EX-99 2 dex99.htm NEWS RELEASE OF SMART & FINAL INC. News Release of Smart & Final Inc.

Exhibit 99

 

  Contact:    Randall Oliver (media)
    

(323) 869-7607

LOGO     

randall.oliver@smartandfinal.com

    

 

Richard Phegley (investors)

    

(323) 869-7779

    

rick.phegley@smartandfinal.com

SMART & FINAL REPORTS CONTINUED SALES GROWTH

IN 2006 SECOND QUARTER

 

•      Second Quarter 2006 Sales Increase 2.0 Percent

 

•      Second Quarter Income from Continuing Operations of $5.8 Million

 

•      Assessment of Strategic Alternatives Ongoing

LOS ANGELES, July 11, 2006 – Smart & Final Inc. (NYSE – SMF) today reported sales for its twelve-week second quarter ended June 18, 2006 of $493.7 million, an increase of $9.6 million, or 2.0 percent, over second quarter 2005 sales of $484.1 million. Income from continuing operations was $5.8 million for the second quarter 2006, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with $8.2 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, for the second quarter 2005. Included in the operating results for the 2006 second quarter were $0.5 million net of tax, or $0.02 per diluted share, of costs associated with the company’s assessment of strategic alternatives. Comparable store sales growth for the second quarter was a negative 0.3 percent, unadjusted for cannibalization of comparable store sales by new stores opened in the past 12 months.

Etienne Snollaerts, president and chief executive officer, stated, “Our second quarter results reflect the continuation of our strong store growth program, which as anticipated has increased operating costs, and also unexpectedly weak demand in the spring season among certain classes of business customers. In the second quarter, the contribution from continued strong gross margin rates and improving trends in distribution costs partially offset the increase in costs resulting from our store development program.”

Snollaerts added, “By utilizing our extensive customer database we’ve identified target groups of customers and have developed strong incentive programs to re-build sales momentum with these key businesses as well as with targeted groups of household customers. We’re continuing to make progress during 2006 in controlling distribution costs to better leverage our sales growth. We’re also pursuing


Page 2

Smart & Final Inc. Second Quarter 2006

 

store development and although we did not have any new store openings in the second quarter, we have stores in development for opening during the balance of 2006.”

Gross margin from continuing operations increased $1.5 million, or 1.9 percent, to $81.3 million for the second quarter of 2006 as compared with $79.7 million for the prior year second quarter. As a percentage of sales, gross margin was 16.5 percent for both second quarter 2006 and 2005. Although the aggregate year-to-year gross margin rate did not change, in the second quarter 2006 the company realized higher gross profit contribution from increased sales, which was offset by higher year-to-year distribution costs and the impact of new stores.

As a percentage of sales, operating and administrative expenses increased to 14.1 percent for the 2006 second quarter from 13.3 percent for the 2005 second quarter. Operating and administrative expenses from continuing operations increased $5.4 million, or 8.4 percent, to $69.7 million for the second quarter of 2006 as compared with $64.3 million for the prior year second quarter. The increase in dollars and as a percentage of sales was largely attributable to increased store operating costs, increased information systems costs, and costs associated with the company’s assessment of strategic alternatives.

Interest expense increased to $2.5 million for the 2006 second quarter as compared with $2.2 million for the prior year quarter, as a result of higher average debt outstanding and higher rates. At the end of the second quarter 2006 the outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility was $35.0 million compared with $30.0 million at the end of the second quarter 2005.

Cash flow from operating activities reflected cash generation of $4.2 million for the twenty-four weeks ended June 18, 2006 compared with cash generation of $31.1 million for the prior year twenty-four week period. The reduction in net cash generated from the prior twenty-four week period was primarily due to cash utilized for a class-action litigation settlement, and from increased investment in store inventories including seasonal merchandise, and associated working capital.

The company did not open any new stores during the 2006 second quarter. The company operated 250 stores at the end of the second quarter 2006 compared with 238 stores at the end of the 2005 second quarter.

As previously announced, the company has engaged Goldman Sachs & Co. to act as financial advisor to the company in studying potential strategic alternatives, in light of an announcement by the company’s majority shareholder, Casino Guichard-Perrachon S.A., that it is studying the potential sale of non-core portfolio assets. The company’s assessment of strategic alternatives is ongoing and through the end of the 2006 second quarter $0.9 million of associated pre-tax costs had been incurred. Also as previously stated, there can be no assurance as to the timing of this process, the future costs involved, or that any specific transaction will result.


Page 3

Smart & Final Inc. Second Quarter 2006

 

Founded in 1871 in downtown Los Angeles, Smart & Final Inc. currently operates 250 non-membership warehouse stores for food and foodservice supplies in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and northern Mexico. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.smartandfinal.com.

A telephone conference call with Smart & Final’s senior management will be held on Wednesday July 12, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time. The conference call is available in a listen-only mode through www.CCBN.com. Replays of the conference call will also be available.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements

This Smart & Final press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and other expressions of management’s belief or opinion which reflect its current understanding or belief with respect to such matters. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including known and unknown factors as included in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those projected. All of these forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by management of the company, which although believed to be reasonable, are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict; therefore, undue reliance should not be placed upon such statements. Current and future operating trends and results may be impacted by important factors, including the implementation of key information system initiatives and their potential effect on company operations. There can be no assurance that the company will not incur new or additional unforeseen costs in connection with the ongoing conduct of its business, including its exploration of potential strategic alternatives. Accordingly, any forward-looking statements included herein do not purport to be predictions of future events or circumstances and may not be realized. Except as specifically set forth herein, the company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking or other statement.


SMART & FINAL INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except share amounts)

 

    

June 18,

2006

    January 1,
2006
 
     (Unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 39,363     $ 31,887  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $239 in 2006 and $273 in 2005

     13,754       18,410  

Inventories

     161,884       158,553  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     10,130       16,333  

Deferred tax assets

     13,356       13,036  

Assets held for sale

     2,129       2,129  
                

Total current assets

     240,616       240,348  

Property, plant and equipment:

    

Land

     70,858       70,860  

Buildings and improvements

     62,306       62,335  

Leasehold improvements

     138,061       137,467  

Fixtures and equipment

     216,358       209,751  
                
     487,583       480,413  

Less – Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     234,779       221,951  
                

Net property, plant and equipment

     252,804       258,462  

Assets under capital leases, net of accumulated amortization of $4,314 in 2006 and $5,106 in 2005

     1,204       1,423  

Goodwill

     34,775       34,775  

Deferred tax assets

     28,749       28,749  

Equity investment in joint venture

     8,033       7,481  

Cash held in real estate trust

     123       120  

Other assets

     68,180       66,960  
                

Total assets

   $ 634,484     $ 638,318  
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt and capital leases

   $ 53,937     $ 54,076  

Notes payable to affiliate

     33,134       33,146  

Accounts payable

     92,874       99,694  

Accrued salaries and wages

     15,705       19,898  

Other accrued liabilities

     35,592       56,251  

Liabilities of discontinued operations

     855       1,101  
                

Total current liabilities

     232,097       264,166  

Long-term liabilities:

    

Obligations under capital leases

     1,576       1,848  

Bank debt

     35,000       20,000  

Other long-term liabilities

     36,114       35,086  

Postretirement and postemployment benefits

     42,635       43,275  
                

Total long-term liabilities

     115,325       100,209  

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock, $1 par value (authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued)

     —         —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value (authorized 100,000,000 shares; 32,494,959 shares issued and outstanding in 2006 and 31,903,478 in 2005)

     322       319  

Additional paid-in capital

     236,931       231,775  

Retained earnings

     75,817       67,523  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (15,868 )     (15,822 )

Notes receivable for common stock

     (18 )     (18 )

Treasury stock, at cost, 751,432 shares in 2006 and 729,475 shares in 2005

     (10,122 )     (9,834 )
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     287,062       273,943  
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 634,484     $ 638,318  
                

—more—


SMART & FINAL INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

     Twelve Weeks Ended     Twenty-four Weeks Ended  
    

June 18,

2006

   

June 19,

2005

   

June 18,

2006

   

June 19,

2005

 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Sales

   $ 493,737     $ 484,105     $ 940,516     $ 911,730  

Cost of sales, buying and occupancy

     412,487       404,373       788,449       763,823  
                                

Gross margin

     81,250       79,732       152,067       147,907  

Operating and administrative expenses

     69,731       64,324       134,451       124,541  
                                

Income from operations

     11,519       15,408       17,616       23,366  

Interest expense, net

     2,488       2,171       4,893       4,380  
                                

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     9,031       13,237       12,723       18,986  

Income tax provision

     (3,580 )     (5,211 )     (5,023 )     (7,449 )

Equity earnings of joint venture

     331       165       594       155  
                                

Income from continuing operations

     5,782       8,191       8,294       11,692  

Discontinued operations, net of tax

     —         (100 )     —         (406 )
                                

Net income

   $ 5,782     $ 8,091     $ 8,294     $ 11,286  
                                

Earnings (loss) per common share*:

        

Earnings per common share from continuing operations

   $ 0.18     $ 0.27     $ 0.27     $ 0.38  

Loss per common share from discontinued operations

     —         —         —         (0.01 )
                                

Earnings per common share

   $ 0.18     $ 0.26     $ 0.27     $ 0.37  
                                

Weighted average common shares

     31,379,382       30,742,029       31,245,683       30,691,318  
                                

Earnings (loss) per common share, assuming dilution*:

        

Earnings per common share, assuming dilution, from continuing operations

   $ 0.18     $ 0.26     $ 0.26     $ 0.36  

Loss per common share, assuming dilution, from discontinued operations

     —         —         —         (0.01 )
                                

Earnings per common share, assuming dilution

   $ 0.18     $ 0.25     $ 0.26     $ 0.35  
                                

Weighted average common shares and common share equivalents

     32,196,568       31,830,075       32,004,081       32,051,658  
                                

 

* Totals may not aggregate due to rounding.

—more—


SMART & FINAL INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES

 

     Twelve Weeks Ended     Twenty-four Weeks Ended  
     June 18,
2006
    June 19,
2005
    June 18,
2006
    June 19,
2005
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

Sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of sales, buying and occupancy

   83.5     83.5     83.8     83.8  
                        

Gross margin

   16.5     16.5     16.2     16.2  

Operating and administrative expenses

   14.1     13.3     14.3     13.7  
                        

Income from operations

   2.3     3.2     1.9     2.6  

Interest expense, net

   0.5     0.4     0.5     0.5  
                        

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

   1.8     2.7     1.4     2.1  

Income tax provision

   (0.7 )   (1.1 )   (0.5 )   (0.8 )

Equity earnings of joint venture

   0.1     —       0.1     —    
                        

Income from continuing operations

   1.2     1.7     0.9     1.3  

Discontinued operations, net of tax

   —       —       —       —    
                        

Net income

   1.2 %   1.7 %   0.9 %   1.2 %
                        

 

* Totals may not aggregate due to rounding.

—more—


SMART & FINAL INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Twenty-four Weeks Ended  
     June 18,
2006
    June 19,
2005
 
     (Unaudited)  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Income from continuing operations

   $ 8,294     $ 11,692  

Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations to net cash provided by continuing activities:

    

Depreciation

     8,625       8,464  

Amortization

     7,643       5,621  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     231       132  

Share-based compensation

     804       688  

Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation

     (631 )     —    

Deferred tax (benefit) provision

     (320 )     (33 )

Equity earnings of joint venture

     (594 )     (155 )

Asset impairment, at gross

     542       —    

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

     (31 )     (35 )

Decrease (increase) in:

    

Accounts receivable

     4,686       4,079  

Inventories

     (3,330 )     (1,592 )

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     5,180       2,063  

Increase (decrease) in:

    

Accounts payable

     (6,819 )     10,754  

Accrued salaries and wages

     (4,193 )     (7,292 )

Other accrued liabilities

     (15,871 )     (1,813 )
                

Net cash provided by continuing activities

     4,216       32,573  

Net cash used in discontinued activities

     —         (1,447 )
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,216       31,126  
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Acquisition of property, plant and equipment

     (11,889 )     (21,749 )

Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment

     51       21  

Investment in capitalized software

     (3,074 )     (5,025 )

Change in cash held in real estate trust

     (3 )     (2 )

Other

     (9 )     (97 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (14,924 )     (26,852 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Payments on bank line of credit

     (30,000 )     (5,000 )

Borrowings on bank line of credit

     45,000       10,000  

Payments on notes payable

     (422 )     (622 )

Excess tax benefits from share-based compensation

     631       —    

Stock repurchases

     (289 )     —    

Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of costs

     3,264       220  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     18,184       4,598  
                

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

     7,476       8,872  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period

     31,887       28,672  
                

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period

   $ 39,363     $ 37,544  
                

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