh and $0.02 per diluted share related to the Hurricane.

 

Weighted average basic shares increased to 136.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with 135.2 million shares last year and weighted average diluted shares increased to 145.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 compared with 144.9 million shares last year, reflecting the net impact of stock option activity including dilution impacts.

 

15


YEAR-TO-DATE RESULTS:

 

Year-to-date for fiscal 2006, the company achieved net sales of $10.5 billion compared with $10.4 billion last year. Net earnings for fiscal 2006 year-to-date were $125.0 million, basic earnings per share were $0.92 and diluted earnings per share were $0.88 compared with net earnings of $227.9 million, basic earnings per share of $1.68 and diluted earnings per share of $1.60 last year. Results for fiscal 2006 include charges of approximately $36 million after-tax, or $0.25 per diluted share related to Pittsburgh and approximately $3 million after-tax, or $0.02 per diluted share related to the Hurricane. Results for fiscal 2005 year-to-date include a net after-tax gain on the sale of the company’s minority interest in WinCo Foods, Inc. (WinCo) of $68.3 million or $0.51 basic earnings per share and $0.47 diluted earnings per share.

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales for fiscal 2006 year-to-date were $10.5 billion compared with $10.4 billion last year, an increase of $0.1 billion or 1.3 percent from last year. Retail food sales were approximately 54 percent of net sales and supply chain services sales were approximately 46 percent of net sales for fiscal 2006 year-to-date, consistent with last year.

 

Retail food sales for fiscal 2006 year-to-date were $5.6 billion, an increase of $0.1 billion or 1.2 percent. The increase reflects net new store growth of approximately three percent, which was partially offset by negative same store sales including sales to licensees. Same-store retail sales for fiscal 2006 year-to-date decreased 0.7 percent.

 

Supply chain services sales for fiscal 2006 year-to-date were $4.9 billion compared with $4.8 billion last year, an increase of $0.1 billion. Supply chain services sales increased 1.4 percent compared with last year, primarily reflecting the recent acquisition of Total Logistics, new business from the traditional food distribution business and temporary new business of approximately three percent, three percent and two percent, respectively, offset by customer attrition, which includes the impact of cycling three large customer transitions to other suppliers in the prior year.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit (calculated as net sales less cost of sales), as a percent of net sales, was 14.5 percent for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with 14.4 percent last year. The increase in gross profit as a percent of net sales primarily reflects the acquisition of Total Logistics, a higher margin third party logistics business and benefits of retail merchandising, partially offset by the impact of start-up costs related to growth initiatives.

 

Selling and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 12.1 percent for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with 11.3 percent last year. The increase in selling and administrative expenses, as a percent of net sales, primarily reflects the asset impairment and other charges related to Pittsburgh and the impact of the Hurricane. In addition, the increase reflects higher utilities, bank fees, and depreciation expenses and the negative expense leverage from retail food sales. Fiscal 2005 includes a favorable litigation settlement of $7.6 million pre-tax.

 

Restructure and Other Charges

 

For fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 year-to-date, the company incurred $1.2 million and $6.1 million, respectively, in pre-tax restructure and other charges, consisting of adjustments in restructure reserves and holding costs and changes in estimates on exited real estate in certain markets.

 

Operating Earnings

 

Operating earnings for fiscal 2006 year-to-date were $259.3 million compared with $428.9 million last year. Results for fiscal 2006 include charges of approximately $57 million pre-tax related to Pittsburgh and $5 million pre-tax related to the Hurricane. Fiscal 2005 includes approximately $109 million pre-tax gain on the sale of WinCo. Retail food fiscal 2006 year-to-date operating earnings were $166.5 million, or 3.0 percent of net sales, compared to last year’s operating earnings of $234.1 million, or 4.2 percent of net sales. The decrease in retail food operating earnings, as a percent of net sales, primarily reflects the asset impairment and other charges related to Pittsburgh and the Hurricane. Also impacting results were higher expenses and negative expense leverage from retail food sales. Supply chain services fiscal 2006 year-to-date operating earnings increased 2.9 percent to $119.0 million, or 2.4 percent of net sales, from last year’s operating earnings of $115.6 million, or 2.4 percent of net sales. The increase in supply chain services operating earnings primarily reflects the higher margin third party logistics service business, partially offset by start-up costs related to growth initiatives.

 

16


Net Interest Expense

 

Net interest expense decreased to $60.9 million in fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with $66.2 million last year. The decrease primarily reflects lower borrowing levels and the absence of the $5.7 million early redemption costs relating to the $250 million notes redeemed in the first quarter of fiscal 2005.

 

Income Taxes

 

The effective tax rate was 37.0 and 37.2 percent in fiscal 2006 year-to-date and fiscal 2005 year-to-date, respectively.

 

Net Earnings

 

Net earnings were $125.0 million, or $0.92 per basic share and $0.88 per diluted share, for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with net earnings of $227.9 million, or $1.68 per basic share and $1.60 per diluted share last year. Results for fiscal 2006 year-to-date include charges of $0.25 per diluted share related to Pittsburgh and $0.02 per diluted share related to the Hurricane. Results for fiscal 2005 year-to-date include a net after-tax gain on the sale of the company’s minority interest in WinCo of $68.3 million or $0.47 per diluted share.

 

Weighted average basic shares increased to 135.9 million fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with 135.2 million last year and weighted average diluted shares increased to 145.7 million fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with 145.2 million shares last year, reflecting the net impact of stock option activity including dilution impacts.

 

RESTRUCTURE AND OTHER CHARGES

 

In the first half of fiscal 2006, the company recognized pre-tax restructure and other charges of $1.2 million. The charges primarily relate to the 2001 restructure plan and consisted of adjustments to the restructure reserves of $0.1 million and holding costs of $1.1 million. All activity for the fiscal 2001 restructure plan was completed in fiscal 2003. At September 10, 2005, remaining restructure reserves for the 2001 plan were $31.7 million. The remaining restructure 2001 reserves include $13.4 million for lease related costs and $18.3 million for employee related costs. See the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 26, 2005, for additional information regarding restructure and other charges.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $508.0 million for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with $464.9 million last year.

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $130.5 million for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $122.1 million last year. Fiscal 2006 year-to-date investing activities primarily reflect capital spending to fund retail store expansion and store remodeling. Fiscal 2005 year-to-date investing activities primarily reflect proceeds from the sale of WinCo partially offset by capital spending to fund retail store expansion and store remodeling.

 

Net cash used in financing activities was $87.9 million for fiscal 2006 year-to-date compared with $350.3 million last year. Fiscal 2006 year-to-date financing activities primarily reflect the payment of dividends of $41.5 million and repayment of long-term debt of $33.2 million. Fiscal 2005 year-to-date financing activities primarily reflect the early redemption on May 3, 2004 of $250.0 million of 7.625 percent notes due September 15, 2004, the payment of dividends of $39.2 million and a net $35.6 million for stock benefit plan related activity.

 

Management expects that the company will continue to replenish operating assets with internally generated funds. There can be no assurance, however, that the company’s business will continue to generate cash flow at current levels. The company will continue to obtain short-term financing from its revolving credit agreement with various financial institutions, as well as through its accounts receivable securitization program. Long-term financing will be maintained through existing and new debt issuances. The company’s short-term and long-term financing abilities are believed to be adequate as a supplement to internally generated cash flows to fund its capital expenditures and acquisitions as opportunities arise. Maturities of debt issued will depend on management’s views with respect to the relative attractiveness of interest rates at the time of issuance and other debt maturities.

 

On February 28, 2005, the company executed a five year unsecured $750.0 million revolving credit agreement replacing the previous $650.0 million revolving credit agreement which was terminated. Amounts utilized under this credit agreement have rates tied to LIBOR plus 0.275 to 0.675 percent and there are facility fees ranging from 0.10 percent to 0.20 percent on the total amount of the facility, both based on the company’s credit ratings. The agreement contains various financial covenants including ratios for interest coverage and debt leverage. All letters of credit that had been issued and outstanding under the previous credit facility were transferred under the new credit facility.

 

17


As of September 10, 2005, the company’s current portion of outstanding debt including obligations under capital leases was $143.5 million. The company had no outstanding borrowings under its unsecured $750.0 million revolving credit facility. Letters of credit outstanding under the credit facility were $152.3 million and the unused available credit under the facility was $597.7 million. The company also had $27.8 million of outstanding letters of credit issued under separate agreements with financial institutions.

 

As of September 10, 2005, the company had no outstanding borrowings under its annual accounts receivable securitization program, renewed in August 2005. Under the program, the company can borrow up to $200.0 million on a revolving basis, with borrowings secured by eligible accounts receivable. Facility fees under this program equal 0.175 percent of any undrawn balance.

 

In November 2001, the company sold zero-coupon convertible debentures due 2031. Holders of the debentures may require the company to purchase all or a portion of their debentures on the first day of October 2006 or 2011 at a purchase price equal to the accreted value of the debentures, which includes accrued and unpaid interest. The company may redeem all or a portion of the debentures at any time on or after the first day of October 2006, at a purchase price equal to the sum of the issue price plus accrued original issue discount as of the redemption date. Generally, except upon the occurrence of specified events, holders of the debentures are not entitled to exercise their conversion rights until the closing price of the company’s common stock on the New York Stock Exchange for twenty of the last thirty trading days of any fiscal quarter exceeds certain levels, or $38.50 per share for the quarter ending September 10, 2005, and rising to $113.29 per share at September 6, 2031. In the event of conversion, 9.6434 shares of the company’s common stock will be issued per $1,000 debenture or approximately 7.8 million shares should all debentures be converted. See the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding debt.

 

The company’s debt agreements contain various financial covenants including ratios for interest coverage and debt leverage as defined in the debt agreements. The company has met the financial covenants under the debt agreements as of September 10, 2005.

 

The company is party to a synthetic leasing program for a major warehouse. The lease expires in April 2008 and may be renewed with the lessor’s consent through April 2013, and has a purchase option of $60 million.

 

Capital spending during the second quarter of fiscal 2006 was $62.7 million, including $0.3 million in capital leases. Capital spending for year-to-date fiscal 2006 was $165.0 million, including $24.2 million of capital leases. Capital spending primarily included retail store expansion and store remodeling. The company’s capital spending for fiscal 2006 is projected to be approximately $450.0 million to $475.0 million, including approximately $50.0 million in capital leases.

 

COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

The company has guaranteed certain leases, fixture financing loans and other debt obligations of various retailers at September 10, 2005. These guarantees are generally made to support the business growth of its affiliated retailers. The guarantees are generally for the entire term of the lease or other debt obligation with remaining terms that range from less than one year to twenty-two years, with a weighted average remaining term of approximately eleven years. For each guarantee issued, if the affiliated retailer defaults on a payment, the company would be required to make payments under its guarantee. Generally, the guarantees are secured by indemnification agreements or personal guarantees of the affiliated retailer. At September 10, 2005, the maximum amount of undiscounted payments the company would be required to make in the event of default of all guarantees is approximately $244 million and represents approximately $138 million on a discounted basis.

 

The company is contingently liable for leases that have been assigned to various third parties in connection with facility closings and dispositions. The company could be required to satisfy the obligations under the leases if any of the assignees are unable to fulfill their lease obligations. Due to the wide distribution of the company’s assignments among third parties, and various other remedies available, the company believes the likelihood that it will be required to assume a material amount of these obligations is remote.

 

The company is party to a synthetic leasing program for a major warehouse. The lease expires in April 2008 and may be renewed with the lessor’s consent through April 2013, and has a purchase option of $60.0 million. At September 10, 2005, the estimated market value of the property underlying this lease equaled the purchase option. The company’s fair value of the obligation under its guaranty arrangements related to this synthetic lease had a balance of $1.0 million at September 10, 2005, which is included in other liabilities and deferred income taxes in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

 

18


The company had $180.1 million of outstanding letters of credit as of September 10, 2005, of which $152.3 million were issued under the credit facility and $27.8 million were issued under separate agreements with financial institutions. These letters of credit primarily support workers’ compensation, merchandise import programs and payment obligations. The company pays fees, which vary by instrument, of up to 0.90 percent on the outstanding balance of the letters of credit.

 

The company is a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities, none of which, in management’s opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on the company’s consolidated financial position.

 

There were no material changes in the company’s contractual obligations and off-balance arrangements during the period covered by the report. See the company’s Annual Report Form 10-K for fiscal 2005, for additional information regarding contractual obligations and off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

 

In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement 123 (Revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment.” This revised statement, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005, requires all share-based payments to employees to be recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The company currently accounts for its share-based payments to employees under the intrinsic value method of accounting set forth in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issues to Employees.” Additionally, the company complies with the stock-based employer compensation disclosure requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” The company is in the process of evaluating the use of certain option-pricing models as well as the assumptions to be used in such models. The company plans to adopt the revised statement in the first quarter of its fiscal year 2007, which begins on February 26, 2006.

 

Cautionary Statements for Purposes of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

 

Any statements contained in this report regarding the outlook for our businesses and their respective markets, such as projections of future performance, statements of our plans and objectives, forecasts of market trends and other matters, are forward-looking statements based on our assumptions and beliefs. Such statements may be identified by such words or phrases as “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “outlook,” “will benefit,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “management believes” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in such statements and no assurance can be given that the results in any forward-looking statement will be achieved. For these statements, the company claims the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we disclaim any obligation to subsequently revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

The following is a summary of certain factors, the results of which could cause our future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements contained in this report. These factors are in addition to any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or referred to in connection with any such forward-looking statement and they should not be construed as exhaustive.

 

    Economic Conditions. The food industry is sensitive to a number of economic conditions such as: (i) food price deflation or inflation, (ii) softness in local and national economies, (iii) increases in commodity prices, (iv) fluctuations in fuel prices, (v) the availability of favorable credit and trade terms, and (vi) other economic conditions that may affect consumer buying habits. Any one or more of these economic conditions can affect our retail sales, the demand for products we distribute to our retailer customers, our operating costs and other aspects of our businesses.

 

    Competition. The industries in which we compete are extremely competitive. Both our retail food and supply chain services businesses are subject to competitive practices that may affect: (i) the prices at which we are able to sell products at our retail locations, (ii) sales volume, (iii) the ability of our distribution customers to sell products we supply, which may affect future orders, and (iv) our ability to attract and retain customers. In addition, the nature and extent of consolidation in the retail food and traditional food distribution industries could affect our competitive position or that of our distribution customers in the markets we serve.

 

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Our retail food business faces competition from other retail chains, supercenters, non-traditional competitors and emerging alternative formats in the markets where we have retail operations. In our traditional food distribution business, our success depends in part on the ability of our independent retailer customers to compete with these same formats, our ability to attract new customers, and our ability to supply products in a cost effective manner. Declines in the level of retail sales activity of our traditional distribution customers due to competition, consolidations of retailers or competitors, increased self-distribution by our customers, or the entry of new or non-traditional distribution systems into the industry may adversely affect our revenues.

 

    Security and Food Safety. Wartime activities, threats of terror, acts of terror or other criminal activity directed at the grocery industry, the transportation industry, or computer or communications systems, could increase security costs, adversely affect the company’s operations, or impact consumer behavior and spending as well as customer orders. Other events that give rise to actual or potential food contamination or food-born illness could have an adverse effect on the company’s operating results.

 

    Labor Relations and Employee Benefit Costs. Potential work disruptions from labor disputes may affect sales at our stores as well as our ability to distribute products or provide logistics services. We contribute to various multi-employer healthcare and pension plans covering certain union represented employees in both our retail and distribution operations. Approximately one-third of the employees in our total workforce are participants in multi-employer plans. The costs of providing benefits through such plans have escalated rapidly in recent years. Based upon information available to us, we believe certain of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The decline in the value of assets supporting these plans, in addition to the high level of benefits generally provided, has led to the underfunding. As a result, contributions to these plans will continue to increase and the benefit levels and related issues will continue to create collective bargaining challenges.

 

    Expansion and Acquisitions. While we intend to continue to expand our retail and supply chain services businesses through new store openings, new affiliations and acquisitions, expansion is subject to a number of risks, including the adequacy of our capital resources, the location of suitable store or distribution center sites and the negotiation of acceptable purchase or lease terms, and the ability to hire and train employees. Acquisitions may involve a number of special risks, including: making acquisitions at acceptable rates of return, the diversion of management’s attention to the assimilation of the operations and integration of personnel of the acquired business, costs and other risks associated with integrating or adapting operating systems, and potential adverse effects on our operating results.

 

    Natural Disaster. The impact of natural disasters on the company’s assets as well as on local and regional markets, transportation systems and the company’s customers.

 

    Liquidity. We expect to continue to replenish operating assets with internally generated funds. However, if our capital spending significantly exceeds anticipated capital needs, additional funding could be required from other sources including borrowing under our bank credit lines or through debt issuances. In addition, acquisitions could affect our borrowing costs and future financial flexibility.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

There were no material changes in market risk for the company in the period covered by this report. See our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 for a discussion of market risk for the company.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the company’s management, including the company’s chief executive officer and its chief financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) as of September 10, 2005, the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that as of September 10, 2005, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

During the fiscal quarter ended September 10, 2005, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The company is a party to various legal proceedings arising from the normal course of business activities, none of which, in management’s opinion, is expected to have a material adverse impact on the company’s Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings or consolidated financial position.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

Period (1)


  

Total Number

of Shares

Purchased (2)


  

Average

Price Paid

Per Share


  

Total Number of

Shares Purchased

as Part of

Publicly

Announced

Treasury Stock

Purchase

Program (3)


  

Maximum Number

of Shares that May

Yet be Purchased

Under the

Treasury Stock

Purchase

Program (3)


First four weeks

                     

June 19, 2005 to July 16, 2005

   21,508    $ 32.93    —      4,038,300

Second four weeks

                     

July 17, 2005 to August 13, 2005

   179,130    $ 34.67    —      4,038,300

Third four weeks

                     

August 14, 2005 to September 10, 2005

   349,014    $ 31.38    345,000    3,693,300
    
  

  
  

Totals

   549,652    $ 32.51    345,000    3,693,300
    
  

  
  

(1) The reported periods conform to the company’s fiscal calendar composed of thirteen 28-day periods. The second quarter of fiscal 2006 contains three 28-day periods.
(2) These amounts include the deemed surrender by participants in the company’s compensatory stock plans of 204,652 shares of previously issued common stock in payment of the purchase price for shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of stock options and satisfaction of tax obligations arising from such exercises as well as the vesting of restricted stock granted under such plans.
(3) On May 26, 2004, the company announced a treasury stock purchase program authorized by the Board of Directors to repurchase up to 5,000,000 additional shares of the company’s common stock to offset the issuance of shares over time under the company’s employee benefit plans. As of September 10, 2005, 3,693,300 shares remained available for purchase under that program.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

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

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibits filed with this Form 10-Q:

 

(12 )    Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
(31.1 )    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(31.2 )    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.1 )    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2 )    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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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.

 

   

SUPERVALU INC. (Registrant)

Dated: October 20, 2005

 

By:

 

/s/ PAMELA K. KNOUS


       

Pamela K. Knous

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

    
(12)    Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.
(31.1)    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(31.2)    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.1)    Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(32.2)    Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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