- FOURTH QUARTER NET EARNINGS INCREASE 14.4% - FULL YEAR NET EARNINGS INCREASE 15.2%
TORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation (TSX: SC) today announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended January 3, 2009.
Fourth Quarter Results (13 Weeks Compared to 12 Weeks in Fiscal 2007)
Fourth quarter sales increased 15.1% to $2.497 billion, with the Company once again experiencing strong sales growth in all regions of the country. The Company's capital investment program, which resulted in an 11.6% increase in selling space compared to a year ago, together with the benefit of an additional week in fiscal 2008, drove this top-line growth. On a same-store (13 week) basis and excluding tobacco products, sales increased 3.6% during the fourth quarter of 2008.
Prescription sales increased 18.3% in the fourth quarter to $1.154 billion, accounting for 46.2% of the Company's sales mix compared to 45.0% in the same period last year. On a same-store (13 week) basis, prescription sales increased 5.0% during the fourth quarter of 2008, driven by strong growth in the number of prescriptions filled, while increased generic utilization continued to have a deflationary impact on sales growth in the category. In the fourth quarter of 2008, generic molecules represented 52.2% of prescriptions dispensed compared to 48.9% of units dispensed in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Front store sales increased 12.5% to $1.343 billion in the fourth quarter, with the Company continuing to experience sales and market share gains in all categories except tobacco, which is being phased out of its remaining stores in Western Canada that list these products. On a same-store (13 week) basis and excluding tobacco products, front store sales increased 2.4% during the fourth quarter of 2008. The incremental selling space stemming from the Company's store network growth and revitalization program, combined with effective merchandising and the continued maturation of the sales mix in these stores, drove continued growth in front store sales. Sales growth in the fourth quarter was also driven by stepped-up investments in promotional pricing in response to softer market conditions, inclement weather and increased promotional efforts on the part of other retailers.
Fourth quarter net earnings increased 14.4% to $173 million or 80 cents per share (diluted) from $151 million or 70 cents per share (diluted) a year ago. Top-line growth, an enhanced sales mix and the benefits from improved buying efficiencies, partially offset by higher operating costs and increased amortization, resulted in year-over-year growth in fourth quarter operating income and net earnings. Net earnings growth was also aided by a reduction in the Company's effective income tax rate, which was 30.5% in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to 32.7% in the same period last year. Operating expenses were higher due in large part to increased store-level expenses associated with the continued growth and expansion of the store network, primarily occupancy and labour, as well as due to additional costs incurred during the extra week in the period. Amortization expense was higher, also reflecting the continued growth of the Company's capital investment and store development program.
The Company's EBITDA margin (EBITDA divided by sales) was 12.63% in the fourth quarter of 2008, a 30 basis point decline when compared to the EBITDA margin of 12.93% posted in the fourth quarter of 2007. The EBITDA margin decline experienced in the fourth quarter of 2008 was primarily a function of the inclusion of an additional week in the quarter, one that is historically a labour intensive and low margin sales week and that includes an extra statutory holiday. This result is consistent with what the Company experienced in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 when the Company last reported on a 53 week fiscal year basis. The Company's full year (53 week) EBITDA margin was 11.54% in 2008, a 24 basis point improvement over the EBITDA margin of 11.30% posted in 2007.
Commenting on the results, Jurgen Schreiber, President and CEO stated: "We are pleased with our performance in the fourth quarter and are proud of our results and accomplishments in fiscal 2008. The strength of our business model, coupled with the dedication and commitment of our Associate-owners and their teams at store level, along with the efforts of our corporate and regional office employees, allowed us to continue to deliver sector-leading growth in these challenging times. On behalf of our shareholders and the Board of Directors, I would like to personally thank our employees, Associate-owners and their teams for their efforts in 2008."
Fiscal 2008 Results (53 Weeks Compared to 52 Weeks in Fiscal 2007)
Sales in 2008 were $9.423 billion compared to $8.478 billion in 2007, an increase of $945 million or 11.1%. During 2008, the Company continued to experience strong sales growth in all regions of the country, led by gains in Quebec. The Company's robust store development and network revitalization program continues to have a positive impact on sales growth. The additional week in fiscal 2008 also contributed to the year-over-year increase in sales. Sales growth was also aided by the Company's efforts to acquire drug stores and prescription files, and by the third quarter acquisition of the assets of the HealthAccess division of Calea Ltd. and 100% of the shares of Calea Ltd.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, Information Healthcare Marketing Corp., which now operate as Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc. Sales growth in 2008 also benefited from the inclusion of a full year's results from the assets of Centre d'Escomptes Racine, a seven store pharmacy chain in the Quebec City region that was acquired in the third quarter of the prior year. On a same-store (53 week) basis and excluding tobacco products, sales increased 4.8% in 2008.
Prescription sales were $4.486 billion in 2008 compared to $3.989 billion in 2007, an increase of $497 million or 12.5%. In 2008, prescription sales accounted for 47.6% of the Company's sales mix compared to 47.0% in the prior year. On a same-store (53 week) basis, prescription sales increased 5.4% during the year. Consistent with the prior year, pharmacy sales growth was driven by strong growth in the number of prescriptions filled, while greater generic utilization continued to have a deflationary impact on sales growth in the category. In 2008, generic molecules represented 51.2% of prescriptions dispensed compared to 47.8% of units dispensed in the prior year, an increase of 7.1%.
Front store sales were $4.937 billion in 2008 compared to $4.489 billion in 2007, an increase of $448 million or 10.0%. On a same-store (53 week) basis and excluding tobacco products, front store sales increased 4.3% in 2008. Square footage growth, combined with effective merchandising and the continued maturation of the sales mix in newer stores, drove front store sales growth and market share gains in 2008. Additionally, the Company stepped up its promotional activities, particularly in the latter part of the year in the context of weaker economic conditions and in response to competition, in order to drive continued top-line growth in its front store categories.
Net earnings were $565 million in 2008 compared to $490 million in 2007, an increase of $75 million or 15.2%. On a diluted basis, earnings per share were $2.60 in 2008 compared to $2.26 in 2007. Top-line growth, an enhanced sales mix and improved purchasing synergies, partially offset by higher operating costs and increased amortization tied to the Company's strategic growth and store network expansion initiatives, resulted in a year-over-year increase in operating income of 12.2%. Net earnings growth in 2008 also benefited from a decline in the Company's effective income tax rate to 30.9% from 33.1% in 2007, a decrease that can be attributed to a reduction in statutory rates, which was partially offset by higher interest expense.
Store Network Development
During the fourth quarter of 2008, 28 drug stores were opened or acquired, seven of which were relocations, and four smaller drug stores were closed. In the fourth quarter of 2008, the Company also launched Murale, an innovative stand-alone luxury beauty concept, with the opening of two stores. For the fiscal year ended January 3, 2009, the Company opened or acquired 142 drug stores, 37 of which were relocations, and closed 13 smaller stores. The Company also opened two home health care stores in 2008. At year-end, there were 1,217 stores in the system, comprised of 1,149 drug stores (1,119 Shoppers Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores and 30 Shoppers Simply Pharmacy/Pharmaprix Simplement Sante stores), 66 Shoppers Home Health Care stores and two Murale stores. During 2008, the selling square footage of the retail store network increased by 11.6%, to 10.9 million square feet at year end.
Dividend and Dividend Policy
The Company also announced today that its Board of Directors has declared a dividend of 21.5 cents per common share, payable April 15, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 2009. This represents an annualized dividend payment of 86 cents per common share, unchanged from the prior year, and equates to a dividend payout ratio, expressed as a percentage of fiscal 2008 net earnings, of 33%.
Subject to financial results, capital requirements, available cash flow and any other factors that the Board of Directors may consider relevant, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to declare a comparable quarterly dividend on an ongoing basis. It is expected that future dividend payments will be made to shareholders of record as of the close of business on the last business day of each calendar quarter and that the related payment date will be the fifteenth day of the month following the record date, or if such day is not a business day, the immediately preceding business day.
Fiscal 2009 Outlook (52 Weeks Ending January 2, 2010 Compared to 53 Weeks in Fiscal 2008)
The Company expects total sales to increase by between 5.5% and 7.0% in 2009, which is against sales for 53 weeks in the prior year. This equates to sales growth of approximately 7.5% to 9.0% on an equivalent 52 weeks over 52 weeks basis. This expectation is underpinned by anticipated same-store sales growth of between 5.0% and 6.0% in pharmacy, while in the front of the store, the Company expects same-store sales growth to be more in-line with fourth quarter 2008 results of 2.4%, plus or minus one percent. In pharmacy, it is expected that prescription sales growth will continue to be driven by solid growth in prescription counts, with drug price inflation not being a significant factor, as generic prescription utilization rates continue to rise, albeit at a somewhat slower rate in 2009, before accelerating again in 2010. In the front of the store, it is the Company's expectation that the softer market conditions experienced in the latter part of 2008 will prevail throughout 2009, limiting the rate of sales growth in its front store categories. It is further expected that in 2009, comparable front store sales growth will be higher in the second quarter than in the first quarter, reflecting the shift of the Easter season to the second quarter this year from the first quarter in 2008.
In fiscal 2009, the Company plans to allocate approximately $575 million to capital expenditures, with approximately 75% of this amount being invested in the store network, including acquisitions of drug stores, prescription files and land. This should result in an increase in retail selling square footage of approximately 10%. This will be accomplished through the addition of between 120 and 130 new drug stores, 35 to 40 of which will be relocations, and through the completion of up to 15 major drug store expansions.
2008 Annual Report
The Company's audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2009 will be available on or before April 3, 2009. Management's Discussion and Analysis for the year ended January 3, 2009, including further discussion and analysis of fourth quarter events or items that affected results of operations, financial position and cash flows, will also be available on or before April 3, 2009. Both documents will be contained in the Company's 2008 Annual Report and will available in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.shoppersdrugmart.ca, or on the Canadian Securities Administrators' website at www.sedar.com.
Other Information
The Company will hold an analyst call at 3:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) today to discuss its fourth quarter results and its outlook for fiscal 2009. The call may be accessed by dialing 416-641-6114 from within the Toronto area, or 1-866-696-5895 outside of Toronto. The call will also be simulcast on the Company's website for all interested parties. The webcast can be accessed via the Investor Relations section of the Shoppers Drug Mart website at www.shoppersdrugmart.ca. The conference call will be archived in the Investor Relations section of the Shoppers Drug Mart website until the Company's next analyst call. A playback of the call will also be available by telephone until 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on February 26, 2009. The call playback can be accessed after 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday, February 12, 2009 by dialing 416-695-5800 from within the Toronto area, or 1-800-408-3053 outside of Toronto. The seven-digit passcode number is 3280293.
About Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation
Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation is one of the most recognized and trusted names in Canadian retailing. The Company is the licensor of full-service retail drug stores operating under the name Shoppers Drug Mart (Pharmaprix in Quebec). With more than 1,119 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix stores operating in prime locations in each province and two territories, the Company is one of the most convenient retailers in Canada. The Company also licenses or owns more than 30 medical clinic pharmacies operating under the name Shoppers Simply Pharmacy (Pharmaprix Simplement Sante in Quebec) and two luxury beauty destinations operating as Murale. As well, the Company also owns and operates 66 Shoppers Home Health Care stores, making it the largest Canadian retailer of home health care products and services. In addition to its retail store network, the Company owns Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty Health Network Inc., a provider of specialty drug distribution, pharmacy and comprehensive patient support services, and MediSystem Technologies Inc., a provider of pharmaceutical products and services to long-term care facilities in Ontario and Alberta.
For more information, visit www.shoppersdrugmart.ca.
Forward-looking Information and Statements
This news release contains forward-looking information and statements which constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities law and which may be material, regarding, among other things, the Company's beliefs, plans, objectives, estimates, intentions and expectations, including as they relate to its operating and financial results, capital expenditures, dividend policy and the ability to execute on its operating, investing and financing strategies. Forward-looking information and statements are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "goal", "intend", "plan", "will", "may", "should", "could" and similar expressions. The forward-looking information and statements contained herein are based on certain assumptions by management, certain of which are set out in this news release.
Inherent in the forward-looking information and statements are known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors beyond the Company's ability to control or predict which give rise to the possibility that the Company's predictions, forecasts, expectations or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that its assumptions may not be correct and that the Company's plans, objectives and statements will not be achieved. Actual results or developments may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking information and statements. The material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information and statements contained herein include, without limitation: the risk of adverse changes to laws and regulations relating to prescription drugs and their sale, including pharmacy reimbursement and the availability of manufacturer allowances, or changes to such laws and regulations that increase compliance costs; the risk of adverse changes to existing pharmacy reimbursement programs and the availability of manufacturer allowance funding; the risk of adverse changes in economic and financial conditions in Canada and globally, the risk of increased competition from other retailers; the risk of an inability of the Company to manage growth and maintain its profitability; the risk of exposure to fluctuations in interest rates; the risk of material adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates; the risk of an inability to attract and retain pharmacists and key employees; the risk of an inability of the Company's information technology systems to support the requirements of the Company's business; the risk of changes to the estimated contributions of the Company in respect of its pension plans or post-employment benefit plans which may adversely impact the Company's financial performance; the risk of changes to the relationships of the Company with third-party service providers; the risk that the Company will not be able to lease or obtain suitable store locations on economically favourable terms; the risk of adverse changes to the Company's results of operations due to seasonal fluctuations; the risk that new, or changes to current, federal and provincial laws, rules and regulations, including environmental and privacy laws, rules and regulations, may adversely impact the Company's business and operations; the risk that violations of law, breaches of Company policies or unethical behaviour may adversely impact the Company's financial performance; property and casualty risks; the risk of injuries at the workplace or health issues; the risk that changes in tax law, or changes in the way that tax law is expected to be interpreted, may adversely impact the Company's business and operations; the risk that new, or changes to existing, accounting pronouncements may adversely impact the Company; the risks associated with the performance of the Associate-owned store network; and the risk of damage to the reputation of brands promoted by the Company, or to the reputation of any supplier or manufacturer of these brands.
This is not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information and statements. Investors and others should carefully consider these and other risk factors and not place undue reliance on the forward-looking information and statements. Further information regarding these and other risk factors is included in the Company's public filings with provincial securities regulatory authorities including, without limitation, the section entitled "Risks and Risk Management" in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis for the 52 week period ended December 29, 2007 and in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form for the same period. The forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release represent the Company's views only as of the date of this release. Forward-looking information and statements contained in this news release about prospective results of operations, financial position or cash flows that are based upon assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action are presented for the purpose of assisting the Company's shareholders in understanding management's current views regarding those future outcomes, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. While the Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause the Company's views to change, the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and statements, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws.
Additional information about the Company, including the Annual Information Form, can be found at www.sedar.com.
SHOPPERS DRUG MART CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Earnings (unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars except per share amounts)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Weeks 12 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
----------------------------------------------------
January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29,
2009 2007 2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 2,496,799 $ 2,168,822 $ 9,422,911 $ 8,478,382
Operating expenses
Cost of goods sold
and other operating
expenses (Note 2) 2,181,389 1,888,377 8,335,038 7,520,033
Amortization 50,477 41,323 205,371 172,075
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Operating income 264,933 239,122 882,502 786,274
Interest expense
(Note 4) 15,940 14,185 63,952 52,873
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Earnings before
income taxes 248,993 224,937 818,550 733,401
Income taxes (Note 2)
Current 64,809 72,286 254,159 249,834
Future 11,133 1,320 (821) (6,874)
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75,942 73,606 253,338 242,960
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Net earnings $ 173,051 $ 151,331 $ 565,212 $ 490,441
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Net earnings per
common share:
Basic $ 0.80 $ 0.70 $ 2.60 $ 2.27
Diluted $ 0.80 $ 0.70 $ 2.60 $ 2.26
Weighted average
common shares
outstanding
- Basic
(millions) 217.1 216.6 217.0 216.1
- Diluted
(millions) 217.4 217.4 217.5 217.2
Actual common shares
outstanding
(millions) 217.3 216.8 217.3 216.8
SHOPPERS DRUG MART CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
(unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended
-------------------------
January 3, December 29,
2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings, beginning of period
as reported $ 1,580,888 $ 1,225,682
Impact of the adoption of new
accounting standard, Handbook Section 3031,
Inventories (Note 2) (21,337) (18,150)
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Retained earnings, beginning of period
as restated 1,559,551 1,207,532
Net earnings 565,212 490,441
Dividends (186,679) (138,398)
Premium on share capital purchased
for cancellation (61) (24)
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Retained earnings, end of period $ 1,938,023 1,559,551
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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and Accumulated
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Weeks 12 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
---------------------------------------------------
January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29,
2009 2007 2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 173,051 $ 151,331 $ 565,212 $ 490,441
Other comprehensive
(loss) income,
net of tax
Change in unrealized
gain/loss on
interest rate
derivatives
(net of tax of $634
and $1,605 (2007 -
$727 and $65),
respectively) (1,176) (1,476) (3,148) 24
Change in unrealized
gain/loss on equity
forward derivatives
(net of tax of
$93 and $167 (2007 -
$54 and $12),
respectively) (186) (108) (337) (23)
Amount of previously
unrealized gain/loss
recognized in earnings
during the period
(net of tax of
$143 and $145
(2007 - $23 and $82),
respectively) (200) (47) (204) (160)
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Other comprehensive
(loss) income (1,562) (1,631) (3,689) (159)
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Comprehensive income $ 171,489 $ 149,700 $ 561,523 $ 490,282
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Accumulated other
comprehensive income,
beginning of period $ 247 $ 406
Other comprehensive
(loss) income (3,689) (159)
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Accumulated other
comprehensive
(loss) income,
end of period $ (3,442) $ 247
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SHOPPERS DRUG MART CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 3, December 29,
2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assets
Current
Cash $ 36,567 $ 27,588
Accounts receivable 448,476 372,306
Inventory (Note 2) 1,743,253 1,545,599
Income taxes recoverable 8,835 -
Future income taxes (Note 2) 83,279 69,952
Prepaid expenses and deposits 64,054 134,692
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2,384,464 2,150,137
Property and equipment 1,442,135 1,126,513
Deferred costs 47,213 32,966
Goodwill 2,427,239 2,245,441
Other intangible assets 97,813 57,930
Other assets 20,442 8,990
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Total assets $ 6,419,306 $ 5,621,977
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Liabilities
Current
Bank indebtedness $ 240,844 $ 225,152
Commercial paper (Note 7) 339,957 543,847
Short-term debt 197,845 -
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 1,018,505 990,545
Income taxes payable (Note 2) - 65,100
Dividends payable 46,709 34,686
Current portion of long-term debt - 298,990
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1,843,860 2,158,320
Long-term debt (Note 7) 647,250 -
Other long-term liabilities 303,117 244,657
Future income taxes 46,988 30,171
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2,841,215 2,433,148
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Associate interest 118,678 113,119
Shareholders' equity
Share capital 1,514,207 1,506,020
Contributed surplus 10,625 9,892
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (3,442) 247
Retained earnings (Note 2) 1,938,023 1,559,551
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1,934,581 1,559,798
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3,459,413 3,075,710
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Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 6,419,306 $ 5,621,977
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SHOPPERS DRUG MART CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Weeks 12 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
---------------------------------------------------
January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29,
2009 2007 2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating activities
Net earnings
(Note 2) $ 173,051 $ 151,331 $ 565,212 $ 490,441
Items not
affecting cash
Amortization 55,146 44,932 219,955 181,418
Future income
taxes (Note 2) 11,133 1,320 (821) (6,874)
Loss (gain) on
disposal of
property and
equipment 253 (207) 3,436 4,165
Stock-based
compensation 186 581 1,498 3,544
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239,769 197,957 789,280 672,694
Net change in
non-cash working
capital balances
(Notes 2 and 3) (80,652) 13,622 (325,248) (134,069)
Increase in other
long-term
liabilities 9,658 16,227 45,609 48,464
Store opening costs (12,938) (7,782) (30,652) (22,031)
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Cash flows from
operating activities 155,837 220,024 478,989 565,058
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Investing activities
Purchase of property
and equipment (204,537) (146,700) (521,665) (395,526)
Proceeds from
disposition of
property and
equipment 6,096 11,220 24,690 18,014
Business
acquisitions
(Note 3) (46,196) (18,759) (243,901) (139,833)
Deposits 28,804 (18,873) 88,522 (93,688)
Other assets 38 (668) (12,212) (1,714)
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Cash flows used in
investing activities (215,795) (173,780) (664,566) (612,747)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
Bank indebtedness,
net (18,550) (21,757) 15,692 90,665
Commercial paper,
net (Note 7) (4,000) 6,601 (203,350) 40,800
Issuance of
short-term debt
(Note 7) 200,000 - 200,000 -
Issuance of Series
2 notes (Note 7) - - 450,000 -
Revolving term debt,
net (Note 7) 200,000 - 200,000 -
Repayment of
Series 1 notes
(Note 7) (300,000) - (300,000) -
Financing costs
incurred (2,550) - (6,050) (20)
Associate interest 16,064 10,531 5,559 (3,530)
Proceeds from shares
issued for stock
options exercised 2,388 3,119 7,144 13,710
Repayment of share
purchase loans 69 30 288 325
Repurchase of share
capital (36) - (71) (29)
Dividends paid (46,677) (34,657) (174,656) (129,509)
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Cash flows (used in)
from financing
activities 46,708 (36,133) 194,556 12,412
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Decrease) increase
in cash (13,250) 10,111 8,979 (35,277)
Cash, beginning
of period 49,817 17,477 27,588 62,865
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash, end of period $ 36,567 $ 27,588 $ 36,567 $ 27,588
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Supplemental cash
flow information
Interest paid $ 26,224 $ 17,875 $ 63,893 $ 50,596
Income taxes paid $ 55,720 $ 115,306 $ 327,184 $ 280,393
SHOPPERS DRUG MART CORPORATION
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)
(in thousands of dollars except per share amounts)
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1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") and follow the same accounting policies and methods
of application with those used in the preparation of the audited annual
consolidated financial statements for the 52 week period ended
December 29, 2007, except as described in Note 2, Changes in Accounting
Policies. These financial statements do not contain all disclosures
required by Canadian GAAP for annual financial statements and,
accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the most recently
prepared annual consolidated financial statements and the accompanying
notes included in the Company's 2007 Annual Report.
The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts
of Shoppers Drug Mart Corporation, its subsidiaries and entities
considered to be variable interest entities, as defined by the Canadian
Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") Accounting Guideline 15,
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("AcG-15"). Under AcG-15,
the Company has consolidated the Associate-owned stores.
The individual Associate-owned stores that comprise the Company's store
network are variable interest entities and the Company is the primary
beneficiary. As such, the Associate-owned stores are subject to
consolidation by the Company. The Associate-owned stores remain separate
legal entities and consolidation of the Associate-owned stores has no
impact on the underlying risks facing the Company.
The Company had an arrangement with an independent trust (the "Trust") to
provide loans to Associates to facilitate their purchase of inventory and
fund their working capital requirements. The Trust's activities were
financed through the issuance of short-term asset backed notes to third
party investors. The Trust was a variable interest entity and the Company
was the primary beneficiary. As such, the Trust was subject to
consolidation by the Company. The results of operations of the Trust have
been included in the Company's consolidated results of operations until
June 10, 2008, when the arrangement with the Trust was terminated. See
Notes 7 and 8 for further discussion related to the Trust.
2. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Adoption of New Accounting Standards
Capital disclosures
In 2006, the CICA issued a new accounting standard concerning Capital
Disclosures ("Section 1535"), which requires the disclosure of both
quantitative and qualitative information that enables users of financial
statements to evaluate the entity's objectives, policies and processes
for managing capital. The standard also requires an entity to disclose if
it has complied with any capital requirements and, if it has not
complied, the consequences of such non-compliance. The standard is
effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years
beginning on or after October 1, 2007. The Company applied the new
accounting standard at the beginning of its current fiscal year and its
implementation did not have an impact on the Company's results of
operations or financial position. See Note 10 for the resulting
disclosures from implementation.
Financial instruments
The Company adopted two new accounting standards concerning financial
instruments: CICA Handbook Section 3862 "Financial Instruments -
Disclosures" ("Section 3862") and CICA Handbook Section 3863 "Financial
Instruments - Presentation" ("Section 3863"). These standards were issued
in December 2006 and replaced Section 3861, "Financial Instruments -
Disclosure and Presentation". The new disclosure standard increased the
emphasis on the risk associated with financial instruments and how those
risks are managed. The new presentation standard carried forward the
former presentation requirements under the replaced Section 3861. The
standards are effective for interim and annual financial statements for
fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007. The Company applied
the new accounting standards at the beginning of its current fiscal year
and its implementation did not have an impact on the Company's results of
operations or financial position. See Note 9 for the resulting
disclosures from implementation.
Inventories
The CICA issued a new accounting standard concerning Inventories
("Section 3031"), in June 2007, which is based on the International
Accounting Standards Board's ("IASB") International Accounting Standard 2
and replaced Section 3030, "Inventories". The new standard provides
guidance on the determination of the cost of inventory and the subsequent
recognition of inventory as an expense, as well as requiring additional
associated disclosures. The new standard also allows for the reversal of
any write-downs previously recognized. The standard is effective for
interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or
after January 1, 2008. The Company applied the new accounting standard
retrospectively at the beginning of its current fiscal year, with
restatement of prior periods.
The results for the 12 and 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007 reflect an
increase in cost of goods sold and other operating expenses and a
decrease in operating income of $2,943 and $3,742, respectively, and a
decrease in net earnings of $2,328 and $3,187, respectively, resulting in
a decrease of $0.01 and $0.01 in basic and diluted net earnings per share
for the 12 and 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007, respectively.
The implementation of the new standard has resulted in a reduction to
2008 and 2007 opening retained earnings of $21,337 and $18,150,
respectively. The impact on balances as at December 29, 2007 was a
decrease in inventory of $31,925, an increase in future income tax asset
of $9,863 and a decrease in income taxes payable of $725.
Inventory is comprised of merchandise inventory and is valued at the
lower of cost and estimated net realizable value, with cost being
determined on the first-in, first-out basis. Cost includes all direct
expenditures and other appropriate costs incurred in bringing inventory
to its present location and condition. The Company classifies rebates and
other consideration received from a vendor as a reduction to the cost of
inventory unless the rebate clearly relates to the reimbursement of a
specific expense.
The cost of inventory recognized as an expense and included in cost of
goods sold and other operating expenses for the 13 and 53 weeks ended
January 3, 2009 was $1,558,194 and $5,944,249 (2007 - $1,360,842 and
$5,406,555), respectively. During the period, there were no significant
write-downs of inventory as a result of net realizable value being lower
than cost and no inventory write-downs recognized in previous years were
reversed.
Going concern
In June 2007, the CICA issued amendments to Section 1400, "General
Standards of Financial Statement Presentation", to include requirements
to assess and disclose an entity's ability to continue as a going
concern. The new amendments are effective for interim and annual
financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1,
2008. The Company applied the amendments to Section 1400 at the beginning
of its current fiscal year. The implementation did not have an impact on
the Company's results of operations, financial position or disclosures.
Financial instruments - determining whether a contract is routinely
denominated as a single currency
In January 2008, the Emerging Issues Committee ("EIC") issued EIC-169,
"Determining Whether a Contract is Routinely Denominated as a Single
Currency", which provides additional guidance on the interpretation of
the term "routinely denominated" in CICA Handbook Section 3855,
"Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement". The new guidance
is effective for interim and annual financial statements issued on or
after March 15, 2008. The Company applied the new guidance
retrospectively at the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year. The
implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company's results
of operations, financial position or disclosures.
Future Accounting Standards
Financial statement concepts
In February 2008, the CICA issued amendments to Section 1000, "Financial
Statement Concepts" to clarify the criteria for recognition of an asset
and the timing of expense recognition; specifically deleting the guidance
permitting the deferral of costs. The new requirements are effective for
interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal years
beginning on or after October 1, 2008. The Company will apply the
amendments to Section 1000 at the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year in
conjunction with Section 3064, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets".
Goodwill and intangible assets
In February 2008, the CICA issued a new accounting standard concerning
Goodwill and Intangible Assets ("Section 3064"), which is based on the
IASB's International Accounting Standard 38, "Intangible Assets". The new
section replaced the existing guidance on goodwill and other intangible
assets and research and development costs. The objective of the new
standard is to eliminate the practice of deferring costs that do not meet
the definition and recognition criteria of assets. The standard is
effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years
beginning on or after October 1, 2008. The Company will apply the new
accounting standards at the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year. The
Company is currently assessing the impact of the new standard on the
Company's results of operations, financial position and disclosures.
Business combinations
In January 2009, the CICA issued new accounting standards concerning
Business Combinations ("Section 1582"), Non-controlling Interests
("Section 1602") and Consolidated Financial Statements ("Section 1601"),
which is based on the IASB's International Financial Reporting Standard
3, "Business Combinations". The new standards replace the existing
guidance on business combinations and consolidated financial statements.
The objective of the new standards is to harmonize Canadian accounting
for business combinations with the international and U.S. accounting
standards. The new standards are to be applied prospectively to business
combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning
of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after January 1,
2011, with earlier application permitted. Assets and liabilities that
arose from business combinations whose acquisition dates preceded the
application of the new standards shall not be adjusted upon application
of these new standards. The Non-controlling Interests standard should be
applied retrospectively except for certain items.
The Company is assessing whether it will apply the new accounting
standards at the beginning of its 2011 fiscal year or elect to early
adopt the new accounting standards at the beginning of its 2010 fiscal
year in order to minimize the amount of restatement when the Company
adopts International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The impact
of the new standards on the Company's results of operations, financial
position and disclosures will be assessed as part of the Company's IFRS
transition project.
Financial assets and financial liabilities
The EIC issued a new Abstract on January 20, 2009 concerning the
measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities ("EIC-173 -
Credit Risk and the Fair Value of Financial Assets and Financial
Liabilities"). There has been diversity in practice as to whether an
entity's own credit risk and the credit risk of the counterparty are
taken into account in determining the fair value of financial
instruments. The Committee reached a consensus that these risks should be
taken into account in the measurement of financial assets and financial
liabilities. The Abstract is effective for all financial assets and
financial liabilities measured at fair value in interim and annual
financial statements issued for periods ending on or after the date of
issuance of the Abstract with retrospective application without
restatement of prior periods. The Company will be applying the new
Abstract at the beginning of its 2009 fiscal year.
The Company is currently assessing the impact of the Abstract on the
measurement of its financial assets and financial liabilities; however,
the Company does not expect the implementation to have a significant
impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position and
disclosures.
3. ACQUISITIONS
HealthAccess and Information Healthcare Marketing Corp.
On July 2, 2008, the Company acquired the specialty drug assets of the
HealthAccess business of Calea Ltd. and 100% of the shares of Calea
Ltd.'s wholly owned subsidiary, Information Healthcare Marketing Corp.,
which operates a related call centre business. The acquired business is
based in Mississauga, Ontario, operates as Shoppers Drug Mart Specialty
Health Network Inc. and provides comprehensive patient support services
for specialty pharmaceutical needs. The assets acquired are composed
primarily of goodwill, intangible assets and leasehold improvements at
two locations. The operations of the acquired assets and business have
been included in the Company's results of operations from the date of
acquisition.
The total cost of the acquisition in cash, including costs incurred in
connection with the acquisition, was $88,690 and will be allocated
between the assets acquired on the basis of their fair values. The
purchase price allocation remains preliminary pending finalization of the
valuations of the assets and business acquired. The preliminary cost of
the acquisition was allocated to the net assets on the basis of their
fair values as follows:
Net working capital $ 3,886
Property and equipment 488
Goodwill 84,316
------------------------------------------
Purchase price $ 88,690
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
Centre d'Escomptes Racine
On September 25, 2007, the Company purchased assets of the seven stores
of Centre d'Escomptes Racine, a pharmacy chain in Quebec. The operations
of the acquired stores have been included in the Company's results of
operations from the date of acquisition.
The total cost of the acquisition in cash, including costs incurred in
connection with the acquisition, was $77,464. This amount includes $387
of legal fees related to the acquisition recorded in the Company's 2008
fiscal year. The cost of the acquisition was allocated to the net assets
on the basis of their fair values as follows:
Net working capital $ 10,078
Property and equipment 1,337
Goodwill 53,949
Prescription files(1) 12,100
------------------------------------------
Purchase price $ 77,464
------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------
(1) The carrying value of the Company's prescription files is included in
other intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
The net change in non-cash working capital balances reported on the
consolidated statements of cash flows does not include working capital
balances acquired in connection with the Company's acquisition of Centre
d'Escomptes Racine, which is included in investing activities.
Other business acquisitions
During the 13 and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, the Company acquired
the assets or shares of a number of pharmacies, each of which is
individually immaterial to the Company's total acquisitions. The total
cost of acquisitions of $45,617 and $154,824 (2007 - $18,759 and
$62,756), respectively, including costs incurred in connection with the
acquisitions, is allocated primarily to goodwill and other intangible
assets based on their fair values. Certain purchase price allocations are
preliminary and may change. The operations of the acquired pharmacies
have been included in the Company's results of operations from the date
of acquisition.
4. INTEREST EXPENSE
The components of the Company's interest expense are as follows:
13 Weeks 12 Weeks 53 Weeks 52 Weeks
Ended Ended Ended Ended
--------------------------------------------------
January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29,
2009 2007 2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on bank
indebtedness $ 2,266 $ 2,904 $ 10,584 $ 10,887
Interest on commercial
paper 3,809 8,389 23,689 27,797
Interest on short-term
debt 2,292 - 2,292 -
Interest on long-term
debt 7,573 2,892 27,387 14,189
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 15,940 $ 14,185 $ 63,952 $ 52,873
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
5. EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS
The net benefit expense included in the results for the 12 and 53 weeks
ended January 3, 2009 for benefits provided under pension plans was
$1,355 and $5,874 (2007 - $1,041 and $6,154), respectively, and for
benefits provided under other benefit plans was $632 and $709 (2007 -
$594 and $671), respectively.
6. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company uses the fair value method to account for stock options
issued after 2002 under its stock option programs. If compensation
expense under the fair value method of accounting had been recognized on
stock options issued in 2002, the stock options would have been fully
expensed by the end of the Company's fiscal 2007 year; and as a result,
there would be no impact on the Company's net earnings for the 13 and 53
weeks ended January 3, 2009 and a reduction in net earnings of $2 and
$176 for the 12 and 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007. Basic and diluted
earnings per share would have remained unchanged for the 13 and 53 weeks
ended January 3, 2009 and for the 12 and 52 weeks ended December 29,
2007.
For a description of the Company's stock option programs, see Note 12 to
the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2007 Annual
Report.
7. DEBT REFINANCING
On April 22, 2008, the Company completed an amendment to its existing
bank credit facility which matures in June of 2011, increasing the size
of the facility from $550,000 to $800,000. In conjunction with this
amendment, the Company also increased its commercial paper program from
$300,000 to $500,000.
On April 23, 2008, the Company issued $200,000 of commercial paper to
purchase loans provided to Associates by the Trust. The purchase of these
loans reduced the outstanding Trust loans to Associates from $499,000 to
$299,000. In conjunction with this reduction, the standby letter of
credit provided by the Company to the Trust as a form of credit
enhancement was reduced from $50,000 to $30,000.
On May 22, 2008, the Company filed with the securities regulators in each
of the provinces of Canada, a final short form base shelf prospectus (the
"Prospectus") for the issuance of up to $1 billion of medium-term notes.
Subject to the requirements of applicable law, medium-term notes can be
issued under the Prospectus for up to 25 months from May 22, 2008, the
date of the final receipt.
On June 2, 2008, the Company issued $450,000 of five-year medium-term
notes (the "Series 2 Notes") under the Prospectus for aggregate net
proceeds of $448,285. The Series 2 Notes mature on June 3, 2013 and bear
interest at a fixed rate of 4.99% per annum.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the Series 2 Notes were used to
purchase the remaining outstanding Trust loans to Associates, with the
balance applied to reduce outstanding commercial paper issued by the
Company. In conjunction with the purchase of all remaining Trust loans to
Associates, the $30,000 standby letter of credit was returned to the
Company by the Trust and cancelled.
On October 17, 2008, the Company entered into a senior, unsecured 364-day
bank credit facility in the amount of up to $200,000; available for a
single drawdown. On October 23, 2008, the Company fully utilized this
facility to refinance a portion of its $300,000 medium-term notes that
were maturing. This facility bears interest at a floating interest rate
based on the prime rate. The debt has been recognized net of the costs of
issuance and is valued at amortized cost.
On October 24, 2008, the $300,000 of Series 1 notes was repaid in full,
along with all accrued and unpaid interest owing on the final semi-annual
interest payment. The Company financed the repayment with funds from the
drawdown of $200,000 of the senior, unsecured 364-day bank credit
facility and $100,000 from the revolving term facility.
On December 19, 2008, the Company amended the senior, unsecured 364-day
bank credit facility to increase the funds available to $300,000. The
additional $100,000 is available for a single drawdown. Should the
Company issue any medium-term notes during the term of the facility, the
facility must be repaid in the lesser of: the amount of the medium-term
notes issued or the outstanding balance of the facility.
As at January 3, 2009, an additional $349,889 (2007 - $61,212) of the
$800,000 revolving term facility was utilized as follows: $8,889 (2007 -
$61,212) relating to letters of credit and trade finance guarantees and
$341,000 (2007 - $45,000) relating to commercial paper issued by the
Company.
Subsequent to year end, on January 20, 2009, The Company issued $500,000
of medium-term notes in two series and the outstanding amount on the
senior, unsecured 364-day bank credit facility was repaid and the
facility was terminated. See Note 11 for a description of the issuance.
8. FINANCING TRUST
As a result of the debt refinancing described in Note 7, the arrangement
with the Trust was terminated on June 10, 2008.
9. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
In accordance with Section 3855, Financial Instruments - Recognition and
Measurement, financial instruments are classified into one of the
following five categories: held for trading, held-to-maturity
investments, loans and receivables, available-for-sale financial assets,
or other financial liabilities. The classification determines the
accounting treatment of the instrument. The classification is determined
by the Company when the financial instrument is initially recorded, based
on the underlying purpose of the instrument.
The Company's financial assets and financial liabilities are classified
and measured as follows:
Financial
Asset / Liability Category Measurement
Cash Held for trading Fair value
Accounts receivable Loans and receivables Amortized cost
Deposits(1) Loans and receivables Amortized cost
Long-term receivables(2) Loans and receivables Amortized cost
Bank indebtedness Held for trading Fair value
Commercial paper Other financial liabilities Amortized cost
Short-term debt Other financial liabilities Amortized cost
Accounts payable Other financial liabilities Amortized cost
Long-term debt Other financial liabilities Amortized cost
Other long-term liabilities Other financial liabilities Amortized cost
Derivatives Classification Measurement
Interest rate derivatives(3) Effective cash flow hedge Fair value
Equity forward
derivatives(3) (4) Fair value
Notes:
(1) The carrying value of deposits is included in prepaid expenses and
deposits in the consolidated balance sheets.
(2) The carrying value of long-term receivables is included in other
assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
(3) The carrying values of the Company's derivatives are included in
other assets, accounts payable and accrued liabilities and other
long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.
(4) The portion of the equity forward derivative agreements relating to
the earned long-term incentive plan units is considered a derivative
financial instrument. See Note 12 to the Company's 2007 annual
consolidated financial statements for a further discussion of the
long-term incentive plan.
Financial instruments measured at amortized cost are initially recognized
at fair value and then subsequently at amortized cost with gains and
losses recognized in earnings in the period in which the gain or loss
occurs. Changes in fair value of financial instruments classified as held
for trading are recorded in net earnings in the period of change. Changes
in the fair value of the Company's derivative instruments designated as
effective cash flow hedges are recognized in other comprehensive loss;
changes in derivative instruments not designated as effective hedges are
recognized in net earnings in the period of the change.
Transaction costs
The Company has adopted the policy of adding transaction costs to
financial assets and liabilities classified as other than "held for
trading".
Derivative financial instruments and hedge accounting
The Company uses interest rate derivatives to manage its exposure to
fluctuations in interest rates related to the Company's commercial paper.
The income or expense arising from the use of these instruments is
included in interest expense for the year.
The Company uses cash-settled equity forward agreements to limit its
exposure to future price changes in the Company's share price for share
unit awards under the Company's long-term incentive plan ("LTIP"). The
income or expense arising from the use of these instruments is included
in other operating expenses for the year. See Note 12 of the Company's
2007 annual consolidated financial statements for further discussion of
the LTIP.
The Company formally identifies, designates and documents all
relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as
its risk assessment objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge
transactions. The Company assesses, both at the hedge's inception and on
an ongoing basis including on re-designation, whether the derivatives
that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting
changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. When such
derivative instruments cease to exist or be effective as hedges, or when
designation of a hedging relationship is terminated, any associated
deferred gains or losses are recognized in net earnings in the same
period as the corresponding gains or losses associated with the hedged
item. When a hedged item ceases to exist, any associated deferred gains
or losses are recognized in net earnings in the period the hedged item
ceases to exist. Changes in the fair value of the Company's derivatives
are non-cash transactions and are therefore not recognized in the
consolidated statement of cash flows.
The Company does not have any significant embedded features in
contractual arrangements that require separate presentation from the
related host contract.
Interest rate derivatives
In December 2005, the Company entered into interest rate derivative
agreements converting an aggregate notional principal amount of $250,000
of floating rate commercial paper debt issued by the Trust into fixed
rate debt. During the current fiscal year, the commercial paper issued by
the Trust has been replaced with commercial paper issued directly by the
Company. The fixed rates payable by the Company under the derivative
agreements ranged from 4.03% to 4.18%. Agreements covering $150,000 of
notional principal amount matured in December 2008. The remaining
agreements mature as follows: $50,000 with a fixed rate payable of 4.11%
in December 2009 and $50,000 with a fixed rate payable of 4.18% in
December 2010, with reset terms of one month. The Company recorded a net
gain of $332 as interest expense on commercial paper related to the
agreements that matured in December 2008.
Based on market values of the interest rate derivative agreements at
January 3, 2009, the Company recognized a liability of $4,647, of which
$1,566 is presented in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and
$3,081 is presented in other long-term liabilities. Based on market
values of the interest rate derivative agreements at December 29, 2007,
the Company recognized an asset of $428 in other assets. During the 13
and 12 weeks ended January 3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, the Company
assessed that the interest rate derivatives were an effective hedge for
the floating interest rates on the associated commercial paper debt.
Market values were determined based on information received from the
Company's counterparties to these agreements.
During the 13 weeks ended January 3, 2009, an amount previously recorded
in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $186 (2007 - $nil) was
recognized in earnings. During the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, an
amount previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income of
$186 (2007 - $nil) was recognized in earnings.
Equity forward derivatives
Based on market values of the equity forward agreements at January 3,
2009, the Company recognized a liability of $2,093, of which $1,006 is
presented in accounts payable and accrued liabilities and $1,087 is
presented in other long-term liabilities. Based on market values of
equity forward agreements at December 29, 2007, the Company recognized an
asset of $332 in other assets. During the 13 and 12 weeks ended January
3, 2009 and December 29, 2007, the Company assessed that the percentage
of the equity forward derivatives related to unearned units under the
LTIP were an effective hedge for the common share price of the unearned
units. Market values were determined based on information received from
the Company's counterparties to these agreements.
During the 13 weeks ended January 3, 2009, an amount previously recorded
in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $14 (2007 - $47) was
recognized in earnings. During the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, an
amount previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income of
$18 (2007 - $160) was recognized in earnings.
Fair value of financial instruments
The fair value of a financial instrument is the estimated amount that the
Company would receive or pay to settle the financial assets and financial
liabilities as at the reporting date.
The fair values of long-term receivables, long-term liabilities and long-
term debt approximate their carrying values given the current market
rates associated with these instruments.
The interest rate and equity forward derivatives are recognized at fair
value, which is determined based on current market rates and on
information received from the Company's counterparties to these
agreements.
Financial risk management objectives and policies
In the normal course of business, the Company is exposed to financial
risks that have the potential to negatively impact its financial
performance. The Company may use derivative financial instruments to
manage certain of these risks. The Company does not use derivative
financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. These risks
are discussed in more detail below:
Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that fair value or future cash flows
associated with the Company's financial assets or liabilities will
fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates.
The Company, including its Associate-owned store network, is exposed to
fluctuations in interest rates by virtue of its borrowings under its bank
credit facilities, commercial paper program and financing programs
available to its Associates. Increases or decreases in interest rates
will positively or negatively impact the financial performance of the
Company.
The Company uses interest rate derivatives to manage this exposure and
monitors market conditions and the impact of interest rate fluctuations
on its fixed and floating rate debt instruments on an ongoing basis. The
Company has entered into interest rate derivative agreements converting
an aggregate notional principal amount of $250,000 of floating rate
commercial paper debt into fixed rate debt. The fixed rates payable by
the Company under the derivative agreements ranged from 4.03% to 4.18%.
Agreements covering $150,000 of notional principal amount matured in
December 2008. The remaining agreements mature as follows: $50,000 with a
fixed rate payable of 4.11% in December 2009 and $50,000 with a fixed
rate payable of 4.18% in December 2010, with reset terms of one month.
Furthermore, the Company may be exposed to losses should any counterparty
to its derivative agreements fail to fulfill its obligations. The Company
has sought to minimize counterparty risk by transacting with
counterparties that are large financial institutions. As at January 3,
2009, there is no net exposure (2007 - $428), as the interest rate
derivative agreements are in a liability position.
As at January 3, 2009 the Company had $904,830 of unhedged floating rate
debt. During the 13 and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, the Company's
average outstanding unhedged floating rate debt was $837,401 and
$484,973, respectively. Had interest rates been higher or lower by 50
basis points during the 13 and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, net
earnings would have decreased or increased, respectively, by
approximately $726 and $1,701, respectively, as a result of the Company's
exposure to interest rate fluctuations on its unhedged floating rate
debt.
Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that the Company's counterparties will fail to
meet their financial obligations to the Company causing a financial loss.
Accounts receivable arise primarily in respect of prescription sales
billed to governments and third-party drug plans and, as a result,
collection risk is low. There is no concentration of balances with
debtors in the remaining accounts receivable. The Company does not
consider its exposure to credit risk to be material.
Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will be unable to meet its
obligations relating to its financial liabilities.
The Company prepares cash flow budgets and forecasts to ensure that it
has sufficient funds through operations, access to bank facilities and
access to debt and capital markets to meet its financial obligations,
capital investment program and fund new investment opportunities or other
unanticipated requirements as they arise. The Company manages its
liquidity risk as it relates to financial liabilities by monitoring its
cash flow from operating activities to meet its short-term financial
liability obligations and planning for the repayment of its long-term
financial liability obligations through cash flow from operating
activities and/or the issuance of new debt.
The contractual maturities of the Company's financial liabilities as at
January 3, 2009 are as follows:
Payments Payments
due due
between between
Payments 90 days 1 year
due in the and less and less Payments
next 90 than a than 2 due after
$000's days year years 2 years Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank indebtedness $ 240,844 $ - $ - $ - $ 240,844
Commercial paper 341,000 - - - 341,000
Short-term debt - 200,000 - - 200,000
Accounts payable 964,059 18,876 - - 982,935
Medium-term note - - - 450,000 450,000
Revolving term
facility - - - 200,000 200,000
Other long-term
liabilities 48,806 - 12,573 11,157 72,536
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $1,594,709 $ 218,876 $ 12,573 $ 661,157 $2,487,315
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
There is no difference between the carrying value of bank indebtedness
and the amount the Company is required to pay. The accounts payable and
other long-term liabilities amounts exclude certain liabilities that are
not considered financial liabilities.
10. CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
The Company's primary objectives when managing capital are to profitably
grow its business while maintaining adequate financing flexibility to
fund attractive new investment opportunities and other unanticipated
requirements or opportunities that may arise. Profitable growth is
defined as earnings growth commensurate with the additional capital being
invested in the business in order that the Company earns an attractive
rate of return on that capital. The primary investments undertaken by the
Company to drive profitable growth include additions to the selling
square footage of its store network via the construction of new,
relocated and expanded stores, including related leasehold improvements
and fixtures, the purchase of sites for future store construction, as
well as through the acquisition of independent drug stores or their
prescription files. In addition, the Company makes capital investments in
information technology and its distribution capabilities to support an
expanding store network. The Company also provides working capital to its
Associates via loans and/or loan guarantees. The Company largely relies
on its cash flow from operations to fund its capital investment program
and dividend distributions to its shareholders. This cash flow is
supplemented, when necessary, through the borrowing of additional debt.
No changes were made to these objectives during the period.
The Company considers its total capitalization to be bank indebtedness,
commercial paper, short-term debt, long-term debt (including the current
portion thereof) and shareholders' equity, net of cash. The Company also
gives consideration to its obligations under operating leases when
assessing its total capitalization. The Company manages its capital
structure with a view to maintaining investment grade credit ratings from
two credit rating agencies. In order to maintain its desired capital
structure, the Company may adjust the level of dividends paid to
shareholders, issue additional equity, repurchase shares for cancellation
or issue or repay indebtedness. The Company has certain debt covenants
and is in compliance with those covenants.
The Company monitors its capital structure principally through measuring
its net debt to shareholders' equity and net debt to total capitalization
ratios, and ensures its ability to service its debt and meet other fixed
obligations by tracking its interest and other fixed charges coverage
ratios.
The following table provides a summary of certain information with
respect to the Company's capital structure and financial position at the
end of the periods indicated.
January 3, December 29,
2009 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ (36,567) $ (27,588)
Bank indebtedness 240,844 225,152
Commercial paper 339,957 543,847
Short-term debt 197,845 -
Current portion of long-term debt - 298,990
Long-term debt 647,250 -
---------------------------
Net debt 1,389,329 1,040,401
Shareholders' equity 3,459,413 3,075,710
---------------------------
Total capitalization $ 4,848,742 $ 4,116,111
---------------------------
---------------------------
Net debt:Shareholders' equity 0.40:1 0.34:1
Net debt:Total capitalization 0.29:1 0.25:1
EBITDA:Cash interest expense(1)(2) 17.45:1 18.37:1
(1) For purposes of calculating the ratios, EBITDA is comprised of EBITDA
for the 53 week and 52 week periods then ended. EBITDA (earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) is a non-GAAP
financial measure. Non-GAAP financial measures do not have
standardized meanings prescribed by GAAP and therefore may not be
comparable to similar measures presented by other reporting issuers.
(2) Cash interest expense is also a non-GAAP measure and is comprised of
interest expense for the 53 week and 52 week periods then ended and
exclude the amortization of deferred financing costs.
As measured by the ratios set out above, the Company maintained its
desired capital structure and financial position during the period.
The following table provides a summary of the Company's credit ratings at
January 3, 2009:
Dominion
Standard Bond
& Poor's Rating Service
---------------------------
Corporate credit rating BBB+ -
Senior unsecured debt BBB+ A (low)
Commercial paper - R-1 (low)
There were no changes to the Company's credit ratings during the 13 and
53 weeks ended January 3, 2009.
11. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
On January 20, 2009, the Company issued $250,000 of three-year medium-
term notes maturing January 20, 2012, which bear interest at a fixed rate
of 4.80% (the "Series 3 notes") and $250,000 of five-year medium-term
notes maturing January 20, 2014, which bear interest at a fixed rate of
5.19% (the "Series 4 notes"). The Series 3 notes and the Series 4 notes
were issued pursuant to the Prospectus, as supplemented by pricing
supplements dated January 14, 2009.
The net proceeds from the issuance of the Series 3 notes and the Series 4
notes were used to refinance existing indebtedness, including repayment
of all amounts outstanding under the Company's senior unsecured 364-day
bank credit facility. The Company's senior unsecured 364-day bank credit
facility was terminated on January 20, 2009.
Earnings Coverage Exhibit to the Consolidated Financial Statements
53 Weeks Ended January 3, 2009
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Earnings coverage on long-term debt obligations 31.54 times
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The earnings coverage ratio on long-term debt (including any current
portion) is equal to earnings (before interest and income taxes) divided
by interest expense on long-term debt (including any current portion).
Interest expense excludes any amounts in respect of amortization that
were included in interest expense as shown in the consolidated statement
of earnings of the Company for the period.
%SEDAR: 00016987EF