SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q (X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended November 30, 1996 OR ( )TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ________ TO _______ Commission File No. 0-24642 CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Colorado 84-0978360 - ---------------------------- --------------------- (State of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer organization) Identification No.) 1 Environmental Way Broomfield, Colorado 80021 - ---------------------------- -------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (303) 664-2000 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No -------- -------- The number of shares of the registrant's common stock, par value $.0002 per share, outstanding as of January 6, 1997 was 77,934,027. PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1 - Financial Statements CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) ASSETS November 30, March 2, 1996 1996 -------------------- ------------------ (Unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 33,667 $ 29,755 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance of $10,169 and $5,426, respectively 460,145 287,759 Notes and other receivables 57,914 28,218 Inventories 158,008 102,332 Deferred income taxes 19,636 18,157 Other current assets 35,345 24,315 ----------- --------- Total current assets 764,715 490,536 Property and equipment: Land 14,157 8,553 Buildings and leasehold improvements 99,016 35,804 Furniture and equipment 206,181 117,912 ----------- --------- 319,354 162,269 Less accumulated depreciation (90,165) (50,415) ----------- --------- 229,189 111,854 Goodwill, net 637,066 332,103 Other assets, net 58,075 17,058 ----------- --------- Total assets $ 1,689,045 $ 951,551 =========== ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS, Continued (In thousands) LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY November 30, March 2, 1996 1996 ---------------------- ----------------------- (Unaudited) Current liabilities: Accounts payable - trade $ 261,671 $ 149,787 Payable for acquisitions 7,703 2,063 Accrued payroll and benefits 42,329 23,834 Accrued purchase costs 13,202 3,049 Accrued merger and related costs 21,986 24,880 Other accrued liabilities 71,516 45,637 Current portion of long-term debt and capital leases 22,735 21,164 ------------ ------------ Total current liabilities 441,142 270,414 Capital lease obligations 11,325 9,568 Long-term debt 545,588 132,840 Deferred income taxes 15,255 7,374 Minority interest in subsidiaries 22,476 24,843 Other non-current liabilities 9,189 2,183 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities 1,044,975 447,222 Contingencies (Note 9) Shareholders' equity: Common stock, $.0002 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 74,103,000 and 69,836,000 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 15 14 Additional paid-in capital 610,666 507,325 Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) 27,202 (3,607) Foreign currency translation adjustments 6,187 597 ------------ ------------ Total shareholders' equity 644,070 504,329 ------------ ------------ Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 1,689,045 $ 951,551 ============ ============ The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -3- CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended --------------------------------- ----------------------------------- November 30, November 25, November 30, November 25, 1996 1995 1996 1995 -------------- --------------- --------------- --------------- (Unaudited) (Unaudited) Net sales $ 825,940 $ 435,312 $ 2,106,429 $ 1,173,586 Cost of sales 622,271 321,117 1,582,332 870,284 --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Gross profit 203,669 114,195 524,097 303,302 Warehouse operating and selling expense 142,131 80,046 374,134 216,938 Corporate general and administrative expenses 23,685 13,234 65,360 33,186 Merger and other nonrecurring charges 12,366 - 12,366 - --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Operating profit 25,487 20,915 72,237 53,178 Interest expense, net 6,623 3,520 15,571 12,592 --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Income before income taxes 18,864 17,395 56,666 40,586 Income tax expense 12,076 6,295 28,107 15,651 --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Income before minority interest 6,788 11,100 28,559 24,935 Minority interest (360) 467 (461) 1,031 --------- --------- ----------- ----------- Net income $ 7,148 $ 10,633 $ 29,020 $ 23,904 ========= ========= =========== =========== Net income per share $ .09 $ .15 $ .36 $ .36 ========= ========= =========== =========== Weighted average common shares outstanding 82,722 72,357 81,458 67,051 ========= ========= =========== =========== The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -4- CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) Nine Months Ended ---------------------------------------------- November 30, November 25, 1996 1995 ----------------------- -------------------- (Unaudited) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 29,020 $ 23,904 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: Depreciation 20,572 10,625 Amortization 14,340 5,779 Non-cash portion of merger and restructuring charge 2,384 - Minority interest (461) 1,031 Other (1,388) 792 Changes in assets and liabilities: Increase in accounts receivable (61,447) (53,636) Increase in inventory (13,190) (20,712) Increase in other current assets (7,163) (5,380) Decrease (increase) in other assets 1,281 (1,525) Decrease in accounts payable 19,990 5,006 Decrease in accrued liabilities 10,749 2,188 --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 14,687 (31,928) --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from sale of assets 1,829 5,032 Capital expenditures (84,740) (29,518) Payment for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (227,026) (84,306) Purchase of marketable securities (18,273) - Other, net (8,730) (5,427) --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (336,940) (114,219) --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of common stock 8,606 456,063 Purchase of common stock held by OfficeMax - (195,831) Debt issuance costs (8,428) (19,057) Proceeds from long-term borrowings 344,834 11,708 Repayments of long-term borrowings (13,580) (9,001) Proceeds from short-term borrowings - 17,578 Repayments of short-term borrowings (20,857) (8,194) Net proceeds from (payments on) line of credit 15,896 (24,600) Other (349) (1,352) --------- --------- Net cash provided by financing activities 326,122 227,314 --------- --------- Net cash used by discontinued operations (177) (214) --------- --------- Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on cash 220 (400) --------- --------- Increase in cash and cash equivalents 3,912 80,553 Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 29,755 16,345 --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 33,667 $ 96,898 ========= ========= The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -5- CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities: Capital lease obligations in the amount of $5,853,000 and $3,675,000 were incurred during the nine months ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, for equipment and software. During the nine months ended November 30, 1996, the Company acquired, for a net cash purchase price of $219,917,000 and 2,421,000 shares of common stock, 61 office products distributors and 20 service companies. Of these 81 acquisitions, 70 were accounted for as purchases and 11 were accounted for as immaterial poolings of interests. In addition, the Company completed an acquisition which was accounted for as a pooling of interests with financial results included from March 3, 1996 for 4,221,000 shares of common stock. During the nine months ended November 25, 1995, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and assumed certain liabilities of 27 office products distributors and 14 service companies for a net cash outlay of $77,718,000. In conjunction with these acquisitions, liabilities were assumed as follows: Nine Months Ended ----------------------------- November 30, November 25, 1996 1995 -------------- ----------- (In thousands) (Unaudited) Fair value of assets acquired $541,469 $156,077 Cash paid, net of cash acquired 219,917 77,718 Issuance of notes payable 4,325 3,000 Issuance of stock 75,620 1,862 Minority interest in subsidiary - 11,138 Purchase price payable, included in current liabilities 4,724 2,708 -------- -------- Liabilities assumed $236,883 $ 59,651 ======== ======== In addition to the amounts set forth above, during the nine month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, the Company paid $4,820,000 and $6,588,000, respectively, for prior period acquisitions. During the period ended November 30, 1996, the Company paid $2,289,000 to dissenting shareholders of a pooled company; purchased a warehouse facility for 135,000 shares of common stock; issued 71,471 shares of common stock to retire convertible debt of $1,449,400 previously issued by one of the Company's acquired subsidiaries; and acquired the remaining 49% interest in Corporate Express United Kingdom for 333,782 shares of common stock. The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. -6- CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Corporate Express, Inc. ("Corporate Express" or the "Company") and its majority owned subsidiaries. DSU Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was merged with and into U.S. Delivery Systems, Inc. ("Delivery") on March 1, 1996, CEX Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was merged with and into Richard Young Journal, Inc. ("Young") on February 27, 1996, Bevo Acquisition Corp., Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was merged with and into United TransNet, Inc. ("UT") on November 8, 1996, and Nimsa S.A. ("Nimsa") was acquired by the Company on October 31, 1996. These mergers were accounted for as poolings of interests and, accordingly, the accompanying financial statements have been restated to include the accounts and operations of Delivery, Young, and Nimsa for all periods prior to the mergers. The accompanying financial statements have been restated to include the operations of UT effective March 3, 1996; prior year UT operations were immaterial. Acquisitions accounted for as purchases are included in the accounts and operations as of the effective date of the transaction and immaterial acquisitions accounted for as poolings of interests are included in the accounts and operations as of the beginning of the fiscal quarter in which the transaction is effective. The Company accounts for its investments in less than 50% owned entities using the equity or cost methods. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such interim statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 2, 1996. The goodwill balance shown on the consolidated balance sheet is net of accumulated amortization of $31,631,000 as of November 30, 1996 and $16,227,000 as of March 2, 1996. Certain of the Company's locations calculate cost of sales using an estimated gross profit method for interim periods. Cost of sales at these locations are adjusted based on physical inventories which are performed no less than once a year. Certain reclassifications from new warehouse assimilation expenses to warehouse operating and selling expense and corporate general and administrative expense have been made to the November 25, 1995 statement of operations to conform to the November 30, 1996 presentation. 2. Pooling of Interests Transactions Effective October 31, 1996, the Company issued approximately 750,000 shares of common stock and paid approximately $2,289,000 to the consenting and dissenting shareholders, respectively, of Nimsa, a computer software reseller located in Paris, France in exchange for all of Nimsa's outstanding common stock. Effective November 8, 1996, the Company issued approximately 4,221,000 shares of common stock in exchange for all of the outstanding stock of UT, the second largest same-day delivery service provider in the United States. -7- Separate results of operations for the periods prior to the mergers are as follows: Nine Months Ended --------------------------- November 30, November 25, 1996 1995 ------------ ----------- (In thousands) (Unaudited) Net sales: Corporate Express $1,857,972 $1,121,637 Nimsa 52,258 51,949 UT 196,199 -- ---------- ---------- Combined $2,106,429 $1,173,586 ========== ========== Net income: Corporate Express $ 26,445 $ 22,636 Nimsa 1,206 1,268 UT 1,369 -- ---------- ---------- Combined $ 29,020 $ 23,904 ========== ========== The consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended November 30, 1996 includes the income and expenses of Corporate Express, Nimsa and UT for the nine months ended November 30, 1996. The merger of six companies forming UT was completed as of December 20, 1995; consequently, there were no results of operations for UT prior to this date. The UT results of operations from December 20, 1995 to March 2, 1996 were considered immaterial and, therefore, no restatement of fiscal 1995 financial statements has been made. The Nimsa statement of operations for its nine months ended March 31, 1996 has been combined with the Corporate Express statement of operations for the nine months ended November 25, 1995. As Nimsa had a June fiscal year end, the results of operations for its year ended June 30, 1996 will be combined with the Corporate Express statement of operations for the year ended March 2, 1996. Due to the method which was used to conform the Nimsa year end to Corporate Express' fiscal year end, Nimsa's results of operations for the March 1996 to June 1996 period are included in both the combined results of operations for the fiscal year ended March 2, 1996 as well as the combined results of operations for the nine months ended November 30, 1996; therefore, an adjustment has been made in fiscal 1996 to debit retained earnings directly for the March 1996 to June 1996 Nimsa net income of $630,000. Nimsa's net sales for the March 1996 to June 1996 period were $25,986,000. In addition to the Nimsa and UT acquisitions, the Company completed eleven other acquisitions which were accounted for as immaterial poolings of interests for approximately 962,000 shares of common stock. The financial statements for these immaterial acquisitions for periods prior to the acquisition have not been restated. 3. Merger and Other Nonrecurring Charges In the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company recorded a net merger and other nonrecurring charge of $12,366,000. This net charge is comprised of $19,937,000 in merger and other nonrecurring charges primarily in conjunction with the acquisitions of UT and Nimsa, offset by $7,571,000 in adjustments to the merger and other nonrecurring charge established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, largely caused by changes in plans due to the acquisition of UT. The fiscal 1996 third quarter charges include the actual costs of completing the acquisitions and anticipated costs for merging various UT facilities into Company locations and closing redundant facilities. The charge includes the closure of 113 facilities and the reduction of approximately 440 employees. -8- Balance Cash Non-Cash Total Usage 11/30/96 ---- -------- ----- ----- -------- Merger transaction costs (1) $ 8,802 $ 8,802 $(3,476) $ 5,326 Severance and terminations (2) 4,036 4,036 (121) 3,915 Facility closure and consolidation (3) 4,075 4,075 (54) 4,021 ------- ------- ------- ------- Accrued merger and related costs, balance 16,913 16,913 (3,651) 13,262 Other asset write-downs and costs (4) $3,024 3,024 (442) 2,582 ------- ------ ------- ------- ------- Total charge $16,913 $3,024 $19,937 $(4,093) $15,844 ======= ====== ======= ======= ======= (1) Merger transaction costs are the direct costs from the pooling transactions and include legal, investment banking, printing and other related costs. (2) Severance and employee termination costs are related to the elimination of duplicate management positions and facility closures and consolidations. (3) Facility closure and consolidation costs are the estimated costs to close redundant facilities, lease costs and other costs associated with closed facilities. (4) Other asset write-downs and costs include software, leasehold improvements and equipment being abandoned or written off as a result of the UT acquisition and deferred loan costs written off when loans required repayment as a result of the acquisition. The liability established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995 in conjunction with the Delivery and Young acquisitions was adjusted to reflect the actual merger transaction costs incurred and revised plans primarily as a result of the integration of UT with Delivery. This adjustment was recorded as an offset to the third quarter merger and other nonrecurring charge. Balance Cash Non-Cash Balance 3/2/96 Payments Usage Adjustment 11/30/96 ------- -------- -------- ---------- -------- Merger transaction costs (1) $ 9,161 $(7,028) $ (259) $ 1,874 Severance and terminations (2) 7,165 (1,408) (2,550) 3,207 Facility closure and consolidation (3) 8,554 (790) (4,121) 3,643 -------- ------- -------- ------- Accrued merger and related costs, balance 24,880 (9,226) (6,930) 8,724 Other asset write-downs and costs 3,789 (657) (641) 2,491 ------- ------ ----- -------- ------- Total $28,669 $(9,226) $(657) $(7,571) $11,215 ======= ======= ===== ======= ======= (1) Remaining merger transactions costs represent the estimated contract buy-outs for certain former Delivery employees and other transaction costs, both of which are being negotiated. (2) Severance and termination costs are the severance payments related to facility closures and centralization of certain shared services. Approximately 66 of the 760 employees originally estimated to be terminated have been terminated as of November 30, 1996, and 129 positions will no longer be eliminated as a result of the revised exit plan. (3) Of the 88 facilities originally estimated to be closed or consolidated, 17 have been closed or consolidated as of November 30, 1996, and 18 facilities will no longer be eliminated as a result of the revised exit plan. 4. Purchase Transactions On May 15, 1996, the Company acquired all of the outstanding capital stock of ASAP Software Express, Inc. ("ASAP"), a distributor of software to large corporations, for a purchase price of $97,611,000 offset by cash acquired of $13,792,000. In addition, the Company purchased all of the outstanding capital stock of Boulevard Produits De Bureau, Inc. ("Boulevard"), a seller of office supplies, furniture and equipment, for a net cash purchase price of -9- $16,102,000. The Company also repaid $9,498,000 of Boulevard promissory notes with cash of $731,900 and 237,888 shares of the Company's common stock. The excess of the purchase price over the fair market value of the net tangible assets acquired in both acquisitions was allocated to goodwill. The operating results of ASAP and Boulevard are included in the Company's consolidated statement of operations from the effective date of each acquisition. The following pro forma financial information assumes the ASAP and Boulevard acquisitions occurred on February 26, 1995. The pro forma financial information also gives effect to the sale of $325,000,000 principal amount of the Company's 4 1/2% Convertible Notes due July 1, 2000 (the "Notes") in June 1996 as if such sales occurred on February 26, 1995. These results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of what would have occurred had the transactions occurred at the beginning of the period, or of results which may occur in the future. The pro forma results listed below are unaudited. Nine Months Ended ----------------------------------------- November 30, 1996 November 25, 1995 ----------------- ----------------- (In thousands, except per share amounts) Net sales $2,157,422 $1,328,733 Net income 31,057 26,767 Net income per share 0.38 0.40 Including the ASAP and Boulevard acquisitions, the Company completed 70 acquisitions during the nine-month period ended November 30, 1996 which were accounted for under the purchase method of accounting for a net cash purchase price of $219,917,000 and approximately 1,459,000 shares of common stock. 5. Accrued Purchase Costs In conjunction with purchase acquisitions, the Company accrues the direct external costs associated with closing redundant facilities of acquired companies, and severance and relocation payments to the acquired company's employees. Prior to the adoption of EITF 95-3 in May 1995, the Company also accrued the external incremental costs of converting acquired company computer systems to the Company's systems. The following tables set forth activity in the Company's accrued purchase liabilities for the period ended November 30, 1996: Prior to EITF 95-3: Warehouse Disposition and System Redundant of Assets Total Integrations Facilities Severance and Other ----- ------------ ---------- --------- ----------- (In thousands) Balance, March 2, 1996 $1,264 $ 750 $ 403 $ 41 $ 70 Payments (630) (419) (170) (41) Reversals to Goodwill (503) (212) (221) (70) ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- Balance, November 30, 1996 (1) $ 131 $ 119 $ 12 $ 0 $ 0 ===== ====== ===== ====== ===== (1) Remaining balances relate primarily to current consolidation projects in Mid-Atlantic and Canada and reflect the estimated remaining costs to be incurred in conjunction with these projects. -10- After adoption of EITF 95-3: Disposition Facility Redundant of Assets Total Exit Costs Facilities Severance and Other ----- ---------- ---------- --------- ----------- (In thousands) Balance, March 2, 1996 $ 1,785 $ 514 $ 198 $ 772 $ 301 Additions 13,594 785 4,732 6,562 1,515 Payments (2,218) (295) (339) (1,411) (173) Reversals to Goodwill (90) (10) (74) 24 (30) ------- ----- ------ ------- ------ Balance, November 30, 1996 $13,071 $ 994 $4,517 $ 5,947 $1,613 ======= ===== ====== ======= ====== Accrued purchase costs, after adoption of EITF 95-3, primarily represent the liabilities incurred to consolidate acquired operations into existing Company facilities. 6. Issuance of Convertible Notes On June 24, 1996, the Company issued $325 million principal amount of Notes. The Notes are convertible into shares of common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $50 per share, subject to certain adjustments. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes was used to repay the Company's revolving credit facility and an acquisition note payable with the remaining proceeds being used to fund acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes. 7. Computation of Net Income Per Share and Restatement of Common Shares Outstanding Net income per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average shares of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding. 8. Subsequent Events Subsequent to November 30, 1996, the Company completed four acquisitions for a combined cash purchase price of approximately $5,785,000 and 142,000 shares of common stock and the Company signed an agreement providing for the merger of a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company with a specialty product distribution company with projected 1997 annual revenues of approximately $115 million (actual results may differ from projections). Consummation of the merger is subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, satisfactory confirmation that the merger will be treated as a tax-free reorganization and accounted for as a pooling of interest, and other customary conditions. 9. Contingencies The Company is a party to certain legal proceedings in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or operating results. -11- CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. Item 2 -- Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Net Sales. Consolidated net sales increased 89.7% to $825,940,000 in the three months ended November 30, 1996 from $435,312,000 in the three months ended November 25, 1995, and 79.5% to $2,106,429,000 from $1,173,586,000 for the respective nine-month periods. Net sales for the Company's product distribution business increased 79.5% to $621,820,000 in the three months ended November 30, 1996, from $346,474,000 in the three months ended November 25, 1995 while the Company's service business increased 129.8% to $204,120,000 from $88,838, 000 in the respective three-month periods. The product distribution business increased 68.8% to $1,556,908,000 for the nine months ended November 30, 1996 compared to $922,468,000 in the nine months ended November 25, 1995, while the service business increased 118.8% to $549,521,000 from $251,118,000 in the respective nine-month periods. These increases are primarily attributable to 92 acquisitions completed since November 25, 1995. International operations accounted for 20.9% of net sales, or $172,236,000, for the three months ended November 30, 1996 compared to 15.1% of net sales, or $65,674,000, for the three months ended November 25, 1995, and 18.5% of net sales, or $390,632,000, for the nine months ended November 30, 1996 up from 13.3% of net sales or $156,108,000 for the nine months ended November 25, 1995. Since November 25, 1995, the Company has acquired 31 companies outside of the United States, including ten through Corporate Express Australia (seven in Australia and three in New Zealand), eight in the United Kingdom, nine in Canada, three in Germany and one in France. Gross Profit. Cost of sales includes merchandise, occupancy and delivery costs (including fees paid to drivers and transportation and delivery agents). Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 24.7% and 26.2% for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and was 24.9% and 25.8% for the respective nine-month periods. Decreases in the gross profit percentage are primarily a result of the newly acquired software distribution business which has lower merchandise margins, and the inclusion of UT, which operates at lower margins, in the fiscal 1996 results. The third quarter merchandise component of gross profit improved compared to prior quarters as a result of increased vendor rebates related to higher levels achieved in vendor programs. Warehouse Operating and Selling Expenses. Warehouse operating and selling expenses primarily include labor and administrative costs associated with operating regional warehouses and sales offices, selling expenses and commissions related to the Company's direct sales force, and warehouse assimilation costs. Consolidated warehouse operating and selling expenses as a percentage of sales were 17.2% and 18.4% for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and were 17.8% and 18.5% for the respective nine-month periods. These decreases as a percentage of sales reflect the continuing efforts to reduce regional operating expenses, as well as the inclusion of software distribution businesses acquired in fiscal year 1996 which have lower expense bases. Consolidated warehouse operating and selling expenses increased by $62,085,000, or 77.6%, to $142,131,000 in the three months ended November 30, 1996 from $80,046,000 in the three months ended November 25, 1995, and by $157,196,000, or 72.5%, to $374,134,000 in the nine months ended November 30, 1996 from $216,938,000 in the nine months ended November 25, 1995. These increases are primarily attributable to the 92 acquisitions completed since November 25, 1995. Warehouse operating and selling expenses for international operations increased to 18.4% of international sales for the three months ended November 30, 1996 from 16.9% of international sales in the three months ended November 25, 1995; and to 19.7% from 16.4% of international sales for the respective nine-month periods, primarily as a result of increased warehouse assimilation expenses in the Company's Australian operations. -12- Corporate General and Administrative Expenses. Corporate general and administrative expenses include central expenses incurred to provide corporate oversight and support for regional operations and goodwill amortization. Corporate general and administrative expenses increased by $10,451,000 to $23,685,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1996 from $13,234,000 for the three months ended November 25, 1995; and increased by $32,174,000 to $65,360,000 from $33,186,000 for the respective nine-month periods. These increases reflect the corporate general and administrative costs of acquired entities, the costs associated with developing a larger corporate staff to support acquisitions, international expansion and the development and implementation of the Company's proprietary distribution system, and increased goodwill amortization resulting from purchase acquisitions since November 1995. As a percentage of net sales, corporate general and administrative expenses were 2.9% and 3.0% for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and were 3.1% and 2.8% for the respective nine-month periods. Merger and Other Nonrecurring Charges. In the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company recorded a net merger and other nonrecurring charge of $12,366,000. This net charge is comprised of $19,937,000 in merger and other nonrecurring charges primarily in conjunction with the acquisitions of UT and Nimsa, offset by $7,571,000 in adjustments to the merger and other nonrecurring charge established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995, primarily caused by the changes in plans due to the acquisition of UT. The charges include the actual costs of completing the acquisitions and anticipated costs for merging various UT facilities into Company locations and closing redundant facilities. The charge includes the closure of 113 facilities and the reduction of 440 employees within the next two years. These merger and other nonrecurring charges include merger transaction related costs of $8,802,000, severance and employee termination costs of $4,036,000, facility closure and consolidation costs of $4,075,000, and other asset write-downs and costs of $3,024,000. The reduction of the liability established in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1995 reflects the merger transaction costs incurred in conjunction with the Delivery and Young acquisitions and revised exit plans primarily as a result of the UT acquisition and the integration into Delivery. The reduction of the fourth quarter merger and other nonrecurring charges included adjustments to merger transaction related costs of $259,000, severance and employee termination costs of $2,550,000, facility closure and consolidation costs of $4,121,000, and other asset write-downs and costs of $641,000. (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Operating Profit. Operating profit, before merger related and other nonrecurring charges, of $37,853,000, or 4.6% of net sales, for the three months ended November 30, 1996, increased 81.0% compared to operating profit of $20,915,000, or 4.8% of net sales, for the three months ended November 25, 1995. Operating profit, before merger related and other nonrecurring charges, of $84,603,000, or 4.0% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 30, 1996 increased 59.1% compared to operating profit of $53,178,000, or 4.5% of net sales, for the nine months ended November 25, 1995. Consolidated operating profit, including the merger related and other nonrecurring charges, of $25,487,000 for the three months ended November 30, 1996 increased 21.8% compared to operating profit of $20,915,000 for the three months ended November 25, 1995, and 35.8% for the respective nine-month periods to $72,237,000 from $53,178,000. Consolidated operating profit, including the merger related and other nonrecurring charges, as a percentage of net sales decreased to 3.1% for the three months ended November 30, 1996 from 4.8% for the three months ended November 25, 1995, and to 3.4% from 4.5% for the respective nine-month periods due largely to the merger and other nonrecurring charges recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 1996. While domestic product distribution operating profit before merger related and other nonrecurring charges increased as a percentage of sales for the comparable three and nine month periods, to 5.3% from 4.3% and to 4.5% from 3.8%, respectively, consolidated operating profit decreased due to decreased international operating profits and the recent UT acquisition which operates at a lower operating profit margin. International operating profit as a percentage of international sales decreased to 1.0% for the three months ended November 30, 1996 from 3.7% for the three months ended November 25, 1995 and decreased to 1.0% from 4.2% for the nine-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively. These decreases are primarily the result of warehouse assimilation costs in Australia related to the consolidation of acquisitions and operating losses in Germany. Operating profit before nonrecurring charges as a percentage of sales for the domestic product distribution segment increased to 5.3% from 4.3% for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and to 4.5% from 3.8% for the nine-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, -13- 1995, respectively. These increases reflect the lower warehouse operating and selling expenses as a percentage of net sales. Operating profit before nonrecurring charges as a percentage of sales for the service segment decreased to 5.4% from 7.3% for the three months ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively; and to 4.9% from 6.9% for the nine-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively. These decreases are primarily a result of the acquisition of UT, which has lower operating margins. Interest Expense. Net interest expense was $6,623,000 and $3,520,000 for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and was $15,571,000 and $12,592,000 for the respective nine-month periods. The increase in net interest expense reflects increased international interest expense to fund international expansion, the inclusion of UT interest expense in fiscal 1996 results, and interest on the Notes. Minority Interest. Minority interest income of $360,000 for the three-month period ended November 30, 1996 compares to an expense of $467,000 for the three months ended November 25, 1995, income of $461,000 for the nine-month period ended November 30, 1996 compares to an expense of $1,031,000 for the nine months ended November 25, 1995, reflecting the operating losses in Australia. The Company currently owns 51.8% of Corporate Express Australia. During the third quarter of fiscal 1996, the Company purchased, for 333,782 shares of the Company's common stock, the remaining 49% ownership interest in Corporate Express United Kingdom. Net Income. Net income, before merger and other nonrecurring charges, increased $7,243,000, or 68.1%, to $17,867,000 from $10,633,000 for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively and increased $15,844,000, or 66.3%, to $39,748,000 from $23,904,000 for the respective nine-month periods. Including the merger and other nonrecurring charges, net income was $7,148,000 and $10,633,000 for the three-month periods ended November 30, 1996 and November 25, 1995, respectively, and was $29,020,000 and $23,904,000 for the respective nine-month periods. Net income is reduced by an increase in the effective tax rate to 64.0% for the three months ended November 30, 1996 from 36.2% for the three months ended November 25, 1995, and to 49.6% for the nine months ended November 30, 1996 from 38.6% for the nine months ended November 25, 1995 due to certain non-deductible merger charges, the impact of international consolidation projects in fiscal 1996 and the utilization of net operating losses in the fiscal 1995 periods. Other. The net accounts receivable balance at November 30, 1996 of $460,145,000 increased from $287,759,000 at March 2, 1996, primarily as a result of acquired receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts as a percentage of consolidated accounts receivable was 2.2% and 1.9% at November 30, 1996 and March 2, 1996, respectively, remaining relatively unchanged. The inventory balance at November 30, 1996 of $158,008,000 increased from $102,332,000 at March 2, 1996 primarily as a result of acquired inventories. Goodwill at November 30, 1996 of $637,066,000 increased from $332,103,000 at March 2, 1996, reflecting net additions from acquisitions of $320,367,000, offset by current year amortization of $15,404,000. The trade accounts payable balance at November 30, 1996 of $261,671,000 increased from $149,787,000 at March 2, 1996, primarily as a result of acquired trade payables of $91,824,000. Accrued purchase costs at November 30, 1996 of $13,202,000 increased from the March 2, 1996 balance of $3,049,000. This increase reflects acquisition additions of $13,594,000 and usage of $2,848,000 and reversals to goodwill of $593,000. The remaining balance represents the current estimate for costs to be incurred in conjunction with current consolidation projects and certain newly acquired operations. (See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) -14- The accrued merger and related costs balance at November 30, 1996 of $21,986,000 increased by $16,913,000 as a result of the third quarter merger and other nonrecurring charges and decreased by $6,930,000 for adjustments to the fiscal 1995 fourth quarter charge and by $12,877,000 for fiscal year-to-date usage. (See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company has historically financed its operations through internally generated funds and borrowings from commercial banks, and has financed its acquisitions through the use of such funds and the issuance of equity and debt securities. The Company's revolving credit facility (the "Senior Credit Facility") was amended and restated on November 26, 1996 to increase the borrowing capacity from $90,000,000 to $350,000,000, extend the facility termination date to March 31, 2000, lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus .50%, unsecure the assets of the Company (the previous facility was secured by substantially all of the assets, including accounts receivable and inventory of the Company and its United States subsidiaries), and to make certain other changes. The Senior Credit Facility was previously amended on May 10, 1996 to increase the Company's borrowing capacity from $90,000,000 to $250,000,000, subject to borrowing base and other restrictions and to lower the cost of its borrowings to LIBOR plus 1.25%. On May 31, 1996, the Company borrowed on its Senior Credit Facility and repaid in full the $33,270,000 outstanding revolving credit facility previously established by Delivery. On June 24, 1996, the outstanding amounts under the Senior Credit Facility were paid in full from funds generated from the issuance of the Notes. Upon this repayment, the borrowing capacity of the Senior Credit Facility was reduced from the amended capacity of $250,000,000 to $90,000,000, subject to borrowing base and other restrictions. As of January 3, 1997, the Company had $68,907,000 outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility and an unused borrowing capacity of $281,093,000. On June 24, 1996, the Company issued $325,000,000 principal amount of Notes. The Notes are convertible into the Company's common stock at a conversion price of $50 per share, subject to adjustments under certain conditions. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Notes was used to repay the Company's revolving credit facility and an acquisition note payable with the remaining proceeds being used to fund acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes. During the first nine months of fiscal 1996, the Company acquired 83 companies, of which 70 were accounted for as purchases for a net cash purchase price of $219,917,000 and an aggregate of 1,459,000 shares of common stock; 11 were accounted for as poolings of interests not requiring prior period restatement due to immateriality for 962,000 shares of common stock; one was accounted for as a pooling of interests with financial results included from March 3, 1996 for 4,221,000 shares of common stock; and one was accounted for as a material pooling of interests for which all prior periods were restated for 750,000 shares of common stock. Total liabilities assumed in connection with the business combinations, excluding the material pooling, were $236,883,000. In addition, the Company made payments of approximately $4,820,000 related to acquisitions completed in fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1994 and prepaid acquisition costs. The Company had capital expenditures of $84,740,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 1996 relating to the construction of a new corporate headquarters facility, the purchase and development of the Company's Miami warehouse, the development of the Company's proprietary distribution system, warehouse reconfigurations, telecommunications equipment, delivery vehicles, and leasehold improvements. The Company's headquarters facility is substantially complete and will be occupied in January 1997. The Miami warehouse was completed in the third quarter of fiscal 1996. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $3,912,000 in the first nine months of fiscal 1996. This increase reflects cash provided by operating activities of $14,687,000 and net proceeds from the sale of the Notes and other net long- -15- term borrowings of $322,826,000, offset by capital expenditures of $84,740,000, cash paid for acquisitions of $227,026,000, net repayments on other borrowings of $4,961,000, and other net uses of $16,874,000. The Company believes the borrowing capacity under the Senior Credit Facility coupled with its cash on hand, capital resources and cash flows, will be sufficient to fund its ongoing operations, anticipated capital expenditures and acquisition activity for the next twelve months. However, actual capital needs may change, particularly in connection with acquisitions which the Company may consummate in the future. Inflation Certain of the Company's product offerings, particularly paper products, have been and are expected to continue to be subject to significant price fluctuations due to inflationary and other market conditions. The Company generally is able to pass such increased costs on to its customers through price increases, although it may not be able to adjust its prices immediately. In addition, significant increases in fuel costs in the future could affect the Company's profitability if these costs cannot be passed on to customers. In general, the Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on its results of operations in recent years. However, there can be no assurance that the Company's business will not be affected by inflation in the future. Accounting Standards The Company will adopt SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" for the fiscal year ended March 1, 1997. This standard establishes a fair value method for accounting for stock-based compensation plans either through recognition or disclosure. The Company will adopt this standard through compliance with the disclosure requirements set forth in SFAS No. 123. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Company. -16- PART II -- OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings Not applicable. Item 2. Changes in Securities During the fiscal quarter ended November 30, 1996, in connection with certain business acquisitions, the Company issued 363,611 shares of common stock to former shareholders of the acquired companies in exchange for such shareholders' shares of capital stock. In addition to the foregoing, the Company issued shares of common stock pursuant to the exercise of certain warrants to purchase common stock as follows. On September 13, 1996, the Company issued 52,500 shares of common stock to existing warrantholders pursuant to an exercise of a warrant to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.67 per share. On November 18, 1996, the Company issued an aggregate of 132,478 shares of common stock to existing warrantholders pursuant to a cashless exercise of two warrants to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price of $2.67 per share. All of the issuances of common stock by the Company during the quarter ended November 30, 1996 were made pursuant to exemptions from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities Not applicable. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders Not applicable. Item 5. Other Information None. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K (a) Exhibits -------- 10.1 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of November 26, 1996 by and among CEX Holdings, Inc., as borrower, Corporate Express, Inc., as a guarantor, the lenders named therein and the First National Bank of Chicago, as agent -17- 11.1 Computation of Earnings Per Share (b) Reports on Form 8-K ------------------- - Form 8-K filed on September 16, 1996 - Form 8-K filed on September 20, 1996 -18- SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. CORPORATE EXPRESS, INC. By: /S/ Sam R. Leno --------------------------------------------------------- Sam R. Leno Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Officer) Date: January 14, 1997