<PAGE> 1
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998
[ ] Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from __________ to ___________
Commission file number: 33-63372
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 65-0415593
- ------------------------------------ -------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
incorporation or organization)
1300 N.W. 22ND STREET
POMPANO BEACH, FLORIDA 33069
- --------------------------------------- ------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (954) 977-2500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. YES [X] NO [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [X]
No voting stock of the Registrant is held by non-affiliates of the
Registrant.
Number of shares of the Registrant's Common Stock, $.10 par value,
outstanding as of April 21, 1998 -- 200.
<PAGE> 2
PART I.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Pueblo Xtra International, Inc. (the "Company") is a Delaware holding
company that owns all of the common stock of Pueblo International, Inc., a
Delaware company (together with its subsidiaries, "Pueblo"). Pueblo, which was
founded in 1955 with the opening of the first mainland-style supermarkets in
Puerto Rico, is the leading supermarket chain in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
and the Territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition, Pueblo is the leading
operator of video rental outlets in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
through its exclusive franchise rights with Blockbuster Entertainment, Inc.
("BEI"). The Company currently operates 44 supermarkets in Puerto Rico and six
supermarkets in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Company also currently operates 42
BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico and two BLOCKBUSTER locations in the U.S.
Virgin Islands as the exclusive BLOCKBUSTER franchisee for Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands.
On July 28, 1993, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
common stock of Pueblo for an aggregate purchase price of $283.6 million plus
transaction costs (hereinafter referred to as the "Acquisition"). Pursuant to
the Acquisition, Pueblo became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. The
shares were acquired from an investor group including affiliates of Metropolitan
Life Insurance Company, The First Boston Corporation and certain current and
former members of Pueblo management and its Board of Directors.
The Acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method
effective July 31, 1993 as discussed in Note (3)--Acquisitions of the notes to
the Company's consolidated financial statements referenced in Part II, Item 8 of
this Form 10-K.
BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY
SUPERMARKET INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
The top four chains in the retail grocery industry in Puerto Rico
account for approximately 71% of total industry sales, with the remainder
divided among smaller chains and numerous independent operations. Total
supermarket chain sales in calendar year 1997 were approximately $2.8 billion, a
significant portion of which was attributable to the more densely populated
greater San Juan metropolitan area, where the larger chains are concentrated.
The grocery industry in less populated parts of the island is characterized by
smaller family-run operations with limited selection and less competitive
prices. No major U.S. supermarket chains have established operations in the
Puerto Rico grocery market, although a number of national general merchandise
chains have significant Puerto Rican operations. National warehouse clubs and
mass merchandisers, which have entered the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
markets since 1990 offering various bulk grocery and general merchandise items,
have increased pricing pressures on grocery retailers including the Company.
PUERTO RICO
The Company operates its supermarkets under the names PUEBLO and XTRA
supermarkets with emphasis on service, variety and high quality products at
competitive prices. In Puerto Rico, the Company has a grocery retailing market
share of approximately 31%. In addition, the Company estimates that is has a 39%
market share in the greater San Juan metropolitan area, the most densely
populated region of Puerto Rico, with more than one-third of the island's 3.8
million residents. In fiscal 1998 in Puerto Rico, the stores averaged
approximately 39,091 gross sq. ft. and generated an average of approximately
$701 of sales per selling sq. ft. Since the Acquisition, the Company has
constructed five new supermarkets and remodeled 16 existing supermarkets in
Puerto Rico.
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
In fiscal 1998, the six supermarkets in the U.S. Virgin Islands
averaged 31,634 gross sq. ft. and generated an average of approximately $754
sales per selling sq. ft. The Company has an estimated U.S. Virgin Islands
grocery retailing market
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<PAGE> 3
share of approximately 52%. Since the Acquisition, the Company has added one new
supermarket and remodeled five existing supermarkets in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
VIDEO OPERATIONS
The Company has been the exclusive franchisee of BLOCKBUSTER locations
in Puerto Rico since 1989 and in the U.S. Virgin Islands since 1993 and
currently operates 44 BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. In Puerto Rico, the Company operates 19 in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlets
and 23 free-standing BLOCKBUSTER stores, the majority of which are adjacent to
its supermarkets. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Company operates one in-store
BLOCKBUSTER outlet and one free-standing BLOCKBUSTER store. The Company's
free-standing BLOCKBUSTER stores average approximately 5,600 gross sq. ft.,
while the Company's in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlets average approximately 3,800
gross sq. ft. During fiscal 1997, the Company converted all of the remaining
video outlets which it operated in its supermarkets under the name PUEBLO VIDEO
CLUBS into BLOCKBUSTER outlets. In order to increase customer traffic in its
supermarkets, the Company's typical in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlet has a separate
entrance but its principal exit leads into the supermarket. In addition, the
Company is able to take advantage of cross-marketing opportunities with its
supermarket operations, including promotional video rental and merchandising
offers.
The Company's BLOCKBUSTER operations are currently the only major video
chain operating in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Each free-standing
BLOCKBUSTER location carries an average of approximately 9,700 tapes dedicated
to video rental whereas an in-store BLOCKBUSTER location carries approximately
6,700. Each location also offers for sale a selection of recorded and blank
video tapes, music compact discs, video game cartridges, accessories and snack
food products. Since each BLOCKBUSTER location is typically larger than its
competitors, it provides greater depth and breadth in selections. For promotions
of its BLOCKBUSTER operations, the Company primarily utilizes print, television,
radio, billboards and in-store signage. BEI also provides extensive product and
support services to the Company. These include, among other things, site
selection review, packaging of the initial rental inventory and providing
computer hardware and software.
The Company's successful development of the BLOCKBUSTER franchise has
been the result of its ability to leverage its knowledge of Puerto Rico and
existing market and retailing expertise. The Company's knowledge of real estate
and its existing portfolio of desirable supermarket locations has enabled its
BLOCKBUSTER division to obtain attractive, high traffic locations. The Company
will continue to evaluate expansion opportunities in its markets.
The Company's Development Agreements with BEI provide for the Company's
exclusive right to open BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands during the term of such agreements. The Development Agreements contain
development quotas which require the Company to open a certain number of
BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico by December 1999 and in the U.S. Virgin
Islands by April 1997. In 1996, the Company amended its Development Agreements
to allow the necessary flexibility to develop smaller store formats. Each
BLOCKBUSTER location is subject to a Franchise Agreement with BEI that provides
the right for such location to conduct BLOCKBUSTER operations for a 20-year
period so long as the terms of such Franchise Agreement are complied with. The
Company has fulfilled its development quota.
DISPOSAL OF FLORIDA RETAIL OPERATIONS
On January 16, 1996, the Company announced its decision to discontinue
its retail operations in Florida (the "Florida Disposal"). The announcement was
made as part of the Company's restructuring plans whereby the Company would exit
the underperforming Florida retail market and place more emphasis on the
strength of its operations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
Florida Disposal included the disposal of all eight supermarkets and one
warehouse and distribution center, by sale or abandonment, which was completed
in the first quarter of fiscal year 1997. As of the date of this filing, all
property, with the exception of two leased locations, has been disposed of. See
Note (2)--Division Closure and Corporate Restructuring Charges of the notes to
the Company's consolidated financial statements referenced in Part II, Item 8 of
this Form 10-K for further details of the Florida Disposal.
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\
STORE COMPOSITION
Since the Acquisition, the Company has made capital expenditures of
approximately $61.4 million in its supermarket operations in Puerto Rico and the
U.S. Virgin Islands, including the opening of five new supermarkets, the
acquisition of one new supermarket and the remodeling of 16 existing stores. In
the same period, the Company has made capital expenditures totaling
approximately $10.3 million in its BLOCKBUSTER operations. The history of store
openings, closings and remodelings, beginning with fiscal 1994, is set forth in
the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year
-------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Stores in Operation:
At beginning of year ........................... 77 82 79 76 74
Stores opened:
Supermarkets ................................ -- -- 4 2 4
BLOCKBUSTER video stores .................... 17 5 -- 1 3
Stores closed:
Puerto Rico ................................. -- 2 1 -- 2
Florida ..................................... -- 8 -- -- 3
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
At end of year ................................. 94 77 82 79 76
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
Remodels and/or conversions .................... 16 9 1 6 8
Store Composition at Year-End:
Supermarkets ................................. 50 50 60 57 55
BLOCKBUSTER video stores .................... 44 27 22 22 21
By location:
Puerto Rico ................................. 86 70 67 65 62
Florida ..................................... -- -- 8 8 8
U.S. Virgin Islands ......................... 8 7 7 6 6
</TABLE>
SUPERMARKET PURCHASING AND DISTRIBUTION
The Company's buying staff actively purchases products from
distributors, as well as directly from the producer or manufacturer. The Company
generally controls shipping from the point of purchase in an effort to reduce
costs and control delivery times. The Company currently buys approximately 43%
of its total dollar volume of product purchases directly from manufacturers and
is seeking to increase this percentage to reduce costs and to obtain superior
payment terms.
The Company owns a 300,000 square foot full-line warehouse and
distribution center in greater San Juan. The only facility of its type on the
island with both refrigerated and freezer capacity, the San Juan warehouse has
capacity to store approximately 1.5 million cases of assorted products, and acts
as the Company's central distribution center for the island. The warehouse is
equipped with a computerized tracking system which is integrated with the
Company's purchasing, inventory management and shipping systems. This system
enables the Company to make rapid procurement decisions, optimize inventory
levels and increase labor productivity. In fiscal 1998, this facility provided
approximately 49% of the goods (measured by purchase cost) supplied to the
Company's stores in Puerto Rico.
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SUPERMARKET MERCHANDISING
GENERAL
The Company's merchandising strategies, which are differentiated by
division and store type, integrate one-stop shopping convenience, premium
quality products, attractive pricing and effective advertising and promotions.
The Company reinforces its merchandising strategies with friendly and efficient
service, effective promotional programs, in-store activities, and both brand
name and high quality private label product offerings.
PRODUCT OFFERINGS
The Company is in the process of expanding its supermarket stock
keeping units ("SKU") from 23,000 to 36,000. Management believes the Company's
supermarkets offer the greatest product variety within their market areas, as
its competitors generally lack the sales volume, store size and procurement
efficiencies to stock and merchandise the wide variety of products and services
offered by the Company. The Company believes that the convenience and quality of
its specialty department products contribute to customer satisfaction.
The following table sets forth the mix of products sold in the
Company's supermarkets for the fiscal years indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------------------------------
January 31, January 25, January 27,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
PRODUCT CATEGORY
Grocery ......................................... 46.7% 46.9% 46.5%
Health/Beauty Care/General Merchandise .......... 6.5 6.2 6.3
Dairy ........................................... 17.4 16.4 16.1
Meat/Seafood .................................... 15.4 16.0 16.4
Produce ......................................... 9.5 9.3 9.4
Deli/Bakery ..................................... 4.3 4.5 4.6
Video Club ...................................... 0.2 0.7 0.7
------- ------- -------
Total .................................. 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
PRICING
As the largest grocery operator in its markets, the Company is able to
take advantage of volume purchase discounts and shipping efficiencies in order
to offer competitive pricing at its supermarkets. Weekly circulars are used to
emphasize special offers.
PRIVATE LABEL
During fiscal 1998 the Company began introducing Pueblo brand private
label grocery items. The process began late in the fiscal year with a limited
number of items and will be evaluated and expanded as warranted. Product
selection has been based on the ability to ensure quality that is equal to or
better than competitive national brand products and sourcing that will enhance
gross margin.
Historically, the Company utilized only Food Club private label
products through the Company's membership with Topco Associates, Inc.
Utilization of these products has not been discontinued. Rather, product
offerings among Pueblo private label products, Food Club private label products
and national brands are evaluated on performance based on quality, costs, gross
margin and sales volume in order to offer what management believes is the best
selection and value to customers.
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CATEGORY MANAGEMENT
During fiscal 1998, the Company implemented a category management
system designed to combine traditional buying, reordering and pricing functions
under the leadership of corporate level category merchandisers. The system
allows the company to assign profit management to the individual responsible for
a product category. The Company believes that such a system will improve sales,
optimize inventory levels, reduce purchase costs and thereby enhance gross
profit and operating profit margins.
ADVERTISING AND PROMOTION
The Company primarily utilizes newspaper, radio, television and
in-store advertising in both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The
Company's grocery operations run multi-page newspaper inserts and full-page
color shoppers.
All advertising is created and designed through the Company's
wholly-owned advertising agency, CaribAd Inc. ("Adteam"). Adteam, based in
Puerto Rico, develops promotional programs for all of the Company's markets,
thereby providing it with cost advantages over its competitors.
COMPETITION
The grocery retailing business is highly competitive. Competition is
based primarily on price, quality of goods and service, convenience and product
mix. The number and type of competitors, and the degree of competition
experienced by individual stores, vary by location.
The Company competes with local food chains such as Supermercados
Amigo, Supermercados Grande, Supermercados Econo, Mr. Special Supermarkets,
Plaza Gigante Supermarkets, Supermercados Selecto and Plaza Extra, as well as
numerous independent operations throughout Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin
Islands. In addition, several warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers, such as
Sam's Warehouse Clubs, Wal-Mart, Kmart and Walgreens, have opened locations in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Despite these competitive challenges,
the Company continues to maintain its position as market share leader in each of
its respective markets.
Although the Company's BLOCKBUSTER operations constitute the only major
video chain in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, they compete with
numerous local, independent video retailers. In addition, the Company's
BLOCKBUSTER video stores compete against television, cable, satellite
broadcasting, movie theaters and other forms of entertainment.
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Company believes that high levels of automation and technology are
essential to its operations and has invested considerable resources in computer
hardware, systems applications and networking capabilities. These systems
integrate all major aspects of the Company's business, including the monitoring
of store sales, inventory control, merchandise planning, labor utilization,
distribution and financial reporting.
All of the Company's stores are equipped with state-of-the-art point of
sale terminals with full price look-up capabilities that capture sales at the
time of transaction down to the SKU level through the use of bar-code scanners.
These scanners facilitate customer check-out and provide, by store, valuable
stock-replenishment information for buyers and real-time financial information
used by management. To provide the best service possible, the Company has
installed a labor scheduling system that schedules the optimal staffing based on
sales, customer traffic and defined service objectives. In addition, the Company
has installed software to monitor cash register check out transactions, by
cashier, according to type and frequency in order to improve check out
operations and reduce inventory shrinkage. The Company's management information
systems at its BLOCKBUSTER operations are state-of-the-art systems which are
licensed to the Company by BEI. The Company has completed its analysis of its
management information systems with respect to the need to convert the systems
to handle transactions at the turn of the century. The conversion process is
expected to be completed by mid-calendar year 1999 and is not expected to have a
material impact on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
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<PAGE> 7
EMPLOYEES
As of January 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 6,980 employees
(full- and part-time) of whom approximately 5,550 were employed at the
supermarket level, 580 at the administrative and financial services offices and
distribution center and 850 by the BLOCKBUSTER division. Approximately 67% of
the Company's supermarket employees are employed on a part-time basis.
Approximately 4,600 store employees are represented by a non-affiliated
collective bargaining organization under a contract expiring in 1999. The
Company considers its relations with its employees to be good.
TRADEMARKS, TRADENAMES AND SERVICE MARKS
The Company owns certain trademarks, tradenames and service marks used
in its business. The Company believes that its trademarks, tradenames, and
service marks, including PUEBLO and XTRA, are valuable assets due to the fact
that brand name recognition and logos are important considerations in the
Company's consumers' markets. As a franchisee, the Company has exclusive rights
to use the BLOCKBUSTER trademark in its specified franchise territories.
REGULATION
Compliance by the Company with federal, state and local environmental
protection laws has not had, and is not expected to have, a material effect on
capital expenditures, earnings or the competitive position of the Company.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The following table sets forth information as of January 31, 1998 with
respect to the owned and leased stores and support facilities used by Pueblo in
its business:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Owned (1) Leased Total
------------------------ ------------------------ ----------------------
No. Gross Sq. Ft. No. Gross Sq. Ft. No. Gross Sq. Ft.
------ ---------------- ------ ---------------- ------ --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Supermarkets ............................. 12 546,000 38 1,363,000 50 1,910,000
BLOCKBUSTER video stores ................. 8 47,000 36 164,000 44 210,000
Warehouse and distribution facilities .... 1 300,000 1 13,000 2 313,000
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Four of the owned stores include land leases: three in Puerto Rico, and one
in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Company also owns the shopping centers at three of its store
locations in Puerto Rico and two in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The majority of the Company's supermarket operations are conducted on
leased premises which have initial terms generally ranging from 20 to 25 years.
The lease terms typically contain renewal options allowing the Company to extend
the lease term in five to ten year increments. The leases provide for fixed
monthly rental payments subject to various periodic adjustments. The leases
often require the Company to pay certain expenses related to the premises such
as insurance, taxes and maintenance. See Note (6)--Leases and Leasehold
Interests of the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements
referenced in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company does not anticipate
any difficulties in renewing its leases as they expire.
The construction of owned facilities is financed principally with
internally generated funds. All owned properties of Pueblo are pledged as
collateral (by a pledge of the assets of the Company's subsidiaries) under the
Company's existing bank credit agreement dated as of April 29, 1997 (the "New
Bank Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of banks. See Note (5)--Debt of the
notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements referenced in Part II,
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<PAGE> 8
Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
The Company discontinued its supermarket operations in Florida, as
described more fully in Note (2)--Division Closure and Corporate Restructuring
Charges of the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements
referenced in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, and closed all eight of its
supermarkets located in Florida during fiscal 1997. As of the date of filing,
the Company has disposed of all property except two leased locations. The
Company is continuing to seek to dispose of these two remaining properties.
The Company owns its division offices located in San Juan, Puerto Rico,
and leases its administrative offices located in Pompano Beach, Florida.
The Company believes that its properties are adequately maintained and
sufficient for its business needs.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a party to a number of legal proceedings involving
claims for money damages arising in the ordinary course of conducting its
business which are either covered by insurance or are within the Company's
self-insurance program, and in a number of other proceedings which, except as
set forth below, are not deemed material. The Company's management does not
believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these matters could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated results of operations or
financial condition.
The Company has been party to various lawsuits alleging a fraud engaged
in by Premium Sales Corp., Plaza Trading Corporation and Windsor Wholesale
Company and numerous of their related subsidiaries. See Note (12)--Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. All litigation against the Company has been
settled in fiscal 1998 for an amount which is within the reserves established
from fiscal years 1994 through 1998 for such purpose.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during
the quarter ended January 31, 1998.
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PART II.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
There is no established public trading market for the Company's common
equity.
HOLDERS
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PXC&M Holdings, Inc. a
Delaware Corporation ("Holdings"). Holdings is beneficially owned by a trust for
the benefit of the family of Gustavo Cisneros, and a trust for the benefit of
the family of Ricardo Cisneros (the "Principal Shareholders"), with each trust
having an approximate 50% indirect beneficial interest in Holdings. Messrs.
Gustavo and Ricardo Cisneros disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares.
DIVIDENDS
No cash dividends have been declared on the common stock since the
Company's inception. Certain restrictive covenants in the New Bank Credit
Agreement impose limitations on the declaration or payment of dividends by the
Company. Additionally, dividend payments by Pueblo to the Company are restricted
under the terms of the New Bank Credit Agreement. The New Bank Credit Agreement,
however, provides that so long as no default or event of default (as defined in
the New Bank Credit Agreement) exists, or would exist as a result, Pueblo is
permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company in an aggregate amount necessary
to pay interest on the Company's 9 1/2% Senior Notes due 2003 (the "Notes") and
the Company's 9 1/2% Series C Notes due 2003 (the "Series C Senior Notes")
then due and payable in accordance with the terms thereof. See Note (5)--Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SELLING SQUARE FOOT AMOUNTS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 31, January 27, January 27, January 28, January 29,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 (2)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATING STATEMENT DATA
Net sales $ 938,506 $ 1,020,056 $ 1,145,370 $ 1,166,955 $ 1,199,123
Cost of goods sold 667,043 760,329 848,490 871,136 903,850
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 271,463 259,727 296,880 295,819 295,273
Selling, general and admin-
istrative expenses (3) 204,185 213,485 240,219 229,197 230,266
Depreciation and
amortization 40,175 41,128 43,669 43,865 37,650
Division closure and corporate
restructuring charges (4) -- 4,160 28,012 -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit (loss) 27,103 954 (15,020) 22,757 27,357
Transaction costs -- -- -- -- (11,217)
Sundry, net (36) 122 (52) (35) (66)
Interest expense--debt and
capital lease obligations (30,527) (30,458) (34,221) (32,809) (22,255)
Interest and investment
income, net 910 276 875 656 620
Income tax (expense)
benefit (583) 9,535 18,615 4,790 (1,208)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Loss before cumulative
effect of a change
in accounting principle
and extraordinary item (3,133) (19,571) (29,803) (4,641) (6,769)
Cumulative effect of a
change in accounting
principle -- -- -- -- (2,982)
Extraordinary item (5) (2,444) -- -- -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net loss $ (5,577) $ (19,571) $ (29,803) $ (4,641) $ (9,751)
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
See notes to Selected Financial Data on page 13.
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<PAGE> 11
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
As of
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 31, January 25, January 27, January 28, January 29,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
----------- ---------- ----------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA
Cash and cash equivalents (6) $ 28,770 $ 12,148 $ 6,998 $ 15,680 $ 5,471
Working capital (deficit) (23,535) (56,217) (28,571) (11,534) (26,873)
Property and equipment, net 135,844 150,915 166,283 207,935 224,605
Total assets 502,176 522,641 571,788 602,695 619,625
Total debt and capital
lease obligations 275,576 295,204 308,497 329,855 347,124
Stockholder's equity 27,305 32,882 47,453 77,256 66,897
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDED (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 31, January 25, January 27, January 28, January 29,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 (2)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CERTAIN FINANCIAL RATIOS
AND OTHER DATA
EBITDA (as defined)(7) $ 67,278 $ 42,082 $ 28,649 $ 66,622 $ 65,007
Cash flow provided by (used in)
investing activities 187 (1,364) (21,832) (15,707) (330,192)
Cash flow provided by (used
in) financing activities (20,343) (8,298) (10,915) (1,877) 300,580
Cash flow provided by
operating activities 36,778 14,812 24,065 27,793 27,249
Capital expenditures 10,938 14,455 22,334 16,401 23,493
EBITDA (as defined) margin (7) 7.2% 4.1% 2.5% 5.7% 5.4%
Debt to EBITDA (as defined) 4.10 7.01 10.77 4.95 5.34
</TABLE>
See notes to Selected Financial Data on page 13.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR (1)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 (2)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
PUEBLO AND XTRA STORE DATA
PUERTO RICO
Number of stores (at fiscal year-end) 44 44 46 44 42
Average sales per store (8) $ 18,221 $ 19,672 $ 19,808 $ 19,797 $ 20,777
Average selling square footage 26,455 27,652 27,055 26,031 26,576
Average sales per selling square foot (8) $ 701 $ 711 $ 732 $ 761 $ 782
Total sales 801,732 886,765 877,603 874,019 860,190
Same store sales % change (10.2)% (2.6)% (2.8)% (1.3)% (0.9)%
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Number of stores (at fiscal year-end) 6 6 6 5 5
Average sales per store (8) $ 14,777 $ 15,110 $ 14,952 $ 15,619 $ 19,003
Average selling square footage 19,421 20,104 20,625 20,724 20,724
Average sales per selling square foot (8) $ 754 $ 752 $ 725 $ 754 $ 917
Total sales 88,659 90,659 76,813 78,097 95,014
Same store sales % change (3.9)% 7.0% (3.3)% (17.8)% (1.2)%
FLORIDA (9)
Number of stores (at fiscal year-end) -- -- 8 8 8
Average sales per store (8) -- -- $ 21,518 $ 23,481 $ 25,226
Average selling square footage -- -- 50,398 50,398 50,398
Average sales per selling square foot (8) -- -- $ 427 $ 466 $ 501
Total sales -- -- 159,659 187,845 220,730
Same store sales % change -- -- -- (11.6)% (14.7)%
BLOCKBUSTER STORE DATA:
Number of stores (at fiscal year-end) 44 27 22 22 21
Average sales per store (8) $ 1,371 $ 1,588 $ 1,443 $ 1,254 $ 1,123
Average weekly sales 683 794 608 535 467
Total sales 48,115 35,938 31,295 26,994 23,189
Same store sales % change (4.5)% 10.5% 14.0% 10.9% (8.1)%
</TABLE>
See notes to Selected Financial Data on page 13.
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<PAGE> 13
- -------
(1) Operating activity for the 26 weeks ended January 29, 1994 and for the
fiscal years 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 are representative of the Company
subsequent to the Acquisition.
(2) Represents the combined results of operations for the 26-week period ended
July 31, 1993 of the Company's predecessor prior to the Acquisition and the
26-week period ended January 29, 1994 of the Company. The results for each
26-week period are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
26 WEEKS ENDED 26 WEEKS ENDED
JANUARY 29, 1994 JULY 31, 1993
---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 586,669 $ 612,454
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144,312 150,961
Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . 112,528 117,738
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,905 15,745
Operating profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,879 17,478
Transaction costs .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -- 11,217
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,102 5,533
Income tax expense, (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (1,650) 2,858
Net income, (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4,603) (5,148)
EBITDA (as defined) (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31,784 33,223
</TABLE>
(3) Selling, general and administrative expenses for fiscal years 1996 and 1997
include certain expenses and charges related to the implementation of the
Company's strategic initiatives and other matters. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations
-- General".
(4) The Company recorded charges of approximately $25.8 million in fiscal 1996
and $4.2 million in fiscal 1997 as a result of the Company's exit from the
Florida market and a charge of $2.2 million in fiscal 1996 as a result of
the Company's restructuring of its Puerto Rico operations. Costs associated
with such closings, when recognized, are included in selling, general and
administrative expenses.
(5) Amount relates to a loss on the early extinguishment of debt, net of
deferred income taxes of $1,567.
(6) Highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less
are considered cash equivalents.
(7) EBITDA (as defined) represents income (loss) before interest, income taxes,
sundry, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA (as defined) is not intended
to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted
accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to net
income (loss) as an indication of the Company's operating performance or to
cash flows as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA (as defined) is included as it
is the basis upon which the Company assesses its financial performance.
EBITDA (as defined) margin represents EBITDA (as defined) divided by net
sales.
(8) For all periods presented, average sales are weighted for the period of
time stores are open during the year.
(9) All supermarkets in Florida were closed in the first quarter of fiscal
1997.
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<PAGE> 14
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
The Company was organized in 1993 to acquire Pueblo in the Acquisition.
In connection with the Acquisition, the Company incurred significant
indebtedness and recorded significant goodwill. Following the Acquisition, the
Company continued an existing operating strategy designed to expand its
supermarket penetration through new supermarket openings in Puerto Rico and
Florida and new BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico. The number of the
Company's supermarkets in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands grew from 46
to 50 and the number of the Company's BLOCKBUSTER locations (including
conversions) grew from 20 to 44, in each case measured from the Acquisition
through the end of fiscal 1998. In addition, the Company added one new
supermarket in Florida after the Acquisition which was subsequently closed in
fiscal 1997, as described below. From the Acquisition through fiscal 1998, the
Company made capital expenditures totaling $78.0 million, of which $71.6 million
related to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Throughout this time period, the Company's markets have been affected
by an increasing level of competition from local supermarket chains, independent
supermarkets, warehouse club stores, discount drug stores and convenience
stores. Warehouse club stores and mass merchandisers, which have entered the
Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands markets since 1990 offering various grocery
and general merchandise items, have increased pricing pressures on grocery
retailers including the Company. In addition, low inflation in food prices in
recent years has made it difficult for the Company and other grocery store
operators to increase prices and has intensified the competitive environment by
causing such retailers to emphasize promotional activities and discount pricing
to maintain or gain market share. The South Florida market, in particular, had
been characterized by intense competition that negatively affected the
performance of the Company's stores in that market through fiscal 1996.
The Company's focus from the date of Acquisition through the end of
fiscal 1997 on new supermarket development rather than supermarket operations,
as well as the effects of increased competition, resulted in declines in net
sales (from $1,199.1 million in fiscal 1994 to $1,020.1 million in fiscal 1997,
same store sales (from $931.3 million in fiscal 1994 to $861.1 million in fiscal
1997), and consolidated operating results (from $27.4 million in fiscal 1994 to
$1.0 million in fiscal 1997). The declining operating results together with the
Company's high level of interest expense resulting from its significant
indebtedness resulted in annual net losses since fiscal 1994. While the decline
in same store sales and consolidated operating results continued in fiscal 1998,
gross profit and operating profit increased, from $259.7 million in fiscal 1997
to $271.5 million in fiscal 1998 and $0.95 million in fiscal 1997 to $27.1
million in fiscal 1998, respectively. In addition, the net loss decreased from
$19.5 million in fiscal 1997 to $5.6 million in fiscal 1998.
In October 1995, William T. Keon, III was named President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company. Following his arrival at the Company, Mr. Keon
conducted a thorough review of the Company's operating business practices and
its financial performance. As a result of such review, the Company determined in
January 1996 to discontinue its retail operations in the competitive Florida
market in order to focus on its core markets where it has a stronger competitive
position and greater profit opportunities. In fiscal 1996, management also began
to take several other actions designed to improve the financial performance of
the Company, including the closing of two underperforming supermarkets in Puerto
Rico, an increase in the Company's advertising expenditures in Puerto Rico, and
the conversion of six PUEBLO VIDEO CLUBS into in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlets.
These actions continued in fiscal 1998 with the conversion of the Company's
remaining PUEBLO VIDEO CLUBS into in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlets and opening one
new BLOCKBUSTER store in Puerto Rico.
In the summer of 1996, in conjunction with implementation of a revised
business strategy, the Company retained a retail industry consulting firm to
assist management in analyzing the Company's operating practices. One result of
such analysis was the reorganization of labor scheduling practices, which
enabled the Company to eliminate 440 store employees in January 1997 and reduce
annual labor costs in fiscal 1998 by approximately $9.0
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<PAGE> 15
million. It is management's belief that the decision to exit the Florida market,
together with the actions which the Company began to take in the spring of 1996
and the implementation of its revised business strategy, has begun to
contribute, and should continue to contribute, toward improved operating
results.
Other strategic measures being undertaken by the Company include: (i)
continual evaluation of the supermarket formats to expand the breadth of product
and values offered to customers and to increase customer traffic and convenience
such as in-store banking and fast food restaurants for select locations; (ii)
the opening of additional in-store BLOCKBUSTER units; iii) adding products (such
as music departments) and event ticket service centers to the BLOCKBUSTER stores
to expand their entertainment offerings. The Company believes that these
strategic measures will be an effective means of improving sales by increasing
customer traffic in its supermarkets and BLOCKBUSTER stores.
In connection with the strategic initiatives begun in January 1996, the
Company has incurred a number of charges and other items that have adversely
affected the Company's operating profit, including the following items which
aggregated $31.9 million in fiscal 1996 and $12.3 million in fiscal 1997. The
Company recorded charges of approximately $25.8 million in fiscal 1996 and $4.2
million in fiscal 1997 as a result of the Company's exit from the Florida
market, and a charge of $2.2 million in fiscal 1996 as a result of the Company's
restructuring of its Puerto Rico operations. See Note (2)--Division Closure and
Corporate Restructuring Charges of the notes to the Company's consolidated
financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Other items
which adversely affected the Company's operating profit and were related to the
implementation of the Company's strategic initiatives included the following,
which aggregated $3.9 million in fiscal 1996 and $8.1 million in fiscal 1997. In
fiscal 1996, an adjustment to the net realizable value of certain non-operating
real property in Puerto Rico caused a charge of $3.9 million. In addition, in
fiscal 1997, the elimination of 440 store employees resulted in a charge of
approximately $1.1 million in severance costs and the closing of two Puerto Rico
stores resulted in a $2.9 million charge.
In addition, the Company established reserves totaling $5.6 million
during fiscal years 1994 through 1998, including $1.2 million and $0.3 million
in fiscal years 1997 and 1998 relating to the costs, including legal fees
associated with the settled Premium litigation. See Note (12)--Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company has no operations of its own, and its only assets are its
equity interest in Pueblo and intercompany notes issued to the Company by its
subsidiaries in connection with its investment of the net proceeds of the Notes
and the Series C Notes. The Company has no source of cash to meet its
obligations, including its obligations under the Notes and the Series C Notes,
other than payments by its subsidiaries on such intercompany notes, which are
restricted and effectively subordinated to Pueblo's obligations under the New
Bank Credit Agreement, and dividends from its subsidiaries. The New Bank Credit
Agreement contains an exception to the restriction on the payment of dividends
which provides that so long as no default or event of default (as defined in the
New Bank Credit Agreement) exists, or would exist as a result thereof, Pueblo is
permitted to pay cash dividends to the Company in an aggregate amount necessary
to pay interest on the Notes then due and payable in accordance with the terms
thereof.
In March 1998, the Company completed the planning phase of a project to
modify its information technology systems for compliance with the year 2000 and
beyond. The Company is now in the process of executing its plan and expects all
systems to be compliant by mid-calendar year 1999. The financial impact of
making the required system changes is not expected to be material to the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
The Company has initiated formal communications with all of its significant
suppliers and large customers to determine the extent to which the Company's
interface systems are vulnerable to those third parties' failure to remediate
their own year 2000 issue. There can be no guarantee that the systems of other
companies on which the Company's systems rely will be timely converted and would
not have an adverse effect on the Company's systems.
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<PAGE> 16
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ADJUSTMENTS FOR FLORIDA CLOSING
In fiscal 1996, the Company determined to discontinue its retail
operations in Florida. The effective date of the Florida closing was December
30, 1995. All eight of the supermarkets in Florida were closed in the first
quarter of fiscal 1997. The following table presents selected comparative
operating data of the Company for the three fiscal years ended January 31, 1998
after excluding the Florida retail division (the Company's operations, after
such exclusion, being referred to herein as the "Continuing Business").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
January 31, January 25, January 27,
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS OF THE PUERTO RICO AND U.S.
VIRGIN ISLANDS OPERATIONS: (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)
Net sales $ 938.5 $ 1,013.4 $ 985.7
Gross profit 271.5 259.3 259.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses 204.2 208.9 201.4
EBITDA (as defined) (1) 67.3 50.4 55.8
Depreciation and amortization 40.2 41.1 39.1
Operating profit 27.1 9.3 16.7
SELECTED OPERATING RESULTS OF THE PUERTO RICO AND U.S.
VIRGIN ISLANDS OPERATIONS: (AS A PERCENTAGE OF SALES)
Gross profit 28.9% 25.6% 26.3%
Selling, general and administrative expenses 21.8 20.6 20.4
EBITDA (as defined) (1) 7.2 5.0 5.7
Operating profit 2.9 0.9 1.7
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) EBITDA (as defined) represents income (loss) before interest, income taxes,
sundry, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA (as defined) is not intended
to represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted
accounting principles and should not be considered as an alternative to net
income (loss) as an indication of the Company's operating performance or to
cash flows as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA (as defined) is included as it
is the basis upon which the Company assesses its financial performance.
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<PAGE> 17
The tables below present the adjustments made to Selected Operating
Results, as reported, for the 1997 and 1996 fiscal years to adjust for the
impact of Florida operations (dollars are in millions):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------
Adjustment
for Impact of Proforma
As Florida Continuing
Reported Operations Operations
---------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 25, 1997
Net sales $ 1,020.1 $ 6.7 $ 1,013.4
Gross profit 259.7 0.4 259.3
Selling, general and administrative expenses 213.5 4.6 208.9
EBITDA 42.0 (8.4) 50.4
Depreciation and amortization 41.1 0.0 41.1
Operating profit, (loss) 0.9 (8.4) 9.3
52 WEEKS ENDED JANUARY 27, 1996
Net sales 1,145.4 159.7 985.7
Gross profit 296.9 37.4 259.5
Selling, general and administrative expenses 240.2 38.8 201.4
EBITDA 28.6 (27.2) 55.8
Depreciation and amortization 43.7 4.6 39.1
Operating (loss), profit (15.0) (31.8) 16.8
</TABLE>
FISCAL 1998 VS. FISCAL 1997
As of January 31, 1998, the Company operated a total of 50 supermarkets
and 44 BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In
fiscal 1998, the Company converted its remaining PUEBLO VIDEO CLUBS into
in-store BLOCKBUSTER outlets, 15 in Puerto Rico and one in the Virgin Islands.
In addition, in fiscal 1998, the Company opened one BLOCKBUSTER store in Puerto
Rico.
The discussion below, of sales, gross profit margin, selling general
and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization is based on
comparing operating results from the continuing business for fiscal 1998 to
fiscal 1997.
Net sales from the Continuing Business decreased by $74.9 million or
7.4% in fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997. This net decrease includes a $12.1
million increase in BLOCKBUSTER sales and a $87.0 million decrease in
supermarket sales. In fiscal 1998, same store sales, or sales for stores open in
comparable 52-week periods for the Continuing Business, decreased by $93.7
million or 9.4%, as compared to a same store sales decline for the Continuing
Business of $13.3 million or 1.4% in fiscal 1997. This decline reflected a same
store sales decrease for the year of 10.2% in the Company's Puerto Rico
supermarkets and a 3.9% decrease in the U.S. Virgin Islands supermarkets.
BLOCKBUSTER operations experienced a same store sales decrease for fiscal 1998
of 4.5%. The decline in supermarket sales resulted from changes the Company has
made in its promotional activities compared to the previous year, the disruption
associated with converting the PUEBLO VIDEO CLUBS to BLOCKBUSTER stores and the
continuous adverse effects of competitors' openings and remodelings. The basic
change in the supermarket marketing efforts has been to improve profitability by
promoting both selection and value across the merchandising mix rather than
promotional items alone. The expansion of the BLOCKBUSTER chain, including
promotional activity related to the conversion of the Company's remaining PUEBLO
VIDEO CLUBS to
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<PAGE> 18
BLOCKBUSTER stores temporarily affected the sales performance of existing
BLOCKBUSTER stores. Store sales were also impacted by a drought on the island of
Puerto Rico in the summer of 1997 and the favorable impact on sales, in the
prior year, of disaster relief funds as a result of hurricanes in the area. The
water shortage as a result of the drought during the summer inhibited both the
ease and sanitation aspects of home food preparation.
Gross profit margin in fiscal 1998, as a percentage of sales, was 28.9%
compared to 25.6% in the prior year. The increase is a result of the
implementation of new merchandising strategies as well as a reduction of shrink.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from the prior
year amount of $208.9 million to $204.2 million, or 2.3%, primarily as a result
of reducing direct store selling expenses due to the reorganization of labor
scheduling practices and other cost control programs. This favorable reduction
was partially offset by consulting fees incurred in connection with the
Company's project to improve supermarket operations in Puerto Rico and the
Virgin Islands. During the third quarter of fiscal 1998, the consultants'
portion of this project was completed.
Depreciation and amortization decreased $0.9 million from $41.1 million
in fiscal 1997 to $40.2 million in fiscal 1998.
Interest expense, net of interest and investment income, of $29.6
million decreased by $0.6 million, or 1.9%, as compared to fiscal 1997. This
decrease is due to a decline in the average amount of borrowings outstanding
during the period. See Note (5)--Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The decrease in the income tax benefit of $10.1 million was primarily
the result of the tax effects of the $26.1 million increase in operating profit.
Results for fiscal 1998 were a net loss of $5.6 million, as compared to
a net loss of $19.6 million for fiscal 1997.
FISCAL 1997 VS. FISCAL 1996
As of January 25, 1997, the Company operated a total of 50 supermarkets
and 27 BLOCKBUSTER locations in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. During
fiscal 1997, the Company closed all eight of its supermarkets and its
distribution facility in Florida as part of the disposal of the Company's
Florida retail operations. For further details of the Florida closing, see Note
(2) of the notes to the Company's consolidated financial statements referenced
in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K. In addition, in fiscal 1997, the Company
closed two underperforming supermarkets in Puerto Rico, remodeled five
supermarkets in Puerto Rico, and converted four PUEBLO VIDEO CLUBS into in-store
BLOCKBUSTER outlets in Puerto Rico.
Fiscal 1997 net sales decreased by $125.3 million, or 10.9% from
$1,145.4 million in the prior year to $1,020.1 million. A primary factor in the
overall sales reduction was the closing of the Florida retail operations, which
had sales of $6.7 million and $159.7 million in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996,
respectively. Net sales from the Continuing Business increased by $27.7 million
or 2.8% in fiscal 1997 over fiscal 1996. Of this increase, 83% was attributable
to supermarket sales and 17% was attributable to BLOCKBUSTER operations. In
fiscal 1997, same store sales, or sales for stores open in comparable 52-week
periods for the Continuing Business, decreased by $13.3 million or 1.4%, as
compared to a same store sales decline for the Continuing Business of $22.9
million or 2.4% in fiscal 1996. This decline reflected a same store sales
decrease for the year of $21.6 million or 2.6% in the Company's Puerto Rico
supermarket operations (which represent approximately 87.5% of the Company's
total sales) as competition continued to adversely affect the operating
division's sales performance. However, the Company's Puerto Rico supermarket
operations experienced an increase in same store sales of $6.9 million or 3.4%
in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 compared to the fourth quarter of fiscal
1996. U.S. Virgin Islands supermarket operations experienced a same store sales
increase for fiscal 1997 of $5.3 million or 7.0%. BLOCKBUSTER operations
experienced a same store sales increase for fiscal 1997 of $3.0 million or
10.5%.
Gross profit margin in fiscal 1997, as a percentage of sales, was 25.5%
or 0.4% below the 25.9% in the prior year. Gross margin for the Continuing
Business decreased 0.7% from 26.3% in fiscal 1996 to 25.6% in
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<PAGE> 19
fiscal 1997. The primary factor in this decline was the 4.7% decline in the meat
department gross margin from the prior year in the Puerto Rico supermarkets. The
decline in meat margins was principally the result of a reduction in shrinkage
in the meat department. The decrease in gross margin was partially offset by
improved margins in the BLOCKBUSTER operations.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased from the prior
year amount of $240.2 million to $213.5 million, or 11.1%, primarily as a result
of the closing of the Florida operations. Selling, general and administrative
expenses, as a percentage of sales, was 20.9% in fiscal 1997, which was
comparable to that of fiscal 1996. Selling, general and administrative expenses
from the Continuing Business increased from $201.4 million to $208.9 million, or
as a percentage of sales, increased $0.2% from 20.4% in fiscal 1996 to 20.6% in
fiscal 1997. Major factors contributing to the increase were (a) a $2.9 million
charge for the closing of two supermarkets in Puerto Rico, (b) a $2.7 million
increase in advertising expenditures for the Continuing Business, (c) $1.9
million in consulting fees arising from an ongoing project to improve
supermarket operations in Puerto Rico and (d) $1.1 million in severance costs
recorded in connection with the elimination of 440 store employees in Puerto
Rico.
Depreciation and amortization decreased $2.6 million from $43.7 million
in fiscal 1996 to $41.1 million in fiscal 1997, primarily as a result of the
closing of the Florida operations. Depreciation and amortization from the
Continuing Business increased $2.0 million from $39.1 million in fiscal 1996 to
$41.1 million in fiscal 1997. The increase was due mainly to the full year of
depreciation on fiscal 1996 capital expenditures of $21.8 million. In addition,
the Company recorded an additional $600,000 in depreciation related to a change
in estimated life of its shopping carts.
Interest expense, net of interest and investment income, of $30.1
million decreased by $3.2 million, or 9.5%, as compared to fiscal 1996. This
decrease is primarily due to a reduction in interest on capital lease
obligations resulting from the Florida closing combined with lower interest
rates and principal amortization on the term loans under the Old Bank Credit
Agreement, dated as of July 21, 1993 (the "Old Bank Credit Agreement"),
partially offset by increased short-term borrowing during fiscal 1997.
In fiscal 1996, the Company recorded a charge of $25.8 million due to
the loss from the closing of the Florida operations. In addition, the Company
recorded $4.2 million in charges in fiscal 1997 to write down assets from the
Florida operations in order to reflect a revised estimate of the fair value of
the remaining properties held for sale.
In fiscal 1996, the assets relating to the Florida retail operations
were written down to their estimated net realizable value of $26.0 million.
During fiscal 1997, as part of the Florida closing, the Company sold two
supermarkets and certain store equipment for $11.8 million. In addition, the
Company recorded $4.2 million in charges to write down assets relating to
Florida operations in order to reflect a revised estimate of the fair value of
the remaining properties held for sale. Furthermore, the Company decided to sell
two owned real estate parcels in Puerto Rico with a book value of $3.8 million.
Management estimates that the fair value of these assets exceeds their book
value.
The decrease in the income tax benefit of $9.1 million was primarily
the result of the tax effects of the $25.8 million charge for the Florida
disposal that was recorded in fiscal 1996.
Results for fiscal 1997 was a net loss of $19.6 million, as compared to
a net loss of $29.8 million for fiscal 1996.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Company operations have historically provided a cash flow which, along
with the available credit facility, have provided adequate liquidity for the
Company's operational needs.
On April 29, 1997 the Company entered into a refinancing plan (the
"Refinancing Plan") in connection
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<PAGE> 20
with which it issued $85.0 million principal amount of 9 1/2% Senior Notes Due
2003 (the "Notes"). The net proceeds from the sale of the Notes of approximately
$73.9 million after deducting expenses, together with available cash of the
Company, were used to repay the senior secured indebtedness outstanding under
the Old Bank Credit Agreement. In connection with the Refinancing Plan, the
Company entered into the New Bank Credit Agreement, which provides for a $65.0
million revolving credit facility with less restrictive covenants compared to
the Old Bank Credit Agreement. After the issuance of standby letters of credit
in the amount of $15.4 million, as of January 31, 1998, the Company had
borrowing availability on a revolving basis of $49.6 million under the New Bank
Credit Agreement. At the date of this filing, the Company had no borrowings
outstanding under the revolver of the New Bank Credit Agreement.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $36.8 million, $14.8
million, and $24.1 million in fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997, and fiscal 1996,
respectively. The primary reasons for the $22.0 million improvement in net cash
provided by operating activities in fiscal 1998 compared to fiscal 1997 were a
$16.9 million increase in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and
amortization from the Continuing Business and a $8.2 million decrease in net
cash outlays related to the closure of Florida operations. The decrease in cash
provided by operating activities in fiscal 1997 compared to fiscal 1996 is
attributable to the disposal of the Florida operations.
Net cash provided by, (used in), investing activities was $0.2 million,
($1.4) million, and ($21.8) million in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. The $20.4 million reduction in cash used in investing activities
between fiscal 1997 and 1996 pertains primarily to $11.8 million received in
fiscal 1997 for the sale of two supermarkets and certain store equipment in
Florida as part of the Florida closing, coupled with a net $7.4 million
reduction in expenditures from the capital program. The Company received $10.0
million for its interest in two real estate properties from its closed Florida
operations during fiscal 1998 compared to $11.8 million received from the sale
of two Florida supermarkets and certain equipment during fiscal 1997. Total
capital expenditures, net of proceeds from disposals, were $9.9 million, $14.4
million, and $21.8 million during fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively.
Net cash used in financing activities was $20.3 million, $8.3 million,
and $10.9 million in fiscal years 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. On April
29, 1997, the Company entered into a Refinancing Plan (as described above) which
provided net proceeds of $73.9 million. These proceeds together with available
cash were used to repay $63.0 million in term loans and $16 million in revolving
loans under the Old Bank Credit Agreement. The Company also satisfied $10.0
million of indebtedness payable to a related party. In addition, the Company, in
December of 1997, paid $7.5 million of indebtedness payable to a Puerto Rico
governmental agency.
Working capital during fiscal 1998 increased $32.7 million from a
deficit of $56.2 million at the end of fiscal 1997 to a deficit of $23.5 million
at the end of fiscal 1998. An increase in cash and cash equivalents and the
repayment of certain obligations associated with the Refinancing Plan (described
above) contributed to the increase in working capital.
Outstanding borrowings with a governmental agency of Puerto Rico from
the issuance of industrial revenue bonds were $10.0 million as of January 31,
1998. Management anticipates that the principal payments will be financed by
operations.
The Company's general liability and certain of its workers compensation
insurance programs are self-insured. The Company maintains insurance coverage
for claims in excess of $250,000. The current portion of the reserve,
representing amounts expected to be paid in the next fiscal year, is $6.5
million as of January 31, 1998 and is anticipated to be funded with cash
provided by operating activities.
Capital expenditures for fiscal 1999 are expected to be approximately
$21.0 million. This capital program, which is subject to continuing change and
review, includes the opening of one supermarket in Puerto Rico, two new
BLOCKBUSTER stores, the remodeling of certain existing locations and the
purchase of video tapes and games for rental by BLOCKBUSTER.
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<PAGE> 21
The Company believes that the cash flows generated by its normal
business operations together with its available revolving credit facility will
be adequate for its liquidity and capital resource needs.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS
The inflation rate for food prices continues to be lower than the
overall increase in the U.S. Consumer Price Index. The Company's primary costs,
products and labor, usually increase with inflation. Increases in inventory
costs can typically be passed on to the customer. Other cost increases must by
recovered through operating efficiencies and improved gross margins. Currency in
Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is the U.S. dollar. As such, the Company
has no exposure to foreign currency fluctuations.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain of the matters discussed under the captions "Business", "Legal
Proceedings", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations" and elsewhere in this Form 10-K contain certain
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended, concerning the Company's operations, economic performance and
financial condition, including, among other things, the Company's business
strategy. These statements are based on the Company's expectations and are
subject to various risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ
materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors, including but not
limited to the Company's substantial indebtedness and high degree of leverage,
which will continue with the Refinancing Plan (including limiting effects on the
Company's ability to obtain additional financing and trade credit, to apply
operating cash flow for purposes in addition to debt service, to respond to
price competition in economic downturns and to dispose of assets pledged to
secure such indebtedness or to freely use proceeds of any such dispositions),
the Company's ability to continue to attract, retain and integrate into its
management structure qualified senior managers, the Company's limited geographic
markets, competitive conditions in the markets in which the Company operates and
buying patterns of consumers.
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<PAGE> 22
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Information called for by this item is set forth in the Company's
consolidated financial statements and supplementary data contained in this
report. Specific consolidated financial statements can be found at the pages
listed in the following index:
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
Independent Auditors' Report .................................................... F-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 1998
and January 25, 1997 ......................................................... F-2
Fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, January 25, 1997,
and January 27, 1996:
Consolidated Statements of Operations .................................. F-4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows .................................. F-5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity ........................ F-6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................. F-7
</TABLE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There have been no disagreements with the Company's accountants on
accounting and financial disclosure during the applicable periods.
-22-
<PAGE> 23
PART III.
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following is a list, as of the date of this filing, of the names of
the directors and executive officers of the Company, their respective ages and
their respective positions with the Company. The terms of the directors and
executive officers of the Company expire annually upon the holding of the annual
meeting of stockholders.
DIRECTORS
- ---------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Gustavo A. Cisneros..........................52 Chairman of the Board; Member of the Executive Committee
William T. Keon, III.........................51 Director; President and Chief Executive Officer; Chairman of the
Executive Committee; Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee; Member
of the Compensation and Benefits Committee
David L. Aston...............................51 Director; Executive Vice President; President of Retail Food Division
Steven I. Bandel.............................44 Director; Member of the Executive Committee; Chairman of the
Compensation and Benefits Committee
Alejandro Rivera.............................55 Director; Member of the Audit and Risk Committee; Member of the
Compensation and Benefits Committee
Cristina Pieretti............................46 Director
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
- ------------------
William T. Keon, III.........................51 President and Chief Executive Officer
David L. Aston...............................51 Executive Vice President; President of Retail Food Division
Daniel J. O'Leary............................51 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Filiberto Berrios............................52 Senior Vice President; President of Blockbuster Division
Fernando J. Bonilla..........................37 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Alicia Echevarria............................45 Vice President of Human Resources
</TABLE>
Gustavo A. Cisneros has been the Chairman of the Board of the Company
since its inception (July 28, 1993). He was appointed to the Executive Committee
in October 1995. Since prior to 1992, he has been a direct or indirect
beneficial owner of interests in and a director of certain companies that own or
are engaged in a number of diverse commercial enterprises in Venezuela, the
United States, Brazil, Chile and Mexico (the "Cisneros Group"), including the
Company. He is a member of the board of directors of Univision Communications,
Inc., Evenflo & Spalding Holdings Corporation and RSL Communications, Inc.
William T. Keon, III has been a Director of the Company since October
1995. He assumed the position of President and Chief Executive Officer and was
appointed Chairman of the Executive Committee and Audit and Risk Committee also
in
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<PAGE> 24
October 1995. He is also a member of the Compensation and Benefits Committee.
Since January 1983, Mr. Keon has served in senior managerial roles in the
Cisneros Group.
David L. Aston joined the Company in March 1997 as a Director,
Executive Vice President and President of the Retail Food Division. In January
1998, Mr. Aston assumed responsibility for all retail food operations. From June
1993 until the time he joined the Company, Mr. Aston served as president of
Waldbaums and Superfresh Foods, units of the A&P Company, a supermarket chain in
the New York area. Prior to June 1993, he served as Vice President of
Merchandising and Operations for the Kroger Company.
Steven I. Bandel has been a Director of the Company since the
Acquisition. He was appointed to the Executive Committee during October 1995.
Since prior to 1992, he has been actively involved in the operations and
management of certain companies in the Cisneros Group, other than a period from
February 1990 to May 1992 during which he acted as a partner in a Venezuelan
investment banking firm.
Alejandro Rivera has been a Director of the Company since April 1,
1997. He was previously a Director of the Company since the Acquisition until
June 30, 1995. Since 1976, he has been actively involved in the operations and
management of certain companies in the Cisneros Group. Mr. Rivera is also an
Alternate Director of Univision Communications, Inc. Mr. Rivera is a member of
the Audit and Risk Committee and of the Compensation and Benefits Committee.
Cristina Pieretti was appointed a Director in March 1997. During most
of the last seven years, she has been actively involved in operations of
companies in the Cisneros Group in areas related to consumer goods, retailing
and telecommunications, other than a period from March 1995 to February 1997
during which she acted as a partner in a consulting firm.
Daniel J. O'Leary joined the Company in June 1997 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer. From December 1992 until the time he
joined the Company, Mr. O'Leary served as Senior Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer of Phar-Mor, Inc., a deep discount drugstore chain.
Prior to that time, he served as a Director and, at various times, President and
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer at Fay's, Inc., a multi-concept retailer with drugstores
and auto parts stores. From 1969 to 1987, Mr. O'Leary was a member of the
accounting firm of Touche, Ross & Co. (now known as Deloitte & Touche LLP).
Filiberto Berrios has held a variety of positions with the Company
since 1965, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the
BLOCKBUSTER Division. In March 1997, he was promoted to Senior Vice President
and President of the BLOCKBUSTER Division.
Fernando J. Bonilla joined the Company in September 1997 as Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary. Before joining the Company, Mr.
Bonilla served as General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Directors of the
Puerto Rico Maritime Shipping Authority and a junior partner of Fiddler Gonzalez
and Rodriguez.
Alicia Echevarria joined the Company in April 1996 as Vice President of
Human Resources for the Puerto Rico Division. In March 1997 she became Assistant
Secretary to the Company. Prior to joining the Company, she was Director of
Human Resources for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company (Inc.) in Puerto Rico, where
she was employed for 15 years.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the cash compensation paid or
distributed by the Company through January 31, 1998 to, or accrued through such
date for the account of the Chief Executive Officer as well as each of the four
executive officers of the Company serving at January 31, 1998 and the one
executive officer terminating during fiscal 1998 (who would have been reportable
except for his termination from the Company) for their services in all
capacities to the Company.
-24-
<PAGE> 25
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER
NAME ANNUAL ALL OTHER
AND COMPEN- COMPEN-
PRINCIPAL FISCAL SALARY BONUS SATION SATION
POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) ($)
---------------------------------- ----------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William T. Keon, III, 1998 340,015 328,288 21,647 (2) 20,049 (1)
President and Chief Executive 1997 107,778 94,100 -- 6,056 (1)
Officer 1996 125,000 -- -- --
Lawrence Elias, 1998 145,750 8,376 15,508 (6) 6,709 (1)
Senior Vice President, 1997 143,000 7,338 7,800 (5) 5,474 (1)
Management Information 1996 135,500 5,477 14,448 (6) 5,298 (1)
Systems (Resigned 9/26/97)
David L. Aston 1998 243,270 97,308 8,636 (3) 7,996 (1)
Executive Vice President;
President, Puerto Rico
Division (Started 3/17/97)
Daniel J. O'Leary 1998 138,462 55,758 5,320 (4) 2,322 (1)
Executive Vice President;
Chief Financial Officer
(Started 6/23/97)
Alicia Echevarria 1998 132,500 29,450 8,670 (7) --
Vice President of Human 1997 96,154 19,230 6,000 (7) --
Resources (Started 4/22/96)
Filiberto Berrios 1998 132,500 19,700 7,905 (8) --
Senior Vice President; 1997 115,000 31,900 8,022 (8) --
President of Blockbuster 1996 105,000 32,068 8,564 (8) --
Division
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Amount represents the Company matching contribution to an elective
non-qualified deferred compensation plan maintained by the Company.
(2) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of executive medical
expense of $10,022 and an automobile allowance in the amount of
$11,625.
(3) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of executive medical
expense of $4,636 and an automobile allowance in the amount of $4,000.
(4) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of executive medical
expense of $1,570 and an automobile allowance in the amount of $3,750.
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<PAGE> 26
(5) Amount relates to automobile allowance.
(6) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of executive medical
expenses of $7,558 and $7,870 in fiscal 1998 and 1996, respectively.
Also includes automobile allowances in the amounts of $7,950 and $4,758
in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1996, respectively.
(7) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of medical expenses of $720
in fiscal 1998. Also includes automobile allowances in the amounts of
$7,950 and $6,000 in fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, respectively.
(8) Includes costs related to the reimbursement of medical expenses of
$1,280, $1,522, and $2,064 in fiscal 1998, 1997, and 1996,
respectively. Also includes automobile allowances in the amount of
$6,625 in fiscal 1998 and $6,500 for fiscal 1997 and 1996.
PENSION PLAN TABLES
The Company sponsors two defined benefit plans. The Pueblo
International, Inc. Employees' Retirement Plan (the "Retirement Plan") is
tax-qualified under the Internal Revenue Code and covers all full-time and
certain part-time employees of the Company over age 21 with one year of service.
It provides an annual benefit equal to 1% of the average annual compensation
over a five-year period per year of service. The Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan (the "SERP") is non-qualified and covers all officers of the
Company and its subsidiaries. It provides an annual benefit equal to 3% of the
average compensation over a five-year period per year of service (up to 20
years). Full vesting for the Retirement Plan and the SERP occurs upon completion
of five years of service. The following tables give the estimated annual benefit
payable upon retirement for participants in the Retirement Plan and the SERP.
The SERP benefits are offset by the Retirement Plan benefits and by 100% of
social security benefits. These offsets are reflected in the benefits shown in
the SERP table. The Company does not sponsor any other defined benefit or
actuarial plans.
TABLE 1. RETIREMENT PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years of Service
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
125,000 . . . . . 6,250 12,500 18,750 25,000 31,250 37,500 43,750
150,000 . . . . . 7,500 15,000 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500
175,000 . . . . . 8,000 16,000 24,000 32,000 40,000 48,000 56,000
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 27
TABLE 2. SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Years of Service
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remuneration 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
125,000 . . . . . . -- 9,069 21,569 34,069 27,819 21,569 15,319
150,000 . . . . . . -- 14,069 29,069 44,069 36,569 29,069 21,569
175,000 . . . . . . 2,319 20,569 38,819 57,069 49,069 41,069 33,069
200,000 . . . . . . 6,069 28,069 50,069 72,069 64,069 56,069 48,069
225,000 . . . . . . 9,819 35,569 61,319 87,069 79,069 71,069 63,069
250,000 . . . . . . 13,569 43,069 72,569 102,069 94,069 86,069 78,069
275,000 . . . . . . 17,319 50,569 83,819 117,069 109,069 101,069 93,069
300,000 . . . . . . 21,069 58,069 95,069 132,069 124,069 116,069 108,069
325,000 . . . . . . 24,819 65,569 106,319 147,069 139,069 131,069 123,069
350,000 . . . . . . 28,569 73,069 117,569 162,069 154,069 146,069 138,069
375,000 . . . . . . 32,319 80,569 128,819 177,069 169,069 161,069 153,069
400,000 . . . . . . 36,069 88,069 140,069 192,069 184,069 176,069 168,069
425,000 . . . . . . 39,819 95,569 151,319 207,069 199,069 191,069 183,069
450,000 . . . . . . 43,569 103,069 162,569 222,069 214,069 206,069 198,069
475,000 . . . . . . 47,319 110,569 173,819 237,069 229,069 221,069 213,069
500,000 . . . . . . 51,069 118,069 185,069 252,069 244,069 236,069 228,069
</TABLE>
Compensation covered by the qualified Retirement Plan is equal to the
total compensation (excluding compensation attributable to the redemption of
stock options resulting from the Transaction) paid to an employee during a plan
year prior to any reduction under a salary reduction agreement entered into by
the employee pursuant to a plan maintained by the employer which qualifies under
Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or
pursuant to a plan maintained by the employer which qualifies under Section 125
of the Code. Compensation in excess of $160,000 shall be disregarded, provided,
however, that such $160,000 limitation shall be adjusted at the same time and in
such manner as the maximum compensation limit is adjusted under Section
401(a)(17) of the Code.
Compensation covered by the non-qualified Supplemental Executive
Retirement Plan is the same as the qualified Retirement Plan, except that the
$160,000 limit is not applicable.
The estimated years of credited service and age, respectively, for
purposes of calculating benefits through January 31, 1998 for Mr. Keon is four
and 51, respectively, for Mr. Aston is one and 51, respectively, for Mr. O'Leary
is one and 51, respectively, and for Ms. Echevarria is two and 45, respectively.
The benefits provided by both the Retirement Plan and the SERP are on a
straight-life annuity basis, as are the examples in the Retirement Plan table.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Directors who are not employees of the Company or associated with
companies in the Cisneros Group are paid a fee of $18,000 per year for serving
on the Board of Directors, $1,250 for each board meeting attended and $1,250 for
each committee meeting attended with a limit of one committee meeting paid per
day. Directors are also reimbursed for their usual and customary expenses
incurred in attending all board and committee meetings. During fiscal year 1998,
the Company had no outside directors.
-27-
<PAGE> 28
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Messrs. Keon, Bandel, and Rivera served as members of the Compensation
and Benefits Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company during all or a
portion of the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998. Mr. Keon also served as an
officer of the Company during the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
As discussed in Part II, Item 5 - Market for the Registrant's Common
Equity and Related Shareholder Matters, the Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Holdings.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of more than 5% of the common stock of Holdings as of the
date of this filing. By virtue of its ownership of the Holdings common stock,
the following entity may be deemed to own a corresponding percentage of the
Company's common stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares
Beneficially Owned
---------------------------------------------
Name and Address Number Percent
-------------------------------------------- ------------------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Bothwell Corporation
c/o Finser Corporation
550 Biltmore Way, 9th Floor
Coral Gables, FL 33134 996 99.6
</TABLE>
The shares of Holdings described above are beneficially owned by the
Principal Shareholders by virtue of their indirect ownership of the entity
listed above. The principal business address of the Principal Shareholders is
Paseo Enrique Eraso, Centro Commercial Paseo Las Mercedes, Caracas, Venezuela.
(b) Security Ownership of Management
As of the date of this filing, the directors and executive officers of
the Company have no beneficial ownership of Holdings.
(c) Changes in Control
The borrowings outstanding under the New Bank Credit Agreement are
collateralized by a pledge of the assets of the Company's subsidiaries, by the
capital stock of, and intercompany notes issued by, the Company's subsidiaries
and by the capital stock of the Company.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
On April 18, 1996, Holdings contributed additional capital of $5.0
million to the Company which, under the terms of the Old Bank Credit Agreement,
as amended in April 1996, was used to reduce the Company's term loans under the
Old Bank Credit Agreement. In addition, Holdings provided $10.0 million in
additional funds to the Company on October 18, 1996 in return for a
non-interest-bearing redeemable note payable to a related party (the "Holdings
Note"). Proceeds from the Holdings Note were used to reduce the Company's term
loans under the Old Bank Credit Agreement in accordance with terms set forth in
the Old Bank Credit Agreement, as amended. The Holdings Note was satisfied in
fiscal 1998 by the Company's transfer of its interest in two real estate
properties from its closed Florida operations to Holdings.
-28-
<PAGE> 29
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) Documents filed as part of this report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Located in Item 8 hereto)
Independent Auditors' Report
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 1998 and
January 25, 1997
Fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, January 25, 1997, and
January 27, 1996
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LOCATION IN
THIS REPORT
-----------
<S> <C>
(2) Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules:
Independent Auditors' Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-1
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-2 through S-4
Schedule II - Valuation
and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S-5
(3) Exhibits
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 30
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SEQUENTIALLY
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT NUMBERED PAGE
------------------- ------------------------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
3.1 RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
THE COMPANY (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 3.1 TO THE COMPANY'S REGISTRATION
STATEMENT NO. 33-63372 ON FORM S-1)
3.2 AMENDED AND RESTATED BY-LAWS OF THE
COMPANY (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 3.2 TO THE COMPANY'S REGISTRATION
STATEMENT NO. 33-63372 ON FORM S-1)
4.1 SPECIMEN NOTE FOR COMPANY'S 9 1/2% SENIOR
NOTES DUE 2003 (INCLUDED IN EXHIBIT 4.2)*
4.2 INDENTURE DATED AS OF JULY 28, 1993
BETWEEN THE COMPANY AND UNITED STATES
TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE*
4.3 SPECIMEN NOTE FOR THE COMPANY'S 91/2%
SERIES C SENIOR NOTES DUE 2003 (INCLUDED
IN EXHIBIT 4.4)
4.4 INDENTURE, DATED AS OF APRIL 24, 1997,
BETWEEEN THE COMPANY AND UNITED STATES
TRUST COMPANY OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE
(INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 4.2
TO THE COMPANY'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT
NO. 333-27523 ON FORM S-3)
4.5 REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT, DATED AS
OF APRIL 29, 1997, BETWEEN THE COMPANY
AND NATIONSBANC CAPITAL MARKETS, INC. AND
SCOTIA CAPITAL MARKETS (USA) INC.
(INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 4.3
TO THE COMPANY'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT
NO. 333-27523 ON FORM S-3)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 31
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.1 CREDIT AGREEMENT AMONG THE COMPANY,
PUEBLO MERGER CORPORATION, PUEBLO
INTERNATIONAL, INC., XTRA SUPER FOOD
CENTERS, INC., VARIOUS LENDING
INSTITUTIONS, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
N.A. AND SCOTIABANK DE PUERTO RICO, AS
CO-MANAGING AGENTS AND SCOTIABANK DE
PUERTO RICO, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (THE
"OLD BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT")*
10.2 FIRST AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF AUGUST 2,
1993, OF THE OLD BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT*
10.3 SECOND AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF DECEMBER
15, 1993, TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT
AGREEMENT (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 10.1 TO THE COMPANY'S QUARTERLY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
NOVEMBER 6, 1993)
10.4 THIRD AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF JANUARY 31,
1994 (EFFECTIVE AS OF NOVEMBER 5, 1993),
TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT*
10.11 MEMBERSHIP CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING
TOPCO ASSOCIATES, INC. (INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.3 TO COMPANY'S
REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO. 33-63372 ON
FORM S-1)
10.12 MORTGAGE NOTES DATED JUNE 6, AND 10, 1986
DUE FISCAL 1997 (INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.4 TO THE
COMPANY'S REGISTRATION STATEMENT NO.
33-63372 ON FORM S-1)
</TABLE>
-31-
<PAGE> 32
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.13 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CHASE MANHATTAN
BANK (NATIONAL ASSOCIATION)(THE "BANK"),
PUERTO RICO INDUSTRIAL, MEDICAL AND
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL
FACILITIES FINANCING AUTHORITY (THE
"AUTHORITY") AND THE COMPANY; TRUST
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND BANCO
POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO, AS TRUSTEE;
GUARANTEE AND CONTINGENT PURCHASE
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE REGISTRANT AND THE
BANK; LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE
AUTHORITY AND THE REGISTRANT; TENDER
AGENT AGREEMENT AMONG THE AUTHORITY;
BANCO POPULAR DE PUERTO RICO AS TRUSTEE;
REMARKETING AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHASE
MANHATTAN CAPITAL MARKETS CORPORATION AND
THE REGISTRANT; EACH DATED OCTOBER 1,
1985, RELATING TO A $5,000,000 FINANCING
IN OCTOBER 1985 (SUBSTANTIALLY IDENTICAL
DOCUMENTS WERE EXECUTED FOR AN ADDITIONAL
$5,000,000 FINANCING IN NOVEMBER 1985 AND
$7,500,000 IN DECEMBER 1985)
(INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE HEREIN AS
FILED WITH PUEBLO'S REGISTRATION
STATEMENT NO. 1-6376 ON FORM S-2 DATED
JANUARY 23, 1986)
10.20 EXECUTED FOURTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF
APRIL 8, 1994, TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT
AGREEMENT (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 10.1 TO THE COMPANY'S QUARTERLY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
MAY 21, 1994)
10.21 EXECUTED FIFTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF
AUGUST 11, 1995, TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT
AGREEMENT (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 10.1 TO THE COMPANY'S QUARTERLY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
NOVEMBER 4, 1995)
10.22 EXECUTED SIXTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF
NOVEMBER 3, 1995, TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT
AGREEMENT (INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE TO
EXHIBIT 10.2 TO THE COMPANY'S QUARTERLY
REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
NOVEMBER 4, 1995)
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 33
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.23 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, DATED FEBRUARY 28,
1996, BETWEEN PUEBLO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
AND EDWIN PEREZ***
10.24 AGREEMENT, DATED MARCH 1, 1996, BETWEEN
PUEBLO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND HECTOR G.
QUINONES***
10.25 EXECUTED SEVENTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF
JANUARY 26, 1996, TO THE OLD BANK CREDIT
AGREEMENT***
10.29 RECEIPT AND AGREEMENT BY PXC&M HOLDINGS,
INC. FROM BOTHWELL CORPORATION DATED
OCTOBER 18, 1996 (INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.1 TO THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 1996)
10.30 RECEIPT AND AGREEMENT BY PUEBLO XTRA
INTERNATIONAL, INC. FROM PXC&M HOLDINGS,
INC. DATED OCTOBER 18, 1996 (INCORPORATED
BY REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.2 TO THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 1996)
10.31 CONSENT EXECUTED BY SCOTIABANK DE PUERTO
RICO, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, DATED
OCTOBER 18, 1996 (INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.3 TO THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 1996)
10.32 EIGHTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF NOVEMBER 1,
1996, TO THE OLD CREDIT AGREEMENT AMONG
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC., PUEBLO
INTERNATIONAL, INC., XTRA SUPER FOOD
CENTERS, INC., VARIOUS LENDING
INSTITUTIONS, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
N.A. AND SCOTIABANK DE PUERTO RICO, AS
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT (INCORPORATED BY
REFERENCE TO EXHIBIT 10.4 TO THE
COMPANY'S QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 1996)
</TABLE>
-33-
<PAGE> 34
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
10.33 NINTH AMENDMENT, DATED AS OF JANUARY 25,
1997, TO THE OLD CREDIT AGREEMENT AMONG
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC., PUEBLO
INTERNATIONAL, INC., XTRA SUPER FOOD
CENTERS, INC., VARIOUS LENDING
INSTITUTIONS, THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK,
N.A. AND SCOTIABANK DE PUERTO RICO, AS
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT****
10.34 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT, DATED MARCH 20, 1997,
BETWEEN PUEBLO INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND
DAVID L. ASTON*****
21.1 SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY****
21.2 AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT,
DATED AS OF APRIL 29, 1997, OF THE OLD
BANK CREDIT AGREEMENT (THE "NEW BANK
CREDIT AGREEMENT")*****
</TABLE>
-34-
<PAGE> 35
* Previously filed and incorporated by reference to corresponding
exhibits in the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 29,
1994.
** Previously filed and incorporated by reference to corresponding
exhibits in the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 28,
1995.
*** Previously filed and incorporated by reference to corresponding
exhibits in the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 27,
1996.
**** Previously filed and incorporated by reference to corresponding
exhibits in the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 25,
1997.
***** Filed and incorporated by reference to corresponding exhibits in the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.
(B) Reports on Form 8-K
None
-35-
<PAGE> 36
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION
15(d) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO
SECTION 12 OF THE ACT
No annual report to security holders covering the Company's last fiscal
year and no proxy statement, form of proxy or other proxy soliciting material
with respect to any annual or other meeting of security holders has, as of the
date hereof, been sent to security holders by the Company. If such report or
proxy material is to be furnished to security holders subsequent to the filing
of the annual report of this Form 10-K, the Company will furnish copies of such
material to the Commission when it is sent to the security holders.
-36-
<PAGE> 37
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
(Registrant)
By: /s/ Daniel J. O'Leary
----------------------------------
Daniel J. O'Leary
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Dated
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ Gustavo A. Cisneros Chairman of the Board
- ------------------------------
Gustavo A. Cisneros
/s/ William T. Keon, III Director; President; and Chief Executive
- ------------------------------ Officer
William T. Keon, III
/s/ Daniel J. O'Leary Executive Vice President and Chief
- ------------------------------ Financial Officer
Daniel J. O'Leary
/s/ Margo Lerner Controller
- ------------------------------
Margo Lerner
/s/ David L. Aston Director
- ------------------------------
David L. Aston
/s/ Steven I. Bandel Director
- ------------------------------
Steven I. Bandel
/s/ Alejandro Rivera Director
- ------------------------------
Alejandro Rivera
/s/ Cristina Pieretti Director
- ------------------------------
Cristina Pieretti
</TABLE>
-37-
<PAGE> 38
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Pueblo Xtra International, Inc.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Pompano Beach, Florida
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Pueblo
Xtra International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 31, 1998
and January 25, 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
cash flows and stockholder's equity for each of the three years in the period
ended January 31, 1998. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of Pueblo Xtra International,
Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997 and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended January 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
March 6, 1998
F-1
<PAGE> 39
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,770 $ 12,148
Marketable securities (market value of $89
at January 25, 1997) -- 89
Accounts receivable 2,845 4,443
Inventories 55,945 59,503
Assets held for sale 4,711 13,804
Prepaid expenses 10,461 10,428
Deferred income taxes 6,993 3,316
-------- --------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 109,725 103,731
-------- --------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Land and improvements 16,143 18,278
Buildings and improvements 63,936 62,388
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 102,799 98,138
Leasehold improvements 36,214 35,408
Construction in progress 5,191 4,253
-------- --------
224,283 218,465
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 97,419 77,289
-------- --------
126,864 141,176
Property under capital leases, net 8,980 9,739
-------- --------
TOTAL PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 135,844 150,915
GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $23,082 at
January 31, 1998 and $18,050 at January 25, 1997 178,636 183,668
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 11,145 12,824
TRADENAMES 30,704 31,570
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS 36,122 39,933
-------- --------
TOTAL ASSETS $502,176 $522,641
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE> 40
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable $ 69,340 $ 74,951
Accrued expenses 51,584 36,054
Salaries, wages and benefits payable 11,701 11,563
Short-term borrowing -- 7,000
Notes payable to a related party -- 10,000
Income taxes payable -- 110
Current installments of long-term debt -- 18,250
Current obligations under capital leases 635 617
Deferred income taxes -- 1,403
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 133,260 159,948
LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion 10,000 71,227
NOTES PAYABLE 257,428 180,000
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, net of current portion 7,513 8,110
RESERVE FOR SELF-INSURANCE CLAIMS 11,206 12,201
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 24,985 22,921
OTHER LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CREDITS 30,479 35,352
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 474,871 489,759
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- --
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock, $.10 par value; 200 shares authorized
and issued -- --
Additional paid-in capital 91,500 91,500
Accumulated deficit (64,195) (58,618)
--------- ---------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY 27,305 32,882
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $ 502,176 $ 522,641
========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these
consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 41
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal
----------------------------------------------
1998 1996 1997
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 938,506 $ 1,020,056 $ 1,145,370
Cost of goods sold 667,043 760,329 848,490
----------- ----------- -----------
GROSS PROFIT 271,463 259,727 296,880
OPERATING EXPENSES
Selling, general and administrative expenses 204,185 213,485 240,219
Depreciation and amortization 40,175 41,128 43,669
Division closure and corporate
restructuring charges -- 4,160 28,012
----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING PROFIT, (LOSS) 27,103 954 (15,020)
Sundry, net (36) 122 (52)
----------- ----------- -----------
INCOME, (LOSS), BEFORE INTEREST,
INCOME TAXES AND EXTRAORDINARY ITEM 27,067 1,076 (15,072)
Interest expense on debt (29,367) (29,306) (32,002)
Interest expense on capital lease obligations (1,160) (1,152) (2,219)
Interest and investment income, net 910 276 875
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND
EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (2,550) (29,106) (48,418)
Income tax (expense), benefit (583) 9,535 18,615
----------- ----------- -----------
LOSS BEFORE EXTRAORDINARY ITEM (3,133) (19,571) (29,803)
----------- ----------- -----------
Extraordinary Item: Loss on early
extinguishment of debt, net of deferred
income taxes of $1,567 (2,444) -- --
----------- ----------- -----------
NET LOSS $ (5,577) $ (19,571) $ (29,803)
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 42
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal
---------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (5,577) $(19,571) $(29,803)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by operating activities, net of effects of disposal of
Florida retail operations:
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt 2,444 -- --
Division closure and corporate restructuring charges -- 4,160 27,740
Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 23,855 25,528 29,818
Amortization of intangible and other assets 16,321 15,600 14,181
Deferred income taxes 230 (9,259) (17,550)
(Gain) loss on disposal of property and equipment, net (273) 2,395 4,794
Amortization of bond discount 716 -- --
(Increase) decrease in deferred charges, goodwill, and other assets (1,543) 2,401 2,755
(Decrease) increase in reserve for self-insurance claims (995) 896 (3,611)
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities and deferred credits (500) 161 (3,540)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable 1,598 2,621 (3,406)
Increase in inventories (5,039) (3,995) (4,267)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses (33) 278 1,212
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses 10,300 6,427 7,887
Decrease in income taxes payable (110) (20) (2,145)
-------- -------- --------
41,394 27,622 24,065
Decrease attributable to disposal of Florida retail operations (4,616) (12,810) --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 36,778 14,812 24,065
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (10,938) (14,455) (20,769)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment 1,036 59 502
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities 89 1,415 --
Proceeds from disposal of Florida retail operations 10,000 11,840 --
Purchases of marketable securities -- (223) --
Purchase of leasehold interests -- -- (1,565)
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by, (used in), investing activities 187 (1,364) (21,832)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payment from notes payable to a related party (10,000) -- --
Principal payments on long-term debt (68,727) (29,214) (9,614)
Principal payments on short-term debt (21,750) -- --
Principal payments on capital lease obligations (579) (1,084) (1,301)
Proceeds from long-term borrowing 80,713 -- --
Proceeds from notes payable to a related party -- 10,000 --
Net increase in note payable to bank syndicate -- 7,000 --
Proceeds from capital contribution -- 5,000 --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (20,343) (8,298) (10,915)
-------- -------- --------
Net increase, (decrease), in cash and cash equivalents 16,622 5,150 (8,682)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 12,148 6,998 15,680
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 28,770 $ 12,148 $ 6,998
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 43
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additional Total
Common Paid-in Accumulated Stockholder's
Stock Capital Deficit Equity
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 28, 1995 -- $ 86,500 $ (9,244) $ 77,256
Net loss for the year -- -- (29,803) (29,803)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at January 27, 1996 -- $ 86,500 $(39,047) $ 47,453
Capital contribution -- 5,000 -- 5,000
Net loss for the year -- -- (19,571) (19,571)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at January 25, 1997 -- $ 91,500 $(58,618) $ 32,882
Net loss for the year (5,577) (5,577)
-------- -------- -------- --------
Balance at January 31, 1998 -- $ 91,500 $(64,195) $ 27,305
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Pueblo
Xtra International, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the "Company"). The
Company operated retail supermarkets and video rental locations in Puerto Rico
and the U.S. Virgin Islands during fiscal 1998. Intercompany accounts and
transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company operates and reports financial results on a fiscal year of
52 or 53 weeks ending on the last Saturday in January. Accordingly, fiscal year
1998 ended on January 31, 1998, fiscal 1997 ended on January 25, 1997, and
fiscal 1996 ended on January 27, 1996. Fiscal 1998 comprised 53 weeks, all other
noted fiscal years comprised 52 weeks.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
Highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or
less are considered cash equivalents.
INVENTORIES
Inventories held for sale are stated at the lower of cost or market.
The cost of inventories held for sale is determined, depending on the nature of
the product, either by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method or by the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method. Videocassette rental inventories are recorded at cost,
net of accumulated amortization. Videocassettes held for rental are amortized
over 12 months on a straight-line basis.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, including expenditures for remodeling and
improvements, are carried at cost. Routine maintenance, repairs and minor
betterments are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation and amortization
are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
assets or, in relation to leasehold improvements and property under capital
leases, over the lesser of the asset's useful life or the lease term, not to
exceed 20 years. Estimated useful lives are 20 years for buildings and
improvements, 5 to 12 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, 4 years for
automotive equipment and 3 years for computer hardware and software.
Upon the sale, retirement or other disposition of assets, the related
cost and accumulated depreciation or amortization are eliminated from the
accounts. Any resulting gains or losses from disposals are included in the
consolidated statements of operations.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the estimated fair value of
the net tangible and other intangible assets acquired in connection with the
transaction described in Note (3)--Acquisitions. Goodwill and other intangibles
are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods not exceeding 40
years. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying amount of goodwill and
other intangibles to recognize and measure the possible impairment of these
assets. Based on the recoverability from cash flows method (which includes
evaluating the probability that estimated undiscounted cash flows from related
operations will be less than the carrying amount of goodwill and other
long-lived assets), the Company believes there is no impairment to goodwill and
other intangibles.
F-7
<PAGE> 45
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
SELF-INSURANCE
The Company's general liability and certain of its workers compensation
insurance programs are self-insured. The reserve for self-insurance claims is
based upon an annual review by the Company and its independent actuary of claims
filed and claims incurred but not yet reported. Due to inherent uncertainties in
the estimation process, it is at least reasonably possible that the Company's
estimate of the reserve for self-insurance claims could change in the near term.
The liability for self-insurance is not discounted. Individual self-insured
losses are limited to $250,000 per occurrence for general liability and certain
workers compensation. The Company maintains insurance coverage for claims in
excess of $250,000. The current portion of the reserve, representing the amounts
expected to be paid in the next fiscal year, were $6.5 million and $6.7 million
at January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997, respectively, and are included in the
consolidated balance sheets as accrued expenses.
PRE-OPENING EXPENSES
Store pre-opening expenses are charged to operations in the month the
stores are opened.
ADVERTISING EXPENSES
Advertising expenses are charged to operations as they are incurred.
During fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997, and fiscal 1996, advertising expenses were $9.3
million, $11.0 million, and $11.4 million, respectively.
POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a policy which provides severance benefits to its
salaried employees. However, the Company cannot reasonably estimate
postemployment benefits, including severance benefits, on an ongoing basis,
these costs are charged to expense only when the probability of payment and the
amount of such payment can be reasonably determined.
INCOME TAXES
The Company accounts for income taxes under Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109"). SFAS
109 requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates currently in effect.
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PXC&M Holdings, Inc.
("Holdings") with a total of 200 shares of common stock issued and outstanding.
Earnings per share is not meaningful to the presentation of the consolidated
financial statements and is therefore excluded.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during the
reporting
F-8
<PAGE> 46
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 1 -- SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In June 1997, SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," was issued. SFAS No. 131 establishes
standards for the way that public companies report selected information about
operating segments in annual financial statements and require that those
companies report selected information about segments in interim financial
reports issued to shareholders. It also establishes standards for related
disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers
and supercedes SFAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of a Business
Enterprise." SFAS No. 131 is effective for financial statements for periods
beginning after December 15, 1997. The Company has historically reported its
information under one segment. This standard will require the Company to report
financial information consistent with how the business is managed. The Company
will adopt this standard in fiscal 1999.
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain amounts in the prior year's consolidated financial statements
and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the current year's
presentation.
NOTE 2 -- DIVISION CLOSURE AND CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
During January 1996, management implemented several strategic measures.
These measures included the disposal of the Company's Florida retail operations
(the "Florida Disposal") and a restructuring of certain operating functions
which significantly changed the direction of the Company. The Florida Disposal
eliminated one of three operating regions, including the complete elimination of
the business and the employees that comprised such business. As a result of
these measures, the Company recorded approximately $28.0 million in charges. Of
this amount, approximately $25.8 million was related to the decision to exit the
Florida retail market (the "Loss from Florida Disposal").
Included in the $25.8 million loss from the Florida Disposal recorded
in fiscal 1996 were a reduction of related assets to their estimated realizable
value, the recognition of net future lease obligations, postemployment benefits,
including severance pay, under existing benefit arrangements, employee
termination benefits for Florida operations and other closing costs.
The Florida Disposal included the closing of all eight supermarkets
(three of which are owned) and a warehouse and distribution center in Florida,
whether by sale or abandonment, which was completed in the first quarter of
fiscal 1997. In fiscal 1997, the Company sold one location and the lease rights
to another location. The Company is currently negotiating the sale of certain
other locations. In addition, the Company sold all related store equipment.
During fiscal 1997, the Company recorded an additional $4.2 million in
charges as a result of a revision in the estimated fair value of the remaining
properties held for sale.
The Florida operating division reported sales of $6.7 million and
$159.7 million for fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996, respectively. The total assets
and liabilities of the Florida operating division as of January 31, 1998 were $0
and $19.0 million, respectively, and $10.0 million and $27.9 million,
respectively, as of January 25, 1997.
F-9
<PAGE> 47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 3 -- ACQUISITIONS
On July 28, 1993, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of
the common stock of Pueblo International, Inc. and subsidiaries for an aggregate
purchase price of $283.6 million plus transaction costs (hereinafter referred to
as the "Transaction"). The shares were acquired from an investor group including
affiliates of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, The First Boston Corporation
and certain current and former members of the Company's management and its Board
of Directors.
The Transaction was financed with $71.5 million of equity, the issuance
of $180.0 million in 10-year, 9 1/2% senior notes and $130.0 million borrowed by
subsidiaries of the Company under the Old Credit Facility. See Note (5)--Debt
for further details of the Existing Notes and the Old and New Credit Facility.
Concurrent with the Transaction, previously existing bank debt of $19.3 million
and senior subordinated notes of $48.6 million were satisfied.
The Transaction has been accounted for as a purchase effective July 31,
1993. Accordingly, the costs of the Transaction were allocated to the assets
acquired and liabilities assumed. The excess of the aggregate purchase price
over the fair market value of net assets acquired of approximately $210.2
million was recognized as goodwill and is being amortized over 40 years.
NOTE 4 -- INVENTORIES
The cost of approximately 75% and 76% of total inventories at January
31, 1998 and January 25, 1997, respectively, is determined by the LIFO method.
The excess of current cost over inventories valued by the LIFO method was $1.8
million and $2.0 million as of January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997,
respectively.
F-10
<PAGE> 48
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 5 -- DEBT
Total debt consists of the following (in thousands):
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Note payable to a related party $ -- $ 10,000
Payable to a bank syndicate under term
loan credit facilities -- 62,977
Payable to a bank syndicate under a
revolving credit facility -- 16,000
Senior notes due 2003, net of unamortized
discount of $7,572 257,428 180,000
Payable to a Puerto Rico governmental
agency 10,000 17,500
-------- --------
267,428 286,477
Less current installments -- 35,250
-------- --------
$267,428 $251,227
======== ========
The transaction described in Note (3) -- Acquisitions was financed by
the issuance of $180.0 million in Senior Notes (the "Notes") and a credit
facility consisting of $115.0 million in term loans and a maximum of $60.0
million in revolving loans (the "Old Credit Facility") entered into by
subsidiaries of the Company and a syndicate of banks led by The Chase Manhattan
Bank ("National Association") and Scotiabank de Puerto Rico ("Bank Syndicate").
The Old Credit Facility matured on July 31, 2000.
On April 29, 1997, the Company entered into a refinancing plan (the
"Refinancing Plan"), which included the issuance and sale of $85.0 million
principal amount of 9 1/2% Series C Senior Notes Due 2003 (the "Series C Senior
Notes"), the terms of which are substantially identical to those of the
Company's $180 million principal amount of 9 1/2% Notes, which were issued in
1993. The net proceeds from the sale of the Series C Senior Notes of
approximately $73.9 million after deducting expenses, together with available
cash of the Company, were used to repay the senior secured indebtedness
outstanding under the Bank Credit Agreement dated July 31, 1993 (the "Old Bank
Credit Agreement"). The weighted average interest rate on the Old Credit
Facility, which approximates that of short-term borrowings under the revolving
facility, was 8.52% and 8.57% during fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997, respectively.
In connection with the Refinancing Plan, the Company entered into an amended
bank credit agreement (the "New Bank Credit Agreement"), which provides for a
$65.0 million revolving credit facility (the "New Credit Facility") with less
restrictive covenants compared to the Old Bank Credit Agreement. After the
issuance of standby letters of credit in the amount of $15.4 million, as of
January 31, 1998, the Company has borrowing availability on a revolving basis of
$49.6 million under the New Bank Credit Agreement. This transaction resulted in
an extraordinary charge of $2.4 million, net of deferred income taxes of $1.6
million, by reason of early extinguishment of debt. The Company pays a fee of
.50% per annum on unused commitments under the $65.0 million revolving facility.
Interest on the New Credit Facility fluctuates based on the availability of
Section 936 funds in Puerto Rico, Euroloan rates and the prime rate. As of
January 31, 1998, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the revolver
of the New Bank Credit Agreement.
In connection with the Refinancing Plan, on April 29, 1997, the Company
satisfied $10.0 million of indebtedness payable to a related party by
transferring its interest in two real estate properties from its closed Florida
operations to such related party.
The New Credit Facility is collateralized by a pledge of the assets of
the Company, by the capital stock of, and intercompany notes issued by, the
Company's subsidiaries and by the capital stock of the Company. The Company is
required, under the terms of the New Credit Facility, to meet certain financial
covenants which include minimum consolidated net worth levels, interest and
fixed charges
F-11
<PAGE> 49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 5 -- DEBT (CONTINUED)
coverage ratios and minimum EBITDA (as defined in the credit agreement). The
agreement also contains certain restrictions on additional indebtedness, capital
expenditures and the declaration and payment of dividends.
The Notes and Series C Senior Notes, which mature on August 1, 2003,
are general unsecured obligations of the Company subordinate in right of payment
to all existing and future liabilities (including, without limitation,
obligations under the New Credit Facility) of its subsidiaries. The Notes and
Series C Senior Notes may be called by the holders of the notes at 101% in the
event of a change in control of the Company (as defined in the indenture). The
Notes and Series C Senior Notes are senior to all future subordinated
indebtedness which the Company may from time to time incur. The Notes and Series
C Senior Notes bear interest at 9.50% per annum which is payable semi-annually
on February 1st and August 1st. Terms of the Notes and Series C Senior Notes
include covenants which restrict the Company and its subsidiaries from engaging
in certain activities and transactions.
Outstanding borrowings with a governmental agency of the Commonwealth
of Puerto Rico from the issuance of industrial revenue bonds are $10.0 million
and $17.5 million for fiscal 1998 and 1997, respectively. The bonds, which bear
interest at variable rates based on an index of tax-exempt borrowing, have a
weighted average interest rate of 4.22% and 4.08% at January 31, 1998 and
January 25, 1997, respectively. A principal payment of $7.5 million was made in
fiscal 1998 and another principal payment in fiscal 2001 for $10 million is due,
which correspond to the maturity dates of the bonds. Payment of the bonds is
guaranteed by standby letters of credit totaling $10.2 million, issued under the
$65.0 million revolving credit facility discussed above.
Annual maturities of the Company's debt are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Amount
-------------------- ---------------
1999 $ 0
2000 0
2001 10,000
2002 0
2003 0
2004 and thereafter 257,428
--------------
Total $ 267,428
==============
Total interest paid on debt, was $14.1 million, $34.5 million, and
$28.7 million for fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997, and fiscal 1996, respectively.
Interest payable as of January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997 was $12.6 million
and $0.7 million, respectively.
NOTE 6 -- LEASES AND LEASEHOLD INTERESTS
The Company conducts the major part of its operations on leased
premises which have initial terms generally ranging from 20 to 25 years.
Substantially, all leases contain renewal options which extend the lease terms
in increments of 5 to 10 years. The Company also has certain equipment leases
which have terms of up to five years. Realty and equipment leases generally
require the Company to pay operating expenses such as insurance, taxes and
maintenance. Certain store leases provide for percentage
F-12
<PAGE> 50
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 6 -- LEASES AND LEASEHOLD INTERESTS (CONTINUED)
rentals based upon sales above specified levels.
The Company leases retail space to tenants in certain of its owned and
leased properties. The lease terms generally range from two to five years.
The major classes of property recorded under capital leases are as
follows (in thousands):
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
------------ -----------
Real estate $ 12,295 $ 12,295
Machinery and equipment 90 90
------------ -----------
12,385 12,385
Less accumulated amortization 3,405 2,646
------------ -----------
$ 8,980 $ 9,739
============ ===========
Amortization of assets recorded under capital leases is included with
depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of
operations.
Minimum rentals under non-cancelable leases at January 31, 1998 are as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Capital Operating Operating
Leases Leases Leases
Fiscal Year (As Lessee) (As Lessee) (As Lessor)
--------------------------------------- ------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1999 $ 1,640 $ 10,780 $ 1,069
2000 1,524 10,044 988
2001 1,524 9,344 715
2002 1,455 8,651 588
2003 1,367 7,518 326
2004 and thereafter 8,371 69,631 1,137
------------ ------------ ------------
15,881 $ 115,968 $ 4,823
============ ============
Less executory costs 102
------------
Net minimum lease payments 15,779
Less amount representing interest 7,631
------------
Present value of net minimum lease
payments under capital lease $ 8,148
============
Total minimum sublease rentals to
be received in the future $ 602 $ 8,010
============ ===========
</TABLE>
Additionally, the Company is committed to future minimum payments under
leases which it has entered into for a store not opened as of January 31, 1998
totaling $24.9 million over a 20- to 25-year period. Payment on these leases
will commence with occupancy.
Rent expense and the related contingent rentals under operating leases
were $12.3 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 1998, respectively, $11.9 million
and $0.6 million for fiscal 1997, respectively, and $12.6 million and $0.6
million for fiscal 1996, respectively.
F-13
<PAGE> 51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 6 -- LEASES AND LEASEHOLD INTERESTS (CONTINUED)
Contingent rentals under capital leases, which are directly related to
sales, were $0.3 million for fiscal 1998, fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996. Interest
paid on capital lease obligations was $1.2 million for fiscal 1998, $1.2 million
for fiscal 1997, and $2.3 million for fiscal 1996.
Sublease rental income for operating and capital leases was $2.6
million for fiscal 1998, $1.9 million for fiscal 1997, and $1.9 million for
fiscal 1996.
NOTE 7 -- STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Authorized common stock of the Company consists of 200 shares of $.10
par value, all of which are issued and outstanding and held by Holdings as of
January 31, 1998 and January 25, 1997.
During April 1996, the Company received additional capital of $5.0
million from its parent company, Holdings, which it used to reduce the amounts
outstanding under its term in the Old Credit Facility.
NOTE 8 -- INCOME TAXES
As described in Note (1)--Significant Accounting Policies, the
Company's method of accounting for income taxes is the liability method as
required by SFAS No. 109.
The components of income tax expense (benefit), excluding extraordinary
items, are as follows (in thousands):
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
Current
Federal $ (40) $ (383) $ (1,735)
State 1 (387) 486
U.S. Possessions 392 494 184
-------- -------- --------
$ 353 $ (276) $ (1,065)
-------- -------- --------
Deferred
Federal $ 2,608 $ (312) $ (8,498)
State (124) 1,095 (1,033)
U.S. Possessions (2,254) (10,042) (8,019)
-------- -------- --------
230 (9,259) (17,550)
-------- -------- --------
Total income tax
expense (benefit) $ 583 $ (9,535) $(18,615)
======== ======== ========
F-14
<PAGE> 52
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 8 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The significant components of the net deferred tax liabilities are as
follows (in thousands):
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Reserve for self-insurance claims $ 7,699 $ 8,128
Employee benefit plans 6,426 6,793
Property and equipment 3,578 7,144
Reserve for closed stores 2,312 4,017
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
and deferred credits -- 4,125
Other operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards 11,342 12,437
All other 5,827 1,277
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets $ 37,184 $ 43,921
======== ========
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment $(17,195) $(24,057)
Tradenames (12,273) (12,619)
Operating leases (7,006) (7,517)
Inventories (4,324) (4,274)
Other assets (2,137) (2,313)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
and deferred credits (1,096) (1,046)
-------- --------
Total deferred tax liabilities $(44,031) $(51,826)
-------- --------
Valuation allowance for deferred
tax assets -- (279)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liabilities $ (6,847) $ (8,184)
======== ========
SFAS No. 109 requires a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets
if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not
that some or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized.
The prior year valuation allowance was reduced by $279,000 as a result
of the anticipated release of investment tax credit carryforwards by Xtra Super
Food Centers, Inc. and the utilization of net operating loss carryforwards to
offset projected taxable income of Pueblo Xtra International, Inc.
F-15
<PAGE> 53
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 8 -- INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
A reconciliation of the difference between actual income tax, expense
(benefit), and income taxes computed at U.S. Federal statutory tax rates is as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Federal statutory rate
applied to pretax loss $ (892) $(10,187) $(16,946)
Effect of varying rates
applicable in other taxing
jurisdictions (219) (992) (1,052)
Amortization of goodwill 1,761 1,761 1,834
State and local taxes (141) 708 (547)
Branch taxes (Possession -
US/VI) 79 76 57
All others, net (5) (901) (1,961)
-------- -------- --------
Income tax expense (benefit) $ 583 $ (9,535) $(18,615)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The Company's operations are located in U.S. possessions where they are
subject to U.S. and local taxation. Also, the Company had significant U.S.
operations in fiscal 1996 and closed these U.S. operations during fiscal 1997.
As of January 31, 1998, the Company has unused net operating loss
carryforwards of $16.7 million, $8.4 million and $0.4 million available to
offset future taxable income in Puerto Rico, the United States, and the U.S.
Virgin Islands through fiscal years 2004, 2011 and 2013, respectively.
The Company also has unused investment tax credits of approximately
$0.7 million available to offset future U.S. income tax liabilities. Such
investment tax credits expire as follows: 1999 - $20,000; 2000 - $447,000; 2001
- - $228,000; and 2002 - $20,000. Utilization of the investment tax credit
carryforward may be limited each year.
Total income taxes paid were $0.6 million for fiscal 1998, $0.5 million
for fiscal 1997, and $1.3 miilion for fiscal 1996.
NOTE 9 -- RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company has a non-contributory defined benefit plan (the
"Retirement Plan") covering substantially all full-time and certain part-time
associates. Retirement Plan benefits are based on years of service and a base
level of compensation. The Company funds Retirement Plan costs in accordance
with the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to
service to date but also for those expected to be earned in the future.
Retirement Plan assets consist primarily of stocks, bonds and U.S. Government
securities. Full vesting for the Retirement Plan occurs upon the completion of
five years of service.
F-16
<PAGE> 54
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 9 -- RETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
Net pension cost under the Retirement Plan includes the following
components (in thousands):
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
------- ------- -------
Service cost - benefits
earned during the period $ 1,443 $ 1,556 $ 1,893
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation 1,452 1,512 1,466
Expected return on plan
assets (1,083) (1,121) (994)
Net amortization and
deferrals (6) (97) (7)
------- ------- -------
NET PENSION COST $ 1,806 $ 1,850 $ 2,358
======= ======= =======
The average discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation
levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the net periodic
pension cost for the Retirement Plan are 7.5%, for all years presented. The
average expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 9.0% for the
three-year period.
The funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated
balance sheets for the Retirement Plan are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
---------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation, including
vested benefits of $14,315 at January 31,
1998 and $15,143 at January 25, 1997 $ 15,533 $ 16,540
======== ========
Plan assets at fair value $ 12,908 $ 12,080
Projected benefit obligation
for service rendered to date (20,190) (20,449)
-------- --------
FUNDED STATUS (7,282) (8,369)
Unrecognized net gain (1,991) (1,267)
Unrecognized prior service cost (73) (79)
-------- --------
NET PENSION LIABILITY $ (9,346) $ (9,715)
======== ========
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE> 55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 9 -- RETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
The Company maintains a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the
"Supplemental Plan") for its officers under which the Company will pay, from
general corporate funds, a supplemental pension equal to the difference between
the annual amount of pension calculated under the Supplemental Plan and the
amount the participant will receive under the Retirement Plan. Effective January
1, 1992, the Board of Directors amended the Supplemental Plan in order to
conform various provisions and definitions with those of the Retirement Plan.
The pension benefit calculation under the Supplemental Plan is limited to a
total of 20 years employment and is based on a specified percentage of the
average annual compensation received for the five highest consecutive years
during a participant's last 10 years of service, reduced by the participant's
annual Retirement Plan and social security benefits. Full vesting for the
Supplemental Plan occurs upon the completion of five years of service.
Net pension cost under the Supplemental Plan includes the following
components (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost - benefits
earned during the period $ 124 $ 98 $ 116
Interest cost on projected
benefit obligation 317 328 284
Net amortization and
deferrals (83) (68) (99)
----- ----- -----
NET PENSION COST $ 358 $ 358 $ 301
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
The average discount rate and rate of increase in future compensation
levels used in determining the actuarial present value of the net periodic
pension cost for the Supplemental Plan are 7.5%, for all years presented.
The funded status and amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated
balance sheets for the Supplemental Plan are as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Accumulated benefit obligation, including
vested benefits of $3,859 at January 31,
1998 and $3,664 at January 25, 1997 $ 3,872 $ 3,681
======= =======
Projected benefit obligation
for service rendered to date $(4,306) $(4,384)
------- -------
FUNDED STATUS (4,306) (4,384)
Unrecognized net gain (1,534) (1,433)
Unrecognized prior service cost 44 50
------- -------
NET PENSION LIABILITY $(5,796) $(5,767)
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE> 56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 9 -- RETIREMENT BENEFITS (CONTINUED)
The Company has a non-contributory defined contribution plan covering
its eligible associates in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Contributions to this plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The
Company also has a contributory thrift savings plan in which it matches eligible
contributions made by participating eligible associates in the United States.
Expenses related to these plans, which are recognized in the year the cost is
incurred, were $818,000 for fiscal 1998, $728,000 for fiscal 1997 and $862,000
for fiscal 1996.
NOTE 10 -- FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair
value of each class of financial instruments.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair
value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES
Due to the nature and maturities of the underlying securities in the
portfolio, the carrying amount of marketable securities approximates fair value.
The carrying and fair value amounts include securities which the Company
classifies as marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated balance
sheets.
DEBT
The fair value of the Company's indebtedness, excluding the Senior
Notes, is estimated based on quoted market prices for similar instruments. The
fair value of the Senior Notes is determined based on market quotes.
The estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments are as
follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
------------------------- -------------------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
--------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,770 $ 28,770 $ 12,148 $ 12,148
Marketable securities -- -- 115 115
Debt (267,428) (259,981) (286,477) (275,776)
</TABLE>
NOTE 11 -- CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents.
The Company places its temporary cash investments with highly-rated financial
institutions in investment grade short-term debt instruments.
F-19
<PAGE> 57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE 12 -- CONTINGENCIES
At January 31, 1998, the Company is party to various lawsuits arising
in the ordinary course of business. Additionally, the Company was also a
defendant, together with other companies, including those in the grocery
industry, in two legal actions pending in the United States District Court.
These lawsuits allege that diverting companies, which are in bankruptcy, were
engaged in fraudulent activities and that Pueblo and other grocers are liable
for their investors' losses. Pueblo's alleged liability was solely based on the
claim that one of its former employees confirmed the validity of certain
allegedly false grocery diverting transactions. On October 25, 1996, a
settlement was reached between the Company and the Plaintiffs. The settlement
received final approval in fiscal 1998 for an amount which is within the
reserves established from fiscal year 1994 through 1998 for such purposes.
F-20
<PAGE> 58
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Pueblo Xtra International, Inc.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Pompano Beach, Florida
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of Pueblo
Xtra International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of January 31, 1998
and January 25, 1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended
January 31, 1998; such report is included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Our audit
also included the consolidated financial statement schedules of Pueblo Xtra
International, Inc. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998 and January 25,
1997, and for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 1998,
listed in Item 14. These consolidated financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial
statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly in all material respects
the information set forth therein.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
- -------------------------
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Certified Public Accountants
Miami, Florida
March 6, 1998
S-1
<PAGE> 59
Schedule I
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 31, January 25,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12,588 $ --
Interest receivables 13,792 8,632
Prepaid expenses 158 437
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 26,538 9,069
--------- ---------
INVESTMENT IN SUBSIDIARIES 38,296 43,320
NOTE RECEIVABLE - MIRROR LOAN 241,087 175,000
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 299 --
DEFERRED CHARGES AND OTHER ASSETS 3,867 4,571
--------- ---------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 310,087 $ 231,960
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses $ 12,586 $ --
Notes payable to a related party -- 10,000
Intercompany payable, net 12,768 9,078
--------- ---------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 25,354 19,078
NOTES PAYABLE 257,428 180,000
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 282,782 199,078
--------- ---------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES -- --
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock -- --
Additional paid-in capital 91,500 91,500
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) (64,195) (58,618)
--------- ---------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY 27,305 32,882
--------- ---------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY $ 310,087 $ 231,960
========= =========
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE> 60
Schedule I
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest income $ 24,039 $ 17,653 $ 17,653
Interest expense on debt (24,891) (17,711) (17,756)
Selling, general and administrative expenses -- (16) (63)
-------- -------- --------
LOSS BEFORE INCOME,
TAXES AND EQUITY LOSSES
FROM SUBSIDIARIES (852) (74) (166)
Income tax benefit (expense) 299 (14) 64
-------- -------- --------
LOSS BEFORE EQUITY
LOSSES FROM SUBSIDIARIES (553) (88) (102)
Equity loss from subsidiaries (5,024) (19,483) (29,701)
-------- -------- --------
NET LOSS $ (5,577) $(19,571) $(29,803)
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
S-3
<PAGE> 61
Schedule I
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Fiscal Fiscal
1998 1997 1996
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income loss $ (5,577) $(19,571) $(29,803)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
(Increase) decrease in deferred income taxes (299) 14 (14)
Decrease in deferred charges and other assets 704 703 704
Amortization of bond discount 715 -- --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in notes/accounts receivable (66,087) 97 543
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses 279 (279) (51)
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable, net (5,160) -- 2,805
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses 12,586 (8,363) (47)
Increase in intercompany payable, net 3,690 7,915 1,163
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities (59,149) (19,484) (24,700)
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease in investment in subsidiaries 5,024 4,484 24,700
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by investing activities 5,024 4,484 24,700
-------- -------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payment from notes payable to a related party (10,000) -- --
Proceeds from long-term borrowing 76,713 -- --
Proceeds from notes payable to a related party -- 10,000 --
Proceeds from capital contribution -- 5,000 --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities 66,713 15,000 --
-------- -------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 12,588 -- --
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period -- -- --
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 12,588 $ -- $ --
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
S-4
<PAGE> 62
Schedule II
PUEBLO XTRA INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998,
JANUARY 25, 1997, AND JANUARY 27, 1996
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at Additions Balance
Beginning Charged to at End
of Year/ Costs and of Year/
Description Period Expenses Deductions(1) Period (2)
- -------------------------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL 1998
Reserves not deducted
from assets:
Reserve for self-
insurance claims $18,929 $ 6,260 $ 7,483 $17,687
FISCAL 1997
Reserves not deducted
from assets:
Reserve for self-
insurance claims $20,537 $ 6,934 $ 8,542 $18,929
FISCAL 1996
Reserves not deducted
from assets:
Reserve for self-
insurance claims $22,636 $ 9,066 $11,165 $20,537
</TABLE>
(1) Amounts consist primarily of payments on claims.
(2) Amounts represent both the current and long-term portions.
S-5
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.34
March 20, 1997
Mr. Dave L. Aston
113 Mt. Grey Road
Setauket, NY 11733
Dear Dave:
I am pleased to confirm to you the terms of your employment to fill
the position of President of the Puerto Rico Division of Pueblo International,
Inc. (the "Company") and to hold the title of Executive Vice President of the
Company. These positions report directly to me and you will have the entire
Puerto Rico retail food division reporting to you, and you will be based in San
Juan. In addition to your official position in the Company, it is intended that
you will also be elected to the Board of Directors of the Company and its
immediate parent company. It is my intention to also have the Virgin Islands
Division report directly to you once you have successfully acclimated yourself
with the Puerto Rico Division. It is further contemplated that the Blockbuster
Division could eventually report into the Puerto Rico Retail Food Division.
Your base annual salary will be $275,000.00, which will be subject to
adjustment in accordance with the Company's normal review practices. In
addition, promptly after the end of the fiscal year that will end in late
January 1998, you will receive a guaranteed bonus at the rate of forty percent
of your base salary earned during the period of your employment in fiscal 1998.
Commencing with fiscal 1999 a target bonus arrangement of up to forty percent
of your total then current base salary will be available subject to achieving
certain fiscal 1999 budget objectives and in accordance with the Company's
annual Key Management Incentive Bonus Plan.
You will be eligible to participate fully in all benefit plans and
perquisites provided by the Company for its employees in accordance with the
term of the plans including any pension plan and any life, accident, health,
hospitalization or disability plan or insurance maintained by the Company. A
list of the benefits currently offered to the best of my knowledge by the
Company is attached to this letter.
<PAGE> 2
Mr. David L. Aston
March 20, 1997
Page 2
During the course of your employment with the Company, should it become
necessary to terminate your employment involuntarily other than for cause or
disability as determined by the Company, you will receive the amount equivalent
to one year of your then base annual salary. Cause would include among other
reasons: the willful failure by you to substantially perform your duties other
than the failure to perform from incapacity due to physical or mental illness;
and your willfully engaging in gross misconduct injurious to the Company
monetarily or otherwise.
The Company will relocate you and your family to the Miami area in
accordance with the Company's relocation policy, which I will need to locate and
forward to you. The Company will make available to you an apartment in San Juan
to allow you to fulfill your operating responsibilities in Puerto Rico.
Our challenges will be to profitably grow sales, realign operating
expenses, maximize buying opportunities, meet the loan amortization schedule and
bring together the excellent skills that are available to create a team effort
which will allow the Company and yourself to grow and prosper.
We look forward to working with you and feel strongly that the
relationship will be mutually beneficial. I will introduce you to your direct
reports on Thursday, March 20, 1997. Best regards.
Sincerely,
William T. Keon, III
President and Chief Executive Officer
WTK/mo
attachment
<PAGE> 1
Exhibit 10.35
June 19, 1997
Mr. Daniel J. O'Leary
5221 Oyster Bay Drive
Boardman, Ohio 44512
Dear Dan:
I wish to confirm to you our offer of employment with Pueblo
International, Inc. (the "Company") as Executive Vice President - Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer effective June 24, 1997, reporting to me. Your
base salary will at the rate of $225,000 per year payable in accordance with
the Company's normal payroll practices and you will be eligible for a target
bonus of forty percent of your base salary subject to achieving certain fiscal
1999 budget objectives and in accordance with the company's annual Key
Management Incentive Bonus Plan. For the period from your date of employment
until the Company's 1998 fiscal year end (last Saturday in January 1998) you
will receive a guaranteed bonus for this period equivalent to forty percent of
the base salary received. You will further be eligible to participate in all
executive benefit programs other than the Company's LTIP (Long Term Incentive
Program), and receive an automobile allowance. The Company's relocation policy
will be available to assist you in relocating to Pompano Beach area, where your
position will be based. You will be responsible for all financial and
information systems functions.
By your coming on board I will have rounded out a strong management
team that will take the company to new growth and performance levels. I look
forward to seeing you on the twenty fourth. Best regards.
Sincerely,
William T. Keon, III
President and Chief Executive Officer
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS ON PAGES
THREE THROUGH FIVE OF THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K FOR THE PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 31,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-25-1997
<PERIOD-END> JAN-31-1998
<CASH> 28,770
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,845
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 55,945
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 109,725
<PP&E> 236,669
<DEPRECIATION> 100,824
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 502,176
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 133,262
<BONDS> 275,576
0
0
<COMMON> 0
<OTHER-SE> 27,305
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 502,176
<SALES> 938,506
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 938,506
<CGS> 667,043
<TOTAL-COSTS> 236,220
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 8,103
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 29,616
<INCOME-PRETAX> (2,550)
<INCOME-TAX> (583)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (3,133)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> (2,444)
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (5,577)
<EPS-PRIMARY> 0
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
