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Exhibit 99.1
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Table of Contents
| | | |
| 2 | | Financial Highlights |
| 5 | | Management's Discussion and Analysis |
| 56 | | Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements |
| 57 | | Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
| 58 | | Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
| 63 | | Consolidated Statements of Financial Position |
| 64 | | Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss |
| 65 | | Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity |
| 66 | | Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows |
| 67 | | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements |
| 111 | | Directors and Officers |
| 112 | | Corporate Information |
Financial Highlights
| | | | | | | |
(in CAD millions, except per share amounts) | | Fiscal 2016 | | Fiscal 2015 | |
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Total revenue | | $ | 2,613.6 | | $ | 3,145.7 | |
Total same store sales (%)(1) | | | (4.3 | )% | | (2.3 | )% |
Total Core Retail same store sales (%)(1) | | | (4.9 | )% | | (0.6 | )% |
Net loss | | | (321.0 | ) | | (67.9 | ) |
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | | (282.9 | ) | | (160.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
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Cash | | $ | 235.8 | | $ | 313.9 | |
Working capital | | | 460.6 | | | 543.0 | |
Inventories | | | 598.5 | | | 664.8 | |
Total assets | | | 1,244.4 | | | 1,633.2 | |
Total long-term obligations, including principal payments on long-term obligations due within one year | | | 20.3 | | | 24.2 | |
Shareholders' equity | | | 222.2 | | | 554.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
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Per share of capital stock | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss | | $ | (3.15 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) |
Shareholders' equity | | $ | 2.18 | | $ | 5.44 | |
- (1)
- Total same store sales, Core Retail same store sales and Adjusted Net Loss Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") are operating performance and non-International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") measures. See Section 1.e. "Use of Non-IFRS Measures, Measures of Operating Performance and Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA".
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- Revenue was $2,613.6 million for the 52-week period ended January 28, 2017 ("Fiscal 2016") compared to $3,145.7 million for the 52-week period ended January 30, 2016 ("Fiscal 2015"), a decrease of $532.1 million. The decrease was attributable to sales declines in all product categories in Home & Hardlines and Apparel & Accessories. Included in the total revenue decrease for Fiscal 2016 was a decrease in our Direct channel of $203.0 million compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to a decrease in catalogues, catalogue pages and distribution, as well as challenges experienced with the launch of the new website. Also included in the total revenue decrease for Fiscal 2016 was the effect of store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015, which negatively impacted revenue by $136.5 million. Commission and licensee revenue decreased by $75.7 million, primarily due to reduced revenues after the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Toronto Branch) ("JPMorgan Chase") in November 2015. Services and other revenue decreased by $8.0 million, primarily due to reduced shipping fees on sales to customers through our Direct channel and Sears Home stores due to store closures.
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- Total same store sales decreased by 4.3% in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. Same store sales in our full-line department and Sears Home stores combined ("Core Retail" stores) decreased by 4.9% in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. Total same store sales is a measure of operating performance used by management, the retail industry and investors to compare retail operations, excluding the impact of store openings and closures. See Section 1.e. "Use of
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
Table of Contents
| | | | | | |
Five Year Summary | | | | |
Quarterly Performance | | | | |
1. | | Company Performance | | | 10 | |
2. | | Consolidated Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources | | | 26 | |
3. | | Financial Instruments | | | 31 | |
4. | | Funding Costs | | | 33 | |
5. | | Related Party Transactions | | | 33 | |
6. | | Shareholders' Equity | | | 34 | |
7. | | Accounting Policies and Estimates | | | 34 | |
8. | | Disclosure Controls and Procedures | | | 39 | |
9. | | Risks and Uncertainties | | | 40 | |
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Management's Discussion and Analysis
"Sears", "Sears Canada", "we", "us", "our" or "the Company" refers to Sears Canada Inc. and its subsidiaries.
Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") contains commentary from the Company's management regarding strategy, operating results and financial position. Management is responsible for its accuracy, integrity and objectivity, and develops, maintains and supports the necessary systems and controls to provide reasonable assurance as to the accuracy of the comments contained herein.
This MD&A should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the 52-week period ended January 28, 2017 ("Fiscal 2016" or "2016"). The 2015 fiscal year refers to the 52-week period ended January 30, 2016 ("Fiscal 2015" or "2015"). The 2014 fiscal year refers to the 52-week period ended January 31, 2015 ("Fiscal 2014" or "2014"). The fourth quarter unaudited results for Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015 and Fiscal 2014 reflect the 13-week periods ended January 28, 2017 ("Q4 2016"), January 30, 2016 ("Q4 2015") and January 31, 2015 ("Q4 2014"), respectively. The third quarter unaudited results for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 reflect the 13-week periods ended October 29, 2016 ("Q3 2016") and October 31, 2015 ("Q3 2015"), respectively. The second quarter unaudited results for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 reflect the 13-week periods ended July 30, 2016 ("Q2 2016") and August 1, 2015 ("Q2 2015"), respectively. The first quarter unaudited results for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 reflect the 13-week periods ended April 30, 2016 ("Q1 2016") and May 2, 2015 ("Q1 2015"), respectively. The 2017 fiscal year refers to the 53-week period ending February 3, 2018 ("Fiscal 2017" or "2017").
This MD&A is current as of April 26, 2017 unless otherwise stated.
Additional information relating to the Company, including the Company's Annual Information Form ("AIF") dated April 26, 2017 and the Management Proxy Circular ("MPC") dated April 26, 2017, can be obtained by contacting Sears Canada's Corporate Communications department at 416-941-4422. The 2016 Annual Report, together with the AIF and MPC, have been filed with securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR") and with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and can be accessed on the SEDAR website at sedar.com and on the SEC website at sec.gov. Additional information relating to the Company is also available online at sedar.com and at sec.gov.
Unless otherwise indicated, all amounts are expressed in Canadian dollars.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain information in the Annual Report and in this MD&A is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information concerns, among other things, the Company's future financial performance, business strategy, plans, expectations, goals and objectives, and includes statements concerning possible or assumed future results set out under Section 1 "Company Performance", Section 2 "Consolidated Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources", Section 3 "Financial Instruments", Section 6 "Shareholders' Equity", Section 7 "Accounting Policies and Estimates" and Section 9 "Risks and Uncertainties". Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Although the Company believes that the estimates reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future
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results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information.
Factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: the Company's ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive retail industry; the ability of the Company to successfully implement its strategic initiatives; the ability of the Company to enhance its financial flexibility and liquidity, including to improve its cash position; weaker business performance in the fourth quarter, traditionally the Company's strongest quarter; seasonal weather patterns; customer preferences and changes in consumer spending; ability to achieve productivity improvements and cost savings; ability to retain senior management and key personnel; ability of the Company to successfully manage its inventory levels; ability of the Company to secure an agreement with a financial institution for the management of the Company's credit and financial services operations; ability to implement and continue the Company's new consumer financing program; the ability of the Company's new loyalty program to attract and retain customers; ability to successfully implement the Company's new digital e-commerce platform nation-wide; ability of the Company to migrate sufficient catalogue customers and business to online; disruptions to the Company's computer systems; economic, social, and political instability in jurisdictions where suppliers are located; fire damage to and/or, structural integrity and fire safety of, foreign factories; increased shipping costs, potential transportation delays and interruptions; damage to the reputations of the brands the Company sells; changes in the Company's relationship with its suppliers; the Company's reliance on third parties in outsourcing arrangements, and their ability to perform the arrangements for which they have been engaged; the creditworthiness and financial stability of the Company's licensees and business partners; willingness of the Company's vendors to provide acceptable payment terms; the outcome of product liability claims; loss of reputation resulting from security or data breaches or loss of customer information; failure of the Company's IT systems; fraud or theft resulting from weaknesses in the Company's payment systems; effect of long-term leases on the Company's ability to respond to changing demographics; failure to comply with operating covenants in the Company's leases; changes in laws, rules and regulations applicable to the Company; loss of the Company's status as a foreign private issuer; compliance costs associated with environmental laws and regulations; the outcome of pending legal proceedings; maintaining adequate insurance coverage; changes to customer spending patterns due to domestic or international events outside the Company's control; ability to make, integrate and maintain acquisitions and investments; general economic conditions; liquidity risk and failure to fulfill financial obligations; limits on the Company's access to financing sources; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; failure of counterparties to meet their payment obligations to the Company; the possibility of negative investment returns in the Company's pension plan or an increase to the defined benefit obligation including the potentially restrictive impact such an increase might have on credit availability; interest rate fluctuations and other changes in funding costs and investment income; the impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets; the possible future termination of certain intellectual property rights associated with the "Sears" name and brand names if Sears Holdings Corporation ("Sears Holdings") reduces its interest in the Company to less than 10%; potential conflict of interest of some of the directors and executive officers of the Company owing to their ownership of Sears Holdings' common stock; possible changes in the Company's ownership by Edward S. Lampert, ESL Investments, Inc. ("ESL") and other significant shareholders; price and volume volatility of the Company's common shares; new accounting pronouncements, or changes to existing pronouncements, that impact the methods the Company uses to report our financial position and results from operations; and uncertainties associated with critical accounting assumptions and estimates. Information about these factors, other material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in preparing forward-looking information, may be found in this MD&A and in the Company's 2016 Annual Report under Section 9 "Risks and Uncertainties" and elsewhere in the Company's filings with securities regulators. The forward-looking
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information in the Annual Report and in this MD&A are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof and is presented for the purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding the Company's financial position and results of operations as well as the Company's objectives and strategic priorities, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
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Five Year Summary
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal 2016 | | Fiscal 2015 | | Fiscal 2014 | | Fiscal 2013 | | Fiscal 2012(1)(2) | |
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Results for the year (in CAD millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total revenue | | $ | 2,613.6 | | $ | 3,145.7 | | $ | 3,424.5 | | $ | 3,991.8 | | $ | 4,346.5 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 31.4 | | | 48.4 | | | 89.3 | | | 111.4 | | | 126.5 | |
(Loss) earnings before income taxes | | | (318.2 | ) | | (62.7 | ) | | (360.0 | ) | | 490.0 | | | 114.2 | |
Income tax (expense) recovery | | | (2.8 | ) | | (5.2 | ) | | 21.2 | | | (43.5 | ) | | (13.0 | ) |
Net (loss) earnings | | | (321.0 | ) | | (67.9 | ) | | (338.8 | ) | | 446.5 | | | 101.2 | |
Dividends declared | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 509.4 | | | 101.9 | |
Capital expenditures(3) | | | 27.4 | | | 45.4 | | | 54.0 | | | 70.8 | | | 101.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Year end position (in CAD millions) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable, net | | $ | 67.1 | | $ | 59.4 | | $ | 73.0 | | $ | 83.3 | | $ | 77.7 | |
Inventories | | | 598.5 | | | 664.8 | | | 641.4 | | | 774.6 | | | 851.4 | |
Property, plant and equipment | | | 227.1 | | | 444.1 | | | 567.6 | | | 785.5 | | | 1,118.5 | |
Total assets | | | 1,244.4 | | | 1,633.2 | | | 1,774.1 | | | 2,392.3 | | | 2,504.7 | |
Working capital | | | 460.6 | | | 543.0 | | | 522.0 | | | 567.0 | | | 410.7 | |
Total long-term obligations, including principal payments on long-term obligations due within one year | | | 20.3 | | | 24.2 | | | 28.1 | | | 35.9 | | | 59.4 | |
Shareholders' equity | | | 222.2 | | | 554.2 | | | 570.8 | | | 1,073.8 | | | 1,076.4 | |
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Per share of capital stock | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic net (loss) earnings | | $ | (3.15 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | (3.32 | ) | $ | 4.38 | | $ | 0.99 | |
Dividends declared | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5.00 | | | 1.00 | |
Shareholders' equity | | | 2.18 | | | 5.44 | | | 5.60 | | | 10.54 | | | 10.57 | |
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Financial ratios | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Current ratio | | | 1.8 | | | 1.9 | | | 1.8 | | | 1.7 | | | 1.5 | |
Debt/equity ratio (%) | | | 9.1 | | | 4.4 | | | 4.9 | | | 3.3 | | | 5.5 | |
Gross margin (%) | | | 27.3 | | | 31.8 | | | 32.6 | | | 36.2 | | | 36.7 | |
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Breakdown of the Company's locations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Full-line department stores(4) | | | 95 | | | 95 | | | 113 | | | 118 | | | 118 | |
Sears Home stores(5) | | | 26 | | | 41 | | | 47 | | | 48 | | | 48 | |
Outlet stores(4) | | | 14 | | | 23 | | | 11 | | | 11 | | | 11 | |
Specialty type: Appliances and Mattresses | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | | | 4 | | | 4 | |
Hometown stores(5) | | | 69 | | | 125 | | | 201 | | | 234 | | | 261 | |
Sears Home Services showrooms | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8 | | | 9 | |
Corbeil | | | 32 | | | 33 | | | 35 | | | 34 | | | 33 | |
National Logistics Centres | | | 5 | | | 6 | | | 6 | | | 6 | | | 6 | |
Sears Travel offices | | | 62 | | | 84 | | | 96 | | | 97 | | | 101 | |
Catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations | | | 830 | | | 1,213 | | | 1,335 | | | 1,446 | | | 1,512 | |
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- (1)
- The 2012 fiscal year ("Fiscal 2012") refers to the 53-week period ended February 2, 2013.
- (2)
- Adjusted to reflect the changes resulting from the retrospective application of the change in accounting policy related to the adoption of accounting standard "IFRS 11, Joint Arrangements".
- (3)
- Capital expenditures represent purchases for which payment has been made by the end of the fiscal year.
- (4)
- During Fiscal 2015, the Company reclassified 16 full-line department stores to the Outlet channel based on changes to their merchandise mix. However, they continue to operate as full-line department stores.
- (5)
- During Fiscal 2016, the Company reclassified one Hometown store to a Sears Home store based on changes to its merchandise mix.
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Quarterly Performance
The Company's operations are seasonal in nature. Accordingly, merchandise, service and commission revenue will vary by quarter based upon customer spending behaviour. Historically, the Company's revenue and operating results are higher in the fourth quarter than in any of the other three quarters due to the holiday season. The Company is able to adjust certain variable costs in response to seasonal revenue patterns. However, costs such as occupancy are fixed, causing the Company to report a disproportionate level of earnings in the fourth quarter. Other factors that affect the Company's sales and results of operations include actions by its competitors, timing and effectiveness of its promotional events, changes in economic conditions, population and other demographics. In addition, the Company offers seasonal goods and services. The Company sets inventory levels and promotional activity to be aligned with its strategic initiatives and expected consumer demands. Businesses that generate revenue from the sale of seasonal merchandise and services are subject to the risk of changes in consumer spending behaviour as a result of unseasonable weather patterns.
Accordingly, the Company's results for any one fiscal quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other quarter, or the full year, and total same store sales for any particular period may increase or decrease.
The table below outlines select financial data for the eight most recently completed quarters. The quarterly results are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with IFRS.
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| | Fourth Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Second Quarter | | First Quarter | |
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(in CAD millions, except per share amounts) | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
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Total revenue | | $ | 744.0 | | $ | 887.6 | | $ | 625.2 | | $ | 792.1 | | $ | 648.5 | | $ | 768.8 | | $ | 595.9 | | $ | 697.2 | |
Net (loss) earnings | | $ | (45.8 | ) | $ | 30.9 | | $ | (120.0 | ) | $ | (53.2 | ) | $ | (91.6 | ) | $ | 13.5 | | $ | (63.6 | ) | $ | (59.1 | ) |
Basic and diluted net (loss) earnings per share | | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | 0.30 | | $ | (1.18 | ) | $ | (0.52 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | $ | 0.13 | | $ | (0.62 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) |
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Common Share Market Information
The table below provides prices for the Company's common shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol: SCC).
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| | Fourth Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Second Quarter | | First Quarter | |
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| | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
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High | | $ | 2.64 | | $ | 11.25 | | $ | 3.75 | | $ | 9.88 | | $ | 4.85 | | $ | 11.32 | | $ | 5.98 | | $ | 12.60 | |
Low | | $ | 1.95 | | $ | 5.44 | | $ | 2.65 | | $ | 7.08 | | $ | 3.44 | | $ | 7.11 | | $ | 3.07 | | $ | 9.18 | |
Close | | $ | 1.95 | | $ | 6.15 | | $ | 2.65 | | $ | 9.01 | | $ | 3.50 | | $ | 7.50 | | $ | 4.90 | | $ | 9.36 | |
Average daily trading volume | | | 20,319 | | | 10,764 | | | 11,700 | | | 6,462 | | | 23,131 | | | 12,772 | | | 31,015 | | | 16,113 | |
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The table below provides prices for the Company's common shares traded on the NASDAQ (symbol: SRSC), quoted in U.S. dollars.
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| | Fourth Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Second Quarter | | First Quarter | |
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| | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
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High | | $ | 1.95 | | $ | 8.48 | | $ | 2.88 | | $ | 7.63 | | $ | 3.76 | | $ | 9.24 | | $ | 4.27 | | $ | 10.00 | |
Low | | $ | 1.45 | | $ | 3.75 | | $ | 1.95 | | $ | 5.22 | | $ | 2.64 | | $ | 5.47 | | $ | 2.36 | | $ | 7.66 | |
Close | | $ | 1.45 | | $ | 4.40 | | $ | 1.95 | | $ | 7.25 | | $ | 2.76 | | $ | 5.77 | | $ | 3.90 | | $ | 7.69 | |
Average daily trading volume | | | 35,268 | | | 46,971 | | | 33,151 | | | 45,153 | | | 25,616 | | | 31,540 | | | 70,732 | | | 40,631 | |
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1. Company Performance
a. Merchandising Operations and Business Overview
The Company is comprised of one reportable segment, Merchandising. The Company's operations include the sale of goods and services through the Company's Retail channels, which includes its full-line department, Sears Home, Hometown, Outlet, Corbeil Electrique Inc. ("Corbeil") stores and its Direct (catalogue/internet) channel. It also includes service revenue related primarily to logistics services provided through the Company's wholly-owned subsidiary S.L.H. Transport Inc. ("SLH") and product repair. Commission revenue includes travel, home improvement services, insurance, wireless and long distance plans. Licensee fee revenue is comprised of payments received from licensees that operate within the Company's stores (See Note 13 "Financial instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information).
Retail Channels
Full-line department stores — Sears full-line department stores are located primarily in suburban enclosed shopping centres. The major merchandise categories include the following:
Apparel & Accessories — women's, men's and children's apparel, nursery products, cosmetics, jewellery, footwear and accessories.
Home & Hardlines — home furnishings and mattresses, home décor, lawn and garden, hardware, leisure, seasonal products, toys, floorcare, sewing and major appliances.
Although merchandise varies by store, the merchandise sales mix between the two major categories are approximately 40% Home & Hardlines and 60% Apparel & Accessories.
Full-line department stores include a Sears catalogue and online merchandise pick-up location. Sears Travel offices and licensed businesses, such as optical centres and portrait studios, are also located in many of the Company's full-line department stores.
Sears Home stores — Sears Home stores are typically located in power centres and present an extensive selection of furniture, mattresses and box-springs, and major appliances. The majority of these stores range in size from 35,000 to 60,000 square feet.
Hometown stores — Sears Hometown locations are primarily independently operated and offer major appliances, furniture, mattresses and box-springs, outdoor power equipment as well as a catalogue and online merchandise pick-up location. Most Hometown stores are located in markets that lack the population to support a full-line department store.
Outlet stores — Sears Outlet stores offer clearance merchandise, primarily from the Company's full-line department stores and Direct channel, as well as surplus big-ticket items from all channels.
Corbeil — Corbeil is a chain of major appliance specialty stores located throughout Québec, the Greater Toronto Area and Eastern Ontario. There are 32 stores in the chain, 16 of which are franchised. The chain also includes two liquidation centres and one distribution centre in Montreal. Stores average approximately 6,500 square feet in size.
Sears Travel — Sears Travel service operates within 62 Sears locations across Canada and via an online travel service at searstravel.ca and 1-866-FLY-SEARS, which connects customers to the nearest geographical branch. TravelBrands Inc. manages the day-to-day operations of all Sears Travel offices and the Sears Travel website.
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Sears Home Services
Operating under the Sears Home Improvements brand, the Company offers a broad range of home services, including carpet and duct cleaning, installation and assembly of heating and cooling equipment, custom window coverings, windows and doors, and other products purchased at Sears stores.
Direct Channel
The Company's Direct channel is comprised of its catalogue business, which is Canada's largest general merchandise catalogue business, and sears.ca, an online shopping destination with over 91.3 million visits in Fiscal 2016, including desktop and mobile platforms. With two distribution centres exclusively dedicated to servicing the Direct channel and 830 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations nationwide, Sears can deliver orders in most areas of the country. Orders can be placed by telephone at 1-800-26-SEARS, by fax, online at sears.ca or in person through Sears stores and catalogue agents. At the end of Fiscal 2016, 698 of the total 830 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations were independently operated under local ownership, with the remaining 132 units located within Sears locations.
Catalogue — In Fiscal 2016, 11 different catalogues were distributed throughout Canada, including four Specialogues, designed to offer more seasonally relevant merchandise to specific customers.
Sears.ca — The Company's website, sears.ca, enables the Company to provide new merchandise offers directly to web customers and highlights the Company's extensive general merchandise selection. In Fiscal 2016, the Company continued to invest in its online capabilities to improve the user experience, and engage new customers and demographics. A new digital e-commerce platform, Initium, was developed and launched in November 2016. Sears is committed to maintaining its reputation as a trusted Canadian retailer by focusing on customer privacy and satisfaction when shopping on sears.ca.
Logistics
National Logistics Centres ("NLC") — Sears operates five logistics centres strategically located across the country. The logistic centres are comprised of two owned and three leased warehouse facilities which serve all channels of the business. The total floor area of these logistics centres was 5.1 million square feet at the end of Fiscal 2016, of which 4.4 million square feet is devoted to warehouse and logistics operations. The remainder of the space is utilized for other Sears operations, including call centre services. See Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
S.L.H. Transport Inc. ("SLH") — The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SLH, transports merchandise to stores and catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations. SLH is responsible for providing logistics services for the Company's merchandising operations by operating a fleet of tractors and trailers to provide carrier services for Sears and contract carrier services to commercial customers who are unrelated to Sears. The arrangements with third parties increase SLH's fleet utilization and improve the efficiency of its operations. SLH has developed a nationwide distribution network to provide better and more consistent service to its customers.
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As at the end of Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015, and Fiscal 2014, the Company's locations were distributed across the country as follows:
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| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | | As at January 31, 2015 | |
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| | Atlantic | | Québec | | Ontario | | Prairies | | Pacific | | Total | | Total | | Total | |
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Full-line department stores(2) | | | 10 | | | 23 | | | 32 | | | 18 | | | 12 | | | 95 | | | 95 | | | 113 | |
Sears Home stores(1) | | | — | | | 5 | | | 15 | | | 4 | | | 2 | | | 26 | | | 41 | | | 47 | |
Outlet stores(2) | | | 1 | | | 3 | | | 7 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 14 | | | 23 | | | 11 | |
Specialty type: Appliances and Mattresses stores | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1 | |
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Corporate stores | | | 11 | | | 31 | | | 54 | | | 24 | | | 15 | | | 135 | | | 159 | | | 172 | |
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Hometown stores(1) | | | 15 | | | 6 | | | 8 | | | 22 | | | 18 | | | 69 | | | 125 | | | 201 | |
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Corbeil franchise stores | | | — | | | 14 | | | 2 | | | — | | | — | | | 16 | | | 16 | | | 16 | |
Corbeil corporate stores | | | — | | | 12 | | | 4 | | | — | | | — | | | 16 | | | 17 | | | 19 | |
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Corbeil | | | — | | | 26 | | | 6 | | | — | | | — | | | 32 | | | 33 | | | 35 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
NLCs(3) | | | — | | | 1 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 5 | | | 6 | | | 6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Travel offices | | | 6 | | | 17 | | | 26 | | | 7 | | | 6 | | | 62 | | | 84 | | | 96 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations | | | 88 | | | 194 | | | 265 | | | 208 | | | 75 | | | 830 | | | 1,213 | | | 1,335 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- During Fiscal 2016, the Company reclassified one Hometown store to a Sears Home store based on changes to its merchandise mix.
- (2)
- During Fiscal 2015, the Company reclassified 16 full-line department stores to the Outlet channel based on changes to their merchandise mix. However, they continue to operate as full-line department stores.
- (3)
- Sears operates five logistics centres strategically located across the country, each referred to as a NLC. The NLCs are comprised of two owned and three leased warehouse facilities which serve all channels of the business. See Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
In Fiscal 2016, the Company closed 16 Sears Home stores, nine Outlet stores, 55 Hometown stores, one Corbeil corporate store, 22 Sears Travel offices and 467 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations. The Company opened 84 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations.
In Fiscal 2015, the Company closed two full-line department stores, six Sears Home stores, four Outlet stores, one Appliances and Mattresses store, 76 Hometown stores, two Corbeil corporate stores, 12 Sears Travel offices and 131 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations. The Company opened nine catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations.
In Fiscal 2014, the Company closed five full-line department stores, as a result of lease terminations and lease amendments that occurred during Fiscal 2013. The Company also closed one Sears Home store, three Appliances and Mattresses stores, 34 Hometown stores, one Sears Travel office and 142 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations. The Company opened one Hometown store, one Corbeil franchise store and 31 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations, and converted one Corbeil franchise store to a Corbeil corporate store.
12
As of the end of Fiscal 2016, the number of selling units leased and owned by the Company was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Leased | | Owned | | Total | |
---|
Full-line department stores | | | 87 | | | 8 | | | 95 | |
Sears Home stores(1) | | | 24 | | | 2 | | | 26 | |
Outlet stores | | | 12 | | | 2 | | | 14 | |
Hometown stores(1)(2) | | | 3 | | | — | | | 3 | |
Corbeil(2) | | | 29 | | | — | | | 29 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total(3) | | | 155 | | | 12 | | | 167 | |
| | | | | | | |
- (1)
- During Fiscal 2016, the Company reclassified one Hometown store to a Sears Home store based on changes to its merchandise mix.
- (2)
- Only Hometown and Corbeil stores that are not independently owned and operated are included.
- (3)
- Travel offices and catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations are located in other Sears stores or local businesses, and therefore not included.
As at the end of Fiscal 2016, Fiscal 2015, and Fiscal 2014, the gross square footage for corporate store locations (both owned and leased) and NLCs was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | |
(square feet, millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | | As at January 31, 2015 | |
---|
Full-line department stores(2) | | | 12.4 | | | 12.4 | | | 14.1 | |
Sears Home stores(1) | | | 1.2 | | | 1.8 | | | 2.1 | |
Outlet stores(2) | | | 1.6 | | | 2.2 | | | 0.9 | |
Other(1)(3) | | | 0.2 | | | 0.2 | | | 0.3 | |
NLCs | | | 5.1 | | | 6.5 | | | 6.6 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total | | | 20.5 | | | 23.1 | | | 24.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
- (1)
- During Fiscal 2016, the Company reclassified one Hometown store to a Sears Home store based on changes to its merchandise mix.
- (2)
- During Fiscal 2015, the Company reclassified 16 full-line department stores to the Outlet channel based on changes to their merchandise mix. However, they continue to operate as full-line department stores.
- (3)
- Other includes Hometown and Corbeil stores that are not independently owned and operated. Other also included Appliances and Mattresses as at January 31, 2015.
Gross square footage for corporate store locations as at January 28, 2017 decreased compared to January 30, 2016 due to the closure of underperforming stores.
Gross square footage for corporate store locations as at January 30, 2016 decreased compared to January 31, 2015 due to the closure of underperforming stores.
b. Core Capabilities
The Company's key resources and capabilities include its employees, brand equity, omni-channel capabilities, real estate and logistics, as described below.
13
Employees
- •
- Sears employees are a critical asset to the Company. Sears works to inspire its employees to provide excellent customer service, meaningful experiences and opportunities to participate in community involvement.
Brand equity
- •
- The Company works closely with its suppliers in product development, design and quality standards. Many lines of merchandise are manufactured with features exclusive to Sears and are sold under the Company's private label brands, such as Kenmore® and Craftsman®. The Company believes that its private label and national brands have significant recognition and value with customers.
Omni-channel capabilities
- •
- The Company strives to serve its customers through a network of stores that span all ten provinces, primarily through its 95 full-line department stores, 141 specialty stores (including 26 Sears Home stores, 14 Outlet stores, 69 Hometown stores primarily operated under independent local ownership and 32 Corbeil stores) and 62 Sears Travel offices. The Company has also made significant investment in its digital offering, sears.ca, where customers can shop from the convenience of their electronic devices and have their merchandise delivered in most areas of the country to over 800 merchandise pick-up locations for orders placed through the catalogue or online.
Real Estate
- •
- The Company approaches its real estate portfolio in two primary ways: (1) to provide capital and liquidity to fund growth and pursue other value-creating balance sheet initiatives, and (2) to generate revenue from real estate development and other business partnerships that fit strategically with its retail vision.
Logistics
- •
- The Company has the capability to move merchandise efficiently to stores, merchandise pick-up locations, or directly to customers. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, SLH, is responsible for providing transportation services for the Company's merchandising operations and has arrangements with third parties to increase SLH's revenue and fleet utilization, and improve its operating effectiveness. The Company conducts operations in five NLCs located in Vancouver, Calgary, Vaughan, Belleville and Montreal.
c. Strategic Initiatives
During Fiscal 2016, Sears Canada focused on re-engineering the business for long-term growth. The Company's four primary workstreams are intended to drive the Company's business goals of increasing revenue and maintaining a strong balance sheet.
The four primary workstreams are as follows:
- 1.
- Sears 2.0 — Moving Sears physical retail stores to a more productive model, with a more customer-focused and relevant assortment, faster inventory turns, and an assessment of the required square footage per store. Initiatives that drove Sears Canada's in-store business fall into this category.
14
- 2.
- Initium — Building a new technology architecture to run Sears Canada, an upgraded e-commerce experience and logistics capabilities. The platform has the potential to structure Sears Canada as a digital commerce company with a network of stores attached, as opposed to a network of stores and legacy technology with a separate e-commerce business.
- 3.
- Real Estate — Matching the Company's real estate portfolio to better suit its needs for a profitable store-based retail business.
- 4.
- SG&A — Bringing the Company's Selling, General and Administrative expense structure in line with its revenue.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company made progress on these key workstreams. Highlights from the year in each workstream include:
Sears 2.0
- •
- Launched the Company's first new Sears 2.0 prototype stores at Promenade Mall in Thornhill, Ontario, Mapleview Centre in Burlington, Ontario, Stone Road Mall in Guelph, Ontario and Oshawa Centre in Oshawa, Ontario. The stores underwent significant changes in their layout and offerings all designed to deliver quality products at affordable prices. The Company plans to convert several more stores to the Sears 2.0 format in Fiscal 2017.
- •
- Implemented many in-store initiatives designed to fulfill the Company's goal of enhancing customer service and its commitment to providing high quality products at affordable prices:
- •
- Internet Price Scraping: Sears Canada is the Canadian leader by sales in the appliances category. To build on this and to provide Canadians the best value, Sears Canada researches competitor pricing daily to seek to ensure we offer the lowest price on comparative items, and a similar program has been instituted for mattresses; and
- •
- Financing: entered into a new loan processing and servicing agreement with easyfinancial Services Inc. to extend financing options to Sears customers purchasing major appliances and other home appliances following the termination of the JPMorgan Chase credit card agreement in November of 2015.
- •
- During the second half of 2016, the Company soft-launched an off-price business with a dedicated merchandising team to bring outstanding deals on well-known branded products to our customers. The Company will formally launch this business in Spring 2017.
- •
- Unveiled a new logo during Q3 2016, as part of its plan to re-invigorate and revitalize Sears Canada across all lines of business, from e-commerce to in-store experiences, and from merchandise selection and curation to marketing communications.
Initium
- •
- During Q1 2016, Sears Canada launched Initium Commerce Lab, an innovation hub, to design and implement a modernized technology platform for the Company. Initium is an open-concept, creative environment, physically located away from head office operations to more easily facilitate the generation of new ideas and focus on delivering customer-centric, digital solutions:
- •
- The new digital e-commerce platform launched beta-testing of the new Sears Canada website in Alberta in August of 2016 and British Columbia in October of 2016;
- •
- The Company employed a team to monitor progress of the beta-test and applied key learnings from the tests, and launched the new website nationally in November;
15
- •
- The Company entered into an agreement with CGI to help streamline and update Sears' current technology infrastructure and mainframe applications with the goal of reducing costs and improving efficiency, enabling Sears to decommission systems concurrent to establishing Initium; and
- •
- Sears Canada announced the opening of two new business centres, one in Edmundston, New Brunswick and one in Saint John, New Brunswick, and aims to create 530 new jobs there. These jobs will include business services agents, team leads, information technology support, human resources personnel, administrative support and managers.
Real Estate
- •
- During Q1 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback transactions of the NLCs in Vaughan, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta, for net proceeds of $100.0 million and $83.9 million, respectively;
- •
- During Q2 2016, the Company assigned eight of its Sears Home banner store leases to Leon's Furniture Ltd., furthering Sears Canada's strategy to make its core bricks and mortar store footprint more productive;
- •
- During Q3 2016, the Company completed the sale of the Park Street NLC in Regina, Saskatchewan, for net proceeds of $18.1 million;
- •
- During Q4 2016, the Company completed the sale of the Broad Street NLC in Regina, Saskatchewan, and a sale and leaseback of a NLC in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, for net proceeds of $8.5 million and $22.4 million, respectively;
- •
- During Q4 2016, the Company completed a real estate transaction for net proceeds of $62.1 million, which mainly consisted of a sale and leaseback of a retail store located in Kitchener, Ontario, and a lease termination of the office floors of the Toronto Eaton Centre located in Toronto, Ontario.
- •
- Subsequent to Q4 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of the NLC located in Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, for total consideration of $50.0 million less customary closing adjustments; and
- •
- Subsequent to Q4 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback transaction of its retail store located in Regina, Saskatchewan, for total consideration of $7.0 million less customary closing adjustments.
SG&A
- •
- The Company achieved annualized cost reductions of $159.6 million, which exceeded the upper range of the Company's target of $155.0 million in annualized cost reductions.
"Live Green" Initiatives
The Company conducts its operations with a commitment to achieving success on economic, social and environmental levels. The Company continues to build upon the following three-point plan on environmental sustainability:
- 1.
- Enable customers to "Live Green", reduce their energy bills and create a healthy home;
- 2.
- Reduce the environmental impact of Sears Canada's operations; and
- 3.
- Nurture a culture of sustainability among the Company's employees, customers and the communities in which the Company operates.
16
Sears continued to focus on these three priorities by implementing or continuing the following initiatives during Fiscal 2016:
- •
- Reducing the Company's electricity consumption through the recommissioning of existing Building Automation systems, retrofitting exterior signs with LED modules and replacing selected HVAC units nationally. These efforts helped drive electricity consumption savings of 17.0 million kWh or 7.2% from January 2016 to December 2016, as compared to the same period in 2015, including the effect of store closures; and
- •
- Sears Canada's recycling partner, GreenSpace Waste Solutions ("GreenSpace"), began handling the Company's recycling activities in June 2014. GreenSpace was selected for its ability to maximize the value of recycled materials and for its expertise in driving waste diversion activities. Even as commodity markets weakened and there were several store closures in 2016, total rebates for recyclables remained flat as compared to 2015 at over $697,000. GreenSpace has also improved reporting capabilities, which helps the Company track progress towards its long term waste diversion goals. As of the end of 2016, the Company's NLCs were diverting approximately 90% of their waste from landfill and the Company reduced its waste sent to landfill by over 700 metric tonnes compared to 2015.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The following is a summary of the results of the Company's and its employees' corporate social responsibility efforts during Fiscal 2016:
- •
- Sponsored the ninth annualSears National Kids Cancer Ride (the "Ride"), in cooperation with the Coast to Coast Against Cancer Foundation. This epic 7,000 km cycling journey rolled across Canada from September 10-26, raising funds and awareness for the fight against childhood cancer. This year, Sears, its customers and its associates raised or donated over $883,000 in funds, logistical support and services for the Ride;
- •
- Hosted the 29th Annual Sears Boys & Girls Club of Canada ("BGCC") Golf Tournament near Toronto, in cooperation with our vendors, raising over $230,000 to support BGCC youth programs. Sears matched the funds raised for a total contribution of $460,000;
- •
- Held the semi-annual "Gold Month" fundraiser to raise money for the fight against childhood cancer in May and November achieving $220,000 of donations;
- •
- Coordinated an in-store campaign in support of the Canadian Red Cross Fort McMurray Relief Fund in May. $153,312 was raised to aid in the rebuilding effort, following the municipality's disastrous forest fires; and
- •
- TheSears Drama Festival marked the 70th year of the Ontario festival, the eighth year of the British Columbia festival and the Atlantic region celebrated its sixth year with a special scholarship program. The Festival promotes a creative process that allows students to gather information, negotiate ideas, implement and execute a plan, draft a work and create a product, all while developing confidence, important life skills and a strong sense of self.
Including the above, Sears, its customers, vendors and its associates raised or facilitated the donation of approximately $5.3 million for various charitable organizations such as the Sir Edmund Hillary Foundation's annual fundraising event, Operation Wish and Opération Enfant Soleil through a variety of events and initiatives.
17
d. Outlook
The Canadian retail market remains highly competitive as key players and new entrants compete for market share. International retailers continue to expand into Canada while existing competitors enhance their product offerings and become direct competitors. The Company's competitors include traditional full-line department stores, discount department stores, wholesale clubs, 'big-box' retailers, internet retailers and specialty stores offering alternative retail formats. In order to stay competitive and relevant to our customers, the Company's strategic plan for 2017 centred on three pillars of change: product innovation, customer experience, and brand positioning.
The Company has had recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years. In response, the Company has taken a number of actions to enhance its financial flexibility, to fund its ongoing business operations and to meet its obligations, including the monetization of real estate assets and joint venture interests and a recent borrowing. See Section 2 "Consolidated Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources — Capital Resources". The Company also expects to pursue other near-term actions to bolster liquidity and fund ongoing business operations. If the Company continues to incur losses, additional actions may be required to maintain the liquidity to operate its business.
Although these initiatives and actions are intended to achieve sustainable growth for the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully implement them or whether such initiatives or actions will yield the expected results. For a discussion of the risks and uncertainties inherent in the Company's business, see Section 9 "Risks and Uncertainties".
e. Use of Non-IFRS Measures, Measures of Operating Performance and Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA
The Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 are prepared in accordance with IFRS. Management uses IFRS, non-IFRS and operating performance measures as key performance indicators to better assess the Company's underlying performance and provides this additional information in this MD&A.
Total same store sales is a measure of operating performance used by management, the retail industry and investors to compare retail operations, excluding the impact of store openings and closures. Total same store sales represents merchandise sales generated through operations in the Company's full-line department, Sears Home, Hometown, Outlet and Corbeil stores that were continuously open during both of the periods being compared. Core Retail same store sales represents merchandise sales generated through operations in the Company's full-line department and Sears Home stores (and exclude Hometown, Outlet and Corbeil, which are considered non-Core), that were continuously open during both of the periods being compared. More specifically, the same store sales metric compares the same calendar weeks for each period and represents the 13 and 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016. The calculation of same store sales is a performance metric and may be impacted by store space expansion and contraction. The same store sales metric excludes the Direct channel.
18
A reconciliation of the Company's total merchandising revenue to total same store sales is outlined in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fourth Quarter | | Fiscal | |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
Total merchandising revenue | | $ | 744.0 | | $ | 887.6 | | $ | 2,613.6 | | $ | 3,145.7 | |
Non-comparable sales | | | 110.3 | | | 194.1 | | | 529.0 | | | 708.5 | |
Total same store sales | | | 633.7 | | | 693.5 | | | 2,084.6 | | | 2,437.2 | |
Percentage change in total same store sales | | | 1.3 | % | | (1.6 | )% | | (4.3 | )% | | (2.3 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | |
Percentage change in total same store sales by category | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apparel & Accessories | | | (1.5 | )% | | 0.4 | % | | (5.9 | )% | | (4.6 | )% |
Home & Hardlines | | | 4.0 | % | | (3.5 | )% | | (3.3 | )% | | (0.7 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | |
Percentage change in Core Retail same store sales | | | 0.9 | % | | (0.8 | )% | | (4.9 | )% | | (0.6 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | |
Percentage change in Core Retail same store sales by category | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Apparel & Accessories | | | (1.7 | )% | | 2.9 | % | | (5.3 | )% | | (1.5 | )% |
Home & Hardlines | | | 3.9 | % | | (5.1 | )% | | (4.9 | )% | | — | % |
| | | | | | | | | |
The Company has noted that the same stores sales metric of Core Retail is no longer a relevant disclosure for the readers of the MD&A as the merchandise sales between Core Retail and non-Core are not regularly reviewed by the Company for allocating resources and assessing performance. Therefore, the same stores sales metric of Core Retail will not be disclosed in the MD&A subsequent to Q4 2016.
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure and excludes finance costs, interest income, income tax expense or recovery, depreciation and amortization and income or expenses of a non-recurring, unusual or one-time nature. Adjusted EBITDA is a measure used by management, the retail industry and investors as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. The Company uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate the operating performance of its business as well as an executive compensation metric. While Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure, management believes that it is an important indicator of operating performance because it excludes the effect of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest and depreciation and removes the impact of certain non-recurring, unusual or one-time nature items that are not indicative of our ongoing operating performance. Therefore, management believes Adjusted EBITDA gives investors greater transparency in assessing the Company's results of operations.
19
A reconciliation of the Company's net (loss) earnings to Adjusted EBITDA is outlined in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fourth Quarter | | Fiscal | |
---|
(in CAD millions, except per share amounts) | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
Net (loss) earnings | | $ | (45.8 | ) | $ | 30.9 | | $ | (321.0 | ) | $ | (67.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Transformation expense(1) | | | 9.3 | | | 9.7 | | | 44.2 | | | 16.5 | |
Gain on termination of credit card arrangement(2) | | | — | | | (170.7 | ) | | — | | | (170.7 | ) |
Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions(3) | | | (59.9 | ) | | — | | | (105.9 | ) | | (67.2 | ) |
Gain on settlement of retirement benefits(4) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5.1 | ) |
Assets held for sale impairment(5) | | | 2.3 | | | 3.8 | | | 7.3 | | | 3.8 | |
Other asset impairment(6) | | | 27.7 | | | 74.6 | | | 45.0 | | | 74.6 | |
Warehouse impairment reversal(7) | | | — | | | (15.1 | ) | | — | | | (15.1 | ) |
TBI costs(8) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 6.4 | |
Environmental remediation costs(9) | | | (2.8 | ) | | 3.2 | | | (1.0 | ) | | 3.2 | |
Lease exit costs(10) | | | 2.9 | | | — | | | 12.6 | | | — | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | 7.3 | | | 11.1 | | | 31.4 | | | 48.4 | |
Finance costs | | | 0.3 | | | 2.1 | | | 8.9 | | | 9.7 | |
Interest income | | | (2.6 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | (7.2 | ) | | (2.3 | ) |
Income tax (recovery) expense | | | (2.4 | ) | | (0.5 | ) | | 2.8 | | | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA(11) | | $ | (63.7 | ) | $ | (51.2 | ) | $ | (282.9 | ) | $ | (160.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
Basic net (loss) earnings per share | | $ | (0.45 | ) | $ | 0.30 | | $ | (3.15 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Transformation expense during 2016 and 2015 relates primarily to severance costs incurred during the period. These costs are included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (2)
- Gain on termination of credit card arrangement represents the net gain on the sale of JPMorgan Chase's portfolio of credit card accounts and related receivables related to the Sears credit card and Sears Mastercard during 2015, described in Note 27 "Gain on termination of credit card arrangement" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (3)
- Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions represents the net gain related to a lease termination and selling and leasing back certain properties owned by the Company during Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, described in Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (4)
- Gain on settlement of retirement benefits relates to the settlement of retirement benefits of eligible members covered under the non-pension retirement plan during Q1 2015, described in Note 19 "Retirement benefit plans" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (5)
- Assets held for sale impairment represents the charge related to writing down the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment of one retail store and certain logistics centres to fair value less costs to sell, described in Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (6)
- Other asset impairment represents the charge related to writing down the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment and intangibles of certain cash generating units during 2016 and 2015, described in Note 9 "Property, plant and equipment and investment properties" and Note 10 "Intangible assets" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (7)
- Warehouse impairment reversal represents the partial reversal during 2015 of the charge related to writing down the carrying value of the property, plant and equipment of the Montreal warehouse during 2014 to fair value less costs to sell, described in Note 9 "Property, plant and equipment and investment properties" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
20
- (8)
- TBI costs represent the estimated costs to the Company related to TravelBrands Inc. (a licensee of the Company) filing for creditor protection during 2015, described in Note 14 "Financial instruments" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2015.
- (9)
- Environmental remediation costs in Fiscal 2015 relate to estimated costs required to restore the Park Street Logistics Centre located in Regina, in order to sell the property in Fiscal 2016. Reversals of environmental remediation costs were made in Fiscal 2016 based on actual environmental remediation costs incurred. These costs were included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016. The Park Street Logistics Centre was sold during Fiscal 2016, described in Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (10)
- Lease exit costs relate primarily to costs incurred to exit certain properties during Fiscal 2016. These costs were included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
- (11)
- Adjusted EBITDA is a measure used by management, the retail industry and investors as an indicator of the Company's operating performance, ability to incur and service debt, and as a valuation metric. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure.
Adjusted EBITDA and total same store sale metrics do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other reporting issuers. Adjusted EBITDA and total same store sales metrics should not be considered in isolation or as alternatives to measures prepared in accordance with IFRS.
f. Consolidated Financial Results
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fiscal | |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | % Chg 2016 vs 2015 | | 2015 | |
---|
Revenue | | $ | 2,613.6 | | | (16.9 | )% | $ | 3,145.7 | |
Cost of goods and services sold | | | 1,900.5 | | | (11.4 | )% | | 2,145.9 | |
Selling, administrative and other expenses | | | 1,135.5 | | | (12.5 | )% | | 1,298.1 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (422.4 | ) | | (41.6 | )% | | (298.3 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Gain on lease termination and sales and leaseback transactions | | | 105.9 | | | 57.6 | % | | 67.2 | |
Gain on termination of credit card arrangement | | | — | | | (100.0 | )% | | 170.7 | |
Gain on settlement of retirement benefits | | | — | | | (100.0 | )% | | 5.1 | |
Finance costs | | | 8.9 | | | (8.2 | )% | | 9.7 | |
Interest income | | | 7.2 | | | 213.0 | % | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | | | (318.2 | ) | | (407.5 | )% | | (62.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax expense | | | 2.8 | | | (46.2 | )% | | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (321.0 | ) | | (372.8 | )% | $ | (67.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
2016 compared with 2015 — Total revenue in Fiscal 2016 decreased by 16.9% to $2,613.6 million compared to $3,145.7 million during the same period in Fiscal 2015. The revenue in Fiscal 2016 relating to Home & Hardlines decreased by $333.0 million, or 22.6%, compared to the same period in Fiscal 2015, due to sales declines in all product categories. Included in the total revenue decrease in Fiscal 2016 for Home & Hardlines was a $137.4 million decrease in Direct channel sales due to a decrease in catalogues, catalogue pages and distribution, as well as challenges experienced with the launch of the new website, and a $121.0 million decrease in retail store sales due to store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015. The revenue in Fiscal 2016 relating to Apparel & Accessories decreased by $114.2 million, or 10.3%, compared to Fiscal 2015, due to sales declines in all product categories. Included in the total revenue decrease in Fiscal 2016 for Apparel & Accessories was a $65.6 million
21
decrease in Direct channel sales due to a decrease in catalogues, catalogue pages and distribution, as well as challenges experienced with the launch of the new website, and a $15.5 million decrease in retail store sales due to store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015. Commission and licensee revenue decreased by $75.7 million, or 70.0%, compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to reduced revenues after the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase in November 2015. Services and other revenue decreased by $8.0 million or 3.3%, compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to reduced shipping fees on sales to customers through our Direct channel and Sears Home stores due to store closures.
Total same store sales decreased by 4.3%, while same store sales in Core Retail stores decreased by 4.9% in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. The same store sales decline was primarily due to a decrease in major appliances due in part to the loss of customer financing solutions with the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase in November 2015. The decline in the same store sales was also due to a decrease in overall transactions after elevated levels of loyalty point redemptions in Q3 2015 in anticipation of the impending termination of the credit card agreement. Total same store sales in Home & Hardlines decreased by 3.3% while same store sales in Home & Hardlines in Core Retail stores decreased by 4.9% in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. Total same store sales in Apparel & Accessories decreased by 5.9% while same store sales in Apparel & Accessories in Core Retail stores decreased by only 5.3% in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015.
Total revenue recognized from points redemption under the loyalty program in Fiscal 2016 was $22.7 million (Fiscal 2015: $45.6 million). Total revenue deferred related to points issuances was $18.7 million (Fiscal 2015: $44.5 million), resulting in a net increase of $2.9 million as compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to lower point issuances partially offset by lower point redemptions.
Cost of goods and services sold was 11.4% lower in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes which included the effect of store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015.
The Company's gross margin rate was 27.3% in Fiscal 2016 compared to 31.8% in Fiscal 2015. The decrease in the gross margin rate in Fiscal 2016 was impacted by the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase which reduced the gross margin by $67.8 million, the weakening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar which reduced the gross margin by $63.8 million, and the expenses incurred to resolve customer delivery issues noted during the holiday season which reduced the gross margin by $6.6 million.
Selling, administrative and other expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense, decreased by $162.6 million or 12.5% to $1,135.5 million in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. Excluding transformation expenses of $44.2 million in Fiscal 2016 (Fiscal 2015: $16.5 million), impairment charges and other non-recurring items in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 as shown in the reconciliation of the Company's net (loss) earnings to Adjusted EBITDA in Section 1.e. "Use of Non-IFRS Measures, Measures of Operating Performance and Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA", selling, administrative and other expenses decreased by $181.3 million or 15.0%, in Fiscal 2016 compared to Fiscal 2015. The decrease in expenses, excluding non-recurring, unusual or one-time nature, was primarily attributable to a release of sales tax provision, lower spending on advertising, payroll and rent, as well as lower depreciation expenses. Advertising expense decreased primarily due to reductions in catalogues and circulation. Payroll expense decreased primarily due to a reduced number of employees, as a result of store closures and transformation activities in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015. Rent expense decreased primarily due to store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015.
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Depreciation and amortization expense in Fiscal 2016 decreased by $17.0 million to $31.4 million compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to the impairment of certain assets in Fiscal 2015 and the completion of the sale and leaseback transactions during Fiscal 2016 (see Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information). The Company regularly monitors the business for indicators of impairment, and assesses the potential impact to the carrying value of our assets on a quarterly basis. See Note 9 "Property, plant and equipment and investment properties", Note 10 "Intangible assets" and Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information regarding impairment charges.
During Q4 2016, the Company completed a real estate transaction for net proceeds of $62.1 million, which mainly consisted of a sale and leaseback of a retail store located in Kitchener, Ontario, and a lease termination of the office floors of the Toronto Eaton Centre located in Toronto, Ontario. During Q4 2016, the Company completed the sale of the Broad Street NLC in Regina, Saskatchewan, and a sale and leaseback of a NLC in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, for net proceeds of $8.5 million and $22.4 million, respectively. During Q3 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Park Street NLC located in Regina, Saskatchewan, for net proceeds of $18.1 million. During Q1 2016, the Company completed the sale and leasebacks of its NLCs located in Calgary, Alberta and Vaughan, Ontario, for net proceeds of $83.9 million and $100.0 million, respectively. See Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
Finance costs in Fiscal 2016 decreased by $0.8 million to $8.9 million compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to a decrease of $1.7 million in interest expense on prior year income tax reassessments, partially offset by an increase of $0.8 million in interest expense related to letters of credit outstanding against the Amended Credit Facility.
Interest income in Fiscal 2016 increased by $4.9 million to $7.2 million compared to Fiscal 2015, primarily due to a one-time interest of $2.7 million received on prior year income and capital tax reassessments and interest income of $1.7 million recognized on maturity of an investment.
Income tax expense in Fiscal 2016 decreased by $2.4 million to $2.8 million compared to $5.2 million in Fiscal 2015, primarily attributable to the recovery of income taxes paid related to fiscal years 2013 and 2014, due to the implementation of a loss monetization plan in Fiscal 2016.
Net loss in Fiscal 2016 was $321.0 million compared to $67.9 million in Fiscal 2015. The increase in the net loss was primarily due to a higher operating loss in Fiscal 2016 and a one-time gain on the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase in Q4 2015.
Adjusted EBITDA in Fiscal 2016 was a loss of $282.9 million compared to a loss of $160.5 million in Fiscal 2015, an increase in the loss of $122.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by $76.2 million from the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase, $59.5 million due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar, and $24.3 million from expenses incurred for the Initium initiative and challenges experienced with the launch of the new website. These negative impacts were partially offset by a $23.0 million release of sales tax provision, a reduction of $14.9 million related to the closure of underperforming stores subsequent to Fiscal 2015, and a decrease of $5.6 million in severance costs which were not included in transformation expense. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted EBITDA for Fiscal 2016 declined by $5.9 million compared to Fiscal 2015. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure.
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g. Fourth Quarter Results
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fourth Quarter | |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | % Chg 2016 vs 2015 | | 2015 | |
---|
Revenue | | $ | 744.0 | | | (16.2 | )% | $ | 887.6 | |
Cost of goods and services sold | | | 560.6 | | | (11.4 | )% | | 632.5 | |
Selling, administrative and other expenses | | | 293.8 | | | (25.4 | )% | | 393.6 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (110.4 | ) | | 20.3 | % | | (138.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions | | | 59.9 | | | 100.0 | % | | — | |
Gain on termination of credit card arrangement | | | — | | | (100.0 | )% | | 170.7 | |
Finance costs | | | 0.3 | | | (85.7 | )% | | 2.1 | |
Interest income | | | 2.6 | | | 766.7 | % | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
(Loss) earnings before income taxes | | | (48.2 | ) | | (258.6 | )% | | 30.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Income tax recovery | | | 2.4 | | | 380.0 | % | | 0.5 | |
| | | | | | | |
Net (loss) earnings | | $ | (45.8 | ) | | (248.2 | )% | $ | 30.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
Q4 2016 compared with Q4 2015 — Total revenue in Q4 2016 decreased by 16.2% to $744.0 million compared to $887.6 million in Q4 2015. The revenue in Q4 2016 relating to Home & Hardlines decreased by $101.4 million, or 25.8%, compared to Q4 2015, due to sales declines in all product categories. Included in the total revenue decrease in Q4 2016 for Home & Hardlines was a $61.2 million decrease in Direct channel sales primarily due to a decrease in catalogues, catalogue pages and distribution as well as challenges experienced with the launch of the new website, and a $45.3 million decrease in retail store sales due to store closures subsequent to the end of Q4 2015. The revenue in Q4 2016 relating to Apparel & Accessories decreased by $38.4 million, or 10.4% compared to Q4 2015, due to sales declines in all product categories. Included in the total revenue decrease in Q4 2016 for Apparel & Accessories was a $24.6 million decrease in Direct channel sales primarily due to a decrease in catalogues, catalogue pages and distribution as well as challenges experienced with the launch of the new website, and a $9.2 million decrease in retail store sales due to store closures subsequent to the end of Q4 2015. Included in the total revenue decrease in Q4 2016 was a decrease in Commission and licensee revenue of $4.4 million, or 31.9%, compared to Q4 2015, primarily due to reduced revenues after the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase in November 2015. Refer to Note 27 "Gain on termination of credit card arrangement" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
Total same store sales increased by 1.3%, while same store sales in Core Retail stores increased by 0.9% in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015. The increase in same store sales was primarily due to the dynamic pricing programs for major appliances and mattresses, and the adjustments made to general pricing, product assortment and brand matrix to better align to the market and customer preferences. Total same store sales in Home & Hardlines increased by 4.0% and same store sales in Home & Hardlines in Core Retail stores increased by 3.9% in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015. Total same store sales in Apparel & Accessories decreased by 1.5% and same store sales in Apparel & Accessories in Core Retail stores decreased by 1.7% in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015.
Total revenue recognized from points redemption under the loyalty program in Q4 2016 was $3.3 million (Q4 2015: $2.1 million). Total revenue deferred related to points issuances in Q4 2016 was $3.1 million (Q4 2015: $5.2 million), resulting in a net increase of $3.3 million as compared to Q4 2015, primarily due to lower points issuance partially offset by lower points redemption.
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Cost of goods and services sold was 11.4% lower in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower sales volumes which included the impact of store closures subsequent to the end of Q4 2015.
The Company's gross margin rate was 24.7% in Q4 2016 compared to 28.7% in Q4 2015. The decrease in the gross margin rate in Q4 2016 was impacted by the weakening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar which reduced the gross margin by $11.9 million, the expenses incurred to resolve customer delivery issues noted during the holiday season which reduced the gross margin by $6.6 million, and the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase which reduced the gross margin by $3.5 million.
Selling, administrative and other expenses, including depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $99.8 million or 25.4% to $293.8 million in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015. Excluding transformation expenses of $9.3 million in Q4 2016 (Q4 2015: $9.7 million), impairment charges and other non-recurring items in Q4 2016 as shown in the reconciliation of the Company's net (loss) earnings to Adjusted EBITDA in Section 1.e. "Use of Non-IFRS Measures, Measures of Operating Performance and Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Earnings to Adjusted EBITDA", selling, administrative, and other expenses decreased by $63.0 million, or 19.8%, in Q4 2016 compared to Q4 2015. The decrease in expenses, excluding non-recurring items, was primarily attributable to a release of sales tax provision, lower spending on advertising, payroll and rent, as well as lower depreciation expenses. Advertising expense decreased primarily due to a reduction in catalogues and distribution. Payroll expense decreased primarily due to a reduced number of employees, as a result of store closures and transformation activities in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015. Rent expense decreased primarily due to store closures during and subsequent to Fiscal 2015.
Depreciation and amortization expense in Q4 2016 decreased by $3.8 million, compared to Q4 2015, primarily due to the impairment of certain assets in Fiscal 2015 and the completion of the sale and leaseback transactions during Fiscal 2016 (see Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions"of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information). The Company regularly monitors the business for indicators of impairment, and assesses the potential impact to the carrying value of our assets on a quarterly basis. See Note 9 "Property, plant and equipment and investment properties", Note 10 "Intangible assets" and Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information regarding impairment charges.
Finance expense in Q4 2016 decreased to $0.3 million, compared to $2.1 million in Q4 2015, primarily due to a reversal of accrued interest on a sales tax provision of $1.5 million and a decrease of $0.6 million in interest expense on prior year income tax reassessments, partially offset by an increase of $0.3 million in interest expense related to letters of credit outstanding against the Amended Credit Facility.
Interest income in Q4 2016 increased to $2.6 million compared to $0.3 million in Q4 2015, primarily due to a one-time interest of $0.7 million received on prior year capital tax reassessments and interest income of $1.7 million recognized on maturity of an investment.
Income tax recovery increased to $2.4 million in Q4 2016 compared to $0.5 million in Q4 2015. The increase in Q4 2016 was primarily due to the recovery of income taxes paid related to fiscal years 2013 and 2014, from the implementation of a loss monetization plan in Fiscal 2016.
Net loss in Q4 2016 was $45.8 million compared to net earnings of $30.9 million in Q4 2015. The increase in the net loss was primarily due to a one-time gain on the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase in Q4 2015.
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Adjusted EBITDA in Q4 2016 was a loss of $63.7 million, compared to a loss of $51.2 million in Q4 2015, an increase in the loss of $12.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA was positively impacted by a $23.0 million release of sales tax provision, a reduction of $16.4 million related to the closure of underperforming stores subsequent to Q4 2015 and a decrease of $0.3 million in severance costs which were not included in transformation expense. The positive impacts were partially offset by $15.6 million from expenses incurred for the Initium initiative and challenges experienced with the launch of the new website, $9.9 million due to the weakening of the Canadian dollar compared to the U.S dollar, and $1.4 million from the termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase. Excluding the impact of these items, Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2016 declined by $25.3 million compared to Q4 2015. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure.
2. Consolidated Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources
Current assets as at January 28, 2017 were $1,005.3 million, which was $128.4 million lower than as at January 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a $78.1 million decrease in cash, a $66.3 million decrease in inventory primarily due to reduced inventory levels from store closures and improved inventory purchase management and a $23.6 million decrease in income taxes recoverable primarily due to refunds received related to carry back of losses generated by the Company from Fiscal 2014 and a settlement with tax authorities for fiscal years 2005 to 2008. The decreases were partially offset by a $34.9 million increase in assets classified as held for sale due to a reclassification of capital assets to assets held for sale for proposed sale transactions which are expected to close within the next 12 months, described in Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
Current liabilities as at January 28, 2017 were $544.7 million, which was $46.0 million lower than as at January 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a $12.9 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities related to improved inventory purchase management and a reduction in advertising and bonus accruals, and a $22.2 million decrease in deferred revenue primarily due to a decrease in points issuances under the loyalty program and lower unshipped sales.
Inventories were $598.5 million as at January 28, 2017, compared to $664.8 million as at January 30, 2016. The $66.3 million decrease in the inventory balance is primarily due to reduced inventory levels related to store closures and improved inventory purchase management.
Total cash was $235.8 million as at January 28, 2017, as compared to $313.9 million as at January 30, 2016. The decrease of $78.1 million was primarily due to cash used for operating activities. The impact of these decreases were partially offset by net proceeds received from lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
Total assets and liabilities as at the end of Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 are as follows:
| | | | | | | |
(in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
Total assets | | $ | 1,244.4 | | $ | 1,633.2 | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 1,022.2 | | $ | 1,079.0 | |
Total assets as at January 28, 2017 decreased by $388.8 million to $1,244.4 million compared to $1,633.2 million as at January 30, 2016, primarily due to decreases in property plant and equipment, intangible assets, and investment properties of $214.7 million resulting from impairment and the sale and leaseback transactions, decreases in income taxes recoverable of $23.6 million, cash of $78.1 million
26
and inventories of $66.3 million, partially offset by an increase in assets classified as held for sale of $34.9 million.
Total liabilities as at January 28, 2017 decreased by $56.8 million to $1,022.2 million compared to $1,079.0 million as at January 30, 2016, primarily due to decreases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities of $12.9 million, provisions of $14.2 million, deferred revenue of $27.0 million, and retirement benefit liability of $18.3 million resulting from contributions to the retirement benefit plans by the Company exceeding the retirement benefits plans expense for Fiscal 2016, described in Note 19 "Retirement benefits plans" of the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016. The decrease in total liabilities was partially offset by an increase in other long-term liabilities of $15.9 million, primarily due to the deferred gain on the sale and leaseback transactions described in Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016.
Cash flow used for operating activities — Cash flow used for operating activities increased by $139.9 million in Fiscal 2016 to $341.4 million, as compared to cash flow used for operating activities of $201.5 million in Fiscal 2015. The Company's primary source of operating cash flow is the sale of goods and services to customers and the primary use of cash in operating activities is the purchase of merchandise inventories. The increase in cash used for operating activities was primarily attributable to a higher net loss, after adjusting for the gain on termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase for both periods, and lower tax refunds received in Fiscal 2016.
Cash flow generated from investing activities — Cash flow generated from investing activities was $270.7 million in Fiscal 2016, as compared to cash flow generated from investing activities of $258.9 million in Fiscal 2015. The increase of $11.8 million in cash generated from investing activities was primarily due to an increase of $165.0 million in net proceeds from lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions and an increase of $18.0 million from lower purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, partially offset by a decrease of $174.0 million in proceeds on termination of the credit card marketing and servicing agreement with JPMorgan Chase.
Cash flow used for financing activities — Cash flow used for financing activities of $5.6 million in Fiscal 2016 was comparable to Fiscal 2015.
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Contractual Obligations
Contractual obligations, including payments due over the next five fiscal years and thereafter, are shown in the following table:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| | Contractual Cash Flow Maturities | |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | Carrying Amount | | Total | | Within 1 year | | 1 year to 3 years | | 3 years to 5 years | | Beyond 5 years | |
---|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
Finance lease obligations including payments due within one year(1) | | | 20.3 | | | 24.6 | | | 5.0 | | | 9.9 | | | 6.9 | | | 2.8 | |
Operating lease obligations(2) | | | — | | | 380.2 | | | 82.9 | | | 135.5 | | | 85.8 | | | 76.0 | |
Royalties(2) | | | — | | | 11.6 | | | 3.1 | | | 5.9 | | | 2.6 | | | — | |
Purchase agreements(2)(3) | | | — | | | 22.4 | | | 15.2 | | | 6.7 | | | 0.5 | | | — | |
Retirement benefit plans obligations(4) | | | 308.6 | | | 207.4 | | | 47.9 | | | 88.4 | | | 71.1 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 648.7 | | $ | 966.0 | | $ | 473.9 | | $ | 246.4 | | $ | 166.9 | | $ | 78.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Cash flow maturities related to finance lease obligations, including payments due within one year, include annual interest on finance lease obligations at a weighted average rate of 7.7%.
- (2)
- Operating lease obligations, royalties and certain purchase agreements are not reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
- (3)
- Certain vendors require minimum purchase commitment levels over the term of the contract. A portion of these obligations are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
- (4)
- Payments are based on a funding valuation as at December 31, 2015 which was completed on September 27, 2016. Any obligation beyond 2021 would be based on a funding valuation to be completed as at December 31, 2018 or earlier at the Company's discretion.
Retirement Benefit Plans
The Company currently maintains a hybrid registered pension plan with a defined benefit component and a defined contribution component which covers eligible, regular full-time employees as well as some of its part-time employees. The defined benefit component provides pensions based on length of service and final average earnings. In addition to a registered retirement savings plan, the pension plan includes a non-registered supplemental savings arrangement in respect to the defined benefit component. The non-registered portion of the plan is maintained to enable certain employees to continue saving for retirement in addition to the registered limit as prescribed by the Canada Revenue Agency. The Company also maintains a defined benefit non-pension retirement plan which provides life insurance, medical and dental benefits to eligible retired employees through a health and welfare trust ("Other Benefits Plan"). Also provided for under the health and welfare trust are short-term disability payments for active employees.
In Fiscal 2016, the Company's retirement benefit plan obligations decreased by $18.3 million to $308.6 million compared to Fiscal 2015 primarily due to the contributions to the retirement benefit plans by the Company exceeding the retirement benefit plans expense for Fiscal 2016.
In December 2013, the Company amended the early retirement provision of its defined benefit plan to eliminate a benefit for employees who voluntarily resign prior to age of retirement, with effect January 1, 2015. In addition, the Company amended the defined benefit plan for improvements that increase portability of employee benefits, with effect March 1, 2014. In December 2013, the Company froze the benefits offered under the Other Benefits Plan to benefits levels as at January 1, 2015. Refer
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to Note 19 "Retirement benefit plans" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for more details.
During Fiscal 2015, the Company made a voluntary offer to settle medical and dental benefits of eligible members covered under the Other Benefits plan. The Company paid $4.0 million to settle acceptances from the Other Benefits plan offer and recorded a pre-tax gain on settlement of retirement benefits of $5.1 million ($5.4 million settlement gain less fees of $0.3 million) during Fiscal 2015 related to these offers. This payment is included in "Retirement benefit plans contributions" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. To determine the settlement gain, the Other Benefits plan was remeasured as at the date of settlement, which also resulted in a $2.0 million increase to "Other comprehensive income (loss)" ("OCI").
The Company measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at January 31. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plan for funding purposes is dated December 31, 2015, which was completed on September 27, 2016. An actuarial valuation of the health and welfare trust is performed at least every three years, with the last valuation completed as of January 31, 2014.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company changed the target asset allocation to 50-70% fixed income and 30-50% equity for the defined benefit registered pension plan. For the assets in the health and welfare trust, included in Other Benefits Plan, the asset allocation is 100% fixed income. As at the end of Fiscal 2016 and 2015, the assets were in line with the target allocation range. The asset allocation may be changed from time to time in terms of weighting between fixed income, equity and other asset classes as well as within the asset classes themselves.
The plan's target allocation is determined taking into consideration the amounts and timing of projected liabilities, the Company's funding policies and expected returns on various asset classes. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio.
Capital Resources
The Company's capital expenditures, working capital needs, debt repayment and other financing needs are funded primarily through cash generated from operations, existing cash on hand, asset sales and its credit facilities as described below. In selecting appropriate funding choices, the Company's objective is to manage its capital structure in such a way as to diversify its funding sources, while minimizing its funding costs and risks. The Company's cost of funding is affected by general economic conditions, including the overall interest rate environment, as well as the Company's financial performance, credit ratings and fluctuations of its credit spread over applicable reference rates.
The Company's debt consists of finance lease obligations and two credit facilities. In September 2010, the Company entered into an $800.0 million senior secured long-term revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders with a maturity date of September 10, 2015. On May 28, 2014, the Company announced that it had extended the term of that facility to May 28, 2019 and reduced the total credit limit to $300.0 million (the "Amended Credit Facility"). The Amended Credit Facility is secured by a first lien on inventory, credit card receivables and certain ancillary assets.
Availability under the Amended Credit Facility is determined pursuant to a borrowing base formula, up to a maximum availability of $300.0 million. Availability under the Amended Credit Facility was $192.3 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $120.1 million). In 2013, as a result of judicial developments relating to the priorities of defined benefit pension liabilities relative to certain secured obligations, the Company provided additional security to the lenders by pledging certain real
29
estate assets as collateral, thereby partially reducing the potential reserve amount the lenders could apply. As at January 28, 2017, four properties in Canada had been pledged to the lenders under the Amended Credit Facility. The reserve amount may increase or decrease in the future based on changes in estimated net pension deficits in the event of a wind-up, and based on the value of real estate assets pledged as additional collateral. The Amended Credit Facility contains covenants which are customary for facilities of this nature and the Company was in compliance with all covenants as at January 28, 2017.
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had no funded borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility and had unamortized transaction costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility of $2.4 million included in "Other long-term assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (January 30, 2016: no funded borrowings and unamortized transaction costs of $3.2 million included in "Other long-term assets"). The Company had $107.7 million (January 30, 2016: $63.3 million) of letters of credit outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility. These letters of credit cover various payment obligations. Interest on drawings under the Amended Credit Facility and letter of credit fees are determined based on bankers' acceptance rates for one to three month terms or the prime rate plus a spread. Interest amounts on the Amended Credit Facility are due monthly.
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had no outstanding merchandise letters of credit (January 30, 2016: U.S. $4.8 million) used to support the Company's offshore merchandise purchasing program with restricted cash pledged as collateral.
On March 20, 2017, the Company entered into a separate Credit Agreement (the "Term Credit Agreement") with a different syndicate of lenders for a five-year secured term loan of up to $300.0 million (the "Term Loan"). The Term Loan is available in two tranches: a first tranche of $125.0 million, which was drawn in full on March 20, 2017, and a second tranche of up to a further $175.0 million (to be secured by qualifying owned and leased real estate), which is available to be drawn at the Company's option, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including receipt by the lenders of satisfactory appraisals and environmental reports. The first tranche is secured on a subordinated basis behind the Amended Credit Facility on inventory, credit card receivables and other assets securing that facility, and the second tranche will be secured by a first charge on owned and leased real estate that is to be mutually agreed and which satisfies eligibility criteria. The Term Loan is also secured by a further lien on the Company's furniture, fixtures and equipment. The Term Loan is available for general corporate purposes. The Term Credit Agreement includes a requirement for mandatory repayments to the extent the loan outstanding exceeds the lesser of the amount determined by reference to the borrowing base minus reserves and $300.0 million or if the Company's liquidity falls below an agreed upon level. The Term Credit Agreement also includes certain prepayment penalties. The Term Credit Agreement contains other covenants which are customary for a loan of this nature.
Interest on drawings under the Term Credit Agreement and letter of credit fee are determined based on the LIBOR rate or the prime rate plus a spread. Interest amounts on the Term Credit Agreement are due monthly.
The respective rights of the lenders under the Term Credit Agreement and the lenders under the Amended Credit Facility as to the security and the priority of their security are governed by an intercreditor agreement between each group of lenders.
The Company has had recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years, with net losses beginning in 2014. In response, the Company has taken a number of actions to enhance its financial flexibility, to fund its ongoing business operations and to meet its financial obligations, including the monetization of real estate assets and joint venture interests and the recent drawdown under the Term Credit Agreement. The Company expects to pursue other
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near-term actions to bolster liquidity and fund ongoing business operations. If the Company continues to incur losses, additional measures may be required to maintain the liquidity necessary to operate its business. The success of the Company's strategic plan for 2017 is subject to risks and uncertainties with respect to market conditions and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, cash flow and performance to differ materially from its plans. The Company cannot be sure that cash flows and other internal and external sources of liquidity (including, if available, the second tranche of up to $175.0 million under the Term Credit Agreement) will at all times be sufficient for its ongoing cash requirements in 2017 or thereafter. If necessary, the Company may need to consider additional actions and steps to improve its cash position and address any potential liquidity shortfall, including further asset monetization transactions and seeking additional external sources of financing. The specific actions taken or assets involved, the timing, and the overall amounts involved will depend on a variety of factors, including market conditions, interest in specific assets, the market valuations of those assets and the Company's underlying operating performance.
3. Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to credit, liquidity and market risk as a result of holding financial instruments. Market risk consists of foreign exchange, interest rate risk, fuel price and natural gas price risk. See Note 13 "Financial instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the possibility that the Company can suffer financial losses due to the failure of the Company's counterparties to meet their payment obligations. Exposure to credit risk exists for derivative instruments, cash, accounts receivable and other long-term assets.
Cash, accounts receivable, derivative instruments and investments included in other long-term assets totaling $303.0 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $381.2 million) expose the Company to credit risk should the borrower default on maturity of the instruments. The Company manages this exposure through policies that require borrowers to have a minimum credit rating of A, and limiting investments with individual borrowers at maximum levels based on credit rating.
The Company is exposed to minimal credit risk from third parties as a result of ongoing credit evaluations and review of accounts receivable collectability. An allowance account included in "Accounts receivable, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, totaled $6.1 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $6.0 million). As at January 28, 2017, no individual party represented 10.0% or more of the Company's net accounts receivable (January 30, 2016: no individual party represented 10.0% of the Company's net accounts receivable).
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company may not have cash available to satisfy financial liabilities as they come due. See "Capital Resources".
Market risk
Market risk exists as a result of the potential for losses caused by changes in market factors such as foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.
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Foreign exchange risk
The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts to reduce the foreign exchange risk with respect to U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities and purchases of goods or services. As at January 28, 2017, there were forward contracts outstanding with a notional value of U.S. $82.0 million (January 30, 2016: U.S. $168.0 million) and a fair value of $0.6 million included in "Derivative financial liabilities" (January 30, 2016: $6.6 million included in "Derivative financial assets") in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These derivative contracts have settlement dates extending to June 2017. The intrinsic value portion of these derivatives has been designated as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting treatment under International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 39,Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement ("IAS 39"). These contracts are intended to reduce the foreign exchange risk with respect to anticipated purchases of U.S. dollar denominated goods purchased for resale ("hedged item"). As at January 28, 2017, the designated portion of these hedges was considered effective.
While the notional principal of these outstanding financial instruments is not recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the fair value of the contracts is included in "Derivative financial assets" or "Derivative financial liabilities", depending on the fair value, and classified as current or long-term, depending on the maturities of the outstanding contracts. Changes in the fair value of the designated portion of contracts are included in OCI for cash flow hedges, to the extent the designated portion of the hedges continues to be effective, with any ineffective portion included in "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Amounts previously included in OCI are reclassified to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the same period in which the hedged item impacted net loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $1.1 million (2015: loss of $3.2 million), in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, relating to the translation or settlement of U.S. dollar denominated monetary items consisting of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
The year end exchange rate was 0.7612 U.S. dollars to one Canadian dollar. A 10% appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar and/or the Canadian dollar exchange rate was determined to have an after-tax impact on net loss of less than $0.1 million for U.S. dollar denominated balances included in cash and accounts payable.
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk reflects the sensitivity of the Company's financial condition to movements in interest rates. Financial assets and liabilities which do not bear interest or bear interest at fixed rates are classified as non-interest rate sensitive.
Net assets included in cash and other long-term assets, and borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility, when applicable, are subject to interest rate risk. The total subject to interest rate risk as at January 28, 2017 was a net asset of $235.8 million (January 30, 2016: net asset of $315.2 million). An increase or decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points would cause an after-tax impact on net loss of $0.4 million for net assets subject to interest rate risk included in cash and other long-term assets at the end of Fiscal 2016.
Fuel and natural gas price risk
The Company entered into fuel and natural gas derivative contracts to manage the exposure to diesel fuel and natural gas prices and help mitigate volatility in cash flow for the transportation service business and utilities expense, respectively. As at January 28, 2017, the fixed to floating rate swap
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contracts outstanding had a fair value of $0.1 million included in "Derivative financial assets" (January 30, 2016: less than $0.1 million included in "Derivative financial assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position). These derivative contracts have settlement dates extending to January 31, 2017 with monthly settlement of maturing contracts.
4. Funding Costs
The funding costs for the Company in Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 are outlined in the table below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Fourth Quarter | | Fiscal | |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
Interest costs | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total long-term obligations at end of period(1) | | $ | 20.3 | | $ | 24.2 | | $ | 20.3 | | $ | 24.2 | |
Average long-term obligations for period(2) | | | 20.8 | | | 24.6 | | | 22.2 | | | 26.1 | |
Long-term funding costs(3) | | | 0.4 | | | 0.4 | | | 1.7 | | | 1.9 | |
Average rate of long-term funding | | | 7.7 | % | | 6.5 | % | | 7.7 | % | | 7.3 | % |
- (1)
- Includes current portion of long-term obligations.
- (2)
- The average long-term obligations is calculated as an average of the opening and ending balances as at each reporting date throughout the period.
- (3)
- Excludes standby fee on the unused portion of the Amended Credit Facility, amortization of debt issuance costs, accretion on the long-term portion of provisions, interest (recovered) accrued related to uncertain tax positions and sales tax assessments.
See Section 2 "Consolidated Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources" of this MD&A for a description of the Company's funding sources.
5. Related Party Transactions
As at April 26, 2017, ESL Investments, Inc., and investment affiliates including Edward S. Lampert, (collectively "ESL"), was the beneficial holder of 46,162,515 common shares, representing approximately 45.3%, of the Company's total outstanding common shares. Sears Holdings was the beneficial holder of 11,962,391 common shares, representing approximately 11.7% of the Company's total outstanding common shares.
Transactions in the ordinary course of business between the Company and Sears Holdings are recorded either at fair market value or the exchange amount, which was established and agreed to by the related parties. See Note 29 "Related party transactions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information regarding these related party transactions.
Intangible Properties
The Company has a license from Sears, Roebuck and Co. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings) to use the name "Sears" as part of its corporate name and other brand names including Kenmore® and DieHard®. The Company has established procedures to register and otherwise vigorously protect its intellectual property, including the protection of the Sears Holdings' trademarks used by the Company in Canada.
Concurrently with the sale by Sears Holdings of its Craftsman business, including the Craftsman® brand, to Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc., the Company's license agreement with Sears Holdings was amended to remove the Craftsman® brand and the Company entered into a trademark license
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agreement dated March 8, 2017 directly with Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc. for a non-exclusive license (the first 15 years of which are royalty free) to use the Craftsman® brand in Canada.
Software Agreement
The Company and Sears Holdings are parties to an information technology agreement for the sharing of information technology and software development, ownership and costs, which agreement, as amended October 7, 2014, terminated when Sears Holdings ceased to control 50% of the voting power of Sears Canada, subject to a three year transition period.
Import Services and Consulting Services
Pursuant to an agreement between Sears Holdings and the Company dated January 1, 1995, Sears Canada utilizes the international merchandise purchasing services of Sears Holdings. Sears Holdings may provide assistance to the Company with respect to monitoring and facilitating the production, inspection and delivery of imported merchandise and the payment to vendors. Sears Canada pays Sears Holdings a fee based on a stipulated percentage of the value of the imported merchandise. In Fiscal 2016, Sears Canada paid $2.8 million to Sears Holdings in connection with this agreement compared to $3.8 million in Fiscal 2015.
The Company and ESL are parties to an agreement where ESL will provide, when requested by the Company, investment, business and real estate consulting services to the Company. There will be no fees, expenses or disbursements payable by the Company to ESL for these services. No such services were requested during 2016.
Review and Approval
Material related party transactions are reviewed by the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors (the "Audit Committee"). The Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all related party transactions that have a value greater than $1.0 million.
6. Shareholders' Equity
As at January 28, 2017, the total number of common shares issued and outstanding of the Company was 101,877,662 (January 30, 2016: 101,877,662), the total number of restricted share units ("RSUs") outstanding was 500,000 (January 30, 2016: nil) and the total number of options granted to acquire common shares outstanding was 67,000 (January 30, 2016: nil).
As at April 26, 2017, there were 101,877,662 common shares, 500,000 RSUs and 67,000 options outstanding.
7. Accounting Policies and Estimates
a. Critical Accounting Estimates
In the application of the Company's accounting policies, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions with regards to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
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The following are the critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies, key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have the potential to materially impact the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.
- 7.1
- Legal liabilities
Assessing the financial outcome of uncertain legal positions requires judgment to be made regarding the relative merits of each claim and the extent to which a claim is likely to be successful. The assessments are based on reviews conducted by internal and external counsel, when appropriate.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Provisions" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 15 "Provisions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.2
- Inventory
- 7.2.1
- Obsolescence, valuation and inventory stock losses
Inventory is written down to reflect future losses on the disposition of obsolete merchandise. Future losses are estimated based on historical trends that vary depending on the type of inventory.
An adjustment is made each period to value inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This adjustment is estimated based on historical trends that vary depending on the type of inventory.
Inventory is adjusted to reflect estimated inventory stock losses incurred in the year based on recent historical inventory count data.
- 7.2.2
- Vendor rebates
Inventory is adjusted to reflect vendor rebates received or receivable based on vendor agreements. This adjustment is estimated based on historical data and current vendor agreements.
- 7.2.3
- Freight
Inbound freight incurred to bring inventory to its present location is estimated at each reporting period and is included in the cost of inventory. This estimate is based on historical freight costs incurred.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Inventories" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 7 "Inventories" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.3
- Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
The Company's property, plant and equipment and intangible assets have been allocated to cash generating units ("CGU"). At the end of each reporting period, the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are assessed to determine if there is any evidence that an asset is impaired. Determining if there are any facts and circumstances indicating impairment loss is a subjective process involving judgment and a number of estimates and assumptions. If there are such facts and circumstances, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated.
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Assets that cannot be tested individually for impairment are grouped into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows through continued use that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (CGU).
The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the higher of its value in use and fair value less costs to sell. To determine value in use, expected future cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. In the process of measuring expected future cash flows, the Company makes assumptions about future operating profit. These assumptions relate to future events and circumstances. Although the assumptions are based on market information available at the time of the assessment, actual results may vary.
The Company's corporate and intangible assets do not generate separate cash flows. If there is evidence that a corporate or intangible asset is impaired, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs. Impairments are recorded when the carrying amount of the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs is higher than its recoverable amount.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Property, plant and equipment" and "Intangible assets" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 9 "Property, plant and equipment and investment properties", Note 10 "Intangible assets", and Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.4
- Retirement benefit liability
The retirement benefit liability is estimated based on certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, inflation rate, salary growth and mortality rates. New regulations and market driven changes may impact the assumptions made.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to the "Retirement benefit liability" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" and OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 19 "Retirement benefit plans" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.5
- Loyalty program deferred revenue
The fair value of Sears Club points granted is deferred at the time of the related initial sale transaction and is recognized upon redemption of the points for merchandise. The redemption value of the points is estimated at the initial sale transaction, based on historical behaviour and trends in redemption rates and redemption values, as well as an adjustment for the percentage of points that are expected to be converted to reward cards, but for which the likelihood of redemption is remote ("reward card breakage").
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Deferred revenue" (current) on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and an increase or decrease to "Revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 12 "Deferred revenue" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
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- 7.6
- Derivative assets and liabilities
All derivatives are measured at fair value. U.S. dollar forward contracts are traded over-the-counter and give holders the right to buy a specified amount of U.S. currency at an agreed upon price and date in the future. Fair values of the U.S. dollar forward contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate. The fair value of fuel swaps is based on counterparty confirmations tested for reasonableness by discounting estimated future cash flows derived from the terms and maturity of each contract using market fuel prices at the measurement date. The Company is required to estimate various inputs which are used in these calculations that are a combination of quoted prices and observable market inputs. The fair values of derivatives include an adjustment for credit risk when appropriate.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Derivative financial assets" and "Derivative financial liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Cost of goods and services sold", "Selling, administrative and other expenses" or OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 13 "Financial instruments" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.7
- Provisions
Provisions are estimated based on historical data, cost estimates provided by specialists and future projections.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Provisions" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Revenue", "Cost of goods and services sold" or "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 15 "Provisions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.8
- Leasing arrangements
The Company has applied judgment in the classification of its leasing arrangements, which is determined at the inception of the lease and is based on the substance of the transaction, rather than its legal form. The Company's leases were evaluated based on certain significant assumptions including the discount rate, economic life of an asset, lease term and existence of a bargain renewal option.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Property, plant and equipment", "Current portion of long-term obligations" and "Long-term obligations" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" and "Finance costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 18 "Leasing arrangements" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.9
- Taxes
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities. While the Company believes that its tax filing positions are appropriate and supportable, certain matters are periodically challenged by tax authorities. The Company applies judgment and routinely evaluates and provides for potentially unfavourable outcomes with respect to any tax audits. If the result of a tax audit materially differs from the existing provisions, the Company's effective tax rate and its net loss will be affected positively or negatively. The Company also uses judgment in assessing the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income by considering factors such as
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the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and changes in tax laws.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Income taxes recoverable", "Deferred tax assets", "Other long-term assets", "Income and other taxes payable" and "Deferred tax liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Income tax (expense) recovery" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. See Note 21 "Income taxes" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for additional information.
- 7.10
- Gift Card
The gift card liability is based on the total amount of gift cards outstanding which have not yet been redeemed by customers. The Company also recognizes income when the likelihood of redeeming the gift card is remote ("gift card breakage"). Gift card breakage is estimated based on historical redemption patterns. Changes in estimates of the redemption patterns may result in changes to "Deferred revenue" (current) on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and an increase or decrease to "Revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
b. Issued Standards Not Yet Adopted
The Company monitors the standard setting process for new standards and interpretations issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") that the Company may be required to adopt in the future.
In January 2016, the IASB issued the following new standard:
IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16")
IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17,Leases ("IAS 17"). This standard will bring most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and financing leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. Adoption of IFRS 16 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final publication of the following standard:
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments ("IFRS 9")
IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39. This standard establishes principles for the financial reporting of financial assets and financial liabilities that will present relevant and useful information to users of financial statements for their assessment of the amounts, timing and uncertainty of an entity's future cash flows. This standard also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which will align hedge accounting more closely with risk management. It does not fully change the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness, however, it will permit more hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the effectiveness of a hedging relationship. Adoption of IFRS 9 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team
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who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
In May 2014, the IASB issued the following new standard:
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("IFRS 15")
IFRS 15 replaces IAS 11,Construction Contracts, and IAS 18,Revenue, as well as various interpretations regarding revenue. This standard introduces a single model for recognizing revenue that applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of standards on leases, insurance and financial instruments. This standard also requires enhanced disclosures. Adoption of IFRS 15 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
8. Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures ("DC&P") that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in its public disclosure documents, including its Annual and Interim MD&A, Annual and Interim Financial Statements, and AIF is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods and includes controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in its public disclosure documents is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including the Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer ("CFO"), to allow timely decisions regarding required DC&P.
Management of the Company, including the Executive Chairman and CFO, has caused to be evaluated under their supervision, the Company's DC&P, and has concluded that the Company's DC&P was effective as at the fiscal year end, being January 28, 2017.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management of the Company is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
Management of the Company, including the Executive Chairman and CFO, has caused to be evaluated the internal control over financial reporting in accordance with COSO 2013 framework and has concluded, based on that evaluation, that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as at the fiscal year-end, being January 28, 2017. Additionally, Management of the Company evaluated whether there were changes in the internal control over financial reporting during Fiscal 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting and has determined that no such changes occurred during this period.
Internal control systems, regardless of superiority in design, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems that have been determined to have been designed effectively can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
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9. Risks and Uncertainties
Risks Relating to Our Business
If the Company is unable to compete effectively in the highly competitive retail industry, the Company's business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
The Canadian retail market remains highly competitive as key players and new entrants compete for market share. International retailers continue to expand into Canada while existing competitors enhance their product offerings and become direct competitors. The Company's competitors include traditional full-line department stores, discount department stores, wholesale clubs, 'big-box' retailers, internet retailers and specialty stores offering alternative retail formats. Failure to develop and implement appropriate competitive strategies and the performance of the Company's competitors could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations, and financial condition.
In order to stay competitive and relevant to our customers, the Company's strategic plan for 2017 is centred on four strategic initiative workstreams: Sears 2.0, Initium, Real Estate, and SG&A. The achievement of strategic goals may be adversely affected by a wide range of factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. The inability to execute and integrate strategic plans could have a negative impact on the Company's current operations, market reputation, customer satisfaction and financial position. The Company's ability to implement and achieve its long-term strategic objectives is dependent on the achievement of these strategic plans and initiatives, as well as the availability of sufficient liquidity to fund these planned initiatives. There can be no assurance that such plans and initiatives will yield the expected results, either of which could cause the Company to fall short in achieving financial objectives and long-range goals.
Additional risk may arise when retailers carrying on business in Canada in competition with the Company engage in marketing activities which are not in full compliance with Canadian legal requirements regarding advertising and labeling rules and product quality standards. Such retailers may gain an unfair advantage and their activities may negatively affect the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company faces risks related to its liquidity and financial position.
The Company has had recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years, with net losses beginning in 2014. In response, the Company has taken a number of actions to enhance its financial flexibility, to fund its ongoing business operations and to meet its financial obligations, including the monetization of real estate assets and joint venture interests and the recent drawdown under the Term Credit Agreement. The Company expects to pursue other near-term actions to bolster liquidity and fund ongoing business operations. If the Company continues to incur losses, additional measures may be required to maintain the liquidity necessary to operate its business.
The success of the Company's strategic plan for 2017 is subject to risks and uncertainties with respect to market conditions and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, cash flow and performance to differ materially from its plans. The Company cannot be sure that cash flows and other internal and external sources of liquidity (including, if available, the second tranche of up to $175.0 million under the Term Credit Agreement) will at all times be sufficient for its ongoing cash requirements in 2017 or thereafter. If necessary, the Company may need to consider additional actions and steps to improve its cash position and address any potential liquidity shortfall, including further asset monetization transactions and seeking additional external sources of financing. The specific actions taken or assets involved, the timing, and the overall amounts involved will depend on a variety of
40
factors, including market conditions, interest in specific assets, the market valuations of those assets and the Company's underlying operating performance.
There can be no assurance that the Company's business will generate sufficient cash flow or that future borrowings or other sources of capital will be available to the Company in an amount sufficient to enable it to meet its financial obligations and fund its other liquidity needs. If future cash flow from operations and other capital resources are insufficient to pay obligations as they become due or to fund liquidity needs, the Company may need to take additional actions, including reducing or delaying business activities and capital expenditures, selling assets, and obtaining additional equity or debt capital. There can be no assurance that any such actions would be successful, including that any such external sources of capital would be available.
Material factors that could result in the Company being unable to fund working capital needs and other obligations, including the implementation of its strategic plan, include: failure to meet revenue projections, competition from online retailers, changes in consumer behaviour, unavailability of the second tranche under the Term Credit Agreement, suppliers refusing to extend credit or imposing unfavourable payment terms, anticipated savings not being achieved, deterioration of retail, market or economic conditions, delays or disruptions to strategic plan initiatives, and risks relating to successful implementation of the Company's ecommerce business.
Due to the seasonality of the Company's business, the Company's results of operations would be adversely affected if the Company's business performed poorly in the fourth quarter or as a result of unseasonable weather patterns.
The Company's operations are seasonal in nature with respect to results of operations and in products and services offered. Merchandise and service revenues vary by quarter based on consumer spending behaviour. Historically, the Company's revenues and earnings have been higher in the fourth quarter due to the holiday season and it has reported a disproportionate level of earnings in that quarter. In addition, the Company increases its cash used for operations in order to build inventory in the period leading up to the months of November and December in anticipation of higher sales volume in the fourth quarter. As a result, the fourth quarter results of operations significantly impact the Company's annual results of operations. The Company's fourth quarter results of operations may fluctuate significantly based on many factors, including holiday spending patterns and weather conditions. In addition, the Company offers many seasonal goods and services. The Company establishes budgeted inventory levels and promotional activity in accordance with its strategic initiatives and expected consumer demand. Businesses that generate revenue from the sale of seasonal merchandise and services are subject to the risk of changes in consumer spending behaviour as a result of unseasonable weather patterns.
If the Company fails to offer merchandise and services that the Company's customers want, the Company's sales may be limited, which would reduce the Company's revenues and profits and adversely impact its results of operations.
To be successful, the Company must identify, obtain supplies, and offer to customers attractive, relevant and high-quality merchandise and services on a continuous basis. Customer preferences may change over time. If the Company misjudges either the demand for products and services the Company sells or the Company's customers' purchasing habits and tastes, the Company may be faced with excess inventories of some products and missed opportunities for products and services the Company chose not to offer. This could have a negative effect on the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.
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The Company's results depend on its ability to achieve cost savings.
If the Company is unable to bring its SG&A expenses structure in line with its revenue, this could have an adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company's failure to retain its senior management team and to continue to attract qualified new personnel could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company's success is dependent on its ability to attract, motivate and retain senior leaders and other key personnel. The loss of one or more of the members of the Company's senior management may disrupt the Company's business and adversely affect its results of operations. Furthermore, the Company may not be successful in attracting, assimilating and retaining new personnel to grow its business profitably. The inability to attract and retain key personnel could have an adverse effect on the Company's business.
If the Company does not successfully manage its inventory levels, the Company's results of operations will be adversely affected.
The Company must maintain sufficient in-stock inventory levels to operate the business successfully while minimizing out-of-stock levels. A significant portion of inventory is sourced from vendors requiring advance notice periods in order to supply the quantities that we require. These lead times may adversely impact the Company's ability to respond to changing consumer preferences, resulting in inventory levels that are insufficient to meet demand or in merchandise that may have to be sold at lower prices. Inappropriate inventory levels or a failure to accurately anticipate the future demand for a particular product or the time it will take to obtain new inventory may negatively impact the Company's results of operations.
The Company has been unable to date to secure an agreement with a financial institution for the management of the Company's credit and financial services operations, which continues to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
On November 15, 2015, the program agreement between JPMorgan Chase and the Company relating to the Sears Card and Sears MasterCard credit cards expired. The Company continues to consider available options with respect to the future management of the credit and financial services operations, but does not expect it will be able to secure an agreement with substantially the same terms and conditions that it previously had with JPMorgan Chase, and there is a risk that the Company may not be able to secure a new agreement at all, which will continue to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
If the Company is unable to successfully implement and continue the Company's new consumer financing program, it could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
On March 18, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with easyfinancial Services Inc. to provide a nation-wide point of sale financing platform for customers on large ticket items. If the financing program does not retain and attract customers, this could have a negative effect on the Company's revenues and adversely impact the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
If the Company's new loyalty program is unable to attract and retain a sufficient amount of customers, it could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
On November 16, 2015, the Company launched its new and enhanced Sears Club loyalty program which allows customers to earn, and redeem points on purchases at Sears using cash or any debit or
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credit card accepted by Sears. If the loyalty program does not retain and attract customers, this could have a negative effect on the Company's revenues and adversely impact the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
If the Company is unable to migrate a sufficient amount of catalogue customers and business to online, it could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
The Company is purposefully reducing its catalogue space and engaging with customers to move them into the online arena. As the Company manages the migration and frequency from catalogue to online, catalogue sales may not convert to online sales as quickly or in the same volume as the Company expects and the Company may have to increase its marketing efforts and promotional offers to make this change happen in a shorter timeline. In addition, there is a risk that the secular decline of catalogue sales increases at a faster rate than the Company expects.
If the Company fails to successfully implement its new digital e-commerce platform nation-wide, it could adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
In 2016, the Company launched the new sears.ca website, incorporating a new technology platform and logistics systems nationally. The Company is currently experiencing operational and integration issues with this website, which the Company is working diligently to address and rectify. However, if it is unable to do so or the new e-commerce platform does not retain and attract customers or otherwise perform in a satisfactory manner, this could have a negative effect on the Company's revenues and reputation and adversely impact the Company's results of operation and financial condition.
The Company relies extensively on computer systems to process transactions, summarize results and manage its business. Disruptions in these systems could harm the Company's ability to run its business.
Given the number of individual transactions that the Company processes each year, it is critical that the Company maintains uninterrupted operation of its computer and communications hardware and software systems. These systems are subject to obsolescence, damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches, catastrophic events such as fires, natural disasters and adverse weather occurrences and usage errors by the Company's employees. If the systems are damaged or cease to function properly, the Company may have to make a significant investment to fix or replace them, may suffer interruptions in operations in the interim and the Company's reputation with its customers may be harmed.
The Company's ability to maintain sufficient inventory levels in its stores is critical to its success and largely depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of its computer and communications hardware and software systems. Any material interruption in the Company's computer operations may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company relies on foreign sources for significant amounts of its merchandise, and the Company's business may therefore be negatively affected by the risks associated with international trade.
The Company is dependent on a significant amount of products that originate from non-Canadian markets. In particular, the Company sources a significant amount of products from China. The Company is subject to the risks that are associated with the international sourcing and delivery of merchandise, including: potential economic, social, and political instability in jurisdictions where suppliers are located; structural integrity, health and fire safety of foreign factories; increased shipping costs, potential transportation delays and interruptions; adverse foreign currency fluctuations; changes in laws, rules and regulations pertaining to the export and import of products and quotas; and the imposition and collection of taxes and duties. Any increase in cost to the Company of merchandise
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purchased from foreign vendors or restriction on the merchandise made available to the Company by such vendors could have an adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
Damage to the reputations of the brands the Company sells could reduce the Company's revenues and profits and adversely impact the Company's results of operations.
As a diverse and multi-channel retailer, the Company promotes many brands as part of the Company's normal course of business. These brands include the Sears brand, Sears private label brands for product lines such as Jessica®, and non-proprietary brands exclusive to the Company. Damage to the reputation of these brands or the reputation of the suppliers of these brands could negatively impact consumer opinions of the Company or its related products and reduce its revenues and adversely impact its results of operations. In those circumstances, it may be difficult and costly for the Company to regain customer confidence.
If the Company's relationships with its significant suppliers were to be impaired, it could have a negative impact on the Company's competitive position and adversely impact its results of operations and financial condition.
Although the Company's business is not substantially dependent on any one supplier, its relationship with certain suppliers is of significance to its merchandising strategy, including attracting customers to its locations, cross-segment sales and image. The loss of a significant supplier relationship could result in lower revenues and decreased customer interest in the Company's stores, which, in turn, would adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition. In addition, the Company may not be able to develop relationships with new suppliers, and products from alternative sources, if any, may be of a lesser quality and more expensive than those the Company currently purchases.
The Company relies on third parties to provide it with services in connection with the administration of certain business functions.
The Company has agreements with third-party service providers (both domestic and international) to provide processing and administration functions over a broad range of areas. These areas include finance and accounting, information technology, call centre, payroll and procurement functions. Services provided by third parties as a part of outsourcing initiatives could be interrupted as a result of many factors, such as social or political unrest, natural disasters, extreme or unseasonable weather, acts of war or terrorism, systems breakdowns or power outages or other significant events outside of the Company's control, contract disputes, or failure by third parties to provide these services on a timely basis within service level expectations and performance standards, which could result in a disruption of the Company's business, and adversely affect the Company's results of operations. In addition, to the extent the Company is unable to maintain its outsourcing arrangements, it could incur substantial costs, including costs associated with hiring and training new employees, in order to return these services in-house. The Company is currently in the process of repatriating its call centre operations.
The Company relies on its relationship with a number of licensees to manage and operate the day-to-day operations of certain components of the Company's business.
The Company has licensing arrangements with various third parties. The financial instability of licensees and their inability to fulfill the terms and obligations under their respective agreements with the Company could potentially have a negative effect on the Company's revenues with respect to these arrangements and could cause the Company to incur substantial costs, including moving the services in-house or finding an alternative third party to perform the services.
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Certain of the Company's licensees have recently experienced financial difficulties. On May 27, 2015, TravelBrands Inc. ("TravelBrands") sought and obtained an initial order under the Companies' Creditors Arrangements Act (Canada). The Ontario Superior Court of Justice granted TravelBrands the protections afforded by a stay of proceedings while it continued to pursue restructuring initiatives. TravelBrands exited creditor protection subsequent to the end of Fiscal 2015, and continues to be a licensee of the Company, as the Company signed a new contract with TravelBrands with a revised commission structure during Fiscal 2015. TravelBrands manages the day-to-day operations of all Sears Travel offices and pays fees to the Company.
The lack of willingness of the Company's vendors to provide acceptable payment terms could negatively impact the Company's liquidity and/or reduce the availability of products or services that the Company seeks to procure and sell.
The Company depends on its vendors to provide it with financing for the Company's purchases of inventory and services. The Company's vendors could seek to limit the availability of vendor credit to the Company or modify other terms under which they sell to the Company, or both, which could negatively impact the Company's liquidity. This could include actions such as slowing or ceasing merchandise shipments or requiring or conditioning the sale or shipment of merchandise on new payment terms or other assurances. Such outcomes could have a negative effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the inability of the Company's vendors to access liquidity, or financial difficulties experienced by the Company's vendors, could lead to their failure to deliver inventory or other services to the Company. Certain of the Company's vendors may finance their operations and/or reduce the risk associated with collecting accounts receivable from the Company by selling or "factoring" the receivables or by purchasing credit insurance or other forms of protection from loss associated with the Company's credit risks. The ability of the Company's vendors to do so is subject to the Company's perceived credit quality. The Company's vendors could be limited in their ability to factor receivables or obtain credit protection in the future because of the Company's perceived financial position and creditworthiness, which could reduce the availability of products or services the Company seeks to procure and sell or increase the cost to the Company of those products and services.
The Company may be subject to product liability claims if people or properties are harmed by the products the Company sells or the services it offers.
The Company sells products produced by third party manufacturers. Some of these products may expose the Company to product liability claims relating to personal injury, death or property damage caused by such products and may require the Company to take actions, such as product recalls. In addition, the Company also provides various services which could give rise to such claims. Although the Company maintains liability insurance to mitigate these potential claims, the Company cannot be certain that its coverage will be adequate for liabilities actually incurred or that insurance will continue to be available on economically reasonable terms or at all.
Product liability claims can be expensive to defend and can divert the attention of management and other personnel for significant periods, regardless of the ultimate outcome. Claims of this nature, as well as product recalls, could also have a negative impact on customer confidence in the products and services the Company offers and on the Company's reputation, and adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
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If the Company does not maintain the security of its customers, employees or Company information, the Company could damage its reputation, incur substantial additional costs and become subject to litigation.
Cyber-security risks, such as malicious software and attempts to gain unauthorized access to data, are rapidly evolving. Technologies or software used to gain unauthorized access, and/or disable, degrade or harm the Company's systems may be difficult to detect or scope for prolonged periods of time, and the Company may be unable to anticipate these actions or put in place adequate protective or preventative measures. These attempts to gain unauthorized access could lead to disruptions in the Company's systems, unauthorized release of confidential or otherwise protected information or corruption of data. If these actions are successful in infiltrating, breaking into, disrupting, damaging or otherwise stealing from the Company's computer systems or those of its third party providers, the Company may have to make significant investments to fix or replace them, may suffer interruptions in its operations in the interim, and may face costly litigation, government investigations, government enforcement actions, fines and/or lawsuits, the ability of customers to shop with the Company may be impacted or halted, and the Company's reputation with its customers and the public may be significantly harmed. There is no guarantee that the procedures implemented by the Company to protect against unauthorized access to secured data will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches. A data security breach or any failure by the Company to comply with applicable privacy and information security laws and regulations could result in a loss of customer or public confidence and negatively impact the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company may be subject to failure of its IT systems and to data breaches.
The Company depends on the uninterrupted operation of its IT systems, networks and services, including internal and public internet sites, data hosting and processing facilities, cloud-based services and hardware, such as point-of-sale processing at stores, to operate its business.
The Company has implemented security measures, including employee training, monitoring and testing, maintenance of protective systems and contingency plans, to protect and to prevent unauthorized access of confidential information and to reduce the likelihood of disruptions to its IT systems. The Company also has security processes, protocols and standards that are applicable to its third party service providers.
Despite these measures, all of the Company's information systems, including its back-up systems and any third party service provider systems that it employs, are vulnerable to damage, interruption, disability or failures due to a variety of reasons, including physical theft, electronic theft, fire, power loss, computer and telecommunication failures or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other known or unknown disruptive events.
The Company or its third party service providers may be unable to anticipate, timely identify, or appropriately respond, to one or more of the rapidly evolving and increasingly sophisticated means by which computer hackers, cyber terrorists and others may attempt to breach the Company's security measures or those of our third party service providers' information systems.
The Company is subject to payment-related risks that could increase its operating costs, expose the Company to fraud or theft, subject the Company to potential liability and potentially disrupt the Company's business operations.
As a retailer who accepts payments using a variety of methods, including credit and debit cards, and gift cards, the Company is subject to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and
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certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to the business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs or accelerate these costs.
For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, the Company pays interchange and other fees, which could increase over time and raise the Company's operating costs. The Company relies on third parties to provide payment processing services, including the processing of credit cards, debit cards, and other forms of electronic payment. If these parties are unable to provide these services to the Company, or if their systems are compromised, it could disrupt the Company's business.
The payment methods that the Company offers also subject the Company to potential fraud and theft by persons who seek to obtain unauthorized access to or exploit any weaknesses that may exist in the payment systems.
The Company is subject to a number of long-term real estate leases which could restrict the Company's ability to respond to changes in demographics or the retail environment and adversely impact the Company's results of operations.
As of January 28, 2017, the Company operated a total of 95 full-line department stores, 141 specialty stores (including 26 Sears Home stores, 14 Outlet stores, 69 Hometown stores operated under independent local ownership and 32 Corbeil stores), 830 catalogue and online merchandise pick-up locations and 62 Sears Travel offices. Company-owned stores consist of 10 full-line department stores (including two stores that are included in our Outlet channel based on their merchandise mix) and two Sears Home stores, with the majority of the remainder held under long-term leases. While the Company is able to change its merchandise mix and relocate stores in order to maintain competitiveness, the Company is restricted from vacating a current site without breaching its contractual obligations and incurring lease-related expenses for the remaining portion of the lease-term. The long-term nature of the leases may limit the Company's ability to respond in a timely manner to changes in the demographic or retail environment at any location, which could adversely affect the Company's results of operations. In addition, when leases for the stores in the Company's ongoing operations expire, the Company may be unable to negotiate renewals, either on commercially acceptable terms, or at all, which could cause us to close stores. Accordingly, the Company is subject to the risks associated with leasing real estate, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's results of operations.
The Company may be subject to legal proceedings if the Company violates the operating covenants in its real estate leases that could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
As of January 28, 2017, the Company had operating covenants with landlords for approximately 95 Sears brand corporate stores. An operating covenant generally requires the Company, during normal operating hours, to operate a store continuously in the identified format as required in the lease agreement. As of January 28, 2017, the remaining term of the various Sears operating covenants ranged from less than one year to 28 years, with an average remaining term of approximately five years, excluding options to extend leases. Failure to observe operating covenants may result in legal proceedings against the Company, as well as termination of the applicable lease, and adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
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The Company is subject to laws and regulations that impact its business and a failure to comply with such laws and regulations could lead to lawsuits or regulatory actions against the Company that could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations.
Laws and regulations are in place to protect the interests and well-being of the Company's customers and communities, business partners, suppliers, employees, shareholders and creditors. Changes to laws, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of laws, regulations and regulatory policies, could adversely affect the Company's business and results of operations. In addition, the Company may incur significant costs in the course of complying with any changes to applicable laws, regulations and regulatory policies.
The Company's failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or regulatory policies could result in a judicial or regulatory judgment or sanctions and financial penalties that could adversely impact the Company's reputation, business and results of operations. Although the Company believes that it has taken reasonable measures designed to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations and regulatory policies in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business, there is no assurance that the Company will always be in compliance or determined to be in compliance.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including those related to foreign private issuers and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and related regulations implemented by securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the United States are creating uncertainty for foreign private issuers, increasing legal and financial compliance costs, and making some activities more time consuming. The Company is currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to new and proposed rules and cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs it may incur or the timing of such costs. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed. The costs of compliance or our failure to comply with these laws, rules and regulations could adversely affect our reputation, business, results of operations, financial condition and the price of our common shares.
The Company may lose its foreign private issuer status under United States securities laws in the future, which could result in significant additional costs and expenses to the Company.
In order to maintain the Company's current status as a foreign private issuer ("FPI") under U.S. federal securities laws, a majority of the Company's common shares must be directly or indirectly owned of record by non-U.S. residents subject to the following: if the majority of the Company's common shares are owned of record by U.S. residents, and any of (i) the majority of the Company's executive officers or directors are U.S. citizens or residents, (ii) more than 50% of the Company's assets are located in the United States or (iii) the Company's business is administered principally in the United Sates, then the Company would lose its FPI status. The Company currently qualifies as a FPI, but there can be no assurance that it will continue to meet these requirements in the future. The regulatory and compliance costs to the Company under U.S. federal securities laws as a U.S. domestic issuer may be significantly more than the costs the Company incurs as a Canadian FPI. If the Company ceases to be a FPI, it would not be eligible to use the multijurisdictional disclosure system or other foreign issuer forms and would be required to file periodic and current reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms with the SEC, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms currently available to the Company. The Company may also be required to prepare its financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and these additional reporting obligations could be costly and have a negative impact on the Company's financial condition.
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The Company is required to comply with federal and provincial environmental laws and regulations, the cost of which may adversely affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is exposed to environmental risk as an owner, lessor and lessee of property. Under federal and provincial laws, the owner, lessor or lessee could be liable for the costs of removal and remediation of certain hazardous substances on its properties or disposed of at other locations. The failure to remove or remediate such substances, if any, could lead to claims against the Company.
The Company is currently remediating various locations across Canada where it has operated auto centres, gas bars and a logistics facility. In some cases, the extent of the remediation and the costs thereof have not yet been determined. The Company continues to monitor the costs of remediation and appropriately provide for these costs in its reserves. If we commit to renovating a leased or owned building that contains or may contain asbestos, or if asbestos is inadvertently disturbed, we will be legally obligated to comply with asbestos removal standards. The extent of this liability has not yet been determined because the costs to remove asbestos depend on various factors, including, among others, the location and extent of any renovations undertaken. Inadvertent disturbance of asbestos cannot be foreseen. The costs incurred by the Company could be significant and may negatively impact the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is exposed to a variety of legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits, and tax audits which, if adversely decided, could materially adversely affect the Company.
The Company is currently involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. Although the Company is of the view that the final disposition of any such litigation is not expected to have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, consolidated financial position or results of operations, the outcome of such litigation cannot be predicted with certainty. As a result, it could have an adverse impact on the Company's reputation and ultimately a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities. While we believe that the Company's tax filing positions are appropriate and supportable, periodically, certain matters are reviewed and from time to time are challenged by the tax authorities. As the Company routinely evaluates and provides for potentially unfavorable outcomes with respect to any tax audits, it believes that the final disposition of tax audits will not have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, financial position or results of operations. If the result of a tax audit materially differs from the existing provisions, the Company's effective tax rate and impact on liquidity could be affected positively or negatively in the period in which the tax audits are completed.
The Company's results of operations may be adversely impacted if insurance coverage is deemed insufficient or if the Company or the insurance industry is affected by unexpected material events.
The Company maintains directors and officers insurance, liability insurance, and property insurance and this insurance coverage reflects deductibles, self-insured retentions, limits of liability and similar provisions. Although the Company has taken measures to ensure that it has the appropriate coverage, including maintaining an annual reserve for liability claims, there is no guarantee that the Company's insurance coverage will be sufficient, or that insurance proceeds will be paid to us in a timely manner. In addition, there are types of losses we may incur but against which we cannot be insured or which we believe are not economically reasonable to insure, such as losses due to acts of war and certain natural disasters or business interruption. If we incur these losses and they are material, our business, operating results and financial condition may be adversely affected. Also, certain material events may result in sizable losses for the insurance industry and materially adversely impact the availability of adequate insurance coverage or result in significant premium increases. Accordingly, we may elect to
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self-insure, accept higher deductibles or reduce the amount of coverage in response to such market changes.
Events outside the Company's control such as social or political unrest, natural disasters, extreme or unseasonable weather, acts of war or terrorism, systems breakdowns or power outages could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company's business is sensitive to customers' spending patterns, which may be affected by domestic and international social or political unrest, natural disasters, extreme or unseasonable weather, acts of war or terrorism, or other significant events outside of the Company's control, any of which could lead to a decrease in spending by consumers. In addition, such events as well as systems breakdowns and power outages could cause store closures, disrupt supply chain or other operations, delay shipments of merchandise to consumers, reduce revenue and result in expenses to repair or replace facilities. Disruptions during a peak season, such as the month of December, which may account for up to 40% of a year's earnings, could have a particularly adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.
The Company's business could suffer if it is unsuccessful in making, integrating, and maintaining acquisitions and investments.
From time to time we pursue strategic acquisitions of, joint arrangements with, or investments in, other companies or businesses, although the Company has no present commitments with respect to any material acquisitions or investments. Any such acquisition, joint arrangement or investment may require the Company to spend its cash, or incur debt, contingent liabilities, or amortization expenses related to intangible assets, any of which could reduce the Company's short-term liquidity and harm its business. Acquisitions, joint arrangements and investments also increase the complexity of the Company's business and strain its management, personnel, operations, supply chain, financial resources, and internal financial controls and reporting functions. The Company may not be able to manage acquisitions, joint arrangements or investments effectively, which could damage the Company's reputation, limit its growth and adversely affect its business and results of operations.
Financial Risks
The Company's business has been and will continue to be affected by Canadian and worldwide economic conditions; worsening of current economic conditions could lead to reduced revenues and gross margins, and negatively impact the Company's liquidity.
The Company plans its operations giving regard to economic and financial variables that are beyond its control. Changes to these variables may adversely impact the Company's performance. Should current economic conditions worsen, heightened competition, a decline in consumer confidence, lower disposable income, higher unemployment and personal debt levels may result, which could lead to reduced demand for the Company's products and services. Any of these events could cause the Company to increase inventory markdowns and promotional expenses, thereby reducing the Company's gross margins and adversely affecting results of operations. If the Canadian or global economies worsen, the Company could experience a decline in same store sales, erosion of gross profit and profitability.
Volatility in fuel and energy costs may have a significant impact on the Company's operations. The Company requires significant quantities of fuel for the vehicles used to distribute and deliver inventory and the Company is exposed to the risk associated with variations in the market price for petroleum products. The Company could experience a disruption in energy supplies, including its supply of gasoline, as a result of factors that are beyond the Company's control, which could have an adverse effect on the Company's business. In addition, if certain of the Company's vendors experience increases
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in the cost of products they purchase due to the strengthening of the U.S. dollar, it could result in increases in the prices that the Company pays for merchandise, particularly apparel and appliances, and adversely affect the Company's results of operations. During Fiscal 2016, Adjusted EBITDA was negatively impacted by $59.5 million due to the weakening Canadian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar.
Limits on the availability of financing may affect the Company's access to liquidity.
In addition to credit terms from vendors, the Company's liquidity needs are funded by its operating cash flows, borrowings under credit facilities, asset sales and, if available, access to capital markets. The availability of financing depends on numerous factors, including economic and market conditions, the Company's operating performance, and lenders' assessments of the Company's prospects and the prospects of the retail industry in general. Changes in these factors may affect the cost of financing, liquidity and ability to access financing sources.
While the Amended Credit Facility currently provides for up to $300.0 million of lender commitments, availability under the Amended Credit Facility is determined pursuant to a borrowing base formula based on eligible assets consisting of inventory and credit card receivables less applicable reserves which may be applied by the lenders at their discretion pursuant to the Amended Credit Facility. Availability under the Term Credit Agreement is also based on a borrowing base formula based on eligible assets consisting of inventory and credit card receivables and, to the extent the second tranche is advanced, eligible qualifying real estate and leasehold interests, less applicable reserves applied by the lenders at their discretion under the Term Credit Agreement. If the value of eligible assets, net of any applicable reserves, are not sufficient to support borrowings of up to the full amount of the commitments under the facility, the Company will not have full access to the facility and additional reserves are required to be imposed under the Amended Credit Facility with the result that the Company could have access to a lesser amount as determined by the borrowing base and reserve estimates applicable under the Amended Credit Facility and the Term Credit Agreement. Availability under the Amended Credit Facility was $192.3 million as at January 28, 2017. The Term Credit Agreement provides for a five-year secured term loan of up to $300.0 million. The loan is available in two tranches: a first tranche of $125.0 million, which was drawn in full by the Company on March 20, 2017, and a second tranche of up to a further $175.0 million (to be secured by qualifying owned and leased real estate), which is available to be drawn at the Company's option, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions, including receipt by the lenders of satisfactory appraisals and environmental reports. The first tranche is secured on a subordinated basis behind the Amended Credit Facility on inventory, credit card receivables and other assets securing that facility, and the second tranche will be secured by a first charge on owned and leased real estate that satisfy mutually agreed eligibility criteria. The availability of the second tranche will also be subject to the acceptance by the lenders of the real estate and leasehold interests proposed by the Company and by the Company satisfying specified conditions, including receipt by the lenders of satisfactory appraisals and environmental reports. Accordingly, there can be no assurance the Company will receive the full (or any) amount of the second tranche.
The lenders under our credit facilities may not be able to meet their commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity and there can be no assurance that the Company's ability to otherwise access the credit markets will not be adversely affected by changes in the financial markets and the global economy.
Fluctuations in U.S. and Canadian dollar exchange rates may adversely impact the Company's results of operations.
The Company's foreign exchange risk is currently limited to currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. The Company is vulnerable to increases in the value of the U.S. dollar
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relative to the Canadian dollar because almost all of its revenues are denominated in Canadian dollars and a substantial amount of the merchandise the Company purchases is priced in U.S. dollars. The cost of these goods in Canadian dollars rises when the U.S. dollar increases in value relative to the Canadian dollar and, as a result, the Company may be forced to increase its prices or reduce its gross margins. We may use foreign currency forward and option contracts to hedge the exchange rate risk on a portion of the Company's expected requirement for U.S. dollars. There can be no assurance that the Company's hedging efforts will achieve their intended results or that the Company's estimate of its requirement for U.S. dollars will be accurate, with the result that currency fluctuations may have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations. Also, hedging efforts may have the effect of limiting or reducing the total returns to the Company if management's expectations concerning future events prove to be incorrect, in which case the costs associated with the hedging efforts may outweigh their benefits. Furthermore, many vendors who are paid in Canadian dollars may have significant costs that are priced in U.S. dollars. Such vendors may seek to increase prices charged to the Company for goods and services and, as a result, the Company may be forced to increase its prices or reduce its gross margins.
The Term Credit Agreement, and compliance with the borrowing base thereunder, is calculated and determined in U.S. dollars.
In addition, any significant appreciation of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar presents an additional challenge to the Company as its customers are motivated to cross-border shop, which may have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations.
The Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk which could adversely affect its results of operations.
Credit risk refers to the possibility that the Company can suffer financial losses due to the failure of counterparties to meet their payment obligations to the Company. Exposure to credit risk exists for derivative instruments, cash, accounts receivable and investments included in other long-term assets. Cash, accounts receivable, derivative financial assets and other long-term assets of $303.0 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $381.2 million) expose the Company to credit risk should the borrower default on maturity of the investment.
Although the Company seeks to manage this exposure through policies that require borrowers to have a minimum credit rating of A, and limiting investments with individual borrowers at maximum levels based on credit rating, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully manage its credit risk.
The Company invests its surplus cash in investment grade, short-term money market instruments, the return on which depends upon interest rates and the creditworthiness of the issuer. The Company attempts to mitigate credit risk resulting from the possibility that an issuer may default on repayment by requiring that issuers have a minimum credit rating and limiting exposures to individual borrowers.
Expenses associated with the Company's retirement benefit plans may fluctuate significantly depending on changes in actuarial assumptions, future market performance of plan assets, and other events outside of the Company's control and adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
The Company currently maintains a hybrid registered pension plan with a defined benefit component, a non-registered supplemental savings arrangement and a defined benefit non-pension retirement plan, which provides life insurance, medical and dental benefits to eligible retired employees through a health and welfare trust. The defined benefit component of the hybrid registered pension plan continues to accrue benefits related to future compensation increases although no further service credit is earned. In addition, the Company no longer provides medical, dental and life insurance
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benefits at retirement for employees who had not achieved the eligibility criteria for these non-pension retirement benefits as at December 31, 2008.
There is no assurance that the Company's retirement benefit plans will be able to earn the assumed rate of return. New regulations, regulatory orders, changes in actuarial assumptions and market driven changes may result in changes in the discount rates and other variables which would result in the Company being required to make contributions in the future that differ significantly from the estimates.
Management is required to use assumptions to account for the plans in conformity with IFRS. However, actual future experience will differ from these assumptions giving rise to actuarial gains or losses, and those differences may be material. Plan assets consist primarily of cash, alternative investments, marketable equity and fixed income securities. The value of the marketable equity and fixed income investments will fluctuate due to changes in market prices. Plan obligations and annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a number of assumptions.
Although the Company believes that the assumptions used in the actuarial valuation process are reasonable, there remains a degree of risk and uncertainty which may cause results to differ materially from expectations. Significant assumptions in measuring the benefit obligations and pension plan costs include the discount rate and the rate of compensation increase. See Note 19.4 "Pension assumptions" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for Fiscal 2016 for more information on the actuarial assumptions for the plans.
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk which could adversely affect its results of operations.
Interest rate risk reflects the sensitivity of the Company's financial condition to movements in interest rates. Financial assets and liabilities which do not bear interest or bear interest at fixed rates are classified as non-interest rate sensitive. Cash, and borrowings under the Company's credit facilities are subject to interest rate risk. The total outstanding balance subject to interest rate risk as at January 28, 2017 was a net asset of $235.8 million (January 30, 2016: $315.2 million). An increase or decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points (0.25%) would cause an after-tax impact on net loss of $0.4 million.
The Company faces risks associated with impairment of intangible and other long-lived assets.
The Company's intangible assets and long-lived assets, primarily consisting of stores, are subject to periodic testing for impairment. A significant amount of judgment is involved in the periodic testing. Failure to achieve sufficient levels of cash flow within each of the Company's cash generating units or specific operating units could result in impairment charges for intangible assets or long-lived assets, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's reported results of operations.
Risks Relating to the Company's Relationship with Sears Holdings
The Company may lose rights to material intellectual property if Sears Holdings' equity ownership in the Company falls below specified thresholds or in other circumstances involving financial distress.
The Company relies on its right to use the "Sears" name, including as part of the Company's corporate and commercial name, which the Company considers a significant and valuable aspect of its business. The Company's right to use the "Sears" name and certain other brand names is subject to the terms of the license agreement with Sears, Roebuck and Co. dated January 26, 1987, as amended (the "License Agreement"), which states that, if Sears Holdings' ownership interest in the Company is reduced to less than 10.0%, the License Agreement would remain in effect for a period of five years after such reduction in ownership (subject to an extension of up to four years at a royalty rate to be agreed equal to the lesser of a fair market rate based on the value of such mark or the lowest rate which
53
will provide a reasonable incentive to induce Sears Canada to phase out the use of such mark during such extended period, if the Company reasonably determines that a longer transition is necessary), after which the Company would no longer be permitted to use the "Sears" name and certain other brand names. In addition, the License Agreement also provides that the Company's license to use the "Sears" name and certain other brand names will terminate on the occurrence of certain bankruptcy events involving the Company. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy proceeding involving Sears Holdings, there is a risk of the License Agreement being terminated under applicable U.S. insolvency legislation. Losing the right to use these intellectual properties could significantly diminish the Company's competitiveness in the marketplace and could materially harm the business. If the License Agreement is terminated, the Company may attempt to renegotiate such agreement although the terms of any such renegotiated agreement may be less favourable to the Company.
Sears Holdings publicly disclosed on March 21, 2017 that, based on its historical operating results, substantial doubt exists as to its ability to continue as a going concern. As a result, there may be an increased risk of the License Agreement being terminated in a bankruptcy proceeding involving Sears Holdings at some point in the future.
Some of the Company's directors may be subject to potential conflicts of interest because of their relationship with ESL or Sears Holdings, including ownership of its common stock.
Some of the Company's directors are employees of ESL or Sears Holdings and may own Sears Holdings or ESL common stock. These relationships could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving both the Company and Sears Holdings or ESL.
Risks Relating to Our Common Shares
As long as ESL exerts significant voting influence over the Company, a shareholder's ability to influence matters requiring shareholder approval will be limited.
ESL is the largest shareholder of the Company, both directly through its ownership of common shares of the Company, and indirectly through its ownership in Sears Holdings. Prior to October 16, 2014, Sears Holdings was the controlling shareholder of the Company.
As at April 26, 2017, ESL was the beneficial holder of approximately 45.3% of the common shares of the Company and Sears Holdings was the beneficial holder of approximately 11.7%, of the common shares of the Company.
So long as ESL directly or indirectly controls the Company through its ownership of our common shares, it will have the ability to control the election of the Board of Directors and the outcome of certain shareholder votes. Accordingly, ESL will have the ability to exercise control over certain actions to be taken or approved by the Company's directors and shareholders, including with respect to mergers or business combinations or dispositions of all or substantially all of our assets.
ESL's voting control may discourage transactions involving a change of control of the Company, including transactions in which shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over the then-current market price. Subject to certain limits, ESL is also not prohibited from selling a controlling interest in the Company to a third party and may do so without shareholder approval and, subject to applicable laws, without providing for a purchase of other shareholders' common shares. Accordingly, shareholders' common shares may be worth less than they would be if ESL did not maintain voting control over the Company.
ESL's interests may be different than other shareholders' interests and Sears Holdings and ESL may have investments in other companies that compete with the Company and may have interests that
54
from time to time diverge from the interests of the Company's other shareholders, particularly with regard to new investment opportunities.
In addition, conflicts of interest may arise between Sears Holdings and/or ESL and the Company, including corporate opportunities, potential acquisitions or transactions as well as other matters. The Company may be adversely affected by any conflicts of interest between Sears Holdings and/or ESL and the Company. Furthermore, neither Sears Holdings nor ESL owes the Company or the Company's shareholders any fiduciary duties under Canadian law.
If Sears Holdings were to experiences financial difficulty, it is not possible to predict with certainty the jurisdiction or jurisdictions in which insolvency or similar proceedings would be commenced or the outcome of such proceedings. If a bankruptcy, insolvency or similar event occurs, there could be proceedings involving Sears Holdings in the United States or elsewhere and it is possible that the Company could be made a part of these proceedings.
The price of the Company's common shares may decline if ESL or Sears Holdings alter their strategy with respect to their ownership of the Company's shares.
ESL and Sears Holdings have advised the Company that they have not reached any decision regarding whether or for how long they will retain their share ownership in the Company and what form, if any, the disposition or distribution of their common shares will take. ESL and Sears Holdings will, in their respective sole discretions, determine the timing and terms of any transactions with respect to their common shares, taking into account business and market conditions and other factors that they deem relevant. Neither ESL or Sears Holdings are subject to any contractual obligation to maintain their ownership position in the Company, nor is ESL subject to any contractual obligation to the Company to maintain its ownership in Sears Holdings. Consequently, we cannot be assured that either ESL or Sears Holdings will maintain its current direct or indirect ownership of the Company's common shares. Any announcement by ESL or Sears Holdings that they have reached a determination regarding what to do with their direct or indirect ownership of our common shares, or the perception by the investment community that ESL or Sears Holdings has reached such a determination, could have an adverse impact on the price of the Company's common shares as well as our business generally.
The market price of the Company's common shares is subject to market value fluctuations.
From time to time, the stock market experiences significant price and volume volatility that may affect the market price of the Company's common shares for reasons unrelated to its performance. The value of the Company's common shares is also subject to market value fluctuations based on factors which influence its operations, such as legislative or regulatory developments, competition, technological change and global capital market activity.
55
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation and presentation of the Company's consolidated financial statements and the overall accuracy and integrity of the Company's financial reporting are the responsibility of management. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), and include certain amounts that are based on management's best estimates and judgments. Financial information contained elsewhere in this Annual Report is consistent with the information set out in the consolidated financial statements.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, management has developed and maintains an extensive system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting processes that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded, transactions are properly recorded and reported within the required time periods, and financial records are reliable for the preparation of the financial statements. The Company's internal auditors also review and evaluate internal controls on behalf of management.
The Board of Directors monitors management's fulfillment of its responsibilities for financial reporting and internal controls principally through the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee, which is comprised solely of independent directors, meets regularly with management, the internal audit department and the Company's external auditors to review and discuss audit activity and results, internal accounting controls and financial reporting matters. The external auditors and the internal audit department have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, management and the Company's records. The Audit Committee is also responsible for recommending to the Board of Directors the proposed nomination of the external auditors for appointment by the shareholders. Based upon the review and recommendation of the Audit Committee, the consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis have been approved by the Board of Directors.
The Company's external auditors, Deloitte LLP, have audited the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the IASB.
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Brandon G. Stranzl Executive Chairman | | Billy Wong Chief Financial Officer |
Toronto, Ontario
April 26, 2017
56
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. The control framework used by the Company's management to assess the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting is theInternal Control-Integrated Framework 2013 (COSO framework) published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Internal control systems, regardless of superiority in design, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems that have been determined to have been designed effectively can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial reporting and financial statement preparation.
Management of the Company, including its Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the Company's internal control over financial reporting and has concluded that it was effective as at January 28, 2017.
Deloitte LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017, has issued its opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting as stated in their report included herein.
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Brandon G. Stranzl Executive Chairman | | Billy Wong Chief Financial Officer |
Toronto, Ontario
April 26, 2017
57
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sears Canada Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Sears Canada Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company"), which comprise the consolidated statements of financial position as at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, and the consolidated statements of net loss and comprehensive loss, consolidated statements of changes in shareholders' equity, and consolidated statements of cash flows for the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's Responsibility for the Consolidated Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
Auditor's Responsibility
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we comply with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sears Canada Inc. and subsidiaries as at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016, and their financial performance and their cash flows for the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.
Other Matter
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of
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January 28, 2017, based on the criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated April 26, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
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Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
April 26, 2017
Toronto, Canada
59
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Sears Canada Inc.
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Sears Canada Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 28, 2017, based on the criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2017, based on the criteria established inInternal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated
60
financial statements as of and for the 52 week-period ended January 28, 2017 of the Company and our report dated April 26, 2017 expressed an unmodified/unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
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Chartered Professional Accountants
Licensed Public Accountants
April 26, 2017
Toronto, Canada
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
| | | | | | |
Consolidated Financial Statements | | | | |
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position | | | 63 | |
Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss | | | 64 | |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity | | | 65 | |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | | | 66 | |
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | | | | |
Note 1: | | General information | | | 67 | |
Note 2: | | Significant accounting policies | | | 67 | |
Note 3: | | Issued standards not yet adopted | | | 78 | |
Note 4: | | Critical accounting judgments and key sources of estimation uncertainty | | | 79 | |
Note 5: | | Cash and interest income | | | 82 | |
Note 6: | | Accounts receivable, net | | | 83 | |
Note 7: | | Inventories | | | 83 | |
Note 8: | | Prepaid expenses | | | 83 | |
Note 9: | | Property, plant and equipment and investment properties | | | 84 | |
Note 10: | | Intangible assets | | | 86 | |
Note 11: | | Other long-term assets | | | 87 | |
Note 12: | | Deferred revenue | | | 87 | |
Note 13: | | Financial instruments | | | 88 | |
Note 14: | | Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | 90 | |
Note 15: | | Provisions | | | 91 | |
Note 16: | | Long-term obligations and finance costs | | | 92 | |
Note 17: | | Other long-term liabilities | | | 93 | |
Note 18: | | Leasing arrangements | | | 93 | |
Note 19: | | Retirement benefit plans | | | 94 | |
Note 20: | | Contingent liabilities | | | 101 | |
Note 21: | | Income taxes | | | 102 | |
Note 22: | | Capital stock and share-based compensation | | | 104 | |
Note 23: | | Capital disclosures | | | 104 | |
Note 24: | | Revenue | | | 105 | |
Note 25: | | Employee benefits expense | | | 105 | |
Note 26: | | Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions | | | 106 | |
Note 27: | | Gain on termination of credit card arrangement | | | 106 | |
Note 28: | | Assets classified as held for sale | | | 107 | |
Note 29: | | Related party transactions | | | 107 | |
Note 30: | | Key management personnel compensation | | | 109 | |
Note 31: | | Net loss per share | | | 109 | |
Note 32: | | Changes in non-cash working capital balances | | | 109 | |
Note 33: | | Changes in non-cash long-term assets and liabilities | | | 110 | |
Note 34: | | Events after the reporting period | | | 110 | |
Note 35: | | Approval of the consolidated financial statements | | | 110 | |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
| | | | | | | | | |
(in CAD millions) | | Notes | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
ASSETS | | | | | | | | | |
Current assets | | | | | | | | | |
Cash | | 5 | | $ | 235.8 | | $ | 313.9 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | 6,13,15 | | | 67.1 | | | 59.4 | |
Income taxes recoverable | | 21 | | | 12.3 | | | 35.9 | |
Inventories | | 7 | | | 598.5 | | | 664.8 | |
Prepaid expenses | | 8 | | | 34.5 | | | 31.0 | |
Derivative financial assets | | 13 | | | 0.1 | | | 6.6 | |
Assets classified as held for sale | | 28 | | | 57.0 | | | 22.1 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | | | 1,005.3 | | | 1,133.7 | |
Non-current assets | | | | | | | | | |
Property, plant and equipment | | 9,18 | | | 227.1 | | | 444.1 | |
Investment properties | | 9 | | | 2.0 | | | 17.0 | |
Intangible assets | | 10 | | | 2.0 | | | 22.5 | |
Deferred tax assets | | 21 | | | 0.7 | | | 0.6 | |
Other long-term assets | | 11,13,15,16 | | | 7.3 | | | 15.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total assets | | | | $ | 1,244.4 | | $ | 1,633.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES | | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | 13,14 | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 332.7 | |
Deferred revenue | | 12 | | | 136.1 | | | 158.3 | |
Provisions | | 15 | | | 61.6 | | | 75.8 | |
Income taxes payable | | | | | 0.6 | | | 2.6 | |
Other taxes payable | | | | | 22.3 | | | 17.3 | |
Derivative financial liabilities | | 13 | | | 0.6 | | | — | |
Current portion of long-term obligations | | 13,16,18,23 | | | 3.7 | | | 4.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | | | 544.7 | | | 590.7 | |
Non-current liabilities | | | | | | | | | |
Long-term obligations | | 13,16,18,23 | | | 16.6 | | | 20.2 | |
Deferred revenue | | 12 | | | 69.4 | | | 74.2 | |
Retirement benefit liability | | 13,19 | | | 308.6 | | | 326.9 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | 15,17 | | | 82.9 | | | 67.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | | | 1,022.2 | | | 1,079.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | | | | | | |
Capital stock | | 22 | | | 14.9 | | | 14.9 | |
Share-based compensation reserve | | 22 | | | 3.1 | | | — | |
Retained earnings | | | | | 418.0 | | | 739.0 | |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | | | (213.8 | ) | | (199.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Total shareholders' equity | | 23 | | | 222.2 | | | 554.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | | | | $ | 1,244.4 | | $ | 1,633.2 | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors,
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B.G.Stranzl | | G.Savage |
Executive Chairman and Director | | Director |
63
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
| | | | | | | | | |
(in CAD millions, except per share amounts) | | Notes | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
Revenue | | 24 | | $ | 2,613.6 | | $ | 3,145.7 | |
Cost of goods and services sold | | 7,13,25 | | | 1,900.5 | | | 2,145.9 | |
Selling, administrative and other expenses | | 9,10,13,18,19,25 | | | 1,135.5 | | | 1,298.1 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | | | (422.4 | ) | | (298.3 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions | | 26 | | | 105.9 | | | 67.2 | |
Gain on termination of credit card arrangement | | 27 | | | — | | | 170.7 | |
Gain on settlement of retirement benefits | | 19, 25 | | | — | | | 5.1 | |
Finance costs | | 16,18,21 | | | 8.9 | | | 9.7 | |
Interest income | | 5 | | | 7.2 | | | 2.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | | | | | (318.2 | ) | | (62.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Income tax (expense) recovery | | | | | | | | | |
Current | | 21 | | | (0.3 | ) | | (8.1 | ) |
Deferred | | 21 | | | (2.5 | ) | | 2.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | (2.8 | ) | | (5.2 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | $ | (321.0 | ) | $ | (67.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted net loss per share | | 31 | | $ | (3.15 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) |
Net loss | | | | $ | (321.0 | ) | $ | (67.9 | ) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes: | | | | | | | | | |
Items that may subsequently be reclassified to net loss: | | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) gain on foreign exchange derivatives | | | | | (12.6 | ) | | 19.2 | |
Reclassification to net loss of loss (gain) on foreign exchange derivatives | | | | | 5.0 | | | (18.7 | ) |
Items that will not subsequently be reclassified to net loss: | | | | | | | | | |
Remeasurement (loss) gain on net defined retirement benefit liability | | 19,21 | | | (6.5 | ) | | 50.8 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes | | | | | (14.1 | ) | | 51.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive loss | | | | $ | (335.1 | ) | $ | (16.6 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | |
| |
---|
(in CAD millions) | | Notes | | Capital stock | | Share-based compensation reserve | | Retained earnings | | Foreign exchange derivatives designated as cash flow hedges | | Remeasurement (loss) gain | | Total accumulated other comprehensive loss | | Shareholders' equity | |
---|
Balance as at January 30, 2016 | | | | $ | 14.9 | | $ | — | | $ | 739.0 | | $ | 7.2 | | $ | (206.9 | ) | $ | (199.7 | ) | $ | 554.2 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | (321.0 | ) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (321.0 | ) |
Other comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on foreign exchange derivatives, net of income tax recovery of $2.6 | | 13 | | | | | | | | | | | | (12.6 | ) | | — | | | (12.6 | ) | | (12.6 | ) |
Reclassification of net loss on foreign exchange derivatives, net of income tax recovery of nil | | 13 | | | | | | | | | | | | 5.0 | | | — | | | 5.0 | | | 5.0 | |
Remeasurement loss on net defined retirement benefit liability | | 19,21 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | (6.5 | ) | | (6.5 | ) | | (6.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | �� | | | |
Total other comprehensive loss | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (7.6 | ) | | (6.5 | ) | | (14.1 | ) | | (14.1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive loss | | | | | — | | | — | | | (321.0 | ) | | (7.6 | ) | | (6.5 | ) | | (14.1 | ) | | (335.1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Share-based compensation | | 22 | | | — | | | 3.1 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 3.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as at January 28, 2017 | | | | $ | 14.9 | | $ | 3.1 | | $ | 418.0 | | $ | (0.4 | ) | $ | (213.4 | ) | $ | (213.8 | ) | $ | 222.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as at January 31, 2015 | | | | $ | 14.9 | | $ | — | | $ | 806.9 | | $ | 6.7 | | $ | (257.7 | ) | $ | (251.0 | ) | $ | 570.8 | |
Net loss | | | | | | | | | | | (67.9 | ) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (67.9 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Gain on foreign exchange derivatives, net of income tax expense of $7.1 | | 13 | | | | | | | | | | | | 19.2 | | | — | | | 19.2 | | | 19.2 | |
Reclassification of gain on foreign exchange derivatives, net of income tax expense of $6.9 | | 13 | | | | | | | | | | | | (18.7 | ) | | — | | | (18.7 | ) | | (18.7 | ) |
Remeasurement gain on net defined retirement benefit liability | | 19,21 | | | | | | | | | | | | — | | | 50.8 | | | 50.8 | | | 50.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other comprehensive income | | | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 0.5 | | | 50.8 | | | 51.3 | | | 51.3 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total comprehensive (loss) income | | | | | — | | | — | | | (67.9 | ) | | 0.5 | | | 50.8 | | | 51.3 | | | (16.6 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance as at January 30, 2016 | | | | $ | 14.9 | | $ | — | | $ | 739.0 | | $ | 7.2 | | $ | (206.9 | ) | $ | (199.7 | ) | $ | 554.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
65
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016
| | | | | | | | | |
(in CAD millions) | | Notes | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
Cash flow used for operating activities | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | | | $ | (321.0 | ) | $ | (67.9 | ) |
Adjustments for: | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | 9,10 | | | 31.4 | | | 48.4 | |
Share-based compensation | | 22 | | | 3.1 | | | (0.4 | ) |
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | | | | | (4.4 | ) | | 0.3 | |
Net impairment losses | | 9,10,28 | | | 52.3 | | | 63.3 | |
Gain on lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions | | 26 | | | (105.9 | ) | | (67.2 | ) |
Gain on termination of credit card arrangement | | 27 | | | — | | | (170.7 | ) |
Finance costs | | 16,18,21 | | | 8.9 | | | 9.7 | |
Interest income | | 5 | | | (7.2 | ) | | (2.3 | ) |
Retirement benefit plans expense | | 19 | | | 14.1 | | | 18.9 | |
Gain on settlement of retirement benefits | | 19 | | | — | | | (5.1 | ) |
Short-term disability expense | | 19 | | | 4.6 | | | 4.9 | |
Income tax expense | | 21 | | | 2.8 | | | 5.2 | |
Interest received | | 5 | | | 7.4 | | | 1.1 | |
Interest paid | | 16 | | | (3.4 | ) | | (2.7 | ) |
Retirement benefit plans contributions | | 19 | | | (43.5 | ) | | (48.6 | ) |
Income tax refunds, net | | 21 | | | 25.0 | | | 87.6 | |
Changes in non-cash working capital balances | | 32 | | | 0.1 | | | (64.3 | ) |
Changes in non-cash long-term assets and liabilities | | 33 | | | (5.7 | ) | | (11.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | (341.4 | ) | | (201.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flow generated from investing activities | | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets | | 9,10 | | | (27.4 | ) | | (45.4 | ) |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment | | | | | 3.1 | | | 0.3 | |
Proceeds from termination of credit card arrangement | | 27 | | | — | | | 174.0 | |
Net proceeds from lease termination and sale and leaseback transactions | | 26 | | | 295.0 | | | 130.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | 270.7 | | | 258.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flow used for financing activities | | | | | | | | | |
Interest paid on finance lease obligations | | 16,18 | | | (1.7 | ) | | (1.9 | ) |
Repayment of long-term obligations | | | | | (3.9 | ) | | (3.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | (5.6 | ) | | (5.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Effect of exchange rate on cash at end of period | | | | | (1.8 | ) | | 3.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
(Decrease) increase in cash | | | | | (78.1 | ) | | 54.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
Cash at beginning of period | | | | $ | 313.9 | | $ | 259.0 | |
Cash at end of period | | 5 | | $ | 235.8 | | $ | 313.9 | |
| | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
66
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Sears Canada Inc. is incorporated in Canada. The address of its registered office and principal place of business is 290 Yonge Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2C3. The principal activities of Sears Canada Inc. and its subsidiaries (the "Company") include the sale of goods and services through the Company's Retail channels, which includes its full-line department, Sears Home, Hometown, Outlet, Corbeil Electrique Inc. stores, and its Direct (catalogue/internet) channel.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- 2.1
- Statement of compliance
The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB").
- 2.2
- Basis of preparation and presentation
The principal accounting policies of the Company have been applied consistently in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements for all periods presented. These financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of application as those used in the preparation of the 2015 Annual Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company's significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 2.
- 2.3
- Basis of measurement
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, with the exception of certain financial instruments, measured at fair value, and the retirement benefit liability, which is the net total of retirement benefit plan assets and the present value of accrued retirement benefit plan obligations. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for assets.
- 2.4
- Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company as well as all of its subsidiaries.
The fiscal year of the Company consists of a 52 or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. The fiscal years for the 2016 and 2015 consolidated financial statements represent the 52-week period ended January 28, 2017 ("Fiscal 2016" or "2016") and the 52-week period ended January 30, 2016 ("Fiscal 2015" or "2015"), respectively.
The Company's consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, which is the Company's functional currency.
- 2.5
- Uses and sources of liquidity
The Fiscal 2016 financial statements have been prepared on the basis of management's assessment of the Company's ability to continue as a going concern (the "assessment"). In determining whether the assessment is appropriate, management has considered available information for the 12 months from the issuance of the Fiscal 2016 financial statements. Management acknowledges that the Company continues to face a challenging competitive environment with recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities in the last five fiscal years. While the Company continues to focus on its overall profitability, it reported a net loss in Fiscal 2016 and the Company was required to fund cash used in operating activities with cash from investing activities. Management also considered the impact of the disclosures made by Sears Holdings Corporation ("Sears Holdings"), the beneficial holder of 11.7% of the common shares of the Company, with respect to Sears Holding's ability to continue operating on a going concern basis. In addition, management also evaluated its licensing arrangement with Sears Holdings (see Note 29), and assumed that there was no significant impact to its assessment. In the preparation of the Fiscal 2016 financial statements, management has applied significant judgments to determine that no material uncertainties exist related to events or conditions that cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
In response to the recurring operating losses and negative cash flows from operating activities, the Company has taken a number of actions to enhance its financial flexibility, to fund its ongoing business operations and to meet its obligations. During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed a lease termination and a series of sale and leaseback transactions, as described
67
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
in Note 26, for total net proceeds of $295.0 million. Subsequent to Fiscal 2016, the Company completed two sale and leaseback transactions, as described in Note 34, for a total consideration of $57.0 million less customary closing adjustments.
Subsequent to Fiscal 2016, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the "Term Credit Agreement") dated March 20, 2017 with a syndicate of lenders for a five-year secured term loan (the "Term Loan") of up to $300.0 million. The Term Loan is in addition to the Company's existing $300.0 million secured revolving credit facility pursuant to a Credit Agreement (the "Amended Credit Facility") with a different syndicate of lenders dated September 10, 2010, as amended (see Note 16). As at January 28, 2017, the Company had no funded borrowings on the Amended Credit Facility and the availability under the Amended Credit Facility was $192.3 million. The Amended Credit Facility matures on May 28, 2019. The Term Loan is available in two tranches: a first tranche of $125.0 million (before transaction fees) which was drawn in full on March 20, 2017, and a second tranche of up to a further $175.0 million (before transaction fees and to be secured by qualifying owned and leased real estate), which is available to be drawn at the Company's option, subject to the satisfaction of various conditions including receipt of satisfactory appraisals and environmental reports. The Amended Credit Facility and the Term Credit Agreement are secured by a first charge on the Company's inventory, credit card receivables and related assets, and a selection of the Company's owned and leased real estate that is to be mutually agreed and which satisfies eligibility criteria. The respective rights of the lenders under the Term Credit Agreement and the lenders under the Amended Credit Facility as to the security and the priority of their security are governed by an intercreditor agreement between each group of lenders.
Availability under the Amended Credit Facility is determined pursuant to a borrowing base formula that takes into account the value of inventory and receivables less applicable reserves. Similarly, availability under the Term Loan is also determined pursuant to a borrowing base formula that also takes into account the value of the real estate that forms part of the security for the second tranche less applicable reserves. On a monthly basis, where the amount of loans outstanding exceeds the amount of the applicable borrowing base, the Company is required to repay the amount of such excess.
The Company has established a sales strategy on key merchandising initiatives and is actively working with suppliers to align future merchandise cost prices with more competitive out-the-door selling prices. With the expected higher margins and continued adjustments made to pricing and product assortment to better align to the market and customer preferences, the Company expects improved profitability in Fiscal 2017.
If the Company's actual performance differs materially from its plans and continues to experience operating losses, and is not able to receive the full amount of the second tranche of the Term Credit Agreement, the Company may need to pursue additional sources of liquidity. Management expects that obtaining the additional liquidity from the second tranche up to a further $175.0 million (before transaction fees, to be secured by qualifying owned and leased real estate), the continued focus on expense management and obtaining additional liquidity from the owned and leased properties, will provide the necessary cash position to support operations for 12 months from the issuance of the Fiscal 2016 financial statements.
Based on the above significant judgments, the Company expects to end with a positive cash balance and continue as a going concern for 12 months from the issuance of the Fiscal 2016 financial statements.
- 2.6
- Segments
The Company is comprised of one reportable segment, Merchandising. The Company's operations include the sale of goods and services through its operating segments, the Retail channels and the Direct channel. The Company's chief operating decision maker, identified as the Executive Chairman, allocates resources and assesses performance of the business and other activities at the operating segment level.
- 2.7
- Cash
Cash is considered to be restricted when it is subject to contingent rights of a third party customer, vendor, government agency or financial institution. Cash is also considered to be restricted when it is pledged voluntarily as collateral under the senior secured revolving credit facility to provide additional security to lenders.
- 2.8
- Inventories
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using the weighted average cost method, based on individual items. The cost is comprised of the purchase price, plus the costs incurred in bringing the
68
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
inventory to its present location and condition. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated costs to sell. Rebates and allowances received from vendors are recognized as a reduction to the cost of inventory, unless the rebates clearly relate to the reimbursement of specific expenses. A provision for shrinkage and obsolescence is calculated based on historical experience. All inventories consist of finished goods.
- 2.9
- Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are measured at cost or deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Costs include expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Property, plant and equipment within one of the Company's retail stores and one of the Company's logistics centres have been classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (see Note 28).
When the significant parts of an item of property, plant and equipment have varying useful lives, they are accounted for as separate components of property, plant and equipment. Depreciation is calculated based on the depreciable amount of the asset or significant component thereof, if applicable, which is the cost of the asset or significant component less its residual value. Depreciation is recognized using the straight-line method for each significant component of an item of property, plant and equipment and is recorded in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. The estimated useful lives are 2 to 13 years for equipment and fixtures and 10 to 50 years for buildings and building improvements. The estimated useful lives, residual values and depreciation methods for property, plant and equipment are reviewed annually and adjusted, if appropriate, with the effect of any changes in estimates accounted for on a prospective basis.
Assets held under finance leases are depreciated over their expected useful lives on the same basis as owned assets or, where shorter, the term of the relevant lease, unless it is reasonably certain that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term.
The gain or loss arising on the disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the proceeds from sale or the cost of retirement and the carrying amount of the asset, and is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
For a discussion on the impairment of tangible assets, refer to Note 2.12. Property, plant and equipment are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine if there are any indicators of impairment.
- 2.10
- Investment properties
The Company's investment properties consist of vacant land which is not currently used in its operations. Investment properties are measured at their deemed cost less accumulated impairment losses.
The fair value of an investment property is estimated using observable data based on the current cost of acquiring a comparable property within the market area and the capitalization of the property's anticipated revenue. The Company engages independent qualified third parties to conduct appraisals of its investment properties, when needed.
The gain or loss arising from the disposal or retirement of an investment property is determined as the difference between the proceeds from sale or the cost of retirement, and the carrying amount of the asset, and is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
For a discussion on the impairment of tangible assets, refer to Note 2.12. Investment properties are reviewed at the end of each reporting period to determine if there are any indicators of impairment.
- 2.11
- Intangible assets
Intangible assets consist primarily of finite life purchased and internally developed software. Finite life intangible assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortization and accumulated impairment losses and are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives which range from 2 to 5 years. The useful lives of primarily all intangible assets are finite. Certain intangible assets have an indefinite useful life, as there is no foreseeable limit to the period during which the Company expects the assets to generate net cash inflows. Amortization expense is included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. The estimated useful lives and
69
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
amortization methods for intangible assets are reviewed annually, with the effect of any changes in estimates being accounted for on a prospective basis.
Internally developed software costs are capitalized when the following criteria are met:
- •
- It is technically feasible to complete the software so that it will be available for use;
- •
- The Company intends to complete the software product;
- •
- The Company has an ability to use the software;
- •
- The Company can demonstrate how the software will generate probable future economic benefits;
- •
- Adequate technical, financial and other resources to complete the development and to use the software product are available; and
- •
- The expenditure attributable to the software product during its development can be reliably measured.
Costs that qualify for capitalization are limited to those that are directly related to each software development project.
- 2.12
- Impairment of tangible assets and intangible assets
At the end of each reporting period, the Company reviews property, plant and equipment, investment properties and intangible assets for indicators of impairment. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the assets are then grouped together into the smallest group of assets that generate independent cash inflows from continuing use (the "cash generating unit" or "CGU") and a recoverable amount is estimated for that CGU. The Company has determined that its CGUs are primarily its retail stores.
Where a reasonable and consistent basis of allocation can be identified, corporate assets are also allocated to individual CGUs. Otherwise, they are allocated to the smallest group of CGUs for which a reasonable and consistent allocation basis can be identified.
If the recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the asset or CGU will be reduced to its recoverable amount and an impairment loss is recognized immediately. If an impairment for a CGU has been identified, an impairment loss is recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the assets included in the CGU on a pro rata basis.
Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset or CGU is revised to an estimate of its recoverable amount limited to the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of amortization or depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognized for the asset or CGU in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately.
- 2.13
- Leasing arrangements
Leases are classified as finance leases when the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
- 2.13.1
- The Company as lessor
The Company has entered into a number of agreements to sub-lease premises to third parties. All sub-leases to third parties are classified as operating leases. Rental income from operating leases is recognized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
- 2.13.2
- The Company as lessee
Assets held under finance leases are initially recognized by the Company at the lower of the fair value of the asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The corresponding current and non-current liabilities to the lessor are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as a finance lease obligation in "Current portion of long-term
70
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
obligations" and "Long-term obligations", respectively. The assets are depreciated using the same accounting policy as applicable to property, plant and equipment (see Note 2.9).
Lease payments are apportioned between finance costs and the lease obligation in order to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. The minimum lease payments are allocated between the land and building element in proportion to the relative fair values of the leasehold interests, in each of these elements of the lease.
Assets under operating leases are not recognized by the Company. Operating lease payments are recognized in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
In the event that lease incentives are received from the landlord, such incentives are recognized as a liability. The aggregate benefit of incentives is recognized as a reduction of rental expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, except where another systematic basis is more representative of the time pattern in which economic benefits from the leased asset are consumed.
- 2.14
- Retirement benefit plans
The Company currently maintains a defined contribution and a defined benefit registered pension plan, which covers eligible regular full-time and part-time employees, a non-registered supplemental savings arrangement and a defined benefit non-pension retirement plan, which provides life insurance, medical and dental benefits to eligible retired employees through a health and welfare trust.
- 2.14.1
- Defined contribution plan
A defined contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which the Company pays fixed or matching contributions based on employee contributions into a separate legal entity and has no further legal or constructive obligation to pay additional amounts. Company contributions to the defined contribution retirement benefit plan are recognized as an expense when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
- 2.14.2
- Defined benefit plans
For defined benefit retirement benefit plans, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations prepared by independent qualified actuaries at least every three years. Remeasurements comprised of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable) and the return on plan assets (excluding interest) are recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position with a charge or credit to "Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of taxes" ("OCI") in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, in the period in which they occur. The Company performs remeasurements at least annually. Remeasurements recorded in OCI are not subsequently reclassified into profit or loss. However, the entity may transfer those amounts recognized in OCI within "Accumulated other comprehensive loss" ("AOCL") in the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity. Past service cost is recognized in profit or loss in the period of plan amendment. Net-interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
Defined benefit costs are split into three categories:
- •
- service cost, past-service cost, gains and losses on curtailments and settlements;
- •
- net interest expense or income;
- •
- remeasurements.
The Company presents the first two components of defined benefit costs in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
Remeasurements are recorded in OCI.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position represents the actual deficit or surplus in the Company's defined benefit plans. Any surplus resulting from this calculation is limited to the present
71
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
value of any economic benefits available in the form of refunds from the plans or reductions in future contributions to the plans.
- 2.14.3
- Termination benefits
A liability for a termination benefit is recognized at the earlier of when the entity can no longer withdraw the offer of the termination benefit and when the entity recognizes any related restructuring costs.
- 2.15
- Revenue recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding sales taxes. Revenue is reduced for estimated customer returns, discounts and other similar allowances.
- 2.15.1
- Sale of goods
Revenue from the sale of goods is recognized upon delivery of goods to the customer. In the case of goods sold in-store, delivery is generally complete at the point of sale. For goods subject to delivery such as furniture or major appliances, and goods sold online or through the catalogue, delivery is complete when the goods are delivered to the customers' selected final destination or picked up from a catalogue/online agent. In the case of goods subject to installation, such as home improvement products, revenue is recognized when the goods have been delivered and the installation is complete.
- 2.15.2
- Rendering of services
Revenue from a contract to provide services is recognized by reference to the stage of completion of the contract.
Extended warranty service contracts
The Company sells extended warranty service contracts with terms of coverage generally between 12 and 60 months. Revenue from the sale of each contract is deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related contract.
Product repair, handling and installation services
Product repair, handling and installation services revenue is recognized once the services are complete. These services are performed within a short timeframe.
- 2.15.3
- Commission and licensee fee revenue
The Company earns commission revenue by selling various products and services that are provided by third parties, such as sales of travel services, home improvement products and insurance programs. As the Company is not the primary obligor in these transactions, these commissions are recognized upon sale of the related product or service.
Fee revenue is received from a variety of licensees that operate in the Company's stores. Revenue earned is based on a percentage of licensee sales. Revenue is recorded upon sale of the related product or service.
Revenue was received from JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (Toronto Branch) ("JPMorgan Chase") relating to credit sales in Fiscal 2015. Revenue was primarily based on a percentage of sales charged on the Sears Card or Sears MasterCard and was included in revenue when the sale occurred (see Note 27 for additional information).
- 2.15.4
- Interest income
Interest income is recognized when it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the amount of income can be reliably measured. Interest income is accrued on a periodic basis by reference to the principal outstanding and the applicable interest rate.
72
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
- 2.15.5
- Customer loyalty program
The Sears Club Points Program (the "Program") allows members to earn points from eligible purchases made on any tender accepted by the Company. Members can then redeem points in accordance with the Program rewards schedule for merchandise. When points are earned, the Company defers revenue equal to the fair value of the awards adjusted for expected redemptions. When awards are redeemed, the redemption value of the awards is charged against deferred revenue and recognized as revenue. The expected future redemption rates are reviewed on an ongoing basis and are adjusted based upon expected future activity.
- 2.15.6
- Gift cards
The Company sells gift cards through its retail stores, websites and third parties with no administrative fee charges or expiration dates. No revenue is recognized at the time gift cards are sold. Revenue is recognized as a merchandise sale when the gift card is redeemed by the customer. The Company also recognizes income when the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote, which is generally at the end of 18 months subsequent to issuance, estimated based on historical redemption patterns.
- 2.15.7
- Cost of goods and services sold
Cost of goods and services sold includes the purchase price of merchandise sold, freight and handling costs incurred in preparing the related inventory for sale, installation costs incurred relating to the sale of goods subject to installation, write-downs taken on inventory during the period, physical inventory losses and costs of services provided during the period relating to services sold, less rebates from suppliers relating to merchandise sold.
- 2.16
- Foreign currency translation
Transactions in currencies other than the Company's functional currency are recognized at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At the end of each reporting period, monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated to the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at that date.
Exchange differences arising on re-translation are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss in the period in which they arise, except for exchange differences on certain foreign currency hedging transactions (see Note 13.3).
Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency that are measured at historical cost are translated using the exchange rate at the date of the transaction and are not retranslated.
- 2.17
- Consideration from a vendor
The Company has arrangements with its vendors that provide for rebates subject to binding contractual agreements. Rebates on inventories subject to binding agreements are recognized as a reduction of the cost of sales or related inventories for the period, provided the rebates are probable and reasonably estimable. Rebates on advertising costs subject to binding agreements are recognized as a reduction of the advertising expense for the period, provided the rebates are probable and reasonably estimable.
- 2.18
- Taxation
73
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
- 2.18.1
- Current tax
Tax currently payable or recoverable is based on taxable earnings or loss for the reporting period. Taxable income differs from earnings as reported in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, due to income or expenses that are taxable or deductible in other years and items that are not taxable or deductible for tax purposes. The Company's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted as at the end of the reporting period and includes any adjustments to taxes payable and/or taxes recoverable in respect of prior years.
- 2.18.2
- Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognized on temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable earnings or loss.
Deferred tax liabilities are typically recognized for taxable temporary differences. Deferred tax assets are typically recognized for deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available, against which deductible temporary differences can be utilized. Such deferred tax assets and liabilities are not recognized if the temporary differences arise from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable net earnings or loss nor the accounting income or loss.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at the end of each reporting period and written down to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable income will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to be applicable in the period in which the liability is settled or the asset is realized, based on tax rates and tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the end of the reporting period. The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against current tax liabilities, when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and when the Company intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are not discounted.
- 2.18.3
- Current and deferred tax for the period
Current and deferred tax are recognized as a tax expense or recovery in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, except when they relate to items that are recognized outside of earnings or loss (whether in OCI, or directly in equity), in which case, the tax is also recognized outside of earnings or loss, or where they arise from the initial accounting for a business combination. In the case of a business combination, the tax effect is included in the accounting for the business combination. Interest on the Company's tax position is recognized as a finance cost.
- 2.19
- Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Company has a present obligation, legal or constructive, as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made for the amount of the obligation.
The amount recognized as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the end of the reporting period, taking into account the risks and uncertainties specific to the obligation. Where a provision is measured using the cash flow estimated to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is the present value of such cash flows.
When some or all of the economic resources required to settle a provision are expected to be recovered from a third party, a receivable is recognized as an asset if it is virtually certain that reimbursement will be received and the amount of the receivable can be measured reliably.
74
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
- 2.19.1
- Onerous contract provisions
An onerous contract provision is recognized when the expected benefits to be derived by the Company from a contract are lower than the unavoidable cost of meeting its obligations. The provision is measured at the present value of the lower of the expected cost of terminating the contract or the expected cost of continuing with the contract. Before a provision is established, the Company recognizes any impairment loss on the assets associated with that contract. The onerous contract provision is included in "Other provisions" as seen in Note 15.
- 2.19.2
- General liability provisions
The Company purchases third party insurance for automobile, damage to a claimant's property or bodily injury from use of a product and general liability claims that exceed a certain dollar level. However, the Company is responsible for the payment of claims under these insured limits. In estimating the obligation associated with incurred losses, the Company utilizes actuarial methodologies which are based on historical data and validated by an independent third party. Loss estimates are adjusted based on actual claims settlements and reported claims (see Note 15).
- 2.19.3
- Warranty provisions
An estimate for warranty provisions is made at the time the merchandise is sold based on historical warranty trends (see Note 15).
- 2.19.4
- Returns and allowances provisions
Provisions for returns and allowances are made based on historical rates which represent the expected future outflow of economic resources on current sales (see Note 15).
- 2.19.5
- Environmental provisions
The Company is exposed to environmental risks as an owner, lessor and lessee of property. Under federal and provincial laws, the owner, lessor or lessee could be liable for the costs of removal and remediation of certain hazardous substances on its properties or disposed of at other locations. The failure to remove or remediate such substances, if any, could lead to claims against the Company. The provision is based on assessments conducted by third parties, as well as historical data (see Note 15).
- 2.20
- Financial assets
All financial assets are recognized and derecognized on the trade date where the purchase or sale of a financial asset is under a contract whose terms require delivery of the financial asset within the timeframe established by the market concerned. Financial assets are initially measured at fair value plus transaction costs, except for those financial assets at 'fair value through profit or loss' ("FVTPL") for which the transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset with the net amount presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position when, and only when, the Company has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are classified into the following categories: financial assets at FVTPL, 'available-for-sale' ("AFS") financial assets and 'loans and receivables'. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition.
- 2.20.1
- Effective interest method
The effective interest method calculates the amortized cost of a financial asset or financial liability and allocates interest income or expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash flow (including all fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or discounts) through the expected life of the financial instrument, or (where appropriate) a shorter period, to the net carrying amount on initial recognition.
75
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Interest income or expense is recognized on an effective interest basis for financial assets and financial liabilities other than those classified as at FVTPL.
- 2.20.2
- Financial assets at FVTPL
Financial assets are classified at FVTPL when the financial asset is either held-for-trading or it is designated as at FVTPL.
- 2.20.3
- AFS financial assets
Gains and losses arising from changes in fair value of AFS are recognized in OCI, with the exception of impairment losses, interest calculated using the effective interest method and foreign exchange gains and losses on monetary assets, which are recognized in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" or "Interest income" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Where the investment is disposed of or is determined to be impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously included in AOCL is reclassified to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
- 2.20.4
- Loans and receivables
Cash held by the bank and restricted cash are classified as 'loans and receivables' and are measured at amortized cost.
Trade receivables and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are also classified as 'loans and receivables'. Loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognized by applying the effective interest rate, except for short-term receivables, where the recognition of interest would be immaterial.
- 2.20.5
- Impairment of financial assets
Financial assets, other than those at FVTPL, are assessed for indicators of impairment at the end of each reporting period. Financial assets are considered to be impaired when there is objective evidence that the estimated future cash flow of the financial asset have been negatively affected as a result of events that have occurred after its initial recognition.
For all financial assets, objective evidence of impairment could include:
- •
- significant financial difficulty of the issuer or counterparty; or
- •
- default or delinquency in interest or principal payments; or
- •
- probability that the borrower will enter bankruptcy or financial reorganization.
For financial assets carried at amortized cost, the amount of any impairment loss recognized is the difference between the asset's carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flow discounted at the financial asset's initial effective interest rate. When a subsequent event causes the amount of any impairment loss to decrease, the decrease in impairment loss is reversed through the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
The carrying amount of the financial asset is reduced by any impairment loss directly for all financial assets with the exception of trade receivables, where the carrying amount is reduced through the use of an allowance account. When a trade receivable is considered uncollectible, its carrying amount is written off including any amounts previously recorded in the allowance account. Subsequent recoveries of amounts previously written off are credited to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Changes in the carrying amount of the allowance account are also recognized in "Selling, administrative and other expenses".
- 2.20.6
- Derecognition of financial assets
The Company derecognizes a financial asset only when the contractual rights to the cash flow from the asset expire, or when substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the asset are transferred to another entity. If the Company retains substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of a transferred financial asset, the Company continues to recognize the financial asset and also recognizes a collateralized borrowing for the proceeds received.
76
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
- 2.21
- Financial liabilities and equity instruments
- 2.21.1
- Classification as debt or equity
Debt and equity instruments are classified as either financial liabilities or as equity in accordance with the substance of the contractual arrangement.
- 2.21.2
- Equity instruments
An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of an entity after deducting all of its liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Company are recognized at the proceeds received, net of direct issuance costs.
- 2.21.3
- Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are recognized on the trade date at which the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities at 'FVTPL' or 'other financial liabilities'.
- 2.21.4
- Financial liabilities at FVTPL
Financial liabilities are classified as at FVTPL when they are either held-for-trading or designated as at FVTPL. Currently, the Company does not have any financial liabilities that have been designated as at FVTPL upon initial recognition.
- 2.21.5
- Other financial liabilities
Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortized cost with interest expense recognized on an effective interest method.
The Company amortizes debt issuance transaction costs over the life of the debt using the effective interest method.
- 2.21.6
- Derecognition of financial liabilities
The Company derecognizes financial liabilities when, and only when, the Company's obligations are discharged, cancelled or expired.
- 2.22
- Derivative financial instruments
The Company enters into a variety of derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate and foreign exchange rate risk, including foreign exchange forward contracts and interest rate swaps. Further details on derivative financial instruments are disclosed in Note 13.
Derivatives are initially recognized at fair value at the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at the end of each reporting period. The resulting gain or loss is recognized immediately in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, unless the derivative is designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which case, the timing of the recognition depends on the nature of the hedge relationship. The Company designates certain derivatives as hedges of highly probable forecasted transactions or hedges of foreign currency risk of firm commitments (cash flow hedges).
A derivative with a positive fair value is recognized as a financial asset, whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognized as a financial liability. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realized or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.
- 2.22.1
- Hedge accounting
The Company designates certain hedging instruments, which include derivatives, as cash flow hedges. Hedges of foreign exchange risk on firm commitments are accounted for as cash flow hedges.
77
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
At the inception of the hedging relationship, the Company documents the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, along with its risk management objectives and its strategy for undertaking various hedging transactions. At the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Company documents whether the hedging instrument is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of the hedged item.
Note 13 sets out details of the fair values of the derivative instruments used for hedging purposes.
- 2.22.2
- Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges is recognized in OCI. The gain or loss relating to the ineffective portion is recognized immediately in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Amounts previously recognized in OCI and accumulated in AOCL within equity are reclassified in the periods when the hedged items are recognized (i.e. to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
Hedge accounting is discontinued when the Company revokes the hedging relationship, when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated, or exercised, or when it no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. Any gains or losses accumulated in AOCL within equity at the time of discontinuation remain in equity and are transferred to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss when the forecasted transaction is ultimately recognized. When a forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur, the gains or losses accumulated in equity are recognized immediately.
- 2.23
- Net loss per share
Net loss per share is calculated using the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net loss per share is determined using the 'treasury stock method,' which considers the potential for the issuance of new shares created by unexercised in-the-money options, if any such options are outstanding.
- 2.24
- Share-based compensation
The Company granted restricted share units ("RSUs") to an employee in Fiscal 2015 under an equity-based compensation plan. For equity-settled awards, the fair value of the grant of RSUs is recognized as a compensation expense over the period that the related service is rendered with a corresponding increase in equity. The total amount expensed is recognized over a three-year vesting period on a tranche basis, which is the period over which all of the specified vesting conditions are to be satisfied. At each balance sheet date, the estimate of the number of equity interests that are expected to vest is revised. The impact of the revision to original estimates, if any, is recognized in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
3. ISSUED STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED
The Company monitors the standard setting process for new standards and interpretations issued by the IASB that the Company may be required to adopt in the future.
In January 2016, the IASB issued the following new standard:
IFRS 16, Leases ("IFRS 16")
IFRS 16 replaces IAS 17, Leases ("IAS 17"). This standard will bring most leases on-balance sheet for lessees under a single model, eliminating the distinction between operating and financing leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged and the distinction between operating and finance leases is retained. Adoption of IFRS 16 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2019 with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
78
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
3. ISSUED STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED (Continued)
In July 2014, the IASB issued the final publication of the following standard:
IFRS 9, Financial Instruments ("IFRS 9")
IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39, Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement ("IAS 39"). This standard establishes principles for the financial reporting of financial assets and financial liabilities that will present relevant and useful information to users of financial statements for their assessment of the amounts, timing and uncertainty of an entity's future cash flows. This standard also includes a new general hedge accounting standard which will align hedge accounting more closely with risk management. It does not fully change the types of hedging relationships or the requirement to measure and recognize ineffectiveness, however, it will permit more hedging strategies that are used for risk management to qualify for hedge accounting and introduce more judgment to assess the effectiveness of a hedging relationship. Adoption of IFRS 9 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
In May 2014, the IASB issued the following new standard:
IFRS 15, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("IFRS 15")
IFRS 15 replaces IAS 11, Construction Contracts, and IAS 18, Revenue, as well as various interpretations regarding revenue. This standard introduces a single model for recognizing revenue that applies to all contracts with customers, except for contracts that are within the scope of standards on leases, insurance and financial instruments. This standard also requires enhanced disclosures. Adoption of IFRS 15 is mandatory and will be effective for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. During Fiscal 2016, the Company has formed an implementation team who is currently in the process of assessing the impact of adopting this standard on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related note disclosures.
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
In the application of the Company's accounting policies, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions with regards to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The following are the critical judgments that management has made in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies, key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have the potential to materially impact the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.
- 4.1
- Legal liabilities
Assessing the financial outcome of uncertain legal positions requires judgment to be made regarding the relative merits of each claim and the extent to which a claim is likely to be successful. The assessments are based on reviews conducted by internal and external counsel, when appropriate.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Provisions" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 15.
79
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY (Continued)
- 4.2
- Inventory
- 4.2.1
- Obsolescence, valuation and inventory stock losses
Inventory is written down to reflect future losses on the disposition of obsolete merchandise. Future losses are estimated based on historical trends that vary depending on the type of inventory.
An adjustment is made each period to value inventory at the lower of cost and net realizable value. This adjustment is estimated based on historical trends that vary depending on the type of inventory.
Inventory is adjusted to reflect estimated inventory stock losses incurred in the year based on recent historical inventory count data.
- 4.2.2
- Vendor rebates
Inventory is adjusted to reflect vendor rebates received or receivable based on vendor agreements. This adjustment is estimated based on historical data and current vendor agreements.
- 4.2.3
- Freight
Inbound freight incurred to bring inventory to its present location is estimated each reporting period and is included in the cost of inventory. This estimate is based on historical freight costs incurred.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Inventories" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 7.
- 4.3
- Impairment of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets
The Company's property, plant and equipment and intangible assets have been allocated to CGUs. At the end of each reporting period, the carrying amounts of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets are assessed to determine if there is any evidence that an asset is impaired. Determining if there are any facts and circumstances indicating impairment loss is a subjective process involving judgment and a number of estimates and assumptions. If there are such facts and circumstances, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated.
Assets that cannot be tested individually for impairment are grouped into the smallest group of assets that generates cash inflows through continued use that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash generating unit or CGU).
The recoverable amount of an asset or a CGU is the higher of its value in use and fair value less costs to sell. To determine value in use, expected future cash flows are discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset or CGU. In the process of measuring expected future cash flows, the Company makes assumptions about future operating profit. These assumptions relate to future events and circumstances. Although the assumptions are based on market information available at the time of the assessment, actual results may vary.
The Company's corporate and intangible assets do not generate separate cash flows. If there is evidence that a corporate or intangible asset is impaired, the recoverable amount is determined for the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs. Impairments are recorded when the carrying amount of the CGU to which the corporate asset belongs is higher than its recoverable amount.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Property, plant and equipment" and "Intangible assets" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 9 and Note 10.
- 4.4
- Retirement benefit liability
The retirement benefit liability is estimated based on certain actuarial assumptions, including the discount rate, inflation rate, salary growth and mortality rates. New regulations and market driven changes may impact the assumptions made.
80
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY (Continued)
Changes in estimates may result in changes to the "Retirement benefit liability" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" and OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 19.
- 4.5
- Loyalty program deferred revenue
The fair value of Sears Club points granted is deferred at the time of the related initial sale transaction and is recognized upon redemption of the points for merchandise. The redemption value of the points is estimated at the initial sale transaction, based on historical behaviour and trends in redemption rates and redemption values, as well as an adjustment for the percentage of points that are expected to be converted to reward cards, but for which the likelihood of redemption is remote ("reward card breakage").
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Deferred revenue" (current) on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and an increase or decrease to "Revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 12.
- 4.6
- Derivative assets and liabilities
All derivatives are measured at fair value. U.S. dollar forward contracts are traded over-the-counter and give holders the right to buy a specified amount of U.S. currency at an agreed upon price and date in the future. Fair values of the U.S. dollar forward contracts is estimated by discounting the difference between the contractual forward price and the current forward price for the residual maturity of the contract using a risk-free interest rate. The fair value of fuel swaps is based on counterparty confirmations tested for reasonableness by discounting estimated future cash flows derived from the terms and maturity of each contract using market fuel prices at the measurement date. The Company is required to estimate various inputs which are used in these calculations that are a combination of quoted prices and observable market inputs. The fair values of derivatives include an adjustment for credit risk when appropriate.
Changes in estimates may result in changes to "Derivative financial assets" and "Derivative financial liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Cost of goods and services sold", "Selling, administrative and other expenses" or OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 13.
- 4.7
- Provisions
Provisions are estimated based on historical data, cost estimates provided by specialists and future projections.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Provisions" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Revenue", "Cost of goods and services sold" or "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 15.
- 4.8
- Leasing arrangements
The Company has applied judgment in the classification of its leasing arrangements, which is determined at the inception of the lease and is based on the substance of the transaction, rather than its legal form. The Company's leases were evaluated based on certain significant assumptions including the discount rate, economic life of an asset, lease term and existence of a bargain renewal option.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Property, plant and equipment", "Current portion of long-term obligations" and "Long-term obligations" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Selling, administrative and other expenses" and "Finance costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 18.
81
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
4. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING JUDGMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY (Continued)
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities. While the Company believes that its tax filing positions are appropriate and supportable, certain matters are periodically challenged by tax authorities. The Company applies judgment and routinely evaluates and provides for potentially unfavourable outcomes with respect to any tax audits. If the result of a tax audit materially differs from the existing provisions, the Company's effective tax rate and its net loss will be affected positively or negatively. The Company also uses judgment in assessing the likelihood that deferred income tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income by considering factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and changes in tax laws.
Changes in estimates or assumptions could cause changes to "Income taxes recoverable", "Deferred tax assets", "Other long-term assets", "Income and other taxes payable" and "Deferred tax liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and a charge or credit to "Income tax (expense) recovery" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. For additional information, see Note 21.
- 4.10
- Gift cards
The gift card liability is based on the total amount of gift cards outstanding which have not yet been redeemed by customers. The Company also recognizes income when the likelihood of redeeming the gift card is remote ("gift card breakage"). Gift card breakage is estimated based on historical redemption patterns. Changes in estimates of the redemption patterns may result in changes to "Deferred revenue" (current) on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position and an increase or decrease to "Revenue" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
5. CASH AND INTEREST INCOME
The components of cash were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Cash | | $ | 134.7 | | $ | 306.9 | |
| Restricted cash | | | 101.1 | | | 7.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total cash | | $ | 235.8 | | $ | 313.9 | |
| | | | | | |
As at January 28, 2017, restricted cash of $100.0 million (January 30, 2016: nil) was pledged voluntarily as collateral under the senior secured revolving credit facility to provide additional security to lenders. The other components of restricted cash are further discussed in Note 20.
Interest income
Interest income for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 totaled $7.2 million (2015: $2.3 million). During Fiscal 2016, the Company received $7.4 million (2015: $1.1 million) in cash related to interest income. Interest income for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 of $3.1 million (2015: $1.1 million) related to refund interest on net cash income tax receipts (see Note 21 for additional information), $1.7 million related to interest income recognized on maturity of an investment, with the balance related primarily to cash.
82
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
6. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, NET
The components of accounts receivable, net were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Deferred receivables | | $ | 0.2 | | $ | 0.2 | |
| Other receivables | | | 66.9 | | | 59.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total accounts receivable, net | | $ | 67.1 | | $ | 59.4 | |
| | | | | | |
Other receivables primarily consist of amounts due from customers and amounts due from vendors.
Included in the accounts receivable balances above are amounts that are past due but are not provided for, as the Company considers the balances to be collectible. These past due accounts receivable balances are listed below:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Greater than 30 days | | $ | 9.9 | | $ | 5.1 | |
| Greater than 60 days | | | 3.4 | | | 2.4 | |
| Greater than 90 days | | | 11.6 | | | 8.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 24.9 | | $ | 15.8 | |
| | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Allowances, beginning of year | | $ | 6.0 | | $ | 8.3 | |
| Net additions (write-off) | | | 0.1 | | | (2.3 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Allowances, end of year | | $ | 6.1 | | $ | 6.0 | |
| | | | | | |
7. INVENTORIES
The amount of inventory recognized as an expense during Fiscal 2016 was $1,700.8 million (2015: $1,943.8 million), which included $42.6 million (2015: $66.2 million) of inventory write-downs to reduce the carrying amount of inventory to net realizable value. These expenses were included in "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Inventory write-downs included reversals of prior period inventory write-downs for Fiscal 2016 of $3.1 million (2015: $1.6 million), due to an increase in net realizable value.
8. PREPAID EXPENSES
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Rent | | $ | 9.5 | | $ | 10.7 | |
| Contracts | | | 13.7 | | | 11.5 | |
| Supplies | | | 3.0 | | | 2.8 | |
| Insurance | | | 1.0 | | | 0.8 | |
| Other | | | 7.3 | | | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total prepaid expenses | | $ | 34.5 | | $ | 31.0 | |
| | | | | | |
83
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
The following is a continuity of property, plant and equipment:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | Land | | Buildings and Leasehold Improvements | | Finance Lease Buildings | | Finance Lease Equipment | | Equipment and Fixtures | | Total | |
---|
| Cost or deemed cost | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 31, 2015 | | $ | 228.4 | | $ | 1,086.4 | | $ | 41.5 | | $ | 1.0 | | $ | 1,136.0 | | $ | 2,493.3 | |
| Additions | | | — | | | 14.0 | | | — | | | 0.1 | | | 9.6 | | | 23.7 | |
| Disposals | | | (52.1 | ) | | (16.3 | ) | | (3.5 | ) | | — | | | (13.7 | ) | | (85.6 | ) |
| Net movement to assets held for sale(2) | | | (2.5 | ) | | (16.3 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (7.0 | ) | | (25.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | 173.8 | | $ | 1,067.8 | | $ | 38.0 | | $ | 1.1 | | $ | 1,124.9 | | $ | 2,405.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Additions | | | — | | | 13.6 | | | — | | | — | | | 11.5 | | | 25.1 | |
| Disposals | | | (57.2 | ) | | (84.2 | ) | | (5.0 | ) | | — | | | (40.7 | ) | | (187.1 | ) |
| Net movement to assets held for sale(2) | | | (45.0 | ) | | (130.0 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (36.0 | ) | | (211.0 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 71.6 | | $ | 867.2 | | $ | 33.0 | | $ | 1.1 | | $ | 1,059.7 | | $ | 2,032.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accumulated depreciation and impairment | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 31, 2015 | | $ | — | | $ | 847.9 | | $ | 34.1 | | $ | 0.5 | | $ | 1,043.2 | | $ | 1,925.7 | |
| Depreciation expense(1) | | | — | | | 19.7 | | | 2.0 | | | 0.3 | | | 22.9 | | | 44.9 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | (15.6 | ) | | (3.5 | ) | | — | | | (13.7 | ) | | (32.8 | ) |
| Net impairment losses(1) | | | — | | | 10.5 | | | 5.4 | | | — | | | 23.3 | | | 39.2 | |
| Net movement to assets held for sale(2) | | | — | | | (8.5 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (7.0 | ) | | (15.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | — | | $ | 854.0 | | $ | 38.0 | | $ | 0.8 | | $ | 1,068.7 | | $ | 1,961.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Depreciation expense(1) | | | — | | | 11.7 | | | — | | | 0.3 | | | 15.6 | | | 27.6 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | (38.1 | ) | | (5.0 | ) | | — | | | (38.1 | ) | | (81.2 | ) |
| Impairment losses(1) | | | — | | | 8.9 | | | — | | | — | | | 15.2 | | | 24.1 | |
| Net movement to assets held for sale(2) | | | — | | | (91.9 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (34.6 | ) | | (126.5 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | — | | $ | 744.6 | | $ | 33.0 | | $ | 1.1 | | $ | 1,026.8 | | $ | 1,805.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 71.6 | | $ | 122.6 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | 32.9 | | $ | 227.1 | |
| Net balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | 173.8 | | $ | 213.8 | | $ | — | | $ | 0.3 | | $ | 56.2 | | $ | 444.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Depreciation expense and impairment losses are included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
- (2)
- Represents the balances related to certain retail stores and logistics centres. Refer to Note 28 "Assets classified as held for sale" for additional information.
Impairment losses
The Company performed an impairment analysis on its CGUs as required by IAS 36,Impairment of Assets. The net impairment losses (reversals) recognized for the current and prior fiscal years were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Sears full-line department stores | | $ | 11.6 | | $ | 43.1 | |
| Direct channel | | | 10.5 | | | 6.5 | |
| Other | | | 2.0 | | | 4.7 | |
| Distribution centre | | | — | | | (15.1 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Total net impairment losses | | $ | 24.1 | | $ | 39.2 | |
| | | | | | |
84
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
9. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES (Continued)
The impairment losses were due to indicators (in particular a decrease in revenue or decrease in cash flows) that the recoverable amounts were less than the carrying values. The recoverable amounts of the CGUs tested were determined as the higher of fair value less costs to sell, or value in use. In calculating fair value less costs to sell, the Company conducted appraisals of certain land and building properties that it owned or leased, with the assistance of independent qualified third party appraisers. The valuation methods used to determine fair value included the direct capitalization and discounted cash flow methods for buildings and the direct sales comparison for land. In calculating value in use, the Company used the present value of the estimated cash flows over management's best estimate of the useful life of the CGUs' assets, as applicable. A pre-tax discount rate of 14.0% was based on management's best estimate of the CGUs' weighted average cost of capital considering the risks facing the CGUs.
Impairment reversal
In prior years, an impairment loss of $44.4 million was recorded related to the Montreal distribution centre. During Fiscal 2015, an impairment reversal of $15.1 million was included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss in Fiscal 2015. The impairment reversal was included in the net impairment losses for 2015 in "Buildings and Leasehold Improvements."
Investment properties
Investment properties owned by the Company represent vacant land with no operating activity. During Fiscal 2016, there were disposals of $19.7 million of investment properties and no additions, impairment losses or reversals.
As at January 28, 2017, the carrying value was $2.0 million of which nil was included in "Assets held for sale" (January 30, 2016: $21.7 million of which $4.7 million was included in "Assets held for sale"). The fair value of investment properties was $2.8 million (January 30, 2016: $30.3 million). The fair value of the investment properties are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy (described further in Note 13.6). The Company engaged independent qualified third party appraisers to conduct appraisals and the fair value was determined using direct sales comparisons.
85
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | Application Software | | Information System Software and Other | | Total | |
---|
| Cost or deemed cost | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 31, 2015 | | $ | 66.0 | | $ | 136.2 | | $ | 202.2 | |
| Additions | | | 27.1 | | | 3.0 | | | 30.1 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | (0.1 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | 93.1 | | $ | 139.1 | | $ | 232.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Additions | | | 3.2 | | | 0.1 | | | 3.3 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | (0.1 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 96.3 | | $ | 139.1 | | $ | 235.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Accumulated amortization | | | | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 31, 2015 | | $ | 57.2 | | $ | 128.8 | | $ | 186.0 | |
| Amortization expense(1) | | | 3.4 | | | 0.1 | | | 3.5 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | (0.1 | ) | | (0.1 | ) |
| Impairment losses(1) | | | 20.3 | | | — | | | 20.3 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | 80.9 | | $ | 128.8 | | $ | 209.7 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Amortization expense(1) | | | 3.7 | | | 0.1 | | | 3.8 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Impairment losses(1) | | | 11.1 | | | 8.8 | | | 19.9 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 95.7 | | $ | 137.7 | | $ | 233.4 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Net balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 0.6 | | $ | 1.4 | | $ | 2.0 | |
| Net balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | 12.2 | | $ | 10.3 | | $ | 22.5 | |
| | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Amortization expense and impairment losses are included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
Impairment loss
During Fiscal 2016, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $19.9 million (2015: $20.3 million) on intangible assets of a number of Sears full-line department stores, Sears Home stores, Hometown stores, Sears Travel locations, the Direct channel and Sears Home Services. The impairment loss was due to indicators (in particular a decrease in revenue or decrease in cash flows) that the recoverable amount was less than the carrying value. The loss was included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
86
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
11. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Income taxes recoverable | | $ | — | | $ | 3.8 | |
| Prepaid rent | | | 4.8 | | | 5.2 | |
| Receivables | | | 0.1 | | | 1.8 | |
| Investments | | | — | | | 1.3 | |
| Unamortized debt transaction costs | | | 2.4 | | | 3.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Other long-term assets | | $ | 7.3 | | $ | 15.3 | |
| | | | | | |
12. DEFERRED REVENUE
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Arising from extended warranty service contracts(i) | | $ | 122.7 | | $ | 131.2 | |
| Arising from unshipped sales(ii) | | | 40.4 | | | 50.8 | |
| Arising from customer loyalty program(iii) | | | 29.5 | | | 34.1 | |
| Arising from gift card issuances(iv) | | | 8.1 | | | 10.7 | |
| Other(v) | | | 4.8 | | | 5.7 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total deferred revenue | | $ | 205.5 | | $ | 232.5 | |
| | | | | | |
| Current | | $ | 136.1 | | $ | 158.3 | |
| Non-current | | | 69.4 | | | 74.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total deferred revenue | | $ | 205.5 | | $ | 232.5 | |
| | | | | | |
The following explanations describe the Company's deferred revenue:
- (i)
- Deferred revenue arising from the sale of extended warranty service contracts, which provide coverage for product repair services over the term of the contracts.
- (ii)
- Deferred revenue arising from the sale of merchandise which has not yet been delivered to or picked up by the customer. The revenue is recognized once the merchandise is delivered to the customer.
- (iii)
- Deferred revenue arising from the Sears Club loyalty program.
- (iv)
- Deferred revenue arising from the purchase of gift cards by customers that have not yet been redeemed for merchandise. The revenue is recognized primarily upon redemption of the gift card.
- (v)
- Other includes deferred revenue for services that have not yet been fully rendered. The revenue is recognized when the goods have been delivered or by reference to the stage of completion of the service.
87
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into financial agreements with banks and other financial institutions to reduce underlying risks associated with interest rates, foreign currency, and commodity prices. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.
Financial instrument risk management
The Company is exposed to credit, liquidity and market risk as a result of holding financial instruments. Market risk consists of foreign exchange, interest rate, fuel price and natural gas price risk.
- 13.1
- Credit risk
Credit risk refers to the possibility that the Company can suffer financial losses due to the failure of the Company's counterparties to meet their payment obligations. Exposure to credit risk exists for derivative instruments, cash, accounts receivable and other long-term assets.
Cash, accounts receivable, derivative instruments and investments included in other long-term assets totaling $303.0 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $381.2 million) expose the Company to credit risk should the borrower default on maturity of the instruments. The Company manages this exposure through policies that require borrowers to have a minimum credit rating of A, and limiting investments with individual borrowers at maximum levels based on credit rating.
The Company is exposed to minimal credit risk from third parties as a result of ongoing credit evaluations and review of accounts receivable collectability. An allowance account included in "Accounts receivable, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position totaled $6.1 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $6.0 million). As at January 28, 2017, no individual party represented 10.0% or more of the Company's net accounts receivable (January 30, 2016: no individual party represented 10% or more of the Company's net accounts receivable).
- 13.2
- Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company may not have cash available to satisfy financial liabilities as they come due. The Company actively maintains access to adequate funding sources to seek to ensure it has sufficient available funds to meet current and foreseeable financial requirements at a reasonable cost.
The following table summarizes the carrying amount and the contractual maturities of both the interest and principal portion of significant financial liabilities as at January 28, 2017:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| |
| | Contractual Cash Flow Maturities | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Carrying Amount | | Total | | Within 1 year | | 1 year to 3 years | | 3 years to 5 years | | Beyond 5 years | |
---|
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | — | | $ | — | | $ | — | |
| Finance lease obligations including payments due within one year(1) | | | 20.3 | | | 24.6 | | | 5.0 | | | 9.9 | | | 6.9 | | | 2.8 | |
| Operating lease obligations(2) | | | — | | | 380.2 | | | 82.9 | | | 135.5 | | | 85.8 | | | 76.0 | |
| Royalties(2) | | | — | | | 11.6 | | | 3.1 | | | 5.9 | | | 2.6 | | | — | |
| Purchase agreements(2)(3) | | | — | | | 22.4 | | | 15.2 | | | 6.7 | | | 0.5 | | | — | |
| Retirement benefit plans obligations(4) | | | 308.6 | | | 207.4 | | | 47.9 | | | 88.4 | | | 71.1 | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | $ | 648.7 | | $ | 966.0 | | $ | 473.9 | | $ | 246.4 | | $ | 166.9 | | $ | 78.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Cash flow maturities related to finance lease obligations, including payments due within one year, include annual interest on finance lease obligations at a weighted average rate of 7.7%.
- (2)
- Operating lease obligations, royalties and certain purchase agreements are not reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
- (3)
- Certain vendors require minimum purchase commitment levels over the term of the contract. A portion of these obligations are included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
88
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)
- (4)
- Payments are based on a funding valuation as at December 31, 2015 which was completed on September 27, 2016. Any obligation beyond 2021 would be based on a funding valuation to be completed as at December 31, 2018 or earlier at the Company's discretion.
Market risk
Market risk exists as a result of the potential for losses caused by changes in market factors such as foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices.
- 13.3
- Foreign exchange risk
The Company enters into foreign exchange contracts to reduce the foreign exchange risk with respect to U.S. dollar denominated assets and liabilities and purchases of goods or services. As at January 28, 2017, there were forward contracts outstanding with a notional value of U.S. $82.0 million (January 30, 2016: U.S. $168.0 million) and a fair value of $0.6 million included in "Derivative financial liabilities" (January 30, 2016: $6.6 million included in "Derivative financial assets") in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These derivative contracts have settlement dates extending to June 2017. The intrinsic value portion of these derivatives has been designated as a cash flow hedge for hedge accounting treatment under IAS 39. These contracts are intended to reduce the foreign exchange risk with respect to anticipated purchases of U.S. dollar denominated goods purchased for resale ("hedged item"). As at January 28, 2017, the designated portion of these hedges was considered effective.
While the notional principal of these outstanding financial instruments is not recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, the fair value of the contracts is included in "Derivative financial assets" or "Derivative financial liabilities", depending on the fair value, and classified as current or long-term, depending on the maturities of the outstanding contracts. Changes in the fair value of the designated portion of contracts are included in OCI for cash flow hedges, to the extent the designated portion of the hedges continues to be effective, with any ineffective portion included in "Cost of goods and services sold" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Amounts previously included in OCI are reclassified to "Cost of goods and services sold" in the same period in which the hedged item impacts net loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $1.1 million (2015: loss of $3.2 million), in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, relating to the translation or settlement of U.S. dollar denominated monetary items consisting of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
The year end exchange rate was 0.7612 U.S. dollars to one Canadian dollar. A 10% appreciation or depreciation of the U.S. dollar and/or the Canadian dollar exchange rate was determined to have an after-tax impact on net loss of less than $0.1 million for U.S. dollar denominated balances included in cash and accounts payable.
- 13.4
- Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk reflects the sensitivity of the Company's financial condition to movements in interest rates. Financial assets and liabilities which do not bear interest or bear interest at fixed rates are classified as non-interest rate sensitive.
Net assets included in cash and other long-term assets, and borrowings under the Amended Credit Facility, when applicable, are subject to interest rate risk. The total subject to interest rate risk as at January 28, 2017 was a net asset of $235.8 million (January 30, 2016: net asset of $315.2 million). An increase or decrease in interest rates of 25 basis points would cause an after-tax impact on net loss of $0.4 million for net assets subject to interest rate risk included in cash and other long-term assets at the end of Fiscal 2016.
- 13.5
- Fuel and natural gas price risk
The Company entered into fuel and natural gas derivative contracts to manage the exposure to diesel fuel and natural gas prices and help mitigate volatility in cash flow for the transportation service business and utilities expense, respectively. As at January 28, 2017, the fixed to floating rate swap contracts outstanding had a fair value of $0.1 million included in "Derivative financial assets" (January 30, 2016: less than $0.1 million included in "Derivative financial assets") in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. These derivative contracts have settlement dates extending to January 31, 2017 with monthly settlement of maturing contracts.
89
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Continued)
- 13.6
- Classification and fair value of financial instruments
The estimated fair values of financial instruments presented are based on relevant market prices and information available at those dates. The following table summarizes the classification and fair value of certain financial instruments as at the specified dates. The Company determines the classification of a financial instrument when it is initially recorded, based on the underlying purpose of the instrument. As a significant number of the Company's assets and liabilities, including inventories and capital assets, do not meet the definition of financial instruments, values in the tables below do not reflect the fair value of the Company as a whole.
The fair value of financial instruments are classified and measured according to the following three levels, based on the fair value hierarchy.
- •
- Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
- •
- Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are observable for the asset or liability either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices)
- •
- Level 3: Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) Classification | | Balance Sheet Category | | Fair Value Hierarchy | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Fair value through profit or loss | | | | | | | | | | | |
| U.S. $ derivative contracts | | Derivative financial (liabilities) assets | | Level 2 | | $ | (0.6 | ) | $ | 6.6 | |
| Fuel and natural gas derivative contracts | | Derivative financial assets | | Level 2 | | | 0.1 | | | — | |
| Long-term investments | | Other long-term assets | | Level 3 | | | — | | | 1.3 | |
All other assets that are financial instruments not listed in the chart above have been classified as "Loans and receivables". All other financial instrument liabilities have been classified as "Other liabilities" and are measured at amortized cost in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. The carrying value of these financial instruments approximate fair value given that they are primarily short-term in nature. During Fiscal 2016, no transfers of financial instruments occurred between levels of the fair value hierarchy (2015: nil).
14. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
The components of "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" as included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Total accounts payable | | $ | 167.9 | | $ | 162.5 | |
| Accrued liabilities | | | | | | | |
| Payroll and employee benefits | | | 22.9 | | | 29.0 | |
| Merchandise accruals | | | 56.0 | | | 65.6 | |
| Short-term leasehold inducements | | | 8.0 | | | 8.3 | |
| Advertising accruals | | | 6.9 | | | 11.9 | |
| Other accrued liabilities | | | 58.1 | | | 55.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total accrued liabilities | | $ | 151.9 | | $ | 170.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | $ | 319.8 | | $ | 332.7 | |
| | | | | | |
90
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. PROVISIONS
The following is a continuity which shows the change in provisions during Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 30, 2016 | | Additional Provisions | | Release of Provisions | | Reversed Provisions | | As at January 28, 2017 | |
---|
| Insurance(i) | | $ | 12.1 | | $ | 5.4 | | $ | (5.2 | ) | $ | — | | $ | 12.3 | |
| Returns and allowances(ii) | | | 11.1 | | | 9.3 | | | (8.3 | ) | | — | | | 12.1 | |
| Warranties(iii) | �� | | 5.2 | | | — | | | (1.0 | ) | | — | | | 4.2 | |
| Sales tax(iv) | | | 26.7 | | | 2.8 | | | (2.4 | ) | | (24.6 | ) | | 2.5 | |
| Severance(v) | | | 16.4 | | | 36.1 | | | (25.7 | ) | | (3.5 | ) | | 23.3 | |
| Environmental(vi) | | | 6.4 | | | 1.6 | | | (1.9 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | 5.8 | |
| Other provisions(vii) | | | 2.9 | | | 13.5 | | | (5.5 | ) | | — | | | 10.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total provisions | | $ | 80.8 | | $ | 68.7 | | $ | (50.0 | ) | $ | (28.4 | ) | $ | 71.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current | | $ | 75.8 | | $ | 64.2 | | $ | (50.0 | ) | $ | (28.4 | ) | $ | 61.6 | |
| Non-current(iii),(vi) | | | 5.0 | | | 4.5 | | | — | | | — | | | 9.5 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total provisions | | $ | 80.8 | | $ | 68.7 | | $ | (50.0 | ) | $ | (28.4 | ) | $ | 71.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 31, 2015 | | Additional Provisions | | Release of Provisions | | Reversed Provisions | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Insurance(i) | | $ | 13.7 | | $ | 3.2 | | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | — | | $ | 12.1 | |
| Returns and allowances(ii) | | | 12.0 | | | 6.5 | | | (7.4 | ) | | — | | | 11.1 | |
| Warranties(iii) | | | 8.2 | | | 0.6 | | | (3.6 | ) | | — | | | 5.2 | |
| Sales tax(iv) | | | 6.0 | | | 22.1 | | | (1.4 | ) | | — | | | 26.7 | |
| Severance(v) | | | 11.9 | | | 28.7 | | | (18.3 | ) | | (5.9 | ) | | 16.4 | |
| Environmental(vi) | | | 6.1 | | | 2.7 | | | (2.1 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | 6.4 | |
| Other provisions(vii) | | | 5.5 | | | — | | | (2.4 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | 2.9 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total provisions | | $ | 63.4 | | $ | 63.8 | | $ | (40.0 | ) | $ | (6.4 | ) | $ | 80.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Current | | $ | 58.6 | | $ | 63.6 | | $ | (40.0 | ) | $ | (6.4 | ) | $ | 75.8 | |
| Non-current(iii)(vi) | | | 4.8 | | | 0.2 | | | — | | | — | | | 5.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total provisions | | $ | 63.4 | | $ | 63.8 | | $ | (40.0 | ) | $ | (6.4 | ) | $ | 80.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
91
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
15. PROVISIONS (Continued)
- (iv)
- The Company maintains provisions for sales tax assessments under active discussion, audit, dispute or appeal with tax authorities. These provisions represent the Company's best estimate of the amount expected to be paid based on qualitative and quantitative assessments. Though uncertainty exists around the timing of settlement of the disputes or appeals with tax authorities, the Company expects that sales tax provisions will be settled within four years. However, as the Company has no unconditional right to defer the settlement of these provisions past at least 12 months, these provisions are classified as current.
- (v)
- The provision for severance represents the Company's best estimate of the future outflow of payments to terminated employees. Uncertainty exists in certain cases relating to the amount of severance that will be awarded in court proceedings. As the Company has no unconditional right to defer these payments past at least 12 months, this provision is classified as current.
- (vi)
- The environmental provision primarily represents the costs to remediate environmental contamination associated with decommissioning auto centres to meet regulatory requirements. The provision is based on assessments conducted by third parties as well as historical data. The timing of payments for remediation is uncertain and as the Company has no unconditional right to defer most of these payments past at least 12 months, the balance is included primarily in "Provisions", with the remainder of the balance included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
- (vii)
- Other provisions primarily relate to onerous contracts. The provision for onerous contracts represents the Company's best estimate of the future outflow of payments when the unavoidable costs of meeting the obligations under a contract exceed the economic benefits expected. Uncertainty exists in certain cases relating to the expected economic benefits under an onerous contract, however the Company expects the onerous contract provisions to be settled within five years. The liability that is expected to be settled within 12 months is included in "Provisions", with the remainder of the balance included in "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
16. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND FINANCE COSTS
Long-term obligations
The Company's debt consists of finance lease obligations. In September 2010, the Company entered into an $800.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Credit Facility") with a syndicate of lenders with a maturity date of September 10, 2015.
On May 28, 2014, the Company announced that it had extended the term of the Credit Facility (the "Amended Credit Facility") to May 28, 2019 and reduced the total credit limit to $300.0 million. The Amended Credit Facility is secured with a first lien on inventory and credit card receivables.
Availability under the Amended Credit Facility is determined pursuant to a borrowing base formula, up to a maximum availability of $300.0 million. Availability under the Amended Credit Facility was $192.3 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $120.1 million). In 2013, as a result of judicial developments relating to the priorities of pension liability relative to certain secured obligations, the Company provided additional security to the lenders by pledging certain real estate assets as collateral, thereby partially reducing the potential reserve amount the lenders could apply. As at January 28, 2017, four properties in Canada had been pledged to the lenders under the Amended Credit Facility. The reserve amount may increase or decrease in the future based on changes in estimated net pension deficits in the event of a wind-up, and based on the value of real estate assets pledged as additional collateral.
The Amended Credit Facility contains covenants which are customary for facilities of this nature and the Company was in compliance with all covenants as at January 28, 2017.
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had no funded borrowings on the Amended Credit Facility. The Company had unamortized transaction costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility of $2.4 million included in "Other long-term assets" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (January 30, 2016: no funded borrowings and unamortized transaction costs of $3.2 million included in "Other long-term assets"). In addition, the Company had $107.7 million (January 30, 2016: $63.3 million) of letters of credit outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility. These letters of credit cover various payment obligations. Interest on drawings under the Amended Credit Facility and letter of credit fee are
92
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
16. LONG-TERM OBLIGATIONS AND FINANCE COSTS (Continued)
determined based on bankers' acceptance rates for one to three month terms or the prime rate plus a spread. Interest amounts on the Amended Credit Facility are due monthly and are added to principal amounts outstanding.
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had no outstanding merchandise letters of credit (January 30, 2016: U.S. $4.8 million) used to support the Company's offshore merchandise purchasing program.
Finance costs
Interest expense on long-term obligations, including finance lease obligations, the current portion of long-term obligations, amortization of transaction costs, accretion on the long-term portion of provisions and commitment fees on the unused portion of the Amended Credit Facility for Fiscal 2016 totaled $7.2 million (2015: $6.3 million). Interest expense was included in "Finance costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. Also included in "Finance costs" for Fiscal 2016, was an expense of $1.7 million for interest on income tax assessments and reassessments of the current and prior years (2015: expense of $3.4 million).
The Company's cash payments for interest on long-term obligations, including finance lease obligations, the current portion of long-term obligations and commitment fees on the unused portion of the Credit Facility for Fiscal 2016 totaled $5.1 million (2015: $4.6 million).
17. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
The components of other long-term liabilities were as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Leasehold inducements | | $ | 35.3 | | $ | 43.3 | |
| Straight-line rent liability | | | 33.4 | | | 11.7 | |
| Miscellaneous | | | 14.2 | | | 12.0 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total other long-term liabilities | | $ | 82.9 | | $ | 67.0 | |
| | | | | | |
The non-current portions of the warranties and environmental provisions (see Note 15) are reflected in the miscellaneous component of "Other long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
18. LEASING ARRANGEMENTS
- 18.1
- Finance lease arrangements — Company as lessee
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had finance lease arrangements related to the building and equipment components of certain leased properties, which include retail, office and warehouse locations. The related land components of these properties have been separately classified as operating leases. The buildings and equipment held under finance leases are used in the normal course of operations and do not contain significant unusual or contingent lease terms or restrictions. Building leases typically run for a period of 1 to 10 years, with some leases providing multiple options to renew after that date. Equipment leases typically run for a period of 1 to 5 years, with some leases providing an option to renew after that date.
Finance lease buildings and equipment are included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position under "Property, plant and equipment". Note 9 provides further details on the net carrying value of these assets, which as at January 28, 2017 was nil (January 30, 2016: $0.3 million).
As at January 28, 2017, the corresponding finance lease obligations, current and non-current, were $3.7 million (January 30, 2016: $4.0 million) and $16.6 million (January 30, 2016: $20.2 million), included in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position under "Current portion of long-term obligations" and "Long-term obligations," respectively (see Note 16).
93
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
18. LEASING ARRANGEMENTS (Continued)
The table below presents the future minimum lease payments of the Company's finance lease obligations:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Finance lease payments | | Future finance costs | | Present value of minimum lease payments | | Finance lease payments | | Future finance costs | | Present value of minimum lease payments | |
---|
| Within 1 year | | $ | 5.0 | | $ | 1.3 | | $ | 3.7 | | $ | 5.6 | | $ | 1.6 | | $ | 4.0 | |
| 2 years | | | 5.0 | | | 1.1 | | | 3.9 | | | 5.0 | | | 1.5 | | | 3.5 | |
| 3 years | | | 4.9 | | | 0.8 | | | 4.1 | | | 5.0 | | | 1.1 | | | 3.9 | |
| 4 years | | | 3.8 | | | 0.5 | | | 3.3 | | | 4.9 | | | 0.8 | | | 4.1 | |
| 5 years | | | 3.1 | | | 0.3 | | | 2.8 | | | 3.8 | | | 0.5 | | | 3.3 | |
| Thereafter | | | 2.8 | | | 0.3 | | | 2.5 | | | 5.9 | | | 0.5 | | | 5.4 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total minimum payments | | $ | 24.6 | | $ | 4.3 | | $ | 20.3 | | $ | 30.2 | | $ | 6.0 | | $ | 24.2 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest on finance lease obligations is recognized in "Finance costs" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss (see Note 16). Included in total "Finance costs" in Fiscal 2016, was $1.7 million (2015: $1.9 million) of interest paid related to finance lease obligations.
- 18.2
- Operating lease arrangements — Company as lessee
As at January 28, 2017, the Company had operating lease arrangements related to leased land, retail and office properties as well as equipment assets. The leases typically run for a period of 1 to 10 years, with some leases providing an option to renew after that date. Some leases include additional or contingent rent payments that are based on sales and step rent payments which are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. During Fiscal 2016, contingent rent recognized as an expense in respect of operating leases totaled $0.8 million (2015: $0.3 million). Rental expense for all operating leases totaled $106.2 million in Fiscal 2016 (2015: $99.9 million). These expenses are included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
The table below presents the contractual maturities of future minimum lease payments for the Company's operating leases:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Within 1 year | | $ | 82.9 | | $ | 81.2 | |
| 2 years | | | 72.1 | | | 71.4 | |
| 3 years | | | 63.4 | | | 58.8 | |
| 4 years | | | 53.1 | | | 46.4 | |
| 5 years | | | 32.7 | | | 35.1 | |
| Thereafter | | | 76.0 | | | 83.4 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total operating lease obligations(1) | | $ | 380.2 | | $ | 376.3 | |
| | | | | | |
- (1)
- Operating lease obligations are not reported in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The Company has a number of agreements to sub-lease premises to third parties, which are all classified as operating leases. During Fiscal 2016, total sub-lease income from leased premises was $2.0 million (2015: $2.4 million). As at January 28, 2017, total future minimum lease payments receivable from third party tenants were $12.9 million (2015: $15.0 million).
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS
The Company currently maintains a hybrid registered pension plan with a defined benefit component and a defined contribution component which covers eligible, regular full-time employees as well as some of its part-time employees. The defined benefit component provides pensions based on length of service and final average earnings. In addition to a
94
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
registered retirement savings plan, the pension plan includes a non-registered supplemental savings arrangement in respect to the defined benefit component. The non-registered portion of the plan is maintained to enable certain employees to continue saving for retirement in addition to the registered limit as prescribed by the Canada Revenue Agency. The Company also maintains a defined benefit non-pension retirement plan which provides life insurance, medical and dental benefits to eligible retired employees through a health and welfare trust ("Other Benefits Plan"). Also provided for under the health and welfare trust are short-term disability payments for active employees. The Company's accounting policies related to retirement benefit plans are described in Note 2.14.
In July 2008, the Company amended its pension plan and introduced a defined contribution component. The defined benefit component continues to accrue benefits related to future compensation increases although no further service credit is earned, and no contributions are made by employees. In addition, the Company no longer provides medical, dental and life insurance benefits at retirement for employees who had not achieved the eligibility criteria for these non-pension retirement benefits as at December 31, 2008.
In December 2009, the Company made the decision to change funding for non-pension retirement benefits from an actuarial basis to a pay-as-you-go basis to allow the surplus in the health and welfare trust to be utilized to make benefit payments. In addition, to further utilize the surplus, short-term disability payments of eligible employees are paid on a pay-as-you-go basis from the health and welfare trust. Beginning in February 2015, the Company began funding the Other Benefits Plan payments as well as short-term disability payments of active employees since the surplus in the health and welfare trust has been depleted.
In December 2013, the Company amended the early retirement provision of its defined benefit plan to eliminate a benefit for employees who voluntarily resign prior to age of retirement, with effect January 1, 2015. In addition, the Company amended the defined benefit plan for improvements that increase portability of employee benefits, with effect March 1, 2014. In December 2013, the Company froze the benefits offered under the Other Benefits Plan to benefits levels as at January 1, 2015.
During Fiscal 2015, the Company made a voluntary offer to settle medical and dental benefits of eligible members covered under the Other Benefits plan. The Company paid $4.0 million to settle acceptances from the Other Benefits plan offer and recorded a pre-tax gain on settlement of retirement benefits of $5.1 million ($5.4 million settlement gain less fees of $0.3 million) during Fiscal 2015 related to these offers. This payment is included in "Retirement benefit plans contributions" in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. To determine the settlement gain, the Other Benefits plan was remeasured as at the date of settlement, which also resulted in a $2.0 million increase to "Other comprehensive income (loss)" ("OCI").
Risks associated with retirement benefit plans
There is no assurance that the Company's retirement benefit plans will be able to earn the assumed rate of return. New regulations and market driven changes may result in changes in the discount rates and other variables which would result in the Company being required to make contributions in the future that differ significantly from the estimates. Management is required to use assumptions to account for the plans in conformity with IFRS. However, actual future experience will differ from these assumptions giving rise to actuarial gains or losses. In any year, actual experience differing from the assumptions may be material.
Plan assets consist primarily of cash, alternative investments and marketable equity and fixed income securities. The value of the marketable equity and fixed income investments will fluctuate due to changes in market prices. Plan obligations and annual pension expense are determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a number of assumptions. Although the Company believes that the assumptions used in the actuarial valuation process are reasonable, there remains a degree of risk and uncertainty which may cause results to differ from expectations. Significant assumptions in measuring the benefit obligations and pension plan costs include the discount rate and the rate of compensation increase.
Plan amendments, curtailments and settlements
In Fiscal 2012, the Company amended the non-registered supplemental savings arrangement in respect to the defined benefit plan to allow the use of letters of credit to satisfy the funding requirement of its deficit. As at January 28, 2017, a letter of credit with a notional value of $6.8 million was on deposit with the Trustee for the non-registered portion of the defined benefit plan(January 30, 2016: notional value of $2.1 million).
95
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
Maturity profile of retirement benefit plan obligations
The weighted average durations of the Registered Retirement Plans, Non-registered Pension Plan and Other Benefits Plan are all approximately 10.2 years (2015: approximately 10.3 years).
The Company's contractual cash flow maturity relating to retirement benefit plan obligation payments is included under "Liquidity risk" in Note 13.
- 19.1
- Retirement benefit asset and liability
The Company measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting purposes as at January 31. The most recent actuarial valuation of the pension plan for funding purposes is dated December 31, 2015, which was completed on September 27, 2016. An actuarial valuation of the health and welfare trust is performed at least every three years, with the last valuation completed as of January 31, 2014.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | |
---|
| Defined benefit plan assets | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair value, beginning balance | | $ | 1,106.5 | | $ | 48.1 | | $ | 1.5 | | $ | 1,156.1 | | $ | 1,217.8 | | $ | 50.8 | | $ | 1.9 | | $ | 1,270.5 | |
| Interest income | | | 33.2 | | | 1.4 | | | — | | | 34.6 | | | 39.1 | | | 1.6 | | | — | | | 40.7 | |
| Remeasurement gain (loss) on return on plan assets | | | 32.0 | | | 0.1 | | | 0.6 | | | 32.7 | | | (36.5 | ) | | (1.5 | ) | | (0.1 | ) | | (38.1 | ) |
| Employer contributions | | | 18.6 | | | 2.6 | | | 17.1 | | | 38.3 | | | 20.3 | | | 0.8 | | | 21.1 | | | 42.2 | |
| Administrative expenses | | | (0.5 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (0.5 | ) | | (0.5 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (0.5 | ) |
| Benefits paid(1) | | | (139.1 | ) | | (4.2 | ) | | (17.6 | ) | | (160.9 | ) | | (133.7 | ) | | (3.6 | ) | | (21.4 | ) | | (158.7 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Fair value of plan assets, ending balance | | $ | 1,050.7 | | $ | 48.0 | | $ | 1.6 | | $ | 1,100.3 | | $ | 1,106.5 | | $ | 48.1 | | $ | 1.5 | | $ | 1,156.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Defined benefit plan obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued obligations, beginning balance | | $ | 1,226.6 | | $ | 52.9 | | $ | 203.5 | | $ | 1,483.0 | | $ | 1,391.7 | | $ | 55.1 | | $ | 231.1 | | $ | 1,677.9 | |
| Interest cost | | | 35.8 | | | 1.5 | | | 5.7 | | | 43.0 | | | 44.5 | | | 1.7 | | | 6.9 | | | 53.1 | |
| Benefits paid | | | (139.1 | ) | | (4.2 | ) | | (13.0 | ) | | (156.3 | ) | | (133.6 | ) | | (3.6 | ) | | (16.5 | ) | | (153.7 | ) |
| Settlement gain | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5.4 | ) | | (5.4 | ) |
| Actuarial losses (gain) | | | 37.7 | | | 0.1 | | | 1.4 | | | 39.2 | | | (76.0 | ) | | (0.3 | ) | | (12.6 | ) | | (88.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued plan obligations, ending balance | | $ | 1,161.0 | | $ | 50.3 | | $ | 197.6 | | $ | 1,408.9 | | $ | 1,226.6 | | $ | 52.9 | | $ | 203.5 | | $ | 1,483.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Funded status of plan — (deficit) | | | (110.3 | ) | | (2.3 | ) | | (196.0 | ) | | (308.6 | ) | | (120.1 | ) | | (4.8 | ) | | (202.0 | ) | | (326.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Retirement benefit liability at end of fiscal year, net | | $ | (110.3 | ) | $ | (2.3 | ) | $ | (196.0 | ) | $ | (308.6 | ) | $ | (120.1 | ) | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | (202.0 | ) | $ | (326.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Benefits paid from the funded assets include retiree benefits and short-term disability of active employees. Other benefits consist of retiree health and dental claims.
96
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
- 19.2
- Fair value of plan assets
The fair value of plan assets disaggregated by asset class and fair value hierarchy level was as follows (measured at January 31, 2017 and January 31, 2016):
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | |
---|
| Cash and cash equivalents | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 2 | | $ | 12.4 | | $ | 23.0 | | $ | 1.6 | | $ | 37.0 | | $ | 166.1 | | $ | 23.0 | | $ | — | | $ | 189.1 | |
| Corporate bonds and notes | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 2 | | | 305.2 | | | — | | | — | | | 305.2 | | | 369.4 | | | — | | | — | | | 369.4 | |
| Level 3 | | | 136.7 | | | — | | | — | | | 136.7 | | | 141.5 | | | — | | | 1.5 | | | 143.0 | |
| Subtotal | | | 441.9 | | | — | | | — | | | 441.9 | | | 510.9 | | | — | | | 1.5 | | | 512.4 | |
| Common stock, preferred stock and REITS | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | | 294.3 | | | — | | | — | | | 294.3 | | | 193.9 | | | — | | | — | | | 193.9 | |
| Common or collective trusts | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 2 | | | 160.5 | | | 24.4 | | | — | | | 184.9 | | | 150.8 | | | 24.9 | | | — | | | 175.7 | |
| Short-term collective investment funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 2 | | | 136.4 | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | 137.0 | | | 101.6 | | | 0.2 | | | — | | | 101.8 | |
| Level 3 | | | 1.5 | | | — | | | — | | | 1.5 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Subtotal | | | 137.9 | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | 138.5 | | | 101.6 | | | 0.2 | | | — | | | 101.8 | |
| Hedge funds | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 3 | | | 0.6 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.6 | | | 1.1 | | | — | | | — | | | 1.1 | |
| Receivables (liabilities) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | | 4.2 | | | — | | | — | | | 4.2 | | | 5.8 | | | — | | | — | | | 5.8 | |
| Level 2 | | | 4.2 | | | — | | | — | | | 4.2 | | | (21.3 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (21.3 | ) |
| Subtotal | | | 8.4 | | | — | | | — | | | 8.4 | | | (15.5 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (15.5 | ) |
| Miscellaneous other liabilities | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Level 1 | | | (5.3 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (5.3 | ) | | (2.4 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (2.4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total fair value of plan assets | | $ | 1,050.7 | | $ | 48.0 | | $ | 1.6 | | $ | 1,100.3 | | $ | 1,106.5 | | $ | 48.1 | | $ | 1.5 | | $ | 1,156.1 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
During Fiscal 2016, the Company changed the target asset allocation to 50-70% fixed income and 30-50% equity for the defined benefit registered pension plan. For the assets in the health and welfare trust, included in Other Benefits Plan, the asset allocation is 100% fixed income. As at the end of Fiscal 2016 and 2015, the assets were in line with the target allocation range. The asset allocation may be changed from time to time in terms of weighting between fixed income, equity and other asset classes as well as within the asset classes themselves.
The plan's target allocation is determined taking into consideration the amounts and timing of projected liabilities, the Company's funding policies and expected returns on various asset classes. To develop the expected long-term rate of return on assets assumption, the Company considered the historical returns and the future expectations for returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio.
97
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
At as the end of the current and prior fiscal years, plan assets were invested in the following classes of securities:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
|
| | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | |
---|
| Fixed income securities | | | 58.3% | | | 75.5% | | | 100.0% | | | 69.6% | | | 69.5% | | | 100.0% | |
| Alternative investments | | | 0.1% | | | —% | | | —% | | | 0.1% | | | —% | | | —% | |
| Equity securities | | | 41.6% | | | 24.5% | | | —% | | | 30.3% | | | 30.5% | | | —% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total | | | 100.0% | | | 100.0% | | | 100.0% | | | 100.0% | | | 100.0% | | | 100.0% | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
|
| | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | |
---|
| Discount rate used in calculation of Accrued benefit plan obligations | | | 3.70 | % | | 3.60 | % | | 3.60 | % | | 3.80 | % | | 3.70 | % | | 3.70 | % |
| Benefit plans expense | | | 3.00 | % | | 2.90 | % | | 2.90 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 2.90 | % |
| Rate of compensation increase used in calculation of Accrued benefit plan obligations | | | 3.30 | % | | 3.30 | % | | 3.30 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.50 | % |
| Benefit plans expense | | | 3.30 | % | | 3.30 | % | | 3.30 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.50 | % | | 3.50 | % |
| Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets used in calculation of benefit plans expense | | | 3.00 | % | | 2.90 | % | | 2.90 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 3.00 | % | | 2.90 | % |
| Health care cost trend rates | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Used in calculation of accrued benefit plan obligations | | | | | | | | | 4.47 | % | | | | | | | | 4.62 | % |
| Used in calculation of benefit plans expense | | | | | | | | | 4.62 | % | | | | | | | | 4.77 | % |
| Cost trend rate declines to | | | | | | | | | 2.45 | % | | | | | | | | 2.45 | % |
| Year that the rate reaches assumed constant | | | | | | | | | 2030 | | | | | | | | | 2030 | |
98
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
- 19.5
- Sensitivity of significant actuarial assumptions
The following table summarizes the sensitivity of significant actuarial assumptions on the Company's defined benefit obligation:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | |
---|
| Discount rate sensitivity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued benefit plan obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 100 basis point increase in discount rate | | $ | (122.0 | ) | $ | (4.8 | ) | $ | (18.3 | ) | $ | (130.7 | ) | $ | (5.1 | ) | $ | (21.2 | ) |
| 100 basis point decrease in discount rate | | | 148.6 | | | 5.8 | | | 21.7 | | | 160.3 | | | 6.1 | | | 25.2 | |
| Benefit plans expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 100 basis point increase in discount rate | | | (3.6 | ) | | (0.1 | ) | | 0.9 | | | (5.7 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | 1.0 | |
| 100 basis point decrease in discount rate | | | 1.8 | | | 0.1 | | | (1.1 | ) | | 3.2 | | | 0.1 | | | (1.3 | ) |
| Rate of compensation increase sensitivity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued benefit plan obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 50 basis point increase in rate of compensation increase | | | 6.6 | | | 0.2 | | | n/a | | | 8.1 | | | 0.3 | | | n/a | |
| 50 basis point decrease in rate of compensation increase | | | (6.1 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | n/a | | | (7.2 | ) | | (0.2 | ) | | n/a | |
| Benefit plans expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 50 basis point increase in rate of compensation increase | | | 0.2 | | | — | | | n/a | | | 0.4 | | | — | | | n/a | |
| 50 basis point decrease in rate of compensation increase | | | (0.2 | ) | | — | | | n/a | | | (0.3 | ) | | — | | | n/a | |
| Health care cost trend rate sensitivity | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Accrued benefit plan obligations | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 100 basis point increase in health care trend rate | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | 16.0 | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | 18.6 | |
| 100 basis point decrease in health care trend rate | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | (13.8 | ) | | n/a | | | n/a | | | (16.0 | ) |
| Benefit plans expense | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| 100 basis point increase in health care trend rate | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | 0.5 | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | 0.6 | |
| 100 basis point decrease in health care trend rate | | | n/a | | | n/a | | | (0.4 | ) | | n/a | | | n/a | | | (0.5 | ) |
The methods and assumptions used in determining the above sensitivity are consistent with the methods and assumptions used to determine the pension plan obligations and with the methods and assumptions used in Fiscal 2015.
99
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
- 19.6
- Retirement benefit plans expense and contributions
The expense for the defined benefit, defined contribution and Other Benefits Plan for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, was as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | |
---|
| Net interest | | $ | 2.8 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 5.7 | | $ | 8.6 | | $ | 5.4 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 6.9 | | $ | 12.4 | |
| Settlement gain | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (5.4 | ) | | (5.4 | ) |
| Administrative expenses | | | 0.5 | | | — | | | — | | | 0.5 | | | 0.5 | | | — | | | 0.3 | | | 0.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net defined benefit plans expense | | $ | 3.3 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 5.7 | | $ | 9.1 | | $ | 5.9 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 1.8 | | $ | 7.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Net defined contribution plan expense | | | 4.8 | | | — | | | 0.2 | | | 5.0 | | | 5.8 | | | — | | | 0.2 | | | 6.0 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total retirement benefit plans expense(1) | | $ | 8.1 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 5.9 | | $ | 14.1 | | $ | 11.7 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 2.0 | | $ | 13.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Not included in total expense recognized are short-term disability payments of $4.6 million (2015: $4.9 million) that were paid from the health and welfare trust. Both short-term disability and the retirement benefit plans expense are included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses", unless disclosed elsewhere, in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
Total cash contributions made by the Company to its defined benefit, defined contribution and Other Benefits Plans, for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017 were $43.5 million (2015: $48.6 million), which included $4.6 million (2015: $4.9 million), related to short-term disability payments and nil during Fiscal 2016 (2015: $4.0 million) to settle acceptances from the Other Benefits Plan offers mentioned above. During the 52-week period ending February 3, 2018, it is estimated that the Company will make contributions of approximately $69.0 million to its defined benefit, defined contribution and Other Benefits Plan, which include funding obligations as described in Note 13.2.
100
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
19. RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)
- 19.7
- Remeasurements of the net defined retirement benefit liability
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | | Registered Retirement Plans | | Non- Registered Pension Plan | | Other Benefits Plan | | Total | |
---|
| Actuarial gain (loss) on difference between expected interest income and actual return on plan assets | | $ | 32.0 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | 0.6 | | $ | 32.7 | | $ | (36.5 | ) | $ | (1.5 | ) | $ | (0.1 | ) | $ | (38.1 | ) |
| Actuarial (loss) gain due to change in financial assumptions | | | (18.2 | ) | | 0.7 | | | (3.4 | ) | | (20.9 | ) | | 68.0 | | | 2.4 | | | 9.7 | | | 80.1 | |
| Actuarial (loss) gain due to all other experiences | | | (19.5 | ) | | (0.8 | ) | | 2.0 | | | (18.3 | ) | | 8.0 | | | (2.1 | ) | | 2.9 | | | 8.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Total remeasurement (loss) gain, net of income taxes(1) | | $ | (5.7 | ) | $ | — | | $ | (0.8 | ) | $ | (6.5 | ) | $ | 39.5 | | $ | (1.2 | ) | $ | 12.5 | | $ | 50.8 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Total remeasurement (loss) gain, net of income taxes, is included in "Total other comprehensive income (loss)" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
The actuarial losses associated with changes in financial assumptions are due to decreases in the discount rate as at January 28, 2017 for the Registered Retirement Plans of 0.1% (2015: 0.5% increase), Non-registered Pension Plan of 0.1% (2015: 0.4% increase), and Other Benefits Plan of 0.1% (2015: 0.5% increase).
20. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
- 20.1
- Legal proceedings
The Company is involved in various legal proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. The Company takes into account all available information, including guidance from experts (such as internal and external legal counsel) at the time of reporting to determine if it is probable that a present obligation (legal or constructive) exists, if it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefit will be required to settle such obligation and whether the Company can reliably measure such obligation at the end of the reporting period. The Company is of the view that, although the outcome of such legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, the final disposition is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial statements, including its Consolidated Statements of Financial Position, Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, and Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
- 20.2
- Commitments and guarantees
Commitments
As at January 28, 2017, cash that was restricted represented cash pledged as collateral for letter of credit obligations issued under the Company's offshore merchandise purchasing program of nil (January 30, 2016: $7.0 million, which is equal to U.S. $5.0 million), and cash pledged as collateral with a counterparty related to outstanding derivative contracts of $1.1 million (January 30, 2016: nil), which was equal to U.S. $0.8 million (January 30, 2016: nil).
The Company has certain vendors which require minimum purchase commitment levels over the term of the contract. Refer to Note 13.2 "Liquidity risk".
101
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
20. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Continued)
Guarantees
The Company has provided the following significant guarantees to third parties:
Royalty License Agreements
The Company pays royalties under various merchandise license agreements, which are generally based on the sale of products. Certain license agreements require a minimum guaranteed payment of royalties over the term of the contract, regardless of sales. Total future minimum royalty payments under such agreements were $11.6 million as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: $15.9 million).
Other Indemnification Agreements
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has provided indemnification commitments to counterparties in transactions such as leasing transactions, royalty agreements, service arrangements, investment banking agreements and director and officer indemnification agreements. The foregoing indemnification agreements require the Company to compensate the counterparties for costs incurred as a result of changes in laws and regulations, or as a result of litigation or statutory claims, or statutory sanctions that may be suffered by a counterparty as a consequence of the transaction. The terms of these indemnification agreements will vary based on the contract and typically do not provide for any limit on the maximum potential liability. Historically, the Company has not made any significant payments under such indemnifications and no amounts have been accrued in the consolidated financial statements with respect to these indemnification commitments.
21. INCOME TAXES
The average combined federal and provincial statutory income tax rate applied to the Company was 26.9% for Fiscal 2016 (2015: 26.8%). A reconciliation of income taxes at the average statutory tax to actual income tax expense for Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015 is as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Loss before income taxes | | $ | (318.2 | ) | $ | (62.7 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Income tax recovery at the average statutory tax rate | | $ | (85.6 | ) | $ | (16.8 | ) |
| (Decrease) increase in income taxes resulting from | | | | | | | |
| Non-taxable portion of capital gain | | | (16.1 | ) | | (33.3 | ) |
| Non-deductible items | | | 1.5 | | | 1.0 | |
| Prior year adjustments | | | 11.3 | | | — | |
| Non-recognition of deferred taxes assets, net | | | 94.6 | | | 56.7 | |
| Others | | | (2.6 | ) | | (2.6 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| | | | 3.1 | | | 5.0 | |
| Effective tax rate before the following adjustments | | | (1.0 | )% | | (8.0 | )% |
| Changes in tax rates or imposition of new taxes | | | (0.3 | ) | | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total income tax expense | | $ | 2.8 | | $ | 5.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Effective tax rate | | | (0.9 | )% | | (8.3 | )% |
| | | | | | |
The Company's total net cash refunds of income taxes for the current year was $25.0 million (2015: net refund of $87.6 million), primarily relating to the settlement for fiscal years 2006 to 2008 and the carry back of losses generated by the Company in Fiscal 2014, and included refund interest on net cash income tax receipts of $3.1 million (2015: $1.1 million) (see Note 5 for additional information).
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities. While the Company believes that its tax filing positions are appropriate and supportable, periodically, certain matters are challenged by tax authorities. During Fiscal 2016, the Company recorded an expense of $1.7 million for interest on income tax assessments and reassessments of the current and prior years (2015: expense of $3.4 million).
102
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
The Company routinely evaluates and provides for potentially unfavourable outcomes with respect to any tax audits, and believes that the final disposition of tax audits will not have a material adverse effect on its liquidity.
The tax effects of the significant components of temporary timing differences giving rise to the Company's net deferred tax assets were as follows:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 30, 2016 | | Recognized in earnings | | Recognized in equity | | As at January 28, 2017 | |
---|
| Deferred revenue | | $ | 0.6 | | $ | 0.3 | | $ | — | | $ | 0.9 | |
| Other long term liabilities | | | 19.1 | | | (3.0 | ) | | — | | | 16.1 | |
| Derivative financial assets | | | (2.7 | ) | | — | | | 2.8 | | | 0.1 | |
| Property, plant and equipment | | | (4.2 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (4.2 | ) |
| Investment property | | | (21.5 | ) | | 11.9 | | | — | | | (9.6 | ) |
| Intangible assets | | | 1.1 | | | 0.5 | | | — | | | 1.6 | |
| Retirement benefit obligations | | | 87.6 | | | (6.2 | ) | | 1.7 | | | 83.1 | |
| Provisions | | | 60.8 | | | (8.4 | ) | | — | | | 52.4 | |
| Non-capital losses | | | 51.5 | | | 88.8 | | | — | | | 140.3 | |
| Other | | | 8.2 | | | 8.2 | | | — | | | 16.4 | |
| Write down of deferred tax assets | | | (122.0 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (122.0 | ) |
| Non-recognition of deferred tax assets | | | (77.9 | ) | | (94.6 | ) | | (1.9 | ) | | (174.4 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total deferred tax assets, net | | $ | 0.6 | | $ | (2.5 | ) | $ | 2.6 | | $ | 0.7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 31, 2015 | | Recognized in earnings | | Recognized in equity | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Deferred revenue | | $ | 0.5 | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | — | | $ | 0.6 | |
| Other long term liabilities | | | 21.8 | | | (2.7 | ) | | — | | | 19.1 | |
| Derivative financial assets | | | (2.5 | ) | | (0.4 | ) | | 0.2 | | | (2.7 | ) |
| Property, plant and equipment | | | (7.9 | ) | | 3.7 | | | — | | | (4.2 | ) |
| Investment property | | | (28.0 | ) | | 6.5 | | | — | | | (21.5 | ) |
| Intangible assets | | | 1.1 | | | — | | | — | | | 1.1 | |
| Retirement benefit obligations | | | 108.2 | | | (7.0 | ) | | (13.6 | ) | | 87.6 | |
| Provisions | | | 49.6 | | | 11.2 | | | — | | | 60.8 | |
| Non-capital losses | | | 10.4 | | | 41.1 | | | — | | | 51.5 | |
| Other | | | 1.1 | | | 7.1 | | | — | | | 8.2 | |
| Write down of deferred tax assets, net | | | (122.0 | ) | | — | | | — | | | (122.0 | ) |
| Non-recognition of deferred tax assets | | | (35.0 | ) | | (56.7 | ) | | 13.8 | | | (77.9 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Total deferred tax (liabilities) assets, net | | $ | (2.7 | ) | $ | 2.9 | | $ | 0.4 | | $ | 0.6 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
The Company assesses the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realizable at the end of each reporting period and adjusts the carrying amount accordingly, by considering factors such as the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and changes in tax laws. The Company has determined that it was not appropriate to recognize all of its deferred tax assets as it was not probable that sufficient taxable income would be available to allow part of the assets to be recovered. This accounting treatment has no effect on the Company's ability to utilize deferred tax assets to reduce future cash tax payments. As of January 28, 2017, the Company has not recognized the benefit of approximately $520.8 million of loss carry forwards on its Financial Statements (which expire in the taxation years from 2035 to 2037) and approximately $4.9 million in Ontario minimum tax, which could be used to reduce taxes payable in future periods. The aggregate amount of net deductible temporary differences and loss carry forwards as at January 28, 2017, was approximately $1,083.6 million, and the tax benefit associated with these items was approximately $291.5 million using the statutory tax rate of 26.9%, which together with the Ontario minimum tax recoverable of approximately $4.9 million amounted to a total tax benefit of $296.4 million.
103
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
21. INCOME TAXES (Continued)
During Fiscal 2014, the Company recognized a write down of the deferred tax assets for $122.0 million. $88.6 million of this charge was included in "Deferred income tax recovery (expense)", and as a portion of the deferred tax assets originated through equity, $33.4 million of this charge was included in OCI in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss in accordance with IAS 12,Income Taxes. The aggregate amount of deductible temporary differences for which no deferred tax asset is recognized as at January 28, 2017, is approximately $1,083.6 million (January 30, 2016: $727.6 million).
22. CAPITAL STOCK AND SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
Capital Stock
ESL Investments, Inc., and investment affiliates including Edward S. Lampert, collectively "ESL", form the largest shareholder of the Company, both directly through ownership in the Company, and indirectly through shareholdings in Sears Holdings.
As at January 28, 2017, ESL was the beneficial holder of 46,162,515 or 45.3%, of the common shares of the Company(January 30, 2016: 46,162,515 or 45.3%). Sears Holdings was the beneficial holder of 11,962,391 or 11.7%, of the common shares of the Company as at January 28, 2017 (January 30, 2016: 11,962,391 or 11.7%). The issued and outstanding shares are fully paid and have no par value.
The authorized common share capital of the Company consists of an unlimited number of common shares without nominal or par value and an unlimited number of class 1 preferred shares, issuable in one or more series. As at January 28, 2017, the total number of common shares issued and outstanding of the Company was 101,877,662 (January 30, 2016: 101,877,662) with stated value of $14.9 million (January 30, 2016: $14.9 million).
Share-based compensation
During Fiscal 2016, the Company granted 500,000 RSUs to an executive under an equity-based compensation plan. These RSUs had a grant-date fair value of $4.2 million. The fair value of the grant was determined based on the Company's share price at the date of grant. The RSUs are entitled to accrue common share dividends equivalent to those declared by the Company, which would be settled by a grant of additional RSUs to the executive.
During Fiscal 2014, the Company granted 225,000 RSUs to an executive under an equity-based compensation plan, which were forfeited in Fiscal 2015. These RSUs had a grant-date fair value of $1.9 million. The fair value of the grant was determined based on the Company's share price at the date of grant, and was entitled to accrue common share dividends equivalent to those declared by the Company, which would be settled by a grant of additional RSUs to the executive.
Compensation expense related to RSUs included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" for Fiscal 2016 was $3.1 million (2015: recovery of $0.4 million).
23. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES
The Company manages and makes adjustments to its capital structure, when necessary, in light of changes in economic conditions, the objectives of its shareholders, the cash requirements of the business and the condition of capital markets. In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may pay a dividend or return capital to shareholders, modify debt levels or sell assets.
The Company defines capital as follows:
- •
- Long-term obligations, including the current portion of long-term obligations ("Total long-term obligations"); and
104
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
23. CAPITAL DISCLOSURES (Continued)
- •
- Shareholders' equity.
The following table presents summary quantitative data with respect to the Company's capital resources:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Total long-term obligations | | $ | 20.3 | | $ | 24.2 | |
| Shareholders' equity | | | 222.2 | | | 554.2 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total | | $ | 242.5 | | $ | 578.4 | |
| | | | | | |
24. REVENUE
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Apparel and Accessories | | $ | 994.4 | | $ | 1,108.6 | |
| Home and Hardlines | | | 1,143.4 | | | 1,476.4 | |
| Other merchandise revenue | | | 205.8 | | | 207.0 | |
| Services and other | | | 237.6 | | | 245.6 | |
| Commission and licensee revenue | | | 32.4 | | | 108.1 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total revenue | | $ | 2,613.6 | | $ | 3,145.7 | |
| | | | | | |
25. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPENSE
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Wages and salaries | | $ | 376.5 | | $ | 432.6 | |
| Paid absences(1) | | | 35.0 | | | 40.0 | |
| Benefits | | | | | | | |
| Provincial healthcare costs | | | 9.4 | | | 10.3 | |
| Flex benefits | | | 10.1 | | | 12.4 | |
| Retirement benefit plans expense(2) | | | 14.0 | | | 13.5 | |
| Statutory deductions(3) | | | 27.0 | | | 30.9 | |
| Severance | | | 36.1 | | | 25.3 | |
| Other employer paid benefits | | | 10.4 | | | 5.6 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total benefits expense | | $ | 518.5 | | $ | 570.6 | |
| | | | | | |
- (1)
- Paid absences are expenses related to vacation, statutory holidays and sick days.
- (2)
- Included in Retirement benefit plans expense for Fiscal 2016 was nil related to the settlement of retirement benefits under the non-pension retirement benefit plan (2015: $5.4 million gain related to the settlement of retirement benefits under the non-pension retirement benefit plan excluding fees of $0.3 million).
(3)- Statutory deductions consist of the employer portion of payment for the Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance.
These expenses are included in "Cost of goods and services sold", "Selling, administrative and other expenses" and "Gain on settlement of retirement benefits" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
105
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
26. GAIN ON LEASE TERMINATION AND SALE AND LEASEBACK TRANSACTIONS
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed a real estate transaction, as previously announced on December 9, 2016, for net proceeds of $62.1 million (total consideration of $62.9 million less adjustments). The transaction mainly consisted of a sale and leaseback of a retail store located in Kitchener, Ontario, and a lease termination of the office floors of the Toronto Eaton Centre located in Toronto, Ontario. The total gain on the transaction was $51.7 million which was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of its logistics centre located in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, for net proceeds of $22.4 million. The total gain on the sale and leaseback transaction was $9.7 million which was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Broad Street logistics centre located in Regina, Saskatchewan, for net proceeds of $8.5 million. The total loss on the sale was $1.5 million which was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale of its Park Street logistics centre located in Regina, Saskatchewan, for net proceeds of $18.1 million. The total gain on the sale was $5.4 million which was recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of its logistics centre located in Calgary, Alberta, for net proceeds of $83.9 million. The total gain on this sale and leaseback transaction was $40.1 million, $15.2 million of which was recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. The remaining $24.9 million of the gain was deferred and is being amortized over the term of the lease as a reduction in rent expense, included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. In determining the appropriate amount of gain to defer in accordance with IAS 17, the Company conducted an appraisal of the property to determine its fair value, with the assistance of independent qualified third party appraisers. The valuation method used to determine the fair value of the property was the direct sales comparison approach for land. The deferred gain was included in "Other long-term liabilities" and "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
During Fiscal 2016, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of its logistics centre located in Vaughan, Ontario, for net proceeds of $100.0 million. The total gain on this sale and leaseback transaction was $25.4 million which was recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
During Fiscal 2015, the Company completed the sale and leaseback of three properties to the Concord Pacific Group of Companies ("Concord"), for net proceeds of $130.0 million ($140.0 million of total consideration less $10.0 million of adjustments). The properties in the transactions included the Company's stores and surrounding area located at the North Hill Shopping Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, British Columbia and Cottonwood Mall in Chilliwack, British Columbia. The total gain on the sale and leaseback transactions was $76.9 million, $67.2 million of which was recognized immediately in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. The remaining $9.7 million of the gain was deferred and is being amortized between four to seven years as a reduction in rent expense, included in "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. In determining the appropriate amount of gain to defer in accordance with IAS 17, the Company conducted appraisals of each property to determine their fair values, with the assistance of independent qualified third party appraisers. The valuation method used to determine the fair values of each property was the direct sales comparison approach for land. The deferred gain was included in "Other long-term liabilities" and "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Positions. Upon completion of the sale and leaseback transactions, the Company was released from all previous agreements with Concord, and the demand mortgage for $25.0 million previously secured by the property in Burnaby, British Columbia, was discharged.
27. GAIN ON TERMINATION OF CREDIT CARD ARRANGEMENT
On November 23, 2015, the Company received a payment of $174.0 million from JPMorgan Chase as a result of the sale of their portfolio of credit card accounts and related receivables related to the Sears credit card and Sears Mastercard. The Company recognized a net gain of $170.7 million in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss. The Company's credit card marketing and servicing alliance agreement with JPMorgan Chase ended on November 15, 2015.
106
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
28. ASSETS CLASSIFIED AS HELD FOR SALE
Land and buildings are transferred to assets classified as held for sale, from property, plant and equipment and investment property, when they meet the criteria to be assets classified as held for sale in accordance to IFRS 5,Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations ("IFRS 5"). The proposed sale transactions have been approved by senior management of the Company and are expected to close within the next 12 months.
As at January 28, 2017, the assets of one retail store and one logistics centre were separately classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. As at January 30, 2016, the assets of certain logistics centres were separately classified as held for sale in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
The following is a continuity of assets classified as held for sale:
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | Retail Store | | Logistics Centre | | Total | |
---|
| Balance at January 31, 2015 | | $ | — | | $ | 13.3 | | $ | 13.3 | |
| Additions | | | — | | | 12.6 | | | 12.6 | |
| Disposals | | | — | | | — | | | — | |
| Impairment losses | | | — | | | (3.8 | ) | | (3.8 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 30, 2016 | | $ | — | | $ | 22.1 | | $ | 22.1 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Additions(1) | | | 17.6 | | | 69.7 | | | 87.3 | |
| Disposals(2) | | | (10.2 | ) | | (33.9 | ) | | (44.1 | ) |
| Impairment losses | | | (0.4 | ) | | (7.9 | ) | | (8.3 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| Balance at January 28, 2017 | | $ | 7.0 | | $ | 50.0 | | $ | 57.0 | |
| | | | | | | | |
- (1)
- Included in additions were the assets of one retail store and one logistics centre which were classified as held for sale and subsequently disposed of in Fiscal 2016. See Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sales leaseback transactions" for additional information regarding disposals.
- (2)
- See Note 26 "Gain on lease termination and sales leaseback transactions" for additional information regarding disposals.
Impairment loss
The carrying values of the property, plant and equipment and investment property on one retail store and certain logistics centres were higher than the estimated fair values less costs to sell, and as a result, the Company recognized an impairment loss of $8.3 million in Fiscal 2016 (2015: $3.8 million on one logistics centre). The impairment losses were included in the "Selling, administrative and other expenses" in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss.
The Company will continue to assess the fair value less costs to sell of the assets classified as held for sale at the end of each reporting period and adjust the carrying amounts accordingly. To determine the fair value less costs to sell of the assets classified as held for sale, the Company will consider factors such as expected future cash flows using appropriate market rental rates, the estimated costs to sell and an appropriate discount rate to calculate the fair value. The carrying amounts of the assets classified as held for sale are not necessarily indicative of their fair values, as they have been recorded at the lower of their carrying amounts and fair values less costs to sell in accordance with IFRS 5.
The operations of the retail stores and logistics centres classified as held for sale, were not presented as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss, as they did not represent a separate geographical area of operations or a separate major line of business.
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The ultimate controlling party of the Company is ESL Investments, Inc. (incorporated in the U.S. in the state of Delaware). Details of transactions between the Company and a related party are disclosed below.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
During Fiscal 2016 and Fiscal 2015, the Company entered into the following transactions with a related party:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
| | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | Purchase of goods | | Services received | | Other | | Total | | Purchase of goods | | Services received | | Other | | Total | |
---|
| Sears Holdings Corporation | | $ | — | | $ | 2.8 | | $ | 0.2 | | $ | 3.0 | | $ | — | | $ | 3.8 | | $ | 0.2 | | $ | 4.0 | |
The following balances were outstanding as at January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016:
| | | | | | | | |
|
| | Amounts receivable from a related party | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Sears Holdings Corporation | | $ | — | | $ | 0.2 | |
| | | | | | | | |
|
| | Amounts payable to a related party | |
---|
| (in CAD millions) | | As at January 28, 2017 | | As at January 30, 2016 | |
---|
| Sears Holdings Corporation | | $ | 0.2 | | $ | 0.5 | |
Intangible Properties
The Company has a license from Sears, Roebuck and Co. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sears Holdings) to use the name "Sears" as part of its corporate name and other brand names including Kenmore® and DieHard®, collectively referred to as the "License Agreement". The Company has established procedures to register and otherwise vigorously protect its intellectual property, including the protection of the Sears Holdings' trademarks used by the Company in Canada.
The License Agreement states that, if Sears Holdings' ownership interest in the Company is reduced to less than 10.0%, the License Agreement would remain in effect for a period of five years after such reduction in ownership, (subject to an extension of up to four years at a royalty rate to be agreed equal to the lesser of a fair market rate based on the value of such mark or the lowest rate which will provide a reasonable incentive to induce the Company to phase out the use of such mark during such extended period, if the Company reasonably determines that a longer transition is necessary) after which the Company would no longer be permitted to use the "Sears" name and certain other brand names. In addition, the License Agreement also provides that the Company's license to use the "Sears" name and certain other brand names will terminate on the occurrence of certain bankruptcy events involving the Company. In addition, in the event of a bankruptcy proceeding involving Sears Holdings, there is a risk of the License Agreement being terminated under applicable U.S. insolvency legislation. Losing such rights could significantly diminish the Company's competitiveness in the marketplace and could materially harm the business. If the license agreement is terminated, the Company may attempt to renegotiate such agreement although the terms of any such renegotiated agreement may be less favourable to the Company.
Import Services and Consulting Services
Pursuant to an agreement between Sears Holdings and the Company dated January 1, 1995, Sears Canada utilizes the international merchandise purchasing services of Sears Holdings. Sears Holdings may provide assistance to the Company with respect to monitoring and facilitating the production, inspection and delivery of imported merchandise and the payment to vendors. Sears Canada pays Sears Holdings a fee based on a stipulated percentage of the value of the imported merchandise.
The related party transactions with Sears Holdings are in the ordinary course of business for shared merchandise purchasing services. These transactions were recorded either at fair market value or the exchange amount, which was established and agreed to by the related parties. These balances are included in "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "Accounts receivable, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
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NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
29. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Continued)
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received. No expense has been recognized in the current or prior fiscal periods for bad or doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by Sears Holdings.
The Company's Audit Committee is responsible for pre-approving all related party transactions that have a value greater than $1.0 million.
30. KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL COMPENSATION
Key management personnel are those individuals having the authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company. The total compensation expense for the Company's key management personnel was as follows:
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Salaries and perquisites | | $ | 13.0 | | $ | 11.4 | |
| Annual incentive plans and other bonuses | | | 3.2 | | | 3.7 | |
| Pensions | | | 0.1 | | | 0.1 | |
| Termination benefits | | | 1.6 | | | 4.9 | |
| | | | | | |
| Total key management personnel compensation | | $ | 17.9 | | $ | 20.1 | |
| | | | | | |
31. NET LOSS PER SHARE
| | | | | | | | |
| (Number of shares) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Weighted average number of shares per basic net loss per share calculation | | | 101,877,662 | | | 101,877,662 | |
| Effect of dilutive instruments outstanding | | | — | | | — | |
| | | | | | |
| Weighted average number of shares per diluted net loss per share calculation | | | 101,877,662 | | | 101,877,662 | |
| | | | | | |
"Net loss" as disclosed in the Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss was used as the numerator in calculating the basic and diluted net loss per share. For 2016 and 2015, there were no outstanding dilutive instruments.
32. CHANGES IN NON-CASH WORKING CAPITAL BALANCES
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Accounts receivable, net | | $ | (7.7 | ) | $ | 12.5 | |
| Inventories | | | 66.3 | | | (23.4 | ) |
| Prepaid expenses | | | (3.5 | ) | | (2.3 | ) |
| Derivative financial assets | | | (3.1 | ) | | 1.3 | |
| Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | | | (18.6 | ) | | (35.3 | ) |
| Deferred revenue | | | (22.2 | ) | | (12.9 | ) |
| Provisions | | | (14.2 | ) | | 17.2 | |
| Income and other taxes payable and recoverable | | | 1.3 | | | (18.1 | ) |
| Effect of foreign exchange rates | | | 1.8 | | | (3.3 | ) |
| | | | | | |
| Cash used for non-cash working capital balances | | $ | 0.1 | | $ | (64.3 | ) |
| | | | | | |
109
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
33. CHANGES IN NON-CASH LONG-TERM ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
| | | | | | | | |
| (in CAD millions) | | 2016 | | 2015 | |
---|
| Other long-term assets | | $ | 7.2 | | $ | 4.3 | |
| Other long-term liabilities | | | (13.5 | ) | | (16.3 | ) |
| Other | | | 0.6 | | | 0.3 | |
| | | | | | |
| Cash used for non-cash long-term assets and liabilities | | $ | (5.7 | ) | $ | (11.7 | ) |
| | | | | | |
34. EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD
On March 1, 2017, the Company announced it had completed the sale and leaseback transaction of its logistics centre located in Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, for a total consideration of $50.0 million less customary closing adjustments. This property, including land, building and equipment, had a net carrying value of approximately $50.0 million included in "Assets classified as held for sale" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at January 28, 2017. The accounting impact will be determined during the 13-week period ending April 29, 2017.
Concurrently with the sale by Sears Holdings of its Craftsman business, including the Craftsman® brand, to Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc., the Company's license agreement with Sears Holdings was amended to remove the Craftsman® brand and the Company entered into a trademark license agreement dated March 8, 2017 directly with Stanley, Black & Decker, Inc. for a non-exclusive license (the first 15 years of which are royalty free) to use the Craftsman® brand in Canada.
On March 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement with a syndicate of lenders for a five-year secured term loan of up to $300.0 million. The loan is available in two tranches, of which $125.0 million has been drawn, and up to $175.0 million is available on a delayed-draw basis at the Company's option, subject to mutually agreed assets being contributed to the borrowing base. The loan is available for general corporate purposes.
On March 27, 2017, the Company closed the sale and leaseback transaction of its retail store located in Regina, Saskatchewan, for a total consideration of $7.0 million less customary closing adjustments. This property, including land, building and equipment, had a net carrying value of approximately $7.0 million included in "Assets classified as held for sale" in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as at January 28, 2017. The accounting impact will be determined during the 13-week period ending April 29, 2017.
35. APPROVAL OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorized for issue on April 25, 2017.
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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
| | |
Board of Directors | | Officers |
Shahir Guindi | | Brandon G. Stranzl |
Managing Partner, Montreal Office | | Executive Chairman |
Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP | | |
R. Raja Khanna(1)(2)(4) | | Philip Mohtadi |
Chief Executive Officer | | General Counsel and Corporate Secretary |
Blue Ant Media Inc. | | |
Deborah E. Rosati(1)(4) | | Billy Wong |
Corporate Director and Advisor | | Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer |
Anand A. Samuel(2)(3) | | Becky Penrice |
Analyst ESL Investments Inc. | | Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer |
Graham Savage(1)(2)(4) | | |
Corporate Director | | |
S. Jeffrey Stollenwerck(3) | | |
President, Sears Real Estate Business | | |
Sears Holdings Corporation | | |
Brandon G. Stranzl(3) | | |
Executive Chairman of the Corporation | | |
Heywood Wilansky(2) | | |
President and Chief Executive Officer | | |
Strategic Management Resources LLC | | |
Committees
- (1)
- Audit Committee
- (2)
- Human Resources and Compensation Committee
- (3)
- Investment Committee
- (4)
- Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
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CORPORATE INFORMATION
| | |
Head Office Sears Canada Inc. 290 Yonge Street Suite 700 Toronto, Ontario M5B 2C3
Website:sears.ca E-mail:home@sears.ca
For more information about the Company, or for additional copies of the Annual Report, write to the Corporate Communications Department at the Head Office of Sears Canada Inc., or call 416-941-4422. The Company's regulatory filings can be found on the SEDAR website at sedar.com and on the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) website at sec.gov. Stock Exchange Listing Toronto Stock Exchange Trading symbol: SCC NASDAQ Trading symbol: SRSC
Transfer Agents and Registrars CST Trust Company P.O. Box 700, Station B Montreal, Québec H3B 3K3 | | Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Sears Canada Inc. will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 8:00 a.m. in the Auditorium, Fourth floor, 290 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario Canada. Édition française du rapport annuel On peut se procurer l'édition française de ce rapport en écrivant au : Service national des communications Sears Canada Inc. 290 Yonge Street Suite 700 Toronto (Ontario) M5B 2C3
Pour de plus amples renseignements au sujet de la Société, veuillez écrire au service national des communications, ou composer le 416-941-4422. Les dépôts réglementaires de la Société se trouvent sur le site Web de SEDAR à l'adresse sedar.com et sur le site Web de la Securities Exchange Commission («SEC») des États-Unis à l'adresse sec.gov. |
| | | | |
Answerline: | | 416-682-3860 | | |
| | 1-800-387-0825 | | |
Fax: | | 1-888-249-6189 | | |
Website: | | canstockta.com | | |
E-Mail: | | inquiries@canstockta.com | | |
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC 6201 15th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11219 | | |
Answerline: | | 1-800-937-5449 | | |
Fax: | | 718-236-2641 | | |
Website: | | amstock.com | | |
E-Mail: | | info@amstock.com | | |
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITIONCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET LOSS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the 52-week periods ended January 28, 2017 and January 30, 2016NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS