AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 14, 1995 REGISTRATION NO. 33-38152 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 ------------------- POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO FORM S-2 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) CALIFORNIA 95-0615250 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.) INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) ------------------- 2601 SOUTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90040 (213) 723-7476 (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) ------------------------ ALFRED A. PLAMANN, PRESIDENT CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. 2601 SOUTH EASTERN AVENUE LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90040 (213) 723-7476 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE OF AGENT FOR SERVICE) ------------------------ COPY TO: NEIL F. YEAGER, ESQ. BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN 611 W. SIXTH STREET 25TH FLOOR LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 90017 (213) 236-0600 ------------------- IF ANY OF THE SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED ON THIS FORM ARE TO BE OFFERED ON A DELAYED OR CONTINUOUS BASIS PURSUANT TO RULE 415 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX: /X/ IF THE REGISTRANT ELECTS TO DELIVER ITS LATEST ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITIES HOLDERS, OR A COMPLETE AND LEGIBLE FACSIMILE THEREOF, PURSUANT TO ITEM 11(A)(1) OF THIS FORM, CHECK THE FOLLOWING BOX: / / - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET CROSS-REFERENCE BETWEEN ITEMS OF PART I OF POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 8 TO FORM S-2 AND PROSPECTUS FILED BY CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD., AS PART OF REGISTRATION STATEMENT COVERING CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES. LOCATION OR CAPTION ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS ---------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- 1. Forepart of the Registration Statement and Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus...................... Cover Page; Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus 2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of Prospectus.......................................... Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Outside Back Cover Page of Prospectus 3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges........................... Summary of Prospectus; Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Risk Factors 4. Use of Proceeds..................................... Use of Proceeds 5. Determination of Offering Price..................... Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Offering of Class A Shares and Class B Shares 6. Dilution............................................ (Not Applicable) 7. Selling Security Holders............................ (Not Applicable) 8. Plan of Distribution................................ Offering of Class A Shares and Class B Shares 9. Description of Securities to Be Registered.......... Description of Capital Stock 10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.............. (Not Applicable) 11. Information with Respect to the Registrant.......... Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Risk Factors; Description of Capital Stock -- Dividend Rights; The Company; Selected Financial Data; Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Index to Financial Statements 12. Incorporation of Certain Information by Reference... Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectus 13. Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities...................... (Not Applicable) PROSPECTUS CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. 32,200 CLASS A SHARES 166,338 CLASS B SHARES This Prospectus relates to the issuance of Class A Shares to such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons, and the issuance of Class B Shares to member-patrons and such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons (see, "OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES"). Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. ("Certified" or the "Company") does business primarily on a cooperative basis with its member-patrons and with certain other patrons and distributes its net earnings on such cooperative business as patronage dividends to such patrons based in amount on the volume of such business transacted with them. The Class A Shares offered hereby are offered only to such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified. The Class B Shares offered hereby are offered only to member-patrons and such new member-patrons of Certified. One hundred Class A Shares will be issued to each such new member-patron. Class B Shares will be issued to member-patrons and such new member-patrons as a portion of patronage dividends paid to such members, except that in certain instances Class B Shares will be paid for by debiting the member's cash deposit account. BOTH CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION BY CERTIFIED ON TERMINATION OF A PATRON'S STATUS AS A MEMBER-PATRON AND UNDER CERTAIN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES. SUCH REPURCHASE OR REDEMPTION IS SUBJECT TO LEGAL LIMITATIONS, LIMITATIONS OF CERTIFIED'S REDEMPTION POLICY AND CERTAIN LIMITATIONS UNDER CERTIFIED'S CREDIT AGREEMENTS. EXCEPT FOR TRANSFER TO CERTIFIED, THE SHARES MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF CERTIFIED, WHICH WILL NORMALLY BE WITHHELD. THERE IS NO MARKET FOR CERTIFIED'S SHARES. --------------------- CAREFUL CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE MATTERS DISCUSSED UNDER "RISK FACTORS," BEGINNING ON PAGE 7 OF THIS PROSPECTUS. --------------------- THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE. - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- UNDERWRITING DISCOUNTS PRICE TO AND PROCEEDS TO PUBLIC COMMISSIONS ISSUER(1) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 32,200 Class A Shares............. book value(2) none $ (2)(3) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 166,338 Class B Shares............ book value(4) none (4) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <FN> (1) As of the date of registration, the expense of issuance and distribution of the shares registered was estimated to be $52,608. (2) During the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996, the offering price per Class A Share will be $165.86. Thereafter, the offering price per share will be equal to the book value per share of Certified's outstanding shares as of the end of the fiscal year prior to issuance. The cash proceeds are estimated based on $165.86 per share. (3) Based on the assumption that all shares will be sold. There is no assurance that all will be sold. (4) The Class B Shares, valued at book value in the same manner as Class A Shares, will be issued as a part of patronage dividends, except that in certain instances Class B Shares will be paid for by debiting the member's cash deposit account. Since it is expected that there will be a reduction in member deposits, there is not expected to be any significant cash flow impact on Certified. THIS OFFER IS NOT UNDERWRITTEN. THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS DECEMBER , 1995 AVAILABLE INFORMATION The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, and in accordance therewith, files reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("Commission"). Copies of such materials can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549 at prescribed rates. In addition, such material can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission and located at the Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661, and 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Commission, this Prospectus omits certain information and exhibits contained in a Registration Statement on Form S-2 filed by the Company with the Commission. For further information, reference is made to the Registration Statement including the exhibits filed as a part thereof. Copies of the Registration Statement and exhibits may be obtained from the principal office of the Commission in Washington, D.C. upon payment of the fee prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Commission. INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE The following document filed with the Commission is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus: Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995. The Company will provide without charge to each person or shareholder of the Company to whom a copy of this Prospectus is delivered, upon the written or oral request of such person or shareholder, a copy of the foregoing Report incorporated by reference herein, other than exhibits to such Report. Requests should be directed to: Certified Grocers of California, Ltd., 2601 South Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90040, Attention: Corporate Secretary, (213) 723-7476. 2 SUMMARY OF PROSPECTUS The following is a brief summary of certain matters described in more detail elsewhere in this Prospectus. This summary is necessarily incomplete and selective, and it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Prospectus. Attention is also directed to "RISK FACTORS." CERTIFIED AND ITS BUSINESS Certified, a California corporation organized in 1925, is a wholesale distributor of groceries and related nonfood items. It does business primarily on a cooperative basis with independent retail grocers who are shareholders of Certified and who are referred to as "member-patrons" or "members." It also does some business on a cooperative basis with independent retail grocers who are not shareholders and who are referred to as "associate patrons." (Member-patrons or members and associate patrons are collectively referred to herein as "patrons.") See, "THE COMPANY." BASIC FEATURES OF SHARE OFFERING The Class A Shares of Certified are offered to such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified. The Class B Shares of Certified are offered to member-patrons of Certified and such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified. ELIGIBILITY TO HOLD SHARES: Class A Shares of Certified may be owned only in connection with membership in Certified as a member-patron. Membership in Certified is limited to persons and entities meeting certain requirements. See, "OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES -- Eligibility to Hold Shares." NEW MEMBER-PATRONS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE ONE HUNDRED CLASS A SHARES: Such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified will be required to purchase, or subscribe for the purchase of, one hundred Class A Shares. The price per share during the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996, will be $165.86 which is the book value per share as of the close of the preceding fiscal year. Thereafter, the price per share will be equal to the book value of outstanding shares at the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to admission to membership. See, "OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES -- New Member-Patrons Required to Purchase One Hundred Class A Shares." ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES TO MEMBER-PATRONS: Each member-patron of Certified is required to hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values (as defined below) in an amount equal to the LESSER of (a) the amount of the member-patron's required deposit or (b) twice the member-patron's average weekly purchases ("Class B Share Requirement"). (Member-patrons are generally required to maintain subordinated cash deposits with Certified. For a discussion of these required deposits, see, "THE COMPANY -- Patron Deposits.") For purposes of this requirement, each Class B Share held by a member-patron is valued at the book value of Certified's outstanding shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the issuance to the member-patron of such Class B Share ("Issuance Value"). In order to satisfy this requirement, a member-patron is required to hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values in an amount equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. Issuance of Class B Shares to member-patrons in order to comply with this requirement will be accomplished as follows: 1. Member-patrons, and those persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified, will be issued Class B Shares as a part of the patronage dividends paid to such member-patrons over a period of five consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the SECOND fiscal year following admission as a member-patron, such that, following the patronage dividend paid for the fifth year, such member-patron would hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. 3 2. As an alternative to the issuance of Class B Shares in the manner described in paragraph 1 above, upon the request of any member-patron (which request may only be made in September of any year), Certified may, at its sole option, issue to such member-patron as a part of the next ensuing patronage dividend Class B Shares in an amount and having Issuance Values such that, following such issuance, the member-patron would hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. Any such request made by a member-patron is not revocable without Certified's consent, which consent can be granted or withheld in Certified's sole discretion. In connection with the issuance of Class B Shares in the foregoing ways, it should be noted that Certified pays at least 20% of the patronage dividends in cash. In addition, with respect to the patronage dividends payable for a fiscal year, Certified's Board of Directors has authorized a program providing for the retention of a portion of the patronage dividends payable and the issuance of interest bearing subordinated patronage dividend certificates evidencing the indebtedness of Certified respecting the amounts retained. See, "THE COMPANY -- Patronage Dividends." ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES AS A PORTION OF PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS AS DESCRIBED ABOVE WILL OCCUR ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF THE MEMBER-PATRON'S PATRONAGE DIVIDEND REMAINING AFTER THE CASH PAYMENT AND ANY AUTHORIZED RETENTION. If following the issuance of Class B Shares as a part of the remaining patronage dividend for any given fiscal year, the member-patron would not hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the amount of Class B Shares required to be held by the member-patron following the patronage dividend for such fiscal year, then additional Class B Shares would be issued to the member-patron in a quantity sufficient to achieve the required amount. Issuance of these additional Class B Shares would be paid for by debiting the member-patron's cash deposit account in an amount equal to the Issuance Values of such additional Class B Shares, and the member-patron will be required to authorize Certified to so debit such account. Following the issuance of Class B Shares in the foregoing ways, it is proposed to continue issuing Class B Shares as a part of patronage dividends, and, to the extent necessary, to issue additional Class B Shares to be paid for by debiting the member-patron's cash deposit account, so as to establish and maintain each member-patron's holding of such shares in an amount having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. The holding of Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the amount of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement has been established by the Board of Directors as the amount of Class B Shares required to be held by each member-patron. The requirement regarding the holding of Class B Shares may be increased or otherwise changed at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No member-patron whose membership has terminated during a given fiscal year, or whose membership has terminated following the close of a given fiscal year and prior to the payment of patronage dividends for such fiscal year, would receive Class B Shares as a part of the patronage dividends paid for such fiscal year. Patrons are generally required to maintain cash deposits with Certified. Such deposits serve as security for the patron's contractual obligations to Certified and are based on the amount of the patron's purchases from certain divisions of Certified. A portion of these deposits is subordinated to certain indebtedness of Certified. Presently, as Class B Shares are issued, a credit is given against each member-patron's required deposit based upon the combined Issuance Values of such member's Class B Shares. To the extent a member-patron's deposit exceeds the required amount, Certified will return the excess upon request. Thus it will be possible for a member to withdraw cash from the deposit as Class B Shares are issued. See, "OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES --Issuance of Class B Shares to Member-Patrons." 4 DESCRIPTION OF SHARES OFFERED The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the Class A Shares and Class B Shares are the same, except as to voting and redemption. NEITHER CLASS OF SHARES MAY BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF CERTIFIED, WHICH WILL NORMALLY BE WITHHELD. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK." VOTING Holders of Class A Shares are entitled to vote such shares cumulatively for the election of 12 of the directors on the Board of Directors. Holders of the Class B Shares are entitled to vote such shares cumulatively for the election of 3 of the directors on the Board of Directors. The Class B Shares have no other voting rights, except as required by California law. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Voting rights." SHARE REDEMPTION Subject to the limitations of Certified's share redemption policy, to legal limitations and to limitations under certain credit agreements to which Certified is a party, Certified will redeem the Class A Shares and Class B Shares of a terminated member. In addition, and subject to the same limitations, Certified will upon request redeem those Class B Shares held by a member which are in excess of the amount required to be held by such member ("Excess Class B Shares"). Respecting legal limitations, the California Corporations Code prohibits the redemption of shares by a corporation where the corporation is, or would thereby be, likely to be unable to meet its liabilities as they mature. The code also prohibits the redemption of shares unless either the amount of retained earnings equals or exceeds the amount of the redemption or numerical ratios of certain assets to certain liabilities meet statutory standards. Under certain of Certified's credit agreements, redemptions of Class A Shares and Class B Shares are prohibited during the pendency of a breach or default under the credit agreements. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Share Redemption." Under the redemption policy, Class A Shares eligible for redemption will be redeemed in the order in which memberships terminate, and will be redeemed prior to the redemption of any Class B Shares which have not yet been redeemed but are eligible for redemption. The aggregate amount of Class B Shares which Certified will be obligated to redeem in any fiscal year will be limited to 5% of the sum of (i) the number of Class B Shares outstanding as of the close of the preceding fiscal year and (ii) the number of Class B Shares issued as a part of the patronage dividend for such preceding fiscal year (the "five percent limit"). In any fiscal year, Certified will redeem, up to the five percent limit, Class B Shares which were eligible for redemption in a prior year, but which have not yet been redeemed, provided that if the five percent limit would preclude redemption of all such shares, then such shares will be redeemed pro rata. In the event that the five percent limit would permit the redemption of all such shares and would permit the redemption of other Class B Shares as well, then, subject to the five percent limit, Certified will redeem other Class B Shares eligible for redemption in the order in which memberships terminate or shares are tendered for redemption. The redemption policy provides that the Board of Directors may, in its discretion, redeem shares without regard to the five percent limit or other provisions of the redemption policy. The five percent limit contained in Certified's redemption policy permits the redemption of 19,238 Class B Shares in fiscal year 1996. At the date of this Prospectus, that number of Class B Shares have been redeemed in fiscal year 1996. Any further redemption of Class B Shares in excess of the five percent limit for fiscal year 1996 will be at the discretion of Certified's Board of Directors and subject to the limitations under the aforementioned credit agreements. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Share Redemption." The redemption of shares may be accomplished by paying to the member or crediting to the member's account the redemption price. Such payment or credit will be made within 120 days after such shares have become eligible for redemption and are otherwise entitled to be redeemed in accordance with legal limitations and provisions of Certified's redemption policy. In no event will interest be payable on the redemption price for any delay in paying or crediting the redemption price. The redemption price for Class A Shares and Class B Shares on termination of membership will be an amount equal to the greater of the book value of such shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior 5 to the redemption, less all amounts that may be owing to Certified or any of its subsidiaries by the member, or one cent per share. For redemptions occurring during the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996 the book value per share is $165.86. The redemption price for Excess Class B Shares, other than on termination of membership, will be an amount equal to the book value of the shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the redemption provided that the member is in good standing, is current in all obligations to Certified and its subsidiaries, and there exist no grounds for termination of membership; otherwise, the redemption price for such shares shall be the same as provided on the termination of membership. Certified shall have the right to deduct from such redemption price any amounts owing to Certified or any of its subsidiaries by the member. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Share Redemption" and "Use of Book Value." USE OF PROCEEDS Proceeds will be used as working capital and to return a portion of members' deposits. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION FISCAL YEAR -------------------------- SEPTEMBER 2, SEPTEMBER 3, AUGUST 28, 1995 1994 1993 (52 WEEKS) (53 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) ------------ ------------ ------------ (THOUSANDS OMITTED) INCOME STATEMENT: Net sales............................................................ $1,822,804 $1,873,872 $ 2,007,288 Declared Patronage dividends......................................... 11,571 10,837 12,880 Net earnings (loss).................................................. 769 94 473 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ BALANCE SHEET (at end of period): Working capital...................................................... $ 107,685 $ 107,139 $ 111,982 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total assets......................................................... 398,603 398,569 $ 403,979 Total liabilities.................................................... 326,443 327,263 331,371 ------------ ------------ ------------ Shareholders' equity................................................. $ 72,160 $ 71,306 $ 72,608 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ See, "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS." 6 RISK FACTORS CAREFUL CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING FACTORS CONCERNING CERTIFIED AND THE SECURITIES OFFERED IN THIS PROSPECTUS: SHARES NOT TRANSFERABLE Except to Certified, neither the Class A Shares nor the Class B Shares are transferable without the consent of Certified, which will not normally be given. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Non-Transferability." NO MARKET FOR SHARES There is no market for Certified's shares. SHARES HELD AS SECURITY All shares will be required to be pledged to Certified to secure the prohibition against their transfer, to secure Certified's redemption rights and as security for performance of obligations of the member to Certified or its subsidiaries. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Shares Held as Security." SHARE REDEMPTION -- LIMITATIONS On termination of membership, the member's Class A Shares and Class B Shares will be purchased by Certified only if such purchase is permitted by Certified's redemption policy and by legal requirements. There is no assurance that Certified's financial condition will always be such that it will be able to legally redeem shares tendered for redemption. Assuming that the redemptions were otherwise permitted by Certified's redemption policy, under current legal requirements (which include Certified's continuing ability to meet its liabilities as they mature) Certified would be permitted to redeem shares up to the amount of Certified's retained earnings immediately prior to the redemption. At September 2, 1995, Certified's retained earnings were $10,488,000, and on that date, under current legal requirements, Certified would have been permitted to redeem shares up to that dollar amount. Even if redemption is permitted by legal requirements, it is possible under Certified's redemption policy that a member's Class B Shares will not be fully, or even partially, redeemed in the year in which they are tendered for redemption. In each fiscal year, the redemption policy only requires Certified to redeem Class B Shares in an amount up to the "five percent limit" described in the redemption policy, and any redemption of Class B Shares in excess of the limit for such fiscal year is at the discretion of Certified's Board of Directors. In addition, under certain of Certified's credit agreements, redemptions of Class A Shares and Class B Shares are prohibited during the pendency of a breach or default under the credit agreements. As described in the share redemption policy, redemptions may be effected by payment to the member or credit to the member's account. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Share Redemption." The five percent limit only requires Certified to redeem 19,238 Class B Shares in fiscal year 1996, and at the date of this Prospectus that number of shares has been redeemed. Thus, any further redemptions of Class B Shares during fiscal year 1996 will be at the discretion of Certified's Board of Directors and subject to the limitations under the aforementioned credit agreements. As of December 11, 1995, 68,062 Class B Shares were tendered and awaiting redemption in excess of the limit for fiscal year 1996. None of these shares is expected to be redeemed in fiscal year 1996. Further, the tender for redemption of this number of shares will cause the five percent limits for fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999 to be met, and when combined with additional future tenderings could cause the five percent limits in subsequent fiscal years to be met, thereby delaying redemptions in excess of such limits. The redemptions required for fiscal years 1997 through 1999 approximate $9.4 million to $9.6 million based on 1995 year end book values and estimated share issuances for those years. Cash flow to fund redemption of shares is provided from operations, patron deposits, Patronage Certificates, current shareholdings and borrowings under the Company's credit lines. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Share Redemption -- Limitations on Share Redemption." Since shares will be issued and redeemed at a price based on book value as of the close of the fiscal year last ended, any decrease in book value between issuance and redemption would result in a loss to the member. See, "DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK -- Use of Book Value." 7 VOLUME LOSSES IN RECENT PERIODS The Company experienced reductions in sales volume from fiscal 1991 levels totaling approximately $800 million over fiscal years 1992 and 1993. During this period, certain of Certified's large member patrons either grew to the size where they elected to establish self-distribution programs or were acquired by chains that had existing self-distribution programs. Fiscal 1994 sales decreased approximately $133 million over fiscal 1993. This decline was primarily due to sales volume lost as a result of the decision of certain large patrons (Hughes Markets, Alpha Beta, Save Mart Supermarkets, Bel Air Mart, and Raleys) to expand their own warehousing and distribution operations in fiscal 1994 and the decision of one patron (Nob Hill) to utilize another source of supply. During fiscal year 1995, the Company added two significant customers which contributed approximately $64 million in net sales, spread among most sales categories. The Company estimates the new customers will increase net sales by approximately $250 million on an annualized basis. The Company is attempting to increase sales volume by adding new customers and expanding the volume of sales to existing customers. There can be no assurance that future sales volume reductions will not occur, whether by merger or acquisition of patrons or election by patrons to switch to self-distribution or other supply sources. However, except for patrons already engaged in self-distribution, Certified is not aware of any member-patron whose size is sufficient, in Certified's view, to justify the establishment of a self-distribution program. At this time, including patrons already engaged in self-distribution, there is no patron whose purchases represent more than 10% of total sales volume. Also, excluding patrons already engaged in self-distribution, there is no patron whose purchases represent greater than 5% of total sales volume. See, "MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS." INCOME TAX LIABILITY INCIDENTAL TO PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS A patron will be required to report as gross income, for federal income tax purposes, the patronage dividends, if any, distributed by Certified to such patron. Class B Shares distributed to a member-patron as a part of a patronage dividend must be reported as income at their full stated dollar amount. Class B Shares distributed as a part of a patronage dividend are also subject to state income and corporation franchise taxes in California, and may be subject to such taxes in other states. See, "THE COMPANY -- Tax Matters." OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES The Class A Shares of Certified are offered hereby to such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified, and the Class B Shares of Certified are offered hereby to member-patrons of Certified and such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified. The sale of the shares offered hereby will be made by Certified through its regular employees who will not receive any additional remuneration in connection therewith. No sales will be made through brokers, and there are no underwriters. ELIGIBILITY TO HOLD SHARES Class A Shares are issued to and may be held only by member-patrons of Certified. In order to qualify for and retain membership as a member-patron, a person or other entity (1) must patronize Certified in such amounts and manner, and otherwise comply with the Bylaws and with such rules, regulations and policies, as may be established from time to time by Certified; (2) must have and maintain acceptable financial standing; (3) must make application in such form as is prescribed; and (4) must be accepted as a member after approval by the Board of Directors. Membership does not obligate Certified to make any sale of merchandise or services or any extension of credit. Membership is not transferable either voluntarily or by operation of law. Membership may be terminated by written resignation of the member or by Certified on the member's failure to meet any requirement of membership, or on the member's failure to timely pay or otherwise meet any obligation to Certified or its subsidiaries or to comply with any requirement established by Certified for servicing of accounts, or on the member's death or incompetency, or except as permitted by the Bylaws on any attempted transfer of membership, or on an insolvency, bankruptcy, arrangement or reorganization proceeding by or against the member, or on the member's account or any Class A or Class B Shares held by the member being subjected 8 to any process of law, or on any transfer or encumbrance or attempted transfer or encumbrance of any such account or share. Termination of membership does not relieve the patron of obligations incurred prior to termination. The Board of Directors may approve the issuance of Class B Shares to any person and for any purpose. However, the Board of Directors does not now intend to authorize, and this offering does not include, the issuance of Class B Shares except to member-patrons. NEW MEMBER-PATRONS REQUIRED TO PURCHASE ONE HUNDRED CLASS A SHARES Each member-patron of Certified is required to hold one hundred Class A Shares. The Board of Directors is authorized to accept member-patrons without the issuance of Class A Shares when the Board of Directors determines that such action is justified by reason of the fact that the ownership of the patron is the same, or sufficiently the same, as that of another member-patron holding one hundred Class A Shares. Such persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified will be required to purchase or subscribe for the purchase of one hundred Class A Shares. The price for such shares will be the book value per share of outstanding shares at the close of the fiscal year last ended. During the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996, the book value, and hence the price, per share will be deemed to be $165.86. Any subscription will require a minimum cash down payment of 10% of the purchase price with the balance payable in not more than 104 equal weekly installments together with an interest charge of 10% per annum. Certified at its option may, as a condition to accepting a member, require that in lieu of issuing Class A Shares, such member purchase said shares from a terminated member at the same price which would have been payable had the new member purchased said shares from Certified. No member may hold more than one hundred Class A Shares. It is possible, however, that a member may have an interest in another member, or that a person may have an interest in more than one member, and thus have an interest in more than one hundred Class A Shares. Such a situation might arise, for example, where a member-patron owns the stock of another member-patron. ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES TO MEMBER-PATRONS 1. GENERAL. Following the close of the fiscal year, the net earnings of Certified from business done on a cooperative basis with member-patrons are distributed in the form of patronage dividends to such patrons based in amount on the volume of such business transacted with them. Certified's Bylaws provide that patronage dividends may be paid in money or in any other form which constitutes a written notice of allocation under Section 1388 of the Internal Revenue Code. Said section defines the term "written notice of allocation" to mean any capital stock, revolving fund certificate, retain certificate, certificate of indebtedness, letter of advice, or other written notice, which discloses to the recipient the stated dollar amount allocated to him by Certified and the portion thereof, if any, which constitutes a patronage dividend. As a portion of the patronage dividend paid to each member-patron, Certified issues Class B Shares. Each member-patron is required to hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values (as defined below) in an amount equal to the LESSER of (a) the amount of the member-patron's required deposit or (b) twice the member-patron's average weekly purchases ("Class B Share Requirement"). (The amount of a member-patron's average weekly purchases is determined by Certified and member-patrons are required to maintain cash deposits with Certified. For a discussion, see, "THE COMPANY -- Patron Deposits.") Additionally, for purposes of this requirement, each Class B Share held by a member-patron is valued at the book value of Certified's outstanding shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the issuance to the member-patron of such Class B Share ("Issuance Value"). Thus, for example, a Class B Share issued in fiscal year 1996 will have an Issuance Value equal to the book value of Certified's outstanding shares as of the close of fiscal year 1995, whereas a Class B Share issued in fiscal year 1995 will have an Issuance Value equal to the book value of Certified's outstanding shares as of the close of fiscal year 1994. In order to satisfy the requirement regarding the holding of Class B Shares, a member-patron is required to hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values in an amount equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. 9 Issuance of Class B Shares to member-patrons in order to comply with this requirement will be accomplished as described below. In connection with the issuance of Class B Shares as described below, it should be noted that Certified pays at least 20% of the patronage dividends in cash. In addition, Certified's Board of Directors has authorized the retention of a portion of the patronage dividends payable to patrons and the issuance of interest bearing subordinated patronage dividend certificates evidencing the indebtedness of Certified respecting the amounts retained. See "THE COMPANY -- Patronage Dividends." ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES AS A PORTION OF PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS AS DESCRIBED BELOW WILL OCCUR ONLY TO THE EXTENT OF THE MEMBER-PATRON'S PATRONAGE DIVIDEND REMAINING AFTER THE CASH PAYMENT AND ANY AUTHORIZED RETENTION. 2. MANNER OF ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES. Member-patrons, and those persons or entities who from time to time may be accepted as new member-patrons of Certified, will be issued Class B Shares. In the manner described below, it is proposed that each such member-patron would be issued Class B Shares as a part of the patronage dividends (but after deducting the cash payment and any authorized retention) paid to such member-patron over a period of five consecutive fiscal years, beginning with the SECOND fiscal year following admission as a member-patron, such that following the patronage dividend paid for the fifth year, such member-patron would hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the amount of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. It is intended to issue Class B Shares to such member-patrons as a portion of patronage dividends paid, beginning with the second fiscal year following admission as a member-patron, as follows: After payment of the cash portion of the patronage dividend and deduction of any authorized retention, Class B Shares would be issued in an amount not exceeding the member-patron's remaining patronage dividend for any one year so that, subject to the foregoing, after the FIRST patronage dividend, the member-patron will hold Class B Shares having Issuance Values equal to 20% of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement; after the SECOND patronage dividend, the member-patron will hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to 40% of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement; after the THIRD patronage dividend, the member-patron will hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to 60% of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement; after the FOURTH patronage dividend, the member-patron will hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to 80% of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement; and, after the FIFTH patronage dividend, the member-patron will hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the amount of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. If following the issuance of Class B Shares as a part of the patronage dividend for any given fiscal year, the member-patron would not hold Class B Shares having a combined Issuance Value equal to the amount of Class B Shares required to be held by the member-patron following the patronage dividend for such fiscal year, then additional Class B Shares would be issued to the member-patron in a quantity sufficient to achieve the required amount. Issuance of these additional Class B Shares would be paid for by debiting the member- patron's cash deposit account in an amount equal to the issuance values of such additional Class B Shares, and the member-patron will be required to authorize Certified to so debit such account. 3. ALTERNATIVE MANNER OF ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES. As an alternative to the issuance of Class B Shares in the manner described in paragraph 2 above, upon the request of any member-patron (which request may only be made in September of any year), Certified may, at its sole option, issue to such member- patron as a part of the next ensuing patronage dividend, and after payment of the cash portion of such patronage dividend and deduction of any authorized retention, Class B Shares in an amount and having Issuance Values not exceeding the member-patron's remaining patronage dividend such that, following such issuance, the member-patron would hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. If following the issuance of Class B Shares in the foregoing manner, the member-patron would not hold Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement, then additional Class B Shares would be issued to the member-patron in a quantity sufficient to achieve this amount. Issuance of these additional Class B Shares would be paid for by debiting the member-patron's cash deposit account in an amount equal to the Issuance Values of such additional Class B Shares, and the member-patron, in making the above described request, 10 will be required to authorize Certified to debit such account. Once made, the member-patron's request would not be revocable by the member-patron without Certified's consent, which consent can be granted or withheld in Certified's sole discretion. 4. OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO ISSUANCE OF CLASS B SHARES. Following the issuance of Class B Shares in the foregoing ways, Certified proposes to continue thereafter to issue Class B Shares as a part of patronage dividends (but after deducting the cash payment and any authorized retention), and, to the extent necessary, to issue additional Class B Shares to be paid for by debiting the member-patron's cash deposit account, so as to establish and maintain each member-patron's holdings of such shares in an amount having combined Issuance Values equal to the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement. The holding of Class B Shares having combined Issuance Values equal to the amount of the member-patron's Class B Share Requirement has been established by the Board of Directors as the amount of Class B Shares required to be held by each member-patron. The Board of Directors in its discretion may increase this amount or may otherwise require that additional Class B Shares be held by each member-patron, and Certified may issue, at any time from time to time, additional Class B Shares as a part of patronage dividends. The requirement regarding the holding of Class B Shares as established by the Board of Directors is subject to change by the Board of Directors which may, in its discretion, add to, increase, decrease, limit, eliminate or otherwise change such requirement. No member-patron whose membership has terminated during a given fiscal year, or whose membership has terminated following the close of a given fiscal year and prior to the payment of patronage dividends for such fiscal year, would receive Class B Shares as a part of patronage dividends paid for such fiscal year. Class B Shares held by a member-patron in excess of what has been established by the Board of Directors as the Class B Shares required to be held by each member-patron will be considered "Excess Class B Shares." Both Class A and Class B Shares are pledged to, and the certificates held by, Certified to secure the prohibition against transfer, to secure Certified's right to purchase or redeem such shares and to secure performance of the patron's obligations to Certified and its subsidiaries. Patrons are generally required to maintain cash deposits with Certified as security for the patron's contractual obligations to Certified and to its subsidiaries. That portion of the deposits which the patron is required to maintain is subordinated to certain indebtedness of Certified. Upon request by the patron, deposits in excess of the required amount are returned, provided the patron is not in default in its obligations to Certified or any of its subsidiaries. The entire deposit is returned upon termination of membership less any amounts owing Certified or any of its subsidiaries; provided that, in all cases, return of the required portion is governed by the subordination provisions to which it is subject and will be returned only as and to the extent permitted thereby. For a discussion of deposit requirements, see, "THE COMPANY - -- Patron Deposits." Inasmuch as the Class B Shares as well as the Class A Shares will be held as security for the performance of the member-patron's obligations, in calculating each member-patron's required deposit, credit is presently given based upon the combined Issuance Values of the Class B Shares held. Thus, it will be possible for a member-patron to withdraw cash from the deposit as Class B Shares are issued. Certified's policies regarding deposits, issuance of Class B Shares and credits against deposits as a result of issuance of Class B Shares are subject to change by the Board of Directors which may, in its discretion, add to, increase, decrease, limit, eliminate or otherwise change such policies. DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK The capital structure of Certified consists of three classes of shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares, and Class C Shares. The rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares are the same, except with respect to voting and redemption. The Class C Shares are held, one share each, by the directors of Certified. DIVIDEND RIGHTS It is the policy of Certified not to pay cash dividends on its stock. 11 VOTING RIGHTS The holders of Class A Shares are entitled to elect 12 directors. The holders of Class B Shares are entitled to elect 3 directors, and otherwise have no voting rights except as may be required by California law. California law extends to non-voting shares the right to vote upon certain matters such as amendments to the Articles of Incorporation which would affect the rights of non-voting shares and certain reorganizations in which other securities are to be issued in exchange for the non-voting shares. In addition, California law extends voting rights on certain matters, such as voluntary dissolution, to those shares having voting power which is defined as the power to vote for directors. The percentage of voting power of a class of shares is based on the percentage of the directors it may elect. Thus, in those situations involving such voting power, the Class A Shares would have 80% of the voting power, and the Class B Shares would have 20% of the voting power. In the election of directors, the Class A Shares may be voted cumulatively for the 12 directors to be elected by the Class A shareholders, that is, each holder of Class A Shares may give one candidate a number of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected by the holders of Class A Shares multiplied by the number of his Class A Shares or he may distribute such votes among as many candidates as he sees fit. Similarly, the Class B Shares may be voted cumulatively for the 3 directors to be elected by the holders of Class B Shares. Since the Class A shareholders are only entitled to elect 12 of the directors, a greater number of votes is required under cumulative voting in order to elect a single director than would be required in order to elect a single director if such shareholders were entitled to vote their shares cumulatively for the election of all of the directors. Likewise, since the Class B shareholders are only entitled to elect 3 of the directors, a greater number of votes is required under cumulative voting in order to elect a single director than would be required in order to elect a single director if such shareholders were entitled to vote their shares cumulatively for the election of all of the directors. A director must be either an employee of Certified, a member-patron, or a member of a partnership or an employee of a corporation which is a member-patron. Except as required by California law, the Class C Shares have no voting rights. LIQUIDATION RIGHTS In the event of any liquidation or winding up of the affairs of Certified, whether voluntary or involuntary, the net assets of Certified would be distributed among the holders of Class A Shares and the holders of Class B Shares proportionately in accordance with their share holdings. The Class C Shares would share in liquidation only to the extent of $10 per share. NON-TRANSFERABILITY Other than for transfer to Certified, neither the Class A Shares nor the Class B Shares may be transferred or assigned without the consent of Certified which will normally be withheld, except where the transfer of the shares is in connection with the transfer of a member-patron's business to an existing or new member-patron for continuation of such business. SHARES HELD AS SECURITY The certificates for Class A Shares and Class B Shares will not be delivered to members but will be pledged to and held by Certified to secure the prohibition against transfer, to secure Certified's right to repurchase or redeem such shares and to secure performance by the member of all obligations to Certified or any of its subsidiaries. The Secretary of Certified is authorized, and is given a power of attorney, on behalf of each member to surrender the shares for repurchase or redemption. Certificates for shares will bear a legend stating that Certified is entitled to offset against any payments which might otherwise be due for shares being repurchased or redeemed all amounts owed by the member to Certified or any of its subsidiaries. 12 SHARE REDEMPTION Both Class A Shares and Class B Shares are subject to repurchase or redemption by Certified. As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the terms "redeem" and "redemption" include repurchase. Certified will redeem the shares of outgoing members on termination of membership in accordance with and subject to limitations of the share redemption policy described below, which is set forth in the Bylaws, and subject to legal limitations and to certain limitations under Certified's credit agreements. Provided that the redemption price equals or exceeds $1,000, Certified will also upon request redeem the excess Class B Shares of a member who owns Class B Shares in excess of that which is required to be held by such member ("Excess Class B Shares"). Any such redemption of Excess Class B Shares will be governed by the same rules that govern the redemption of shares upon termination of membership. As described below in the share redemption policy, redemptions may be effected by payment to the member or credit to the member's account. The redemption price for Class A Shares and Class B Shares being redeemed on termination of membership shall be an amount which is equal to the greater of the book value of said shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the redemption, less all amounts that may be owing by the member to Certified or any of its subsidiaries, or one cent per share. During the fiscal year ending August 31, 1996 the book value per share is $165.86. On the redemption of Excess Class B Shares, other than upon termination of membership, the redemption price for such shares shall be an amount which is equal to the book value of said shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the redemption provided that the member is in good standing, is current in all obligations to Certified and its subsidiaries and there exist no grounds for termination of membership; otherwise the redemption price for such shares shall be the same as provided on the termination of membership. Such redemption may be effected by paying to the member or crediting to the member's account the redemption price, with Certified having the right to deduct any amounts owing to Certified or any of its subsidiaries. The redemption of shares is subject to the following: 1. Corporate Law Requirements. Redemption is subject to the restrictions imposed by the Corporations Code of the State of California and to other applicable legal restrictions. Section 501 of the Corporations Code prohibits any distribution which would be likely to result in a corporation being unable to meet its liabilities as they mature. In addition, Section 500 of the Corporations Code prohibits any distribution to shareholders for the purchase or redemption of shares unless (a) the amount of retained earnings immediately prior thereto equals or exceeds the amount of the proposed distribution or (b) immediately after such distribution the assets of the corporation, with certain exceptions, are at least equal to one and one-quarter times its liabilities and its current assets are at least equal to its current liabilities or under some circumstances equal to one and one-quarter times its current liabilities. To the extent that retained earnings do not exceed the amount of any proposed distribution, Certified will have to satisfy the asset-liability ratio test in order to make a distribution in redemption of shares. As of September 2, 1995, Certified's retained earnings were $10,488,000. As of that date, Certified did not satisfy the asset-liability ratio test. 2. Redemption Policy. Subject to the Board of Directors' determination that Certified is able to meet the foregoing legal requirements, shares will be redeemed in accordance with the following: (a) Class A Shares eligible for redemption by reason of termination of membership will be redeemed in the order in which memberships terminate, and will be redeemed prior to the redemption of any Class B Shares which have not yet been redeemed but are eligible for redemption either by reason of termination of membership or as Excess Class B Shares tendered for redemption. All determinations by Certified of the order in which memberships terminate or shares are tendered shall be conclusive. 13 (b) The aggregate amount of Class B Shares which Certified will be obligated to redeem in any fiscal year will be limited to 5% of the sum of (i) the number of Class B Shares outstanding as of the close of the preceding fiscal year and (ii) the number of Class B Shares issued as a part of the patronage dividend for such preceding fiscal year (the "five percent limit"). (c) In any fiscal year, Certified will redeem, up to the five percent limit, Class B Shares which were eligible for redemption in a prior year, either by reason of termination of membership in a prior year or which were Excess Class B Shares tendered for redemption in a prior year, but which have not yet been redeemed, provided that if the five percent limit would preclude redemption of all such shares, then such shares will be redeemed pro rata. In the event that the five percent limit would permit the redemption of all such shares and would permit the redemption of other Class B Shares as well, then, subject to the five percent limit, Certified will redeem other Class B Shares eligible for redemption by reason of termination of membership or which are Excess Class B Shares tendered for redemption, in the order in which memberships terminate or shares are tendered for redemption. All determinations by Certified of the order in which memberships terminate or shares are tendered shall be conclusive. (d) The redemption of shares may be accomplished by paying to the member or crediting to the member's account the redemption price. In making such payment or credit for the redemption of shares, Certified shall have the right to deduct any amounts owing by the member to Certified or any of its subsidiaries. Such payment or credit for the redemption of shares will be made within 120 days after such shares have become eligible for redemption, either by reason of termination of membership or tender in the case of Excess Class B Shares, and are otherwise entitled to be redeemed in accordance with legal limitations and as provided in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above. In no event will interest be payable on the redemption price for any delay in paying or crediting the redemption price. (e) Without regard to each year's five percent limit or any other provision of paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) above, Certified's Board of Directors will have the absolute discretion to redeem Class A or Class B Shares of any outgoing member or to redeem Excess Class B Shares, regardless of when the membership terminated or the Class B Shares were tendered. The Board of Directors will also have the right to elect to redeem Excess Class B Shares even though such redemption has not been requested. (f) The Board of Directors will have the absolute discretion, without regard to any provision of the redemption policy, to authorize Certified to agree with any shareholder to purchase Class B Shares held by such shareholder and to make such purchase and payment for such shares in such manner as may be agreed upon, subject only to corporate law requirements. 3. Limitations on Share Redemption. As set out above, Certified's ability to make payment for the redemption of Class A and Class B Shares is subject to limitations imposed by the California Corporations Code. Under the Code, Certified would be prohibited from making payment for the redemption of such shares if at the time it was, or as a result of the payment would be, likely to be unable to meet its liabilities as they mature. Certified would also be prohibited from making such payment unless either retained earnings were sufficient to cover the payment or numerical ratios of certain assets to certain liabilities met statutory standards. Losses could so impact Certified's balance sheet and solvency that California law could prohibit Certified from making payment for the redemption of Class A and Class B Shares. In such event, the member could be precluded from liquidating his investment in Class A and Class B Shares for an indefinite period of time. As stated above, in any fiscal year Certified is not obligated to redeem Class B Shares in excess of the five percent limit. In any fiscal year, once Certified has redeemed Class B Shares up to the five percent limit, Certified has no further obligation to redeem Class B Shares in such fiscal year. Thus, even if legal requirements for such redemptions are met in a given fiscal year, it is possible, because of the five percent limit, that Certified will not redeem all Class B Shares tendered for redemption in such 14 year. The aggregate number of Class B Shares which Certified is obligated to redeem in fiscal year 1996 by reason of the five percent limit is 19,238, and that number of Class B Shares has been redeemed. As of December 11, 1995, 68,062 Class B Shares were tendered for redemption in excess of the limit for fiscal year 1996 and are not expected to be redeemed in fiscal year 1996. Further, the tender for redemption of this number of shares will cause the five percent limits for fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999 to be met, and when combined with additional future tenderings could cause the five percent limits in subsequent fiscal years to be met, thereby delaying redemptions in excess of such limits. The redemptions required for fiscal years 1997 through 1999 approximate $9.4 million to $9.6 million based on 1995 year end book values and estimated share issuances for those years. Cash flow to fund redemption of shares is provided from operations, patron deposits, Patronage Certificates, current shareholdings and borrowings under the Company's credit lines. Certified is a party to certain credit agreements under which redemptions of Class A and Class B Shares are prohibited during the pendency of a breach or default under the credit agreements. Accordingly, even if legal requirements for redemption of Class A and Class B Shares were met, and even if Certified's Board of Directors was prepared to exercise its discretion to permit redemptions of Class B Shares in excess of the five percent limit, no such redemptions would be permitted under these credit agreements were Certified to be in breach or default thereunder. Concerning tax considerations with respect to redemption of the shares, see, "THE COMPANY -- Tax Matters." USE OF BOOK VALUE Shares will be issued at a price equal to the book value of shares outstanding as of the close of the fiscal year last ended. Shares will be redeemed for a redemption price based on the book value of outstanding shares as of the close of the fiscal year prior to such redemption. Book value per share means the excess of the assets over the liabilities of Certified as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as set forth on Certified's audited financial statements, divided by the total number of shares then outstanding. Book value reflects the historical cost of Certified's assets and of accumulated book depreciation. It does not necessarily reflect what the assets could be sold for or the dollar amount that would be required to replace them. If the book value per share increases between the time of issuance and redemption in a later year, the member would benefit from such appreciation. However, the member would suffer a loss if the book value had declined during such period. Book value could decline if Certified sustained net losses on a consolidated basis. Because the price at which the shares are issued and redeemed is adjusted only once each year, some dilution is probable in each transaction. If a new member purchases Class A Shares late in a particular fiscal year, the price paid for the shares will be based on the book value for the shares of up to twelve months earlier; this amount is likely to be more or less than the book value per share as of the purchase date. If the book value has increased, the new member's purchase will dilute the book value of the shares of existing members. Conversely, if the book value has decreased, the new member will suffer immediate dilution and the existing members will receive a benefit. Similarly, the shares of a member whose membership has terminated will be redeemed at a price based on their book value as of the end of the fiscal year last ended prior to the redemption date. If the book value had increased during the partial year ending with the redemption date, the terminated member would realize no benefit from that year's appreciation which would be realized by the remaining members. However, if the book value had decreased during the partial year ending with the redemption date, the redemption price for the shares would exceed the actual book value as of the date of redemption, and remaining members would incur the loss. 15 USE OF PROCEEDS Proceeds from the sale of Class A Shares to new member-patrons will be added to Certified's working capital. Such proceeds are not expected to be a significant source of working capital for Certified. Cash retained by Certified by virtue of the issuance of Class B Shares as part of patronage dividends paid to member-patrons will be used to provide for the return annually of such members' deposits in an amount equal to the Issuance Values of such shares. See, "OFFERING OF CLASS A SHARES AND CLASS B SHARES - --Issuance of Class B Shares to Member-Patrons -- Other Matters Relating to Issuance of Class B Shares." THE COMPANY GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS The Company, a California corporation organized in 1925, is a wholesale grocery distributor which does business primarily on a cooperative basis with its member-patrons. It also does some business on a cooperative basis with its associate patrons. Pursuant to the Company's Bylaws, the net earnings of the Company on business done on a cooperative basis are distributed as patronage dividends to member-patrons and associate patrons based in amount on the volume of such business transacted with the patron. The Bylaws provide that patronage dividends may be paid in money or in any other form which constitutes a written notice of allocation under Section 1388 of the Internal Revenue Code. For the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995, declared patronage dividends totaled $11,571,000. The Company also does business on a nonpatronage basis (that is, no patronage dividends are distributed) with other customers and in some instances with member-patrons and associate patrons. The Company's subsidiaries do business on a nonpatronage basis with member-patrons, associate patrons and other customers. Patrons engaged in the retail grocery business who purchase 350 or more dry grocery cases weekly (approximately $5,000), or whose combined average weekly purchases (excluding cigarettes) are $5,000 or more, are required to become member-patrons. Associate patrons generally purchase 200 or more dry grocery cases weekly and have combined average weekly purchases of less than $5,000. At September 2, 1995, the Company had 503 member-patrons operating a total of 2,320 retail food stores and 304 associate patrons operating a total of 725 retail food stores. The shares of the Company are owned entirely by its member-patrons. Each member-patron is required to hold 100 Class A Shares, and no member-patron may hold more than 100 Class A Shares. Member-patrons are also required to hold Class B Shares in an amount, based on Issuance Values, equal to the lesser of (a) the amount of the member-patron's required deposit, or (b) twice the member-patron's average weekly purchases. Member-patrons and associate patrons are generally required to maintain subordinated cash deposits with the Company. For a discussion of these required deposits, see "THE COMPANY -- Patron Deposits." The Company sells a full line of branded grocery and nonfood items supplied by unrelated manufacturers and also sells merchandise under its own private labels, including the Springfield, Gingham, Special Value, La Corona and Golden Creme labels. Grocers Specialty Company, a subsidiary, carries a product line consisting of specialty-type items, such as ethnic and fancy foods, and also carries a general product line. General merchandise products are primarily sold by another subsidiary, Grocers General Merchandise Company. 16 Consolidated sales by product line, including drop shipments (which are sales delivered directly to customers from suppliers), for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995, are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands): Dry Grocery............................................. $1,030,024 General Merchandise..................................... 209,943 Delicatessen............................................ 178,582 Meat.................................................... 145,997 Frozen Food............................................. 113,208 Dairy................................................... 66,399 Ice Cream............................................... 20,879 Bakery.................................................. 15,839 Drop Shipment........................................... 12,662 Beans and Rice.......................................... 4,527 Other................................................... 24,744 ---------- Total............................................... $1,822,804 ---------- ---------- The majority of the Company's warehouse facilities, and its two manufacturing plants (dairy and bakery), are located in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In addition, the Company has two warehouses in Stockton, California, one warehouse in Fresno, California and one warehouse in Honolulu, Hawaii. In addition to supplying a wide variety of grocery and nonfood items, the Company and its subsidiaries also provide patrons with a variety of other support services, including advertising programs, insurance services, store site selection and site evaluation services, store design and layout, front end layout and support, store equipment and inventory financing, store remodeling support services, data processing, and in-store counseling services. PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS As required by its Bylaws, the Company distributes patronage dividends based upon its net earnings from patronage business during the fiscal year. Such earnings are distributed to each patron in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases from each division of the Company by the patron. The Company's Bylaws provide that patronage dividends may be distributed in money or in any other form which constitutes a written notice of allocation under Section 1388 of the Internal Revenue Code. Said section defines the term "written notice of allocation" to mean any capital stock, revolving fund certificate, retain certificate, certificate of indebtedness, letter of advice, or other written notice, which discloses to the recipient the stated dollar amount allocated to him by the Company and the portion thereof, if any, which constitutes a patronage dividend. Patronage dividends are distributed annually, usually in December, except for dividends on dairy products which are distributed after the close of each fiscal quarter. The Company distributes at least 20% of the patronage dividends in cash and distributes Class B Shares as a portion of the patronage dividends distributed to its member-patrons. In addition, under a patronage dividend retention program authorized by the Company's Board of Directors, the Company retains a portion of the patronage dividends to be distributed for a fiscal year and issues patronage certificates ("Patronage Certificates") evidencing its indebtedness respecting the retained amounts. However, as to any particular patron, if such retained amount would be less than a specified minimum (presently $500), then no retention occurs and a Patronage Certificate is not issued. The program provides for the issuance of Patronage Certificates to patrons annually in December in a portion and at an interest rate to be determined annually by the Board of Directors. Patronage Certificates for each year are unsecured general obligations of the Company, are subordinated to certain other indebtedness of the Company, and are nontransferable without the consent of the Company. The Patronage Certificates are subject to redemption, at any time in whole and from time to time in part, without premium, at the option of the Company, and are subject to being set off, at the option of the Company, against all or any portion of the amounts owing to the Company and its subsidiaries by the holder. Interest on the Patronage Certificates is payable annually. Subject to the 17 payment of at least 20% of the patronage dividend in cash, the portion of the patronage dividend retained is deducted from each patron's patronage dividend prior to the issuance of Class B Shares as a portion of such dividend. The following table presents certain information respecting the Patronage Certificates presently outstanding: AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL ANNUAL MATURITY FISCAL YEAR AMOUNT INTEREST RATE DATE - ------------------------------------------------- ------------ ------------- --------- 1993............................................. $ 2,018,000 7% 12/15/00 1994............................................. 2,426,000 8% 12/15/01 1995............................................. 2,117,000 7% 12/15/02 The Company expects to continue to distribute patronage dividends in the future, although there can be no assurance of the amounts of such dividends. PATRON DEPOSITS It is the general policy of the Company to require that its cooperative patrons maintain a subordinated cash deposit equal to twice the amount of each patron's average weekly purchases or twice the amount of the patron's average purchases, whichever is greater. Required deposits are determined twice a year, at the end of the Company's second and fourth fiscal quarters, based upon a review of the patron's purchases from certain of the cooperative divisions during the preceding two quarters. Member-patrons meeting certain qualifications established by the Board of Directors may elect to maintain a reduced required deposit of $500,000 or one and one-quarter weeks' average purchases, whichever is greater. Presently, three of the Company's largest member-patrons have elected to maintain such reduced deposits. With the consent of the Company, which may be granted or withheld in the Company's sole discretion, a qualified member-patron who has elected to maintain this reduced deposit may later have its deposit increased up to an amount equal to twice the amount of its average weekly purchases. Following such increase, the member-patron will not be permitted to reduce its deposit (even though otherwise eligible to maintain a reduced deposit) for a period of two years without the Company's consent. Further, in all cases, reduction of the deposit will be governed by the subordination provisions to which it is subject. The Company charges interest to those member-patrons who maintain a reduced deposit. Interest is presently charged at the prime rate established by Bankers Trust Company, subject to periodic review and change by the Board of Directors. Interest is charged on the difference between the balance that would have been maintained based on two weeks' purchases and the balance actually maintained. Under the Company's Deposit Fund Loan Program, member-patrons whose credit has been approved by the Company's Loan Committee may finance all or a portion of their deposit requirement. Payments under this program are billed to the member-patron on its weekly statement from the Company. Subject to credit approval, patrons may also deposit an amount equal to one and one-half of the patron's average weekly purchases or one and one-half of the patron's average purchases, whichever is greater, and pay the balance of the deposit over a period of 26 weeks, at no interest, by payments on its weekly statement from the Company. Member-patrons holding Class B Shares are presently given credit against the above described cash deposit requirement based upon the combined Issuance Values of such shares. The Company pays no interest on the required deposits of patrons. Interest is paid on the above described cash deposits which are in excess of patrons' required deposits. In addition, patrons who participate in the Company's price reservation program are required to maintain a noninterest bearing deposit based upon the value of the inventory participation in this program. Under the Company's price reservation program, patrons are permitted to submit price reservations in advance for their dry grocery, frozen, delicatessen and general merchandise purchases. For the patron to get the benefit of the price reservation, an actual order must be placed. The price which the patron will be charged is the price in effect at the time of the reservation. 18 The required deposits of patrons are contractually subordinated and subject to the prior payment in full of certain senior indebtedness of the Company. As a condition of becoming a patron, each patron is required to execute a subordination agreement providing for the subordination of the patron's required deposits. Generally, the subordination is such that no payment can be made by the Company with respect to the required deposits in the event of an uncured default by the Company with respect to senior indebtedness, or in the event of dissolution, liquidation, insolvency or other similar proceedings, until all senior indebtedness has been paid in full. Upon request, the Company will return to patrons the amount of cash deposits which are in excess of the required deposits, provided the patron is not in default of its obligations to the Company. On termination of membership, patrons are entitled to a return of deposits, less all amounts that may be owing by the patron to the Company. In all cases, however, return of that portion of the patron's cash deposits which consists of required deposits will be governed by the applicable subordination provisions. The Company's policies regarding deposits, issuance of Class B Shares and credits against deposits as a result of issuance of Class B Shares are subject to change by the Board of Directors which may, in its discretion, add to, increase, decrease, limit, eliminate or otherwise change such policies. TAX MATTERS The Company is a corporation operating on a cooperative basis. The Company is subject to federal and state income and franchise taxes and must pay other taxes applicable to corporations, such as sales, excise, real and personal property taxes. As a corporation operating on a cooperative basis, the Company is subject to Subchapter T of the Internal Revenue Code ("Subchapter T"). Under Subchapter T, the Company pays patronage dividends to patrons pertaining to its fiscal year within 8 1/2months of the close of such fiscal year. To qualify as patronage dividends, payments are made on the basis of the value of the business done with or for patrons, under a pre-existing obligation to make such payment, and with reference to the net earnings from business done with or for the cooperative's patrons. Patronage dividends are paid in cash, or written notices of allocation. A written notice of allocation is distributed to the patron and provides notice of the amount allocated to the patron by the Company and the portion thereof which constitutes a patronage dividend. Under Subchapter T, the Company may deduct, in the fiscal year for which they are paid, the amount of patronage dividends paid in cash and qualified notices of allocation. A written notice of allocation will be qualified, if the Company pays at least 20% of the patronage dividend in money, and the patron consents to take the stated dollar amount of the written notice into income in the year in which it is received. The Company deducts for tax purposes the entire amount of its patronage dividends by paying at least 20% in cash and issuing qualified notices of allocation for the remainder. The Company intends to make patronage distributions to member-patrons comprised of money and qualified notices of allocation including its Class B Shares. At least 20% of patronage dividends will be paid in cash. The Company will notify member-patrons of the stated dollar amount of the book value of Class B Shares allocated to them and the portion thereof which is a patronage dividend. Member-patrons are required to consent to include in their gross income, in the year received, all cash as well as the stated dollar amount of all qualified notices of allocation including the book value of the Class B Shares distributed to them as patronage dividends. Accordingly, the Company will distribute the Class B Shares as a portion of a patronage dividend for which it will receive a deduction. Class B Shares distributed as a part of the patronage dividend are also subject to state income and corporation franchise taxes in California and may be subject to such taxes in other states. The Company is subject to federal income tax and California franchise tax on net earnings of business with or for patrons which is not distributed as deductible patronage dividends and on net earnings derived from nonpatronage business. The Company files consolidated returns with its subsidiaries, none of which is a cooperative and each of which is therefore subject to tax. 19 To the extent that Class B Shares are received by the patron as patronage dividends under Subchapter T, the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") has held that if such Class B Shares are redeemed in full or in part or are otherwise disposed of, there will be included in the computation of the gross income of the patron, as ordinary income, in the year of redemption or other disposition, the excess of the amount realized on the redemption or other disposition over the amount previously included in the computation of gross income. However, since it is proposed to issue Class B Shares other than as a part of patronage dividends, it is possible that the IRS could take the position that the proceeds from a partial redemption of Class B Shares should be taxed as a dividend. PATRONS ARE STRONGLY URGED TO CONSULT WITH THEIR TAX ADVISORS FOR FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF THIS ISSUE AND FOR THE IMPACT THE POSITION OF THE IRS MAY HAVE ON THEIR OWN FEDERAL AND STATE TAX RETURNS. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA FISCAL YEAR -------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ (52 WEEKS) (53 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) (THOUSANDS OMITTED) Net sales.................................. $ 1,822,804 $ 1,873,872 $ 2,007,288 $ 2,377,740 $ 2,767,996 Declared patronage dividends............... 11,571 10,837 12,880 12,977 19,979 Net earnings (loss)........................ 769 94 473 (3,648) (4,682) Total assets............................... 398,603 398,569 403,979 449,713 469,010 Long-term notes payable.................... 129,686 149,673 158,585 178,702 159,898 20 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 The following discussion of the Company's financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and notes thereto. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth selected financial data of the Company expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated below: FISCAL YEAR ENDED ------------------------------------ SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2, 3, AUGUST 28, 1995 1994 1993 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net sales.............................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of sales.......................................... 90.7 90.6 90.8 Distribution, selling and administrative............... 7.8 8.0 7.7 Operating income....................................... 1.5 1.4 1.5 Interest expense....................................... 0.8 0.8 0.8 Other income (expense), net............................ 0.0 (0.1) 0.0 Earnings before patronage dividends, provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change................................................ 0.7 0.5 0.7 Patronage dividends.................................... 0.7 0.6 0.7 Cumulative effect of accounting change................. 0.1 Net earnings........................................... 0.0 0.0 0.0 FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 ("FISCAL 1995") COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 ("FISCAL 1994") NET SALES. Fiscal 1994 included 53 weeks of sales while fiscal 1995 included 52 weeks of sales. Taking this difference into consideration, net sales during fiscal 1995 remained relatively consistent with net sales during fiscal 1994. During 1995, the Company added two significant customers which contributed approximately $64 million in net sales, spread among most sales categories. The Company estimates these new customers will increase net sales by approximately $250 million on an annualized basis. These sales gains were offset by the loss of a significant frozen food customer during 1994 and a reduction in transportation service fees. COST OF SALES. Cost of sales decreased $45 million (2.7%) to $1.7 billion in fiscal 1995 as compared to fiscal 1994. Cost of sales, as a percentage of sales, has remained consistent with fiscal 1994. The decrease in cost of sales results primarily from the decreased sales discussed above. DISTRIBUTION, SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Distribution, selling and administrative expenses were $141.9 million or 7.8% of net sales in fiscal 1995, as compared to $149.3 million or 8.0% of net sales in fiscal 1994. The decrease in total expense was primarily due to the reduction of payroll costs and the implementation of other programs in the Company's distribution and manufacturing facilities to increase efficiency. Partially offsetting the benefits of these cost reduction programs was a one time charge of $1.6 million resulting from the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112 "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits" ("SFAS No. 112"). OPERATING INCOME. Operating income increased 6.1% in fiscal 1995, totalling $27.2 million. This compares to $25.6 million for fiscal 1994. This increase is a direct result of the reduction in distribution and manufacturing costs described above. OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE), NET. In fiscal year 1993, GCC acquired an 81% investment in Major Market, Inc. ("MMI") for $1.6 million. The investment was previously consolidated in the Company's financial statements. In fiscal 1995, GCC sold its preferred stock and 282,600 shares of common stock to MMI. GCC 21 received proceeds of $120,000 and a note receivable for approximately $2.6 million. GCC now holds approximately 20% of MMI's outstanding common shares and accounts for the investment using the cost method. GCC recorded a pretax gain of $511,000 on the sale of this investment. INTEREST. Interest expense of $15.3 million in fiscal 1995 has remained relatively consistent with fiscal 1994. NET EARNINGS. Net earnings increased to $769,000 in fiscal 1995, representing a 718% increase from fiscal 1994 net earnings of $94,000. Excluding the impact of adopting SFAS No. 109 in the 1994 period, and SFAS No. 112 in the 1995 period, the Company experienced an improvement in after-tax earnings of approximately $4.8 million for fiscal 1995 as compared to fiscal 1994. FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 ("FISCAL 1994") COMPARED TO FISCAL YEAR ENDED AUGUST 28, 1993 ("FISCAL 1993") NET SALES. Net sales decreased $133 million (6.6%) to slightly less than $1.9 billion in fiscal 1994. This is a result of certain large patrons expanding their own warehousing and distribution operations. After adjusting for the anticipated patron self-distribution volume loss, the Company obtained an additional $31 million of new business from new members, and expanded its existing customers' sales volume. COST OF SALES. Cost of sales decreased $124.7 million (6.8%) to $1.7 billion in fiscal 1994 as compared to fiscal 1993. The majority of this decrease is in response to the lower sales volume as discussed above; however, additional reduction in cost of sales is reflective of management's efforts to eliminate unprofitable business and maximize vendor related deal programs. DISTRIBUTION, SELLING AND ADMINISTRATIVE. Distribution, selling and administrative expenses were $149.3 million or 8.0% of net sales in fiscal 1994, as compared to $153.6 million or 7.7% of net sales in fiscal 1993. The decrease in total expenses was primarily due to the reduction of payroll costs (approximately $5.2 million offset by an incremental increase of $2.5 million in accrued postretirement benefits for a net payroll decrease of $2.7 million) and the implementation of other cost reduction efforts. OPERATING INCOME. Operating income decreased to $25.6 million for fiscal 1994 as compared to $30 million for fiscal 1993. As a percentage of net sales, operating income for fiscal 1994 was consistent with fiscal 1993 but lower in total dollars as a result of lower sales volume discussed above. INTEREST. Interest expense decreased by $0.4 million, to $15.4 million in fiscal 1994 from $15.8 million in fiscal 1993, as a result of reduced working capital requirements related to the volume changes. OTHER EXPENSE, NET. During fiscal 1994, the Company adopted a formal plan to relocate its Grocers Specialty Company ("GSC") warehouse operations in Corona, California to the Company's corporate warehouse facilities in Los Angeles, California. It is anticipated that the warehouse relocation will result in more effective utilization of Company assets, transportation and warehousing efficiencies, and enhanced service to GSC customers and members of the cooperative. In connection with this consolidation plan, the Company recorded a $1.6 million charge. The charge primarily consists of warehouse and inventory relocation costs as well as reprogramming costs of certain financial and operating systems. The warehouse relocation was completed during October 1994. CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE. The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109"), effective August 29, 1993. The adoption of this new accounting method resulted in a positive $2.5 million impact for fiscal 1994. NET EARNINGS. Net earnings in fiscal 1994 decreased primarily because of a $1.6 million expense associated with the facility relocation discussed above, postretirement expenses of $2.5 million, volume losses, and lease related charges, offset by improved earnings in the insurance subsidiaries and the $2.5 million cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No. 109. 22 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES The Company relies upon cash flow from operations, patron deposits, Patronage Certificates, shareholdings and borrowings under the Company's credit lines, to finance operations. Net cash provided from operating activities totalled $9.1 million for fiscal 1995 as compared to $18.2 million for fiscal 1994. The Company's cost and expense reductions, revised marketing programs, and the dividend retention program provide adequate operating cash flow to conduct the Company's business operations. At September 2, 1995, working capital was $107.7 million and the current ratio was 1.7 to 1, at the fiscal 1995 and 1994 year end. Working capital varies throughout the year primarily as a result of seasonal inventory requirements. Capital expenditures totalled $9.4 million in fiscal 1995 and $5.9 million in fiscal 1994. The Company has agreements with certain banks that provide for committed lines of credit. These credit lines are available for general working capital, acquisitions, and maturing long-term debt. At the end of fiscal 1995, the Company had $160 million in committed lines of credit, of which $91.1 million was not utilized. In March 1994, the Company refinanced its existing $125 million credit line with a new $135 million secured, committed line of credit. The new credit agreement, which matures March 17, 1997, is collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory, and certain other assets of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. and two of its principal subsidiaries, excluding equipment, real property and the assets of GCC. In April 1994, GCC refinanced its $25 million credit line with a new $25 million credit line. The new credit agreement, which matures March 17, 1997, is collateralized primarily by GCC's loan portfolio. The agreements provide for Eurodollar basis or prime basis borrowings at the Company's option. As of September 2, 1995, the Company's outstanding borrowings, including obligations under capital leases of approximately $6.4 million, amounted to $141.2 million, of which $129.7 million was classified as noncurrent. In fiscal 1995, the Company completed a sale leasback transaction involving an office building used to house the Company's support personnel. Proceeds from the transaction were $11.5 million. Concurrent with the sale of the real property, the Company entered into a twenty year lease of the property, with two ten year extension options. Certified distributes at least 20% of the patronage dividends in cash and distributes Class B Shares as a portion of the patronage dividends distributed to its member-patrons. In addition, under a patronage dividend retention program authorized by Certified's Board of Directors, Certified retains a portion of the patronage dividends to be distributed for a fiscal year and issues patronage certificates ("Patronage Certificates") evidencing its indebtedness respecting the retained amounts. The program provides for the issuance of Patronage Certificates to patrons on an annual basis in a portion and at an interest rate to be determined annually by the Board of Directors. Patronage Certificates for each year are unsecured general obligations of Certified, are subordinated to certain other indebtedness of Certified, and are nontransferable without the consent of Certified. The Patronage Certificates are subject to redemption, at any time in whole and from time to time in part, without premium, at the option of Certified, and are subject to being set off, at the option of Certified, against all or any portion of the amounts owing to the Company by the holder. Subject to the payment of at least 20% of the patronage dividend in cash, the portion of the patronage dividend retained is deducted from each patron's patronage dividend prior to the issuance of Class B Shares as a portion of such dividend. The Board of Directors determined that in fiscal years 1993 and 1994, the portion of the patronage dividend retained and evidenced by the issuance of Patronage Certificates was 20% of the fourth quarter dividend for dairy products in fiscal 1993, 20% of the quarterly dairy patronage dividends for fiscal 1994 and 40% of the fiscal 1993 and 1994 dividends for non-dairy products. As to patronage dividends to be distributed with respect to Certified's 1995 fiscal year, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of Patronage Certificates evidencing the allocation of an amount of such dividends equal to 40% of the patronage dividends of all divisions, except the dairy division, and 20% of the first and second quarter dairy division patronage dividends. The Patronage Certificates have a seven year term, maturing on December 15, 2002, and will bear interest from the date of issuance at the rate of 7% per annum, payable annually on December 15 in each year, commencing December 15, 1996. 23 The following table represents a summary of the Patronage Certificates issued and their respective terms in fiscal 1993 and 1994, as well as the intended issuance and its respective terms for fiscal 1995. AGGREGATE ANNUAL FISCAL PRINCIPAL INTEREST MATURITY YEAR AMOUNT RATE DATE - ------------------------------ ---------- --------- -------- 1993.......................... $2,018,000 7% 12/15/00 1994.......................... $2,426,000 8% 12/15/01 1995.......................... $2,117,000 7% 12/15/02 The Company expects to continue to distribute patronage dividends in the future, although there can be no assurance of the amounts of such dividends. Patrons are generally required to maintain subordinated deposits with the Company and member-patrons purchase shares of stock of the Company. Upon termination of patron status, the withdrawing patron will be entitled to recover deposits in excess of its obligations to the Company if permitted by the applicable subordination provisions, and a member-patron also will be entitled to have its shares redeemed, subject to applicable legal requirements, Company policies and credit agreement limitations. The Company's current redemption policy limits the Class B Shares that the Company is obligated to redeem in any fiscal year to 5% of the number of Class B Shares deemed outstanding at the end of the preceding fiscal year. In fiscal 1995, this limitation restricted the Company's redemption of shares to 19,414 shares for $3,165,064. In fiscal 1996, the 5% limitation will restrict the Company's redemption of shares to 19,238 shares for $3,190,815. Due to the loss of a number of significant member-patrons, the number of shares tendered for redemption at September 2, 1995 totalled 87,300 (or approximately $14.5 million, using fiscal 1995 year end book values), which exceeds the amount that can be redeemed in fiscal 1996. Consequently, the Company will be required to make redemptions in fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999, with such redemptions approximating $9.4 million to $9.6 million based on 1995 year end book values and estimated share issuances for those years. The redemption price for shares is based upon their book value as of the end of the year preceding redemption. Cash flow to fund redemption of shares is provided from operations, patron deposits, Patronage Certificates, current shareholdings and borrowings under the Company's credit lines. IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of", which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. Accordingly, the Company will conform to the new requirements in fiscal 1997. The Statement establishes guidelines to be used when evaluating long-lived assets, identifiable intangibles, and related goodwill that an entity plans to continue to use in operations for impairment and prescribes the accounting when such assets are determined to be impaired. The Statement also provides guidance on the accounting for similar assets that a company plans to dispose of, except for those assets of a discontinued operation. Impairment losses recorded on assets to be held and used resulting from the initial application of the Statement are to be reported in operating income in the period in which the recognition criteria are met, while impairment losses recorded on assets to be disposed of resulting from the initial application of the Statement are to be reported as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles. Management estimates that the adoption of this pronouncement will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position and results of operations. POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS The FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 112 "Employers' Accounting for Postemployment Benefits", which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1993. Accordingly, the Company has conformed to the new requirements in fiscal 1995. The new accounting standard requires an accrual rather than a pay-as-you-go basis of recognizing expenses for postemployment benefits (provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after termination of employment but before retirement). The effect on its results of operations in fiscal 1995 approximated $1.6 million which it has accrued as a non-cash expense. 24 LEGAL MATTERS Burke, Williams and Sorensen, Los Angeles, California has passed upon legal matters in connection with the offering of securities made hereby. EXPERTS The consolidated balance sheets of the Company and subsidiaries as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 2, 1995, included in this Prospectus, and included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company, incorporated by reference into this Prospectus, have been included herein in reliance on the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. 25 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE ---- Consolidated Financial Statements: Report of Independent Accountants........................................................................ 27 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994................................ 28 Consolidated Statements of Earnings for Fiscal Years Ended September 2, 1995, September 3, 1994, and August 28, 1993........................................................................................ 29 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for Fiscal Years Ended September 2, 1995, September 3, 1994, and August 28, 1993.............................................................................. 30 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for Fiscal Years Ended September 2, 1995, September 3, 1994, and August 28, 1993........................................................................................ 31 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................... 32 26 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS The Board of Directors Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 2, 1995. 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 2, 1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for income taxes and postretirement benefits other than pensions in 1994 and postemployment benefits in 1995. COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Los Angeles, California November 27, 1995 27 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 AND SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 ASSETS 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- Current: Cash and cash equivalents............................................................ $ 7,329 $ 7,702 Accounts and notes receivable........................................................ 104,249 96,545 Inventories.......................................................................... 149,432 146,869 Prepaid expenses..................................................................... 4,789 3,810 Deferred taxes....................................................................... 2,850 1,204 ---------- ---------- Total current assets........................................................... 268,649 256,130 Properties............................................................................. 71,816 86,683 Investments............................................................................ 22,051 20,274 Notes receivable....................................................................... 25,622 23,335 Other assets........................................................................... 10,465 12,147 ---------- ---------- TOTAL ASSETS................................................................. $ 398,603 $ 398,569 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current: Accounts payable..................................................................... $ 86,159 $ 82,137 Accrued liabilities.................................................................. 51,018 52,335 Notes payable........................................................................ 11,573 2,978 Patrons' excess deposits and declared patronage dividends............................ 12,214 11,541 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities...................................................... 160,964 148,991 Notes payable, due after one year...................................................... 129,686 149,673 Long-term liabilities.................................................................. 12,210 6,566 Commitments and contingencies -- See Notes 11 and 14 Patrons' deposits and certificates: Patrons' required deposits........................................................... 17,022 17,589 Subordinated patronage dividend certificates......................................... 6,561 4,444 Shareholders' equity Class A Shares....................................................................... 5,292 4,704 Class B Shares ...................................................................... 56,266 56,593 Retained earnings ................................................................... 10,488 10,313 Net unrealized gain (loss) on appreciation (depreciation) of investments............. 114 (304) ---------- ---------- Total shareholders' equity..................................................... 72,160 71,306 ---------- ---------- TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY................................... $ 398,603 $ 398,569 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 28 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995, SEPTEMBER 3, 1994, AND AUGUST 28, 1993 1995 1994 1993 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net sales......................................................... $ 1,822,804 $ 1,873,872 $ 2,007,288 Costs and expenses: Cost of sales................................................... 1,653,660 1,698,930 1,823,592 Distribution, selling and administrative........................ 141,947 149,303 153,656 ------------ ------------ ------------ Operating income.................................................. 27,197 25,639 30,040 Interest expense.................................................. (15,260) (15,405) (15,784) Other income (expense), net....................................... 509 (1,600) (373) ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings before patronage dividends, provision for income taxes and cumulative effect of accounting change...................... 12,446 8,634 13,883 Declared patronage dividends...................................... (11,571) (10,837) (12,880) ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings (loss) before income tax provision and cumulative effect of accounting change............................................ 875 (2,203) 1,003 Provision for income taxes........................................ 106 203 530 ------------ ------------ ------------ Earnings (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change..... 769 (2,406) 473 Cumulative effect of accounting change............................ 2,500 ------------ ------------ ------------ Net earnings...................................................... $ 769 $ 94 $ 473 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 29 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995, SEPTEMBER 3, 1994, AND AUGUST 28, 1993 NET UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON CLASS A CLASS B APPRECIATION -------------------- -------------------- RETAINED (DEPRECIATION) OF SHARES AMOUNT SHARES AMOUNT EARNINGS INVESTMENTS --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----------------- Balance, August 29, 1992...................... 53,700 $ 4,511 400,713 $ 57,809 $ 11,487 Class A Shares issued....................... 1,900 309 Class A Shares redeemed..................... (5,900) (535) (424) Class B Shares issued....................... 13,649 2,232 Class B Shares redeemed..................... (20,036) (2,803) (451) Net earnings................................ 473 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, August 28, 1993...................... 49,700 4,285 394,326 57,238 11,085 Class A Shares issued....................... 6,000 981 Class A Shares redeemed..................... (6,600) (562) (517) Class B Shares issued....................... 13,676 2,230 Class B Shares redeemed..................... (19,716) (2,875) (349) Net earnings................................ 94 Net unrealized loss on depreciation of investments (net of deferred tax of $157)...................................... $ (304) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----- Balance, September 3, 1994.................... 49,100 4,704 388,286 56,593 10,313 (304) Class A Shares issued....................... 7,800 1,271 Class A Shares redeemed..................... (6,600) (683) (393) Class B Shares issued....................... 15,895 2,637 Class B Shares redeemed..................... (19,414) (2,964) (201) Net earnings................................ 769 Net unrealized gain on appreciation of investments (net of deferred tax of $216)...................................... 418 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----- Balance, September 2, 1995.................... 50,300 $ 5,292 384,767 $ 56,266 $ 10,488 $ 114 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ----- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 30 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 2, 1995, SEPTEMBER 3, 1994, AND AUGUST 28, 1993 1995 1994 1993 ----------- ----------- ----------- (52 WEEKS) (53 WEEKS) (52 WEEKS) Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings............................................................ $ 769 $ 94 $ 473 ----------- ----------- ----------- Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Gain on sale of investment in affiliate............................. (511) Cumulative effect of accounting change.............................. (2,500) Depreciation and amortization....................................... 9,982 10,680 11,890 Loss (gain) on disposal of properties............................... 366 (445) 3 Accrued postretirement benefit costs................................ 2,965 2,509 Accrued postemployment benefit costs................................ 1,648 Accrued supplemental retirement benefit costs....................... 1,003 431 853 Accrued environmental liabilities................................... 110 1,100 400 Accrued sublease liability.......................................... (230) 1,228 Facility relocation................................................. 520 Decrease (increase) in assets: Accounts and notes receivable..................................... (7,757) 3,428 26,454 Inventories....................................................... (3,976) 1,611 20,480 Prepaid expenses.................................................. (1,041) 170 180 Deferred taxes.................................................... (273) Notes receivable.................................................. 293 2,720 (1,277) Increase (decrease) in liabilities: Accounts payable.................................................. 4,825 (2,741) (13,940) Accrued liabilities............................................... 218 2,584 (7,311) Patrons' excess deposits and declared patronage dividends......... 673 (3,205) ----------- ----------- ----------- Total adjustments .................................................... 8,295 18,090 37,732 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities............................... 9,064 18,184 38,205 ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of properties................................................ (9,363) (5,921) (8,858) Proceeds from sales of properties..................................... 12,489 1,295 1,836 (Increase) decrease in other assets................................... (1,793) (244) 43 Investment in preferred stocks, net................................... (163) (2,552) Investment in long-term bonds, net.................................... (973) (3,102) (2,312) Investment in common stock............................................ (180) (2,320) Purchase of intangible assets......................................... (1,540) Sale of investment in affiliate, net of cash disposed*................ (479) ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash utilized by investing activities............................... (462) (12,844) (10,831) ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash flows from financing activities: Additions to long-term notes payable.................................. 331 Reduction of long-term notes payable.................................. (7,534) (5,934) (17,360) Additions to short-term notes payable................................. 38 Reduction of short-term notes payable................................. (2,658) (3,132) (3,905) Decrease in members' required deposits................................ (567) (1,312) (5,664) Issuance of subordinated patronage dividend certificates.............. 2,117 2,421 2,023 Repurchase of shares from members..................................... (4,224) (4,303) (4,213) Issuance of shares to members......................................... 3,891 3,211 2,541 ----------- ----------- ----------- Net cash utilized by financing activities............................... (8,975) (9,049) (26,209) ----------- ----------- ----------- Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents.................... (373) (3,709) 1,165 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ......................... 7,702 11,411 10,246 ----------- ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of year................................ $ 7,329 $ 7,702 $ 11,411 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the year for: Interest.............................................................. $ 15,006 $ 15,232 $ 15,499 Income taxes ......................................................... 2,388 70 1,155 ----------- ----------- ----------- $ 17,394 $ 15,302 $ 16,654 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- *Sale of investment in affiliate, net of cash disposed: Working capital, other than cash...................................... $ (980) Property, plant and equipment......................................... 1,596 Note receivable....................................................... (2,580) Other assets.......................................................... 1,857 Proceeds in excess of net assets of affiliate sold, net............... 511 Long-term debt........................................................ (883) ----------- Net cash effect from sale of investment in affiliate................ $ (479) ----------- ----------- The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements. 31 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES: PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. and all of its subsidiaries ("Certified" or the "Company"). Intercompany transactions and accounts with subsidiaries have been eliminated. NATURE OF BUSINESS: The Company is a cooperative organization engaged primarily in the distribution of food products and related nonfood items to retail establishments owned by shareholders of the Company. All establishments with which directors are affiliated, as members of the Company, purchase groceries, related products and store equipment from the Company in the ordinary course of business at prices and on terms available to members generally. The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to August 31. Fiscal years 1995 and 1993 included 52 weeks, while fiscal 1994 included 53 weeks. RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial statements to present them on a basis comparable with the current year's presentation. CASH EQUIVALENTS: The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. INVENTORIES: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. DEPRECIATION: Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets which approximate 40 years for buildings and 10 years for equipment. Expenditures for replacements or major improvements are capitalized; expenditures for normal maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement of properties, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is included in operations. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS: Effective August 29, 1993, the Company implemented Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers' Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" ("SFAS No. 106"). This statement requires that the cost of these benefits, which are primarily for health care and life insurance, be recognized in the financial statements throughout the employees' active working careers. The Company's previous practice was to expense these costs on a cash basis, principally after retirement. The transition obligation is being amortized on a straight-line basis over twenty years as allowed under SFAS No. 106. The incremental effect on the Company's results of operations for fiscal 1995 and 1994 is approximately $3.0 million and $2.5 million, respectively, which has been accrued as a non-cash expense. POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS: The FASB issued Statement No. 112 "Employers Accounting for Postemployment Benefits", which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1993. Accordingly, the Company conformed to the new requirements in fiscal 1995. The new accounting standard requires an accrual rather than a pay-as-you-go basis of recognizing expenses for postemployment benefits (provided by an employer to former or inactive employees after termination of employment but before retirement). The effect on the Company's results of operations in fiscal 1995 was $1.6 million which has been accrued as a noncash expense. 32 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS: The Company expenses, on a current basis, certain recurring costs incurred in complying with environmental regulations and remediating environmental pollution. The Company also reserves for certain non-recurring future costs required to remediate environmental pollution for which the Company is liable whenever, by diligent legal and technical investigation, the scope or extent of pollution has been determined, the Company's contribution to the pollution has been ascertained, remedial measures have been specifically identified as practical and viable, and the cost of remediation and the Company's proportionate share can be reasonably estimated. INCOME TAXES: Effective August 29, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109"), which requires the use of the liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle increased the Company's fiscal 1994 net earnings by $2.5 million. INVESTMENTS: Effective September 3, 1994 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" ("SFAS No. 115"). The cumulative effect of such adoption amounted to an unrealized loss of $304,000, net of deferred taxes of $157,000 and was reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. There was no effect on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The gross amount of $461,000 reflects a non-cash investing activity. At September 2, 1995, the Company had an unrealized gain of $114,000, net of deferred taxes of $59,000 which was reported separately in the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity. There was no effect on the Consolidated Statements of Earnings. The gross amount of $173,000 reflects a non-cash investing activity. Investment income is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings when earned. Prior to the implementation of SFAS No. 115, investments in fixed maturities which might, under certain circumstances, be sold prior to their dates of maturity were classified as investments "held for sale" and such portfolio was recorded at the lower of cost or market value. Unrealized losses, net of deferred taxes, on such investments, if any, were recorded as a charge directly to shareholders' equity. In addition, the Company identified certain investments in fixed maturities held for trading purposes. Such investments were recorded at market value and unrealized gains or losses on such investments, net of deferred taxes, were credited or charged directly to shareholders' equity. The cost of securities sold is determined by the specific identification method. 2. PROPERTIES: Properties at September 2, 1995, and September 3, 1994 stated at cost, are comprised of: 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Land......................................................................... $ 8,856 $ 11,488 Buildings and leasehold improvements......................................... 64,321 71,854 Equipment.................................................................... 65,849 64,637 Equipment under capital leases............................................... 9,259 10,345 ---------- ---------- 148,285 158,324 Less, accumulated depreciation and amortization............................................................... 76,469 71,641 ---------- ---------- $ 71,816 $ 86,683 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 33 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 3. INVESTMENTS: The amortized cost and fair values of investments available-for-sale were as follows: GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 COSTS GAINS LOSSES VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Fixed Maturities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies.................. $ 9,941 $ 138 $ 83 $ 9,996 Corporate securities................................... 1,765 57 14 1,808 Mortgage backed securities............................. 933 19 1 951 ----------- ----- --- --------- Sub-total............................................ 12,639 214 98 12,755 Redeemable preferred stock............................... 6,696 58 1 6,753 Equity securities........................................ 2,543 2,543 ----------- ----- --- --------- $ 21,878 $ 272 $ 99 $ 22,051 ----------- ----- --- --------- ----------- ----- --- --------- GROSS GROSS AMORTIZED UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 COST GAINS LOSSES VALUE - --------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ------------- ------------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Fixed Maturities: U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies.................. $ 10,102 $ 10 $ 415 $ 9,697 Corporate securities................................... 306 8 298 Mortgage backed securities............................. 1,455 1 49 1,407 ----------- --- ----- --------- Sub-total............................................ 11,863 11 472 11,402 Redeemable preferred stock............................... 6,552 6,552 Equity securities........................................ 2,320 2,320 ----------- --- ----- --------- $ 20,735 $ 11 $ 472 $ 20,274 ----------- --- ----- --------- ----------- --- ----- --------- 34 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Fixed maturity investments are due as follows: AMORTIZED FAIR SEPTEMBER 2, 1995 COST VALUE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Fixed Maturities Available for Sale: Due in one year or less....................................................... $ 300 $ 304 Due after one year through five years......................................... 4,420 4,438 Due after five years through ten years........................................ 4,475 4,481 Due after ten years........................................................... 3,444 3,532 ----------- ----------- $ 12,639 $ 12,755 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- AMORTIZED FAIR SEPTEMBER 3, 1994 COST VALUE - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Fixed Maturities Available for Sale: Due in one year or less....................................................... $ 852 $ 828 Due after one year through five years......................................... 7,292 7,042 Due after five years through ten years........................................ 2,790 2,632 Due after ten years........................................................... 929 900 ----------- ----------- $ 11,863 $ 11,402 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Mortgage-backed securities are shown as being due at their average expected maturity dates. Investment income is summarized as follows: 1995 1994 1993 --------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Fixed Maturities................................................................ $ 1,469 $ 1,094 $ 1,267 Preferred Stock................................................................. 563 461 311 Cash and cash equivalents....................................................... 171 95 122 --------- --------- --------- 2,203 1,650 1,700 Less: investment expenses....................................................... (85) (110) (64) --------- --------- --------- Net investment income....................................................... $ 2,118 $ 1,540 $ 1,636 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Investments carried at fair values of $11,272,000 and $7,625,000 at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively, are on deposit with regulatory authorities in compliance with insurance company regulations. 35 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 4. NOTES PAYABLE: Notes payable at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994 are summarized as follows: 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Notes payable to banks under revolving credit agreements, expiring March 17, 1997, interest rate at prime (8.75% and 7.75% at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively) plus 1/2% or Eurodollar (5.88% and 4.81% at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively) plus 1 1/2%...... $ 53,439 $ 59,352 Note payable to banks under revolving credit agreements, expiring March 17, 1997, interest rate at prime (8.75% and 7.75% at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively) plus 1/2% or Eurodollar (5.88% and 4.81% at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively) plus 1 1/2%...... 15,500 18,000 Subordinated note payable to a life insurance company, due April 1, 1999, interest rate of 10.8%, $8,750,000 due April 1 each year beginning in 1996....................................................................... 35,000 35,000 Senior note payable to a life insurance company, collateralized through an inter-creditor agreement with banks under the revolving credit agreement of $135 million, due January 15, 2005, interest rate of 9.55%, $62,500 due monthly each year beginning in 1992 through 2000 and then $220,833 monthly until maturity............................................................. 16,500 17,250 Notes payable, collateralized by land and warehouses, payable monthly, approximately $60,000 plus interest at 9.88%, due February 1, 2006......... 14,462 15,211 Obligations under capital leases............................................. 6,358 7,838 ---------- ---------- 141,259 152,651 Less, portion due within one year............................................ (11,573) (2,978) ---------- ---------- $ 129,686 $ 149,673 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Maturities of long-term debt as of September 2, 1995 are: (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1996................................................................. $ 11,573 1997................................................................. 80,397 1998................................................................. 11,337 1999................................................................. 11,353 2000................................................................. 4,039 Beyond 2000.......................................................... 22,560 ------------ $141,259 ------------ ------------ Weighted average interest rates on short-term borrowings for fiscal year ends 1995, 1994, and 1993 approximated 9.57%, 9.71%, and 9.14%, respectively. Weighted average interest rates during each fiscal year, calculated on a quarterly basis, approximated respective year end average rates. The average amounts of short-term borrowings outstanding during fiscal years 1995, 1994, and 1993 were $5,170,000, $3,147,000, and $3,206,000 respectively. Short-term borrowings amounted to as much as $11,573,000 in 1995, $3,158,000 in 1994 and $3,616,000 in 1993. 36 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The Company has two credit agreements with certain banks that provide for committed lines of credit. These credit lines are available for general working capital, acquisitions, and maturing long-term debt. At the end of fiscal year 1995, the Company had $160 million in committed lines of credit, of which $91.1 million was not utilized. The unused portion of these credit lines are subject to annual commitment fees of 0.375%. The credit agreements contain various financial covenants pertaining to working capital, debt-to-equity relationships, tangible net worth, earnings, and similar provisions. In addition, on the required portion of member deposits and redemption of Class A and Class B Shares, no payment may be made if there exists a default with respect to any senior indebtedness, as defined, until such default has been cured or waived or until such senior indebtedness has been paid in full. One credit agreement of $135 million is collateralized by accounts receivable, inventory and certain other assets, excluding equipment and real property. The maturity date is March 17, 1997, but is subject to extension by the mutual consent of the Company and the banks. The agreement provides for Eurodollar basis or prime basis borrowings at the Company's option. The other credit agreement for $25 million is collateralized by Grocers Capital Company's ("GCC") receivables. The maturity date is March 17, 1997, but is subject to extension by the mutual consent of the Company and the banks. The agreement provides for prime basis or Eurodollar basis borrowings at the Company's option. As a result of maturing long-term debt (a non-cash financing activity), the Company reclassified from long to short-term debt $11,570,000, $2,978,000 and $3,088,000 in fiscal 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The fair values of the Company's notes payable, excluding obligations under capital leases, approximated $133 million at September 2, 1995. Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair values of notes payable. 5. LEASES: The Company has entered into both operating and capital leases for certain warehouse, transportation and data processing computer equipment. The Company has also entered into operating leases for approximately 36 retail supermarkets. The majority of these locations are subleased to various member-patrons of the Company. The operating leases and subleases are noncancellable, renewable, include purchase options in certain instances, and require payment of taxes, insurance and maintenance. In addition, the Company is contingently liable with respect to lease guarantees for certain member-patrons. The total commitment for such lease guarantees approximates $33.3 million to $37.2 million. The Company's security respecting these lease guarantees is discussed in Note 12 under "Concentration of Credit Risk." Total rent expense was $21,051,000, $22,707,000, and $23,326,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993 respectively. Sublease rental income was $5,308,000, $4,713,000, and $4,657,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993 respectively. 37 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) Minimum rentals (exclusive of real estate taxes, insurance, and other expenses payable under the terms of the leases) as of September 2, 1995, are summarized as follows: CAPITAL LEASES OPERATING LEASES --------------- ---------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1996............................................................... $ 2,351 $ 19,807 1997............................................................... 1,036 17,982 1998............................................................... 982 13,186 1999............................................................... 852 10,737 2000............................................................... 852 9,161 Beyond 2000........................................................ 340 54,675 ------ -------- Total minimum lease payments..................................... 6,413 $ 125,548 -------- -------- Less, amount representing interest................................. 55 ------ Present value of net minimum lease payments........................ 6,358 Less, current portion.............................................. 1,247 ------ Total long-term portion.......................................... $ 5,111 ------ ------ Minimum sublease rentals (exclusive of real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses payable under the terms of the leases) as of September 2, 1995, are summarized as follows: OPERATING LEASES -------------------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1996.............................................................................. $ 6,404 1997.............................................................................. 6,313 1998.............................................................................. 4,213 1999.............................................................................. 3,624 2000.............................................................................. 3,114 Beyond 2000....................................................................... 22,645 ------- $ 46,313 ------- ------- In fiscal 1995, the Company completed a sale leaseback transaction with Trinet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. ("Trinet"), an unaffiliated third party. The total sales price for the property was $11,500,000. Concurrent with the sale of the real property, the Company and Trinet entered into a twenty year lease of the property, with two ten year extension options. The monthly rental is approximately $108,000 and is subject to CPI adjustment commencing on the first day of the sixth, eleventh and sixteenth years. However, such CPI adjustments shall not exceed four percent per annum on a cumulative basis during each five year period. The gain on this transaction was $1.2 million of which $41,000 of the deferred gain was recognized during fiscal 1995 in accordance with SFAS 13. 38 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 6. INCOME TAXES: The significant components of income tax expense (benefit) attributable to continuing operations are summarized as follows: 1995 1994 1993 --------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Federal: Current tax expense........................................... $ 290 $ 2,049 $ 396 Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards............... (800) Deferred tax (benefit) expense................................ (72) (1,156) 58 --------- --------- --------- 218 93 454 --------- --------- --------- State: Current tax expense........................................... 114 377 57 Deferred tax (benefit) expense................................ (226) (267) 19 --------- --------- --------- (112) 110 76 --------- --------- --------- $ 106 $ 203 $ 530 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- The Company's income taxes currently payable in 1995 and 1994 are in part due to alternative minimum tax. The effects of temporary differences and other items that give rise to deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are presented below: SEPTEMBER 2, SEPTEMBER 3, 1995 1994 ------------ ------------ (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Deferred tax assets: Accounts receivable..................................................... $ 2,223 $ 895 Accrued vacation/incentives............................................. 808 299 Closed store reserves................................................... 562 632 Lease reserve........................................................... 483 528 Deferred income......................................................... 597 Insurance reserves...................................................... 1,736 1,789 Postretirement/Postemployment benefits other than pension............... 4,366 505 Alternative minimum tax credits......................................... 1,810 1,948 Tax credits............................................................. 110 277 Net operating loss carryforwards........................................ 93 571 Other................................................................... 1,362 638 ------------ ------------ Total gross deferred tax assets....................................... 14,150 8,082 Less valuation allowance................................................ (1,400) (1,400) ------------ ------------ Deferred tax assets................................................... $ 12,750 $ 6,682 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Deferred tax liabilities: Property, plant and equipment........................................... $ 4,561 $ 2,029 Capitalized software.................................................... 1,380 Intangible asset........................................................ 1,878 Deferred state taxes.................................................... 349 273 Other................................................................... 341 195 ------------ ------------ Total gross deferred tax liabilities.................................. $ 8,509 $ 2,497 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Net deferred tax asset................................................ $ 4,241 $ 4,185 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ A valuation allowance is provided to reduce the deferred tax assets to a level which, more likely than not, will be realized. The remaining balance of the net deferred tax assets should be realized through future operating results, and the reversal of taxable temporary differences, and tax planning strategies. 39 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The provision for income taxes at the Company's effective tax rate differed from the provision for income taxes at the statutory rate as follows: 1995 1994 1993 ----- ------- ----- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Federal income tax expense (benefit) at the statutory rate....................................................... $ 297 $ (749) $ 341 State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit....... (75) 73 50 Loss on insurance subsidiary not recognized for federal taxes...................................................... 67 Dividend received deduction................................. (128) (105) (74) Permanent differences....................................... 68 96 68 Alternative minimum tax..................................... 385 Increase in valuation allowance............................. 392 Other, net.................................................. (56) 111 78 ----- ------- ----- Provision for income taxes.................................. $ 106 $ 203 $ 530 ----- ------- ----- ----- ------- ----- At September 2, 1995, the Company has alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1.8 million available to offset future regular income taxes payable to the extent such regular taxes exceed alternative minimum taxes payable. 7. SUBORDINATED PATRONAGE DIVIDEND CERTIFICATES: In December 1992, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized a patronage dividend retention program to be effective commencing with the dividends payable for fiscal 1993, whereby Certified retains a portion of the patronage dividends and issues Patronage Certificates (the "Certificates") evidencing its indebtedness respecting the retained amounts. In addition, the program provides for the issuance of the Certificates to patrons on an annual basis in a portion and at an interest rate to be determined annually by the Board of Directors. However, as to any particular patron, if the amount of the retention is less than a specified minimum (presently $500), then no retention occurs and a Certificate is not issued. Certificates for each year are unsecured general obligations of Certified, are subordinated to certain other Certified indebtedness, and are nontransferable without the consent of Certified. The certificates are subject to redemption, at any time in whole and from time to time in part, without premium, at the option of Certified. The Board of Directors determined that in fiscal years 1993 and 1994, the portion of the patronage dividend retained and evidenced by the issuance of Certificates was 20% of the fourth quarter dividend for dairy products in fiscal 1993, 20% of the quarterly dairy patronage dividends for fiscal 1994 and 40% of the fiscal 1993 and 1994 dividends for non-dairy products. The Board of Directors approved the patronage dividend retention program for fiscal year 1995. As to patronage dividends to be distributed with respect to Certified's 1995 fiscal year, Certificates will be issued evidencing the allocation of an amount of such dividends equal to 40% of the patronage dividends of all divisions, except the dairy division, and 20% of the first and second quarter dairy division patronage dividends. The Certificates issued for fiscal 1995 have a seven year term, maturing on December 15, 2002, and will bear interest from the date of issuance at the rate of 7% per annum, payable annually on December 15 in each year, commencing December 15, 1996. The following table represents a summary of the Certificates issued and their respective terms in fiscal 1993 and 1994, as well as the intended issuance and its respective terms for fiscal 1995. AGGREGATE ANNUAL FISCAL PRINCIPAL INTEREST MATURITY YEAR AMOUNT RATE DATE - ------------------------------ ---------- --------- -------- 1993.......................... $2,018,000 7% 12/15/00 1994.......................... $2,426,000 8% 12/15/01 1995.......................... $2,117,000 7% 12/15/02 The Company expects to continue to distribute patronage dividends in the future, although there can be no assurance of the amounts of such dividends. 40 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) 8. CAPITAL SHARES: The Company requires that each member-patron hold 100 Class A shares. Each member-patron must also hold Class B Shares having combined issuance values equal to the lesser of the amount of the member-patron's required deposit or twice the member-patron's average weekly purchases (the "Class B Share requirement"). For this purpose, each Class B Share held by a member-patron has an issuance value equal to the book value of Certified's outstanding shares as of the close of the fiscal year last ended prior to the issuance of such Class B Share. After payment of at least 20% of the patronage dividend in cash and the issuance of the Patronage Certificates, Class B Shares are issued as a portion of each member-patron's patronage dividend and, to the extent necessary to fulfill the member-patron's Class B Share requirement, by crediting the member-patron's cash deposit account for the issuance values of such shares. All shares of a terminated member will be redeemed by the Company (subject to certain legal limitations, provisions of the Company's redemption policy, and provisions of certain of the Company's committed lines of credit) at a price equal to the book value of the shares as of the close of the fiscal year ended prior to the redemption, less all amounts that may be owing by the member to the Company. All shares are pledged to the Company to secure the Company's redemption rights and as collateral for all obligations to the Company. The Company is not obligated in any fiscal year to redeem more than 5% of the sum of the number of Class B Shares outstanding as of the close of the preceding fiscal year and the number of Class B Shares issued as a part of the patronage dividend for the preceding year (the "5% limit"). Thus, shares tendered for redemption in a given fiscal year may not necessarily be redeemed in that fiscal year. The 5% limit for fiscal year 1996 will allow for redemption of 19,238 shares. The following table summarizes the Class B Shares tendered and presently approved for redemption, shares redeemed, and the remaining number of shares pending redemption: FISCAL YEAR TENDERED REDEEMED REMAINING ------ ----------- ----------- ----------- BOOK VALUE ----------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) 1991........................................... 40,962 20,020 20,942 $ 3,577 1992........................................... 48,543 20,038 49,447 8,031 1993........................................... 29,019 20,036 58,430 9,555 1994........................................... 39,637 19,716 78,351 12,773 1995........................................... 25,511 19,414 84,448 14,007 1996 (through December 1995)................... 2,852 19,238 68,062 11,289 Because the 5% limit for fiscal year 1996 has been met, the remaining 68,062 shares (or approximately $11.3 million, using fiscal 1995 year end book values) not redeemed in fiscal year 1996 as well as the redemption of any additional Class B Shares tendered during fiscal 1996 will require the prior approval of the Company's Board of Directors. At present, such approvals are not expected to be given. Accordingly, since the Company's fiscal 1996 5% share redemption limitation has been met, future redemptions for the 1996 fiscal year will be postponed. The total of Class B Shares tendered and awaiting redemption has caused the 5% limit for fiscal 1996, and will cause the limits for fiscal 1997 through 1999 to be met, thereby delaying the redemption of Class B Shares in excess of such limit. The redemptions required for fiscal years 1997 through 1999 approximate $9.4 million to $9.6 million based on 1995 year end book values and estimated share issuances for those years. Cash flow to fund redemption of shares is provided from operations, patron deposits, Patronage Certificates, current shareholdings and borrowings under the Company's credit lines. Any additional large tenderings of Class B Shares could also potentially cause future year 5% limitations to be exceeded. Therefore, the Company's ability to redeem additional shares in excess of the 5% limit without prior approval of the Board may also be limited. 41 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) There are 500,000 authorized Class A Shares, of which 50,300 and 49,100 were outstanding at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively. There are 2,000,000 authorized Class B Shares, of which 384,767 and 388,286 were outstanding at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, respectively. Once redeemed, such shares are not available for reissuance to member-patrons. No member-patron may hold more than one hundred Class A Shares. However, it is possible that a member may have an interest in another member, or that a person may have an interest in more than one member, and thus have an interest in more than one hundred Class A Shares. The Board of Directors is authorized to accept member-patrons without the issuance of Class A Shares when the Board of Directors determines that such action is justified by reason of the fact that the ownership of the patron is the same, or sufficiently the same, as that of another member-patron holding one hundred Class A Shares. The price for such shares will be the book value per share of outstanding shares at the close of the fiscal year last ended. There are also 15 authorized Class C Shares of which 15 are outstanding. These shares are valued at $10 per share, and ownership is limited to members of the Board of Directors with no rights as to dividends or other distributions. 9. BENEFIT PLANS: The Company has a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all of its nonunion employees. The benefits under the plan generally are based on the employee's years of service and average earnings for the three highest consecutive calendar years of compensation during the ten years immediately preceding retirement. The Company makes contributions to the pension plan in amounts which are at least sufficient to meet the minimum funding requirements of applicable laws and regulations but no more than amounts deductible for federal income tax purposes. Benefits under the plan are included in a trust providing benefits through annuity contracts, and part of the plan assets are held by a trustee. 42 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The funded status of the plan and the amounts recognized in the balance sheet are: 1995 1994 1993 --------- --------- --------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Accumulated benefit obligations, including vested benefits..................................................................... $ 24,416 $ 24,519 $ 22,025 Effect of assumed future increase in compensation levels....................................................................... 10,319 10,380 10,025 --------- --------- --------- Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date......................................................................... 34,735 34,899 32,050 Plan assets at fair value........................................................ 32,593 31,538 31,185 --------- --------- --------- Plan assets in deficiency of projected benefit obligations....................... 2,142 3,361 865 Unrecognized net gain............................................................ (6,094) (6,092) (3,544) Unrecognized transition asset.................................................... 1,839 2,148 2,457 Unrecognized prior service cost.................................................. 342 381 (99) --------- --------- --------- Accrued (Prepaid) pension costs at June 1........................................ (1,771) (202) (321) --------- --------- --------- Fourth quarter contribution...................................................... -- (321) (382) Fourth quarter net periodic pension cost......................................... 326 229 338 --------- --------- --------- Accrued (Prepaid) pension cost at fiscal year end................................ $ (1,445) $ (294) $ (365) --------- --------- --------- Net pension cost for the fiscal year ending included the following components: Service cost -- benefits earned during the period.............................. $ 1,398 $ 1,385 $ 1,447 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation.................................. 2,650 2,425 2,405 Actual return on plan assets................................................... (2,845) (2,628) (2,419) Net amortization and deferral.................................................. 100 (266) (82) --------- --------- --------- Net periodic pension cost...................................................... $ 1,303 $ 916 $ 1,351 --------- --------- --------- Major assumptions: Assumed discount rate.......................................................... 7.50% 7.50% 7.50% Assumed rate of future compensation increases.................................. 5.50% 5.50% 5.50% Expected rate of return on plan assets......................................... 8.50% 8.50% 8.50% The method used to compute the vested benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is entitled if the employee separates immediately. The vested benefit obligation was $24,007,000, $24,029,000, and $21,442,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively. The Company also made contributions of $5,368,000, $4,820,000, and $5,155,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively to collectively bargained, multiemployer defined benefit pension plans in accordance with the provisions of negotiated labor contracts. Information from the plans' administrators is not available to permit the Company to determine its proportionate share of termination liability, if any. The Company has an Employees' Sheltered Savings Plan ("SSP"), which is a defined contribution plan, adopted pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for its nonunion employees. The Company matches each dollar deferred up to 4% of compensation and, at its discretion, matches 40% of amounts deferred between 4% and 8%. At the end of each fiscal year, the Company also contributes an amount equal to 2% of the compensation of those participants employed at that date. The Company contributed approximately $2,100,000, $2,200,000, and $2,200,000 in 1995, 1994, and 1993 respectively. Also, the Company has an Employee Savings Plan ("ESP"), which is a defined contribution plan, subject to the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, for all union and 43 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) nonunion employees hired prior to March 1, 1983. Subsequent to March 1, 1983, the Company's contribution to the ESP in any fiscal year is based on net earnings as a percentage of total sales and is applicable to union employees only. In the event net earnings are less than 1.5% of total sales, no contribution is required. All corporate (nonunion) employees who had a previous balance in the ESP Plan had their balances transferred to the SSP Plan effective first quarter of fiscal 1992. No expense was incurred in fiscal years 1995, 1994 and 1993. In September 1994, the Board of Directors authorized a new supplemental executive pension plan (effective January 4, 1995) which provides retirement income to certain officers based on each participant's final salary and years of service with the Company. The plan, called the Company's Executive Salary Protection Plan ("ESPP II"), provides additional post-termination retirement income based on each participant's final salary and years of service with the Company. The funding of this benefit will be facilitated through the purchase of life insurance policies, the premiums of which will be paid by the Company and participant contributions. ESPP II supersedes and replaces the Executive Salary Protection Plan I ("ESPP I"). Under ESPP I, Certified purchased life insurance policies for certain officers. Upon reaching age 65 (or upon termination, if earlier), the employee was given the cash surrender value of the policy, plus any additional income taxes incurred by the employee as a result of such distribution. The plan is unfunded. The amounts recognized in the balance sheet are: 1995 ----------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Accumulated benefit obligations, including vested benefits................................ $ 3,026 Effect of assumed future increase in compensation levels.................................. 282 ----------- Projected benefit obligation for services rendered to date................................ 3,308 Plan assets at fair value................................................................... -- ----------- Plan assets in deficiency of projected benefit obligation................................... 3,308 Unrecognized net gain (loss)................................................................ (217) Unrecognized transition asset............................................................... Unrecognized prior service cost............................................................. (1,659) ----------- Accrued (prepaid) pension cost as of June 1................................................. 1,432 ----------- Fourth quarter contributions................................................................ (20) Fourth quarter net periodic pension cost.................................................... 130 Additional minimum liability................................................................ 1,484 ----------- Accrued (prepaid) pension cost at fiscal year end........................................... $ 3,026 ----------- The additional minimum liability represents the excess of the unfunded Accumulated Benefit Obligation over previously accrued pension costs. A corresponding intangible asset was recorded as an offset to this additional liability as prescribed. 44 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The net periodic pension cost for the fiscal year ending included the following components: 1995 --------- Service cost -- benefits attributed to service during the period................................ $ 136 Interest cost on projected benefit obligation................................................... 168 Actual return on plan assets.................................................................... Net amortization and deferral................................................................... 85 --------- Net periodic pension cost....................................................................... $ 389 --------- Major Assumptions: Assumed discount rate......................................................................... 7.50% Assumed rate of future compensation increases................................................. 4.00% Expected rate of return on plan assets........................................................ 8.50% The method used to compute the vested benefit obligation is the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the employee is entitled if the employee separates immediately. The vested benefit obligation was $3,026,000 in 1995. 10. POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS OTHER THAN PENSIONS: The Company sponsors postretirement benefit plans that cover both nonunion and union employees. Nonunion employees are eligible for a plan providing medical benefits. A certain group of retired nonunion employees participate in a plan providing life insurance benefits for which currently active nonunion employees are no longer eligible. Most union and all nonunion employees have separate plans providing a lump sum payout for unused days in the sick leave bank. The postretirement health care plan is contributory for nonunion employees retiring after January 1, 1990, with the retiree contributions adjusted annually; the life insurance plan and the sick leave payout plans are noncontributory. 45 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The plans are unfunded. The amounts recognized in the balance sheet are: 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation: Retirees...................................................................... $ 10,335 $ 11,496 Fully eligible active plan participants....................................... 3,783 4,622 Other active plan participants................................................ 8,927 9,117 ---------- ---------- Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation................................... 23,045 25,235 Unrecognized transition obligation.............................................. (20,224) (21,348) Unrecognized prior service cost................................................. Unrecognized net gain (loss).................................................... 1,912 (2,013) ---------- ---------- Accrued postretirement benefit cost at June 1................................... 4,733 1,874 Fourth quarter contributions.................................................... (303) (294) Fourth quarter net periodic postretirement benefit cost......................... 1,044 929 ---------- ---------- Accrued postretirement benefit cost............................................. $ 5,474 $ 2,509 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the fiscal year ending included the following components: 1995 1994 ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Service cost -- benefits attributed to service during the period............... $ 867 $ 654 Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation................ 2,052 1,915 Amortization of transition obligation over 20 years........................... 1,124 1,124 Net amortization and deferral................................................. 133 21 ---------- ---------- Net periodic postretirement benefit cost...................................... $ 4,176 $ 3,714 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- For measurement purposes, a 9.5 percent annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed for fiscal year 1996; the rate was assumed to decrease gradually to 6 percent in fiscal 2002 and remain at the level thereafter. The health care cost trend rate assumption has a significant effect on the amounts reported. To illustrate, increasing the assumed health care cost trend rates by 1 percentage point in each year would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of September 2, 1995 by $3,174,000 and the aggregate benefit cost for the year then ended by $470,000. The weighted-average discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 8 percent. The Company's union employees participate in a multiemployer plan that provides health care benefits. Amounts charged to postretirement benefit cost and contributed to the plan totaled $1.3 million in fiscal year 1995 and 1994. Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 106, the Company recognized the cost of providing those benefits under the insurance agreement by expensing the claims and administrative fees when paid, which for active and retired employees totalled $5,890,000 in 1993. The portion of the cost of providing those benefits for 164 retirees in fiscal 1993 was approximately $1.2 million. 11. CONTINGENCIES: LITIGATION. The Company is a defendant in a number of cases currently in litigation or potential claims encountered in the normal course of business which are being vigorously defended. In the opinion of management, the resolutions of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 46 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. The Company, together with others, was notified by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") that it was a potentially responsible party ("PRP") for the disposal of hazardous substances during the 1970s and early 1980s at Operating Industries, Inc. Superfund Site in Monterey Park, California ("OII Site"). The Company has not disposed of any materials at the site since and believes its current disposal policies to be in accordance with federal, state and local governmental laws and regulations. Clean up of this site will occur in five phases and could entail estimated total clean up costs of $650 million to $800 million. The Company appealed the initial findings of the EPA on August 16, 1993 concerning the quantity of disposed waste allocated to the Company. Management recorded an initial liability of $400,000 for fiscal 1993 for the first three phases of the five-phase cleanup. The initial liability was based on estimated cleanup costs of $2 per gallon on approximately 200,000 gallons disposed at the site. In August 1995, the EPA finalized the Company's allocated share of the cleanup cost (approximately $380,000) for the first three phases of the cleanup. The EPA also informed the Company of phases 4 and 5, which include final remedy and ground water treatment, and a 30 year post-cleanup site control and monitoring. The estimated costs of these two phases, together with the first three phases, are reserved in the financial statements. As of September 2, 1995, the total reserve established in respect to environmental liabilities is $1.6 million. The Company is pursuing recovery of a portion of this amount from its insurance carriers. Because of the uncertainties associated with environmental assessment and remediation activities, future expenses to remediate the currently identified site could be higher than the accrued liability. Although it is difficult to estimate the liability of the Company related to these environmental matters, management believes that these matters will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position or consolidated statement of earnings. 12. CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK: Financial instruments which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of trade receivables and lease guarantees for certain member-patrons. These concentrations of credit risk may be affected by changes in economic or other conditions affecting the Western United States, particularly California. However, management believes that receivables are well diversified and the allowances for doubtful accounts are sufficient to absorb estimated losses. Obligations of member-patrons to the Company, including lease guarantees, are generally supported by the Company's right of offset, upon default, against the member-patrons' cash deposits, shareholdings and Patronage Certificates, as well as personal guarantees and reimbursement and indemnification agreements. 13. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107, Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments ("SFAS No. 107"), requires disclosure of fair value information about most financial instruments, both on and off the balance sheet, if it is practicable to estimate. SFAS No. 107 excludes certain financial instruments, such as certain insurance contracts, and all non-financial instruments from its disclosure requirements. A financial instrument is defined as a contractual obligation that ultimately ends with the delivery of cash or an ownership interest in an entity. Disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments have been derived using external market sources, estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. 47 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) The following table presents the carrying values and the estimated fair values as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, of the Company's financial instruments reportable pursuant to SFAS No. 107: 1995 1994 ---------------------- ---------------------- CARRYING ESTIMATED CARRYING ESTIMATED VALUE FAIR VALUE VALUE FAIR VALUE ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents............................ $ 7,329 $ 7,329 $ 7,702 $ 7,702 Investments.......................................... 22,051 22,051 20,274 20,274 Notes receivable..................................... 25,622 25,622 23,335 23,335 Liabilities: Notes payable and Notes payable, due after one year................................................ $ 141,259 $ 139,496 $ 152,651 $ 148,637 Patrons' excess deposits and declared patronage dividends........................................... 12,214 12,214 11,541 11,541 Patrons' required deposits........................... 17,022 17,022 17,589 17,589 Subordinated patronage dividend certificates......... 6,561 6,561 4,444 4,444 The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of the Company's financial instruments at September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994 were based on estimates of market conditions and risks existing at that time. These values represent an approximation of possible value and may never actually be realized. The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. INVESTMENTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE The fair values for Investments and Notes receivable are based primarily on quoted market prices for those or similar instruments. NOTES PAYABLE AND NOTES PAYABLE DUE AFTER ONE YEAR The fair values for Notes payable and Notes payable, due after one year are based primarily on rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. PATRONS' EXCESS DEPOSITS AND DECLARED PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS, PATRONS' REQUIRED DEPOSITS, AND SUBORDINATED PATRONAGE DIVIDEND CERTIFICATES The carrying amount approximates fair value due primarily to the limitations imposed on deposit fund redemptions as provided in the subordinating provisions to which they are subject. 14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS: A number of companies with which directors are associated have received loans from the Company through its regular member loan program and/or obtained lease guarantees or subleases for certain store locations. In consideration of lease guarantees and subleases, the Company receives a monthly fee equal to 5% of the monthly rent under the leases and subleases. Obligations of member-patrons to the Company, including lease guarantees, are generally supported by the Company's right of offset, upon default, against the member-patrons' cash deposits, shareholdings and Patronage Certificates, as well as personal guarantees and reimbursement and indemnification agreements. Management believes all such related party transactions are on terms no more favorable than those which would be available to other similarly sized member- patrons. The Company leases certain market premises located in Sacramento and Vallejo, California, and in turn subleases these premises to SavMax Foods, Inc. ("SavMax") of which director Michael A. Webb is the 48 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) President and a shareholder. The Sacramento sublease provides for a term of 20 years and the Vallejo sublease provides for a term of 10 years. Neither sublease contains options to extend, although SavMax has the option under each sublease to acquire the Company's interest under its lease on the condition that the Company is released from all further liability thereunder. The term of the Sacramento sublease commenced in September of 1994. The Sacramento premises consist of approximately 50,000 square feet and annual base rent under the sublease is at the following per square foot rates: $8.00 during years 1 and 2; $8.40 during years 3 through 5; $8.82 during years 6 through 10; $9.26 during years 11 through 15; and, $9.72 during years 16 through 20. The term of the Vallejo sublease commenced in September of 1995 and annual base rent under the sublease is $279,000. In addition, under each of these subleases, the Company receives monthly an additional amount equal to 5% of the base monthly rent. The Company guarantees certain obligations of SavMax under three leases of market premises located in Sacramento, San Jose and San Leandro, California. Each of these guarantees relates to the obligation of SavMax to pay base rent, common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes and insurance during the initial 20 year terms of these leases. However, the guarantees are such that the Company's obligation under each of them is limited to an amount equal to sixty monthly payments (which need not be consecutive) of the obligations guaranteed. Base rent is $40,482 per month under the Sacramento lease and $56,756 per month under the San Jose lease, in each case subject to a 7 1/2% increase at the end of each five years. Base rent is $42,454 per month under the San Leandro lease, subject to a 10% increase at the end of each five years. In consideration of these guarantees, the Company receives a monthly fee from SavMax equal to 5% of the base monthly rent under these leases. If SavMax were to default under the leases, the Company's remaining liability under its guarantees would range from $10.1 million to $11.9 million, assuming other support provided to the Company by way of offset rights and the reimbursement and indemnification agreements proved to be of no value to the Company. The Company guarantees certain obligations of SavMax under two leases of market premises located in Ceres and Vacaville, California. The leases have initial terms expiring in January 2005 and April 2007, respectively. Base monthly rent under the Ceres lease is presently $32,175, increasing to $34,425 in January of 2000. Base monthly rent under the Vacaville lease is presently $29,167, increasing by $25,000 per year in April of 1997 and 2002. In consideration of these guarantees, the Company will receive a monthly fee from SavMax equal to 5% of the base monthly rent under these leases. If SavMax were to default under the leases, the Company's contingent liability under its guarantees would approximate $10.4 million, assuming other support provided to the Company by way of offset rights and the reimbursement and indemnification agreements proved to be of no value to the Company. The Company is proposing to lease certain market premises to be constructed and located in Los Banos, California, which it in turn will sublease to Maxco Foods, Inc. ("Maxco"), a corporation of which SavMax is a shareholder. The sublease to Maxco would provide for a term of 20 years, without options to extend, although Maxco will have the option to acquire the Company's interest under its lease on the condition that the Company is released from all further liability thereunder. The premises will consist of approximately 50,000 square feet and annual base rental under the sublease is as follows: $390,000 during years 1 through 5; $424,125 during years 6 through 10; $461,236 during years 11 through 15; and, $501,594 during years 16 through 20. In addition, the Company will receive monthly an additional amount equal to 5% of the base monthly rent. In connection with this transaction, Maxco will enter into a seven year supply agreement with the Company whereunder Maxco would be required to purchase a substantial portion of its merchandise requirements from the Company. The supply agreement will be subject to earlier termination in certain situations. In fiscal 1994, Grocers Capital Company ("GCC"), a subsidiary, acquired an additional 25,000 shares of preferred stock of SavMax. The purchase price was $100 per share. At the time, GCC owned 40,000 shares of preferred stock of SavMax which it acquired in fiscal 1992. As part of the new purchase of preferred stock, the annual cumulative dividend on the 65,000 shares of preferred stock owned by GCC was increased from $8.25 per share to $8.50 per share, payable quarterly. Mandatory partial redemption of this stock at a price of 49 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) $100 per share began in 1994 and will continue annually thereafter for eight years, at which time the stock is to be completely retired. GCC also purchased from Mr. Webb and another member of his immediate family, 10% of the common stock of SavMax for a price of $2.5 million. In connection with this purchase, Mr. Webb, SavMax and GCC agreed that GCC will have certain preemptive rights to acquire additional common shares, rights to have its common shares included proportionately in any transfer of common shares by Mr. Webb, and rights to have its common shares included in certain registered public offerings of common stock which may be made by SavMax. In addition, GCC has certain rights, at its option, to require that SavMax repurchase GCC's shares, and SavMax has certain rights, at its option, to repurchase GCC's shares. In connection with these transactions, SavMax entered into a seven year supply agreement with the Company (to replace an existing supply agreement) whereunder SavMax is required to purchase a substantial portion of its merchandise requirements from the Company. The supply agreement is subject to earlier termination in certain situations. GCC guarantees a portion of a loan made by National Consumer Cooperative Bank ("NCCB") to K.V. Mart Co., of which director Darioush Khaledi is the President and a shareholder, and KV Property Company, of which director Darioush Khaledi is a general partner. The term of the loan is eight years, maturing January 1, 2002, and the loan bears interest at a floating rate based on the commercial loan base rate of NCCB. The loan is collateralized by certain real and personal property. The guarantee by GCC is limited to 10% of the $2.1 million principal amount of the loan. In consideration of its guarantee, GCC will receive an annual fee from K.V. Mart Co. equal to approximately 5% of the guarantee amount. GCC has guaranteed a portion of a $5,000,000 revolving loan made by NCCB to K.V. Mart Co. in November 1995. The loan has an initial maturity of two years, with the outstanding balance then converting to a five year term loan. The loan bears interest at a floating rate based on the commercial loan rate of NCCB. The loan is collateralized by certain real and personal property of K.V. Mart Co. The guaranty of GCC is limited to 10% of the outstanding principal amount of the loan. In consideration of its guaranty, GCC will receive an annual fee from K.V. Mart Co. equal to 5% of the guaranty amount. The Company is proposing to enter into a guaranty of rent and certain other obligations of K.V. Mart Co. under a lease of store premises to be constructed in Lynwood, California. The guaranty would be for a term of seven years. Annual rent under the lease will be $408,000. In consideration of its guaranty, the Company will receive an annual fee from K.V. Mart Co. equal to 5% of the annual rent. GCC is proposing to purchase 10% of the common stock of K.V. Mart Co. for a purchase price of approximately $3,000,000. In connection with this purchase, K.V. Mart Co., GCC, Mr. Khaledi and the other shareholders of K.V. Mart Co. will agree that GCC will have certain preemptive rights to acquire additional common shares, rights to have its common shares included proportionately in any transfer of common shares by the other shareholders, and rights to have its common shares included in certain registered public offerings of common stock which may be made by K.V. Mart Co. In addition, GCC will have certain rights, at its option, to require that K.V. Mart Co. repurchase GCC's shares, and K.V. Mart Co. will have certain rights, at its option, to repurchase GCC's shares. In connection with these transactions, K.V. Mart Co. will enter into a seven year supply agreement with the Company whereunder K.V. Mart Co. will be required to purchase a substantial portion of its merchandise requirements from the Company. The supply agreement will be subject to earlier termination in certain situations. The Company has guaranteed the payment by Cala Co., a subsidiary of a member-patron, of certain promissory notes related to an acquisition of Bell Markets, Inc. The promissory notes mature in June 1996 and total $8 million; however, the Company's guaranty obligation is limited to $4 million. In addition, and in connection with the acquisition, the Company has guaranteed certain lease obligations of Bell Markets, Inc. during a 20-year period under a lease relating to two retail grocery stores. Annual rent under the lease is $327,019. In the event the Company is called upon to perform on this guaranty, the Company has the right to receive an assignment of the lease relating to the locations. Accordingly, assuming the leased premises and other support provided to the Company by way of offset rights and the reimbursement and indemnification 50 CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) agreement proved to be of no value to the Company, the Company would be contingently liable under its lease guarantee for approximately $4.7 million. Concurrent with the foregoing transactions, Bell Markets, Inc. entered into a 5-year agreement to purchase a substantial portion of its merchandise requirements from the Company. The Company has guaranteed a lease for Mar-Val Food Stores, Inc. (whose President, Mark Kidd, is a director of the Company) on store premises in Valley Springs, California. The guarantee is for a period of fifteen years and is limited to the lessee's obligation to pay base rent of $10,080 per month, common area costs, real estate taxes and insurance. The Company's total obligation under the guarantee is limited to $736,800. In consideration of the guarantee, the Company receives a monthly fee from Mar-Val Food Store, Inc. equal to 5% of the base monthly rent under the lease. The Company guarantees annual rent and certain other obligations of Willard R. MacAloney, the Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors, as lessee under a lease of store premises located in La Puente, California. Annual rent under the lease is $62,487, and the lease term expires in April 1997. The Company also guarantees annual rent and certain other obligations of G & M Company, Inc., of which Mr. MacAloney is a shareholder, under a lease of store premises located in Santa Fe Springs, California. Annual rent under the lease is $82,544, and the lease term expires in October 1997. In consideration of its guarantees, the Company receives a monthly fee from G & M Company, Inc. equal to 5% of the base monthly rent under each lease. The Company guarantees certain obligations under a sublease of market premises located in Pasadena, California, and under which Berberian Enterprises, Inc., of which Director John Berberian is the President and a shareholder, is the sublessor. The guaranty is of the obligations of the sublessee to pay minimum rent, common area costs, real estate taxes and insurance during the first seven years of the term of the sublease. Minimum rent under the sublease is $10,000 per month. In consideration of its guaranty, the Company receives a monthly fee from the sublessee equal to 5% of the monthly amounts guaranteed. The Company has guarantees remaining on various member-patron leases during the period of fiscal 1996 through fiscal 1998. In the event the support provided to the Company by way of offset rights and the reimbursement and indemnification agreements proved to be of no value, the Company would be contingently liable under its guarantees for approximately $1.3 million. In July 1993, the Company entered into an agreement to lease a warehouse to Joe Notrica, Inc., of which director Morrie Notrica is the President and a shareholder. The lease period is for five years, July 21, 1993 through July 31, 1998, at a monthly rent of $24,000. The lease has one five year option and makes provision for inflation adjustments to monthly rent during the option term. Grocers General Merchandise Company, ("GM"), a subsidiary of the Company, and Food 4 Less GM, Inc. ("F4LGM"), an indirect subsidiary of Ralph's Grocery Company, are partners to a joint venture partnership agreement. Under the agreement, GM and F4LGM are partners operating as Golden Alliance Distribution ("GAD"). The partnership was formed for the purpose of providing for the shared use of the Company's general merchandise warehouse located in Fresno, California and each of the partners has entered into a supply agreement with GAD providing for the purchase of general merchandise products from GAD. One of the Company's largest customers, Ralphs Grocery Company together with its affiliated companies, accounted for a combined total of approximately 9.5% of fiscal 1995 sales. No other customer accounted for as much as 5% of fiscal 1995 sales. 51 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES, OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR THE SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO BUY ANY SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE OF SUCH INFORMATION. ------------------------ TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE ---- Summary of Prospectus.......................... 3 Risk Factors................................... 7 Offering of Class A Shares and Class B Shares................................ 8 Eligibility to Hold Shares................... 8 New Member-Patrons Required to Purchase One Hundred Class A Shares...................... 9 Issuance of Class B Shares to Member-Patrons.............................. 9 Description of Capital Stock................... 11 Dividend Rights.............................. 11 Voting Rights................................ 12 Liquidation Rights........................... 12 Non-Transferability.......................... 12 Shares Held As Security...................... 12 Share Redemption............................. 13 Use of Book Value............................ 15 Use of Proceeds................................ 16 The Company.................................... 16 General Description of Business.............. 16 Patronage Dividends.......................... 17 Patron Deposits.............................. 18 Tax Matters.................................. 19 Selected Financial Data........................ 20 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations For the Three Fiscal Years Ended September 2, 1995.......................................... 21 Legal Matters.................................. 25 Experts........................................ 25 Index to Financial Statements.................. 26 Report of Independent Accountants.............. 27 Financial Statements........................... 28 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PART II INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION Registration Fee Under Securities Act of 1933............................ $ 13,608 Printing, Engraving and Reproduction..................................... 10,000 Expenses of Qualification Under State Blue Sky Laws...................... 6,000 Legal Fees and Expenses.................................................. 15,000 Accounting Fees and Expenses............................................. 5,000 Miscellaneous............................................................ 3,000 --------- Total.................................................................... $ 52,608 --------- --------- All of the expenses listed above will be borne by the Registrant and, except for the Registration Fee Under Securities Act of 1933, are estimated. ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS Article V of the Company's Bylaws provides that the Company shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, have the power to indemnify its directors, officers, employees and other agents. Section 317 of the California Corporations Code provides that a corporation has the power to indemnify agents of the corporation against expenses, judgments, fines, settlements and other amounts actually and reasonably incurred in connection with any proceeding arising by reason of the fact that any such person is or was an agent of the corporation. In addition, the Company and its subsidiaries maintain a policy of directors' and officers' liability and company reimbursement insurance. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. ITEM 16. EXHIBITS EXHIBITS: Exhibit 4 Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures. 4.1 Articles FIFTH and SIXTH of Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (as amended through June 21, 1994) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.2 Bylaws of the Registrant (as amended through June 21, 1994) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.3 Retail Grocer Application and Agreement For Continuing Service Affiliation With Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. And Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 31, 1981, File No. 2-70069). S-1 4.4 Retail Grocer Application and Agreement For Service Affiliation With And The Purchase of Shares of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. And Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 13, 1989, File No. 33-19284). 4.5 Form of Class A Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.6 Form of Class B Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). Exhibit 5 Opinion re legality. 5.1 Opinion of Counsel dated December 7, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 10, 1990, File No. 33-38152). Exhibit 10 Material Contracts. 10.1 Comprehensive Amendment to Retirement Plan for Employees of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.2 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 28, 1987, File No. 33-19284). 10.3 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Sheltered Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.4 Certified Grocers of California, Ltd., Executive Salary Protection Plan II ("ESPP II"), Master Plan Document, effective January 4, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.5 Master Trust Agreement For Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Executive Salary Protection Plan II, dated as of April 28, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.6 Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Executive Insurance Plan Split-dollar Agreement and Schedule of Executive Officers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.7 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Excess Benefit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.8 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.3 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 10, 1990, File No. 33-38152). 10.9 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employee Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). S-2 10.9.1 First Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employee Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.10 Joint Venture Agreement of Golden Alliance Distribution, dated as of April 8, 1992, between Food 4 Less GM, Inc. and Grocers General Merchandise Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993. File No. 33-68288. 10.11 Lease, dated as of December 23, 1986, between Cercor Associates and Grocers Specialty Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.12 Expansion Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1991, and Industrial Lease, dated as of May 1, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.12.1 Lease Amendment, dated June 20, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.12.2 Lease Amendment, dated October 18, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.2 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.13 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Food-4-Less of Modesto, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of July 1, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 1993, filed on November 26, 1993, File No. 0-10815). 10.14 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement by and between SavMax Foods, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.15 Common Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Michael A. Webb and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.16 Agreement Regarding Common Stock by and between Michael A. Webb, SavMax Foods, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.17 Commercial Lease-Net dated December 6, 1994 between TriNet Essential Facilities XII and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.18 Purchase Agreement dated November 21, 1994 between the Registrant and TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). Exhibit 24 Consents of Experts and Counsel. 24.1 Consent of Company Counsel -- see page F-1. 24.2 Consent of Independent Accountants -- see page F-2. S-3 ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (a) to include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, (b) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement, (c) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof; and (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. S-4 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-2 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Commerce, State of California, on December 13, 1995. CERTIFIED GROCERS OF CALIFORNIA, LTD. By /s/ ALFRED A. PLAMANN ------------------------------------- Alfred A. Plamann President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated. SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- ---------------------- /s/ ALFRED A. PLAMANN President and Chief December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Executive Officer Alfred A. Plamann /s/ DANIEL T. BANE Senior Vice President and December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer Daniel T. Bane /s/ RANDALL G. SCOVILLE Corporate Controller December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Randall G. Scoville /s/ WILLARD R. MACALONEY Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Willard R. MacAloney (Chairman of the Board) /s/ LOUIS A. AMEN Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Louis A. Amen /s/ JOHN BERBERIAN Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- John Berberian S-5 SIGNATURE TITLE DATE - ------------------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------- ---------------------- Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Gene A. Fulton /s/ LYLE A. HUGHES Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Lyle A. Hughes Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Roger K. Hughes /s/ DARIOUSH KHALEDI Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Darioush Khaledi /s/ MARK KIDD Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Mark Kidd /s/ JAY MCCORMACK Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Jay McCormack /s/ MORRIE NOTRICA Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- Morrie Notrica Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Michael A. Provenzano Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Allan Scharn /s/ JAMES R. STUMP Director December 13, 1995 ------------------------------------------- James R. Stump Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Michael A. Webb Director December , 1995 ------------------------------------------- Kenneth Young S-6 CONSENT OF COMPANY COUNSEL We hereby consent to the reference made to us, and to the use of our name, in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2, File No. 33-38152, including the Prospectus filed as a part thereof. BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN Los Angeles, California December 13, 1995 F-1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the inclusion in this Post-Effective Amendment No. 8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-38152) of our report dated November 27, 1995, and the incorporation by reference of said report appearing on page 19 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, on our audits of the consolidated balance sheets of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of September 2, 1995 and September 3, 1994, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended September 2, 1995. We also consent to the reference to our Firm under the caption "Experts." COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P. Los Angeles, California December 13, 1995 F-2 INDEX TO EXHIBITS AND SCHEDULES SEQUENTIAL NUMBERING PAGE NO. ---------- EXHIBITS: Exhibit 4 Instruments defining the rights of security holders, including indentures. 4.1 Articles FIFTH and SIXTH of Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (as amended through June 21, 1994) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.2 Bylaws of the Registrant (as amended through June 21, 1994) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.3 Retail Grocer Application and Agreement For Continuing Service Affiliation With Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. And Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 31, 1981, File No. 2-70069). 4.4 Retail Grocer Application and Agreement For Service Affiliation With And The Purchase of Shares of Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. And Pledge Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 7 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 13, 1989, File No. 33-19284). 4.5 Form of Class A Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 4.6 Form of Class B Share Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). Exhibit 5 Opinion re legality. 5.1 Opinion of Counsel dated December 7, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 5.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 10, 1990, File No. 33-38152). Exhibit 10 Material Contracts. 10.1 Comprehensive Amendment to Retirement Plan for Employees of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.2 Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 28, 1987, File No. 33-19284). 10.3 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Sheltered Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). SEQUENTIAL NUMBERING PAGE NO. ---------- 10.4 Certified Grocers of California, Ltd., Executive Salary Protection Plan II ("ESPP II"), Master Plan Document, effective January 4, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.5 Master Trust Agreement For Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Executive Salary Protection Plan II, dated as of April 28, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.6 Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Executive Insurance Plan Split-dollar Agreement and Schedule of Executive Officers party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.7 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Excess Benefit Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.8 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employees' Supplemental Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5.3 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 10, 1990, File No. 33-38152). 10.9 Comprehensive Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employee Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.9.1 First Amendment to Certified Grocers of California, Ltd. Employee Savings Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on October 12, 1994, File No. 33-56005). 10.10 Joint Venture Agreement of Golden Alliance Distribution, dated as of April 8, 1992, between Food 4 Less GM, Inc. and Grocers General Merchandise Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993. File No. 33-68288. 10.11 Lease, dated as of December 23, 1986, between Cercor Associates and Grocers Specialty Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.12 Expansion Agreement, dated as of May 1, 1991, and Industrial Lease, dated as of May 1, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.12.1 Lease Amendment, dated June 20, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.1 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). SEQUENTIAL NUMBERING PAGE NO. ---------- 10.12.2 Lease Amendment, dated October 18, 1991, between Dermody Properties and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.2 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on September 2, 1993, File No. 33-68288). 10.13 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Food-4-Less of Modesto, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of July 1, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended August 28, 1993, filed on November 26, 1993, File No. 0-10815). 10.14 Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement by and between SavMax Foods, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.15 Common Stock Purchase Agreement by and between Michael A. Webb and Grocers Capital Company, dated as of December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.16 Agreement Regarding Common Stock by and between Michael A. Webb, SavMax Foods, Inc. and Grocers Capital Company, dated December 17, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 to Form S-2 Registration Statement of the Registrant filed on December 15, 1994, File No. 33-38152). 10.17 Commercial Lease-Net dated December 6, 1994 between TriNet Essential Facilities XII and the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). 10.18 Purchase Agreement dated November 21, 1994 between the Registrant and TriNet Corporate Realty Trust, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 2, 1995 filed on December 1, 1995, File No. 0-10815). Exhibit 24 Consents of Experts and Counsel. 24.1 Consent of Company Counsel -- see page F-1. 24.2 Consent of Independent Accountants -- see page F-2.