Exhibit 99.2
Consolidated Financial Statements
METRO INC.
September 29, 2007
AUDITOR'S REPORT
To the board of directors of METRO INC.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of METRO INC. [the
"Company"] as at September 29, 2007, the related consolidated statements of
earnings, retained earnings, comprehensive income and cash flows for the year
then ended. 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 audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing
standards and the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to
obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's
internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control
over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by Management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of METRO INC. as at
September 29, 2007 and the related consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Accountants
Montreal, Canada,
November 2, 2007
[except as to note 24 which is as of May 9, 2008]
METRO INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 [Millions of Canadian
dollars, except for earnings per share]
2007 2006
$ $
[52 weeks] [53 weeks]
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Sales [notes 20 and 21] 10,644.6 10,944.0
Cost of sales and operating expenses [notes 17 and 18] 10,013.9 10,327.8
Share of earnings in public company subject to significant (25.3) (22.3)
influence
Integration and rationalization costs [note 4] 30.5 28.0
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Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization 625.5 610.5
Depreciation and amortization [note 5] 165.7 177.9
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Operating income 459.8 432.6
Interest, net
Short term (2.7) (1.9)
Long term 64.3 70.6
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61.6 68.7
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Earnings before income taxes 398.2 363.9
Income taxes [note 6] 125.2 107.0
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Earnings before minority interest 273.0 256.9
Minority interest (3.6) 3.9
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Net earnings 276.6 253.0
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Earnings per share [note 7]
Basic 2.40 2.21
Fully diluted 2.37 2.18
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See accompanying notes
METRO INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As at September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006
[Millions of Canadian dollars]
2007 2006
$ $
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ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 100.5 165.7
Accounts receivable [notes 8 and 20] 327.8 302.1
Inventories 588.2 565.5
Prepaid expenses 12.1 11.3
Future income taxes [note 6] 26.1 16.7
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1,054.7 1,061.3
Investments and other assets [note 8] 151.0 117.9
Fixed assets [note 9] 1,202.8 1,129.9
Intangible assets [note 10] 342.1 331.7
Goodwill 1,490.1 1,490.1
Accrued benefit assets [note 17] 33.2 33.0
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4,273.9 4,163.9
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank loans [note 11] 0.1 0.3
Accounts payable 1,043.6 1,049.5
Income taxes payable 20.3 36.8
Current portion of long-term debt [note 12] 5.1 7.3
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1,069.1 1,093.9
Long-term debt [note 12] 1,038.9 1,116.6
Accrued benefit obligations [note 17] 54.9 60.6
Future income taxes [note 6] 139.0 115.0
Other long-term liabilities [note 13] 33.7 44.2
Minority interest 6.0 9.8
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2,341.6 2,440.1
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Shareholders' equity
Capital stock [note 14] 714.8 709.0
Contributed surplus [note 15] 2.0 1.6
Retained earnings 1,214.3 1,013.2
Accumulated other comprehensive income [note 16] 1.2 --
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1,932.3 1,723.8
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4,273.9 4,163.9
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Commitments and contingencies [notes 18 and 19]
See accompanying notes
METRO INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006
[Millions of Canadian dollars]
2007 2006
$ $
[52 weeks] [53 weeks]
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OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net earnings 276.6 253.0
Non cash items
Integration and rationalization costs [note 4] 6.6 5.3
Share of earnings in a public company subject to significant
influence (25.3) (22.3)
Depreciation and amortization 165.7 177.9
Amortization of deferred financing costs 2.0 2.8
Losses on disposal and write-off of fixed and intangible 3.3 12.0
assets
Gain on disposal of investment [note 8] (1.4) (10.5)
Future income taxes 14.0 (4.6)
Stock-based compensation cost 3.5 1.7
Excess of amounts paid for employee future benefits over
current period cost (5.9) (20.2)
Minority interest (3.6) 3.9
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435.5 399.0
Net change in non-cash working capital related to operations (72.2) (7.0)
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363.3 392.0
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INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Net change in investments 3.4 14.5
Dividends from public company subject to significant influence 2.5 2.1
Acquisition of fixed assets (229.7) (170.7)
Disposal of fixed assets 8.5 12.8
Acquisition of intangible assets (43.6) (40.6)
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(258.9) (181.9)
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FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net change in bank loans (0.2) --
Issuance of shares [note 14] 11.1 5.4
Redemption of shares [note 14] (28.9) --
Acquisition of treasury shares [note 14] (3.2) (2.1)
Increase of long-term debt 3.3 601.5
Repayment of long-term debt (84.8) (692.0)
Net change in other long-term liabilities (14.9) (3.1)
Dividends paid (51.8) (47.5)
Distribution to minority interest (0.2) (0.4)
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(169.6) (138.2)
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Net change in cash and cash equivalents (65.2) 71.9
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year 165.7 93.8
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Cash and cash equivalents - end of year 100.5 165.7
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Other information
Interest paid 62.2 52.8
Income taxes paid 127.7 88.6
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See accompanying notes
METRO INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
RETAINED EARNINGS
Years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006
[Millions of Canadian dollars]
2007 2006
$ $
[52 weeks] [53 weeks]
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year 1,013.2 807.7
Net earnings 276.6 253.0
Dividends (51.8) (47.5)
Share redemption premium [note 14] (23.7) --
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Balance - end of year 1,214.3 1,013.2
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See accompanying notes
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006
[Millions of Canadian dollars]
2007 2006
$ $
[52 weeks] [53 weeks]
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 276.6 253.0
Other comprehensive income
Change in fair value of derivatives designated as
cash flow hedges (net of income taxes of $0.4) 0.8 --
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Comprehensive income 277.4 253.0
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See accompanying notes
METRO INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 [Millions of Canadian dollars, except
for data per share]
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
METRO INC. (the Company) is one of the leading Canadian food retailers and
distributors. The Company operates, in Quebec and Ontario, a network of stores
in the conventional and discount food distribution and pharmacy sectors. The
regions within which the Company's operations are concentrated have been grouped
together in a single operating segment in light of their similar economic
characteristics.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements of the Company, in Canadian dollars, have
been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) which require management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the amounts recorded in the consolidated financial
statements and presented in the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ
from these estimates. The Company's consolidated financial statements have been
properly prepared within the reasonable limits of materiality and in conformity
with the accounting policies summarized below:
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries, as well as those of variable interest entities
(VIEs) for which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany
transactions and balances were eliminated on consolidation.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, bank balances, highly liquid
investments (with an initial term of three months or less), restricted bank
balances of VIEs ($23.1 as at September 29, 2007 and $23.8 as at September 30,
2006), outstanding deposits and cheques in transit. They are classified as
"Financial Assets Held for Trading" and are marked-to-market through net income
at each period end.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are classified as "Loans and Receivables". After their
initial fair value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the
effective interest rate method. For the Company, the measured amount generally
corresponds to cost.
Inventory valuation
Wholesale inventories are valued at the lower of cost, determined by the average
cost method net of certain considerations received from vendors, and net
realizable value. Retail inventories are valued at the retail price less the
gross margin and certain considerations received from vendors.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
Investments and other assets
The investment in a public company subject to significant influence is accounted
for using the equity method.
Investments in companies are classified as "Available-for-sale Securities" and
are marked-to-market through comprehensive income at each period end. Loans to
certain customers are classified as "Loans and Receivables". After their initial
fair value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective
interest rate method. For the Company, the measured amount generally corresponds
to cost.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Buildings and equipment are depreciated on a
straight-line basis over their useful lives. Leasehold improvements are
depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their useful lives or
the remaining lease term. The depreciation method and estimate of the useful
life of fixed assets are reviewed annually.
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Buildings 40 years
Equipment 3 to 20 years
Leasehold improvements 5 to 20 years
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Leases
The Company accounts for capital leases in instances when it has acquired
substantially all the benefits and risks incident to ownership of the leased
property. The cost of assets under capital leases represents the present value
of minimum lease payments and is amortized on a straight-line basis over the
lease term. Assets under capital leases are presented under "Fixed assets" in
the consolidated balance sheet.
Leases that do not transfer substantially all the benefits and risks incident to
ownership of the property are accounted for as operating leases.
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with definite useful lives are recorded at cost and are
amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. The amortization
method and estimate of the useful life of an intangible asset are reviewed
annually.
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Leasehold rights 20 to 40 years
Software 3 to 10 years
Improvements and development of retail network loyalty 5 to 20 years
Prescription files 10 years
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
Intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as banners and private labels and
some agreements, are recorded at cost and are not subject to amortization.
Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually
or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset
might be impaired. When the impairment test indicates that carrying amount of
the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in
an amount equal to the excess.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net
assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or more often if
events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be impaired. The
impairment test first consists of a comparison of the fair value of the
reporting unit to which goodwill is assigned with its carrying amount. When the
carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the fair value of
the reporting unit's goodwill is compared with its carrying amount to measure
the amount of the impairment loss, if any. Any impairment loss is charged to
earnings in the period in which the loss is incurred. The Company uses the
indicated earnings method to determine the fair value of reporting units.
Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives, are assessed for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate that this carrying amount may not be recoverable by
comparing their carrying amount with their expected net undiscounted future cash
flows directly associated to its use and eventual disposal. The impairment loss,
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value,
if any, is charged to earnings.
Deferred financing costs
Financing costs related to long-term credit facilities are deferred and
amortized using the effective interest rate method over the term of the
corresponding loans. When long-term credit facilities are repaid, the
corresponding financing costs are charged to earnings. Deferred financing costs
are presented under "Intangible assets" in the consolidated balance sheet and
the related amortization under "Long-term interest" in the consolidated
statement of earnings.
Employee future benefits
The Company accounts for employee future benefit plan assets and obligations and
related costs of defined benefit pension plans and other retirement benefits and
other post-employment benefit plans under the following accounting policies:
o The accrued benefit obligations and the cost of pension and other
retirement benefits earned by participants are determined
from actuarial calculations according to the projected benefit method
prorated on services based on management's best estimate assumptions
relating to return on the plan assets, salary escalation, retirement
age of participants and estimated health-care costs.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
o For the purpose of calculating the estimated rate of return on the plan
assets, assets are assessed at fair value.
o Pension obligations are discounted based on current market interest
rates.
o Actuarial gains or losses arise from the difference between the actual
long-term rate of return on plan assets for a period and the expected
long-term rate of return on plan assets for that period, or from changes
in actuarial assumptions used to determine the accrued
benefit obligations.
o The excess of the net actuarial gain or loss over 10% of accrued benefit
obligations, or over 10% of the fair value of the plan assets where such
amount is higher, is amortized over the average remaining service period
of active participants. The average remaining service period of active
participants covered by the pension plans is 14 years and the average
remaining service period of active participants covered by the other post
employment benefit plans is 15 years.
o Past service costs arising from plan amendments are deferred and
amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service
period of the active participants at the date of amendment.
The cost of defined contribution pension plans, which includes multi-employer
pension plans, is expensed as contributions are due.
Other financial liabilities
Bank loans, accounts payable, credit facilities, notes, loans payable, and
obligations under capital leases are classified as "Other Financial
Liabilities". After their initial fair value measurement, they are measured at
amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. For the Company, the
measured amount generally corresponds to cost.
Sales recognition
Retail sales made by corporate stores and stores for which the Company is the
primary beneficiary are recognized at the time of sale to the customer and, for
affiliated stores and other customers, when the goods are delivered. The rebates
granted by the Company to its retailers are recorded as a reduction in sales.
Recognition of considerations received from a vendor
Certain cash considerations received from a vendor are to be considered as an
adjustment of the prices of the vendor's products and are therefore
characterized as a reduction of cost of sales and related inventories when
recognized in the consolidated statements of earnings and consolidated balance
sheets. Certain exceptions apply if the consideration is a payment for assets or
services delivered to the vendor or for reimbursement of selling costs incurred
to promote the vendor's products. These other considerations received from a
vendor are accounted for, according to their nature, under sales or as a
reduction of cost of sales and operating expenses.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
Foreign currency translation
Monetary items on the balance sheet are translated at the exchange rate in
effect at year-end, while non-monetary items are translated at the historical
exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange in
effect on the transaction date or at the average exchange rate for the period.
Gains or losses resulting from the translation are included in current period
earnings.
Income taxes
The Company follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under
this method, future income tax assets and liabilities are accounted for based on
estimated taxes recoverable or payable that would result from the recovery or
settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. Future tax assets
and liabilities are measured using substantively enacted tax rates expected to
be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Changes in
these amounts are included in current period earnings.
Stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments
The Company recognizes stock-based compensation expense and other stock-based
payments in earnings based on the fair value method for stock options granted
since September 29, 2002. The Black & Scholes model is used to determine the
fair value on the award date of stock options. Compensation expense is
recognized over the expected term of the award.
Performance share unit plan
The Company establishes the value of the compensation related to the performance
share unit plan based on the market value of the Company's Class A Subordinate
Shares at grant date. The compensation expense is recognized over the vesting
period. The impact of changes in the number of performance share units resulting
is recorded in the period where the estimate is revised. The grant qualifies as
an equity instrument.
Earnings per share
Net earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of
Class A Subordinate Shares and Class B Shares outstanding during the year. Fully
diluted net earnings per share are calculated using the treasury stock method
and take into account all the elements that have a dilutive effect.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
Financial instruments
In accordance with its risk management strategy, the Company uses derivative
financial instruments. Designation as a hedge is only allowed if, both at the
inception of the hedge and throughout the hedge period, the changes in the fair
value or cash flows of the derivative financial instrument are expected to
offset the changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item
attributable to the hedged risks. The Company does not enter into derivative
financial instruments for speculative purposes.
The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and
hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategy for
undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes linking all
derivatives to forecasted foreign currency cash flows or to specific assets and
liabilities. The Company also formally documents and assesses, both at the
hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative financial
instruments that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in
offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.
The derivative financial instruments used by the Company primarily consist of
interest rate swaps that enable the Company to substitute the variable rate
interest payments with fixed rate interest payments. The Company has decided to
apply hedge accounting to its interest rate swaps and treat them as cash flow
hedges. These derivatives are marked-to-market at each period end and resulting
gains/losses are recognized in comprehensive income to the extent the hedging
relationship is effective.
Fiscal year
The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of September. The fiscal
years ended September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006 include 52 and 53 weeks of
operations, respectively.
3. NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Adopted in 2007
Comprehensive Income, Financial Instruments and Hedges
In the first quarter of 2007, the Company adopted the following new accounting
standards issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA):
Section 1530 "Comprehensive Income", introduces a new financial statement which
shows the change in equity of an enterprise from transactions and other events
and circumstances from non-owner sources.
Section 3855 "Financial Instruments -- Recognition and Measurement", establishes
standards for recognizing and measuring financial instruments, namely financial
assets, financial liabilities and derivatives.
The new standard lays out how financial instruments are to be recognized
depending on their classification. Depending on financial instruments'
classification, changes in subsequent measurements are recognized in net income
or comprehensive income.
The Company has implemented the following classification:
o Cash and cash equivalents are classified as "Financial Assets Held for
Trading". These financial assets are marked-to-market through net income
at each period end.
o Accounts receivable and loans to certain customers are classified as
"Loans and Receivables". After their initial fair value measurement, they
are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method.
For the Company, the measured amount generally corresponds to cost.
o Investments in companies are classified as "Available-for-sale
Securities". These financial assets are marked-to-market through
comprehensive income at each period end.
o Bank loans, accounts payable, credit facilities, notes, loans payable, and
obligations under capital leases are classified as "Other Financial
Liabilities". After their initial fair value measurement, they are
measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate method. For
the Company, the measured amount generally corresponds to cost.
Section 3865 "Hedges", whose application is optional, establishes how hedge
accounting may be applied. The Company, in keeping with its risk management
strategy, has decided to apply hedge accounting to its interest rate swaps and
treat them as cash flow hedges. These derivatives are marked-to-market at each
period end and resulting gains/losses are recognized in comprehensive income to
the extent the hedging relationship is effective.
3. NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
These new standards have to be applied without restatement of prior period
amounts. Upon initial application all adjustments to the carrying amount of
financial assets and liabilities shall be recognized as an adjustment to the
opening balance of retained earnings or accumulated other comprehensive income,
depending on the classification of existing assets or liabilities. The Company
has recognized a $0.4 adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated other
comprehensive income with respect to the interest rate swaps designated as cash
flow hedges. No adjustment has been recognized to the opening balance of
retained earnings.
Adopted in 2006
Accounting by a Vendor for Consideration Given to a Customer
(Including a Reseller of the Vendor's Products)
The Company adopted, in the third quarter of fiscal 2006, EIC-156 "Accounting by
a Vendor for Consideration Given to a Customer (including a Reseller of the
Vendor's Products)". Under this new standard, the rebates granted by the Company
to its retailers have to be reclassified as a reduction in sales rather than as
cost of sales. The new standard was applied retroactively with restatement of
prior interim financial statements.
Disclosures by Entities Subject to Rate Regulation
At the end of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted accounting guideline AcG-19
"Disclosures by Entities Subject to Rate Regulation". This new guideline
requires that entities which provide products subject to rate regulation present
additional information explaining the nature of the rate regulation, its
economic impact and its effect on the financial statements.
Recently issued
Capital and Financial Instruments
In December 2006, the CICA issued three new Handbook sections regarding capital
and financial instruments, i.e. Sections 1535, 3862 and 3863, which are
effective for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years
beginning on, or after October 1, 2007. The Company intends to apply these new
standards in the first quarter ending December 22, 2007, and does not foresee
that these new sections will have a material effect on its results, financial
position and cash flows.
Section 1535 "Capital Disclosures" establishes standards for disclosing
information about an entity's capital and how it is managed. These standards
require an entity to disclose the following:
o its objectives, policies and processes for managing capital;
o summary quantitative data about what it manages as capital;
o whether during the period it complied with any externally
imposed capital requirements to which it is subject;
3. NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont'd]
o when the entity has not complied with such requirements, the consequences of
such non-compliance.
Section 3862 "Financial Instruments - Disclosures" modifies the disclosure
requirements for financial instruments that were included in Section 3861
"Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation". The new standards require
entities to provide disclosures in their financial statements that enable users
to evaluate:
o the significance of financial instruments for the entity's financial
position and performance;
o the nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments to which
the entity is exposed during the period and at the balance sheet date, and
how the entity manages those risks.
Section 3863 "Financial Instruments - Presentation" carries forward unchanged
the presentation requirements of the old Section 3861 "Financial Instruments -
Disclosure and Presentation".
Inventories
In March 2007, the CICA issued the new Section 3031 "Inventories" which will
replace Section 3030 "Inventories". The new Section prescribes measurement of
inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable value. It provides guidance
on the determination of cost, allows the use of the retail method, prohibits use
in the future of the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, and requires reversal of
previous write-downs when there is a subsequent increase in the value of
inventories. It also requires greater disclosure regarding inventories and the
cost of sales. The new standard will be effective for interim and annual
financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2008. The Company is currently evaluating their effect on its results, financial
position and cash flows as well as the possibility of early application.
4. INTEGRATION AND RATIONALIZATION COSTS
Following the acquisition of A&P Canada, The Company developed a plan to
integrate and rationalize its operations. This initial three-part plan dealt
with the store network, the integration of overall operations, and the
implementation of information systems at A&P Canada.
The integration and rationalization plan's initial anticipated cost was $55 over
two years. With $28 incurred in fiscal 2006, it was revised in the third quarter
of 2007 to allow for a fuller integration of Loeb Canada's operations into A&P
Canada's. Costs of $30.5 were recorded in fiscal 2007, some of which were for
the Loeb integration's completion in the next fiscal year. Total costs recorded
over the two years following the acquisition of A&P Canada were $58.5.
Plan`s costs stemming from A&P Canada operations are included in the purchase
price allocation and costs stemming from the acquiring entity's operations are
recorded in the statement of earnings at the time they are incurred and are
described as follows:
By Nature of Project
2007 2006 Total
$ $ $
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------ -----------------------
Stores 8.4 11.9 20.3
Integration of operations 10.6 13.9 24.5
Implementation of information systems 11.5 2.2 13.7
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------ -----------------------
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------ -----------------------
30.5 28.0 58.5
- -------------------------------------------- ---------------------- ------------------ -----------------------
By Nature of Costs
Beginning Incurred Paid Ending Incurred in Incurred Total
liability in 2007 liability 2006
$ $ $ $ $ $
Retention bonuses,
termination benefits and
others 2.1 10.3 7.0 5.4 18.1 28.4
Training and IT
implementation -- 11.5 10.2 1.3 2.2 13.7
Vacant premises 1.5 2.1 1.3 2.3 2.4 4.5
- ----------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------
3.6 23.9 18.5 9.0 22.7 46.6
Assets write-off 6.6 5.3 11.9
- ----------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------
- ----------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------
30.5 28.0 58.5
- ----------------------------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ------------ -------------- ------------
5. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
2007 2006
$ $
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Fixed assets 134.3 148.0
Intangible assets 31.4 29.9
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165.7 177.9
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6. INCOME TAXES
The main components of the provision for income taxes were as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
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Payable 111.2 111.6
Future 14.0 (4.6)
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125.2 107.0
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The effective income tax rates were as follows:
2007 2006
% %
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Combined statutory income tax rate 32.3 31.8
Changes
Impact of federal tax rate decrease of 0.5%[3.12%
in 2006] on future taxes [$1.8 in 2007 and (0.5) (3.0)
$10.8 in 2006]
Impact of Quebec tax rate increase of 3% on
future taxes [$5.3 in 2006] -- 1.5
Share of earnings of a public company subject to
significant influence (0.9) (0.8)
Gain on disposal of investment -- (0.4)
Other 0.5 0.3
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31.4 29.4
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6. INCOME TAXES [Cont'd]
Future taxes reflect the net tax impact of timing differences between the value
of assets and liabilities for accounting and tax purposes. The main components
of the Company's future tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future tax assets
Accrued expenses, provisions and other reserves that are
tax-deductible only at the time of disbursement 19.1 23.8
Deferred tax losses 21.6 10.1
Excess of tax value over net book value of assets under
capital leases 11.6 11.0
Employee future benefits 19.2 20.4
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
71.5 65.3
Current portion 26.1 16.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term future tax assets 45.4 48.6
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Future tax liabilities
Accumulated equity earnings from a public company subject
to significant influence (18.9) (14.7)
Employee future benefits (11.6) (10.7)
Interest rate swaps (0.6) --
Excess of net book value over tax value
Fixed assets (39.0) (29.0)
Intangible assets (97.9) (94.3)
Goodwill (16.4) (14.9)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term future tax liabilities (184.4) (163.6)
Long-term future tax assets 45.4 48.6
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term future tax liabilities, net (139.0) (115.0)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic net earnings per share and fully diluted net earnings per share were
calculated based on the following number of shares:
2007 2006
millions
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Basic 115.0 114.6
Dilutive effect under stock option plan and performance share units 1.6 1.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - Diluted 116.6 115.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8. INVESTMENTS AND OTHER ASSETS
2007 2006
$ $
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment at equity in a public company including share of earnings
until July 22, 2007 [July 23, 2006] [quoted market value: as at
September 29, 2007 - $423.2; as at September 30, 2006 - $498.2] 133.1 110.3
Investments in companies 0.1 0.1
Interest rate swaps 1.8 --
Loans to certain customers bearing interest at floating rates,
repayable in monthly instalments, maturing through 2013 9.2 8.6
Assets held for sale 8.8 5.8
Other assets 7.4 --
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
160.4 124.8
Current portion included in receivables 9.4 6.9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
151.0 117.9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
During fiscal 2006, the Company sold its interest in a company accounted for
under the cost method, for an amount of $12.8 realizing a pre-tax gain on
disposal of $10.5.
9. FIXED ASSETS
2007 2006
-------------------------------- --------------------------------
Accumulated Net book Accumulated Net book
Cost depreciation value Cost depreciation Value
$ $ $ $ $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Land 166.6 -- 166.6 158.9 -- 158.9
Buildings 365.1 83.2 281.9 336.4 81.9 254.5
Equipment 821.8 389.7 432.1 731.4 300.6 430.8
Leasehold improvements 414.3 118.2 296.1 348.6 92.8 255.8
Assets under capital leases 35.7 9.6 26.1 35.7 5.8 29.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,803.5 600.7 1,202.8 1,611.0 481.1 1,129.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net acquisitions under capital leases and other acquisitions of assets excluded
from the consolidated statement of cash flows was nil in 2007 [2006 - $0.2].
10. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
2007 2006
------------------------------ --------------------------------
Accumulated Net book Accumulated Net book
Cost amortization value Cost amortization Value
$ $ $ $ $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intangible assets with
definite lives
Leasehold rights 75.3 28.1 47.2 75.8 25.8 50.0
Software 132.5 63.3 69.2 106.7 52.0 54.7
Improvements and
development of retail
network loyalty 194.7 93.9 100.8 188.8 89.4 99.4
Prescription files 7.4 1.1 6.3 7.4 0.4 7.0
Deferred financing costs 15.7 5.6 10.1 15.7 3.6 12.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
425.6 192.0 233.6 394.4 171.2 223.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Intangible assets with
indefinite lives
Banners 53.3 -- 53.3 53.3 -- 53.3
Private labels and
agreements 55.2 -- 55.2 55.2 -- 55.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
108.5 -- 108.5 108.5 -- 108.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
534.1 192.0 342.1 502.9 171.2 331.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net acquisitions of intangible assets excluded from the consolidated statement
of cash flows amounted to $1.6 in 2007 [2006 - $1.5].
11. BANK LOANS
On August 8 2007, the Company renegotiated conditions of its banking credit
facilities relative to the $400 revolving line of credit which is unused and
Credit Facility A in the amount of $394.5 as described under note 12. The expiry
term for these credit facilities has been extended to August 2012 and the
relative interest rates have been reduced. The line of credit bears interest at
rates with changes in bankers' acceptance rates and is not secured. As at
September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, the line of credit was unused. The
consolidated VIEs have demand revolving credit facilities totalling $6.3 [$6.1
in 2006] bearing interest at prime, unsecured and expiring on various dates up
to 2008. As at September 29, 2007, $0.1 [$0.3 as at September 30, 2006] of the
demand revolving credit facilities had been drawn at a rate of 6.25 % [6 % as at
September 30, 2006].
12. LONG-TERM DEBT
The Credit A Facility bears interest at rates which fluctuate with changes in
bankers' acceptance rates and is unsecured.
2007 2006
$ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Facility A, at a rate of 5.14% [2006 - 4.45%] 394.5 469.3
repayable on August 15, 2012 or earlier
Series A notes bearing interest at a nominal rate of
4.98%, maturing on October 15, 2015 and
retractable by the issuer at any time prior to 200.0 200.0
maturity.
Series B notes bearing interest at a nominal rate of 5.97%, maturing on October
15, 2035 and retractable by the issuer at any time prior to maturity. 400.0 400.0
Loans, maturing on various dates through 2011,
bearing interest at a rate of 5.7% [2006 - 5.6%] 10.7 10.4
Obligations under capital leases, bearing interest at
an effective rate of 10.2% [2006 - 10.9%] 38.8 44.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,044.0 1,123.9
Current portion 5.1 7.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,038.9 1,116.6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12. LONG-TERM DEBT [Cont'd]
Minimum payments required on long-term debt over the next fiscal years were as
follows:
Loans Medium-term Obligations under Total
notes capital leases
$ $ $
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2008 1.4 -- 7.7 9.1
2009 1.2 -- 7.2 8.4
2010 0.9 -- 6.5 7.4
2011 0.4 -- 5.2 5.6
2012 394.7 -- 5.2 399.9
2013 and thereafter 6.6 600.0 34.7 641.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
405.2 600.0 66.5 1,071.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The minimum payments in respect of the obligations under capital leases included
interest amounting to $27.7 on these obligations [2006 - $32.4].
13. OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
2007 2006
$ $
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lease liabilities 27.5 27.2
Integration and rationalization plan-related liabilities 1.8 17.0
Other liabilities 4.4 --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
33.7 44.2
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. CAPITAL STOCK
Authorized
Unlimited number of First Preferred Shares, non-voting, without par value,
issuable in series.
Unlimited number of Class A Subordinate Shares, bearing one voting right per
share, participating, convertible into Class B Shares in the event of a takeover
bid involving Class B Shares, without par value.
Unlimited number of Class B Shares, bearing 16 voting rights per share,
participating, convertible in the event of disqualification into an equal number
of Class A Subordinate Shares on the basis of one Class A Subordinate Share for
each Class B Share held, without par value.
Outstanding
Class A Class B
Subordinate Shares Shares Total
------------------- -----------------
Number $ Number $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Thousands] [Thousands]
Balance as at September 24, 2005 113,504 701.9 923 1.9 703.8
Shares issued for cash 377 5.4 -- -- 5.4
Acquisition of treasury shares
excluding premium of $1.7 (72) (0.4) -- -- (0.4)
Transfer from contributed surplus -
options exercised -- 0.2 -- -- 0.2
Conversion of Class B Shares into
Class A Subordinate Shares 43 0.2 (43) (0.2) --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 30, 2006 113,852 707.3 880 1.7 709.0
Shares issued for cash 659 11.1 -- -- 11.1
Shares redeemed for cash, excluding
premium of $23.7 (822) (5.2) -- -- (5.2)
Acquisition of treasury shares
excluding premium of $2.7 (82) (0.5) -- -- (0.5)
Transfer from contributed surplus -
options exercised -- 0.4 -- -- 0.4
Conversion of Class B Shares into
Class A Subordinate Shares 76 0.1 (76) (0.1) --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 29, 2007 113,683 713.2 804 1.6 714.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. CAPITAL STOCK [Cont'd]
Stock option plan
The Company has a stock option plan for certain employees with options to
purchase up to 10,000,000 Class A Subordinate Shares. The subscription price of
each Class A Subordinate Share issuable upon exercise of options under the plan
is equal to the market price of the shares on the day prior to the day the
option was granted and must be paid in full at the time the option is exercised.
While the Board of Directors determines other terms and conditions for the
exercise of options, options may not extend beyond a five-year period from the
date the option may initially be exercised, in whole or in part, and the total
period may never exceed ten years from the date the option was granted. Options
may generally be exercised two years after they were granted and vest at the
rate of 20% per year.
The options outstanding and the changes during the year were summarized as
follows:
Weighted average
Number exercise price
[Thousands] [Dollars]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 24, 2005 4,374 19.72
Granted 265 30.41
Exercised (373) 14.09
Cancelled (33) 23.56
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 30, 2006 4,233 20.85
Granted 200 37.55
Exercised (658) 16.79
Cancelled (37) 26.76
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 29, 2007 3,738 22.40
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The table below summarizes information regarding the stock options outstanding
and exercisable as at September 29, 2007:
Options outstanding Exercisable options
----------------------------- -------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
average average average
Range of remaining exercise exercise
exercise prices Number period price Number price
[Dollars] [Thousands] [Months] [Dollars] [Thousands] [Dollars]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11.80 to 17.23 455 15.3 14.07 372 13.37
18.43 to 27.25 2,847 26.1 22.01 2,240 21.43
29.74 to 39.17 436 73.0 33.65 -- --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3,738 30.3 22.40 2,612 20.28
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14. CAPITAL STOCK [Cont'd]
The weighted average fair value of $10.49 [2006 - $9.65] for stock options
granted during the year was established at the time of grant using the Black &
Scholes model and based on the following weighted average assumptions: risk-free
interest rate of 4.3% [2006 - 4.2%], expected six-year term [2006 - six-year
term], anticipated volatility of 25.1% [2006 - 30%] and an anticipated 1.5%
dividend yield [2006 - 1.5%]. Compensation expense for these options amounted to
$2.1 for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 [$1.3 for fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006].
Performance Share Unit Plan
The Company has a performance share unit (PSU) plan. Under this program, senior
executives and other key employees (participants) periodically receive a given
number of PSUs which may increase if the Company meets certain financial
performance indicators. The PSUs entitle the participant to Class A Subordinate
Shares of the Company, or at the latter's discretion, the cash equivalent. PSUs
vest over a period of three years.
PSU outstanding and changes during the year were summarized as follow :
Number
[Units]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 24, 2005 --
Granted for the current period (may reach 80,087) 50,032
Cancelled (1,584)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 30, 2006 48,448
Granted following the achievement of performance indicators related 29,270
to previous fiscal year
Granted for the current period (may reach 82,176) 51,941
Cancelled (5,840)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance as at September 29, 2007 123,819
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Company instructed a trustee to purchase Class A Subordinate Shares of the
Company on the stock market. During fiscal 2007, the trustee purchased 82,000
Class A Subordinate Shares of the Company for a consideration of $3.2. A total
of 154,000 shares were held in trust for participants until the PSUs shall have
vested or been cancelled. The trust, considered a variable interest entity, is
consolidated in the Company's financial statements with the value of the
acquired shares presented as treasury shares reducing capital stock
A compensation expense of $1.4 was recorded during fiscal 2007 under this PSU
plan [2006 - 0.4$].
15. CONTRIBUTED SURPLUS
2007 2006
$ $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - beginning of year 1.6 1.8
Stock-base compensation cost 3.5 1.7
Stock options exercised (0.4) (0.2)
Acquisition of treasury shares (2.7) (1.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of year 2.0 1.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
16. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Derivatives designated as cash flow hedges constitute the sole item in
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. The changes that occurred during the
year were as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Adjusted opening balance due to the new accounting policies
adopted regarding financial instruments (net of income
taxes of $0.2) [note 3] 0.4 --
Change in fair value of derivatives designated during the
period (net of income taxes of $0.4) 0.8 --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance - end of year 1.2 --
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The Company maintains defined benefit and defined contribution plans for
eligible employees, which provide to its beneficiaries pension, complementary
benefit to retirement and post-retirement benefits based on number of years of
service and for few plans base on average final pay. The benefit pension plans
are capitalized with the Company' contributions and other benefit plans are
funded by the beneficiaries. The Company also offers health care benefits, life
insurance and other benefits for employees and eligible retirees.
The Company's defined benefit and defined contribution plan expenses were as
follows as at September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006, measurement dates:
2007 2006
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans Other plans
$ $ $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined contribution plans 25.0 0.5 22.1 0.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined benefit plans
Current service cost and plan's
administration fees 23.7 1.4 23.1 1.0
Interest cost 28.3 2.0 25.6 2.0
Actual return on plan assets (57.4) -- (39.4) --
Actuarial (gain) loss (15.1) (3.2) 4.1 4.8
Plan amendments 7.4 (1.3) 0.2 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(13.1) (1.1) 13.6 7.8
Difference between established cost and reported cost for fiscal year with
respect to the following items:
Difference between established
return and actual return on plan 19.3 -- 4.7 --
assets
Actuarial gain (loss) 16.2 3.5 (2.9) (4.6)
Plan amendments (6.9) 1.0 0.1 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15.5 3.4 15.5 3.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
40.5 3.9 37.6 3.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS [Cont'd]
The information on defined benefit plans was as follows:
2007 2006
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans Other plans
$ $ $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit obligations
Balance at beginning of year 520.4 43.1 483.9 39.9
Business acquisition -- -- 2.1 --
Current service cost 23.2 1.4 22.6 1.0
Interest cost 28.3 2.0 25.6 2.0
Participant contributions 3.2 -- 3.1 --
Plan amendments 7.4 (1.3) 0.2 --
Benefits paid (24.7) (3.6) (21.2) (4.6)
Actuarial (gain) loss (15.1) (3.2) 4.1 4.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of year 542.7 38.4 520.4 43.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plan assets
Fair value at beginning of year 516.7 -- 461.6 --
Actual return on plan assets 57.4 -- 39.4 --
Employer contributions 21.4 3.6 34.3 4.6
Participant contributions 3.2 -- 3.1 --
Benefits paid (24.7) (3.6) (21.2) (4.6)
Plan's administration fees (0.5) -- (0.5) --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value at end of year 573.5 -- 516.7 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status - deficit 30.8 (38.4) (3.7) (43.1)
Unamortized past service costs 9.1 (1.1) 2.2 --
Unamortized net actuarial (gain) loss (23.5) 2.5 12.0 6.0
Valuation allowance on accrued
benefits assets (1.1) -- (1.0) --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit assets (obligations) 15.3 (37.0) 9.5 (37.1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit assets 33.2 -- 33.0 --
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit obligations (17.9) (37.0) (23.5) (37.1)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS [Cont'd]
The pension plans were allocated as follow:
2007 2006
--------------------------- ---------------------------
Accrued Fair value of Accrued Fair value of
benefit assets benefit assets
obligations obligations
$ $ $ $
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit obligations exceeding
fair value of assets 190.4 135.0 272.7 215.8
Fair value of assets exceeding
accrued benefit obligations 390.7 438.5 290.8 300.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Defined benefit plans other than retirement plans were not funded.
Total cash payments for employee future benefits, consisting of cash contributed
by the Company to its funded pension plans and cash payments directly to
beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans was $24.8 in 2007 (2006 -
$38.9).
The most recent actuarial valuations with respect to the capitalization of the
Company's pension plans were prepared on various dates ranging from July 2004 to
September 2006. The next valuations will be on various dates ranging from
November 2007 to June 2009.
The plan assets are held in trust and their weighted average distributions as of
the measurement dates, September 29, 2007, and September 30, 2006, were as
follows:
2007 2006
% %
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets classes
Stocks 62 61
Bonds 34 36
Other 4 3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS [Cont'd]
The principal actuarial assumptions used by the Company were as follows:
2007 2006
---------------------------- ---------------------------
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans Other plans
% % % %
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued benefit obligations
Discount rate 5.5 5.5 5.25 5.25
Compensation growth rate 3.75 3.75 3.5 3.5
Cost of benefits
Discount rate 5.25 5.25 5.25 5.25
Projected long-term return on plan
assets 7.5 -- 7.5 --
Compensation growth rate 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For valuation purposes, the annual hypothetical growth rate of covered health
care costs per participant was estimated at 9.5% in 2007 [2006 - 9.6%].
According to the assumptions retained, this rate should diminish gradually
before stabilizing at 4.9% in 2016. A one-percentage-point increase or decrease
in the hypothetical growth rate would have the following effects:
1% increase 1% decrease
$ $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect on the cost of recorded benefits 0.2 (0.2)
Effect on accrued benefit obligations 2.9 (2.4)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18. COMMITMENTS
Obligations under leases and service agreements
The Company has operating lease commitments, with varying terms through 2028, to
lease premises and equipment used for business purposes. The minimum payment
balance amounted to $1,242.4 as at September 29, 2007 [$1,212.8 as at September
30, 2006]. The minimum lease payments over the next fiscal years are as follows:
$144.2 in 2008; $140.3 in 2009; $127.0 in 2010, $113.8 in 2011; $104.1 in 2012
and $613.0 for 2013 and thereafter.
In addition, the Company has leases with varying terms through 2031, to lease
premises which it sublets to clients, generally under the same terms and
conditions. The minimum payment balance under these leases was $361.7 as at
September 29, 2007 [$318.0 as at September 30, 2006] and the average annual
payments for the next five years are $30.8.
The Company also has commitments under service contracts staggered over various
periods through 2012. The minimum payment balance amounted to $220.6 as at
September 29, 2007 [$239.8 as at September 30, 2006]. The minimum payments over
the next fiscal years are as follows: $82.7 in 2008; $80.3 in 2009; $42.7 in
2010; $14.8 in 2011 and $0.1 in 2012.
19. CONTINGENCIES
Endorsements
For certain of its customers with whom business relationships are established,
the Company assumes a contingent liability as guarantor of lease agreements with
varying terms through 2019 for which the average annual lease payments for the
next five years are $1.2. The maximum contingent liability under these
endorsements as at September 29, 2007 was $9.1. Also, the Company has endorsed
loans granted to certain customers by financial institutions, with varying terms
through 2015, for a maximum amount of $22.5. The balance of these loans as at
September 29, 2007 was $22.5. In return, the Company holds a movable hypothec on
the shares of the Company held by its customers, as well as second hypothecs on
the inventories, movable goods, intangible goods and accounts receivable. The
guarantees and hypothecs sufficiently cover the balance of these loans. No
liability has been recorded in respect of these endorsements for the years ended
September 29, 2007 and September 30, 2006.
19. CONTINGENCIES [Cont'd]
Claims
In January 2007, the Company was named in a suit brought by beneficiaries of a
multiemployer pension plan. They claim that plan assets were mismanaged and are
seeking, among others, damages of $1 billion from the trustees and the
employers. The Company is one of the 443 employers affected by the suit and did
not participate in managing the plan. The Company forcefully contests the suit's
merits and considers that it will have no future financial obligation relating
to this recourse. The Company has recently received notice from counsel for the
beneficiaries who brought this suit indicating that he has received instructions
from his clients to discontinue the action against the employers including the
Company.
In the normal course of business, various proceedings and claims are instituted
against the Company. The Company contests the validity of these claims and
proceedings and management believes that any forthcoming settlement in respect
of these claims will not have a material effect on the financial position or on
the consolidated earnings of the Company.
20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year, sales to companies controlled by members of the Board of
Directors totalled $23.7[2006 - $38.9] and no sales were done to an affiliated
company [2006 - $3.5]. These transactions were conducted in the normal course of
business and were accounted for at the exchange amount. As at September 29,
2007, accounts receivable included a balance of $0.7 [$0.7 as at September 30,
2006] resulting from these transactions.
As an integral part of the purchase for A&P Canada in 2005 an information system
service agreement was entered into with A&P US to provide information system
services to A&P Canada. The agreement covered a two-year period expiring on
August 12, 2007. The costs related to information system services, have been
established at approximately $20.0 per year, and totalled $14.8 for the year
ended September 29, 2007 [2006 - $22.4 ].
21. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO PRICE REGULATION
The Company sells certain products subject to price regulation:
Drugs
In Quebec, the Minister of Health and Social Services establishes, by
regulation, the list of drugs whose cost is covered by the basic prescription
drug insurance plan and regulates the selling price of such drugs. The list of
drugs is established pursuant to the Act respecting prescription drug insurance.
A profit margin, under the government-determined ceiling, may be added to the
set price pursuant to the Regulation respecting the conditions on which
manufacturers and wholesalers of medications shall be recognized.
21. PRODUCTS SUBJECT TO PRICE REGULATION [Cont'd]
In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care establishes, by
regulation, the list of drugs whose cost is covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit
Act and regulates the selling price of such drugs.
Milk
Milk prices are regulated by the Act respecting the marketing of agricultural,
food and fish products and the Reglement sur les prix du lait aux consommateurs.
The Regie des marches agricoles et alimentaires du Quebec sets milk prices by
determining the minimum and maximum prices based on the three regions covering
the territory of the Province of Quebec.
Beer
Beer prices are regulated by the Act respecting liquor permits and the
Regulation respecting promotion, advertising and educational programs relating
to alcoholic beverages. The Regie des alcools, des courses et des jeux du Quebec
sets beer prices based on the percentage of alcohol content.
Wine
Wine prices are regulated by the Act respecting the Societe des alcools du
Quebec and the Regulation respecting the terms of sale of alcoholic beverages by
holders of a grocery permit. The retail price of permitted alcoholic beverages
may not be less than the retail price set by the Societe des alcools du Quebec.
The product price lists mentioned above are periodically updated. Sales of
products subject to price regulation totalled $921.5 in 2007 [2006 - $873.3].
Sales accounting is the same whether the price is regulated or not.
22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed primarily to interest
rate fluctuation risks. The Company manages these risks through the use of
derivative financial instruments, that is, bond rate locks to lock in interest
rates and interest rate swaps. The Company's management is responsible for
determining acceptable levels of risk and uses the derivative financial
instruments solely to hedge its existing liabilities or obligations, and not to
generate a profit from trading transactions.
22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Cont'd]
Interest rate swaps were contracted in 2006 for a total notional amount of $150
of Credit Facility A. Those derivative financial instruments are used as hedges.
Unrealized fair market gains or losses are not recognized. These contracts
enable the Company to substitute the variable rate interest payments with fixed
rate interest payments under the following conditions:
- --------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------------------
Objective Fixed Rate Notional amount Maturity
% $
- --------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------------------
- --------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------------------
Fixing debt cost 3.9480 50 November 23, 2008
Fixing debt cost 3.9820 50 December 16, 2009
Fixing debt cost 4.0425 50 December 16, 2010
- --------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------------------
- --------------------------- ------------------ -------------------- --------------------------------
Fair value
The financial instruments' book and fair values were as follows:
As at September 29, 2007 As at September 30, 2006
------------------------- -----------------------------
Book value Fair value Book value Fair value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investments and other assets
Available-for-sale financial assets
Investments in companies 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Loans and receivables
Loans to certain customers 9.1 9.1 8.6 8.6
Derivatives designated as cash flow
hedges
Interest rate swaps 1.8 1.8 -- 0.6
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt
Other financial liabilities
Credit facility A 394.5 394.5 469.3 469.3
Series A notes 200.0 186.2 200.0 199.8
Series B notes 400.0 356.6 400.0 410.3
Loans 10.7 10.7 10.4 10.4
Obligations under capital leases 38.8 50.2 44.2 53.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,044.0 998.2 1,123.9 1,143.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS [Cont'd]
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank loans and
accounts payable approximates their carrying value because of the short-term
maturity of these instruments.
The fair value of investments in companies, public companies for the most part,
is evaluated based on stock market prices at the balance sheet date.
The fair value of loans to certain customers, credit facilities and loans
payable is equivalent to their carrying value since their interest rates are
comparable to market rates.
The fair value of the derivative financial instruments generally reflects the
estimates of the amounts the Company would receive by way of settlement of
favourable contracts or that it would pay to terminate unfavourable contracts at
the balance sheet date. These fair values are estimated using the current market
interest rate and compare with prices obtained from major financial
institutions.
The fair value of notes represents the obligations that the Company would have
to face in the event of the negotiation of similar notes under current market
conditions.
The fair value of the obligations under capital leases represents the
obligations that the Company would have to face in the event of the negotiation
of similar leases under current market conditions.
Credit risk
The Company sells its products to numerous customers in Canada. The Company
performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. As at September 29, 2007
and September 30, 2006, no customer accounted for over 10% of total accounts
receivable.
The Company is subject to risk related to the off-balance-sheet nature of
derivative financial instruments, whereby counterparty failure would result in
economic losses or favorable contracts. However, as the counterparties to these
derivative financial instruments are major financial institutions, the Company
expects that they will satisfy their obligations under the contracts.
23. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On November 29, 2007, the Company took advantage of an option to purchase shares
that had been granted by The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P US),
purchasing 1.5 million Class A Subordinate Shares sold by A&P US for a total
amount of $40.9. The shares purchased were cancelled and recorded as part of the
Company's share program.
24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with
Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (Canadian GAAP), which differ
in certain respects from accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States (US GAAP). The following tables and disclosures represent the principal
reconciling items between US GAAP and Canadian GAAP affecting the consolidated
statements of earnings and retained earnings and the consolidated balance sheet.
The reconciliation of net earnings in accordance with Canadian GAAP to conform
to US GAAP is as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
Notes [52 weeks] [53 weeks]
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings in accordance with Canadian GAAP 276.6 253.0
Leases, net of income taxes of $0.8 ($0.5 in 2006) 5 (1.7) (1.3)
Post employment benefits, net of income taxes of $1.5 4
(($1.1) in 2006) 3.3 (2.5)
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1.6 (3.8)
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings in accordance with US GAAP 278.2 249.2
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The reconciliation of retained earnings in accordance with Canadian GAAP to conform to US GAAP is as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
Notes [52 weeks] [53 weeks]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings at beginning of year in accordance with
Canadian GAAP 1,013.2 807.7
Leases, net of income taxes of $0.9 ($0.4 in 2006) 5 (2.2) (0.9)
Post employment benefits, net of income taxes of $4.5
($3.4 in 2006) 4 (10.1) (7.6)
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Retained earnings at beginning of year in accordance with US
GAAP 1,000.9 799.2
Net earnings in accordance with US GAAP 278.2 249.2
Dividends (51.8) (47.5)
Share redemption premium (23.7) --
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Retained earnings at the end of year in accordance with US GAAP
1,203.6 1,000.9
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24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP [Cont'd]
The comprehensive income under US GAAP is as follows:
2007 2006
$ $
Notes [52 weeks] [53 weeks]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings in accordance with US GAAP 278.2 249.2
Other comprehensive income
Derivative financial instruments, net of income taxes of
$0.4 ($0.2 in 2006) 1 and 2 0.8 2.2
Minimum pension liability, net of income taxes of $0.2.5 3 5.6 --
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income in accordance with US GAAP 284.6 251.4
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The reconciliation of cash flows under Canadian GAAP to conform to US GAAP is as
follows:
2007 2006
$ $
Notes [52 weeks] [53 weeks]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Operating activities under Canadian GAAP 363.3 392.0
Net earnings 1.6 (3.8)
Depreciation and amortization 2.9 2.4
Future income taxes 0.7 (6.0)
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Operating activities under US GAAP 368.5 384.6
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Investing activities under Canadian GAAP (258.9) (181.9)
Acquisition of fixed assets (14.1) (24.0)
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Investing activities under US GAAP (273.0) (205.9)
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Financing activities under Canadian GAAP (169.6) (138.2)
Increase of other long-term liabilities 14.1 24.0
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Financing activities under US GAAP (155.5) (114.2)
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24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP [Cont'd]
2007 2006
$ $
[52 weeks] [53 weeks]
--------------------------------------------------
Notes Canadian US Canadian US
GAAP GAAP GAAP GAAP
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Sales 10,644.6 10,644.6 10,944.0 10,944.0
Cost of sales and operating expenses 2 and 3 10,013.9 9,989.7 10,327.8 10,315.3
Share of earnings in public company
subject to significant influence (25.3) (25.3) (22.3) (22.3)
Integration and rationalization costs 30.5 30.5 28.0 28.0
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Earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization 625.5 649.7 610.5 623.0
Depreciation and amortization 3 165.7 168.6 177.9 180.3
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income 459.8 481.1 432.6 442.7
Interest, net
Short term (2.7) (2.7) (1.9) (1.9)
Long term 3 64.3 83.3 70.6 86.1
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61.6 80.6 68.7 84.2
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before income taxes 398.2 400.5 363.9 358.5
Income taxes 2 and 3 125.2 125.9 107.0 105.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before minority interest 273.0 274.6 256.9 253.1
Minority interest (3.6) (3.6) 3.9 3.9
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings 276.6 278.2 253.0 249.2
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-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings per share
Basic 2.40 2.40 2.21 2.17
Fully diluted 2.37 2.37 2.18 2.15
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24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP [Cont'd]
2007 2006
$ $
Notes Canadian US Canadian US
GAAP GAAP GAAP GAAP
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents 100.5 100.5 165.7 165.7
Accounts receivable 327.8 327.8 302.1 302.1
Inventories 588.2 588.2 565.5 565.5
Prepaid expenses 12.1 12.1 11.3 11.3
Future income taxes 26.1 26.1 16.7 16.7
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,054.7 1,054.7 1,061.3 1,061.3
Investments and other assets 4 151.0 151.0 117.9 118.5
Fixed assets 3 1,202.8 1,312.8 1,129.9 1,228.5
Intangible assets 342.1 342.1 331.7 331.7
Goodwill 3 1,490.1 1,493.0 1,490.1 1,493.0
Accrued benefit assets 2 33.2 47.6 33.0 25.0
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4,273.9 4,401.2 4,163.9 4,258.0
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LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank loans 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3
Accounts payable 1,043.6 1,043.6 1,049.5 1,049.5
Income taxes payable 20.3 20.3 36.8 36.8
Current portion of long-term debt 5.1 5.1 7.3 7.3
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1,069.1 1,069.1 1,093.9 1,093.9
Long-term debt 1,038.9 1,038.9 1,116.6 1,116.6
Accrued benefit obligations 1 and 2 54.9 54.3 60.6 69.3
Future income taxes 1, 2, 3 139.0 140.4 115.0 107.7
and 4
Other long-term liabilities 3 33.7 153.8 44.2 150.2
Minority interest 6.0 6.0 9.8 9.8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,341.6 2,462.5 2,440.1 2,547.5
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' equity
Capital stock 714.8 714.8 709.0 709.0
Contributed surplus 2.0 2.0 1.6 1.6
Retained earnings 2 and 3 1,214.3 1,203.6 1,013.2 1,000.9
Accumulated other comprehensive income 1, 4 and 5 1.2 18.3 -- (1.0)
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1,932.3 1,938.7 1,723.8 1,710.5
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4,273.9 4,401.2 4,163.9 4,258.0
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24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP [Cont'd]
Reconciling items
1) Minimum pension liability
Under US GAAP, if the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the market value of
plan assets, a minimum pension liability for the excess is recognized to the
extent that the liability recorded in the balance sheet is less than the minimum
liability. Any portion of the additional liability that relates to unrecognized
past service costs is recognized as an intangible asset while the reminder is
charged to other comprehensive income. The concept of additional minimum
liability does not currently exist under Canadian GAAP.
2) Post employment benefits
Under US GAAP, SFAS 112 "Employer's Accounting for Post employment Benefits",
specifies that post-employment benefits, such as disability-related benefits,
that do not vest or accumulate are recognized immediately when the event that
gives rise to the benefits occurs because all the conditions to accrue a
liability have been rendered. Similarly, gains or losses are recognized in the
year of their occurrence. Under Canadian GAAP, Section 3461 allows the entity to
recognize gains or losses related to post-employment benefits either immediately
in the period in which they arise or over a period linked to the type of
benefit. Under Canadian GAAP, the Company recognizes post-employment benefits
gains or losses over a period linked to the type of benefit.
3) Lessee involvement in Asset Construction
Under US GAAP, the Emerging Issue task Force ("EITF") 97-10 "The effect of
lessee involvement in Asset Construction" establish criteria to use to determine
whether a company is deemed the owner of the construction projects during the
construction period. As a result, the Company is deemed the owner of certain of
its current lease during the construction period. Therefore, landlord
reimbursements are recorded as long-term real estate liability and the
construction costs included in fixed assets.
In all these situations, upon completion of the construction, the Company was
unable to meet the requirements under SFAS 98 "Accounting for Leases to qualify
for sale-leaseback". Therefore, the asset is amortized in accordance with the
Company's Accounting policy, and the real estate liability is amortized as
interest expense based on the effective interest method.
Under Canadian GAAP, rules related to lessee involvement in asset construction
does not currently exist and therefore these transactions are accounted as
operating leases, in accordance with Section 3065 "Leases".
As a result, the A&P Canada's purchase equation has to be modified to include
the impact of the revaluation of the fixed assets and long term real estate
liability.
24. RECONCILIATION OF CANADIAN GAAP TO UNITED STATES GAAP [Cont'd]
4) Interest rate swaps and forward contracts
The Company has outstanding interest rate swaps and forward contracts,
designated as cash flow hedges. Under US GAAP, the Company adopted the FASB
statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as amended by SFAS 138,
"Accounting for certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging Activities".
In accordance with these statements, the Company has recorded in its balance
sheets the fair value of interest rate swaps and forward contracts. Changes in
the fair value of these instruments are recorded in Other Comprehensive Income,
a separate component of shareholders' equity until the underlying transaction is
recorded in earnings since they qualify as cash flow hedges.
Under Canadian GAAP, until the adoption of sections 3855 and 3865, derivative
financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting were not recognized on
balance sheet. Canadian GAAP had been substantially harmonized with US GAAP, for
the Company, on October 1, 2006.
5) Comprehensive income
US GAAP requires disclosure of comprehensive income, which comprises income and
other component of comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes
items that cause changes in shareholders' equity but are not related to share
capital or net earnings. Under Canadian GAAP, the requirement to report
comprehensive income has started for the Company, on October 1, 2006, with the
adoption of Section 1530 "Comprehensive Income". Canadian GAAP had been
harmonized with US GAAP.
25. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform with the
presentation adopted in the current year.