News release via CNW Telbec, Montreal 514-878-2520
Attention Business/Financial Editors:
Couche-Tard announces its results for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 -
Major increase in sales and merchandise and service gross margins -
Further expansion of the North American network
<<
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- Revenues grew by 18.8% or US$553.8 million to US$3.5 billion in the
third quarter - raising revenues for the first nine months of the
fiscal year to US$9.1 billion, an increase of 21.2% or US$1.6 billion.
- The merchandise and service gross margin reached 34.2%, an appreciation
of 1.0%.
- Net earnings amounted to US$43.7 million or US$0.22 per share (US$0.21
on a diluted basis). Excluding the impact of factors over which
Couche-Tard has little control (decrease in motor fuel margin and
expenses related to electronic payment modes after taxes), net earnings
totaled US$71.4 million or US$0.34 per share (diluted), up 31.0% over
the comparable quarter of the previous year.
- The Company's financial position remained excellent as at February 4,
2007, with cash of US$191.1 million, shareholders' equity of
US$1.1 billion and a net interest-bearing debt to total capitalization
ratio of 0.40:1 (1).
- Network expansion: through acquisitions and constructions, Couche-Tard
added 198 Company-operated stores through acquisitions and opened
45 other sites. On an annual basis, the acquired Company-operated
stores amounted to 355 and the openings totaled 73. The IMPACT program
was implemented in 109 stores in the third quarter - for a total of
267 sites since the beginning of fiscal 2007.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------
(1) This ratio is presented for information purposes only and represents
a measure of financial condition used especially in financial
circles. It represents the following calculation: long-term interest-
bearing debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and temporary
investments, divided by the addition of shareholders' equity and
long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and temporary
investments. It does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by
Canadian GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other public companies.
ATD.A, ATD.B / TSX
LAVAL, QC, March 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
(Couche-Tard) announces its results for the third quarter and the first nine
months of fiscal 2007, which correspond to the 16-week and 40-week periods
ended February 4, 2007.
"As we did in the first and second quarters of the current fiscal year, we
substantially improved our merchandise and service gross margins, driven
primarily by better purchasing conditions, our product mix strategy and our
IMPACT program which is now implemented in more than 49% of our
Company-operated stores. The acquisitions made in the current fiscal year
accounted for some 70% of our third-quarter sales growth. Same-store
merchandise revenues also made a solid contribution to the increase in
third-quarter sales, thanks to our pricing strategies and the IMPACT program.
We achieved this growth despite the fact that conditions were less favorable
in some of our U.S. markets than in the third quarter a year earlier. Unlike
last year, we did not benefit from the positive impact of the reconstruction
period following the 2006 hurricanes in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, nor
the exceptionally good weather conditions that prevailed in our Southwest
markets during the third quarter of the previous year; indeed, they were
rather unfavorable this quarter. Motor fuel volumes were up in all our
markets, driven by our acquisitions, our ongoing price optimization program in
some U.S. markets and the strong contribution of our Western Canadian market.
However, retail pump prices declined sharply in the third quarter, and our
motor fuel gross margin decreased substantially in the United States and to a
lesser extent in Canada. Remember that the volatility in margins tends to
stabilize on an annual basis," indicated Mr Alain Bouchard, Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Exchange Rate Data
------------------
The Company's US dollar consolidated reporting currency provides
shareholders with more relevant information giving consideration to the
predominance of Couche-Tard's operations in the United States and its US
dollar denominated debt.
The following table sets forth information about exchange rates based upon
the Bank of Canada closing rates expressed as US dollars per Cdn$1.00:
16-week periods 40-week periods
ended ended
-----------------------------------------
February January February January
4, 29, 4, 29,
2007 2006 2007 2006
-----------------------------------------
Average for the period (1) 0.8682 0.8551 0.8835 0.8337
Period end 0.8435 0.8699 0.8435 0.8699
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(1) Calculated by taking the average of the closing exchange rates of
each day in the applicable period.
Highlights of the Third Quarter of Fiscal 2007
----------------------------------------------
Business Acquisitions
---------------------
On December 1st, 2006, Couche-Tard finalized, with Shell Oil Product US
and its affiliate, Motiva Entreprises LLC, the acquisition of a network of
236 stores operating under the Shell banner in the regions of Baton Rouge,
Denver, Memphis, Orlando and Tampa as well as in Southwest Florida in the
United States. Of the 236 stores, 174 are Company-operated, 50 are operated by
independent store operators and 12 have a motor fuel supply agreement.
Previously, on October 30, 2006, Couche-Tard acquired from Sparky's Oil
Company, a network of 24 Company-operated stores operating under the Sparky's
banner in West Central Florida in the United States.
These transactions were carried out for a cash consideration of
$317.7 million, including inventories and direct acquisition costs.
Growth of the Store Network
---------------------------
16-week period ended 40-week period ended
February 4, 2007 February 4, 2007
------------------------------------------------------
Company- Affili- Company- Affili-
operated ated operated ated
stores stores Total stores stores Total
------------------------------------------------------
Number of stores,
beginning of
period (1) 3,780 1,531 5,309 3,632 1,351 4,983
Acquisition 198 62 260 355 75 430
Openings /
constructions /
additions (2) 45 84 127 73 275 348
Closures /
withdrawals (3) (24) (316) (336) (56) (345) (401)
Conversion into
Company-operated
stores 9 (9) - 9 (9) -
Conversion into
affiliated
stores - - - (5) 5 -
------------------------------------------------------
Number of stores,
end of period 4,008 1,352 5,360 4,008 1,352 5,360
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
(1) Restated.
(2) The important increase in affiliated stores results from the addition
of the new ConocoPhillips franchises as mentioned in the 2006 annual
report and from new agreement signed with business communities in
certains regions.
(3) As mentioned in the second quarter, the important withdrawal of
affiliated stores arises from the decision of SSP Partners not to
renew their licence agreement.
Deployment of the IMPACT Program
--------------------------------
During the third quarter, Couche-Tard implemented its IMPACT program in
109 Company-operated stores, bringing its total of Company-operated stores
converted under this program to 267 for the first three quarters of fiscal
2007. As a result, 49.1% of the Company-operated stores have now been
converted to the IMPACT program, which gives the Company considerable
flexibility for future internal growth.
Credit Facility
---------------
On November 15, 2006, Couche-Tard increased by $150.0 million the limit of
its new credit agreement concluded on September 22, 2006. The credit facility
consists of a term renewable unsecured revolving credit facility, which
maximum available amount stands at $650.0 million.
Dividends
---------
On March 13, 2007, the Board of Directors of Couche-Tard declared a
dividend of Cdn$0.03 per share to shareholders on record as at March 22, 2007
and approved its payment for March 30, 2007. This is an eligible dividend
within the meaning of the Income Tax Act.
Selected Consolidated Financial Information
-------------------------------------------
The following table highlights certain information regarding Couche-Tard's
operations for the 16-week and 40-week periods ended February 4, 2007 and
January 29, 2006:
(In millions of US dollars, unless otherwise stated)
------------------------------------------------------
16-week periods ended 40-week periods ended
------------------------------------------------------
February January February January
4, 29, Change 4, 29, Change
2007 2006 % 2007 2006 %
------------------------------------------------------
Statement of
Operations Data:
Merchandise and
service
revenues (1):
United States 937.9 811.4 15.6 2,347.9 2,111.3 11.2
Canada 422.9 407.1 3.9 1,182.0 1,088.3 8.6
------------------------------------------------------
Total merchandise
and service
revenues 1,360.8 1,218.5 11.7 3,529.9 3,199.6 10.3
------------------------------------------------------
Motor fuel
revenues:
United States 1,875.4 1,470.1 27.6 4,847.9 3,662.5 32.4
Canada 261.8 255.6 2.4 737.0 656.3 12.3
------------------------------------------------------
Total motor fuel
revenues 2,137.2 1,725.7 23.8 5,584.9 4,318.8 29.3
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Total revenues 3,498.0 2,944.2 18.8 9,114.8 7,518.4 21.2
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Merchandise and
service gross
profit (1):
United States 317.1 268.9 17.9 791.4 694.1 14.0
Canada 147.7 135.9 8.7 413.1 366.3 12.8
------------------------------------------------------
Total merchandise
and service
gross profit 464.8 404.8 14.8 1,204.5 1,060.4 13.6
------------------------------------------------------
Motor fuel
gross profit:
United States 106.7 108.8 (1.9) 289.3 252.0 14.8
Canada 16.4 16.7 (1.8) 44.7 47.5 (5.9)
------------------------------------------------------
Total motor fuel
gross profit 123.1 125.5 (1.9) 334.0 299.5 11.5
------------------------------------------------------
Total gross profit 587.9 530.3 10.9 1,538.5 1,359.9 13.1
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses 462.9 402.1 15.1 1,145.4 1,005.3 13.9
Depreciation and
amortization of
property and
equipment and
other assets 43.3 33.4 29.6 99.4 80.1 24.1
------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 81.7 94.8 (13.8) 293.7 274.5 7.0
------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 43.7 54.5 (19.8) 163.0 164.1 (0.7)
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Other Operating
Data:
Merchandise and
service gross
margin (1):
Consolidated 34.2% 33.2% 34.1% 33.1%
United States 33.8% 33.1% 33.7% 32.9%
Canada 34.9% 33.4% 34.9% 33.7%
Growth of
same-store
merchandise
revenues (2) (3):
United States 1.9% 6.0% 3.0% 5.6%
Canada 3.2% 2.9% 2.9% 4.1%
Motor fuel gross
margin:
United States
(cents per
gallon) (3) 13.19 17.63 (25.2) 15.50 16.63 (6.8)
Canada (Cdn cents
per litre) 4.05 4.31 (6.0) 4.21 4.96 (15.1)
Volume of motor
fuel sold (4):
United States
(millions of
gallons) 841.8 634.4 32.7 1,938.0 1,556.6 24.5
Canada (millions
of litres) 470.1 452.9 3.8 1,203.5 1,148.3 4.8
Growth of
same-store motor
fuel volume (3):
United States 3.2% 6.9% 4.5% 6.0%
Canada 4.2% 2.0% 4.5% 2.8%
Per-Share Data:
Basic net
earnings per
share (dollars
per share) 0.22 0.27 (18.5) 0.81 0.81 -
Diluted net
earnings per
share (dollars
per share) 0.21 0.26 (19.2) 0.78 0.79 (1.3)
------------------------------------------------------
February April
4, 30, Change
2007 2006 $
------------------------------------------------------
Financial position:
Total assets 2,884.1 2,369.2 514.9
Interest-bearing debt 927.3 524.1 403.2
Shareholders' equity 1,096.4 966.0 130.4
Ratios:
Net interest-bearing debt/
total capitalization (5) 0.40:1 0.15:1
Net interest-bearing debt/EBITDA (6) 1.54:1(7) 0.39:1
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(1) Includes other revenues derived from franchise fees, royalties and
rebates on some purchases by franchisees and licensees.
(2) Does not include services and other revenues (as described in
footnote 1 above). Growth in Canada is calculated based on Canadian
dollars.
(3) For Company-operated stores only.
(4) Includes volumes of franchisees and dealers.
(5) This ratio is presented for information purposes only and represents
a measure of financial condition used especially in financial
circles. It represents the following calculation: long-term
interest-bearing debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and temporary
investments, divided by the addition of shareholders' equity and
long-term debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and temporary
investments. It does not have a standardized meaning prescribed by
Canadian GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other public companies.
(6) This ratio is presented for information purposes only and represents
a measure of financial condition used especially in financial
circles. It represents the following calculation: long-term interest-
bearing debt, net of cash and cash equivalents and temporary
investments, divided by EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Tax,
Depreciation and Amortization). It does not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by Canadian GAAP and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other public companies.
(7) This ratio is standardized over one year. It includes the results of
the first, second and third quarters for the fiscal year ending April
29, 2007 as well as the results of the fourth quarter of the fiscal
year ended April 30, 2006.
Analysis of Consolidated Results and Financial Position for the Third
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter and the Three First Quarters of fiscal 2007
---------------------------------------------------
Operating Results
-----------------
Revenues amounted to $3.5 billion for the 16-week period ended February 4,
2007, up $553.8 million for an increase of 18.8%. For the first three
quarters, revenues totaled $9.1 billion, representing an increase of
$1.6 billion or 21.2%.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the growth of merchandise and
service revenues was $142.3 million or 11.7%, of which $87.3 million was
generated by the stores acquired since the beginning of the current year and
$6.5 million was generated by the 1.5% appreciation of the Canadian dollar
against its U.S. counterpart. For internal growth, the increase in same-store
merchandise revenues in the United States stood at 1.9% compared with 3.2% in
Canada. Over the past two years, the stores located in Florida and in the Gulf
of Mexico region were plagued by several hurricanes. The impact of the storms
on the same-store merchandise revenues is significant and cyclical. Indeed,
following the announcement of these devastating events, sales post momentary
increased growth followed by a low period during the actual storms. During
such reconstruction period, the merchandise revenues increase due to higher
traffic among the Company's target clientele and then subsequently fall once
the reconstruction is completed. Thus, the third quarter last year
corresponded to the reconstruction period following the hurricanes. Other
factors: 1- In order to increase growth in demand for this quarter, which is
less favourable for our business cycle, many of the Company's U.S. markets
implemented aggressive promotional programs that were not repeated this year.
This had, on the other side, a positive impact on the gross margin; 2- This
year, Couche-Tard has sustained the impact of the exceptional weather
conditions experienced last year in its Southwest region markets, which
generated strong growth in its main product categories, including water,
beverages and beer. This year, the same region was affected by heavy rains and
even snow; 3- On December 8, 2006, government officials in Arizona applied an
$8.20-per-carton tax increase on tobacco, which greatly affected sales in this
category subsequently. Finally, in the United States and Canada, the Company
continues to benefit from its pricing and product mix strategies, as well as
from the ongoing implementation of its IMPACT program throughout its network.
For the first three quarters of fiscal 2007, the growth in merchandise and
service revenues stood at $330.3 million or 10.3%, of which $127.1 million was
generated by the stores acquired during the year and $69.3 million resulted
from the 6.0% appreciation of the Canadian dollar. Additionally, the growth of
same-store merchandise revenues was 3.0% in the United States compared with
2.9% in Canada.
For the third quarter of 2007, motor fuel revenues increased
$411.5 million or 23.8%, of which $301.4 million was generated by the stores
acquired since April 30, 2006. The appreciation of the Canadian dollar
accounted for $3.9 million of the increase. These factors were offset by the
negative impact of $62.3 million created by the decrease in the average retail
price at the pump for the Company-operated stores. The following table shows
the average retail pump prices observed over the past 12 months, commencing
with the fourth quarter of the year ended April 30, 2006:
Weighted
Quarter 4th 1st 2nd 3rd average
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
53-week period ended
February 4, 2007
United States
(US dollars per gallon) 2.30 2.86 2.61 2.26 2.48
Canada (Cdn cents
per litre) 88.63 96.08 89.87 80.27 88.08
52-week period ended
January 29, 2006
United States
(US dollars per gallon) 2.07 2.18 2.62 2.33 2.30
Canada (Cdn cents
per litre) 78.60 82.79 95.65 84.61 85.53
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
For internal growth, in the United States, the increase of same-store
motor fuel volume for the third quarter of fiscal 2007 was 3.2% compared with
4.2% in Canada. The growth in the United States is considered to be very
satisfactory, particularly given that the price optimization program in the
Southwest region is in its second year, which has resulted in a less important
impact. In addition, given the volatile nature of the motor fuel market
following the hurricanes that occurred in fiscal 2006, it is difficult to make
comparisons with other regions in the U.S. In Canada, the growth was mainly a
result of the strong economy in Western Canada combined with the CAA program
implemented in Quebec.
During the 40-week period ended February 4, 2007, motor fuel revenues
climbed $1.3 billion or 29.3%, of which $434.0 million was generated by the
stores acquired during fiscal 2007. The increase in pump prices contributed
$246.7 million to the total increase while the appreciation of the Canadian
dollar generated $43.4 million. Finally, the growth in same-store motor fuel
volume was 4.5% in both the United States and Canada for reasons similar to
those described above.
During the 16-week period ended February 4, 2007, the merchandise and
service gross margin was 34.2%, up from 33.2% in the same quarter of fiscal
2006. In the United States, the gross margin was 33.8%, up from 33.1% last
year. In Canada, it was 34.9% compared with 33.4%. In both the U.S. and
Canadian markets, the reasons behind the increase in gross margin include the
impact of improvements in purchasing terms, changes in the product mix with a
focus on higher margin items that target customers' demand more specifically,
the reduction in certain aggressive promotional programs for specific
categories, as well as the implementation of the IMPACT program in an
increasing number of stores, including the newly acquired stores. In the
United States, some acquisitions have contributed to decrease gross margin
since the previous owners-operators had aggressive price strategies.
For the first three quarters, the merchandise and service gross margin
reached 34.1%, up from 33.1% for the same period of the previous fiscal year.
Due to the above-mentioned factors, gross margin in the United States was
33.7%, up from 32.9%, whereas in Canada, it stood at 34.9% compared with
33.7%, which represents a significant increase of 1.2%.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the motor fuel gross margin for the
Company-operated stores in the United States decreased substantially to
13.19 cents per gallon compared with 17.63 cents per gallon in the
corresponding quarter of the previous fiscal year. In Canada, it fell to
Cdn4.05 cents per litre compared with Cdn4.31 cents per litre last year.
For the first three quarters of the current fiscal year, the U.S. motor
fuel gross margin dropped to 15.50 cents per gallon compared with 16.63 cents
per gallon for the corresponding period of the fiscal year ended April 30,
2006. In Canada, the same trend occurred, with the gross margin decreasing to
Cdn4.21 cents per litre compared with Cdn4.96 cents per litre. However, it is
important to remember that the volatility in margins from one quarter to
another tends to stabilize on an annual basis.
The following table provides some information related to the motor fuel
gross margin of Couche-Tard's Company-operated stores in the United States for
the last four quarters, commencing with the fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended April 30, 2006:
(US cents per gallon)
Weighted
Quarter 4th 1st 2nd 3rd average
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
53-week period ended
February 4, 2007
Before deduction of
expenses related to
electronic payment modes 10.96 13.60 20.73 13.19 14.48
Expenses related to
electronic payment modes 3.31 3.82 3.77 3.12 3.46
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
After deduction of
expenses related to
electronic payment modes 7.65 9.78 16.96 10.07 11.02
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
52-week period ended
January 29, 2006
Before deduction of
expenses related to
electronic payment modes 11.26 14.86 17.05 17.63 15.43
Expenses related to
electronic payment modes 2.75 2.98 3.50 3.24 3.13
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
After deduction of
expenses related to
electronic payment modes 8.51 11.88 13.55 14.39 12.30
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating, selling, administrative and general expenses increased by 1.0%
as a percentage of merchandise and service revenues for the 16- and 40-week
periods ended February 4, 2007. These costs were significantly affected by
higher salaries, due, in part, to a labour shortage in certain regions and by
the increase in expenses related to electronic payment modes, which vary in
line with motor fuel sales. These factors explained respectively 0.4% and 0.2%
of the increase on a quarterly basis and 0.5% and 0.4% on an annual basis. The
other factors that contributed to the increase are those related to public
utility expenses, environmental costs and finally the maintenance costs
related to the ATM machines operated by Couche-Tard since the last quarter of
fiscal 2006.
The new legislative proposal in the U.S. regarding minimum wage aims to
increase minimum wage from the current $5.15 to $7.25 per hour. The Bill has
been submitted to the Senate. If the proposal is adopted, Couche-Tard
estimates that this legislation will have an impact of approximately
$5.0 million on its results before taxes.
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment and other assets
increased primarily from investments made over the past year through
acquisitions and the ongoing implementation of the Company's IMPACT program in
its network.
Financial expenses were up $5.8 million for the third quarter of the
current fiscal year compared with the quarter ended January 29, 2006. The
change is mainly due to an increase in average borrowings for this quarter, a
drop in the interest income generated from the investing of excess cash and a
negative variance of $1.0 million related to interest rate swaps, offset by
the drop in the Company's average interest rate. For the first three quarters,
financial expenses rose $8.1 million compared with the corresponding period in
fiscal 2006. The increase is due primarily to Couche-Tard's higher average
annual interest rate, higher average borrowings, a negative variance of
$2.5 million related to the interest rate swaps, as well as the decrease in
interest income.
Following the Government of Quebec's adoption of Bill 15 in the National
Assembly of Quebec regarding amendments to the Quebec Taxation Act,
Couche-Tard posted a $9.9 million unusual retroactive income tax expense in
the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Excluding this element, the
effective income tax rate for the first three quarters was 33.5%, which is
slightly lower than the rate of 34.1% observed for the first three quarters of
fiscal 2006.
Couche-Tard closed the third quarter of 2007 with a $10.8 million decrease
in net earnings for a total of $43.7 million, resulting in per-share earnings
of $0.22 or $0.21 on a diluted basis. The net earnings for this quarter were
affected by factors over which the Company has little control:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of US dollars) 16-week period ended February 4, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings for the third quarter
as reported 43.7
Negative impact related to the decrease
in the motor fuel margin, after taxes (1) 24.3
Negative impact due to the increase in
expenses related to electronic payment
modes, after taxes (2) 3.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted net earnings for the
third quarter (3) 71.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Decrease in the motor fuel gross margin in the Company-operated
stores, excluding volume effect.
(2) Related to the increase in the retail price of motor fuel and the
volume of motor fuel sold.
(3) These adjusted net earnings are presented for information purposes
only. They do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by Canadian
GAAP. Management believes that the information is a relevant addition
to the information published according to Canadian GAAP.
Thus, by taking these factors into account, net earnings for this quarter
would have amounted to $71.4 million, or $0.34 per share on a diluted basis,
which represents an increase of 31.0% compared with the net earnings for the
quarter ended January 29, 2006.
Couche-Tard closed the first three quarters of fiscal 2007 with net
earnings of $163.0 million, which equals $0.81 per share or $0.78 per share on
a diluted basis. However, the net earnings for the first three quarters were
affected by factors over which the Company has little control:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of US dollars) 40-week period ended February 4, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings for the first three
quarters as reported 163.0
Negative impact related to the decrease
in the motor fuel margin, after taxes (1) 18.8
Negative impact due to the increase
in expenses related to electronic payment
modes, after taxes (2) 11.0
Non-recurring negative impact related
to Bill 15 9.9
Positive impact related to changes in
the exchange rate, after taxes (3) (2.9)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted net earnings for the
first three quarters (4) 199.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Decrease in the motor fuel gross margin in the Company-operated
stores, excluding volume effect.
(2) Related to the increase in the retail price of motor fuel and the
volume of motor fuel sold.
(3) Impact of the increase in the value of the Canadian dollar compared
with the US dollar.
(4) These adjusted net earnings are presented for information purposes
only. They do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by Canadian
GAAP. Management believes that the information is a relevant addition
to the information published according to Canadian GAAP.
Thus, by taking these factors into account, net earnings for the first
three quarters would have amounted to $199.8 million, or $0.96 per share on a
diluted basis, which represents an increase of 21.8% compared with the net
earnings for the corresponding period ended January 29, 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
-------------------------------
Couche-Tard's capital expenditures and acquisitions realized during the
first three quarters were mainly financed using its excess cash and credit
facilities. In the future, Couche-Tard is confident that it will be able to
finance its capital expenditures and acquisitions through a combination of
cash flows from operating activities, additional debt, monetization of its
real estate portfolio and, as a last resort, by share issuances.
As at February 4, 2007, $570.4 million was used under the term revolving
operating credit and the effective interest rate was 5.88%. In addition,
Cdn$0.6 million and $16.6 million were used for standby letters of credit.
Selected Consolidated Cash Flow Information
-------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
16-week periods ended 40-week periods ended
------------------------------------------------------
February January February January
4, 29, Change 4, 29, Change
2007 2006 $ 2007 2006 $
------------------------------------------------------
Operating
activities
Cash flows (1) 92.1 95.4 (3.3) 273.2 253.9 19.3
Other 3.4 (51.6) 55.0 (42.8) 4.0 (46.8)
------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided
by operating
activities 95.5 43.8 51.7 230.4 257.9 (27.5)
------------------------------------------------------
Investing
activities
Business
acquisitions (318.0) (54.4) (263.6) (561.7) (54.4) (507.3)
Purchase of
property and
equipment, net
of proceeds from
the disposal of
property and
equipment (138.9) (52.3) (86.6) (217.1) (127.4) (89.7)
Proceeds from
sale and
leaseback
transactions 19.2 12.1 7.1 25.4 30.8 (5.4)
Other 10.4 (5.0) 15.4 (3.0) (7.3) 4.3
------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in
investing
activities (427.3) (99.6) (327.7) (756.4) (158.3) (598.1)
------------------------------------------------------
Financing
activities
Increase in
long-term
borrowing, net
of financial
expenses 390.1 - 390.1 570.2 - 570.2
Repayment of
long-term debt (0.2) (2.2) 2.0 (167.0) (5.2) (161.8)
Dividends paid (5.3) (4.4) (0.9) (14.3) (4.4) (9.9)
Issuance of
shares, net of
share issue
expenses 0.3 - 0.3 0.8 0.2 0.6
------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in
financing
activities 384.9 (6.6) 391.5 389.7 (9.4) 399.1
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Company credit
rating
Standard and
Poor's BB BB BB BB
Moody's Ba1 Ba2 Ba1 Ba2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) These cash flows are presented for information purposes only and
represent a performance measure used especially in financial circles.
They represent cash flows from net earnings, plus depreciation and
amortization, loss on disposal of property and equipment and future
income taxes. They do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by
Canadian GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures
presented by other public companies.
Operating activities
During the first three quarters, the cash used in other elements is
related to the variance in non-cash working capital, which results primarily
from the significant drop in accounts payable due to the seasonal nature of
Couche-Tard's business, offset by the increase in income taxes payable.
Investing activities
Couche-Tard's major investments realized during this quarter were the
acquisitions of the Shell and Sparky's stores, which were added to the
Spectrum, Holland Oil, Close-to-Home and Stop-n-Save stores acquired during
the first-half year of fiscal 2007. Capital expenditures are primarily related
to the ongoing implementation of the Company's IMPACT program throughout its
network, new constructions, as well as the replacement of equipment in some of
its stores to enhance the offering of products and services.
Financing activities
The first three quarters were marked by a net increase of $403.2 million
in the long-term debt used to finance investments. The Company also paid out
$14.3 million in dividends.
Financial Position
------------------
As demonstrated by the indebtedness ratios included in the "Selected
Consolidated Financial Information" section and by the cash flows, Couche-Tard
has an excellent financial position.
The increase in total assets is mainly attributable to the $507.3 million
increase in property and equipment, the $117.6 million increase in goodwill,
the $39.2 million increase in inventories and the decrease of $140.4 million
in cash and cash equivalents which are primarily the result of the
acquisitions carried out in the first three quarters.
Summary of Quarterly Results
----------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of US dollars,
except for per share data, Fiscal
unaudited) 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter 3rd 2nd 1st
Weeks 16 12 12
------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 3,498.0 2,759.7 2,857.1
------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before
depreciation and
amortization of property
and equipment and other
assets, financial
expenses and income taxes 125.0 149.2 118.9
Depreciation and
amortization of property
and equipment and
other assets 43.3 28.3 27.8
------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 81.7 120.9 91.1
------------------------------------------------------
Financial expenses 16.6 8.5 8.5
------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 43.7 74.7 44.6
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings per share
Basic $0.22 $0.37 $0.22
Diluted $0.21 $0.36 $0.21
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions of US dollars,
except for per share data, Fiscal Fiscal
unaudited) 2006 2005
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarter 4th 3rd 2nd 1st 4th
Weeks 13 16 12 12 12
------------------------------------------------------
Revenues 2,638.9 2,944.2 2,391.9 2,182.3 1,961.7
------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before
depreciation and
amortization of property
and equipment and other
assets, financial
expenses and income taxes 84.0 128.2 115.6 110.8 68.7
Depreciation and
amortization of property
and equipment and
other assets 26.8 33.4 24.0 22.7 21.6
------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 57.2 94.8 91.6 88.1 47.1
------------------------------------------------------
Financial expenses 8.5 10.8 7.5 7.2 7.4
------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 32.1 54.5 55.5 54.1 32.5
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings per share
Basic $0.16 $0.27 $0.27 $0.27 $0.16
Diluted $0.15 $0.26 $0.27 $0.26 $0.16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subsequent Events
-----------------
Acquisitions
On March 7, 2007, the Company signed an agreement with Star Fuel Marts,
LLC, to purchase 53 company-operated stores operating under the All Star
banner in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. The transaction amount will
be determined on closing.
On February 26, 2007, Couche-Tard purchased 13 Company-operated stores
from Richcor, Inc. The stores operate under the Groovin Noovin banner in the
U.S. city of Pensacola, Florida.
Outlook
-------
"During the fourth quarter, we will continue to implement our IMPACT
program in order to reach our objective of 400 stores for the current fiscal
year. We will also take advantage of further expansion opportunities in
strategic markets in North America, insofar as they are consistent with our
profit and growth criterias. With the benefits of the new stores that have
been acquired and opened since the beginning of the year and our focus on our
targeted pricing and product mix strategies, we are confident we will achieve
strong results for the last quarter and the fiscal year ending April 29,
2007," concluded Alain Bouchard.
Profile
-------
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is the leader in the Canadian convenience
store industry. In North America, Couche-Tard is the second largest
independent convenience store operator (whether integrated with a petroleum
company or not) in terms of number of stores. Couche-Tard currently operates a
network of 5,360 convenience stores, 3,308 of which include motor fuel
dispensing, located in nine large geographic markets, including six in the
United States covering 28 States and three in Canada covering six provinces.
Some 39,500 people are employed throughout Couche-Tard's retail convenience
network and executive offices.
The statements set forth in this press release, which describes
Couche-Tard's objectives, projections, estimates, expectations or forecasts,
may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of securities
legislation. Positive or negative verbs such as "plan", "evaluate",
"estimate", "believe" and other related expressions are used to identify such
statements. Couche-Tard would like to point out that, by their very nature,
forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties such that its
results, or the measures it adopts, could differ materially from those
indicated or underlying these statements, or could have an impact on the
degree of realization of a particular projection. Major factors that may lead
to a material difference between Couche-Tard's actual results and the
projections or expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements
include the effects of the integration of acquired businesses and the ability
to achieve projected synergies, fluctuations in margins on motor fuel sales,
competition in the convenience store and retail motor fuel industries,
exchange rate variations, and such other risks as described in detail from
time to time in the reports filed by Couche-Tard with securities authorities
in Canada and the United States. Unless otherwise required by applicable
securities laws, Couche-Tard disclaims any intention or obligation to update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information in
this release is based on information available as of the date of the release.
Conference Call on March 13, 2007 at 2:30 P.M. (Montreal Time)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financial analysts and investors who wish to participate in the conference
call on Couche-Tard's results can dial 1-800-733-7560 a few minutes before the
start of the call. For those unable to participate, a taped re-broadcast will
be available March 13, 2007 from 4:30 p.m. until March 20, 2007 at 11:59 p.m.,
by dialing 1-877-289-8525 - access code 21221059 followed by the (number sign) key.
Members of the media and other interested parties are invited to listen in.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(in millions of US dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)
16 weeks 40 weeks
For the periods ended February January February January
4, 29, 4, 29,
2007 2006 2007 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
Revenues 3,498.0 2,944.2 9,114.8 7,518.4
Cost of sales 2,910.1 2,413.9 7,576.3 6,158.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 587.9 530.3 1,538.5 1,359.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating, selling,
administrative and
general expenses 462.9 402.1 1,145.4 1,005.3
Depreciation and amortization
of property and equipment and
other assets 43.3 33.4 99.4 80.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
506.2 435.5 1,244.8 1,085.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 81.7 94.8 293.7 274.5
Financial expenses 16.6 10.8 33.6 25.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes 65.1 84.0 260.1 249.0
Income taxes (Note 4) 21.4 29.5 97.1 84.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 43.7 54.5 163.0 164.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings per share (Note 5)
Basic 0.22 0.27 0.81 0.81
Diluted 0.21 0.26 0.78 0.79
Weighted average number of
shares (in thousands) 202,163 202,036 202,100 202,027
Weighted average number of
shares - diluted (in thousands) 208,384 207,768 208,199 207,492
Number of shares outstanding at
end of period (in thousands) 202,172 202,037 202,172 202,037
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
(in millions of US dollars, unaudited)
For the 40-week periods ended February January
4, 29,
2007 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $
Balance, beginning of period 9.4 5.6
Stock-based compensation (Note 7) 2.8 3.0
Fair value of stock options exercised (0.2) -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period 12.0 8.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF RETAINED EARNINGS
(in millions of US dollars, unaudited)
For the 40-week periods ended February January
4, 29,
2007 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $
Balance, beginning of period 505.0 317.5
Net earnings 163.0 164.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
668.0 481.6
Dividends (14.3) (4.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of period 653.7 477.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions of US dollars, unaudited)
16 weeks 40 weeks
For the periods ended February January February January
4, 29, 4, 29,
2007 2006 2007 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
Operating activities
Net earnings 43.7 54.5 163.0 164.1
Adjustments to reconcile net
earnings to net cash provided
by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization
of property and equipment
and other assets, net of
amortization of deferred credits 37.3 28.3 87.4 72.3
Future income taxes 15.0 13.1 23.7 19.9
Gain on disposal of property
and equipment and other assets (3.9) (0.5) (0.9) (2.4)
Deferred credits 20.4 5.4 27.4 11.6
Other 1.0 (1.6) 7.7 (3.5)
Changes in non-cash
working capital (18.0) (55.4) (77.9) (4.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 95.5 43.8 230.4 257.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing activities
Business acquisitions (Note 3) (318.0) (54.4) (561.7) (54.4)
Purchase of property and equipment (148.5) (60.0) (230.7) (143.3)
Proceeds from sale and leaseback
transactions 19.2 12.1 25.4 30.8
Deposit reimbursement (deposit)
on business acquisition 11.6 - (2.4) -
Increase in other assets (10.0) (1.0) (16.7) (3.3)
Proceeds from disposal of
property and equipment and
other assets 9.6 7.7 13.6 15.9
Temporary investments 8.8 - 21.1 -
Liabilities assumed on business
acquisitions - (4.0) (5.0) (4.0)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing
activities (427.3) (99.6) (756.4) (158.3)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
Increase in long-term debt,
net of financing costs (Note 2) 390.1 - 570.2 -
Dividends paid (5.3) (4.4) (14.3) (4.4)
Issuance of shares, net of
share issue expenses 0.3 - 0.8 0.2
Repayment of long-term
debt (Note 2) (0.2) (2.2) (167.0) (5.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in)
financing activities 384.9 (6.6) 389.7 (9.4)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of exchange rate
fluctuations on cash and
cash equivalents (2.9) 3.0 (4.1) 6.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents 50.2 (59.4) (140.4) 96.7
Cash and cash equivalents,
beginning of period 140.9 408.8 331.5 252.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents,
end of period 191.1 349.4 191.1 349.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental information:
Interest paid 22.1 17.8 42.7 34.1
Income taxes paid 13.7 19.2 39.0 31.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions of US dollars)
As at As at
February April
4, 30,
2007 2006
(unaudited) (audited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ $
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 191.1 331.5
Temporary investments - 21.4
Accounts receivable 176.5 153.0
Income taxes receivable - 0.7
Inventories 361.5 322.3
Prepaid expenses 19.2 15.2
Future income taxes 14.0 18.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
762.3 863.0
Property and equipment 1,521.4 1,014.1
Goodwill 363.4 245.8
Trademarks and licenses 168.8 175.4
Deferred charges 24.8 28.2
Other assets 42.8 42.1
Future income taxes 0.6 0.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,884.1 2,369.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 599.8 681.8
Income taxes payable 42.9 -
Current portion of long-term debt 0.5 8.0
Future income taxes 0.1 0.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
643.3 689.9
Long-term debt 926.8 516.1
Deferred credits and other liabilities 155.7 127.2
Future income taxes 61.9 70.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,787.7 1,403.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock 351.8 351.0
Contributed surplus 12.0 9.4
Retained earnings 653.7 505.0
Cumulative translation adjustments 78.9 100.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,096.4 966.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,884.1 2,369.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in millions of US dollars, except per share amounts, unaudited)
1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PRESENTATION
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared
by the Company in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles. These consolidated financial statements were prepared in
accordance with the same accounting policies and methods as the audited annual
consolidated financial statements for the year ended April 30, 2006. The
unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto in the Company's 2006 Annual Report (the 2006 Annual Report).
The results of operations for the interim periods presented do not necessarily
reflect results for the full year.
The Company's business follows a seasonal pattern. The busiest period is
the first half-year of each fiscal year, which includes summer's sales.
2. LONG-TERM DEBT
On September 22, 2006, the Company entered into a new credit agreement,
replacing its secured senior term and revolving credit facilities.
The new credit agreement consists of a renewable unsecured facility of an
initial maximum amount of $500.0 with an initial term of five years that could
be extended each year to its initial five-year term at the request of the
Company with the consent of the lenders. In addition, the credit agreement
includes a clause that permits the Company to increase the limit by a maximum
amount of $250.0. On November 15, 2006, the Company took advantage of this
clause for an amount of $150.0 bringing the maximum available amount to
$650.0. The credit facility is available in the following forms:
- A revolving operating credit, available i) in Canadian dollars, ii) in
US dollars, iii) in the form of Canadian dollars bankers' acceptances,
with stamping fees that vary based on a financial ratio of the Company
and iv) in the form of standby letters of credit not exceeding $50.0 or
the equivalent in Canadian dollars, with fees that vary based on a
financial ratio of the Company. Depending on the form and the currency
of the loan, the amounts borrowed bear interest at variable rates based
on the Canadian prime rate, the banker's acceptance rate, the U.S. base
rate or the LIBOR rate plus a variable margin determined according to a
financial ratio of the Company; and
- A line of credit in the maximum amount of $50.0, available in Canadian
or US dollars, bearing interest at variable rates based, depending on
the form and the currency of the loan, on the Canadian prime rate, the
U.S. prime rate or the U.S. base rate plus a variable margin determined
according to a financial ratio of the Company.
Stand-by fees, which vary based on a financial ratio of the Company and on
the utilization rate of the credit facility apply to the unused portion of the
credit facility.
Under the new credit agreement, the Company must meet certain commitments
and maintain certain financial ratios. The agreement also imposes certain
restrictions on the Company.
Following the conclusion of the new credit agreement, the $16.9 Secured
Term Loan "A" and the $146.2 Secured Term Loan "B" were reimbursed in full.
As at February 4, 2007, an amount of $570.4 was used under the revolving
operating credit and the effective interest rate was 5.88%. In addition,
Cdn $0.6 and $16.6 were used for standby letters of credit. Finally, as at the
same date, the Company was in compliance with the restrictive clauses and
ratios imposed by the credit agreement.
3. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
During the 40-week period ended February 4, 2007, the Company made the
following business acquisitions:
- Effective December 1, 2006: the Company purchased a network of
236 stores from Shell Oil Products US and its affiliate, Motiva
Enterprises LLC. The majority of the stores acquired are operated under
the Shell banner in the regions of Baton Rouge, Denver, Memphis,
Orlando, Tampa and in the Southwest Florida, United States. Of the
236 stores, 174 are company-operated, 50 are operated by independent
store operators and 12 have a motor fuel supply agreement.
- Effective October 30, 2006: the Company purchased, from Sparky's Oil
Company, 24 Company-operated stores operating under the Sparky's banner
in the West Central Florida, United States.
- Effective October 4, 2006: from Holland Oil Company, purchase of
56 Company-operated stores operating under the Holland Oil and Close to
Home banners in Ohio, United States. Two of the acquired stores were
immediately closed;
- Effective August 21, 2006: purchase of a network of 24 stores operating
under the Stop-n-Save banner in the Monroe area of Louisiana, United
States from Moore Oil Company LLC. Of these 24 stores, 11 are operated
by the Company and 13 are operated by independent store operators.
- Effective June 12, 2006: from Spectrum Stores, Inc. and Spectrum
Holding, Inc., purchase of 90 Company-operated stores, the majority of
which are operated under the Spectrum banner in the States of Alabama
and Georgia in the United States.
These acquisitions were settled for a total cash consideration of $561.7,
including direct acquisition costs. The preliminary allocations of the
purchase price of the acquisitions were established based on available
information and on the basis of preliminary evaluations and assumptions
management believes to be reasonable. Since certain independent third party
evaluations have not been finalized and since the Company has not completed
its fair value assessment, the preliminary allocations are subject to
adjustments to the fair value of the assets and liabilities should new
information become available. The preliminary allocations are based on the
estimated fair values on the dates of acquisition:
$
Tangible assets acquired
Inventories 29.6
Property and equipment 426.0
Other assets 1.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total tangible assets 456.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities assumed
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4.8
Deferred credits and other liabilities 5.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 10.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net tangible assets acquired 446.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Non-compete agreement 1.0
Trademark 0.4
Goodwill 114.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total consideration paid, including direct acquisition costs 561.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Most of the goodwill related to these transactions is deductible for tax
purposes.
4. INCOME TAXES
On June 9, 2006, the Government of Quebec adopted Bill 15 in the National
Assembly of Quebec, regarding amendments to the Taxation Act and other
legislative provisions. As a result, for the 40-week period ended February 4,
2007, the Company has recorded an unusual retroactive income tax expense of
$9.9. This legislative modification will not have a significant impact on the
effective income tax rate of the Company in the future.
5. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
16-week period ended 16-week period ended
February 4, 2007 January 29, 2006
------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
average average
number number
of Net ear- of Net ear-
shares nings shares nings
Net (in thou- per Net ear- (in thou- per
earnings sands) share nings sands) share
------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
Basic net
earnings
attributable
to Class A and B
shareholders 43.7 202,163 0.22 54.5 202,036 0.27
Dilutive effect
of stock options 6,221 (0.01) 5,732 (0.01)
------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net
earnings available
for Class A and B
shareholders 43.7 208,384 0.21 54.5 207,768 0.26
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
40-week period ended 40-week period ended
February 4, 2007 January 29, 2006
------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Weighted
average average
number number
of Net ear- of Net ear-
shares nings shares nings
Net (in thou- per Net ear- (in thou- per
earnings sands) share nings sands) share
------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $
Basic net
earnings
attributable
to Class A and B
shareholders 163.0 202,100 0.81 164.1 202,027 0.81
Dilutive effect
of stock options 6,099 (0.03) 5,465 (0.02)
------------------------------------------------------
Diluted net
earnings
available for
Class A and B
shareholders 163.0 208,199 0.78 164.1 207,492 0.79
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
A total of 191,400 stock options are excluded from the calculation of the
diluted net earnings per share due to their antidilutive effect for the 16 and
40-week periods ended February 4, 2007. There are 570,000 stock options
excluded from the calculation for the 16 and 40-week periods ended January 29,
2006.
6. CAPITAL STOCK
As at February 4, 2007, the Company has 56,175,312 (56,388,652 as at
January 29, 2006) issued and outstanding Class A multiple voting shares each
comprising ten votes per share and 145,996,246 (145,648,632 as at January 29,
2006) outstanding Class B subordinate voting shares each comprising one vote
per share.
7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION AND OTHER STOCK-BASED PAYMENTS
As at February 4, 2007, 9,217,116 (9,232,390 as at January 29, 2006) stock
options for the purchase of Class B subordinate voting shares are outstanding.
These stock options can be gradually exercised at various dates until December
1, 2016, at an exercise price varying from Cdn$2.38 to Cdn$25.71. Four series
of stock options totaling 108,100 stock options at exercise prices ranging
from Cdn$25.09 to Cdn$25.71 were granted since the beginning of the fiscal
year.
For the 16 and 40-week periods ended February 4, 2007, the stock-based
compensation costs amount to $1.1 and $2.8, respectively. For the 16 and
40-week periods ended January 29, 2006, the stock-based compensation costs
amount to $1.1 and $3.0, respectively.
The fair value of stock options granted is estimated at the grant date
using the Black & Scholes option pricing model on the basis of the following
weighted average assumptions for the stock options granted during the year:
- risk-free interest rate of 4.00%;
- expected life of 8 years;
- expected volatility of 35%;
- expected quarterly dividend of Cdn$0.027 per share.
The weighted average fair value of stock options granted since the
beginning of the year is Cdn$11.62 (Cdn$8.53 as at January 29, 2006). A
description of the Company's stock-based compensation plan is included in Note
19 of the consolidated financial statements presented in the 2006 Annual
Report.
8. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
For the 16 and 40-week periods ended February 4, 2007, the Company's total
net pension expense included in consolidated statements of earnings amounts to
$1.7 and $4.1, respectively. For the corresponding 16 and 40-week periods
ended January 29, 2006, the expense is $1.4 and $3.5, respectively. The
Company's pension plans are described in Note 20 of the consolidated financial
statements presented in the 2006 Annual Report.
9. SEGMENTED INFORMATION
The Company operates convenience stores in Canada and in the United
States. It essentially operates in one reportable segment, the sale of goods
for immediate consumption, services and motor fuel through Company-operated
stores or franchise and affiliated operations. It operates a convenience store
chain under several banners, including Couche-Tard, Mac's and Circle K.
Revenues from outside sources mainly fall into two categories: merchandise and
services and motor fuel.
The following table provides the information on the principal revenue
classes as well as geographic information:
16-week period ended 16-week period ended
February 4, 2007 January 29, 2006
------------------------------------------------------
United United
States Canada Total States Canada Total
------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $ $ $
External customer
revenues (a)
Merchandise and
services 937.9 422.9 1,360.8 811.4 407.1 1,218.5
Motor fuel 1,875.4 261.8 2,137.2 1,470.1 255.6 1,725.7
------------------------------------------------------
2,813.3 684.7 3,498.0 2,281.5 662.7 2,944.2
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit
Merchandise and
services 317.1 147.7 464.8 268.9 135.9 404.8
Motor fuel 106.7 16.4 123.1 108.8 16.7 125.5
------------------------------------------------------
423.8 164.1 587.9 377.7 152.6 530.3
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Property and
equipment and
goodwill (a) 1,457.5 427.3 1,884.8 702.0 437.7 1,139.7
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
40-week period ended 40-week period ended
February 4, 2007 January 29, 2006
------------------------------------------------------
United United
States Canada Total States Canada Total
------------------------------------------------------
$ $ $ $ $ $
External customer
revenues (a)
Merchandise and
services 2,347.9 1,182.0 3,529.9 2,111.3 1,088.3 3,199.6
Motor fuel 4,847.9 737.0 5,584.9 3,662.5 656.3 4,318.8
------------------------------------------------------
7,195.8 1,919.0 9,114.8 5,773.8 1,744.6 7,518.4
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
Gross Profit
Merchandise and
services 791.4 413.1 1,204.5 694.1 366.3 1,060.4
Motor fuel 289.3 44.7 334.0 252.0 47.5 299.5
------------------------------------------------------
1,080.7 457.8 1,538.5 946.1 413.8 1,359.9
------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------
(a) Geographic areas are determined according to where the Company
generates operating income (where the sale takes place) and according
to the location of the property and equipment and goodwill.
10. HURRICANES
During fiscal year 2006, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico region was
affected by three hurricanes, which resulted in some damages to certain of the
Company's sites. The Company estimates that assets and leased properties that
were damaged have a total replacement value of approximately $15.1, which will
result in a net claim of about $11.3. The net book value of the damaged assets
is lower than the net claim. As at February 4, 2007, the Company has received
$4.9 in insurance proceeds. The Company does not expect these hurricanes to
have a significant effect on its financial position and operating results.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On March 7, 2007, the Company signed an agreement with Star Fuel Marts,
LLC, to purchase 53 company-operated stores operating under the All Star
banner in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States. The transaction amount will
be determined on closing.
On February 26, 2007, the Company acquired, from Richor, Inc., 13
company-operated stores operating under the Groovin Noovin banner in the city
of Pensacola, Florida, United States for an amount of $25.2, excluding direct
acquisition costs and inventory.
>>
%CIK: 0001081825
/For further information: Alain Bouchard, Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer; Richard Fortin, Executive
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, (450) 662-3272,
info(at)couche-tard.com; www.couche-tard.com/
(ATD.B. ATD.A.)
CO: Alimentation Couche-Tard inc.
CNW 11:07e 13-MAR-07
