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8-K - 8-K - HARRIS TEETER SUPERMARKETS, INC.d29925.htm

Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 1, 2012

Contact:

John B. Woodlief

Executive Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

704-844-7516

 

 

 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. Reports Fiscal 2012 Results

 

MATTHEWS, N.C.—November 1, 2012—Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. (NYSE:HTSI) (the “Company”) today reported that sales for the 52 weeks ended October 2, 2012 increased by 5.8% to $4.54 billion from $4.29 billion in fiscal 2011. Sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 increased by 3.7% to $1.14 billion from $1.10 billion in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The increase in sales for the year and quarter was driven by an increase in comparable store sales and sales from new stores, partially offset by store closings. Comparable store sales increased by 3.97% for the year, and 3.01% for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, from the respective comparable periods of fiscal 2011.

 

During fiscal 2012, the Company closed its previously announced purchase and sale agreement between the Company’s subsidiary Harris Teeter, Inc. (“Harris Teeter”) and Lowes Food Stores, Inc. (“Lowes Foods”) (the “Lowes Foods Transaction”). Per the agreement Harris Teeter acquired ten Lowes Foods store locations in the central Carolinas region and Lowes Foods acquired six Harris Teeter store locations in western North Carolina. The majority of the stores acquired by Harris Teeter were temporarily closed for remodeling, stocking and training of employees. Six of the acquired stores were re-opened during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. Subsequent to the fiscal year end, two of the acquired stores were re-opened under a new format and banner - “201central.” The 201central format features a worldwide variety of wine, beer, specialty foods and other selected merchandise.

 

During fiscal 2012, the Company opened thirteen new stores (which includes six of the stores acquired from Lowes Foods and one replacement for a store closed in the first quarter) and closed eight stores (comprised of the six stores sold to Lowes Foods, one replacement that opened in fiscal 2012 and one replacement which is expected to open in fiscal 2013). In addition, one store located in the Washington D.C. market has been temporarily closed while the Company repairs damage caused by flooding that occurred in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company operated 208 stores as of the end of fiscal 2012 and retail square footage increased by 4.5% in fiscal 2012, as compared to an increase of 3.2% in fiscal 2011.

 



As previously disclosed, the Company sold all of its ownership interest in its wholly-owned industrial thread manufacturing company American & Efird (“A&E”) on November 7, 2011. As such, A&E’s results of operations and financial position are reported as discontinued operations.

 

Gross profit increased in fiscal 2012 by 7.0% to $1.36 billion (29.95% of sales) from $1.27 billion (29.64% of sales) in fiscal 2011. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, gross profit increased by 6.0% to $339.8 million (29.73% of sales) from $320.5 million (29.10% of sales) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The LIFO charge for fiscal 2012 was $3.0 million (0.07% of sales) as compared to $11.1 million (0.26% of sales) for fiscal 2011. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 the LIFO adjustment was a credit of $4.4 million (0.38% of sales) as compared to a credit of $0.2 million (0.02% of sales) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011. The fiscal 2012 annual inflation rate moderated toward the end of the year, resulting in lower product cost inflation than that anticipated by the Company in its quarterly estimates.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses for fiscal 2012 increased from fiscal 2011 as a result of incremental store growth and its impact on associated operational costs, and $29.8 million of impairment losses and other incremental costs associated with the Lowes Foods Transaction. The increase in SG&A expenses was partially offset by gains of $3.1 million recognized from life insurance proceeds the Company recorded in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. On a percent of sales basis, SG&A expenses for fiscal 2012 increased by 76 basis points (of which 66 basis points represented the Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs) over fiscal 2011. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded $7.5 million of Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs which represented 65 basis points of the 107 basis points increase in SG&A expenses as a percent to sales from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012. The Company’s emphasis on cost controls and improved labor management has been effective in offsetting a portion of the increases in health and welfare costs, pension expense and other fringe benefit costs, as well as increased costs associated with the Company’s store remodeling program.

 

Operating profit for fiscal 2012 was $171.0 million, comprised of Harris Teeter operating profit of $178.2 million ($208.0 million, or 4.59% to sales, without the Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs) and Corporate operating losses of $7.2 million (including the $3.1 million gain on life insurance proceeds). Operating profit in fiscal 2011 was $180.7 million, comprised of Harris Teeter operating profit of $191.1 million (4.45% of sales) and Corporate operating losses of $10.4 million.

 

Operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 was $39.7 million, comprised of Harris Teeter operating profit of $42.1 million ($49.6 million, or 4.34% of sales, without the Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs) and Corporate operating losses of $2.4 million. Operating profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 was $43.0 million, comprised of Harris Teeter operating profit of $45.0 million (4.09% of sales) and Corporate operating losses of $2.0 million.

 

The Company reported net earnings of $82.5 million for fiscal 2012, compared to net earnings of $91.2 million for fiscal 2011. Net earnings for fiscal 2012 were comprised of

 



earnings from continuing operations of $99.9 million, or $2.04 per diluted share, and losses from discontinued operations of $17.4 million. The net impact of the Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs offset by the insurance gains reduced earnings from continuing operations after tax in fiscal 2012 by $15.0 million, or $0.31 per diluted share. Earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2012 were also favorably impacted by a reversal of accrued interest amounting to $1.3 million that was associated with a reduction of the Company’s unrecognized tax positions. Net earnings for fiscal 2011 were comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $111.4 million, or $2.28 per diluted share, and losses from discontinued operations of $20.2 million. Fiscal 2011 earnings from continuing operations 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.

 

Net earnings for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 totaled $22.8 million and were comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $23.7 million, or $0.48 per diluted share and losses from discontinued operations of $0.9 million. The net impact of the Lowes Foods Transaction incremental costs reduced earnings from continuing operations after tax in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 by $4.5 million, or $0.09 per diluted share. A net loss of $8.9 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2011, comprised of earnings from continuing operations of $24.6 million, or $0.50 per diluted share, and losses from discontinued operations of $33.5 million.

 

Pre-tax losses from discontinued operations for fiscal 2012 amounted to $19.5 million, $17.4 million after tax benefits or $0.36 per diluted share. The fiscal 2012 losses from discontinued operations included $26.3 million of non-cash charges for the settlement of pension liabilities and other employee benefits in connection with the sale of A&E. The majority of these charges resulted from adjustments for the recognition of a pro-rata share of the pension plan’s accumulated unrecognized net actuarial losses that was previously included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and the impact from allocating existing plan assets under pension regulations and was based on actuarial calculations. The final purchase price allocation and its impact on income taxes will not be complete until the Company files its tax return in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Additional adjustments to taxes or other costs related to the A&E sale could occur in the future.

 

Thomas W. Dickson, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer stated, “We are pleased with our results for fiscal 2012 and the completion of our purchase and sale transaction with Lowes Foods. As we reported, the non-cash impairment charges and additional incremental expenses we incurred in this transaction reduced the Company’s operating profit by $29.8 million and decreased the operating margin by 66 basis points in fiscal 2012. Without these additional costs, our operating profit for fiscal 2012 would have increased 11.1% and our operating margin would have increased 21 basis points over fiscal 2011. Our pricing and promotional strategies continue to be effective in driving unit sales and customer visits. On a comparable store basis, we continue to experience increased unit sales compared to the prior year and our store brand penetration continues to improve. We believe these positive results are attributable to our continuing commitment to our customers to deliver outstanding values and excellent customer service.”

 



The Company’s operating performance and strong financial position provides the flexibility to continue with its store development program for new and replacement stores along with the remodeling and expansion of existing stores. Capital expenditures for fiscal 2012 totaled $200 million and are expected to total approximately $235 million for fiscal 2013. The Company continues to accelerate its new store growth. The fiscal 2013 capital plan includes 12 new stores (which includes two replacements and the two store locations acquired from Lowes Foods that were converted to our 201central format) and nine major remodels (three of which will be expanded in size). The fiscal 2013 new store openings are currently scheduled for three in the first quarter, two in the third quarter and seven in the fourth quarter. In addition, the Company anticipates re-opening the store in the Washington D.C. market that was closed to repair damage caused by flooding. The fiscal 2013 store development program is expected to result in a 5.4% increase in retail square footage, as compared to a 4.5% increase in fiscal 2012. 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.

 

The Company’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 can impact the expected capital expenditures, sales and operating results.

 

The Company’s management remains cautious in its expectations for fiscal 2013 due to the current economic environment and its impact on the Company’s customers. The Company will continue to refine its merchandising strategies to respond to the changing shopping demands. The retail grocery market remains intensely competitive, and any operating improvement will be dependent on the Company’s ability to increase its 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 goodwill or other 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.

 

Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. operates a leading regional supermarket chain in eight states primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia.

 

 

###

 

 

Selected information regarding Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc. and its subsidiaries follows. For more information on Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc., visit our web site at: www.harristeeter.com.

 



Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.                                
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Earnings                        
(in thousands, except per share data)                            
(unaudited)                                
                                 
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended   52 Weeks Ended  
    October 2, 2012       October 2, 2011       October 2, 2012       October 2, 2011
Sales   $ 1,142,793       100.00 %   $ 1,101,488       100.00 %   $ 4,535,414       100.00 %   $ 4,285,565       100.00 %
Cost of Sales     803,009       70.27 %     780,996       70.90 %     3,176,914       70.05 %     3,015,517       70.36 %
Gross Profit     339,784       29.73 %     320,492       29.10 %     1,358,500       29.95 %     1,270,048       29.64 %
                                                                 
Selling, General and Administrative                                                                
   Expenses:                                                                
   Harris Teeter     297,699       26.05 %     275,449       25.01 %     1,180,311       26.02 %     1,078,978       25.18 %
   Corporate     2,413       0.21 %     1,991       0.18 %     7,211       0.16 %     10,364       0.24 %
   Total     300,112       26.26 %     277,440       25.19 %     1,187,522       26.18 %     1,089,342       25.42 %
                                                                 
Operating Profit     39,672       3.47 %     43,052       3.91 %     170,978       3.77 %     180,706       4.22 %
                                                                 
Other Expense (Income):                                                                
   Interest expense     4,395       0.38 %     4,754       0.43 %     16,998       0.37 %     19,116       0.44 %
   Interest income     (103 )     -0.01 %     (47 )     0.00 %     (587 )     -0.01 %     (133 )     0.00 %
   Net investment gain     —         0.00 %     —         0.00 %     —         0.00 %     (19,392 )     -0.45 %
   Total     4,292       0.38 %     4,707       0.43 %     16,411       0.36 %     (409 )     -0.01 %
                                                                 
Earnings From Continuing Operations                                                                
   Before Income Taxes     35,380       3.09 %     38,345       3.48 %     154,567       3.41 %     181,115       4.23 %
Income Tax Expense     11,686       1.02 %     13,722       1.24 %     54,640       1.21 %     69,657       1.63 %
Earnings from Continuing                                                                
   Operations, Net of Income Taxes     23,694       2.07 %     24,623       2.24 %     99,927       2.20 %     111,458       2.60 %
                                                                 
 (Loss) Earnings from Operations of                                                                
   Discontinued Operations     (436 )             (42,847 )             (19,472 )             (22,672 )        
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)     444               (9,335 )             (2,057 )             (2,461 )        
(Loss) Earnings from Discontinued                                                                
   Operations, Net of Income Taxes     (880 )             (33,512 )             (17,415 )             (20,211 )        
                                                                 
Net Earnings (Loss)   $ 22,814             $ (8,889 )           $ 82,512             $ 91,247          
                                                                 
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Basic:                                                                
   Continuing Operations   $ 0.49             $ 0.51             $ 2.05             $ 2.30          
   Discontinued Operations   $ (0.02 )           $ (0.69 )           $ (0.36 )           $ (0.42 )        
   Total   $ 0.47             $ (0.18 )           $ 1.69             $ 1.88          
                                                                 
Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share - Diluted:                                                                
   Continuing Operations   $ 0.48             $ 0.50             $ 2.04             $ 2.28          
   Discontinued Operations   $ (0.02 )           $ (0.69 )           $ (0.36 )           $ (0.41 )        
   Total   $ 0.46             $ (0.18 )           $ 1.68             $ 1.87          
                                                                 
Weighted Average Number of Shares of                                                                
  Common Stock Outstanding:                                                                
   Basic     48,790               48,496               48,751               48,469          
   Diluted     49,110               48,916               49,053               48,852          
                                                                 
Dividends Declared Per Common Share   $ 0.14             $ 0.13             $ 0.55             $ 0.52          
                                                                 
Effective Tax Rate on Continuing Operations     33.0 %             35.8 %             35.4 %             38.5 %        

 



Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.      
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets      
(in thousands)      
(unaudited)      
       
   October 2,  October 2,
   2012  2011
Assets      
Current Assets:          
 Cash and Cash Equivalents  $212,211   $164,479 
  Accounts Receivable, Net   59,267    47,088 
  Refundable Income Taxes   27,583    15,055 
  Inventories   305,106    287,137 
  Deferred Income Taxes   6,044    1,321 
  Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets   24,182    24,576 
  Current Assets of Discontinued Operations   —      220,017 
      Total Current Assets   634,393    759,673 
           
Property, Net   1,102,703    1,019,468 
Investments   107,424    112,556 
Goodwill   19,301    —   
Intangible Assets   15,039    13,609 
Other Long-Term Assets   73,628    79,118 
           
      Total Assets  $1,952,488   $1,984,424 
           
           
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity              
Current Liabilities:          
  Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations  $4,219   $3,902 
  Accounts Payable   281,142    252,859 
  Accrued Compensation   69,390    63,236 
  Other Current Liabilities   96,887    87,805 
  Current Liabilities of Discontinued Operations   —      71,571 
      Total Current Liabilities   451,638    479,373 
           
Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations   208,271    283,428 
Deferred Income Taxes   10,941    19,674 
Pension Liabilities   119,883    113,617 
Other Long-Term Liabilities   124,136    113,250 
           
Shareholders' 'Equity:          
  Common Stock   111,347    104,211 
  Retained Earnings   1,039,935    984,535 
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss   (113,663)   (100,423)
  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of Discontinued Operations   —      (19,048)
  Total Shareholders' Equity of Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.   1,037,619    969,275 
  Noncontrolling Interest of Discontinued Operations   —      5,807 
      Total Shareholders' Equity   1,037,619    975,082 
           
      Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity  $1,952,488   $1,984,424 

 



Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.      
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows      
(in thousands)      
(unaudited)      
       
   52 Weeks Ended  
   October 2,  October 2,
   2012  2011
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:          
 Net Earnings  $82,512   $91,247 
 Losses from Discontinued Operations   17,415    20,211 
 Non-Cash Items Included in Net Income          
   Depreciation and Amortization   135,542    128,717 
   Deferred Income Taxes   1,814    13,684 
   Net Gain on Sale of Property and Investments   (132)   (20,162)
   Share-Based Compensation   7,121    8,073 
   Other, Net   (1,863)   (1,496)
 Changes in Operating Accounts Providing (Utilizing) Cash          
   Accounts Receivable   (12,179)   785 
   Inventories   (17,969)   (15,112)
   Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets   864    3,308 
   Accounts Payable   24,665    37,528 
   Other Current Liabilities   (4,513)   18,449 
   Other Long-Term Operating Accounts   (25,980)   (41,312)
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of Discontinued Operations   —      28,326 
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities   207,297    272,246 
           
Investing Activities:          
 Capital Expenditures   (199,946)   (147,993)
 Purchase of Other Investments   (3,448)   (19,436)
 Business Acquisition   (26,296)   —   
 Proceeds from Sale of Property and Investments   172,143    65,697 
 Net Proceeds From (Investments in) Company-Owned Life Insurance   12,486    (1,073)
 Other, Net   (28)   (627)
 Net Cash Used by Investing Activities of Discontinued Operations   —      (5,538)
Net Cash Used by Investing Activities   (45,089)   (108,970)
           
Financing Activities:          
 Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations   (83,706)   (30,910)
 Dividends Paid   (27,112)   (25,555)
 Proceeds from Stock Issued   486    622 
 Share-Based Compensation Tax Benefits   1,760    908 
 Shares Effectively Purchased and Retired for Withholding Taxes   (5,129)   (2,485)
 Other, Net   (775)   139 
 Net Cash Used by Financing Activties of Discontinued Operations   —      (4,698)
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities   (114,476)   (61,979)
           
Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents   47,732    101,297 
Effect of Foreign Currency Fluctuations on Cash of Discontinued Operations   —      (107)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period   164,479    73,612 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period  $212,211   $174,802 
           
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Continuing Operations  $212,211   $164,479 
Cash and Cash Equivalents of Discontinued Operations   —     $10,323 
           
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION          
  Cash Paid During the Year for:          
     Interest, Net of Amounts Capitalized  $18,141   $19,194 
     Income Taxes   77,824    41,753 
  Non-Cash Activity:          
     Assets Acquired Under Capital Leases   8,866    12,144 
     Note Received in Connection with Sale of Investments   —      2,855 

 



Harris Teeter Supermarkets, Inc.                              
Other Statistics                                
(dollars in thousands)                                
                                 
    13 Weeks Ended     52 Weeks Ended  
    October 2, 2012           October 2, 2011           October 2, 2012           October 2, 2011
      Dollars                      Margin       Dollars       Margin       Dollars       Margin       Dollars                    Margin  
                                                                 
LIFO Charge (Credit)   $ (4,364 )     -0.38 %   $ (166 )     -0.02 %   $ 3,024       0.07 %   $ 11,059       0.26 %
                                                                 
Operating Profit Analysis:                                                                
Harris Teeter operating profit without Lowes                                                                
   Foods incremental transaction costs   $ 49,567       4.34 %   $ 45,043       4.09 %   $ 207,999       4.59 %   $ 191,070       4.45 %
Lowes Foods incremental transaction costs     (7,482 )     -0.65 %     —         0.00 %     (29,810 )     -0.66 %     —         0.00 %
Corporate operating loss without gains                                                                
   from insurance proceeds     (2,413 )     -0.21 %     (1,991 )     -0.18 %     (10,327 )     -0.23 %     (10,364 )     -0.24 %
Gains from insurance proceeds     —         0.00 %     —         0.00 %     3,116       0.07 %     —         0.00 %
Consolidated operating profit   $ 39,672       3.47 %   $ 43,052       3.91 %   $ 170,978       3.77 %   $ 180,706       4.22 %
                                                                 
New Store Pre-Opening Costs (excluding                                                                
   stores acquired from Lowes Foods)   $ 1,365       0.12 %   $ 1,673       0.15 %   $ 5,839       0.13 %   $ 7,027       0.16 %
                                                                 
Pre-opening costs are included with SG&A expenses and consist of rent, labor and associated fringe benefits, and recruiting and relocation costs incurred prior to a new store opening
                                                                 
                      13 Weeks Ended       52 Weeks Ended                  
                      October 2,       October 2,       October 2,             October 2,                  
                      2012             2011       2012       2011                  
Comparable Store Sales Increase                     3.01 %     5.00 %     3.97 %     3.27 %                
                                                                 
Comparable Active Household Increase                     1.18 %     1.13 %     1.61 %     1.69 %                
                                                                 
Store Brand Penetration Based on Units                     24.74 %     24.58 %     24.26 %     23.95 %                
                                                                 
Store Brand Penetration Based on Sales                     25.22 %     25.12 %     25.15 %     24.57 %                
                                                                 
Store Count                                                                
   Beginning number of stores                     201       204       204       199                  
   Opened during the period                     7       1       13       7                  
   Temporarily closed during the period                     —         —         (1 )     —                    
   Closed during the period                     —         (1 )     (8 )     (2 )                
   Stores in operation at end of period                     208       204       208       204                  
                                                                 
Number of Major Store Remodels Completed                     9       4       12       8                  
Number of Expansion Remodels Included Above                     5       —         6       —                    
                                                                 

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. If the location is closed during the construction period, the sales during the reporting period are removed from the calculation.  If the location is completely rebuilt, it is reported as a replacement store and included in the same store sales calculation for the weeks actually open