Attached files

file filename
8-K - 8-K - HARRIS TEETER SUPERMARKETS, INC.d28822.htm

Exhibit 99.1




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 3, 2011

      

Contact:

 

John B. Woodlief

 

 

Vice President – Finance

and Chief Financial Officer

                                     

704-372-5404





Ruddick Corporation Reports Fiscal 2011 Results


CHARLOTTE, N.C.—November 3, 2011--Ruddick Corporation (NYSE:RDK) (the “Company”) today reported results for the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2011. As previously disclosed, the Company reported on October 27, 2011 that it entered into a definitive agreement with two newly formed affiliates of KPS Capital Partners, LP (“KPS”) to sell all of its ownership interest in its wholly-owned subsidiary, American & Efird, Inc. (“A&E).  As such, the results related to A&E are reported as discontinued operations and A&E’s assets have been reclassified as assets held for sale.


Sales for the 52 weeks of fiscal 2011 increased by 4.5% to $4.29 billion from $4.10 billion in the 53 weeks of fiscal 2010. Sales for the 13-week fiscal fourth quarter ended October 2, 2011 decreased slightly to $1.10 billion from $1.11 billion in the 14-week fourth quarter of fiscal 2010. On a comparable week basis (reducing fiscal 2010 sales for the first week of the annual or quarterly period), sales increased by 6.40% for the year and 7.77% for the quarter over the respective periods. The increase in sales was attributable to new store activity and comparable store sales increases. Comparable store sales increased by 3.27% for the year and 5.00% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.  


During fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter opened seven new stores (one of which replaced an existing store) and closed two stores, for a net addition of five stores. Harris Teeter operated 204 stores at the end of fiscal 2011. Retail square footage increased by 3.2% in fiscal 2011, as compared to an increase of 6.4% in fiscal 2010.


The Company reported fiscal 2011 consolidated net income of $91.2 million, comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $111.5 million, earnings from discontinued operations of $16.2 million and impairment charges of $36.5 million (net of tax benefits of $12.3 million).  For the fiscal fourth quarter ended October 2, 2011, the Company reported a net loss of $8.9 million, comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $24.6 million, earnings on discontinued operations of $3.0 million and net impairment charges of $36.5 million. Fiscal 2011 earnings from continuing operations amounted to $111.5 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, as compared to $98.4 million, or $2.02 per diluted share in fiscal 2010. Earnings from continuing operations for the 13-weeks ended




October 2, 2011 amounted to $24.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, as compared to $27.6 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, for the 14-week period ended October 3, 2010.  Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2011 included a pre-tax gain of $19.5 million ($10.3 million after tax or $0.21 per diluted share) from the sale of the Company’s interest in a foreign investment that was recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2011. Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2010 included pre-tax gains totaling $3.9 million ($2.4 million after tax, or $0.05 per diluted share) recorded in connection with the exchange of the Company’s corporate aircraft, of which $1.8 million ($1.1 million after tax, or $0.02 per diluted share) was realized in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010.


Operating profit for fiscal 2011 increased to $180.7 million from $176.9 million in fiscal 2010, while operating profit for the 13-week period ended October 3, 2011 declined to $43.1 million from $49.0 million in the prior year period. The decline in operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was primarily driven by the extra week of operations included in fiscal 2010 and the pre-tax gains recorded in fiscal 2010 as discussed above.


Operating profit at Harris Teeter for fiscal 2011 increased 5.2% to $191.1 million (4.46% of sales) from $181.6 million (4.43% of sales) in fiscal 2010. Operating profit for the 13 weeks ended October 2, 2011 decreased to $45.0 million (4.09% of sales) from $49.1 million (4.43% of sales) for the 14 weeks ended October 3, 2010. The decline in operating profit for the quarter was mostly attributable to the fourteen-week quarter last year versus the normal thirteen-week quarter in fiscal 2011. Our goal for the quarter and the year was to drive units and transactions. Therefore, we invested in additional promotional activities which included two promotional coupon events that were well received by our customers and were redeemed at higher than historical trends.  The cost of these programs were mitigated by a higher level of sales and greater vendor participation but resulted in a decline in gross margin of 59 basis points for the quarter and 30 basis points for the year. The LIFO adjustment in fiscal 2011 amounted to $11.1 million (0.26% of sales), as compared to a credit of $1.6 million (0.04% of sales) in fiscal 2010. The LIFO adjustment for the 13 weeks ended October 2, 2011 amounted to a credit of $0.2 million (0.02% of sales), as compared to a credit of $1.6 million (0.14% of sales) for the 14 weeks ended October 3, 2010.


Operating profit at Harris Teeter for both the fourth quarter and fiscal year of 2011 benefited from reductions in Selling, General and Administrative Expenses as a percentage of sales of 25 basis points and 34 basis points, respectively.  Harris Teeter has successfully mitigated the impact of pressures on gross profit margins through continued emphasis on cost controls.


Operating profit was impacted by new store pre-opening costs of $7.0 million (0.16% of sales) and $8.4 million (0.20% of sales) in fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Pre-opening costs for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2011 and 2010 were $1.7 million (0.15% of sales) and $1.8 million (0.16% of sales), respectively.  New store pre-opening costs fluctuate between reporting periods depending on the new store opening schedule and market location.  


Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of




Ruddick Corporation stated, “We are very pleased with our results for the quarter and the year.  When viewed on a comparable week basis, we experienced positive comparable store sales as well as an increase in transactions, basket size and households in the quarter and for the year.  We believe these positive results are the product of our continuing investment in price and promotion while, at the same time, offering outstanding customer service, thereby delivering superior value to our customers.  We are also pleased that our customers recognize the value and quality of our store brands resulting in a higher growth rate in sales for these items than our growth rate in total sales for the quarter.


We are also pleased to have reached an agreement with KPS regarding their acquisition of A&E.  This transaction allows the management team and their associates at A&E to continue to pursue their strategic plan of transforming A&E into a more Asian-centric enterprise, which has been years in the making.  As A&E’s business has grown substantially in Asia it has become less of a domestic company and more of a complex international manufacturing company and its strategic fit with Harris Teeter has become less evident to our shareholders. This transaction enhances the strategic plan for Ruddick and Harris Teeter as the cash proceeds from the sale can be utilized for numerous purposes, including the acceleration of new store growth and the repayment of debt.”  

   

Capital expenditures during fiscal 2011 totaled $153.9 million and depreciation and amortization totaled $140.7 million. Harris Teeter accounted for $147.9 million of the total fiscal 2011 capital expenditures.  During fiscal 2011, Harris Teeter received $22.6 million of cash in connection with the sale of its ownership position in five investment properties along with one owned property. In addition, Harris Teeter invested an additional $19.4 million and received an additional $19.8 million in connection with the development of certain of its new stores.


Harris Teeter’s operating performance and the Company’s strong financial position provides the flexibility to continue with Harris Teeter’s store development program for new and replacement stores along with the remodeling and expansion of existing stores. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 are planned to total approximately $215 million.  During fiscal 2012, Harris Teeter plans to open seven new stores (one of which will replace an existing store) and complete major remodels on twelve stores (six of which will be expanded in size).  The fiscal 2012 new store openings are currently scheduled for three in the first quarter, three in the third quarter and one in the fourth quarter.  The anticipated increase in Harris Teeter’s capital expenditures from fiscal 2011 to fiscal 2012 is caused by increased remodeling costs in fiscal 2012 for additional expansions and a plan that calls for fiscal 2013 new stores to open earlier in the fiscal year. The new store development program for fiscal 2012 is expected to result in a 3.7% increase in retail square footage, as compared to a 3.2% increase in fiscal 2011.  The Company routinely evaluates its existing store operations in regards to its overall business strategy and from time to time will close or divest underperforming stores.  


Harris Teeter’s capital expenditure plans entail the continued expansion of its existing markets, including the Washington, D.C. metro market area which incorporates northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, southern Maryland and coastal Delaware. Real estate development by its nature is both unpredictable and subject to external factors including




weather, construction schedules and costs. Any change in the amount and timing of new store development would impact the expected capital expenditures, sales and operating results.


In connection with the sale of A&E, the Company expects to incur additional expenses, primarily related to the settlement of the pension liability and other employee benefit plans that will be determined at closing and are expected to be recorded in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.  The amount of these losses will include adjustments for the recognition of a pro-rata share of the pension plan’s accumulated unrecognized net actuarial losses currently included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and the impact from allocating existing plan assets under pension regulations.  These non-cash charges are currently estimated to be approximately $66 million before tax and $40 million after tax, or $0.81 per diluted share.  Additionally, adjustments for changes in the plan’s funded status from the Company’s fiscal year end until closing will be made and cannot presently be estimated.


The Company’s management remains cautious in its expectations for fiscal 2012 due to the current economic environment and its impact on the Company’s customers. Harris Teeter will continue to refine its merchandising strategies to respond to the changing shopping demands. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive. Any operating improvement will be dependent on the Company’s ability to increase Harris Teeter’s market share and to effectively execute the Company’s strategic expansion plans.


This news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve uncertainties. A discussion of various important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements is shown in reports filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include: generally adverse economic and industry conditions; changes in the competitive environment; economic or political changes; changes in federal, state or local regulations affecting the Company; the passage of future tax legislation, or any negative regulatory or judicial position which prevails; management's ability to predict the adequacy of the Company's liquidity to meet future requirements; volatility of financial and credit markets which would affect access to capital for the Company; changes in the Company's expansion plans and their effect on store openings, closings and other investments; the ability to predict the required contributions to the Company's pension and other retirement plans; the Company’s requirement to impair recorded long-lived assets; the cost and availability of energy and raw materials; the continued solvency of third parties on leases that the Company guarantees; the Company’s ability to recruit, train and retain effective employees; changes in labor and employer benefits costs, such as increased health care and other insurance costs; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate the operations of acquired businesses; the extent and speed of successful execution of strategic initiatives; and, unexpected outcomes of any legal proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Other factors not identified above could cause actual results to differ materially from those included, contemplated or implied by the forward-looking statements made in this news release.


Ruddick Corporation is a holding company with two primary operating subsidiaries:




Harris Teeter, Inc., a leading regional supermarket chain with operations in eight states primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia; and American & Efird, Inc., one of the world’s largest global manufacturers and distributors of industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles (as previously announced, the Company has agreed to sell A&E).



 ###



Selected information regarding Ruddick Corporation and its subsidiaries follows. For more information on Ruddick Corporation, visit our web site at:  www.ruddickcorp.com.
































Ruddick Corporation

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)


   13 Weeks
October 2,
2011
  14 Weeks
October 3,
2010
  52 Weeks
October 2,
2011
  53 Weeks
October 3,
2010
                     
Sales  $1,101,488   $1,107,249   $4,285,565   $4,099,353 
Cost of Sales   780,997    778,453    3,015,517    2,871,907 
Gross Profit   320,491    328,796    1,270,048    1,227,446 
                     

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:

                    
  Harris Teeter   275,448    279,728    1,078,978    1,045,860 
  Corporate   1,991    81    10,364    4,730 
    Total   277,439    279,809    1,089,342    1,050,590 
                     
Operating Profit   43,052    48,987    180,706    176,856 
                     
Other Expense (Income):                    
  Interest expense   4,754    5,004    19,116    19,708 
  Interest income   (47)   (71)   (133)   (187)
  Net investment gain   —      —      (19,392)   (310)
    Total   4,707    4,933    (409)   19,211 
                     

Earnings From Continuing Operations Before Taxes

   38,345    44,054    181,115    157,645 

Income Tax Expense

   13,716    16,467    69,633    59,287 

Earnings from Continuing Operations

   24,629    27,587    111,482    98,358 
                     

Earnings from Discontinued Operations

   5,903    6,616    26,078    19,693 

Income Tax Expense

   2,949    2,242    9,840    6,010 

Impairment Charges, Net of $12,277 of Tax Benefits

   (36,473)   —      (36,473)   —   

Earnings (Loss) from Discontinued Operations

   (33,519)   4,374    (20,235)   13,683 
                     

Net Earnings (Loss)

  $(8,890)  $31,961   $91,247   $112,041 
                     

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:

                    
    Continuing Operations  $0.51   $0.57   $2.30   $2.04 
    Discontinued Operations  $(0.69)  $0.09   $(0.42)  $0.28 
                     

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:

                    
    Continuing Operations  $0.50   $0.57   $2.28   $2.02 
    Discontinued Operations  $(0.69)  $0.09   $(0.41)  $0.28 
                     

Weighted Average Number of Shares of
Common Stock Outstanding:

                    
    Basic   48,496    48,314    48,469    48,215 
    Diluted   48,916    48,703    48,852    48,600 
                     

Dividends Declared Per Common Share

  $0.13   $0.12   $0.52   $0.48 





Ruddick Corporation

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


   October 2,
2011
  October 3,
2010
Assets      
Current Assets:          
  Cash and Cash Equivalents  $164,479   $60,107 
  Accounts Receivable, Net   47,088    47,873 
  Refundable Income Taxes   15,055    14,421 
  Inventories   287,137    272,025 
  Deferred Income Taxes   1,321    2,395 
  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets   24,576    28,215 
  Current Assets Held For Sale   119,762    121,238 
      Total Current Assets   659,418    546,274 
           
Property, Net   1,019,468    997,556 
Investments   112,557    116,615 
Intangible Assets   13,608    13,945 
Other Long-Term Assets   79,118    72,466 
Long-Term Assets Held For Sale   98,749    142,383 
           
      Total Assets  $1,982,918   $1,889,239 
           
           
Liabilities and Equity          
Current Liabilities:          

  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations

  $3,902   $10,776 
  Accounts Payable   252,859    210,875 
  Accrued Compensation   63,236    56,750 
  Other Current Liabilities   87,805    83,652 
  Current Liabilities Held For Sale   36,021    39,836 
      Total Current Liabilities   443,823    401,889 
           
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations   283,428    295,321 
Deferred Income Taxes   19,674    3,580 
Pension Liabilities   113,617    160,147 
Other Long-Term Liabilities   113,249    103,663 
Long-Term Liabilities Held For Sale   20,804    13,746 
           
Equity:          
  Common Stock   104,211    98,285 
  Retained Earnings   984,535    918,843 
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   (100,423)   (106,235)
      Total Equity   988,323    910,893 
           
      Total Liabilities and Equity  $1,982,918   $1,889,239 





RUDDICK CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)


   52 Weeks
October 2,
2011
  53 Weeks
October 3,
2010
CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES          
  Net Income  $91,247   $112,041 
  Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income          
    Depreciation and Amortization   140,717    135,338 
    Deferred Income Taxes   18,939    44,971 
    Net Gain on Sale of Property   (20,712)   (5,802)
    Impairment Losses   36,473    —   
    Share-Based Compensation   8,072    6,104 
    Other, Net   (7,219)   (5,912)
  Changes in Operating Accounts Providing (Utilizing) Cash          
    Accounts Receivable   (852)   (19,015)
    Inventories   (19,971)   (10,194)
    Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets   6,311    (1,408)
    Accounts Payable   37,688    (456)
    Other Current Liabilities   19,219    (6,222)
    Other Long-Term Operating Accounts   (39,097)   (7,301)
  Dividends Received   1,431    1,553 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES   272,246    243,697 
           
INVESTING ACTIVITIES          
  Capital Expenditures   (153,916)   (132,130)
  Purchase of Other Investments   (19,435)   (21,298)
  Proceeds from Sale of Property   67,760    25,580 
  Return of Partnership Investments   —      3,364 
  Investments in COLI, net of Proceeds from Death Benefits   (1,073)   158 
  Other, Net   (2,306)   (488)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES   (108,970)   (124,814)
           
FINANCING ACTIVITIES          
  Net Proceeds from (Payments on) Short-Term Debt Borrowings   (2,427)   941 
  Net (Payments on) Proceeds from Revolver Borrowings   —      (52,900)
  Proceeds from Long-Term Debt Borrowings   —      5,319 
  Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations   (32,195)   (9,450)
  Dividends Paid   (25,554)   (29,259)
  Proceeds from Stock Issued   622    3,954 
  Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits   1,156    1,366 

  Shares Effectively Purchased and Retired for Withholding Taxes

   (2,485)   (1,375)
  Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock   —      (1,491)
  Other, Net   (1,096)   53 
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES   (61,979)   (82,842)
           
INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS   101,297    36,041 
EFFECT OF FOREIGN CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS ON CASH   (107)   261 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR   73,612    37,310 
           
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR  $174,802   $73,612 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Continuing Operations  $164,479   $60,107 
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations  $10,323   $13,505 
           

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

          
   Cash Paid During the Year for:          
      Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized  $19,416   $19,422 
      Income Taxes   44,470    28,214 
   Non-Cash Activity:          
      Assets Acquired Under Capital Leases   12,144    28 





Ruddick Corporation

Other Statistics

October 2, 2011

(dollars in millions)


   Harris
Teeter
  Discontinued
Operations
  Corporate  Consolidated
Ruddick
Corporation
                     
Depreciation and Amortization:                    
    4th Fiscal Quarter  $32.5   $2.9   $0.2   $35.6 
    Fiscal Year to Date   127.6    12.0    1.1    140.7 
                     
Capital Expenditures:                    
    4th Fiscal Quarter  $49.3   $2.0   $0.1   $51.4 
    Fiscal Year to Date   147.9    5.9    0.1    153.9 
                     
Purchase of Other Investment Assets:                    
    4th Fiscal Quarter  $0.6   $—     $—     $0.6 
    Fiscal Year to Date   19.4    —      —      19.4 
                     
                     
                     
Harris Teeter Store Count:         Quarter        Year to Date
                     
    Beginning number of stores        204         199 
    Opened during the period        1         7 
    Closed during the period        (1)        (2)
    Stores in operation at end of period        204         204 
                     
                     
          Quarter        Year to Date
                     
Harris Teeter Comparable Store Sales        5.00%        3.27%


Definition of Comparable Store Sales:
Comparable store sales are computed using corresponding calendar weeks to account for the occasional extra week included in a fiscal year. A new store must be in operation for 14 months before it enters into the calculation of comparable store sales. A closed store is removed from the calculation in the month in which its closure is announced. A new store opening within an approximate two-mile radius of an existing store that is to be closed upon the new store opening is included as a replacement store in the comparable store sales measure as if it were the same store. Sales increases resulting from existing comparable stores that are expanded in size are included in the calculations of comparable store sales, if the store remains open during the construction period.