TORONTO, July 29 /CNW/ -
Quarterly Report to Shareholders
George Weston Limited
24 Weeks Ended June 14, 2008
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report for George Weston Limited ("Weston") and its
subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company"), including this Management's
Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"), contains forward-looking statements about
the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial
condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects and
opportunities. Words such as "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "could",
"estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may" and
"should" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its
management, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
forward-looking statements are not historical facts but reflect the Company's
current expectations concerning future results and events.
These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially
from current expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not
limited to: changes in economic conditions; changes in consumer spending and
preferences; heightened competition, whether from new competitors or current
competitors; the availability and cost of raw materials and ingredients, fuels
and utilities; changes in the Company's or its competitors' pricing
strategies; failure of the Company's franchised stores to perform as expected;
risks associated with the terms and conditions of financing programs offered
to the Company's independent franchisees; failure to realize sales growth,
anticipated cost savings or operating efficiencies from the Company's major
initiatives, including investments in the Company's information technology
systems, supply chain investments and other cost reduction and simplification
initiatives; increased costs relating to utilities, including electricity, and
fuel; the inability of the Company's information technology infrastructure to
support the requirements of the Company's business; the inability of the
Company to manage inventory to minimize the impact of obsolete or excess
issues and to control shrink; failure to execute successfully and in a timely
manner the Company's major initiatives, including the implementation of
strategies and introduction of innovative products; unanticipated costs
associated with the Company's strategic initiatives, including those related
to compensation costs; the inability of the Company's supply chain to service
the needs of the Company's stores; deterioration in the Company's relationship
with its employees, particularly through periods of change in the Company's
business; failure to achieve desired results in labour negotiations, including
the terms of future collective bargaining agreements; changes to the
regulatory environment in which the Company operates; the adoption of new
accounting standards and changes in the Company's use of accounting estimates
including in relation to inventory valuation; fluctuations in the Company's
earnings due to changes in the value of stock-based compensation and equity
derivative contracts relating to the Company's and Loblaw Companies Limited's
("Loblaw") common shares; changes in the Company's tax liabilities resulting
from changes in tax laws or future assessments; detrimental reliance on the
performance of third-party service providers; public health events; the
inability of the Company to obtain external financing; the inability of the
Company to attract and retain key executives; and supply and quality control
issues with vendors. These and other risks and uncertainties are discussed in
the Company's materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities from time to time, including the Operating Risks and Risk
Management and Financial Risks and Risk Management sections of the MD&A
included in Weston's 2007 Annual Report. Other risks and uncertainties not
presently known to the Company or that the Company presently believes are not
material could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from
those expressed in its forward-looking statements.
In addition to these risks and uncertainties, the material assumptions
used in making the forward-looking statements contained herein and in
particular in the Report to Shareholders and the section entitled "Outlook"
include: there is no material change in economic conditions; patterns of
consumer spending and preferences remain reasonably consistent with historical
trends; there is no significant change in competitive conditions, whether
related to new competitors or current competitors; there are no unexpected
changes in the Company's or its competitors' current pricing strategies; the
Company's franchised stores perform as expected; the Company successfully
offers new and innovative products and executes its strategies as planned;
anticipated cost savings and operating efficiencies are achieved, including
those from the Company's cost reduction and simplification initiatives; there
is no unexpected adverse change in the Company's access to liquidity; and
there are no significant regulatory, tax or accounting changes or other
significant events occurring outside the ordinary course of business.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-
looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the
date of this Quarterly Report. The Company disclaims any intention or
obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a
result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by
law.
Report to Shareholders(2)CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
($ millions
except 12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
where --------- ---------
otherwise Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
indicated) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 7,847 $ 7,739 1.4% $ 15,184 $ 14,960 1.5%
Operating
income $ 340 $ 328 3.7% $ 592 $ 537 10.2%
Operating
margin 4.3% 4.2% 3.9% 3.6%
Interest
expense
and other
financing
charges $ 107 $ 102 4.9% $ 129 $ 154 (16.2)%
Net
earnings $ 118 $ 129 (8.5)% $ 249 $ 233 6.9%
Basic net
earnings
per common
share ($) $ 0.84 $ 0.90 (6.7)% $ 1.75 $ 1.60 9.4%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA(1) $ 502 $ 493 1.8% $ 915 $ 869 5.3%
EBITDA
margin(1) 6.4% 6.4% 6.0% 5.8%
Free cash
flow(1) $ 205 $ 402 (49.0)% $ (284) $ (5) (5,580.0)%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------- ---------Net earnings for the second quarter of 2008 were $118 million, an 8.5%
decrease over the same period last year, and basic net earnings per common
share of $0.84 compared to $0.90 in the second quarter last year, a decrease
of 6.7%.
Sales in the second quarter of 2008 were $7.8 billion compared to $7.7
billion in the same period last year, an increase of 1.4%. The impact of
foreign currency translation on the Weston Foods operating segment negatively
impacted consolidated sales growth by approximately 0.8% for the second
quarter of 2008.
Operating income for the second quarter of 2008 was $340 million compared
to $328 million in 2007, an increase of 3.7%. Consolidated operating margin of
4.3% for the second quarter increased compared to 4.2% for the same period in
2007. Year-over-year changes in the following items together with additional
factors outlined in the MD&A influenced the Company's operating income in the
second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007:- a charge of $3 million (2007 - $66 million) related to restructuring
and other charges for restructuring plans undertaken by both Weston
Foods and Loblaw. The effect on basic net earnings per common share
was a charge of $0.02 (2007 - $0.19);
- income of $13 million (2007 - $17 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity derivatives of
both Weston and Loblaw. The effect on basic net earnings per common
share was income of $0.05 (2007 - $0.07);
- a charge of $34 million (2007 - income of $12 million) related to the
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at Weston Foods. The
effect on basic net earnings per common share was a charge of $0.17
(2007 - $0.06 per common share income); and
- income of $7 million (2007 - nil) related to the redemption of the
remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares. The effect on basic net
earnings per common share was income of $0.04 (2007 - nil).Excluding the impact of the specific items noted above, performance in
the second quarter of 2008 was challenging. Loblaw is behind in its plans for
operating as an effective selling organization, as reflected in its second
quarter sales performance. However, Loblaw remains on track with its cost
reduction efforts, and while Loblaw is satisfied with its margin performance,
it is continuing its investments in foundational infrastructure, offer
enhancement, and value for its customers. The Weston Foods operating segment
continues to experience significant cost pressure in the price of flour, fuel
and other input items. However, a combination of pricing actions, changes in
sales mix, and cost reduction initiatives resulted in positive operating
income growth in the second quarter, after excluding the impact of the
specific items noted above, as compared to the second quarter of 2007.
Interest expense and other financing charges for the second quarter of
2008 increased 4.9% to $107 million from $102 million in 2007, primarily due
to lower net short term investment income, partially offset by a decreased
non-cash charge related to the accounting for Weston's 2001 forward sale
agreement of 9.6 million Loblaw common shares of $27 million (2007 -
$32 million), which resulted in a basic net earnings per common share non-cash
charge of $0.15 (2007 - $0.17).
The effective income tax rate increased to 25.8% in the second quarter of
2008 compared to 23.9% for the same period in 2007, primarily due to an
increase in income tax accruals relating to certain income tax matters and a
change in the proportion of taxable income earned across different tax
jurisdictions, which were partially offset by lower Canadian federal and
certain provincial statutory income tax rates relative to the second quarter
of 2007.
Free cash flow(1) for the second quarter of 2008 was $205 million
compared to $402 million in the second quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date
basis, free cash flow(1) was negative $284 million compared to negative
$5 million in 2007. The decreases in second quarter and year-to-date free cash
flows were due to a decrease in cash flows from operating activities, net of a
decrease in capital expenditures, compared to the prior year periods.
On April 11, 2008, Weston entered into a $300 million, 5-year committed
credit facility provided by a syndicate of banks, replacing the previous
$300 million, 364-day credit facility. On May 30, 2008, Loblaw closed a USD
$300 million private placement of unsecured notes, and on June 11, 2008,
Loblaw announced a public offering of $225 million of second preferred shares,
which closed subsequent to the end of the second quarter of 2008 for net
proceeds of $218 million.
OPERATING SEGMENTS
Weston Foods
Weston Foods sales for the second quarter of 2008 of $1.0 billion
increased 2.0% compared to the second quarter of 2007. Foreign currency
translation negatively impacted reported sales growth by approximately 6.3%.
Price increases across key product categories combined with changes in sales
mix contributed positively to sales growth by 8.5% for the second quarter of
2008. Overall volume decreased by 0.2% for the second quarter of 2008 when
compared to the same period last year.
Weston Foods operating income for the second quarter of 2008 was
$79 million compared to $112 million in the same period in 2007, a decrease of
29.5%. Weston Foods operating margin for the second quarter was 7.7% compared
to 11.2% in the same period in 2007. Excluding the impact of restructuring and
other charges, the net effect of stock-based compensation and the associated
equity derivatives, the commodity derivatives fair value adjustment and the
redemption of the remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and
the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares, which are more fully
described in the MD&A, Weston Foods operating income growth was strong. Weston
Foods experienced significant increases in the price of flour, fuel and other
input items, as compared to the second quarter of 2007, but was able to
increase prices and manage its sales mix towards higher margin products. In
addition, the benefits realized from the continued focus on cost reduction
initiatives, including restructuring activities, had a positive impact on
operating income.
Loblaw
Loblaw sales for the second quarter of 2008 increased 1.5% or
$104 million to $7.0 billion compared to the second quarter of 2007. Same-
store sales in the second quarter increased by 0.7% over the second quarter of
2007 during a period of modest internal retail food price deflation. Sales and
same-store sales growth in the second quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted
by approximately 0.7% as a result of a shift of Easter sales into the first
quarter of 2008. Total sales growth in food was positive and drugstore sales
were particularly strong, while general merchandise sales declined compared to
the second quarter of 2007. In addition, gas bar sales were strong in the
second quarter as a result of fuel price inflation and volume growth. Total
sales increases in the second quarter of 2008 were achieved by positive growth
in both customer and item counts.
Loblaw operating income for the second quarter of 2008 was $261 million
compared to $216 million in the same period in 2007, an increase of 20.8%.
Loblaw operating margin for the second quarter was 3.7% compared to 3.1% in
the same period in 2007. Excluding the impact of restructuring and other costs
and the net effect of stock-based compensation and the associated equity
forwards, which are more fully described in the MD&A, operating income and
operating margin declined in the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second
quarter of 2007, as a result of Loblaw's continued investment in lower retail
prices which was initiated in the third quarter of 2007.
OUTLOOK(2)
The consolidated results of George Weston Limited for 2008 will continue
to reflect the changes undertaken by both the Weston Foods and Loblaw
operating businesses in order to position them for strong growth in the
future.
For the remainder of the year, Weston Foods expects operating margins to
remain under pressure as the costs of key input items continue to rise. Weston
Foods will focus on mitigating this cost inflation through cost reduction
efforts and by managing product mix.
For the balance of the year, Loblaw will direct its efforts towards
building profitable sales momentum while continuing to improve value for
customers. Focus on cost and operating efficiencies will continue as margins
are expected to remain under pressure.
(signed)W. Galen Weston Toronto, Canada
Chairman and President July 28, 2008Management's Discussion and Analysis
The following MD&A for George Weston Limited should be read in
conjunction with Weston's 2008 unaudited interim period consolidated financial
statements and the accompanying notes on pages 22 to 48 of this Quarterly
Report and the audited annual consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes for the year ended December 31, 2007 and the related annual
MD&A included in Weston's 2007 Annual Report. Weston's 2008 unaudited interim
period consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes have been
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") and are reported in Canadian dollars. These unaudited interim period
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of George Weston
Limited and its subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") that the
Company is required to consolidate in accordance with Accounting Guideline 15,
"Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities" ("AcG 15"). A glossary of terms
and ratios used throughout this Quarterly Report can be found beginning on
page 114 of Weston's 2007 Annual Report. In addition, this Quarterly Report
includes the following terms: "rolling year return on average total assets",
which is defined as cumulative operating income for the latest four quarters
divided by average total assets excluding cash and cash equivalents, short
term investments, security deposits which are included in other assets and the
Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. investment; and "rolling year return on average
common shareholders' equity", which is defined as cumulative net earnings
available to common shareholders for the latest four quarters divided by
average total common shareholders' equity.
The information in this MD&A is current to July 28, 2008, unless
otherwise noted.
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales
Sales for the second quarter of 2008 increased 1.4%, or $108 million, to
$7.8 billion from $7.7 billion in the second quarter of 2007. On a year-to-
date basis, sales increased 1.5% to $15.2 billion. The impact of foreign
currency translation on the Weston Foods operating segment negatively impacted
consolidated sales growth by approximately 0.8% for the second quarter of 2008
and 1.2% on a year-to-date basis. When compared to the same period last year,
the Company's consolidated sales for the second quarter of 2008 were impacted
by each of its reportable operating segments as follows:- Positively by 0.3% at Weston Foods as a result of a sales increase of
2.0%, which included the negative impact of foreign currency
translation on reported sales growth of approximately 6.3%. Price
increases across key product categories combined with changes in
sales mix contributed positively to sales growth by 8.5% for the
second quarter of 2008. Overall volume decreased 0.2% for the second
quarter of 2008 with the positive impact of growth in certain higher
margin categories being more than offset by declines in other
categories.
- Positively by 1.3% due to sales growth of 1.5% at Loblaw. Same-store
sales increased by 0.7% in the second quarter during a period of
modest internal retail price deflation. The shift of Easter sales
into the first quarter of 2008 resulted in approximately 0.7% lower
growth in the second quarter of 2008. Total sales growth in food was
positive and drugstore sales were particularly strong, while general
merchandise sales declined compared to the second quarter of 2007. In
addition, gas bar sales were strong in the second quarter as a result
of fuel price inflation and volume growth. Total sales increases in
the second quarter of 2008 were achieved by positive growth in both
customer and item counts.
Operating Income
Operating income for the second quarter of 2008 was $340 million compared
to $328 million in 2007, an increase of 3.7%. The Company's second quarter
2008 operating margin increased to 4.3% from 4.2% in the comparable period of
2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007:
- a charge of $3 million (2007 - $66 million) related to restructuring
and other charges for restructuring plans undertaken by both Weston
Foods and Loblaw;
- income of $13 million (2007 - $17 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity derivatives at
both Weston and Loblaw. The amount of net stock-based compensation
cost recorded in operating income is mainly dependent upon the number
of unexercised, vested stock options and restricted share units
relative to the number of underlying common shares on the equity
derivatives and the level of and fluctuations in the market prices of
the underlying common shares;
- a charge of $34 million (2007 - income of $12 million) related to the
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at Weston Foods. This
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment includes realized and
unrealized gains and losses related to future purchases of raw
materials; and
- income of $7 million (2007 - nil) related to the redemption of the
remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.
When compared to the same period last year, the Company's change in
operating income for the second quarter of 2008 was impacted by each of its
reportable operating segments as follows:
- Negatively by 10.0% due to a decrease of 29.5% in operating income at
Weston Foods, with operating margin decreasing to 7.7% compared to
11.2% in 2007. Weston Foods operating income and operating margin
were negatively impacted by the commodity derivative fair value
adjustment, higher restructuring costs and a decrease in net stock-
based compensation income, net of the gain on the redemption of the
Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale of the Domtar (Canada)
Paper Inc. shares. Excluding these specific items, operating income
was impacted positively by price increases and changes in sales mix
and by the benefits realized from the continued focus on cost
reduction initiatives, including completed restructuring activities.
- Positively by 13.7% due to an increase of 20.8% in operating income
at Loblaw, with operating margin increasing to 3.7% compared to 3.1%
in 2007. Excluding the impact of restructuring and other costs and
the net effect of stock-based compensation and the associated equity
forwards, operating income and operating margin declined in the
second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007, as a
result of Loblaw's continued targeted investments in lower retail
prices to drive sales growth. Loblaw initiated significant pricing
investments in the third quarter of 2007 and as a result, margins in
the second quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted when compared to
the second quarter of 2007.
Year-to-date operating income for 2008 was $592 million compared to
$537 million in 2007, an increase of 10.2%. Operating margin for 2008
year-to-date was 3.9% compared to 3.6% in 2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007:
- a charge of $8 million (2007 - $155 million) related to restructuring
and other charges for restructuring plans undertaken by both Weston
Foods and Loblaw;
- a charge of $25 million (2007 - $2 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity derivatives of
both Weston and Loblaw;
- a charge of $10 million (2007 - income of $12 million) related to the
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at Weston Foods; and
- income of $7 million (2007 - nil) related to the redemption of the
remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.EBITDA(1) increased by $9 million or 1.8%, to $502 million in the second
quarter of 2008 compared to $493 million in the second quarter of 2007. On a
year-to-date basis EBITDA(1) increased by $46 million or 5.3% to $915 million
compared to $869 million in 2007. EBITDA margin(1) for the second quarter
remained unchanged at 6.4%, impacted by offsetting higher EBITDA margins(1) at
Loblaw and lower EBITDA margins(1) at Weston Foods. On a year-to-date basis
EBITDA margin(1) increased to 6.0% from 5.8% in 2007, positively impacted by
higher EBITDA margins(1) at Loblaw and partially offset by lower EBITDA
margins(1) at Weston Foods.
Interest Expense and Other Financing Charges
Interest expense and other financing charges for the second quarter of
2008 increased $5 million, or 4.9%, to $107 million from $102 million in the
second quarter of 2007. The change was mainly the result of:- net short term interest income of $1 million compared to $7 million
in 2007, primarily due to lower interest rates on United States
dollar denominated cash, cash equivalents and short term investments;
and
- dividends on capital securities of $5 million compared to nil in
2007. During the second quarter of 2008, the 10.6 million outstanding
Preferred Shares, Series II, which were previously presented as share
capital on the consolidated balance sheet were reclassified to
capital securities and are included in liabilities, to conform with
the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants ("CICA") Section
3863, "Financial Instruments - Presentation". Dividends on these
preferred shares are presented in interest expense and other
financing charges in the consolidated statement of earnings in the
second quarter of 2008 and onwards.
partially offset by:
- a non-cash charge of $27 million compared to $32 million in 2007
which was recorded in other financing charges, representing the fair
value adjustment of Weston's forward sale agreement for 9.6 million
Loblaw common shares. The fair value adjustment of the forward
contract is a non-cash item resulting from fluctuations in the market
price of the underlying Loblaw common shares that Weston owns. Weston
does not record any change in the market price associated with the
Loblaw common shares it owns. Any cash paid under the forward
contract could be offset by the sale of the Loblaw common shares; and
- interest income from financial derivative instruments of $1 million
compared to an expense of $4 million in 2007 which includes the
effect of the Company's interest rate swaps, cross currency basis
swaps, fixed cross currency swaps and equity derivatives.Year-to-date interest expense and other financing charges decreased by
$25 million to $129 million from $154 million in 2007. This decrease was
primarily due to the non-cash income of $24 million (2007 - non-cash charge of
$13 million) related to the fair value adjustment of Weston's forward sale
agreement for 9.6 million Loblaw common shares and by the impact of lower
interest expense on financial derivatives in 2008 compared to 2007, partially
offset by the negative impact of lower net short term interest income and the
dividends on capital securities.
Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate increased to 25.8% in the second quarter of
2008 compared to 23.9% in the second quarter of 2007 and on a year-to-date
basis increased to 29.4% from 23.2%. The increases were primarily due to an
increase in income tax accruals relating to certain income tax matters and a
change in the proportions of taxable income earned across different tax
jurisdictions, which were partially offset by lower Canadian federal and
certain provincial statutory income tax rates relative to the prior year
periods.
Net Earnings
Net earnings for the second quarter of 2008 decreased $11 million, or
8.5%, to $118 million from $129 million in 2007 and on a year- to-date basis
increased $16 million, or 6.9%, to $249 million from $233 million in 2007.
Basic net earnings per common share for the second quarter of 2008 decreased
$0.06, or 6.7%, to $0.84 from $0.90 in 2007 and year-to-date increased $0.15,
or 9.4%, to $1.75 from $1.60 in 2007.
Basic net earnings per common share were affected in the second quarter
of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007 by the following factors:- a $0.02 per common share charge (2007 - $0.19) related to
restructuring and other charges for restructuring plans undertaken by
both Weston Foods and Loblaw;
- $0.05 per common share income (2007 - $0.07) related to the net
effect of stock-based compensation and the associated equity
derivatives of both Weston and Loblaw;
- a $0.17 per common share charge (2007 - $0.06 per common share
income) related to the commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at
Weston Foods;
- a $0.15 per common share non-cash charge (2007 - $0.17) related to
the accounting for Weston's 2001 forward sale agreement of Loblaw
common shares;
- $0.02 per common share income (2007 - nil) related to the income tax
effect of the fair value adjustment of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc.
shares, net of the re-measurement of the Weston 3% Exchangeable
Debentures; and
- $0.04 per common share income (2007 - nil) related to the redemption
of the remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and
the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.
The 2008 year-to-date basic net earnings per common share were affected by
the following factors compared to 2007:
- a $0.04 per common share charge (2007 - $0.47) related to
restructuring and other charges for restructuring plans undertaken by
both Weston Foods and Loblaw;
- a $0.16 per common share charge (2007 - $0.04) related to the net
effect of stock-based compensation and the associated equity
derivatives of both Weston and Loblaw;
- a $0.05 per common share charge (2007 - $0.06 per common share
income) related to the commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at
Weston Foods;
- $0.14 per common share non-cash income (2007 - $0.07 per common share
non-cash charge) related to the accounting for Weston's 2001 forward
sale agreement of Loblaw common shares;
- a $0.03 per common share charge (2007 - $0.02 per common share
income) related to the income tax effect of the fair value adjustment
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares, net of the re-measurement
of the Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures; and
- $0.04 per common share income (2007 - nil) related to the redemption
of the remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and
the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS
Weston Foods
Sales
Weston Foods sales for the second quarter of 2008 of $1.0 billion
increased 2.0% compared to the same period in 2007. Foreign currency
translation negatively impacted reported sales growth by approximately 6.3%.
Price increases across key product categories combined with changes in sales
mix contributed positively to sales growth by 8.5% for the second quarter of
2008. Overall volume decreased 0.2% for the second quarter of 2008 with the
positive impact of growth in certain higher margin categories being more than
offset by declines in other categories.
On a year-to-date basis, sales of $2.0 billion decreased 1.4% compared to
the same period in 2007. Foreign currency translation negatively impacted
reported sales growth by approximately 8.6%. Price increases across key
product categories combined with changes in sales mix contributed positively
to sales growth by 7.2% for year-to-date 2008. Overall volume was flat on a
year-to-date basis and was positively impacted by growth in certain higher
margin categories being offset by declines in other categories.
The following sales analysis excludes the impact of foreign currency
translation.
Fresh bakery sales increased approximately 11.5% in the second quarter of
2008 and 10.0% year-to-date compared to the same periods in 2007, driven by
price increases in key product categories combined with changes in sales mix.
For the second quarter of 2008 and on a year-to-date basis, branded volume
increases in the Thomas' and Arnold brands in the United States and D'Italiano
brand in Canada were offset by volume declines in other categories,
particularly in private label products. Sales growth in whole grain and whole
wheat products exceeded the sales growth of white flour based products. The
introduction of new and expanded products, such as Thomas' Mini Bagels,
Thomas' 100 Calorie Bagel, Thomas' 100 Calorie English Muffin, Arnold Double
Breads, Gadoua Vitalité, Wonder+ Headstart and products under the Weight
Watchers(R) licensed brand, contributed positively to branded sales growth
during the second quarter of 2008 and year-to-date.
Fresh-baked sweet goods sales, primarily sold under the Entenmann's
brand, increased approximately 3.1% in the second quarter of 2008 and 0.6%
year-to-date compared to the same periods in 2007 mainly due to price
increases and focused promotional activity. Volume growth for the second
quarter of 2008 was positive, but volumes on a year-to-date basis remained
lower than 2007 due to softness in certain full-size categories, including the
impact of item rationalization, partially offset by growth in hand-held
categories, including Entenmann's Little Bites.
Frozen bakery sales increased approximately 8.6% in the second quarter of
2008 and 8.1% year-to-date compared to the same periods in 2007, driven mainly
by price increases combined with changes in sales mix, offset by lower
volumes. Volumes for the second quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted by
the timing of customer orders related to the Easter holiday, which fell in the
first quarter of 2008.
Dairy and bottled beverage sales increased approximately 2.4% in the
second quarter of 2008 and 3.4% year-to-date compared to the same periods in
2007 due to price increases and improvements in the sales mix as growth
continued to be experienced in a number of key categories, particularly value-
added and flavored milk products. Although volumes declined slightly in the
second quarter of 2008 when compared to the second quarter of 2007, volume
growth remained positive on a year-to-date basis.
Biscuit sales, principally wafers, ice-cream cones, cookies and crackers,
increased approximately 5.4% in the second quarter of 2008 and 5.6% year-to-
date compared to the same periods in 2007, primarily due to higher volume of
Girl Scout cookie sales.
Operating Income
Weston Foods operating income decreased 29.5% to $79 million in the
second quarter of 2008 from $112 million in the same period in 2007. Operating
margin was 7.7% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 11.2% in 2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007:- a charge of $2 million (2007 - income of $7 million) related to
restructuring and other charges;
- income of $3 million (2007 - $6 million) related to the net effect of
stock-based compensation and the associated equity derivatives;
- a charge of $34 million (2007 - income of $12 million) related to the
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment; and
- income of $7 million (2007 - nil) related to the redemption of the
remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.
In addition, foreign currency translation negatively impacted second
quarter 2008 operating income growth by approximately 1.8 percentage points.
On a year-to-date basis, Weston Foods operating income decreased 5.8% to
$178 million from $189 million in 2007. Operating margin for 2008 was 8.7%
compared to 9.2% in 2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007:
- a charge of $4 million (2007 - income of $7 million) related to
restructuring and other charges;
- a charge of $10 million (2007 - $1 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity derivatives;
- a charge of $10 million (2007 - income of $12 million) related to the
commodity derivatives fair value adjustment; and
- income of $7 million (2007 - nil) related to the redemption of the
remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures and the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. shares.In addition, foreign currency translation negatively impacted year-to-
date 2008 operating income growth by approximately 6.9 percentage points.
Weston Foods is exposed to price fluctuations primarily as a result of
anticipated purchases of certain raw materials, fuels and utilities. In
accordance with the Company's risk management strategy, Weston Foods enters
into commodity derivatives to reduce the impact of price fluctuations in a
specified percentage of forecasted raw material purchases over a specified
period of time. These commodity derivatives are not acquired for trading or
speculative purposes. Certain of these derivatives are not designated as cash
flow hedges of anticipated future raw material purchases, therefore hedge
accounting does not apply. Accordingly, the changes in fair value of these
derivatives, which include realized and unrealized gains and losses related to
future purchases of raw materials, are recorded in operating income. During
the second quarter of 2008, Weston Foods recorded in operating income a non-
cash charge of $34 million (2007 - non-cash income of $12 million) related to
the fair value adjustment of exchange traded commodity derivatives that were
not designated within a hedging relationship. Regardless of designation for
accounting, these commodity derivatives have the economic impact of largely
mitigating the associated risks arising from price fluctuations in the
underlying commodities.
Weston Foods operating income and operating margin for the second quarter
of 2008 and year-to-date were impacted negatively by the specific items
described above, in particular the change in the commodity derivatives fair
value adjustment, when compared to the prior year periods. Excluding these
specific items, operating income and operating margin were positively impacted
by sales growth primarily due to price increases combined with changes in
sales mix, and the benefits realized from the continued focus on cost
reduction initiatives, restructuring activities and reduced product returns.
Pricing and other actions mitigated the impact of higher fuel costs and the
inflationary cost pressures related to certain ingredients, primarily flour,
oils and sugar. Gross margin decreased in the second quarter of 2008 and year-
to-date mainly as a result of the commodity derivatives fair value adjustment.
Weston Foods continuously evaluates strategic and cost reduction
initiatives related to its manufacturing assets, distribution networks and
administrative infrastructure with the objective of ensuring a low cost
operating structure. The following items related to those initiatives were
recorded in 2008:- During the second quarter of 2008, Weston Foods approved a plan to
close a fresh bakery manufacturing facility in Ontario. This
restructuring is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of
2008. As a result of this restructuring plan, Weston Foods recognized
$1 million of accelerated depreciation and $1 million of employee
termination benefits in the second quarter of 2008.
- During 2006, Weston Foods approved a restructuring plan to downsize
its fresh-baked goods facility in Bay Shore, New York. The plan,
which is now complete, involved the transfer of full-size dessert
cake and cookie production to other existing Weston Foods facilities.
The Bay Shore location is now a more focused facility producing
primarily danish and pie products. As a result of this restructuring
plan, Weston Foods recognized an additional fixed asset impairment
charge of $1 million (2007 - nil) and $2 million (2007 - nil) of
additional employee termination benefits in the first quarter of
2008.
- During the third quarter of 2007, Weston Foods approved a plan to
exit and transfer certain distribution and transportation activities
in the mid-Western United States to third-party logistic providers.
This plan has been completed. Weston Foods recognized income of
$1 million (2007 - nil) as a result of the reversal of exit related
accruals net of additional exit costs in the first quarter of 2008.During the second quarter of 2008, Weston purchased a frozen bakery
manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada for cash consideration of $10
million. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. The impact of the acquisition on Weston Foods' operating results
was not significant. The fair value of the net assets acquired has been
estimated to consist of $1 million of inventories and $10 million of fixed
assets, net of current liabilities of $1 million. The purchase price
allocation will be finalized by the end of the third quarter of 2008.
EBITDA(1) decreased by $33 million, or 23.7%, to $106 million in the
second quarter of 2008 compared to $139 million in 2007. On a year-to-date
basis EBITDA(1) decreased by $17 million, or 6.9%, to $230 million compared to
$247 million in 2007. EBITDA margin(1) decreased in the second quarter of 2008
to 10.4% from 13.8% in 2007 and on a year-to-date basis to 11.3% from 12.0% in
2007.
Loblaw
Sales
Sales for the second quarter increased by 1.5% to $7.0 billion compared
to $6.9 billion in the second quarter of 2007. Total sales growth in food was
positive and drugstore sales were particularly strong, while general
merchandise sales declined compared to the second quarter of 2007. Same-store
sales increased by 0.7% in the second quarter during a period of modest
internal retail food price deflation.
The following factors explain the major components in the change in sales
for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007:- same-store sales growth of 0.7%;
- a shift in Easter sales into the first quarter of 2008 resulted in
lower sales and same-store sales growth of approximately 0.7% during
the second quarter of 2008;
- Loblaw experienced positive volume growth based on retail units sold;
- strong gas bar sales resulting from both fuel price inflation and
volume growth;
- Loblaw experienced modest internal retail food price deflation for
the second quarter of 2008 although national food price inflation as
measured by "The Consumer Price Index for Food Purchased from Stores"
was 1.9% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 4.0% in the same
period of 2007; and
- during the second quarter of 2008, 6 new corporate and franchised
stores were opened and 6 were closed, resulting in a net increase of
0.1 million square feet or 0.1%. During the latest four quarters, net
retail square footage increased by 0.5 million square feet, or 0.9%,
due to the opening of 30 new corporate and franchised stores,
inclusive of stores that underwent conversions and major expansions,
and the closure of 29 stores.
On a year-to-date basis, sales increased by 2.1%, to $13.6 billion. The
following factors in addition to the quarterly factors mentioned above further
explained the change in year-to-date sales over the same period in the prior
year:
- same-store sales growth of 1.6%; and
- an increase in net retail square footage during the latest four
quarters as noted above. In the first two quarters, 12 new corporate
and franchised stores were opened, including stores which underwent
conversions and major expansions, and 11 stores closed, resulting in
a net increase of 0.2 million square feet or 0.3% from year end 2007.
Operating Income
Operating income of $261 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared
to $216 million in the same period of 2007, an increase of 20.8%. Operating
margin was 3.7% for the second quarter of 2008 compared to 3.1% in 2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007:
- a charge of $1 million (2007 - $73 million) related to restructuring
and other charges; and
- income of $10 million (2007 - $11 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity forwards.Loblaw operating income for the second quarter of 2008 as compared to the
second quarter of 2007, was positively impacted by lower restructuring costs,
partially offset by the decrease in net stock-based compensation income, as
described in the specific items noted above. Excluding these specific items,
operating margin and EBITDA margin(1) declined in the second quarter of 2008
as a result of Loblaw's continued targeted investments in lower retail prices
to drive sales growth. Loblaw initiated significant pricing investments in the
third quarter of 2007 and as a result, margins in the second quarter of 2008
were negatively impacted compared to the second quarter of 2007. Loblaw
continues to focus on shrink and achieved improvements in shrink expense in
the second quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of 2007. Sales
increases in the second quarter were insufficient to offset margin declines
and cost increases.
Loblaw experienced higher store labour costs in the second quarter of
2008 as a result of increased wage rates compared to the second quarter of
2007. Labour productivity remained consistent in the second quarter of 2008
compared to the same period last year but has improved on a year-to-date
basis.
A $14 million gain (2007 - nil) from the sale of financial investments by
President's Choice Bank ("PC Bank"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Loblaw, was
reported in operating income during the second quarter of 2008.
Year-to-date operating income of $414 million compared to $348 million in
the same period of 2007, an increase of 19.0%. Year-to-date operating margin
was 3.1% compared to 2.6% in 2007.
The year-over-year change in the following items influenced operating
income for the first half of 2008 compared to the first half of 2007:- charge of $4 million (2007 - $162 million) related to restructuring
and other charges; and
- charge of $15 million (2007 - $1 million) related to the net effect
of stock-based compensation and the associated equity forwards.Also influencing year-to-date operating income for the first half of 2008
was the $14 million gain (2007 - nil) from the sale of financial investments
by PC Bank.
EBITDA(1) increased by $42 million, or 11.9%, to $396 million in the
second quarter of 2008 compared to $354 million in the second quarter of 2007.
Year-to-date EBITDA(1) increased by $63 million, or 10.1%, to $685 million
compared to $622 million in 2007. EBITDA margin(1) increased in the second
quarter of 2008 to 5.6% from 5.1% in the comparable period of 2007. Year-to-
date EBITDA margin(1) increased to 5.1% from 4.7% in the comparable period of
2007.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL CONDITION
Financial Ratios
The Company's net debt (excluding Exchangeable Debentures)(1) to equity
ratio at the end of the second quarter of 2008 was 0.96:1 compared to 1.03:1
at the end of the same period in 2007 and to 0.96:1 at year end 2007. Equity
for the purpose of calculating the net debt (excluding Exchangeable
Debentures)(1) to equity ratio is defined by the Company as shareholders'
equity and capital securities. The improvement in this ratio at the end of the
second quarter of 2008 compared to the end of the second quarter in 2007 was
mainly due to an increase in short term investments, partially offset by a net
increase in short term bank loans and commercial paper.
The interest coverage ratio in the second quarter of 2008 remained
unchanged at 3.1 times as compared to the second quarter of 2007. On a
year-to-date basis the interest coverage ratio increased to 4.3 times in 2008
compared to 3.3 times in 2007 primarily due to higher operating income and
lower interest expense and other financing charges, resulting mainly from the
fair value adjustment of Weston's forward sale agreement for 9.6 million
Loblaw common shares, which positively impacted the change in the year-to-date
2008 interest coverage ratio by approximately 0.9 times when compared to 2007.
For further details on the net debt (excluding Exchangeable
Debentures)(1) to equity ratio and interest coverage ratio, see note 16 to the
unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements.
The Company's rolling year return on average total assets(1) at the end
of the second quarter of 2008 was 7.1% compared to 2.2% in the comparable
period of 2007 and 6.7% at year end 2007. The Company's rolling year return on
average common shareholders' equity was 13.1% at the end of the second quarter
of 2008 compared to (0.6)% at the end of the second quarter of 2007 and 12.7%
for the year end 2007 return. The ratios in the second quarter of 2007 were
negatively impacted by the decline in cumulative operating income for the
latest four quarters including the negative impact of the $800 million non-
cash Loblaw goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2006.
Outstanding Share Capital
Weston's outstanding share capital is comprised of common shares and
preferred shares. An unlimited number of common shares is authorized and 129.1
million common shares were outstanding at the end of the second quarter of
2008. An unlimited number of preferred shares Series I, Series III, Series IV
and Series V is authorized and 9.4 million preferred shares Series I, 8.0
million preferred shares Series III, 8.0 million preferred shares Series IV
and 8.0 million preferred shares Series V were outstanding at the end of the
second quarter of 2008.
In addition, 10.6 million Preferred Shares, Series II, are authorized and
were outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2008. During the second
quarter of 2008, these Preferred Shares, Series II, which were previously
presented as share capital on the consolidated balance sheet, were
reclassified to capital securities and are included in liabilities to conform
with Section 3863, "Financial Instruments - Presentation".
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston renewed its Normal Course
Issuer Bid to purchase on the Toronto Stock Exchange or enter into equity
derivatives to purchase up to 5% of its common shares outstanding. In
accordance with the rules and by-laws of the Toronto Stock Exchange, Weston
may purchase its shares at the then market price of such shares. Weston did
not purchase any shares under its Normal Course Issuer Bid in the first half
of 2008 or in 2007.
Further information on the Company's outstanding share capital and
capital securities is provided in note 16 to the unaudited interim period
consolidated financial statements.
Dividends
On July 1, 2008, common share dividends of $0.36 per share and preferred
share dividends of $0.32 per share for the Series II, Series III and Series IV
preferred shares and dividends of $0.30 per share for the Series V preferred
shares were paid as declared by Weston's Board of Directors. On June 15, 2008,
preferred share dividends of $0.36 per share for the Series I preferred shares
were paid as declared by the Board. The common share dividend for the second
quarter of 2008 was maintained at the 2007 quarterly dividend rate.
Dividends on the preferred shares Series II are presented in interest
expense and other financing charges in the consolidated statement of earnings
in the second quarter of 2008.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows from Operating Activities of Continuing Operations
Second quarter 2008 cash flows from operating activities of continuing
operations were $388 million compared to $638 million in the comparable period
in 2007. On a year-to-date basis cash flows from operating activities of
continuing operations were $108 million compared to $430 million in 2007. The
decreases in cash flows from operating activities of continuing operations for
the second quarter and year-to-date were mainly due to a decrease in operating
income, excluding the impact of restructuring costs, in addition to the
changes in non-cash working capital. The change in cash flows used in non-cash
working capital for the second quarter was primarily driven by changes in
inventories, and year-to-date was mainly due to changes in inventories and
accounts receivable, partially offset by changes in accounts payable and
accrued liabilities.
Cash Flows used in Investing Activities of Continuing Operations
Second quarter 2008 cash flows used in investing activities of continuing
operations were $374 million compared to cash flows used in investing
activities of continuing operations of $31 million in 2007. On a year-to-date
basis, cash flows used in investing activities of continuing operations were
$281 million compared to $253 million in 2007. The primary reason for these
changes was an increase in cash flows used in short term investments partially
offset by a decrease in capital expenditures and the cash flows from the sale
of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. investment, which funded the retirement of
the Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures, which is included in cash flows used in
financing activities. Capital investment for the second quarter amounted to
$106 million (2007 - $152 million) and year-to-date 2008 amounted to
$233 million (2007 - $269 million).
During the second quarter of 2008, nil (2007 - $85 million) credit card
receivables were securitized and nil (2007 - $125 million) year-to-date by PC
Bank through the sale of a portion of the total interest in these receivables
to an independent trust. The securitization yielded a nominal net loss in 2007
based on the assumptions disclosed in note 12 to the consolidated financial
statements for the year ended December 31, 2007 included in Weston's 2007
Annual Report. The independent trusts' recourse to PC Bank's assets is limited
to PC Bank's retained interests and is further supported by Loblaw through a
standby letter of credit for $89 million (2007 - $80 million) on a portion of
the securitized amount.
Cash Flows (used in) from Financing Activities of Continuing Operations
Second quarter 2008 cash flows used in financing activities of continuing
operations were $276 million compared to cash flows used in financing
activities of continuing operations of $317 million in 2007. This decrease was
primarily due to changes in commercial paper and short term bank loans,
partially offset by a net decrease in long term debt. On a year-to-date basis,
cash flows from financing activities of continuing operations were $81 million
compared to cash flows used in financing activities of continuing operations
of $143 million in 2007. The year-to-date change in cash flows from (used in)
financing activities of continuing operations was primarily due to an increase
in short term bank loans partially offset by a decline in commercial paper
levels and a net decrease in long term debt. The net decrease in long term
debt in the second quarter and year-to-date 2008 included cash flows used in
the retirement of the Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures.
In the first quarter of 2008, Loblaw entered into an $800 million, 5-year
committed credit facility, provided by a syndicate of banks, which contains
certain financial covenants. This facility is the primary source of Loblaw's
short term funding requirements and permits borrowings having up to a 180-day
term that accrue interest based on short term floating interest rates. This
facility replaced a $500 million, 364-day committed credit facility which had
no financial covenants and permitted borrowings having up to a 180-day term
that accrued interest based on short term floating interest rates. As at June
14, 2008, $798 million was drawn on the new 5-year committed credit facility.
During the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw issued USD $300 million of
fixed-rate unsecured notes in a private placement debt financing which
contains certain financial covenants. The notes were issued in two equal
tranches of USD $150 million with 5 and 7 year maturities at interest rates of
6.48% and 6.86% respectively. Loblaw entered into two fixed cross currency
swaps to manage the foreign exchange and US interest rate risk. These cross
currency swaps were designated as cash flow hedges as presented in note 15 to
the unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements. The net
proceeds from the issue of the notes were used to repay maturing debt
obligations, including a portion of the $390 million of 6.00% Medium Term
Notes ("MTN") which matured in June 2008.
During the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw filed a Short Form Base Shelf
Prospectus allowing for the issue of up to $1 billion of unsecured debentures
and/or preferred shares. During the second quarter, Loblaw offered by way of
prospectus supplement under the 2008 Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus, a
Canadian public offering of 9.0 million cumulative redeemable convertible
Second Preferred Shares, Series A, at a price of $25.00 per share, to yield
5.95% per annum, for an aggregate gross amount of $225 million. Subsequent to
the end of the second quarter, the offering closed and the net proceeds of
$218 million were added to the general funds of Loblaw. The preferred shares
have been listed and posted to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX")
under the symbol "L.PR.A". Dominion Bond Rating Service ("DBRS") assigned a
rating of Pfd-3 with a Negative trend and Standard & Poor's ("S&P") assigned a
rating of P-3 (high) to Loblaw's preferred shares. Loblaw has traditionally
obtained its long term financing primarily through a MTN program. Loblaw may
refinance maturing long term debt, including $125 million of 5.75% MTN
maturing in 2009, with MTN if market conditions are appropriate or it may
consider other alternatives.
During the first quarter of 2008, Loblaw's MTN, other notes and
debentures and commercial paper ratings were downgraded by DBRS and S&P. DBRS
downgraded Loblaw's long term credit rating to "BBB (high)" from "A (low)" and
also lowered Loblaw's short term credit rating to "R-2 (high)" from "R-1
(low)". In addition S&P downgraded Loblaw's commercial paper rating to "A-2"
from "A-1 (low)".
During the second quarter of 2008, DBRS downgraded Loblaw's long term
ratings to "BBB" from "BBB (high)", maintaining the Negative trend. At the
same time, DBRS downgraded Loblaw's short term rating to "R-2 (middle)" from
"R-2 (high)" and changed the trend to Negative from Stable.
As a result of the DBRS downgrades of the short term credit rating,
Loblaw has limited access to commercial paper. However, Loblaw has secured
short term funding from other sources, primarily the $800 million, 5-year
committed credit facility.
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston entered into a $300 million, 5-
year committed credit facility, provided by a syndicate of banks, which
contains certain financial covenants. This facility is the primary source of
Weston's short term funding requirements and permits borrowings having up to a
180-day term that accrue interest based on short term floating interest rates.
This facility replaced $300 million, 364-day revolving committed credit
facility which had no financial covenants and permitted borrowings having up
to a 180-day term that accrued based on short term floating interest rates. As
at June 14, 2008, $257 million was drawn on the new 5-year committed credit
facility.
During the first quarter of 2008, DBRS downgraded Weston's MTN and
debentures to "BBB" from "BBB (high)", the short term credit rating to "R-2
(high)" from "R-1 (low)", Exchangeable Debentures to "BBB (low)" from "BBB"
and the preferred shares to "Pfd-3" from "Pfd-3 (high)", all with a Stable
trend. During the second quarter of 2008, Weston's long term corporate credit,
commercial paper and preferred share ratings were affirmed by S&P at "BBB", "A
-2" and "P-3 (high)", respectively. Weston was removed from CreditWatch with
Negative Implications and the ratings outlook was changed to Negative. As a
result of the DBRS downgrade of Weston's short term credit rating, Weston has
limited access to commercial paper. However, Weston has secured short term
financing from other sources, primarily the $300 million, 5-year committed
credit facility.
Weston has traditionally obtained its long term financing primarily
through a MTN program. Weston may refinance maturing long term debt, including
$250 million of 5.90% MTN maturing in 2009, with MTN if market conditions are
appropriate or it may consider other alternatives.
The Company's ability to obtain funding from external sources may be
restricted by further downgrades in the Company's credit ratings, should the
Company's financial performance and condition deteriorate.
In addition, credit and capital markets are subject to inherent global
risks that may negatively affect the Company's access and ability to fund its
short term and long term debt requirements. The Company mitigates these risks
by maintaining appropriate levels of cash and cash equivalents, short term
investments and security deposits, actively monitoring market conditions and
diversifying its sources of funding and maturity profile.
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company exercised its right to
redeem all of the remaining outstanding Weston 3% Exchangeable Debentures
pursuant to the trust indenture dated June 29, 1998 by paying cash of $633.08
per each one thousand dollar principal amount of Exchangeable Debentures for
$137 million plus accrued but unpaid interest of approximately $3 million, for
an aggregate amount of approximately $140 million. Weston also sold its
investment in Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. for $144 million, and used these
proceeds to settle its obligation under the Exchangeable Debentures. The
Company recorded a gain of $7 million in operating income in the second
quarter of 2008.
Free Cash Flow(1)
Free cash flow(1) for the second quarter of 2008 was $205 million
compared to $402 million in the second quarter of 2007. On a year-to-date
basis, free cash flow(1) was negative $284 million compared to negative $5
million in 2007. The decreases in second quarter and year-to-date free cash
flows were due to a decrease in cash flows from operating activities, net of a
decrease in capital expenditures, compared to the prior year periods.
Independent Funding Trusts
Certain independent franchisees of Loblaw obtain financing through a
structure involving independent trusts, which were created to provide loans to
the independent franchisees to facilitate their purchase of inventory and
fixed assets, consisting mainly of fixtures and equipment. These trusts are
administered by a major Canadian chartered bank.
During the first quarter of 2008, Loblaw was notified that an Event of
Termination of the independent funding trust agreement for Loblaw's
franchisees had occurred as a result of the credit rating downgrade by DBRS of
Loblaw's long term credit rating to "BBB (high)" from "A (low)". As a result
of the Event of Termination, during the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw
finalized an alternative financing arrangement for the independent funding
trust in the form of a $475 million, 364-day revolving committed credit
facility provided by a syndicate of banks.
The gross principal amount of loans issued to Loblaw's independent
franchisees outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2008 was $383
million (2007 - $417 million) including $159 million (2007 - $154 million) of
loans payable by VIEs consolidated by Loblaw. Based on a formula, Loblaw has
agreed to provide credit enhancement in the form of a standby letter of credit
for the benefit of the independent funding trust equal to approximately 15%
(2007 - 10%) of the principal amount of the loans outstanding at any point in
time, $66 million (2007 - $44 million) as of the end of the second quarter of
2008. The standby letter of credit has not been drawn upon. This credit
enhancement allows the independent funding trust to provide favourable
financing terms to Loblaw's independent franchisees. As well, each independent
franchisee provides security to the independent funding trust for its
obligations by way of a general security agreement. In the event that an
independent franchisee defaults on its loan and Loblaw has not, within a
specified time period, assumed the loan, or the default is not otherwise
remedied, the independent funding trust would assign the loan to Loblaw and
draw upon this standby letter of credit. Loblaw has agreed to reimburse the
issuing bank for any amount drawn on the standby letter of credit. This new
alternative financing will result in a higher financing cost to the
franchisees, which in turn could adversely affect operating results. The new
financing structure has been reviewed and Loblaw determined there were no
material implications with respect to the consolidation of VIEs.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following is a summary of selected consolidated financial information
derived from the Company's unaudited interim period consolidated financial
statements for each of the eight most recently completed quarters. This
information was prepared in accordance with Canadian GAAP and is reported in
Canadian dollars. Each of the quarters presented is 12 weeks in duration
except for the third quarter, which is 16 weeks in duration.Quarterly Financial Information (unaudited)
Second Quarter First Quarter
($ millions except where otherwise
indicated) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 7,847 $ 7,739 $ 7,337 $ 7,221
Net earnings (loss) from continuing
operations $ 118 $ 129 $ 131 $ 104
Net earnings (loss) $ 118 $ 129 $ 131 $ 104
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per common share
from continuing operations ($)
Basic and diluted $ 0.84 $ 0.90 $ 0.91 $ 0.70
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per common
share ($)
Basic and diluted $ 0.84 $ 0.90 $ 0.91 $ 0.70
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth Quarter Third Quarter
($ millions except where otherwise
indicated) 2007 2006 2007 2006
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 7,692 $ 7,578 $10,163 $10,085
Net earnings (loss) from continuing
operations $ 151 $ (428) $ 179 $ 226
Net earnings (loss) $ 151 $ (417) $ 179 $ 226
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per common share
from continuing operations ($)
Basic and diluted $ 1.07 $ (3.42) $ 1.25 $ 1.62
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss) per common
share ($)
Basic and diluted $ 1.07 $ (3.33) $ 1.25 $ 1.62
-------------------------------------------------------------------------Consolidated sales growth continued in the second quarter of 2008
compared to the second quarter of 2007. At Loblaw, same-store sales growth
during the current quarter increased 0.7%. Sales and same-store sales growth
in the second quarter of 2008 were negatively impacted by the timing of
Easter, which occurred two weeks earlier in 2008, resulting in a shift in
holiday sales into the first quarter of 2008 compared to the second quarter of
2007. At Weston Foods, quarterly sales growth was positively impacted by
increases in pricing combined with changes in sales mix. Weston Foods
quarterly sales growth was also negatively impacted by foreign currency
translation. Weston Foods sales growth during the third quarter of 2007 was
also negatively impacted by the exit from the United States frozen foodservice
bagel business during the third quarter of 2006 and the discontinuance of
contract manufacturing of biscuits for certain customers during 2006.
Quarterly net earnings for the last eight quarters were impacted by the
following significant items:- restructuring and other charges incurred by Weston Foods and Loblaw;
- fluctuations in stock-based compensation net of the impact of the
associated equity derivatives, as a result of changes in the market
prices of Weston's and Loblaw's common shares;
- commodity derivatives fair value adjustment at Weston Foods;
- the income tax effect of the fair value adjustment of Domtar (Canada)
Paper Inc. shares, net of the re-measurement of the Weston 3%
Exchangeable Debentures;
- the gain on the redemption of the remaining outstanding Weston 3%
Exchangeable Debentures and the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper
Inc. shares;
- accounting for Weston's 2001 forward sale agreement of 9.6 million
Loblaw common shares;
- the curtailment of a post-retirement plan at Weston Foods;
- Loblaw's charges related to inventory liquidation; and
- the non-cash Loblaw goodwill impairment charge in the fourth quarter
of 2006.INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate
internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with Canadian GAAP.
There was no change in the Company's internal controls over financial
reporting that occurred during the twelve weeks ended June 14, 2008 that
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company and Loblaw were two of 17
defendants served with an action brought in the Superior Court of Ontario by
certain beneficiaries of a multi-employer pension plan in which employees of
Loblaw and those of its independent franchisees participate. In their claim
against the employers and the trustees of the multi-employer pension plan, the
plaintiffs claim that assets of the multi-employer pension plan have been
mismanaged and are seeking, among other demands, damages of $1 billion. The
action is framed as a representative action on behalf of all the beneficiaries
of the multi-employer pension plan. During the second quarter of 2008, the
Company received confirmation that the action against the Company and Loblaw
has been dismissed, but the action against the trustees is ongoing. One of the
trustees, an officer of Loblaw, may be entitled to indemnification from
Loblaw.
In addition to the claim described above, the Company is the subject of
various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of
business. The outcome of all of these proceedings is uncertain. However, based
on information currently available, these claims, individually and in the
aggregate, are not expected to have a material impact on the Company.
ACCOUNTING STANDARDS IMPLEMENTED IN 2008
Capital Disclosures and Financial Instruments - Disclosure and
Presentation
In December 2006, the CICA issued three new accounting standards: Section
1535, "Capital Disclosures" ("Section 1535"), Section 3862, "Financial
Instruments - Disclosures" ("Section 3862") and Section 3863, "Financial
Instruments - Presentation" ("Section 3863").
Section 1535 establishes guidelines for the disclosure of information
regarding a company's capital and how it is managed. Enhanced disclosures with
respect to the entity's objectives, policies and processes for managing
capital and quantitative disclosure about what the entity regards as capital
are required. For new disclosures, refer to note 16 to the unaudited interim
period consolidated financial statements. The adoption of Section 1535 did not
have an impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Section 3862 and Section 3863 replaced Section 3861, "Financial
Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation". Section 3862 requires increased
disclosures regarding the risks associated with financial instruments and how
these risks are managed. Section 3863 carries forward standards for
presentation of financial instruments and non-financial derivative instruments
and provides additional guidance for the classification of financial
instruments, from the perspective of the issuer, between liabilities and
equity. For new disclosures, refer to notes 18 and 20 to the unaudited interim
period consolidated financial statements. Comparative information about the
nature and extent of risks arising from financial instruments is not required
in the year Section 3862 is adopted. The adoption of Section 3862 and Section
3863 did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or
financial condition.
Inventories
During the first quarter of 2008, the Company also implemented Section
3031, "Inventories" ("Section 3031"), which replaced Section 3030 of the same
title. Section 3031 provides guidance with respect to the determination of
cost and requires inventories to be measured at the lower of cost and net
realizable value. Costs such as storage costs and administrative overhead that
do not contribute to bringing inventories to their present location and
condition are specifically excluded from the cost of inventories and expensed
in the period incurred. Reversal of previous write-downs to net realizable
value when there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories is now
required. The cost of the inventories should be based on a first-in, first-out
or a weighted average cost formula. Techniques used for the measurement of
cost of inventories, such as the retail method may be used if the results
approximate cost. The new standard also requires additional disclosures
including the accounting policies used in measuring inventories, the carrying
amount of the inventories, amounts recognized as an expense during the period,
write-downs and the amount of any reversal of any write-downs recognized as a
reduction in expenses.
Upon implementation of Section 3031, a decrease in opening inventories of
$67 million and a corresponding decrease of $27 million to opening retained
earnings net of income taxes of $25 million and minority interest of
$15 million were recorded on the consolidated balance sheet resulting mainly
from the application by Loblaw of a consistent cost formula for all
inventories having a similar nature and use. For further details of the
specific accounting changes and related impacts, see notes 2 and 11 to the
unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements.
FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
In November 2007, the CICA issued amendments to Section 1000, "Financial
Statement Concepts", and Accounting Guideline 11, "Enterprises in the
Development Stage", issued a new Section 3064, "Goodwill and Intangible
Assets" ("Section 3064") to replace Section 3062, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets", withdrew Section 3450, "Research and Development Costs"
and amended Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 27, "Revenues and Expenditures
During the Pre-operating Period" to not apply to entities that have adopted
Section 3064. These amendments provide guidance for the recognition of
internally developed intangible assets, including assets developed from
research and development activities, ensuring consistent treatment of all
intangible assets, whether separately acquired or internally developed. The
amendments are effective for annual and interim financial statements relating
to fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008 and therefore the
Company will implement them in the first quarter of 2009, retroactively with
restatement of the comparative periods for the current and prior years. The
impact of implementing these amendments on the Company's financial statements
is currently being assessed.
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
The Canadian Accounting Standards Board will require all public companies
to adopt IFRS for interim and annual financial statements relating to fiscal
years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Companies will be required to
provide IFRS comparative information for the previous fiscal year. The
transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be applicable for the Company for
the first quarter of 2011 when the Company will prepare both the current and
comparative financial information using IFRS. The Company expects the
transition to IFRS to impact financial reporting, business processes and
information systems. The Company has completed a diagnostic impact assessment
and has substantially completed planning activities for the initial assessment
phase of the implementation project. The Company will continue to invest in
training and resources throughout the transition period to facilitate a timely
conversion.
OUTLOOK(2)
The consolidated results of George Weston Limited for 2008 will continue
to reflect the changes undertaken by both the Weston Foods and Loblaw
operating businesses in order to position them for strong growth in the
future.
For the remainder of the year, Weston Foods expects operating margins to
remain under pressure as the costs of key input items continue to rise. Weston
Foods will focus on mitigating this cost inflation through cost reduction
efforts and by managing product mix.
For the balance of the year, Loblaw will direct its efforts towards
building profitable sales momentum while continuing to improve value for
customers. Focus on cost and operating efficiencies will continue as margins
are expected to remain under pressure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Additional information about the Company has been filed electronically
with various securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic
Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) and is available online at
www.sedar.com.
This Quarterly Report includes selected information on Loblaw Companies
Limited, a 62%-owned public reporting company with shares trading on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. For information regarding Loblaw, readers should also
refer to the materials filed by Loblaw with the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities from time to time.
--------------------------
(1) See Non-GAAP Financial Measures.
(2) To be read in conjunction with "Forward-Looking Statements".
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The Company reports its financial results in accordance with Canadian
GAAP. It has historically also included in its Quarterly and Annual Reports
certain Non-GAAP financial measures and ratios. Over the past year, the
Company has reviewed its practices with respect to the disclosure of Non-GAAP
financial measures. The Company considered the separate presentation of Non-
GAAP financial measures taking into account the discussion in the MD&A of the
results of operations and the impact of specific events on these results of
operations, the disclosure practices of its industry peers and best practices.
Based on this review, the Company decided that effective the first
quarter of 2008 it would discontinue its use of the following Non-GAAP
financial measures: sales and sales growth excluding the impact of tobacco
sales and VIEs, adjusted operating income and adjusted operating margin,
adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin, and adjusted basic net earnings
per common share from continuing operations. The Company will continue to
discuss the impact of individual specific items that are important in
understanding the ongoing operations including those that relate to sales,
operating income and basic net earnings per common share.
The Company will continue to use the following Non-GAAP financial
measures: EBITDA and EBITDA margin, net debt, return on average total assets
and free cash flow. The Company believes these Non-GAAP financial measures
provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the
financial performance and financial condition of the Company for the reasons
outlined below. These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed
by Canadian GAAP and, therefore, may not be comparable to similarly titled
measures presented by other publicly traded companies, nor should they be
construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in
accordance with Canadian GAAP.
EBITDA and EBITDA Margin
The following table reconciles earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") to Canadian GAAP net earnings
reported in the unaudited interim period consolidated statements of earnings
for the twelve and twenty-four week periods ended as indicated. For each of
its reportable operating segments, segment EBITDA is reconciled to segment
operating income. EBITDA is useful to management in assessing the Company's
performance of its ongoing operations and its ability to generate cash flows
to fund its cash requirements, including the Company's capital investment
program.EBITDA margin is calculated as EBITDA divided by sales.
-----------------------
12 Weeks Ended 12 Weeks Ended
Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
Weston Consoli- Weston Consoli-
($ millions) Foods Loblaw dated Foods Loblaw dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 118 $ 129
Add impact of the
following:
Minority interest 55 43
Income taxes 60 54
Interest expense and
other financing
charges 107 102
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 79 $ 261 $ 340 $ 112 $ 216 $ 328
Depreciation and
amortization 26 135 161 27 138 165
Accelerated
depreciation(1) 1 1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA $ 106 $ 396 $ 502 $ 139 $ 354 $ 493
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
-----------------------
24 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
Weston Consoli- Weston Consoli-
($ millions) Foods Loblaw dated Foods Loblaw dated
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 249 $ 233
Add impact of the
following:
Minority interest 78 61
Income taxes 136 89
Interest expense and
other financing
charges 129 154
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income $ 178 $ 414 $ 592 $ 189 $ 348 $ 537
Depreciation and
amortization 51 271 322 54 274 328
Accelerated
depreciation(1) 1 1 4 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
EBITDA $ 230 $ 685 $ 915 $ 247 $ 622 $ 869
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------
(1) Accelerated depreciation is included in restructuring and other
charges in the consolidated statements of earnings as discussed in
note 3 to the unaudited interim period consolidated financial
statements.Net Debt
The following table reconciles net debt excluding Exchangeable Debentures
to Canadian GAAP measures reported in the unaudited interim period
consolidated balance sheets as indicated. The Company calculates net debt as
the sum of long term debt and short term debt less cash and cash equivalents,
short term investments and security deposits which are included in other
assets and believes this measure is useful in evaluating the amount of
leverage employed. The Company calculates net debt excluding Exchangeable
Debentures as net debt (as calculated above) less Exchangeable Debentures and
believes this measure is also useful in evaluating the amount of leverage
employed by the Company as the Exchangeable Debentures can be settled by using
the Company's investment in Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc.---------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank indebtedness $ 136 $ 189
Commercial paper 744
Short term bank loans 1,297 198
Long term debt due within one year 415 434
Long term debt 5,270 5,593
Less: Cash and cash equivalents 1,029 1,034
Short term investments 658 326
Security deposits included in
other assets 454 422
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 4,977 5,376
Less: Exchangeable Debentures 247
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt (excluding Exchangeable Debentures) $ 4,977 $ 5,129
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------Free Cash Flow
The following table reconciles free cash flow to Canadian GAAP cash flows
used in operating activities from continuing operations reported in the
unaudited interim period consolidated cash flow statements for the twelve and
twenty-four week periods ended as indicated. The Company calculates free cash
flow as cash flows from operating activities of continuing operations less
fixed asset purchases and dividends. The Company believes free cash flow is a
useful measure of the change in the Company's cash available for additional
funding requirements.12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
-------- --------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from operating
activities of continuing
operations $ 388 $ 638 $ 108 $ 430
Less: Fixed asset purchases 106 152 233 269
Dividends on share capital 77 84 159 166
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Free cash flow $ 205 $ 402 $(284) $ (5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------Total Assets
The following table reconciles total assets used in the return on average
total assets to Canadian GAAP total assets reported in the unaudited interim
period consolidated balance sheets as indicated. The Company believes the
rolling year return on average total assets is useful in assessing the
performance of its operating assets and therefore excludes cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments, security deposits which are included in
other assets and the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. investment from the total
assets used in this measure.---------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Canadian GAAP total assets $ 18,571 $ 18,111
Less: Cash and cash equivalents 1,029 1,034
Short term investments 658 326
Security deposits included in
other assets 454 422
Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc.
investment 247
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $ 16,430 $ 16,082
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
(unaudited)
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
-------- --------
($ millions except where Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
otherwise indicated) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 7,847 $ 7,739 $ 15,184 $ 14,960
Operating Expenses
Cost of sales, selling and
administrative expenses 7,343 7,180 14,262 13,940
Depreciation and amortization 161 165 322 328
Restructuring and other charges
(note 3) 3 66 8 155
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
7,507 7,411 14,592 14,423
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income 340 328 592 537
Interest Expense and Other
Financing Charges (note 4) 107 102 129 154
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings Before the Following: 233 226 463 383
Income Taxes (note 6) 60 54 136 89
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
173 172 327 294
Minority Interest 55 43 78 61
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings $ 118 $ 129 $ 249 $ 233
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Earnings per Common
Share ($)
- Basic and Diluted (note 7) $ 0.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.75 $ 1.60
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim period consolidated
financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(unaudited)
24 Weeks Ended
---------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions except where otherwise indicated) 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share Capital
Preferred Shares $ 817 $ 817
Common Shares 133 133
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Share Capital, Beginning and End of Period $ 950 $ 950
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained Earnings, Beginning of Period $ 4,726 $ 4,506
Cumulative impact of implementing new accounting
standards (note 2) (27) (100)
Net earnings 249 233
Dividends declared
Per common share ($) - $0.72 (2007 - $0.72) (93) (93)
Per preferred share ($) - Series I - $0.73 (2007
- $0.73) (7) (7)
- Series II - $0.64 (2007 -
$0.64) (notes 4 & 16) (3) (7)
- Series III - $0.65 (2007
- $0.65) (5) (5)
- Series IV - $0.65 (2007
- $0.65) (5) (5)
- Series V - $0.60 (2007
- $0.60) (5) (5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained Earnings, End of Period $ 4,830 $ 4,517
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Beginning of
Period $ (999) $ (503)
Cumulative impact of implementing new accounting
standards (note 2) 9
Other comprehensive income (loss) 135 (269)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, End of Period
(note 17) $ (864) $ (763)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity $ 4,916 $ 4,704
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim period consolidated
financial statements.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
-------- --------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 118 $ 129 $ 249 $ 233
Other comprehensive income
(loss), net of income taxes
and minority interest
Foreign currency translation
adjustment 18 (253) 140 (267)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized gain (loss) on
available-for-sale financial
assets 8 (16) 14 (18)
Reclassification of (gain) loss
on available-for-sale financial
assets to net earnings (8) (1) (1) (8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(17) 13 (26)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (loss) gain on derivatives
designated as cash flow hedges (1) 13 (6) 16
Reclassification of (gain) loss
on derivatives designated as
cash flow hedges to net earnings (4) 1 (12) 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) 14 (18) 24
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive income
(loss) 13 (256) 135 (269)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Comprehensive Income
(Loss) $ 131 $ (127) $ 384 $ (36)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim period consolidated
financial statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
--------------
As at
Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007
($ millions) (unaudited) (unaudited)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
(note 8) $ 1,029 $ 1,034 $ 1,076
Short term investments 658 326 461
Accounts receivable
(notes 9 & 10) 1,228 939 1,141
Inventories (note 11) 2,140 1,982 2,172
Income taxes 95 129 91
Future income taxes 108 161 121
Prepaid expenses and other
assets 89 97 49
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Assets 5,347 4,668 5,111
Fixed Assets 8,931 9,129 8,960
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
(note 12) 2,299 2,417 2,240
Future Income Taxes 106 51 91
Other Assets 1,888 1,846 1,986
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets $ 18,571 $ 18,111 $ 18,388
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Bank indebtedness $ 136 $ 189 $ 85
Commercial paper 744 609
Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities 2,967 2,839 3,322
Short term bank loans (note 14) 1,297 198 250
Long term debt due within
one year 415 434 432
Current liabilities of
discontinued operations 3 3 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Current Liabilities 4,818 4,407 4,701
Long Term Debt (note 15) 5,270 5,593 5,494
Future Income Taxes 290 313 293
Other Liabilities 872 728 831
Capital securities (note 16) 261 260 260
Minority Interest 2,144 2,106 2,132
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities 13,655 13,407 13,711
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Share Capital (note 16) 950 950 950
Retained Earnings 4,830 4,517 4,726
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss (note 17) (864) (763) (999)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Shareholders' Equity 4,916 4,704 4,677
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Liabilities and
Shareholders' Equity $ 18,571 $ 18,111 $ 18,388
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
Contingencies, commitments and guarantees (note 21).
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim period consolidated
financial statements.
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
(unaudited)
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
-------- --------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Activities
Net earnings before minority
interest $ 173 $ 172 $ 327 $ 294
Depreciation and amortization 161 165 322 328
Restructuring and other charges
(note 3) 3 66 8 155
Future income taxes 1 (2) 4 (16)
Fair value adjustment of
Weston's forward sale
agreement (note 4) 27 32 (24) 13
Change in non-cash working
capital 19 203 (590) (386)
Other 4 2 61 42
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows from Operating
Activities of Continuing
Operations 388 638 108 430
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing Activities
Fixed asset purchases (106) (152) (233) (269)
Short term investments (365) 183 (172) (38)
Proceeds from fixed asset sales 4 25 14 34
Business acquisition (note 5) (10) (10)
Domtar investment (note 15) 144 144
Credit card receivables, after
securitization (note 9) (42) (52) 32 92
Franchise investments and other
receivables (2) 6 (20) (1)
Other 3 (41) (36) (71)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows used in Investing
Activities of Continuing
Operations (374) (31) (281) (253)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing Activities
Bank indebtedness (27) 7 49 94
Commercial paper (18) (257) (609) (94)
Short term bank loans (note 14) 85 10 1,047 20
Long term debt - Issued 296 16 301 23
- Retired
(note 15) (535) (9) (548) (20)
Dividends - To common
shareholders (47) (47) (93) (93)
- To preferred
shareholders (8) (15) (22) (29)
- To minority
shareholders (22) (22) (44) (44)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows (used in) from Financing
Activities of Continuing
Operations (276) (317) 81 (143)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Foreign Currency
Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and
Cash Equivalents (1) (88) 45 (89)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows (used in) from
Continuing Operations (263) 202 (47) (55)
Cash Flows used in Discontinued
Operations (1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (263) 202 (47) (56)
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
Beginning of Period 1,292 832 1,076 1,090
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Cash Equivalents,
End of Period $ 1,029 $ 1,034 $ 1,029 $ 1,034
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------
See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim period consolidated
financial statements.
Notes to the Unaudited Interim Period Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Principles
Basis of Presentation
The unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements were
prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles ("GAAP") and follow the same accounting policies and methods
of application as those used in the preparation of the audited annual
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007,
except as described in note 2. Under Canadian GAAP, additional disclosure
is required in annual financial statements and accordingly the unaudited
interim period consolidated financial statements should be read together
with the audited annual consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes included in George Weston Limited's 2007 Annual
Report.
Basis of Consolidation
The unaudited interim period consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of George Weston Limited ("Weston") and its subsidiaries
(collectively referred to as the "Company") with provision for minority
interest. Weston's interest in the voting share capital of its
subsidiaries is 100% except for Loblaw Companies Limited ("Loblaw"),
which was 61.9% at the end of the second quarters of 2008 and 2007 and at
year end 2007. In addition, the Company consolidates variable interest
entities ("VIEs") pursuant to the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants ("CICA") Accounting Guideline 15, "Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities", ("AcG 15"), that are subject to control by Loblaw on
a basis other than through ownership of a majority of voting interest.
AcG 15 defines a variable interest entity as an entity that either does
not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without
subordinated financial support or where the holders of the equity at risk
lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. AcG 15
requires the primary beneficiary to consolidate VIEs and considers an
entity to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE if it holds variable
interests that expose it to a majority of the VIE's expected losses or
that entitle it to receive a majority of the VIE's expected residual
returns or both.
Use of Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of the unaudited interim period consolidated financial
statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures made in the unaudited interim
period consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These
estimates and assumptions are based on management's historical
experience, best knowledge of current events and conditions and
activities that may be undertaken in the future. Actual results could
differ from these estimates.
Certain estimates, such as those related to valuation of inventories,
goodwill, indefinite life intangible assets, income taxes, Goods and
Services Tax and provincial sales taxes, employee future benefits and
impairment of fixed assets, depend upon subjective or complex judgments
about matters that may be uncertain, and changes in those estimates could
materially impact the consolidated financial statements.
Future Accounting Standards
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
In November 2007, the CICA issued amendments to Section 1000, "Financial
Statement Concepts", and Accounting Guideline 11, "Enterprises in the
Development Stage", issued a new Section 3064, "Goodwill and Intangible
Assets" ("Section 3064") to replace Section 3062, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets", withdrew Section 3450, "Research and Development
Costs" and amended Emerging Issues Committee Abstract 27, "Revenues and
Expenditures During the Pre-operating Period" to not apply to entities
that have adopted Section 3064. These amendments provide guidance for the
recognition of internally developed intangible assets, including assets
developed from research and development activities, ensuring consistent
treatment of all intangible assets, whether separately acquired or
internally developed. The amendments are effective for annual and interim
financial statements relating to fiscal years beginning on or after
October 1, 2008 and therefore the Company will implement them in the
first quarter of 2009, retroactively with restatement of the comparative
periods for the current and prior year. The impact of implementing these
amendments on the Company's financial statements is currently being
assessed.
International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")
The Canadian Accounting Standards Board will require all public companies
to adopt IFRS for interim and annual financial statements relating to
fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Companies will be
required to provide IFRS comparative information for the previous fiscal
year. The transition from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be applicable for
the Company for the first quarter of 2011 when the Company will prepare
both the current and comparative financial information using IFRS. The
Company expects the transition to IFRS to impact financial reporting,
business processes and information systems. The Company has completed a
diagnostic impact assessment and has substantially completed planning
activities for the initial assessment phase of the implementation
project. The Company will continue to invest in training and resources
throughout the transition period to facilitate a timely conversion.
2. Accounting Standards Implemented in 2008
Capital Disclosures and Financial Instruments - Disclosure and
Presentation
In December 2006, the CICA issued three new accounting standards: Section
1535, "Capital Disclosures" ("Section 1535"), Section 3862, "Financial
Instruments - Disclosures" ("Section 3862") and Section 3863, "Financial
Instruments - Presentation" ("Section 3863").
Section 1535 establishes guidelines for the disclosure of information
regarding a company's capital and how it is managed. The standard
requires enhanced disclosures with respect to (i) an entity's objectives,
policies and processes for managing capital; (ii) quantitative data about
what the entity regards as capital; and (iii) whether the entity has
complied with any external capital requirements, and if it has not
complied, the consequences of such non-compliance. For new disclosures,
refer to note 16. The adoption of Section 1535 did not have an impact on
the Company's results of operations or financial condition.
Section 3862 and Section 3863 replaced Section 3861, "Financial
Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation". Section 3862 requires
increased disclosures regarding the risks associated with financial
instruments such as credit risk, liquidity risk and market risks and the
techniques used to identify, monitor and manage these risks. Section 3863
carries forward standards for the presentation of financial instruments
and non-financial derivative instruments and provides additional guidance
for the classification of financial instruments, from the perspective of
the issuer, between liabilities and equity. For new disclosures, refer to
notes 18 and 20. Comparative information about the nature and extent of
risks arising from financial instruments is not required in the year
Section 3862 is adopted. The adoption of Section 3862 and Section 3863
did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or
financial condition.
Inventories
Effective January 1, 2008, the Company implemented Section 3031,
"Inventories" ("Section 3031"), issued by the CICA in June 2007, which
replaces Section 3030 of the same title. Section 3031 requires
inventories to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
Costs such as storage costs and administrative overhead that do not
contribute to bringing inventories to their present location and
condition are specifically excluded from the cost of inventories and
expensed in the period incurred. Reversal of previous write-downs to net
realizable value when there is a subsequent increase in the value of
inventories is now required. The cost of inventories should be based on a
first-in, first-out or weighted average cost formula. Techniques used for
the measurement of cost of inventories, such as the retail method, may be
used if the results approximate cost. The new standard also requires
additional disclosures including the accounting policies used in
measuring inventories, the carrying amounts of the inventories, amounts
recognized as an expense during the period, write-downs and the amount of
any reversal of any write-downs recognized as a reduction in expenses.
The Company values inventories at the lower of cost and net realizable
value. Costs include the cost of purchase net of vendor allowances and
other costs, such as transportation, that are directly incurred to bring
inventories to their present location and condition. Loblaw's seasonal
general merchandise, Loblaw's inventories at distribution centres and
Weston Foods inventories are measured at weighted average cost. Loblaw
uses the retail method to measure the cost of certain retail store
inventories. The Company estimates net realizable value as the amount
that inventories are expected to be sold less estimated costs necessary
to make the sale. In addition, Loblaw estimates net realizable value by
taking into consideration fluctuations of retail price due to
seasonality. Inventories are written down to net realizable value when
the cost of inventories is not estimated to be recoverable due to
obsolescence, damage or declining selling prices. When circumstances that
previously caused inventories to be written down below cost no longer
exist or when there is clear evidence of an increase in retail selling
price, the amount of the write-down previously recorded is reversed.
Storage costs, indirect administrative overhead and certain selling costs
related to inventories are expensed in the period these costs are
incurred.
The transitional adjustments resulting from the implementation of Section
3031 are recognized in the 2008 opening balance of retained earnings and
prior periods have not been restated. Upon implementation of these
requirements, a decrease in opening inventories of $67 million and a
corresponding decrease of $27 million to opening retained earnings net of
income taxes of $25 million and minority interest of $15 million were
recorded on the consolidated balance sheet resulting mainly from the
application by Loblaw of a consistent cost formula for all inventories
having a similar nature and use.
In addition to the disclosure of accounting policies used in measuring
inventories, Section 3031 also requires additional disclosures. See note
11 for the amount of inventories recognized as an expense in the period,
the amount of inventories written down below cost and the amount of any
reversal of any previously recognized write-downs.
Accounting Standards Implemented in 2007
On January 1, 2007, the Company implemented CICA Section 3855, "Financial
Instruments - Recognition and Measurement", Section 3865, "Hedges",
Section 1530, "Comprehensive Income", Section 3251, "Equity" and Section
3861, "Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation". These
standards were applied without restatement of prior periods, with the
exception of the reclassification of unrealized foreign currency
translation losses on net investments in self-sustaining foreign
operations to accumulated other comprehensive loss. All other
transitional adjustments resulting from these standards resulted in a
decrease in retained earnings, net of income taxes and minority interest
of $100 million and a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss,
net of income taxes and minority interest of $9 million in 2007 as more
fully described in note 2 of the annual consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
3. Restructuring and Other Charges
The following tables summarize the restructuring and other charges:
12 Weeks Ended
-------------------------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
2008 2007
Weston Weston
($ millions) Foods Loblaw Total Foods Loblaw Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accelerated
depreciation $ 1 $ 1
Gain on sale of
fixed assets $ (8) $ (8)
Employee termination
benefits 1 $ 1 2 $ 52 52
Site closing and
other exit costs 1 21 22
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2 $ 1 $ 3 $ (7) $ 73 $ 66
-------------------------
24 Weeks Ended
-------------------------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
2008 2007
Weston Weston
($ millions) Foods Loblaw Total Foods Loblaw Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accelerated
depreciation $ 1 $ 1 $ 4 $ 4
Gain on sale of
fixed assets (14) (14)
Fixed asset
impairment 1 1
Employee termination
benefits 3 $ 3 6 1 $ 110 111
Site closing and
other exit costs (1) 1 2 52 54
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4 $ 4 $ 8 $ (7) $ 162 $ 155
-------------------------
Weston Foods
Manufacturing Assets
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston Foods approved a plan to close
a fresh bakery manufacturing facility in Ontario. This restructuring is
expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2008. As a result of
this restructuring plan, Weston Foods recognized $1 million of
accelerated depreciation and $1 million of employee termination benefits
in the second quarter of 2008.
During 2006, Weston Foods approved a restructuring plan to downsize its
fresh-baked sweet goods facility in Bay Shore, New York. The plan, which
is now complete, involved the transfer of full-size dessert cake and
cookie production to other existing Weston Foods facilities. The Bay
Shore location is now a more focused facility producing primarily danish
and pie products. As a result of this restructuring plan, Weston Foods
recognized an additional fixed asset impairment charge of $1 million
(2007 - nil) and $2 million (2007 - nil) of additional employee
termination benefits in the first quarter of 2008.
Distribution Network Restructuring
During the third quarter of 2007, Weston Foods approved a plan to exit
and transfer certain distribution and transportation activities in the
mid-Western United States to third-party logistic providers. This plan
has been completed. Weston Foods recognized income of $1 million (2007 -
nil) as a result of the reversal of exit related accruals net of
additional exit costs in the first quarter of 2008.
During the first half of 2008, employee termination benefits and other
exit related costs of approximately $7 million (2007 - $13 million) were
paid related to all Weston Foods restructuring activities. As at the end
of the second quarter of 2008, the accrued liabilities relating to
restructuring activities were $6 million (2007 - $9 million).
Loblaw
Project Simplify
During 2007, Loblaw approved and announced the restructuring of its
merchandising and store operations into more streamlined functions as
part of Project Simplify. In the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw
recognized nil (2007 - $70 million) restructuring costs resulting from
this plan. The year-to-date charge of $3 million (2007 - $145 million) is
comprised of $2 million (2007 - $110 million) for employee termination
benefits including severance, additional pension costs resulting from the
termination of employees and retention costs; and $1 million (2007 - $35
million) of other costs, primarily consulting directly associated with
the restructuring. Cash payments in the second quarter of 2008 were $13
million (2007 - $46 million) and $30 million (2007 - $76 million) year-
to-date. As at the end of the second quarter of 2008, a remaining
liability of $7 million (2007 - $62 million) was recorded on the
consolidated balance sheet in respect of this initiative.
Store Operations
During 2007, Loblaw completed the previously announced restructuring of
its store operations. In the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw recognized
nil (2007 - charge of $2 million) and income of $1 million (2007 - charge
of $16 million) year-to-date related to this plan. Cash payments in the
second quarter of 2008 were $1 million (2007 - $9 million) and $1 million
(2007 - $18 million) year-to-date. As at the end of the second quarter of
2008, a remaining liability of $2 million (2007 - $7 million) was
recorded on the consolidated balance sheet in respect of this initiative.
Supply Chain Network
During 2005, Loblaw approved a comprehensive plan to restructure its
supply chain operations nationally. The restructuring plan is expected to
be completed in 2009 and the total restructuring costs under this plan
are estimated to be approximately $90 million. Of this total,
approximately $57 million is attributable to employee termination
benefits, which include severance and additional pension costs resulting
from the termination of employees, $13 million is attributable to fixed
asset impairment and accelerated depreciation of assets relating to this
restructuring activity and $20 million is attributable to site closing
and other costs directly related to the restructuring plan. In the second
quarter of 2008, Loblaw recognized $1 million (2007 - $1 million) and
$2 million (2007 - $1 million) year-to-date of restructuring costs
resulting from this plan which is composed of $2 million (2007 - nil) for
employee termination benefits resulting from planned involuntary
terminations and nil (2007 - $1 million) for site closing and other
costs. At the end of the second quarter of 2008, $9 million in estimated
costs remained to be incurred and will be recognized as appropriate
criteria are met. Cash payments in the second quarter of 2008 were
$7 million (2007 - $3 million) and $8 million (2007 - $4 million)
year-to-date. As at the end of the second quarter of 2008, a remaining
liability of $27 million (2007 - $26 million) was recorded on the
consolidated balance sheet in respect of this initiative.
4. Interest Expense and Other Financing Charges
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
------------- -------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest on long
term debt $ 89 $ 89 $ 178 $ 178
Interest (income)
expense on
financial
derivative
instruments (1) 4 9
Other financing
charges(1) 21 26 (36) 1
Net short term
interest (1) (7) (3) (13)
Interest income
on security
deposits (2) (5) (6) (10)
Dividends on
capital
securities 5 5
Capitalized to
fixed assets (4) (5) (9) (11)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest expense
and other
financing
charges $ 107 $ 102 $ 129 $ 154
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------- -------------
(1) Other financing charges for the second quarter and year-to-date 2008
includes a non-cash charge of $27 million (2007 - $32 million) and
non-cash income of $24 million (2007 - non-cash charge of
$13 million), respectively, related to the fair value adjustment of
Weston's forward sale agreement for 9.6 million Loblaw common shares.
The fair value adjustment of the forward contract is a non-cash item
resulting from fluctuations in the market price of the underlying
Loblaw common shares that Weston owns. Weston does not record any
change in the market price associated with the Loblaw common shares
it owns. Any cash paid under the forward contract could be offset by
the sale of Loblaw common shares. Also included in other financing
charges for the second quarter and year-to-date 2008 is forward
accretion income of $10 million and $20 million (2007 - $9 million
and $19 million), respectively, net of the forward fee of $4 million
and $8 million (2007 - $3 million and $7 million), respectively,
associated with Weston's forward sale agreement.
As more fully described in note 16, dividends on capital securities are
presented in interest expense and other financing charges in the
consolidated statement of earnings in the second quarter of 2008 and
onwards.
During the second quarter and year-to-date 2008, net interest expense of
$93 million and $178 million, respectively, was recorded related to the
financial assets and financial liabilities not classified as held-for-
trading.
Interest paid in the second quarter of 2008 was $138 million (2007 -
$138 million) and interest received was $35 million (2007 - $44 million).
Year-to-date 2008 interest paid was $286 million (2007 - $276 million)
and interest received was $92 million (2007 - $86 million).
5. Business Acquisition
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston purchased a frozen bakery
manufacturing facility in Ontario, Canada for cash consideration of
$10 million. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. The fair value of the net assets acquired has been
estimated to consist of $1 million of inventories and $10 million of
fixed assets, net of current liabilities of $1 million. The purchase
price allocation will be finalized by the end of the third quarter of
2008.
6. Income Taxes
The effective income tax rate in the second quarter of 2008 increased to
25.8% compared to 23.9% in the second quarter of 2007 and year-to-date
2008 increased to 29.4% compared to 23.2% in 2007, primarily due to an
increase in income tax accruals relating to certain income tax matters
and a change in the proportions of taxable income earned across different
tax jurisdictions, which were partially offset by lower Canadian federal
and certain provincial statutory income tax rates relative to the prior
year periods.
Net income taxes paid in the second quarter and year-to-date 2008 were
$14 million and $115 million (2007 - $68 million and $152 million),
respectively.
7. Basic and Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
------------- -------------
($ millions
except where
otherwise
indicated) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings $ 118 $ 129 $ 249 $ 233
Prescribed
dividends on
preferred
shares in
share capital (10) (13) (23) (26)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings
available to
common
shareholders $ 108 $ 116 $ 226 $ 207
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average
common shares
outstanding
(in millions) 129.1 129.1 129.1 129.1
Dilutive effect
of stock-based
compensation
(in millions)(1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted weighted
average common
shares outstanding
(in millions) 129.1 129.1 129.1 129.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic and diluted
net earnings per
common share($) $ 0.84 $ 0.90 $ 1.75 $ 1.60
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------- -------------
(1) The following stock options were outstanding but were not included in
the computation of diluted net earnings per common share as the
exercise prices for these options were greater than the average
market prices of the Company's common shares for the quarter and
year-to-date:
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
------------- -------------
Option
Exercise
Price Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$49.88 3,013 3,013
$72.21 687,892 687,892
$75.62 4,135 4,135
$78.85 81,168 81,168
$93.35 504,595 536,251 504,595 536,251
$95.88 30,130 100,130 30,130 100,130
$100.00 129,400 129,400 129,400 129,400
$111.02 497,201 529,342 497,201 529,342
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------- -------------
8. Cash and Cash Equivalents
The components of cash and cash equivalents as at June 14, 2008, June 16,
2007 and December 31, 2007 were as follows:
As at
-------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash $ 112 $ 92 $ 110
Cash equivalents - short
term investments with a
maturity of 90 days or less
Bank term deposits 93 90 119
Government treasury bills 395 305 456
Government-sponsored
debt securities 206 305 177
Corporate commercial paper 223 120 214
Bank-sponsored asset-backed
commercial paper 122
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,029 $ 1,034 $ 1,076
-------------
During the second quarter, the Company recognized an unrealized foreign
currency exchange gain of $17 million (2007 - loss of $151 million), as a
result of translating its United States dollar denominated cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits, which are
included in other assets, of which a loss of $1 million (2007 - loss of
$88 million) related to cash and cash equivalents. Loblaw recognized an
unrealized foreign currency exchange gain of $9 million (2007 - loss of
$79 million) as a result of translating its United States dollar
denominated cash and cash equivalents, short term investments and
security deposits which are included in other assets, of which a loss of
$3 million (2007 - loss of $42 million) related to cash and cash
equivalents. The remaining foreign currency exchange gain of $8 million
(2007 - loss of $72 million), of which $2 million (2007 - loss of
$46 million) relates to the translation of cash and cash equivalents held
by Weston's self-sustaining foreign operations, is recognized in
accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Year-to-date 2008, the unrealized foreign currency exchange gain as a
result of translating United States dollar denominated cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits which are
included in other assets, was $90 million (2007 - loss of $154 million),
$45 million (2007 - loss of $89 million) of which related to cash and
cash equivalents. Loblaw recognized an unrealized foreign currency
exchange gain of $42 million (2007 - loss of $79 million) as a result of
translating its United States dollar denominated cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits which are
included in other assets, of which $16 million (2007 - loss of $42
million) related to cash and cash equivalents. The remaining foreign
currency exchange gain of $48 million (2007 - loss of $75 million) of
which $29 million (2007 - loss of $47 million) relates to the translation
of cash and cash equivalents held by Weston's self-sustaining foreign
operations, is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss.
The Loblaw gain or loss on cash and cash equivalents, short term
investments and security deposits is partially offset in operating income
and accumulated other comprehensive loss by the unrealized foreign
currency exchange loss or gain on Loblaw's cross currency basis swaps.
9. Accounts Receivable
During the second quarter of 2008, nil (2007 - $85 million) credit card
receivables were securitized, nil (2007 - $125 million) year-to-date by
President's Choice Bank ("PC Bank"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Loblaw,
through the sale of a portion of the total interest in these receivables
to an independent trust. The securitization yielded a nominal net loss in
2007 based on the assumptions disclosed in note 12 of the annual
consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2007.
The independent trusts' recourse to PC Bank's assets is limited to PC
Bank's retained interests and is further supported by Loblaw through a
standby letter of credit for $89 million (2007 - $80 million) on a
portion of the securitized amount. Other receivables consist mainly of
receivables from Loblaw's independent franchisees, associated stores and
independent accounts and receivables from Weston Foods customers.
As at
-------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit card receivables $ 1,980 $ 1,599 $ 2,023
Amount securitized (1,475) (1,375) (1,475)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net credit card receivables 505 224 548
Other receivables 723 715 593
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts receivable $ 1,228 $ 939 $ 1,141
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
Credit card receivables that are past due of $10 million as at June 14,
2008 are not classified as impaired as they are less than 90 days past
due and most receivables are reasonably expected to remedy the past due
status. Any credit card receivable balances with a payment that is
contractually 180 days in arrears or where the likelihood of collection
is considered remote are written-off. Concentration of credit risk with
respect to receivables is limited due to the Company's customer base
being diverse. Credit risk on the credit card receivables is managed as
described in note 24 of the annual consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2007. Other receivables that are past due but
not impaired totaled $68 million as at June 14, 2008, of which a nominal
amount were more than 60 days past due.
10. Allowances for Receivables
The allowance for receivables recorded on the consolidated balance sheets
is maintained at a level which is considered adequate to absorb credit
related losses on credit card receivables and losses on other
receivables. The receivables for PC Bank credit card, Loblaw associated
stores and independent accounts and Weston Foods customers are presented
net of allowances on the consolidated balance sheet. The allowance for
Loblaw receivables from independent franchisees is recorded in accounts
payable and accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. A
continuity of the Company's allowances for receivables is as follows:
Credit Card Receivables
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended Year Ended
-------- --------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Dec. 31,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowances at
beginning of
period $ (13) $ (12) $ (13) $ (11) $ (11)
Provision for losses (10) (2) (12) (5) (11)
Recoveries (2) (1) (4) (3) (7)
Write-offs 12 2 16 6 16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowances at end
of period $ (13) $ (13) $ (13) $ (13) $ (13)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------
Other Receivables
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended Year Ended
-------- --------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Dec. 31,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowances at
beginning of
period $ (57) $ (70) $ (62) $ (67) $ (67)
Provision for losses (23) (28) (32) (47) (86)
Write-offs 16 25 31 41 87
Impact of foreign
currency translation 1 (1) 1 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowances at end of
period $ (64) $ (72) $ (64) $ (72) $ (62)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------- --------
11. Inventories
As at
--------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raw materials and supplies $ 60
Finished goods 2,080
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories $ 2,140
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
The cost of inventories recognized as an expense during the second
quarter of 2008 and year-to-date were $5,889 million and $11,308 million,
respectively, which includes the effect of commodity derivatives that are
entered into.
The cost of inventories recognized as an expense during the second
quarter of 2008 and year-to-date includes $22 million and $33 million,
respectively, for the write-down of inventories below cost to net
realizable value. There was no reversal of previous write-downs of
inventories.
12. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
As at
-----------------------------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Dec. 31,
2008 2007 2007
Weston
($ millions) Foods Loblaw Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill, beginning
of period $ 887 $ 946 $ 1,833 $ 2,055 $ 2,055
Goodwill, acquired
during the period 1 1 11 8
Adjusted purchase
price allocation (67)
Other 4
Impact of foreign
currency
translation 40 40 (90) (167)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill, end of
period 927 947 1,874 1,976 1,833
Trademarks and
brand names(1) 412 412 427 394
Other intangible
assets 13 13 14 13
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Goodwill and
intangible assets $ 1,352 $ 947 $ 2,299 $ 2,417 $ 2,240
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------
(1) The balance includes the positive impact of foreign currency
translation of $19 million (2007 - negative impact of $38 million)
and amortization of $1 million (2007 - $1 million).
13. Employee Future Benefits
The Company's total net benefit plan cost recognized in operating income
was $55 million and $111 million (2007 - $60 million and $122 million)
for the second quarter and year-to-date of 2008. The total net benefit
plan cost included costs for the Company's defined benefit pension and
other benefit plans, defined contribution pension plans and multi-
employer pension plans.
14. Short Term Bank Loans
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston entered into a $300 million,
5-year committed credit facility, provided by a syndicate of banks, which
contains certain financial covenants (see note 16). This facility is the
primary source of Weston's short term funding requirements and permits
borrowings having up to a 180-day term that accrue interest based on
short term floating interest rates. This facility replaced a $300
million, 364-day revolving committed credit facility which had no
financial covenants and permitted borrowings having up to a 180-day term
that accrued interest based on short term floating interest rates. As at
June 14, 2008, $257 million was drawn on the new 5-year committed credit
facility.
In the first quarter of 2008, Loblaw entered into an $800 million, 5-year
committed credit facility, provided by a syndicate of banks, which
contains certain financial covenants (see note 16). This facility is the
primary source of Loblaw's short term funding requirements and permits
borrowings having up to a 180-day term that accrue interest based on
short term floating interest rates. This facility replaced a $500,
million 364-day committed credit facility which had no financial
covenants and permitted borrowings having up to a 180-day term that
accrued interest based on short term floating interest rates. As at June
14, 2008, $798 million was drawn on the new 5-year committed credit
facility.
Also included in short term bank loans are Weston's Series B debentures,
due on demand, of $242 million (June 16, 2007 - $198 million; December
31, 2007 - $220 million) and $30 million which was drawn on Weston's
$300 million, 364-day revolving credit facility as at December 31, 2007.
15. Long Term Debt
During the second quarter of 2008, the Company exercised its right to
redeem all of the outstanding Exchangeable Debentures pursuant to the
trust indenture dated June 29, 1998 made between Weston and Computershare
Trust Company of Canada by paying cash of $633.08 per each $1,000
principal amount of Exchangeable Debentures for $137 million plus accrued
but unpaid interest of approximately $3 million, for an aggregate amount
including interest of approximately $140 million. Weston also sold its
investment in Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc. for $144 million, and used these
proceeds to settle its obligation under the Exchangeable Debentures. The
Company recorded a gain of $7 million in operating income in the second
quarter of 2008.
During the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw issued USD $300 million of
fixed-rate unsecured notes in a private placement debt financing which
contains certain financial covenants (see note 16). The notes were issued
in two equal tranches of USD $150 million with 5 and 7 year maturities at
interest rates of 6.48% and 6.86%, respectively. Loblaw entered into two
fixed cross currency swaps designated as cash flow hedges to manage the
foreign exchange risk. The ineffective portion of the gains or losses on
the derivatives within these hedging relationships was insignificant. For
further information on the Company's policies with respect to cash flow
hedges, refer to note 1 of the annual consolidated financial statements
for the year ended December 31, 2007.
During the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw's $390 million 6.00% Medium
Term Note ("MTN") due June 2, 2008 matured and was repaid.
16. Capital Management
The Company defines capital as net debt (excluding Exchangeable
Debentures), shareholders' equity and capital securities.
The Company's objectives when managing capital are to:
- ensure sufficient liquidity to support its financial obligations and
execute its operating and strategic plans;
- maintain financial capacity and access to capital to support future
development of the business;
- minimize the cost of its capital while taking into consideration
current and future industry, market and economic risks and
conditions; and
- utilize short term funding sources to manage its working capital
requirements and long term funding sources to match the long term
nature of the fixed assets of the business.
The following ratios are used by the Company to monitor its capital:
-------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest coverage 4.3 3.3 5.9
Net debt (excluding
Exchangeable Debentures)
to equity 0.96:1 1.03:1 0.96:1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
Interest coverage is calculated as operating income divided by interest
expense and other financing charges adding back interest capitalized to
fixed assets for the 24 weeks ended June 14, 2008 and June 16, 2007 and
for the year ended December 31, 2007. The Company manages debt on a net
basis calculated as outlined below. The Company's internal guideline
targets a net debt (excluding Exchangeable Debentures) to equity ratio of
less than 1:1. Equity for the purpose of calculating the net debt
(excluding Exchangeable Debentures) to equity ratio is defined by the
Company as shareholders' equity and capital securities. This ratio is
useful in assessing the amount of leverage employed. These ratios are
also calculated from time-to-time on an alternative basis by management
to approximate the methodology of debt rating agencies and other market
participants.
Debt
The components of net debt (excluding Exchangeable Debentures) are as
follows:
As at
-------------
($ millions) Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007 Dec. 31, 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank indebtedness $ 136 $ 189 $ 85
Commercial paper 744 609
Short term bank loans 1,297 198 250
Long term debt due within
one year 415 434 432
Long term debt 5,270 5,593 5,494
Less: Cash and cash
equivalents 1,029 1,034 1,076
Short term
investments 658 326 461
Security deposits
included in other
assets 454 422 419
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt 4,977 5,376 4,914
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: Exchangeable Debentures 247 157
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net debt (excluding
Exchangeable Debentures) $ 4,977 $ 5,129 $ 4,757
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------
The Company monitors its credit ratings as it seeks access to capital as
part of the Company's goal to maintain financial capacity and access to
capital markets. The Company's ability to obtain funding from external
sources may be restricted by a downgrade in the Company's credit ratings,
should the Company's financial performance and condition deteriorate. In
addition, credit and capital markets are subject to inherent global risks
that may negatively affect the Company's access and ability to fund its
short term and long term debt requirements. The Company mitigates these
risks by actively maintaining appropriate levels of cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits included in
other assets, actively monitoring market conditions and diversifying its
capital sources and maturity profile.
During the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw filed a Short Form Base Shelf
Prospectus allowing for the issue of up to $1 billion of unsecured
debentures and/or preferred shares. Subsequent to the end of the second
quarter of 2008, Loblaw issued 9.0 million of the 12.0 million authorized
5.95% non-voting Second Preferred Shares, Series A, with a face value of
$225 million for net proceeds of $218 million, which entitle the holder
to a fixed cumulative preferred cash dividend of $1.4875 per share per
annum which will, if declared, be payable quarterly. On and after July
31, 2013, Loblaw may, at its option, redeem for cash, in whole or in
part, these outstanding preferred shares as follows:
On or after July 31, 2013 at $25.75 per share, together with all accrued
and unpaid dividends to but not including the redemption date
On or after July 31, 2014 at $25.50 per share, together with all accrued
and unpaid dividends to but not including the redemption date
On or after July 31, 2015 at $25.00 per share, together with all accrued
and unpaid dividends to but not including the redemption date
On and after July 31, 2013, Loblaw may, at its option, convert these
preferred shares into that number of common shares of Loblaw determined
by dividing the then applicable redemption price, together with all
accrued and unpaid dividends to but not including the conversion date, by
the greater of $2.00 and 95% of the then current market price of the
common shares. On and after July 31, 2015, these outstanding preferred
shares are convertible at the option of the holder, into that number of
common shares of Loblaw determined by dividing $25.00, together with all
accrued and unpaid dividends to but not including the conversion date, by
the greater of $2.00 and 95% of the then current market price of the
common shares. This option is subject to Loblaw's right to redeem the
preferred shares for cash or arrange for their sale to substitute
purchasers. These preferred shares will be classified as other financial
liabilities, in accordance with Section 3855, and measured using the
effective interest method.
Share Capital
Weston's outstanding share capital is comprised of common shares and
preferred shares. An unlimited number of common shares are authorized and
129.1 million common shares were outstanding at the end of the second
quarter of 2008. An unlimited number of preferred shares Series I, Series
III, Series IV and Series V are authorized and 9.4 million preferred
shares Series I, 8.0 million preferred shares Series III, 8.0 million
preferred shares Series IV and 8.0 million preferred shares Series V were
outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2008.
In addition, Weston has 10.6 million 5.15% non-voting Preferred Shares,
Series II authorized and outstanding, with a face value of $265 million,
which entitle the holder to a fixed cumulative preferred cash dividend of
$1.2875 per share per annum which will, if declared, be payable
quarterly. On and after April 1, 2009, Weston may, at its option, redeem
for cash, in whole or in part, these outstanding preferred shares at
$25.00 per share, together with all accrued but unpaid dividends to
but not including the redemption date. On and after July 1, 2009, these
outstanding preferred shares are convertible at the option of the holder,
into that number of Weston's common shares determined by dividing $25.00,
together with accrued and unpaid dividends to but not including the
conversion date, by the greater of $2.00 and 95% of the then current
market price of Weston's common shares. This option is subject to
Weston's right to redeem the preferred shares for cash or arrange for
their sale to substitute purchasers. At any time after issuance, Weston
may, at its option, give the holders of these preferred shares the right,
at the option of the holder, to convert their preferred shares into
preferred shares of a further series designated by Weston on a share-for-
share basis on a date specified by Weston. During the second quarter of
2008, these Preferred Shares, Series II, which were previously presented
as share capital on the consolidated balance sheet, were reclassified to
capital securities and are included in liabilities to conform with
Section 3863, "Financial Instruments - Presentation".
Further information on the Company's outstanding share capital is
provided in note 21 to the annual consolidated financial statements for
the year ended December 31, 2007.
At quarter end, a total of 2,074,115 stock options were outstanding and
represented 1.6% of the Company's issued and outstanding common share
capital. Pursuant to guidelines set by the Company, the number of stock
option grants is limited to a maximum of 5% of the issued and outstanding
common shares at any time. The Company is currently in compliance with
this internal guideline.
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston renewed its Normal Course
Issuer Bid ("NCIB") to purchase on the Toronto Stock Exchange or enter
into equity derivatives to purchase up to 5% of its common shares
outstanding. In accordance with the rules and by-laws of the Toronto
Stock Exchange, Weston may purchase its shares at the then market price
of such shares. Weston did not purchase any shares under its NCIB in the
first half of 2008 or in 2007.
Dividends
The declaration and payment of dividends and the amount thereof are at
the discretion of the Board. Over the long term, the Company's objective
is for its common share dividend payment ratio to be in the range of 20%
to 25% of the prior year's basic net earnings per common share adjusted
as appropriate for items which are not regarded to be reflective of
ongoing operations giving consideration to the year end cash position,
future cash flow requirements and investment opportunities. During the
second quarter of 2008, the Board declared dividends as follows:
($) Declared per Share
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares $ 0.36
Preferred shares - Series I $ 0.36
- Series II $ 0.32
- Series III $ 0.32
- Series IV $ 0.32
- Series V $ 0.30
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends on the Preferred Shares, Series II are presented in interest
expense and other financing charges in the consolidated statement of
earnings in the second quarter of 2008.
Covenants and Regulatory Requirements
The committed credit facility which Loblaw entered into during the first
quarter of 2008 and the committed credit facility entered into by Weston
during the second quarter of 2008 are subject to certain covenants (see
note 14). Under the USD $300 million private placement notes, Loblaw is
also subject to certain financial covenants (see note 15). As at the end
of the second quarter of 2008, both Loblaw and Weston were in compliance
with these covenants.
Loblaw is also subject to externally imposed capital requirements from
the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions ("OSFI"), as
the primary regulator of PC Bank, and the Central Bank of Barbados, as
the primary regulator of Glenhuron Bank Limited ("Glenhuron"), both
wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. PC Bank's capital management
objectives are to maintain a consistently strong capital position while
considering the Bank's economic risks and to meet all regulatory capital
requirements as defined by OSFI. A new regulatory capital management
framework, Basel II, has been implemented in Canada that establishes
regulatory capital requirements that are more sensitive to a bank's risk
profile. PC Bank met all applicable capital targets as at the end of the
second quarter of 2008. Glenhuron is currently regulated under Basel I.
Under Basel I, Glenhuron's assets are risk weighted and the minimum ratio
of capital to risk weighted assets is 8.0%. Glenhuron's ratio of capital
to risk weighted assets met the minimum requirements under Basel I as at
the end of the second quarter of 2008.
In addition, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company that engages in
insurance activities exceeded the minimum capital and surplus
requirements as at the end of the second quarter of 2008.
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables provide further detail regarding the composition of
accumulated other comprehensive loss:
24 Weeks Ended Jun. 14, 2008
---------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
currency Cash
translation Available-for- flow
($ millions) adjustment sale assets hedges Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning
of period $ (1,011) $ (2) $ 14 $ (999)
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment 140 140
Net unrealized
gain on available-
for-sale financial
assets(1) 14 14
Reclassification
of gain on
available-for-sale
financial assets(2) (1) (1)
Net loss on
derivatives
designated as
cash flow hedges(3) (6) (6)
Reclassification of
gain on derivatives
designated as cash
flow hedges(4) (12) (12)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end of
period $ (871) $ 11 $ (4) $ (864)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net of income taxes of $3 million and minority interest of
$8 million.
(2) Net of income taxes recovered of $5 million and minority interest of
nil.
(3) Net of income taxes of $4 million and minority interest of
$6 million.
(4) Net of income taxes recovered of $1 million and minority interest of
$7 million.
24 Weeks Ended Jun. 14, 2007
---------------------------------------------------------
Foreign
currency Cash
translation Available-for- flow
($ millions) adjustment sale assets hedges Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, beginning
of period $ (503) $ (503)
Cumulative impact
of implementing
new accounting
standards(1) $ 13 $ (4) 9
Foreign currency
translation
adjustment (267) (267)
Net unrealized
loss on available-
for-sale financial
assets(2) (18) (18)
Reclassification
of gain on available-
for-sale financial
assets(3) (8) (8)
Net gain on derivatives
designated as cash
flow hedges(4) 16 16
Reclassification
of loss on
derivatives
designated as
cash flow hedges(5) 8 8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance, end
of period $ (770) $ (13) $ 20 $ (763)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
(1) Net of income taxes recovered of $1 million and minority interest of
$6 million.
(2) Net of income taxes of $1 million and minority interest of
$11 million.
(3) Net of income taxes of nil and minority interest of $5 million.
(4) Net of income taxes of $2 million and minority interest of
$10 million.
(5) Net of income taxes of a nominal amount and minority interest of
$5 million.
See note 22 of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year
ended December 31, 2007 for a continuity of accumulated other
comprehensive loss for the year ended December 31, 2007.
An estimated net loss of $1 million, net of income taxes and minority
interest, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to
cash flow hedges as at June 14, 2008 is expected to be reclassified to
net earnings during the next 12 months. This will be offset by the
available-for-sale financial assets that are hedged. Remaining amounts
will be reclassified to net earnings over periods up to 7 years.
The change in the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment from
year end 2007 decreased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $140
million (2007 - increased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $267
million). This change was due to the positive (2007 - negative) impact of
translating the Company's investment in self-sustaining foreign
operations due to the depreciation (2007 - appreciation) of the Canadian
dollar relative to the United States dollar during the first half of
2008.
18. Fair Values of Financial Instruments
The following tables provide a comparison of carrying and fair values for
each classification of financial instruments as at June 14, 2008, June
16, 2007 and December 31, 2007:
As at June 14, 2008
Financial
instruments
Financial required Financial Available-
derivatives to be instruments for-sale
designated classified designated instruments
in a cash as held-for- as held-for- measured at
($ millions) flow hedge trading trading fair value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other assets $ 1,764 $ 377
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable $ 4 $ 12
Other receivables
Other financial assets
included in other assets
Available-for-sale
securities included in
other assets 11
Derivatives included in
other assets 110 521
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial assets $ 114 $ 533 $ 1,764 $ 388
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities
Long term debt
Derivatives included
in other liabilities $ 230
Capital securities
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $ 230
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
Loans Other Total Total
and financial carrying fair
($ millions) receivables liabilities amount value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other assets $ 2,141 $ 2,141
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable 16 16
Other receivables $ 1,212 1,212 1,212
Other financial assets
included in other assets 197 197 197
Available-for-sale
securities included in
other assets 11 11
Derivatives included in
other assets 631 631
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial assets $ 1,409 $ 4,208 $ 4,208
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings $ 1,433 $ 1,433 $ 1,433
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities 2,967 2,967 2,967
Long term debt 5,685 5,685 5,249
Derivatives included
in other liabilities 230 230
Capital securities 261 261 267
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $ 10,346 $10,576 $10,146
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
The equity investment in Loblaw franchises is measured at cost of $71
million because there are no quoted market prices in an active market and
these investments are classified as available-for-sale. Loblaw has no
intention of disposing of these equity investments.
As at June 16, 2007
Financial
instruments
Financial required Financial Available-
derivatives to be instruments for-sale
designated classified designated instruments
in a cash as held-for- as held-for- measured at
($ millions) flow hedge trading trading fair value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other
assets $ 1,304 $ 478
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable $ 1 $ 14
Other receivables
Other financial assets
included in other
assets 247
Available-for-sale
securities included
in other assets 13
Derivatives included
in other assets 140 273
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
assets $ 141 $ 287 $ 1,551 $ 491
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities
Long term debt
Derivatives included
in other liabilities $ 55
Capital securities
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $ 55
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
Loans Other Total Total
and financial carrying fair
($ millions) receivables liabilities amount value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other
assets $ 1,782 $ 1,782
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable 15 15
Other receivables $ 924 924 924
Other financial assets
included in other
assets 161 408 408
Available-for-sale
securities included
in other assets 13 13
Derivatives included
in other assets 413 413
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
assets $ 1,085 $ 3,555 $ 3,555
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings $ 1,131 $ 1,131 $ 1,131
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities 2,839 2,839 2,839
Long term debt 6,027 6,027 6,306
Derivatives included
in other liabilities 55 55
Capital securities 260 260 273
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $10,257 $10,312 $10,604
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
The equity investment in Loblaw franchises is measured at cost of
$78 million because there are no quoted market prices in an active market
and these investments are classified as available-for-sale. Loblaw has no
intention of disposing of these equity investments.
As at Dec. 31, 2007
Financial
instruments
Financial required Financial Available-
derivatives to be instruments for-sale
designated classified designated instruments
in a cash as held-for- as held-for- measured at
($ millions) flow hedge trading trading fair value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other
assets $ 1,512 $ 444
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable $ 1 $ 20
Other receivables
Other financial assets
included in other
assets 157
Available-for-sale
securities included in
other assets 16
Derivatives included in
other assets 184 466
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
assets $ 185 $ 486 $ 1,669 $ 460
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities
Long term debt
Derivatives included
in other liabilities $ 203
Capital securities
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $ 203
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------
Loans Other Total Total
and financial carrying fair
($ millions) receivables liabilities amount value
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
equivalents, short
term investments and
security deposits
included in other
assets $ 1,956 $ 1,956
Derivatives included
in accounts receivable 21 21
Other receivables $ 1,120 1,120 1,120
Other financial assets
included in other
assets 185 342 342
Available-for-sale
securities included in
other assets 16 16
Derivatives included in
other assets 650 650
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
assets $ 1,305 $ 4,105 $ 4,105
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Short term borrowings $ 944 $ 944 $ 944
Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities 3,322 3,322 3,322
Long term debt 5,926 5,926 5,870
Derivatives included
in other liabilities 203 203
Capital securities 260 260 270
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total financial
liabilities $10,452 $10,655 $10,609
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------
The equity investment in Loblaw franchises is measured at cost of
$75 million because there are no quoted market prices in an active market
and these investments are classified as available-for-sale. Loblaw has no
intention of disposing of these equity investments.
The following tables summarize the change in fair value of financial
assets and financial liabilities, including non-financial derivatives,
classified as held-for-trading, recognized in net earnings:
12 Weeks Ended
--------------------
Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
Required Required
to be to be
classi- classi-
Designated fied Designated fied
as held- as held- as held- as held-
for- for- for- for-
($ millions) trading trading trading trading
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash equivalents, short term
investments and security
deposits included in other
assets $ (6) $ 35
Retained interest
Electricity forward $ (1) $ (2)
Embedded currency derivative
Interest rate swaps (4)
Cross currency basis swaps 12 (33)
Equity forward sale agreement
based on 9.6 million Loblaw
common shares 17 23
Commodity derivatives fair
value adjustment 32 (12)
Equity swaps and forwards
associated with stock-based
compensation (18) (24)
Exchangeable shares of Domtar
(Canada) Paper Inc.(1) (19) (20)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value (gain) loss $ (25) $ 38 $ 15 $ (48)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
(1) The impact of this fair value adjustment in operating income, which
was recorded prior to the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc.
shares, is substantially offset by the re-measurement of the
Exchangeable Debentures.
24 Weeks Ended
--------------------
Jun. 14, 2008 Jun. 16, 2007
Required Required
to be to be
classi- classi-
Designated fied Designated fied
as held- as held- as held- as held-
for- for- for- for-
($ millions) trading trading trading trading
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash equivalents, short term
investments and security
deposits included in other
assets $ (28) $ 35
Retained interest (1) 1
Electricity forward $ (3) $ (5)
Embedded currency derivative 2
Interest rate swaps 2
Cross currency basis swaps 30 (33)
Equity forward sale agreement
based on 9.6 million Loblaw
common shares (44) (6)
Commodity derivatives fair
value adjustment 8 (12)
Equity swaps and forwards
associated with stock-based
compensation 24 (5)
Exchangeable shares of Domtar
(Canada) Paper Inc.(1) 8 (46)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value (gain) loss $ (21) $ 19 $ (10) $ (61)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
(1) The impact of this fair value adjustment in operating income, which
was recorded prior to the sale of the Domtar (Canada) Paper Inc.
shares, is substantially offset by the re-measurement of the
Exchangeable Debentures.
19. Stock-Based Compensation
The following table summarizes the Company's cost recognized in operating
income related to its stock-based compensation plans, related equity
derivatives and restricted share unit plans:
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
---------- ----------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock option plans / share
appreciation right plan
expense $ 2 $ 3 $ 2 $ 3
Equity derivatives (gain) loss (20) (26) 19 (11)
Restricted share unit plan
expense 5 6 4 10
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net stock-based compensation
(income) expense $ (13) $ (17) $ 25 $ 2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------- ----------
Stock Option Plan
During the second quarter of 2008, Weston granted 3,013 (2007 - 4,135)
stock options with an exercise price of $49.88 (2007 - $75.62) per common
share and during the first quarter, Weston granted 219,349
(2007 - 689,192) stock options with an exercise price of $46.24 (2007 -
$72.21) per common share. Weston also paid the share appreciation value
of nil (2007 - $0.5 million) on the exercise of nil (2007 - 21,965) stock
options and share appreciation rights. In addition, 90,568
(2007 - 90,009) stock options and share appreciation rights were
forfeited or cancelled during the first half of 2008.
Loblaw granted 8,800 (2007 - 38,938 and 148,987) stock options with an
exercise price of $33.10 (2007 - $46.01 and $50.80) per common share
during the second quarter of 2008 and 3,303,557 (2007 - 3,885,439) stock
options with an exercise price of $28.95 (2007 - $47.44) per common share
during the first quarter of 2008. Loblaw paid the share appreciation
value of nil (2007 - a nominal amount) on the exercise of nil (2007 -
108,000) stock options. In addition, 1,591,944 (2007 - 752,024) stock
options were forfeited or cancelled during the first half of 2008.
At the end of the second quarter of 2008 a total of 2,074,115 (2007 -
2,069,618) Weston stock options were outstanding, which represented
approximately 1.6% (2007 - 1.6%) of Weston's issued and outstanding
common shares. The stock options were within the Company's guideline of
5% of the total number of outstanding common shares.
Restricted Share Units ("RSU") Plan
Under its existing RSU plan, Weston granted 30,447 (2007 - 3,463) RSUs in
the second quarter of 2008 and 27,732 (2007 - 32,636) RSUs in the first
quarter of 2008. In addition 6,079 (2007 - 8,982) RSUs were cancelled and
115,928 (2007 - 4,002) RSUs were settled in cash in the amount of $6
million (2007 - a nominal amount) during the first half of 2008.
Under its existing RSU plan, Loblaw granted 45,321 (2007 - 10,925) RSUs
in the second quarter of 2008, and 352,268 (2007 - 281,818) RSUs in the
first quarter of 2008. In addition, 55,106 (2007 - 83,605) RSUs were
cancelled and 233,655 (2007 - 86,316) were settled in cash in the amount
of $8 million (2007 - $4 million) during the first half of 2008.
At the end of the second quarter of 2008, a total of 226,531 (2007 -
322,026) Weston and 877,515 (2007 - 872,774) Loblaw RSUs were
outstanding.
20. Risk Management
The Company is exposed to the following risks as a result of holding
financial instruments: credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk. The
Company's risk management practices are more fully described in note 24
of the annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended
December 31, 2007. The following is a description of those risks and how
the exposures are managed:
Credit Risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from the
possibility that counterparties may default on their financial
obligations, or if there is a concentration of transactions carried out
with the same counterparty or of financial obligations which have similar
economic characteristics such that they could be similarly affected by
changes in economic conditions. Exposure to credit risk relates to
derivative instruments, cash equivalents, short term investments,
security deposits included in other assets, PC Bank's credit card
receivables and accounts receivable from independent franchisees,
associated stores and independent accounts and amounts receivable from
Weston Foods customers and suppliers.
The Company may be exposed to losses if a counterparty to the Company's
financial or non-financial derivative agreements fails to fulfill its
obligations.
The Company's maximum exposure to credit risk as it relates to derivative
instruments is represented by the positive fair value of the derivatives
on the balance sheet (see note 18).
See note 9 for additional information on the credit quality performance
of PC Bank's credit card receivables, Loblaw accounts receivable from
independent franchisees, associated stores and independent accounts and
Weston Foods customers.
Market Risk
Market risk is the loss that may arise from changes in market factors
such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices
and common share prices.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which it manages through
the use of interest rate swaps. The Company's interest rate risk arises
from the issuance of MTNs, private placement notes included in long term
debt, short term debt and commercial paper net of its cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits included in
other assets. The Company manages fluctuations in its interest expense
through its exposure to a mix of fixed and variable interest rates.
The Company estimates that a 100 basis point increase (decrease) in
interest rates, with all other variables held constant, would result in
an increase (decrease) of $5 million to interest expense and other
financing charges.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Loblaw is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate variability primarily
on its United States dollar denominated cash and cash equivalents, short
term investments, security deposits included in other assets and private
placement notes included in long term debt. To manage its foreign
currency exchange rate exposure, Loblaw enters into cross currency basis
swaps. As a result, a significant strengthening (weakening) of the
Canadian dollar against the US dollar, with all other variables held
constant, would have no significant impact on net earnings before income
taxes and minority interest.
Commodity Price Risk
The Company is exposed to increases in the prices of commodities. To
manage this exposure, Loblaw uses purchase commitments for a portion of
its needs for certain consumer products that may be commodities based and
Loblaw expects to take delivery of these consumer products in the normal
course of business. A non-financial derivative contract with a notional
value of $29 million is used to hedge electricity price risk for a
portion of Loblaw's expected electricity consumption in Alberta. In
addition, the Company uses exchange traded futures and options to manage
its anticipated exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. The Company
estimates that a 10% increase (decrease) in relevant commodity prices,
with all other variables held constant, would result in a net gain (loss)
of $22 million on net earnings before income taxes and minority interest.
Common Share Price Risk
Weston and Loblaw enter into equity derivatives to manage exposure to
fluctuations in stock-based compensation cost as a result of changes in
the market prices of the respective underlying common shares. The equity
derivatives allow for various methods of settlement including net
settlement. These derivatives change in value as the market prices of the
respective underlying common shares change and provide a partial offset
to fluctuations in stock-based compensation cost, including RSU plan
expense. The partial offset between stock-based compensation costs,
including RSU plan expense, and the equity derivatives is effective when
the market price of the respective underlying common shares exceeds the
exercise price of the related employee stock options. When the market
price of the respective underlying common shares is lower than the
exercise price of the related employee stock options, only RSUs will
provide a partial offset to these equity derivatives. The amount of net
stock-based compensation cost recorded in operating income is mainly
dependent upon the number of unexercised stock options and RSUs and their
vesting schedules relative to the number of respective underlying common
shares on the equity derivatives and the level of and fluctuations in the
market price of the respective underlying common shares. A one dollar
increase (decrease) in the market value of the respective underlying
shares of the equity swaps and forwards, with all other variables held
constant, would result in a gain (loss) of $6 million in net earnings
before income taxes and minority interest.
Weston's equity forward sale agreement based on 9.6 million Loblaw common
shares which matures in 2031 will be settled in cash as follows: Weston
will receive the forward price and will pay the market value of the
underlying Loblaw common shares at maturity. The obligation of Weston
under this forward is secured by the underlying Loblaw common shares.
Weston entered into this forward to partially offset any repayment risk
associated with its Series A, 7.00% and Series B Debentures. Further, if
the market value of the underlying Loblaw common shares exceeds the
obligation of Weston under this forward, a portion of the proceeds from a
future sale of these shares may be used to satisfy the obligation under
this forward contract upon termination or maturity. At maturity, if the
forward price is greater than the market price, Weston will receive a
cash amount equal to the difference. If the forward price is less than
the market price, Weston will pay a cash amount equal to the difference.
A one dollar increase (decrease) in the market value of the underlying
shares of the equity forward, with all other variables held constant,
would result in a loss (gain) of $10 million in net earnings before
income taxes and minority interest. Any cash paid under the forward
contract could be offset by the sale of Loblaw common shares.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company cannot meet a demand for cash
or fund its obligations as they come due. Liquidity risk also includes
the risk of not being able to liquidate assets in a timely manner at a
reasonable price. The Company attempts to meet liquidity requirements by
holding assets that can be readily converted into cash, and by managing
cash flows.
The Company's ability to obtain funding from external sources may be
restricted by further downgrades in the Company's credit ratings and
should the Company's financial performance and condition deteriorate. In
addition, credit and capital markets are subject to inherent global risks
that may negatively affect the Company's access and ability to fund its
short term and long term debt requirements. The Company mitigates these
risks by actively maintaining appropriate levels of cash and cash
equivalents, short term investments and security deposits included in
other assets, actively monitoring market conditions and diversifying its
sources of funding and maturity profile.
The following are the undiscounted contractual maturities of significant
financial liabilities as at June 14, 2008:
2008
Remain- There-
($ millions) ing 2009 2010 2011 2012 after Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest rate
swaps
payable(1) $ 8 $ 13 $ 13 $ 13 $ 13 $ 5 $ 65
Equity swaps
and
forwards
associated
with
stock-based
compensa-
tion(2) 207 36 26 163 432
Long term
debt
including
fixed
interest
payments(3) 189 737 636 952 257 8,238 11,009
Capital
securities 265 265
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 197 $ 1,015 $ 856 $ 1,001 $ 296 $ 8,406 $11,771
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Based on the pay fixed interest which will be partially offset by the
floating interest received.
(2) Based on the average cost base as at June 14, 2008.
(3) Based on the maturing face values and annual interest for each
instrument as well as annual payment obligations for VIEs, mortgages
and capital leases.
The Company's bank indebtedness, commercial paper, short term bank loans
and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are short term in nature,
and as such are all due within the next 12 months.
21. Contingencies, Commitments and Guarantees
Guarantees - Independent Funding Trusts
Certain independent franchisees of Loblaw obtain financing through a
structure involving independent trusts, which were created to provide
loans to the independent franchisees to facilitate their purchase of
inventory and fixed assets, consisting mainly of fixtures and equipment.
These trusts are administered by a major Canadian chartered bank.
During the first quarter of 2008, Loblaw was notified that an Event of
Termination of the independent funding trust agreement for its
franchisees had occurred as a result of the credit rating downgrade by
Dominion Bond Rating Service of Loblaw's long term credit rating to "BBB
(high)" from "A (low)". As a result of the Event of Termination, during
the second quarter of 2008, Loblaw finalized an alternative financing
arrangement for the independent funding trust in the form of a $475
million, 364-day revolving committed credit facility provided by a
syndicate of banks.
The gross principal amount of loans issued to the Loblaw's independent
franchisees outstanding at the end of the second quarter of 2008 was $383
million (2007 - $417 million) including $159 million (2007 - $154
million) of loans payable by VIEs consolidated by Loblaw. Based on a
formula, Loblaw has agreed to provide credit enhancement in the form of a
standby letter of credit for the benefit of the independent funding trust
equal to approximately 15% (2007 - 10%) of the principal amount of the
loans outstanding at any point in time, $66 million (2007 - $44 million)
as of the end of the second quarter of 2008. The standby letter of credit
has not been drawn upon. This credit enhancement allows the independent
funding trust to provide favourable financing terms to Loblaw's
independent franchisees. As well, each independent franchisee provides
security to the independent funding trust for its obligations by way of a
general security agreement. In the event that an independent franchisee
defaults on its loan and Loblaw has not, within a specified time period,
assumed the loan, or the default is not otherwise remedied, the
independent funding trust would assign the loan to Loblaw and draw upon
this standby letter of credit. Loblaw has agreed to reimburse the issuing
bank for any amount drawn on the standby letter of credit. This new
alternative financing structure has been reviewed and Loblaw determined
there were no material implications with respect to the consolidation of
VIEs. In accordance with Canadian GAAP, the financial statements of the
independent funding trust are not consolidated with those of Loblaw.
Legal Proceedings
During the first quarter of 2007, the Company and Loblaw were two of 17
defendants served with an action brought in the Superior Court of Ontario
by certain beneficiaries of a multi-employer pension plan in which
employees of Loblaw and those of its independent franchisees participate.
In their claim against the employers and the trustees of the
multi-employer pension plan, the plaintiffs claim that assets of the
multi-employer pension plan have been mismanaged and are seeking, among
other demands, damages of $1 billion. The action is framed as a
representative action on behalf of all the beneficiaries of the
multi-employer pension plan. During the second quarter of 2008, the
Company received confirmation that the action against the Company and
Loblaw has been dismissed, but the action against the trustees is
ongoing. One of the trustees, an officer of Loblaw, may be entitled to
indemnification from Loblaw.
In addition to the claim described above, the Company is the subject of
various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of
business. The outcome of all of these proceedings is uncertain. However,
based on information currently available, these claims, individually and
in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material impact on the
Company.
22. Comparative Information
Certain prior year's information was reclassified to conform with the
current year presentation.
Security deposits, which were previously presented as cash and cash
equivalents and short term investments on the consolidated balance sheet,
are now included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet and
totaled $454 million (June 16, 2007 - $422 million; December 31, 2007 -
$419 million) as at June 14, 2008. These securities represent government
treasury bills and treasury notes and government-sponsored debt
securities that wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are required to
place with counterparties as collateral to enter into and maintain
outstanding swaps and forwards and insurance activities. The amount of
the required security deposits will fluctuate.
As disclosed in note 16, the Preferred Shares, Series II, which were
previously presented as share capital on the consolidated balance sheet
are now presented as capital securities and are included in liabilities
and totaled $261 million (June 16, 2007 - $260 million; December 31, 2007
- $260 million) as at June 14, 2008.
23. Segment Information
The Company has two reportable operating segments: Weston Foods and
Loblaw. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those
described herein and in Weston's 2007 Annual Report. The Company measures
each segment's performance based on operating income. No segment is
reliant on any single external customer.
12 Weeks Ended 24 Weeks Ended
---------- ----------
Jun. 14, Jun. 16, Jun. 14, Jun. 16,
($ millions) 2008 2007 2008 2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales
Weston Foods $ 1,024 $ 1,004 $ 2,037 $ 2,065
Loblaw 7,037 6,933 13,564 13,280
Intersegment (214) (198) (417) (385)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated $ 7,847 $ 7,739 $ 15,184 $ 14,960
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income
Weston Foods $ 79 $ 112 $ 178 $ 189
Loblaw 261 216 414 348
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated $ 340 $ 328 $ 592 $ 537
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------- ----------Corporate Profile
George Weston Limited ("Weston") is a Canadian public company founded in
1882 and through its operating subsidiaries constitutes one of North America's
largest food processing and distribution groups. Weston has two reportable
operating segments: Weston Foods and Loblaw, which is operated by Loblaw
Companies Limited. The Weston Foods operating segment is primarily engaged in
the baking and dairy industries within North America. Loblaw is Canada's
largest food distributor and a leading provider of general merchandise,
drugstore and financial products and services.
Trademarks
George Weston Limited and its subsidiaries own a number of trademarks.
These trademarks are the exclusive property of Weston and its subsidiary
companies and where used in this report are in italics.
Investor Relations
Shareholders, security analysts and investment professionals should
direct their requests to Mr. Geoffrey H. Wilson, Senior Vice President, Shared
Services at the Company's Executive Office or by e-mail at investor@weston.ca.
Additional information has been filed electronically with various
securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic Document
Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR). The Company holds an analyst call shortly
following the release of its quarterly results. This call will be archived in
the Investor Zone section of the Company's website.
This Quarterly Report includes selected information on Loblaw Companies
Limited, a 62%-owned public reporting company with shares trading on the
Toronto Stock Exchange. For information regarding Loblaw, readers should also
refer to the materials filed by Loblaw with the Canadian securities regulatory
authorities from time to time. These filings are also maintained at Loblaw's
corporate website at www.loblaw.ca.
Ce rapport est disponible en français.
George Weston Limited will be announcing its 2008 second quarter results
on July 29, 2008. This announcement will be followed by a conference call and
audio web cast at 11:00AM (EST).
To access via teleconference please dial 416-644-3419. The playback will
be made available one hour after the live event at 416-640-1917 passcode:
21276819 followed by the number sign. To access via webcast please visit
www.weston.ca.
Full details and Pre-registration are available by visiting our website
at www.weston.ca.
For further information: Geoff Wilson, Senior Vice President, Shared
Services, (416) 922-2500
