SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10 K (Mark One) (X) Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the Fiscal Year ended August 31, 1996 ( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Commission File number 0-80. SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio 34-4471466 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) incorporation or organization) 1020 Ford Street, Maumee, Ohio 43537 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 419/893-9401 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act: None Title of each class Securities registered pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act: Common Stock, without par value (stated value $2.00 per share) Title of Class Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No Page 1 of 2 of Cover Page 2 Disclosure of Delinquent Form Filing Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filings pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive Proxy or information statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10 K or any amendments to this Form 10 K. ( X ) The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant is approximately $37,160,028 as of November 15, 1996. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Class Outstanding at November 15, 1996 Common stock, without par 2,195,209 shares value (stated value $2.00 per share) Documents Incorporated in Part by Reference Parts II and IV Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders of Seaway Food Town, Inc. ("Annual Report") are filed as Exhibit 13 filed hereto. Part III The Seaway Food Town, Inc. Proxy Statement, dated December 13, 1996 ("Proxy Statement") Page 2 of 2 of Cover Page 3 PART I Item 1. Business Seaway Food Town, Inc., was founded in 1957 and is a leading regional supermarket chain located predominantly in northwest and central Ohio and southeast Michigan. Beginning in 1986, the Company began adding deep discount drug stores to its chain. The merchandise sold in these stores is similar to that sold in a conventional super- market but with a greater emphasis on non-food items and package size of such items. At year end, the Company operated 18 Food Town Super- markets, 25 Food Town Plus Supermarkets, and 23 deep discount drugstores under the name of the Pharm. No material portion of the Company's business is seasonal, as that term is commonly used, although holiday periods may result in greater sales volume. There is substantial competition, principally price-oriented, from national regional and local companies. The Company is in one line of business selling substantially the same types of retail food and convenience-related non-food merchandise. The Company employs approximately 2,220 employees on a full-time basis and 2,252 on a part-time basis. Item 2. Properties The Company leases 43 of its stores (3 of which are accounted for as capital leases) and certain other facilities and equipment under leases generally for fifteen years, although some are for shorter as well as longer periods. The Company owns 23 stores and a relatively large distribution center (approximately 477,174 square feet) which includes offices, warehousing and shipping facilities, located in Maumee, Ohio. It also owns a 133,000 square foot warehouse in Toledo, Ohio which is used as a satellite facility and a 105,000 square foot warehouse facility which houses health and beauty aids and general merchandise operations. The Company believes that its physical facilities, both leased and owned, are suitable and adequate for the intended uses and purposes. In addition, the Company leases 1 location that is closed and not subleased. At August 31, 1996, the approximate undepreciated cost of real property subject to mortgages was $18,722,000 and the approximate undepreciated cost of real property subject to capital lease obligations was $5,838,000. 4 Item 3. Legal Proceedings. There are no significant legal proceedings pending. Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of Security Holders. No matters have been submitted to a vote of security holders since the Annual Meeting held January 4, 1996. PART II Item 5. Market for registrant's common equity and related security holder matters. Information with respect to the market for the registrant's common stock and related security holder matters on page 31 of Exhibit (13) filed hereunder is incorporated herein by reference. Item 6. Selected financial data. The five year summary of selected financial data on page 11 of Exhibit (13) filed hereunder is incorporated herein by reference. Item 7. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations. Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations included on pages 13 through 17 of Exhibit (13) filed hereunder is incorporated herein by reference. Item 8. Financial statements and supplementary data. The consolidated financial statements and report of independent auditors on pages shown below of Exhibit (13) filed hereunder are incorporated herein by reference. Page(s) Financial Highlights 12 Report of Independent Auditors 18 Consolidated Statements of Income 19 Consolidated Balance Sheets 20 - 21 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 22 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity 23 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 24 - 30 Item 9. Changes in and disagreements with accountants on accounting and financial disclosure. There have been no disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure matters reported on Form 8-K during the fiscal years ended August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995. 5 PART III Item 10. Directors and executive officers of the Registrant. Information with respect to non-officer directors is included in the Proxy Statement in the Section entitled "Information concerning Nominees and Directors" and is incorporated herein by reference. Information with respect to executive officers, family relationships and business experience is included in the Proxy Statement in the Sections entitled "Executive Compensation," "Compensation of Directors," and "Executive Officers". That information (except the Compensation Committee Report, and the graph indicating Comparison of 4 Year Cumulative Total Return), is incorporated herein by reference. Item 11. Executive Compensation. Information regarding Executive Compensation is included in the Proxy Statement in the sections entitled "Interest of Management in Certain Transactions," "Executive Compensation," and "Compensa- tion of Directors". That information (except the Compensation Committee Report, and the graph indicating Comparison of 4 Year Cumulative Total Return), is incorporated herein by reference. Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Information as to Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management included in the Proxy Statement in the Sections entitled "Information Concerning Nominees and Directors," and "Principal Holders of Voting Securities" is incorporated herein by reference. Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. Information regarding Certain Relationships and Related Transactions is included in the Proxy Statement in the Sections entitled "Interest of Management in Certain Transactions," "Executive Compensation," and "Compensation of Directors". That information (except the Compensation Committee Report, and the graph indicating Comparison of 4 Year Cumulative Total Return), is incorporated herein by reference. 6 PART IV Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K. (a) The following documents or portions thereof indicated are filed as a part of this report on Form 10-K. (1) The following consolidated financial statements of Seaway Food Town, Inc. and its subsidiaries, included on pages 18 - 30 of Exhibit (13) filed hereunder are incorporated by reference in Item 8. Report of Independent Auditors Consolidated statements of Income - Years ended August 31, 1996, August 26, 1995 and August 27, 1994 Consolidated balance sheets at August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995 Consolidated statements of cash flows - Years ended August 31, 1996, August 26, 1995 and August 27, 1994 Consolidated statement of shareholders' equity - Years ended August 31, 1996, August 26, 1995 and August 27, 1994 Notes to consolidated financial statements (2) The following consolidated financial statement schedules of Seaway Food Town, Inc. and its subsidiaries are filed under Item 14(d): SCHEDULE PAGE(S) -------- ------- Schedule II - Valuation and qualifying accounts 9 All other schedules have been omitted since the required information is not present or is not present in amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto. 7 b.) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were required to be filed for the three months ended August 31, 1996. c.) Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K Index. Exhibit 3 - Data required by this item has previously been filed and is incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended September 25, 1982, File 0-80. A copy of the Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation filed with the Secretary of State of Ohio, January 17, 1989, is incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended August 26, 1989, File 0-80. 4 - Data required by this item has previously been filed and is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year Ended September 26, 1981, File 0-80. 10 - Contracts required by this item have previously been filed and are Incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Years Ended September 26, 1981, September 24, 1983, the eleven months ended August 27, 1988, File 0-80, on the Company's Issuer Tender Offer Statement on Schedule 13 E-4 filed November 4, 1987, and on form 10-K for the years ended August 25, 1990, August 31, 1991, August 29, 1992, August 28, 1993, and August 27, 1994. 11 - Computation of income per share. 13 - Portions of the 1996 Annual Report to Shareholders (to the extent incorporated by reference hereunder.) 22 - Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23 - Consent of Independent Auditors. 99 - Financial Data Schedule d.) Financial Statements Required by Regulation S-X. Included in Item 14 (a), above. 8 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. (Registrant) November 22, 1996 By /s/ Richard B. Iott Date Richard B. Iott, President, CEO & Director Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated. November 22, 1996 By /s/ Wallace D. Iott Date Wallace D. Iott, Chairman of the Board & Director November 22, 1996 By /s/ Waldo E. Yeager Date Waldo E. Yeager, Director (Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer) November 22, 1996 By /s/ Thomas M. O'Donnell Date Thomas M. O'Donnell, Director November 22, 1996 By /s/ David J. Walrod Date David J. Walrod, Director November 22, 1996 By /s/ Richard K. Ramson Date Richard K. Ransom, Director November 22, 1996 By /s/ Joel A. Levine Date Joel A. Levine, Director November 22, 1996 By /s/ Eugene R. Wos Date Eugene R. Wos, Director 9 SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS Years Ended August 31, 1996, August 26, 1995, and August 27, 1994 Charge Balance at (credit) to Charged Balance at beginning of costs and to other Deductions from end of period expenses accounts reserves period Allowance for doubtful accounts: 1996 $ 450,000 $ 18,398 --- $ 18,398 (A) $ 450,000 ============ =========== ======== ============= ========= 1995 $ 450,000 $ 7,249 --- $ 7,249 (A) $ 450,000 ============ =========== ======== ============= ========= 1994 $ 400,000 $ 54,699 --- $ 4,699 (A) $ 450,000 ============ =========== ======== ============= ========= (A) - Accounts charged off during the year, net of recoveries of accounts previously charged off. F-3 10 EXHIBIT 11 SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. COMPUTATION OF INCOME PER SHARE 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 ----- ---- ---- ---- ---- Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting (thousands of $5,505 $4,480 $2,438 $1,123 $2,375 dollars) ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Net income (thousands of dollars) $5,505 $4,480 $2,059 $1,123 $2,155 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period for purposes of computing primary earnings per share 2,197,661 2,196,643 2,306,881 2,332,016 2,326,972 Net shares to be issued upon exercise of dilutive options after applying treasury stock --- --- --- --- --- method ----- ------ ------ ------ ------ Adjusted outstanding shares for purpose of computing income per share assuming full dilution 2,197,661 2,196,643 2,306,881 2,332,016 2,326,972 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Income per common share: Assuming no dilution: Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting $2.50 $2.04 $1.06 $.48 $1.02 Extraordinary item --- --- (.06) --- (.09) Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes --- --- (.11) --- --- ----- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $2.50 $2.04 $.89 $.48 $.93 ===== ====== ====== ====== ====== Fully diluted (A) Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes $2.50 $2.04 $1.06 $.48 $1.02 Extraordinary item --- --- (.06) --- (.09) Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes --- --- (.11) --- --- ----- ------ ------ ------ ------ Net income $2.50 $2.04 $.89 $.48 $.93 ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== (A) - Not appearing on face of income statement 11 EXHIBIT (13) PORTIONS OF THE 1996 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. FIVE YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands except share and per share data) For the Fiscal Year Ended: 1996 (1) 1995 1994 1993 1992 CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- Net sales $597,462 $559,244 $546,193 $566,883 $554,565 Cost of merchandise sold 445,309 418,128 409,305 428,478 418,515 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Gross profit 152,153 141,116 136,888 138,405 136,050 Selling,general and administrative 139,344 131,267 129,921 133,175 128,378 expenses -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Operating profit 12,809 9,849 6,967 5,230 7,672 Interest expense (4,316) (4,469) (4,410) (4,660) (5,174) Other income 943 1,815 1,169 1,133 1,102 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes, extra- ordinary item and cumulative effect 9,436 7,195 3,726 1,703 3,600 Provision for income taxes 3,931 2,715 1,288 580 1,225 ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect 5,505 4,480 2,438 1,123 2,375 Extraordinary item (2) --- --- (123) --- (220) Cumulative effect of change in --- --- (256) --- --- accounting (3) ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 5,505 $ 4,480 $ 2,059 $ 1,123 $ 2,155 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== PER COMMON SHARE DATA Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect $ 2.50 $ 2.04 $ 1.06 $ .48 $ 1.02 Net income 2.50 2.04 .89 .48 .93 Cash dividends .40 .39 .36 .36 .36 Book value 20.67 18.57 16.76 16.00 16.00 YEAR END POSITION Total assets $155,465 $154,001 $155,203 $152,771 $150,523 Property and equipment - net 85,004 84,000 85,346 85,653 80,914 Net working capital 3,281 6,086 8,937 6,555 10,519 Long term debt 42,715 48,399 55,060 55,705 53,206 Shareholders' equity 45,453 40,731 37,585 37,173 36,704 FINANCIAL RATIOS Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect as a percent of sales .92% .80% .45% .20% .43% Current ratio 1.05:1 1.11:1 1.16:1 1.12:1 1.19:1 Long-term debt to equity ratio .94:1 1.19:1 1.46:1 1.50:1 1.45:1 OTHER DATA Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding 2,197,661 2,196,643 2,306,881 2,332,016 2,326,972 Net cash provided by operations $24,524 $19,829 $16,183 $16,534 $13,651 Property and equipment additions 15,071 13,698 12,681 17,353 9,842 Depreciation and amortization 13,502 12,551 12,311 11,562 11,645 LIFO charge (credit) included in cost of merchandise sold (47) 581 (18) (492) 49 Associates at year end 4,472 4,551 4,500 4,860 4,713 Stores in operation 66 66 66 64 65 Notes: (1) 53 week year; (2) Loss from early extinguishment of debt, less applicable income taxes; (3) Reflects adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 "Accounting for income taxes". 12 SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1996 (1) 1995 1994 -------- ------- ------ RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net sales $597,462 $559,244 $546,193 Operating profit 12,809 9,849 6,967 Income before income taxes, extra- ordinary item and cumulative effect 9,436 7,195 3,726 Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect 5,505 4,480 2,438 Per common share 2.50 2.04 1.06 Percent of sales .92% .80% .45% Percent of shareholders' equity 12.11% 11.00% 6.49% Cash dividends per common share .40 .39 .36 OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION Total assets $155,465 $154,001 $155,203 Capital expenditures 15,071 13,698 12,681 Depreciation and amortization 13,502 12,551 12,311 Long-term debt 42,715 48,399 55,060 Shareholders' equity 45,453 40,731 37,585 Book value per common share 20.67 18.57 16.76 Effective tax rate 41.7% 37.7% 34.6% Weighted average shares outstanding 2,197,661 2,196,643 2,306,881 Number of stores in operation, at year end 66 66 66 NASDAQ National Market Price Range 18 3/4 - 16 1/4 - 13 1/4 - 15 1/2 9 1/2 9 1/2 (1) 53 week year 13 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION This analysis of the Company's results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, and the information presented in the summary of selected financial data. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth certain income statement components expressed as a percentage of net sales and the year-to-year percentage changes in such components. Percentage change Percentage of net sales from prior year - - ------------------------- ----------------- 1996 1995 1996 1995 1994 Compared Compared 53 wks. 52 wks. 52 wks. to 1995 to 1994 - - ------- ------- ------- -------- -------- 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Net sales 6.8% 2.4% 25.4 25.2 25.1 Gross profit 7.8 3.1 Selling,general and admin- 23.3 23.4 23.8 istrative expenses 6.2 1.0 2.1 1.8 1.3 Operating profit 30.1 41.4 .7 .8 .8 Interest expense -3.4 1.3 .2 .3 .2 Other income - net -48.0 55.3 Income before income taxes, extraordinary item and cumu- 1.6 1.3 .7 lative effect 31.1 93.1 .7 .5 .2 Provision for income taxes 44.8 110.8 .9 .8 .4 Net income 22.9 117.6 The following table details the number and format of the Company-operated stores as of the end of each respective fiscal year: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- Food Town Supermarkets: Conventional Food Town Stores 18 20 24 Food Town Plus Stores 25 24 20 ---- ---- ---- Total Supermarkets 43 44 44 The Pharm Drugstores 23 22 22 ---- ---- ---- Total Retail Stores 66 66 66 During 1996 the Company converted one conventional supermarket to a Food Town Plus store, closed one conventional supermarket, and opened one new Pharm. All stores operate predominately in northwest and central Ohio and southeast Michigan. Net Sales Consolidated net sales increased 6.8% in 1996 in comparison to 1995 and increased 2.4% in 1995 in comparison to 1994. Fiscal 1996 includes 53 weeks. After adjusting for the effect of the extra week in 1996, sales were 4.8% higher in 1996 than in fiscal 1995. The dollar increase in sales from 1995 to 1996 was about evenly split between the supermarkets and the drugstores. 14 The Company had 59 identical stores in operation throughout 1996, 1995, and 1994. Identical store sales increased 3.7% in 1996 compared to 1995 and 1.2% in 1995 over 1994. Gross Profit In 1996, the gross profit percentage increased from 25.2% in 1995 to 25.4%. During 1996 margins improved with the implementation of certain new merchandising strategies both in the supermarkets and in the drugstores. In 1995, gross profits increased slightly in both the supermarkets and the drugstores compared to 1994, from 25.1% to 25.2%. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses In 1996, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $8.1 million, but decreased by .15% as a percentage of sales due to higher sales. This dollar increase was attributable principally to retail store wage expense, utility costs, repairs and maintenance, and supply costs, offset some by a decline in bad check expense. In 1995, selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $1.3 million, but decreased by .32% as a percentage of sales because of higher sales. This dollar increase was attributable principally to a dollar increase in wage and supply expenses. Interest Expense Interest expense decreased by $153,000 in 1996 which resulted in an .08% reduction as a percent of sales. This reduction resulted from lower borrowing levels. Interest expense increased slightly by $59,000 in 1995 compared to 1994 due to slightly higher interest rates offset by a decrease in borrowing levels resulting from the early retirement of certain higher cost borrowings. The approximate weighted average interest rate on long-term debt as of the end of the fiscal year was 7.79% in 1996 versus 7.93% in 1995 and 7.33% in 1994. Approximately $6.0 million of additional long-term debt will be refinanced under the revolving credit agreement by the end of calendar 1996 which will further reduce the Company's borrowing costs in fiscal 1997. Other Income Other income decreased $872,000 in 1996 over fiscal 1995. Other income in 1995 included a gain of $637,000 from the sale of the Company's dairy operation and 1996 included a net loss of $277,000 from the disposition of assets throughout the year. Income Taxes The effective tax rates for 1996, 1995, and 1994, were 41.7%, 37.7%, and 34.6%, respectively. The state tax rate in 1996 was .3% higher in 1996 than in 1995 which, in turn, was 1.7% higher than in 1994. Tax credits, principally from job credits, were only .1% in 1996 compared to 2.2% in 1995 and 2.3% in 1994. Job credits expired at the end of calendar 1994 and were not reinstated until October 1, 1996, at which time the Company will again take advantage of this tax credit. 15 Net Income and Income per Common Share Net income increased by 22.9% in 1996 to $5,505,000 or .92% on sales, a dollar increase of $1,025,000 from the 1995 net income of $4,480,000. This increase is the result of increased sales, increased gross margins, and decreased selling, general, and administrative expenses on a percent of sales basis, as well as lower interest costs. It is estimated that the extra week in the fiscal 1996 reporting period added approximately $642,000 to the Company's reported net income. Net income increased 117.6% in 1995 to $4,480,000, an increase of $2,421,000 over the 1994 net income of $2,059,000. The 1994 net income includes two extraordinary items, a net loss of $123,000 resulting from early extinguishment of debt, and a $256,000 reduction in net income due to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." Net income per common share in 1996 was $2.50 as compared to $2.04 in 1995, an increase of 22.5%. As mentioned above, the extra week in the fiscal 1996 reporting period added approximately $642,000 (or $.29 per outstanding share) to the Company's reported net income. Net income per common share in 1995 was $2.04 as compared to $.89 per share in 1994, an increase of 129.2%. Excluding the two extraordinary items in 1994, net income per share was $1.06. Impact of Inflation Inflation increases the Company's major costs, inventory and labor. Because of the high inventory turnover in the food and drug retailing industry and the Company's use of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) valuation method for a majority of its inventory, the impact of inflation is normally reflected very quickly in the results of operations. The food and drug retailing industry has experienced little or no food inflation over the last three years. The Company's provisions for LIFO inventories for the past three years increased or (decreased) cost of sales by ($47,000) in 1996, $581,000 in 1995, and ($18,000) in 1994. The Company has generally been able to maintain margins by adjusting its retail prices, but competitive conditions may from time to time render it unable to do so while maintaining its market share. CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY Overview Measures of liquidity for each of the last three fiscal years were as follows: (Dollars in millions) 1996 1995 1994 Working capital (1) $21.4 $24.2 $26.5 Unused lines of revolving credit $20.0 (2) $17.4 $12.3 Current ratio (1) 1.35 to 1 1.42 to 1 1.49 to 1 (1) Includes add-back of gross LIFO reserve. (2) $30.0 million under the new 5-year revolving credit agreement closed subsequent to the end of fiscal 1996. 16 Management believes that the Company is maintaining a strong capital structure despite the slight decrease in overall liquidity measurements. The small reduction from 1995 to 1996 was primarily attributable to the 1996 fiscal year ending on the last day of the month of August compared to the prior fiscal year that ended five days prior to month end. The Company's revolving credit agreement represents a continuing source of capital which is available to provide working capital, finance capital additions as well as the early extinguishment of certain long-term debt. The Company was using $15.0 million of its $35.0 million revolving credit as of the end of fiscal 1996. In late September, 1996, the Company closed on a new, five year, $45.0 million revolving credit agreement with three banks which will permit the Company to borrow at lower interest rates than under the former two year agreement. Covenants under the new agreement are the same or slightly less restrictive. The Company is in a solid financial position for its future expansion and growth plans. In October, 1994, the Company authorized the repurchase of 200,000 shares of the Company's stock on the open market or from private sources, at market prices. From the date of that authorization through the month of October, 1996, the Company has repurchased approximately 104,000 shares. Authorized, but unissued shares have been and will continue to be used by the Company in funding its annual contribution to its ESOP and for other corporate purposes. Cash Flows from Operating Activities Cash provided by operating activities in 1996 was $24.5 million, an increase of $4.7 million from the $19.8 million provided in 1995. This increase is primarily attributable to the increases in net income, depreciation and amortization, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash provided by operating activities in 1995 was $19.8 million, an increase of $3.6 million from the $16.2 million provided in 1994. This increase was primarily attributable to the increases in net income and accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Cash Flows from Investing Activities Cash used in investing activities was $13.8 million in 1996, an increase of $4.9 million from the $8.9 million provided in 1995. This increase is attributable to an increase in the expenditures for property and equipment, most of which was spent on one new supermarket, one new Plus store under construction, and several store remodel projects. Cash used in investing activities was $8.9 million in 1995, a decrease of $3.6 million from the $12.5 million expended in 1994. This decrease was primarily attributable to the increase in proceeds on the sales of property and equipment during 1995. Most of these proceeds involved the Company's sale of its dairy operation during 1995. Although the total retail store square footage did not change appreciably during 1996, the Company nevertheless continues to maintain a high level of store remodel activity to keep its retailing facilities up to date and to continue attracting new customers and hold existing customers. 17 Cash Flows from Financing Activities Cash used in financing activities was $8.4 million in 1996, a net decrease of $2.3 million from the $10.7 million used in 1995. This decrease is the result of an increase in net proceeds from long-term debt. During 1996 the Company received $7.2 million in proceeds from borrowings against the Company's revolving credit agreement. In 1995, the Company received $2.3 million primarily from its revolving credit agreement. This compares to $19.7 million received in 1994, most of which related to the revolving credit agreement. In 1996, the Company made payments of $13.4 million on its long-term debt as compared to $10.3 million in 1995. During both years the Company made debt payments on its revolving credit agreement in addition to other regular debt payments. During 1996 the Company spent $302,000 for the repurchasing of Company common shares, a decrease of approximately $515,000 from the prior year. In 1995 the Company spent $817,000 for the repurchasing of Company common shares, a decrease of $525,000 from its expenditures in 1994. Cash used in financing activities in 1995 was $10.7 million, a net increase of $6.6 million from the $4.1 million used in 1994. This increase was primarily the result of $2.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt in 1995 compared to $19.7 million in proceeds in 1994, offset by payments of $10.3 million on long-term debt in 1995 compared to payments of $20.9 million in 1994. 1997 Capital Program Total capital expenditures will approximate $20.0 million in 1997, primarily for new and expanded store construction within the Company's existing marketing area. The Company continues to maintain a high priority in keeping its stores in a modern, attractive condition. This is implemented by periodically reviewing all stores with the thought of providing the Company's customers within each trading area with the best possible shopping facility. Therefore, the Company's plan for store construction, acquisition, remodeling and expansion is frequently reviewed and revised in light of changing conditions. The Company's ability to proceed with projects, or to complete projects during a particular period, is subject to normal construction and other delays. Cash provided by operations along with the remaining $30.0 million available under the existing credit agreements will be sufficient for financing fiscal 1997 capital additions and other business needs as well as presently scheduled maturities of long-term debt. Cautionary Statement for Purposes of "Safe Harbor Provisions" of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 Except for historical facts, all matters discussed in this report which are forward looking involve risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competitive pressures from other major supermarket operators, economic conditions in the Company's primary markets and the other uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. 18 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS The Board of Directors and Shareholders Seaway Food Town, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Seaway Food Town, Inc. as of August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1996. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Seaway Food Town, Inc. at August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended August 31, 1996 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 3 to the financial statements, in fiscal 1994, the Company changed its method of accounting for income taxes. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP October 18, 1996 Toledo, Ohio 19 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AUGUST 26, 1995, AND AUGUST 27, 1994 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1996 1995 1994 ----- ----- ----- (53 (52 (52 Weeks) Weeks) Weeks) Net sales $597,462 $559,244 $546,193 Cost of merchandise sold 445,309 418,128 409,305 -------- -------- -------- Gross profit 152,153 141,116 136,888 Selling, general and administrative expenses 139,344 131,267 129,921 -------- -------- -------- Operating profit 12,809 9,849 6,967 Interest expense (4,316) (4,469) (4,410) Other income - net 943 1,815 1,169 -------- -------- -------- Income before income taxes,extra- ordinary item and cumulative effect 9,436 7,195 3,726 Provision for income taxes 3,931 2,715 1,288 -------- -------- -------- Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect 5,505 4,480 2,438 Extraordinary item - losses from early extinguishment of debt, less applicable income taxes of $63 (Note 2) --- --- (123) Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes (Note 3) --- --- (256) -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 5,505 $ 4,480 $ 2,059 ======== ======== ======== Per common share: Income before extraordinary item and cumulative effect $ 2.50 $ 2.04 $ 1.06 Extraordinary item --- --- ( .06) Cumulative effect of change in accounting for income taxes --- --- ( .11) -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 2.50 $ 2.04 $ .89 ========= ======== ======== See accompanying notes 20 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AUGUST 31, 1996 AND AUGUST 26, 1995 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1996 1995 ----- ----- ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $9,766 $7,402 Notes and accounts receivable, less allowance of $450 for doubtful accounts 5,913 6,587 Merchandise inventories 44,390 44,064 Prepaid expenses 1,342 1,371 Deferred income taxes 3,672 4,211 ------- -------- Total current assets 65,083 63,635 Other assets 5,378 6,366 Property and equipment, at cost Land 4,177 4,160 Buildings and improvements 68,424 65,983 Leasehold improvements 28,996 28,921 Equipment 96,659 89,356 -------- -------- 198,256 188,420 Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 113,252 104,420 -------- -------- Net Property and equipment 85,004 84,000 -------- -------- $155,465 $154,001 ======== ======== See accompanying notes 21 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AUGUST 31, 1996 AND AUGUST 26, 1995 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1996 1995 ----- ----- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable - trade $44,437 $38,889 Income taxes 1,524 1,027 Accrued liabilities Insurance 4,727 5,521 Payroll 2,908 2,994 Taxes, other than income 2,385 2,352 Other 2,707 3,213 -------- -------- 12,727 14,080 Long-term debt due within one year 3,114 3,553 -------- -------- Total current liabilities 61,802 57,549 Long-term debt 42,715 48,399 Deferred income taxes 4,408 5,276 Deferred other 1,087 2,046 Shareholders' equity Serial preferred stock, without par value: 300,000 shares authorized none issued --- --- Common stock, without par value (stated value $2 per share): 6,000,000 shares authorized, 2,198,609 shares outstanding (2,193,352 in 1995) 4,397 4,387 Capital in excess of stated value 1,017 680 Retained earnings 40,039 35,664 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity 45,453 40,731 -------- -------- $155,465 $154,001 ======== ======== See accompanying notes 22 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AUGUST 26, 1995, AND AUGUST 27, 1994 (Dollars in thousands) 1996 1995 1994 ----- ----- ----- Cash flows from operating activities (53 (52 (52 Weeks) Weeks) Weeks) Net income $ 5,505 $ 4,480 $ 2,059 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 13,502 12,551 12,311 Provision for ESOP 397 334 529 Deferred income taxes (329) (394) 645 Equity in income of affiliates 28 (93) (31) Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment 277 (553) 153 Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations: Notes and accounts receivable 674 (460) 968 Merchandise inventories (326) 685 (430) Prepaid expenses 29 (99) 236 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 4,270 2,158 (114) Income taxes 497 1,220 (143) -------- -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 24,524 19,829 16,183 Cash flows from investing activities: Expenditures for property and equipment (15,017) (12,079) (12,066) Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 288 3,046 182 Other 960 163 (624) -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (13,769) (8,870) (12,508) Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 7,200 2,275 19,721 Payments of long-term debt (13,377) (10,343) (20,853) Payments for acquisitions of common shares (302) (817) (1,342) Dividends paid (878) (851) (834) Decrease in deferred other (1,034) (958) (760) -------- -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities (8,391) (10,694) (4,068) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash -------- -------- -------- equivalents 2,364 265 (393) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 7,402 7,137 7,530 Cash and cash equivalents at -------- -------- -------- end of year $ 9,766 $ 7,402 $ 7,137 ======== ======== ======== Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information Cash paid during the year for: Interest $ 4,271 $ 4,480 $ 4,508 Income taxes 3,762 1,756 939 See accompanying notes 23 SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1996, AUGUST 26, 1995 AND AUGUST 27, 1994 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Capital ESOP- in Excess Total COMMON STOCK UNALLOCATED of Share- ----------------- -------------- Stated Retained holders' Shares Amount Shares Amount Value Earnings Equity ------- ------ ------- ------- ----- -------- ------ Balance at August 28, 1993 2,363,793 $4,728 (41,183) $(525) $470 $32,500 $37,173 Net income 2,059 2,059 Purchase of common shares for treasury (124,220) (248) (35) (1,059) (1,342) Allocation by ESOP 41,183 525 (29) 496 Issuance of common shares to ESOP 2,800 5 28 33 Dividends paid - $.36 per share (834) (834) --------- ----- ------ ------ ---- ------ ------ Balance at August 27, 1994 2,242,373 4,485 0 0 434 32,666 37,585 Net income 4,480 4,480 Purchase of common shares for treasury (82,421) (165) (21) (631) (817) Issuance of common shares to ESOP 33,400 67 267 334 Dividends paid - $.39 per share (851) (851) --------- ----- ------- ------ ---- ------ ------ Balance at August 26, 1995 2,193,352 4,387 0 0 680 35,664 40,731 Net income (53 weeks) 5,505 5,505 Purchase of common shares for treasury (18,279) (37) (13) (252) (302) Issuance of common shares to ESOP 23,536 47 350 397 Dividends paid - $.40 per share (878) (878) --------- ------ ------- ------ ---- ------ ------ Balance at August 31, 1996 2,198,609 $4,397 0 $0 $1,017 $40,039 $45,453 ========= ====== ======= ====== ====== ======= ======= See accompanying notes 24 NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business -- The business of Seaway Food Town, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (the Company) consists of the sale and distribution of food, drugs, and related products, principally through supermarkets and drugstores predominately in northwest and central Ohio and southeast Michigan. Basis of presentation -- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Seaway Food Town, Inc. and all wholly-owned subsidiaries. Use of estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amount reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash and cash equivalents -- The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount reported in the balance sheets for cash equivalents approximates its fair value. Inventories -- Meat, produce and drug inventories are valued at the lower of cost, using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method, or market. All other merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, or market. Inventories have been reduced by $18,109,000 and $18,157,000 at August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995, respectively, from amounts which would have been reported under the FIFO method (which approximates current cost). During 1996 and 1995, merchandise inventory quantities were reduced. These reductions resulted in liquidation of the LIFO inventory quantities carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years as compared with costs of 1996 and 1995 purchases, the effect of which increased consolidated net income by approximately $86,000 ($.04 per share) in 1996 and $89,000 ($.04 per share) in 1995. Depreciation and amortization -- Depreciation and amortization are provided principally under the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. Capital leases not involving a purchase of the assets are amortized over the lease term. Advertising -- The Company expenses the costs of advertising as incurred. Advertising expense was $4,311,000 in 1996, $4,029,000 in 1995 and $3,704,000 in 1994. Pensions -- The Company contributes to pension plans covering substantially all employees. Pension costs include defined contributions based upon wages, and specified amount per hour as required under collective bargaining agreements. The Company's policy is to fund pension costs annually in the amount accrued. Deferred income taxes -- Deferred income taxes are provided on the asset and liability method for all significant temporary differences between income reported for financial statement purposes and taxable income. Net income per common share -- Net income per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding of 2,197,661 in 1996, 2,196,643 in 1995 and 2,306,881 in 1994. Unallocated shares held by the ESOP were not considered outstanding. 25 2. NOTES PAYABLE AND LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt at August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995 consisted of the following (in thousands): 1996 1995 ---- ---- 9.1% to 9.22% senior notes payable to insurance company, due 2005 $12,000 $12,000 8.15% to 8.75% mortgage notes payable to insurance companies, payments due quarterly to 2002 1,663 2,024 6% to 9% mortgage notes payable, payments due annually to 2008 6,529 6,971 7.07% to 8.19% term notes payable, payments due quarterly and annually to 1999 4,133 5,122 Revolving credit loan agree- ments with banks, with interest of 6.36% to 8.25% 15,000 17,600 Long-term lease obligations (see Note 5): 7.138% to 7.25% industrial development revenue bonds, payments due annually to 2000. 1,055 1,265 Other, 5.72% to 13%, payments due in varying monthly amounts through 2004. 5,449 6,970 -------- -------- 45,829 51,952 Less amount due within one year. 3,114 3,553 -------- -------- $42,715 $48,399 ======== ======== At year end the Company had four revolving credit loan agreements permitting borrowings up to $35,000,000 in the aggregate, under which the Company had borrowed $15,000,000 and $17,600,000 at August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995, respectively. These agreements were replaced in September, 1996 with a revolving credit agreement permitting borrowings up to $45,000,000 in the aggregate ($15,000,000 per bank) due October 1, 2001. Interest is charged at the Company's option, at the current prime rate, swing line rate, or a certain percentage point in excess of the current LIBOR rate based on a ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth. The Company is required to pay a fee of .20% to .25% on any unused portion of the loan commitment. 26 The Company has interest rate cap agreements to manage interest rate exposure. These transactions reduce the Company's exposure to significant variations in interest rates. At August 31, 1996, a notional amount of $20,000,000 was covered by these agreements at an average rate of 9.375% through 1999. If the counterparties to these agreements fail to perform, the Company would no longer be protected from interest rate fluctuations by these agreements and could incur additional interest expense as a result. The Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the counter-parties. The senior note agreements provide for repurchases of the notes, at either the Company's or holder's option, in amounts not in excess of $4,000,000 in 1997 and $8,000,000 in 2000. In addition, the agreement allows for prepayments, at the Company's option, subject to certain prepayment provisions. The senior notes and revolving credit loan agreements referred to above include certain working capital, net worth and debt service covenants along with restrictions on the payment of cash dividends. The restriction of dividends is based on a percentage of income available for debt service above debt service. At August 31, 1996, the approximate undepreciated cost of property and equipment subject to mortgages was $18,722,000. In 1994 the Company recorded extraordinary losses from early extinguishment of debt which consisted mainly of prepayment penalties and unamortized financing fees amounting to $123,000 (net of $63,000 income tax benefit). Annual maturities of long-term debt for each of the five fiscal years subsequent to August 31, 1996 are as follows: 1997 - $3,114,000; 1998 - $2,434,000; 1999 - $4,543,000; 2000 - $12,384,000; 2001 - $777,000. At August 31, 1996, the carrying value of the long-term debt in aggregate, excluding capitalized lease obligations, approximates its fair value due to the significant amount of variable rate long- term debt. The fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company's current incremental borrowing rates. 3. INCOME TAXES Effective August 29, 1993, the Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." As permitted by Statement 109, prior year financial statements have not been restated to reflect the change in accounting method. The cumulative effect as of August 29, 1993 of adopting Statement 109 decreased 1994 net income by $256,000 or $.11 per share. 27 The provision (credit) for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands): 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- Current: Federal $3,315 $2,263 $ 674 State and local 945 846 225 -------- -------- -------- 4,260 3,109 899 Deferred: Federal (265) (132) 415 State and local (64) (262) (26) -------- -------- -------- (329) (394) 389 -------- -------- -------- $3,931 $2,715 $1,288 ======== ======== ======== The consolidated effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate for the following reasons and by the following percentages: 1996 1995 1994 ---- ---- ---- Statutory U.S. Federal tax rate 34.0% 34.0% 34.0% Increase (reduction) in taxes resulting from: State and local income taxes net of the related reduction in federal income taxes 6.2 5.9 4.2 Tax credits ( .1) (2.2) (2.3) Other 1.6 -- (1.3) ------ ------ ------- Effective tax rate 41.7% 37.7% 34.6% ====== ====== ====== Significant components of the Company's deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995 are as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 ---- ---- Deferred income tax assets: Accrued expenses $3,125 $3,715 Tax credit carryforwards --- 308 Expenses inventoried for tax purposes 864 873 Other 565 762 ------ ------- $4,554 $5,658 ======= ======= Deferred income tax liabilities: Excess tax depreciation $4,472 $5,565 Deferred project costs 747 1,002 Other 71 156 ------- ------- $5,290 $6,723 ======= ======= 28 The above are reflected in the balance sheets as of August 31, 1996 and August 26, 1995 as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 ----- ----- Current deferred income tax asset $3,672 $4,211 ======= ====== Noncurrent deferred income tax liability $4,408 $5,276 ======== ====== 4. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS For eligible nonunion employees, the Company has a 401(k) salary deferral plan which permits employee salary deferrals of up to 15%, but not to exceed the maximum annual allowable amount for income tax purposes, and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The Company used $2,000,000 of excess pension plan assets returned to the Company upon termination of the Defined Benefit Pension Plan in fiscal 1988 to advance fund the ESOP. The amount of shares held by the ESOP which had not been allocated to plan participants were considered to be treasury shares and were shown as a reduction of Shareholders' Equity. All such shares were allocated in fiscal 1994. Allocations to the participants in the ESOP are not less than 2 1/2% of total annual compensation. Company matching contributions to the 401(k) plan are 50% of employee salary deferral contributions. The Company matching contributions are not made on salary deferrals in excess of 6% of an employee's compensation. The Company's expense for these plans was $893,000 in 1996, $946,000 in 1995, and $832,000 in 1994. In addition, the Company contributes to several area-wide defined benefit union pension plans established under collective bargaining agreements. The aggregate costs for these plans amounted to $2,378,000 in 1996, $2,293,000 in 1995, and $2,428,000 in 1994. Under the Multi-employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980, the Company could become liable for its proportionate share of unfunded vested benefits, if any, in the event of the termination of, or its withdrawal or partial withdrawal from, the union-sponsored plans to which the Company makes contributions. 29 5.LEASE COMMITMENTS Capital leases The cost and accumulated amortization of property leased under long-term noncancellable leases are as follows (in thousands): 1996 1995 ---- ---- Land $ 256 $ 256 Buildings 8,019 7,995 Equipment 7,031 6,895 -------- -------- 15,306 15,146 Less accumulated amortization 9,411 7,874 -------- -------- $5,895 $7,272 ======== ======== Future minimum lease payments under capital leases together with the present value of net minimum lease payments as of August 31, 1996 are as follows (in thousands): 1997 $ 2,192 1998 1,833 1999 1,379 2000 1,059 2001 599 Later years 858 -------- Total minimum lease payments 7,920 Less amount representing interest 1,416 -------- Present value of net minimum lease payments (included in long-term debt at August 31, 1996 -- see Note 2) $ 6,504 ======= Operating leases Minimum annual rentals for facilities leased under operating leases aggregate approximately $39,919,000 payable as follows (in thousands): 1997 $ 5,458 1998 5,079 1999 5,051 2000 4,640 2001 4,057 Later years 15,634 ------- $39,919 ======= The leases expire at various dates from 1997 to 2012 and substantially all are renewable for one or more successive five year periods, in some cases at slightly higher rentals. 30 Total rent expense attributable to operating leases amounted to approximately $5,843,000 in 1996, $5,915,000 in 1995, and $6,130,000 in 1994 and included provisions for additional rentals of $250,000 in 1996, $234,000 in 1995, and $222,000 in 1994 based upon gross sales in excess of specified amounts. The Company entered into capital leases amounting to approximately $54,000 in 1996, $1,619,000 in 1995 and $615,000 in 1994. 6. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) Quarterly financial data for the years ended August 31, 1996, (53 weeks) and August 26, 1995 are presented below (in thousands of dollars, except per share amounts): First Second Third Fourth (1) ----- ------ ----- ---------- Net sales: 1996 $144,212 $152,826 $145,911 $154,513 1995 136,988 143,953 139,160 139,143 Gross profit: 1996 35,979 38,916 37,335 39,923 1995 34,344 36,501 34,990 35,281 Net income: 1996 451 1,464 1,164 2,426 1995 1,109 1,534 589 1,248 Net income per common share: 1996 .21 .66 .53 1.10 1995 .50 .70 .27 .57 (1) 14 week period in 1996 31 INVESTOR INFORMATION MARKET PRICE OF COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SECURITY HOLDER MATTERS Common Divi- Fiscal dends paid Quarter High Low (Per share) ------- ------- ------- ------------ 1995 1st 10 3/4 9 1/2 .09 2nd 13 9 1/2 .10 3rd 15 1/2 13 .10 4th 16 1/4 14 1/2 .10 Full Year 16 1/4 9 1/2 $.39 1996 1st 16 1/2 15 1/2 .10 2nd 17 1/4 16 .10 3rd 17 1/4 16 1/4 .10 4th 18 3/4 16 1/4 .10 Full Year 18 3/4 15 1/2 $.40 The price is the high and low price on the NASDAQ National Market. The Company's NASDAQ ticker symbol is "SEWY". As of August 31, 1996, the approximate number of record holders of common stock was 470. 32 EXHIBIT 22 SEAWAY FOOD TOWN, INC. SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT At the fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 the Company had the following subsidiaries, all of which are included in the consolidated financial statements: State in Percentage of voting which Name Securities owned incorporated ------------ -------------------- -------------- Northern Distributing Co. 100 Ohio Gruber's Food Town, Inc. 100 Michigan Tracy & Avery Food Town, Inc. 100 Ohio Fjord Properties, Inc. 100 Michigan Second Fjord Properties, Inc. 100 Ohio Third Fjord Properties, Inc. 100 Ohio Third Fjord Properties Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. 100 Ohio Fifth Fjord Properties, Inc. 100 Michigan Fifth Fjord Properties of Ohio, Inc. 100 Ohio Seaway Properties, Inc. 100 Ohio Custer Pharmacy, Inc. 75 Michigan Buckeye Discount, Inc. 100 Ohio Seaway Milk Processing, Inc. 100 Ohio Monroe Acquisition Corporation 100 Michigan JRHW6 Corporation 100 Michigan The following affiliate is accounted for on the equity basis: Port Clinton Realty Co. (Partnership) 39 N/A 33 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report [Form 10-K] of Seaway Food Town, Inc. of our report dated October 18, 1996, included in Exhibit 13 to Form 10-K. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Seaway Food Town, Inc. listed in Item 14(a). This schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein. /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Toledo, Ohio October 18, 1996