Exhibit 99.1
SUPERVALU Reports Record Sales and Earnings for Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2008
Achieves Second Consecutive Year of Double Digit Earnings Per Share Growth Following Its Transformational Acquisition
Affirms Fiscal 2009 Guidance
MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE: SVU) today reported record sales and earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008. The company reported record fourth quarter net sales of $10.4 billion compared to $10.3 billion last year, record net earnings of $156 million, an increase of 30 percent compared to $120 million last year, and record diluted earnings per share of $0.73, an increase of 28 percent compared to $0.57 last year. Fourth quarter fiscal 2008 and fourth quarter fiscal 2007 results included after-tax charges for one-time acquisition-related costs of $9 million and $11 million, respectively, or $0.04 and $0.05 per diluted share, respectively. Fourth quarter diluted earnings per share increased 5 percent to $0.77 compared to $0.73 last year when adjusting for one-time acquisition-related costs in both years and non-cash charges of $23 million after-tax, or $0.11 per diluted share in fiscal 2007 related to the sale of Scott’s Food and Pharmacy.
For fiscal 2008, the company reported record net sales of $44.0 billion, an increase of 18 percent compared to $37.4 billion last year, record net earnings of $593 million, an increase of 31 percent compared to $452 million last year, and record diluted earnings per share of $2.76, an increase of 19 percent compared to $2.32 last year. Fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 results included after-tax charges for one-time acquisition-related costs of $45 million and $40 million, respectively, or $0.21 and $0.20 per diluted share, respectively. Full year diluted earnings per share increased 13 percent to $2.97 compared to $2.64 last year when adjusting for one-time acquisition-related costs in both years and non-cash charges of $23 million after-tax or $0.12 per diluted share in fiscal 2007 related to the sale of Scott’s Food and Pharmacy. Fiscal 2008 results include 52 weeks of the acquired operations compared to 38 weeks last year as a result of the June 2, 2006 acquisition of Albertson’s, Inc. (“Albertsons”) premier retail properties.
Jeff Noddle, SUPERVALU chairman and chief executive officer said, “In fiscal 2008, we achieved many important milestones, including record net sales and earnings, $40 million in pretax synergies and a second year of double-digit diluted earnings per share growth following our transformational acquisition. Looking to fiscal 2009, we remain focused on our integration initiatives, including the implementation of key merchandising programs and the continued roll-out of our Premium, Fresh and Healthy remodel program. We are confident the steps we are taking in fiscal 2009 position us well to maximize the future potential of the company.”
Fourth Quarter Results
Fourth quarter retail net sales were $8.1 billion compared to $8.2 billion last year, primarily reflecting the impact of store closures in the acquired operations combined with flat identical store sales. Retail square footage decreased 2.5 percent from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 with the previously announced closure of underperforming stores which more than offset new store square footage. When excluding store closures, total retail square footage increased 2.3 percent over the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.
Fourth quarter supply chain services net sales were $2.3 billion compared to $2.1 billion last year, an increase of 7.2 percent, primarily reflecting new business growth and lower than normal customer attrition.
The company’s business segment mix changed slightly in the fourth quarter this year compared to last year. Retail net sales in the fourth quarter represented 78 percent of total net sales compared to 79 percent last year. Supply chain services net sales increased to 22 percent compared to 21 percent last year.
Gross profit margin in the fourth quarter decreased as a percent of net sales 20 basis points to 23.3 percent. When adjusting for the 30 basis point impact from the business segment mix change, gross profit margin increased by 10 basis points.
Selling and administrative expenses in the fourth quarter as a percent of net sales decreased 50 basis points to 19.3 percent. When adjusting for the 30 basis point impact from the business segment mix change, selling and administrative expenses decreased 20 basis points primarily reflecting lower depreciation expense as well as cycling the prior year charge related to the sale of Scott’s Food and Pharmacy.
Reported operating earnings for the fourth quarter were a record $417 million, or 4.0 percent of sales compared to $379 million, or 3.7 percent of sales last year. Retail food operating earnings were a record $374 million, or 4.6 percent of sales, compared with $363 million, or 4.5 percent of sales last year. Supply chain services operating earnings were a record $75 million, or 3.3 percent of sales, compared with $55 million, or 2.6 percent of sales last year.
Net interest expense for the fourth quarter was $157 million compared to $173 million last year reflecting lower borrowing levels and interest rates.
SUPERVALU’s effective tax rate for the fourth quarter was 40.0 percent in contrast to the 41.9 percent rate in the fourth quarter last year. Excluding the impact in both years of goodwill write-offs in connection with the disposal of assets, the annual effective tax rates for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007 were 39.0 percent and 38.6 percent, respectively.
Capital spending for fiscal 2008 was $1.3 billion, including the in-market acquisition of eight stores in Wyoming and approximately $36 million in capital leases. In fiscal 2008, the company completed 141 major remodels, 25 minor remodels and 27 new stores. Capital spending primarily included new retail stores, store remodeling activity and technology expenditures.
Total debt to capital was 60 percent at the end of fiscal 2008 compared to 64 percent at fiscal 2007 year-end. The total debt to capital ratio is calculated as total debt, which includes current and long-term debt and obligations under capital leases, divided by the sum of total debt and total stockholders' equity.
Commenting on debt reduction Noddle added, “Our strong cash flow management has enabled us to significantly reduce debt, beating our goal of $400 million by June 2008. In fact since the acquisition we have achieved $698 million in debt reduction, due in part to lower cash tax payments related to the Albertsons transaction. We are again committing to an additional $400 million reduction for fiscal 2009.”
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding for the fourth quarter were 213 million shares compared to 211 million shares last year. As of February 23, 2008, SUPERVALU had 212 million shares outstanding.
Fiscal 2009 Guidance
The company affirmed its fiscal 2009 earnings guidance range of $3.06 to $3.22 per diluted share on a GAAP basis and $3.10 to $3.25 on an adjusted basis when excluding one-time acquisition-related costs.
Diluted Earnings Per Share Summary | |||||
Fiscal 2009 | Fiscal 2008 | ||||
Guidance | Actual | ||||
Diluted earnings per share on a GAAP basis | $3.06 to $3.22 | $ | 2.76 | ||
One-time acquisition-related costs | $0.04 to $0.03 | $ | 0.21 | ||
Diluted earnings per share before one-time costs | $3.10 to $3.25 | $ | 2.97 | ||
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (millions) | 215 to 217 | 215 |
SUPERVALU’s fiscal 2009 guidance includes the following assumptions:
- Net sales are estimated to be approximately $45.0 to $45.5 billion, including an approximate benefit of $800 million from the 53rd week in the fiscal year;
- Diluted earnings per share will benefit approximately $0.06 from the 53rd week;
- Identical store sales growth, excluding fuel, is projected to be in the range of 1 to 2 percent;
- Sales attrition in the traditional food distribution business will be approximately 2 to 4 percent for the year. This rate is exclusive of new business and the multi-year migration of Target Corporation volume to self distribution;
- Consumer spending will continue to be pressured by inflation and the economy;
- Capital spending is projected to be approximately $1.3 billion, which will include 165 major store remodels, approximately 15 new traditional supermarkets and 55 to 65 limited assortment stores, including 30 licensed stores;
- Debt reduction is estimated to be $400 million;
- Incremental synergy benefits in fiscal 2009, relating to the Albertsons acquisition, are estimated to be approximately $40 to $50 million pre-tax;
- One-time acquisition-related costs are expected to be approximately $11 to $16 million pre-tax in fiscal 2009; and
- The effective tax rate is estimated to be approximately 39 percent.
A conference call to review the fourth quarter and year results is scheduled for today at 9:00 a.m. (CDT). A live Web cast of the call will be available at http://investor.supervalu.com. An archive of the call is accessible via telephone by dialing (706) 645-9291 with passcode 42840114 and through the company’s Web site at www.supervalu.com. The conference call archive will be available through May 8, 2008.
About SUPERVALU INC
SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States grocery channel with estimated annual sales of $44 billion. SUPERVALU holds leading market share positions across the U.S. with its approximately 2,475 retail grocery locations. Through SUPERVALU’s nationwide supply chain network, the company provides distribution and related logistics support services to more than 5,000 grocery endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU currently has approximately 192,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
Except for the historical and factual information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release, particularly those pertaining to SUPERVALU’s expectations or future operating results, statements as to the progress and expected benefits of the combination of the operations of Albertson’s, Inc. that were acquired in June 2006 with those of SUPERVALU, such as efficiencies, cost savings, synergies, market profile and financial strength, and the competitive ability and position of the combined company, and other statements identified by words such as "estimates," "expects," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the impact of economic and industry conditions, competition, security and food and drug safety issues, the integration of Albertsons operations, store expansion and remodeling, liquidity, labor relations issues, escalating costs of providing employee benefits, regulatory matters, self insurance, legal and administrative proceedings, information technology, security, severe weather, natural disasters and adverse climate changes continued provision of transition support services and accounting matters and other risk factors relating to our business or industry as detailed from time to time in SUPERVALU's reports filed with the SEC. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Unless legally required, SUPERVALU undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries | ||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS | ||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended | Fiscal Quarter Ended | |||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | February 23, 2008 | % of sales | February 24, 2007 | % of sales | ||||||||
Net sales | $ | 10,386 | 100.0 | % | $ | 10,300 | 100.0 | % | ||||
Cost of sales | 7,967 | 76.7 | % | 7,875 | 76.5 | % | ||||||
Gross profit | 2,419 | 23.3 | % | 2,425 | 23.5 | % | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 2,002 | 19.3 | % | 2,046 | 19.8 | % | ||||||
Operating earnings | 417 | 4.0 | % | 379 | 3.7 | % | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 157 | 1.5 | % | 173 | 1.7 | % | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 260 | 2.5 | % | 206 | 2.0 | % | ||||||
Income tax expense | 104 | 1.0 | % | 86 | 0.8 | % | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 156 | 1.5 | % | $ | 120 | 1.2 | % | ||||
Net earnings per common share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 0.74 | $ | 0.57 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 0.73 | $ | 0.57 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 212 | 208 | ||||||||||
Diluted | 213 | 211 |
SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries | ||||||||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS | ||||||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||||||
Fiscal Year-to-Date Ended | Fiscal Year-to-Date Ended | |||||||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | February 23, 2008 | % of sales | February 24, 2007 | % of sales | ||||||||
Net sales | $ | 44,048 | 100.0 | % | $ | 37,406 | 100.0 | % | ||||
Cost of sales | 33,943 | 77.1 | % | 29,267 | 78.2 | % | ||||||
Gross profit | 10,105 | 22.9 | % | 8,139 | 21.8 | % | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses | 8,421 | 19.1 | % | 6,834 | 18.3 | % | ||||||
Operating earnings | 1,684 | 3.8 | % | 1,305 | 3.5 | % | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 707 | 1.6 | % | 558 | 1.5 | % | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | 977 | 2.2 | % | 747 | 2.0 | % | ||||||
Income tax expense | 384 | 0.9 | % | 295 | 0.8 | % | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 593 | 1.3 | % | $ | 452 | 1.2 | % | ||||
Net earnings per common share | ||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 2.80 | $ | 2.38 | ||||||||
Diluted | $ | 2.76 | $ | 2.32 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding | ||||||||||||
Basic | 211 | 189 | ||||||||||
Diluted | 215 | 196 |
Note: SUPERVALU's fiscal 2008 year ended February 23, 2008 includes 52 weeks of combined results compared to year ended fiscal 2007 which included 38 weeks of acquired operations
.
SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED COMPOSITION OF NET SALES AND OPERATING EARNINGS | ||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Fiscal Quarter Ended | Fiscal Quarter Ended | |||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | February 23, 2008 | February 24, 2007 | ||||||
Net sales | ||||||||
Retail food and drug | $ | 8,083 | $ | 8,152 | ||||
78 | % | 79 | % | |||||
Supply chain services | 2,303 | 2,148 | ||||||
22 | % | 21 | % | |||||
Total net sales | $ | 10,386 | $ | 10,300 | ||||
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||
Operating earnings | ||||||||
Retail food and drug operating earnings | $ | 374 | $ | 363 | ||||
Supply chain services operating earnings | 75 | 55 | ||||||
General corporate expenses | 32 | 39 | ||||||
Total operating earnings | 417 | 379 | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 157 | 173 | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 260 | $ | 206 | ||||
Income tax expense | 104 | 86 | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 156 | $ | 120 | ||||
LIFO charge | $ | 4 | $ | - | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Retail food and drug | $ | 208 | $ | 233 | ||||
Supply chain services | 22 | 22 | ||||||
Total | $ | 230 | $ | 255 |
SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries | ||||||||
CONSOLIDATED COMPOSITION OF NET SALES AND OPERATING EARNINGS | ||||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
Fiscal Year-to-Date | Fiscal Year-to-Date | |||||||
Ended | Ended | |||||||
(In millions, except per share data) | February 23, 2008 | February 24, 2007 | ||||||
Net sales | ||||||||
Retail food and drug | $ | 34,341 | $ | 28,016 | ||||
78 | % | 75 | % | |||||
Supply chain services | 9,707 | 9,390 | ||||||
22 | % | 25 | % | |||||
Total net sales | $ | 44,048 | $ | 37,406 | ||||
100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | |||||
Operating earnings | ||||||||
Retail food and drug operating earnings | $ | 1,550 | $ | 1,179 | ||||
Supply chain services operating earnings | 274 | 257 | ||||||
General corporate expenses | 140 | 131 | ||||||
Total operating earnings | 1,684 | 1,305 | ||||||
Interest expense, net | 707 | 558 | ||||||
Earnings before income taxes | $ | 977 | $ | 747 | ||||
Income tax expense | 384 | 295 | ||||||
Net earnings | $ | 593 | $ | 452 | ||||
LIFO charge | $ | 30 | $ | 18 | ||||
Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||
Retail food and drug | $ | 922 | $ | 783 | ||||
Supply chain services | 95 | 96 | ||||||
Total depreciation and amortization | $ | 1,017 | $ | 879 |
Note: SUPERVALU's fiscal 2008 year ended February 23, 2008 includes 52 weeks of combined results compared to year ended fiscal 2007 which included 38 weeks of acquired operations
.
SUPERVALU INC. and Subsidiaries | ||||||
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS | ||||||
(In millions) | ||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||
February 23, | February 24, | |||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||
ASSETS | ||||||
Current assets | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 243 | $ | 285 | ||
Accounts and notes receivable, net | 951 | 957 | ||||
Inventories | 2,776 | 2,749 | ||||
Prepaid and other current assets | 177 | 469 | ||||
Total current assets | 4,147 | 4,460 | ||||
Land, buildings, leasehold improvements and equipment, net | 7,533 | 8,415 | ||||
Goodwill | 6,957 | 5,921 | ||||
Intangibles, net | 1,952 | 2,450 | ||||
Other assets | 473 | 456 | ||||
Total assets | $ | 21,062 | $ | 21,702 | ||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 3,354 | $ | 3,548 | ||
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations | 331 | 286 | ||||
Other current liabilities | 922 | 871 | ||||
Total current liabilities | 4,607 | 4,705 | ||||
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases | 8,502 | 9,192 | ||||
Other long-term liabilities and deferred credits | 2,000 | 2,499 | ||||
Total stockholder's equity | 5,953 | 5,306 | ||||
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 21,062 | $ | 21,702 |
CONTACT:
SUPERVALU INC.
Investors and Financial Media:
David Oliver, 952-828-4540
david.m.oliver@supervalu.com
or
Jean Giese, 952-828-4939
jean.giese@supervalu.com