Canadian Tire releases fourth quarter earnings - Retail sales up 6.8%; adjusted net earnings down 3.0%
2008 retail sales up 5.3%; adjusted net earnings for the year down 2.2% Quarterly dividend payments continue at $0.21 per shareTORONTO, Feb. 12 /CNW/ - Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (CTC, CTC.a) today released its unaudited fourth quarter earnings and year-end results. Despite challenging market conditions, the Company reported an increase of 6.8% in retail sales in the fourth quarter compared to the same period in 2007, reflecting strong sales of seasonal merchandise, improvements in pricing, promotional programs and an extra sales week. "Our fourth quarter operating results demonstrate the unique positioning and strength of our retail offering," said Stephen Wetmore, president and CEO, Canadian Tire Corporation. "We enter the new year well-positioned to adapt to and respond to the changing Canadian economy."---------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated 2008(2) Year-over- 2008(2) Year-over- Highlights(1): 4th quarter year change full year year change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retail sales $ 3.2 billion 6.8% $ 10.6 billion 5.3% Gross operating revenue $ 2.6 billion 3.3% $ 9.1 billion 6.0% EBITDA(3) $277.3 million 4.1% $892.7 million 1.3% Adjusted $192.0 million 2.0% $572.5 million (4.5)% earnings before income taxes (excludes non-operating gains and losses)(4) Net earnings $101.2 million (22.9)% $374.2 million (9.1)% Adjusted net $129.9 million (3.0)% $395.3 million (2.2)% earnings (excludes non-operating gains and losses)(4) Basic earnings per share $ 1.24 (22.9)% $ 4.59 (9.1)% Adjusted basic earnings per share (excludes non-operating $ 1.59 (3.0)% $ 4.85 (2.2)% gains and losses)(4) (1) All dollar figures in this table are rounded. (2) Fiscal 2008 sales and earnings figures are based on a 14 week period for the fourth quarter and a 53-week period for the year compared to 13 weeks for the quarter and 52 weeks for the year in 2007. (3) Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Non- GAAP measure. Please refer to Section 12.0 of the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis. (4) Non-GAAP measure. Please refer to Section 12.0 of the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis."While our EBITDA for the quarter and the full year grew modestly despite the impact of increased costs associated with our strategic initiatives, our net earnings were additionally impacted by non-cash mark-to-market adjustments on our interest rate hedges discussed below," stated Wetmore. The table below provides a reconciliation of adjusted net earnings for the fourth quarter 2008 and for 2008 as a whole.($ in millions) Q4 2008 Change 2008 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings 101.2 (22.9)% $ 374.2 (9.1)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Executive retirement obligations (4.2) (3.4) Gain on disposal of property and equipment 1.9 3.5 Net effect of securitization activities (7.1) (1.9) Delayed start interest rate swaps (19.3) (19.3) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted net earnings 129.9 (3.0%) 395.3 (2.2)% -------------------------------------------------------------------------Canadian Tire uses derivative financial instruments, such as hedges and swaps, to manage financial risks related to interest rate, foreign exchange and equity-based compensation. As at January 3, 2009, long-term delayed start interest rate swaps, which had been put in place 10 years ago to manage the Company's long-term interest expense by fixing interest rates at a then attractive rate, now no longer meet the requirements for hedge accounting and accordingly $19.3 million after-tax was expensed in the fourth quarter. The Company has a number of additional financial instruments in place. At year end, on a mark-to-market basis, the value of these items was a net in the money position of approximately $177.8 million. This amount is substantially included in the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI") section of the Company's Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheet. The most significant item included in AOCI is in the money foreign exchanges hedges, which total $149.5 million pre-tax. In the absence of a material strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the US dollar, this gain will positively impact the cost of inventory purchases during the next six to nine months. The remaining mark-to-market adjustments on hedges that do not qualify for hedge accounting have been reflected in operating earnings. Wetmore noted that "in a year that became more challenging with each successive quarter, CTC delivered growth across virtually all of its businesses in the fourth quarter and for the full year in 2008."Highlights of top-line performance by business (year-over-year percentage change) Q4 2008 2008 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- CTR retail sales(1) 9.1% 3.8% CTR gross operating revenue 3.3% 3.6% CTR net shipments 3.0% 3.5% Mark's retail sales 5.9% 3.5% Petroleum retail sales (3.5)% 12.2% Petroleum gasoline volume 4.1% (0.6)% Financial Services' credit card sales 1.4% 6.7% Financial Services' gross average receivables 6.6% 7.2% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes sales from Canadian Tire stores, PartSource stores, sales from CTR's online web store and the labour portion of CTR's auto service sales. Business Overview CANADIAN TIRE RETAIL (CTR)(1) ($ in millions) Q4 Q4 2008 2007(2) Change 2008 2007(2) Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retail sales(3) $ 2,364.2 $ 2,166.2 9.1% $ 7,617.8 $ 7,338.0 3.8% Same store sales(4) (year-over-year % change) 7.3% (1.8)% 1.8% (0.5)% Gross operating revenue $ 1,636.4 $ 1,583.7 3.3% $ 5,669.1 $ 5,473.5 3.6% Net shipments (year-over-year % change) 3.0% 0.4% 3.5% 2.3% Earnings before income taxes $ 26.6 $81.0 (67.1)% $ 249.2 $ 302.4 (17.6)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Gain on disposals of property and equipment(5) 3.7 7.3 7.4 17.6 Executive retirement obligations (6.2) 0.3 (5.1) (6.2) Delayed start interest rate swaps (28.7) - (28.7) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted earnings before income taxes(6) $ 57.8 $ 73.4 (21.3)% $ 275.6 $ 291.0 (5.3)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Fiscal 2008 sales and earnings figures are based on a 14-week period for the fourth quarter and a 53-week period for the year compared to 13-weeks for the quarter and 52-weeks for the year in 2007. (2) 2007 figures have been restated for the implementation, on a retrospective basis, of the CICA HB 3031- Inventories. Please refer to note 2 in the Consolidated Financial Statements (3) Includes sales from Canadian Tire stores, PartSource stores, sales from CTR's online web store and the labour portion of CTR's auto service sales. (4) Same store sales include sales from stores that have been open for more than 53 weeks in the same location. (5) Includes fair market value adjustments and impairments on property and equipment. (6) Non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 12.0 in the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis.CTR's retail sales increased 9.1% over the same quarter in 2007 reflecting a significant increase in sales of winter-related merchandise in the quarter, as well as an increase in the kitchen and tools categories. Overall, same store sales were up 7.3% compared to the fourth quarter of 2007. Retail sales and same store sales were particularly strong with the addition of the 53rd trading week in 2008. Increases in shipment levels were lower than those for retail sales in the quarter as CTR Dealers sought to manage their inventory levels due to the expectation of a slowing economy. CTR's fourth quarter adjusted earnings were $57.8 million, down 21.3% from the fourth quarter in 2007. The overall margin rate as a percentage of gross operating revenue for the quarter was consistent year-over-year, reflecting a number of items, including the benefits of purchasing with hedged Canadian dollars and higher dealer rents. Adjusted operating earnings were impacted by additional mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate hedges and swaps which totaled approximately $8 million; costs associated with CTR's long- term productivity and efficiency initiatives such as Automotive Infrastructure, CTR Change Program and IT renewal; and higher advertising and administrative costs due to the addition of the 53rd trading week. For the year, retail sales increased 3.8%, while same store sales were up 1.8%. Adjusted earnings before taxes were $275.6 million compared with $291.0 million in 2007. By year end, corporate inventories were at forecasted levels, but still higher than in 2007 due to spring and summer seasonal carry over products which will be shipped to CTR Dealers in 2009. In addition to completing 36 Concept 20/20 projects in 2008, CTR also launched its new Smart store format in Welland and Orleans, Ontario and opened four Small Market stores. The two new concepts have been well-received by customers and are performing above expectations. In 2008, PartSource acquired 11 new corporate stores, opened 2 new hub stores, retrofitted 3 existing stores into hub stores and converted 5 franchise stores to corporate stores bringing the total store network to 86.CANADIAN TIRE PETROLEUM (Petroleum)(3) Q4 Q4 ($ in millions) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales volume (millions of litres) 469.1 450.5 4.1% 1,727.0 1,737.5 (0.6)% Retail sales $447.0 $463.1 (3.5)% $1,988.1 $1,771.6 12.2% Gross operating revenue $414.3 $434.1 (4.6)% $1,871.2 $1,666.5 12.3% Earnings before income taxes $6.1 $3.7 66.6% $26.6 $20.5 30.4% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Loss on disposals of property and equipment(1) $(0.2) $(0.7) $(0.5) $(2.7) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted earnings before income taxes(2) $6.3 $4.4 43.2% $27.1 $23.2 17.1% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes asset impairment losses. (2) Non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 12.0 of the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis (3) Fiscal 2008 sales and earnings figures are based on a 14-week period for the fourth quarter and a 53-week for the year compared to 13-week for the quarter and 52-week for the year in 2007.Petroleum's gasoline sales volumes rose 4.1% over the comparable period in 2007; while convenience stores sales increased 13.5% over the fourth quarter in 2007. Both increases are primarily due to an extra week of sales in 2008. Petroleum recorded earnings before taxes of $6.1 million, a 66.6% increase compared to the $3.7 million recorded in the same period in 2007. For the year, Petroleum posted earnings before taxes of $26.6 million, an increase of 30.4% over the $20.5 million recorded in 2007. Performance both in the quarter and for the full year was due to strong margins and effective expense management. In addition to opening 9 new gas bars in 2008, Petroleum also rebuilt 3 gas bars and refurbished 21 existing gas bars to enhance the customer experience and better reflect the Canadian Tire brand. Petroleum now operates 273 gas bars, 266 convenience stores and kiosks and 74 car washes.MARK'S WORK WEARHOUSE (Mark's)(5) ($ in millions) Q4 Q4 2008 2007(6) Change 2008 2007(6) Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total retail sales(1) $408.4 $385.7 5.9% $1,008.5 974.9 3.5% Same store sales(2) (% increase over prior year) 3.9% 1.4% 0.3% 4.8% Gross operating revenue(3) $355.7 $326.2 9.0% $872.4 $825.3 5.7% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes $71.7 $67.0 7.0% $75.9 $98.0 (22.5)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Loss on disposals of property and equipment (0.5) (0.2) (0.9) (1.0) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted earnings before income taxes(4) $72.2 $67.2 7.4% $76.8 $99.0 (22.4)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes retail sales from corporate and franchise stores. (2) Mark's same store sales exclude new stores, stores not open for the full period in each year and store closures. A 13 week to 13 week comparison would produce a (0.3%) same store sales decrease in the fourth quarter and a 52 week to 52 week comparison would produce a (1.4%) same stores sales decrease for the year. (3) Gross operating revenue includes retail sales at corporate stores only. (4) Non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 12.0 of the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis. (5) Fiscal 2008 sales and earnings figures are based on a 14-week period for the fourth quarter and a 53 week period for the year, compared to 13 weeks for the quarter in 2007 and 52 weeks for the year in 2007. (6) 2007 figures have been restated for the implementation on a retrospective basis of the CICA HB 3031- Inventories. Please refer to note 2 in the Consolidated Financial StatementsMark's sales were positively impacted by the severe winter weather in Canada for the last three weeks of the year, which led to strong sales of industrial wear. As a result, Mark's fourth quarter retail sales increased by 5.9%, from $385.7 million last year to $408.4 million this year. Adjusted pre- tax earnings for the quarter increased 7.4% from the comparable period in 2007, reflecting positive same store sales growth, when comparing 14 weeks to 13 weeks, improvements in margins due to improved purchase markup, fewer markdowns and effective expense management, offset somewhat by a higher shrink accrual. Despite a strong fourth quarter, adjusted pre-tax earnings for the year were down 22.4% from $99.0 million in 2007 to $76.8 million this year, due to a decline in the gross margin rate caused by the higher shrink of inventory in the second quarter, flat annual same stores sales when comparing 53 weeks to 52 weeks, and higher expenses associated with new store and infrastructure additions. At the end of the year, inventories on hand were well-controlled and down 11.0% on a per square foot basis year-over-year, reflecting conservative activity on fall merchandise orders, effective markdown management and strong sell through of industrial winter merchandise. In 2008, Mark's opened 18 new corporate stores, relocated 11 corporate stores and one franchise store and expanded 6 corporate stores bringing the total store network to 372 stores. In addition, Mark's now has three mobile stores.CANADIAN TIRE FINANCIAL SERVICES (Financial Services) Q4 Q4 ($ in millions) 2008 2007 Change 2008 2007 Change ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total managed portfolio end of period $4,120.9 $3,952.2 4.3% Gross operating revenue 212.4 190.3 11.6% 820.4 745.9 10.0% Earnings before income taxes $45.1 $32.6 38.6% $189.5 $190.3 (0.4)% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjustments: Gain on disposal of shares - - - 18.4 Net effect of securitization activities(1) (10.6) (10.6) (2.9) (14.4) Loss on disposals of property and equipment - (0.1) (0.6) (0.4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Adjusted earnings before income taxes(2) $55.7 $43.3 29.0% $193.0 $186.7 3.4% ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Includes initial gain/loss on the sale of loans receivable, amortization of servicing liability, change in securitization reserve and gain/loss on reinvestment. (2) Non-GAAP measure. Please refer to section 12.0 in the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis.Financial Services' total managed portfolio of loan receivables was $4.1 billion at the end of the fourth quarter, an increase of 4.3% over the approximate $4.0 billion at the end of the comparable 2007 period. Growth in receivables slowed during the quarter to well below historical levels due to lower growth in credit card usage. The net write-off rate for the total managed portfolio on a rolling 12- month basis was 6.34% compared to 5.76% in the comparable period. The increase reflects the impact of deteriorating economic conditions and the associated higher bankruptcies, as well as the refinement of the treatment of consumer proposals effective November 2008 which increased the write-off rate by 23 bps. Financial Services had a very strong fourth quarter with adjusted net earnings increasing 29.0% from $43.3 million in the comparable period last year to $55.7 million for the quarter driven by higher revenues and tight expense management. Fourth quarter earnings were negatively impacted by $2.4 million due to the refinement in the treatment of consumer proposals noted above. Financial Services continued its retail banking pilot and at quarter-end had more than $166 million in high rate savings accounts, $973 million in total GIC deposits and $139 million in outstanding mortgage balances. 2009 COMMENTARY OPERATIONS "While we are very pleased with our momentum coming into 2009, particularly in our core retail businesses, the year ahead is projected to be challenging for all retailers, due to the impact of the global economic slowdown and declining consumer confidence among Canadians," said Wetmore. Given the unprecedented volatility in the Canadian economy and the difficulty in assessing the potential magnitude of the impact of the above conditions on CTC's business, Management will not be providing a specific earnings per share guidance range for the year. Management will, however, continue to provide information on its operations, growth and productivity initiatives, capital plan and liquidity as appropriate throughout the year. If the Canadian economy and employment continues to be weak, CTC could experience declining same store sales and margins in its retail businesses, lower growth in receivables at CTFS as consumers reduce their credit card usage, higher bankruptcies and write-offs and further increases in funding costs across its businesses.CTC is well-positioned, however, in that: - CTR has extremely strong consumer brands, a loyal customer base and a wide range of everyday products which are competitively priced and relevant to a cost-conscious consumer. - Mark's emphasis on private label products, many of which have added features and benefits to improve customer satisfaction, has in the recent past allowed Mark's to continue to grow its business, despite adverse business conditions. - Over the last year, Financial Services has taken numerous steps to reduce its exposure to accounts with higher credit risk.CTC's focus in 2009 will be based on a balanced approach to maximize earnings potential through focused growth initiatives, strong expense management and on-going improvements in financial flexibility, while also continuing to invest in long-term growth and productivity. "Canadian Tire is financially strong and is well-positioned to manage through this economic downturn. We have a solid cash position, manageable debt levels and despite the potential challenges, we remain confident in our strategy and will continue to take the prudent actions necessary to ensure Canadian Tire is well-positioned to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it comes," Wetmore added. Key initiatives in 2009 will include: Growth Despite the challenging economy, CTC continues to believe it has significant opportunities to drive long-term growth across each of its retail businesses. While the level of capital commitment is significantly reduced from 2008, the following investments reflect continued confidence in the future potential of the businesses that make up CTC:- Growth of the CTR, Mark's, Petroleum and PartSource networks, including ongoing store expansions and upgrades with contemplated development of up to 40 projects for CTR of which approximately 6 projects will be new to market. Square footage growth in CTR year over year will be approximately 2% and will be focused on further testing and expansion of the Smart and Small Market store concepts. Square footage growth at Mark's will be approximately 5% in 2009 versus 2008. - Investment in new technology and supply chain infrastructure and the further development of PartSource stores with expanded warehouses (hub stores) across Canada to drive growth at CTR and PartSource. In total, 16 hub stores are expected to be open by the end of 2009. - At CTFS selected investment in balance transfer offers, leverage of the relaunched credit cards with PayPass capability and the launch of new credit cards to drive managed growth of loan receivables. Productivity and Efficiency Initiatives CTC plans to continue with its long-term productivity and efficiency investments. On a net basis, including benefits, these programs are expected to cost approximately $44.0 million in 2009. The programs include: - The Automotive Infrastructure program is designed to support the growth of CTR's automotive business, as well as the growth of the PartSource chain of stores. The program, which will be fully implemented by 2011, will make auto parts more accessible to the customer, broaden and optimize the automotive parts assortment, as well as improve the customer experience by leveraging improvements of in-store technology and processes. The program will provide significant top and bottom line benefits for CTR, PartSource and Dealers as the various phases of the program are deployed over the next several years. - The CTR Change Program represents a significant investment in new systems, together with major changes in processes and organizational structures, which will streamline major merchandising and marketing capabilities within CTR. For example: price management, promotional planning, vendor relationship management, assortment and markdown management. - IT renewal represented by a multi-year program designed to upgrade the technology infrastructure which supports CTR, Petroleum and PartSource. Renewal will provide increased functionality, reduced risk, lower operating costs and a simplified overall architecture. - A variety of smaller projects, all designed to manage compliance risk or to lower operating costs and provide business units with enhanced functionality for improved decision-making.OPERATING EXPENSES Early in 2009, CTR's new 1.5 million square foot distribution centre in Coteau du Lac will open on time and on budget. This new facility will support future sales growth at CTR and enable the closing of two much smaller third party facilities in Montreal and Toronto. Net annualized incremental costs upon opening the facility are estimated at $35.9 million pre-tax. Over the next several years, the throughput volume of this facility will increase and with improving productivity and declining depreciation charges, this incremental cost will be largely mitigated. CAPITAL Total projected capital expenditures for 2009 will be in the range of $380 million to $400 million, (down from 2008 expenditures of approximately $472 million) the majority of which will support store and network expansions. As of the date of this release, only $150 million of the 2009 planned expenditures has been committed. Management will look for every opportunity to manage this capital in the most effective way, including spending lower amounts if considered appropriate. FUNDING AND LIQUIDITY Overall, CTC was very active in 2008 in securing various funding sources to support the Company's on-going growth. As the year progressed and traditional sources of financing such as the Medium Term Note ("MTN") program and securitization were not available, CT Bank developed a new cost effective funding source through broker deposits and by the year end had secured a balance of $973 million in total GIC deposits with an average term of 30 months. In addition, high rate savings accounts provided an additional $166 million of funding. Like all companies, CTC has been exposed to significantly higher bank fees as banks re-price the cost of financing. CTC will continue to look for cost-effective sources of funding despite the credit markets being "frozen" for a number of typical sources of financing. While CTC has no concerns about its ability to fund its operations in 2009 and beyond, financing will clearly come at a significantly increased cost. Given the unprecedented volatility in the financial markets, CTC will be conservative in that it will ensure it has more than sufficient access to liquidity, even if it comes at the expense of short-term profitability. For 2009, no corporate debt maturities are scheduled, but late in the year, term notes at Glacier Credit Card Trust of $625 million will mature which will result in a corresponding increase in receivables at Financial Services, unless the notes are re-financed. Working capital optimization will continue to be a focus, building on the positive trends exhibited late in 2008 at both CTR and Mark's. Inventory reduction in particular will be a focus for CTR as on-hand seasonal carry-over product is flowed to CTR stores during the spring and summer season. To meet the operating and capital demands of 2009, management expects to have available:- Operating cash flow - Further broker deposits - High rate savings receipts - Committed bank linesAs of January 3rd, 2009, CTC had $1.22 billion in committed lines of credit of which $775 million will be increased in term to two years, with annual renewals, subject only to the completion of legal documentation, which is expected by the end of February. The balance of the lines are committed until early 2010 and are typically extended on a quarterly basis thereafter. Management will continue to monitor market conditions and consider the following actions to lock down longer-term financing, as it warrants:- Securitization of receivables - Corporate MTNs - Sale and leaseback of selected CTR store propertiesShort-term funding needs will be met through corporate and Glacier CP programs. Overall, Management is very confident that it has sufficient liquidity to support its funding requirements throughout 2009. DIVIDENDS The Board of Directors today declared a quarterly dividend paymentof 21 cents per share, unchanged from the amount paid in the last quarter of 2008, which will be paid on June 1, 2009 to shareholders of record as of April 30, 2009. These dividends are considered "eligible dividends" for tax purposes. Canadian Tire's policy is to maintain dividend payments equal to approximately 15 to 20% of the prior year's normalized basic net earnings per share, after giving consideration to the period end cash position, future cash requirements, market conditions and investment opportunities. Normalized net earnings per share for this purpose exclude gains and losses on the sale of credit card and loans receivable and non-recurring items but include gains and losses on the ordinary course disposition of property and equipment. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This document contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, our objectives, goals, strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "suspect", "outlook", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "forecast", "objective" and "continue" (or the negative thereof) and words and expressions of similar import, and include statements concerning possible or assumed future results. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Information about material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations and about material factors or assumptions applied in making forward-looking statements may be found in the body of this document, as well as in the 2007 Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). The forward-looking information contained in this earnings release is presented for the purpose of assisting the Company's security holders and financial analysts in understanding its financial position and results of operations as at and for the periods ended on the dates presented and the Company's strategic priorities and objectives, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. When relying on the forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward- looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, including those statements that are incorporated by reference herein, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on its behalf, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. REVIEW BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Canadian Tire Board of Directors, on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, has approved the contents of this disclosure. CONFERENCE CALL Canadian Tire will conduct a conference call to discuss information included in this news release and related matters at 4:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, February 12, 2009. The conference call will be available simultaneously and in its entirety to all interested investors and the news media through a webcast at http://corp.canadiantire.ca/EN/investors, and will be available through replay at this website for 12 months. Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited (TSX: CTC.a, CTC), operates more than 1,200 general merchandise and apparel retail stores and gas stations in an inter-related network of businesses engaged in retail, financial services and petroleum. Canadian Tire Retail, Canada's most shopped general merchandise retailer, with 475 stores operated by dealers across Canada offers a unique mix of products and services through three specialty categories in which the organization is the market leader - Automotive, Sports and Leisure, and Home Products. www.canadiantire.ca offers Canadians the opportunity to research more than 25,000 products online. PartSource is an automotive parts specialty chain with 86 stores designed to meet the needs of purchasers of automotive parts - professional automotive installers and serious do-it-yourselfers. Canadian Tire Petroleum is one of the country's largest and most productive independent retailers of gasoline, operating 273 gas bars, 266 convenience stores and kiosks, and 74 car washes. Mark's Work Wearhouse is one of the country's leading apparel retailers operating 372 stores in Canada. Under the Clothes that Work™ marketing strategy, Mark's sells apparel and footwear in work, work-related, casual and active-wear categories, as well as health-care and business-to-business apparel. www.marks.com offers Canadians the opportunity to shop for Mark's products online. Canadian Tire Financial Services has issued over 5 million Canadian Tire MasterCards and also markets related financial products and services for retail and petroleum customers. Canadians can also access Financial Services online at www.ctfs.com. Over 57,000 Canadians work across Canadian Tire's organization from coast-to-coast in the enterprise's retail, financial services, and petroleum businesses.2008 FOURTH QUARTER INTERIM REPORT FINANCIALS Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 weeks 13 weeks 53 weeks 52 weeks (Dollars in ended, ended, ended, ended, millions except January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, per share amounts) 2009 2007 2009 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Restated - (Restated - Notes 2 Notes 2 and 15) and 15) Gross operating revenue $ 2,587.8 $ 2,505.1 $ 9,121.3 $ 8,606.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating expenses Cost of merchandise sold and all other operating expenses except for the undernoted items 2,304.6 2,232.1 8,199.6 7,694.0 Net interest expense (Note 7) 65.9 24.9 122.6 63.1 Depreciation and amortization 61.9 57.1 228.9 206.9 Employee Profit Sharing Plan 5.9 6.7 29.0 30.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total operating expenses 2,438.3 2,320.8 8,580.1 7,994.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes 149.5 184.3 541.2 611.2 Income taxes Current 68.4 72.4 209.1 210.7 Future (20.1) (19.4) (42.1) (11.2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income taxes 48.3 53.0 167.0 199.5 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 101.2 $ 131.3 $ 374.2 $ 411.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic and diluted earnings per share $ 1.24 $ 1.61 $ 4.59 $ 5.05 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Weighted average number of Common and Class A Non-Voting Shares outstanding 81,538,127 81,512,263 81,517,702 81,502,273 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 weeks 13 weeks 53 weeks 52 weeks ended, ended, ended, ended, January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, (Dollars in millions) 2009 2007 2009 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Restated - (Restated - Notes 2 Notes 2 and 15) and 15) Cash generated from (used for): Operating activities Net earnings $ 101.2 $ 131.3 $ 374.2 $ 411.7 Items not affecting cash Depreciation and amortization 61.9 57.1 228.9 206.9 Net provision for loans receivable (Note 3) 32.0 34.3 87.3 81.4 Changes in fair value of derivative instruments 39.1 (7.9) 55.6 (2.2) Other 9.4 - 7.9 2.5 Employee future benefits expense (Note 4) 1.6 1.6 6.4 6.5 Fair market value adjustment and impairments on property and equipment 0.8 1.1 2.5 3.9 Impairment of other long-term investments (Note 11) 1.0 - 2.0 1.3 Gain on disposals of property and equipment (3.7) (7.3) (7.8) (17.4) Future income taxes (20.1) (19.4) (42.1) (11.2) Securitization loans receivable (11.6) (12.2) (51.9) (52.7) Gain on sales of loans receivable (Note 3) (10.2) (16.6) (73.7) (83.6) Gain on disposals/redemptions of shares - - - (18.4) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 201.4 162.0 589.3 528.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Changes in other working capital components 253.2 387.9 (406.9) (467.1) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash generated from operating activities 454.6 549.9 182.4 61.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Investing activities Additions to property and equipment (61.2) (167.7) (436.9) (587.7) Investment in loans receivable, net (105.1) (227.1) (140.5) (296.5) Purchases of stores (8.0) (4.6) (36.5) (11.4) Net securitization of loans receivable (272.0) (403.2) (31.7) (420.1) Long-term receivables and other assets (28.7) 1.2 (27.2) 20.8 Other long-term investments (19.6) - (19.6) - Reclassification of other long-term investments (Note 11) - - - (8.9) Other (0.7) (0.8) (4.2) (3.9) Proceeds on disposition of property and equipment 9.5 10.9 240.1 30.0 Proceeds on disposals/redemptions of shares - - - 18.4 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash used for investing activities (485.8) (791.3) (456.5) (1,259.3) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Financing activities Net change in deposits (Note 15) 838.4 76.3 1,024.1 113.1 Class A Non-Voting Share transactions 6.0 (4.2) 7.0 0.2 Issuance of long-term debt (0.1) 300.7 0.1 300.9 Commercial paper (367.2) (135.4) - - Dividends (17.1) (15.2) (66.4) (58.8) Repayment of long-term debt (1.9) (2.1) (156.2) (4.5) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash generated from financing activities 458.1 220.1 808.6 350.9 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash generated (used) in the period 426.9 (21.3) 534.5 (846.8) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 2.1 (84.2) (105.5) 741.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of period (Note 8) $ 429.0 $ (105.5) $ 429.0 $ (105.5) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 weeks 13 weeks 53 weeks 52 weeks ended, ended, ended, ended, January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, (Dollars in millions) 2009 2007 2009 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Restated - (Restated - Notes 2) Notes 2) Net earnings $ 101.2 $ 131.3 $ 374.2 $ 411.7 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes Gain (loss) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $56.7 and $68.9 (2007 - $4.7 and $40.3), respectively 117.4 3.3 139.7 (80.2) Reclassification to non-financial asset of (gain) loss on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $18.5 and $10.1 (2007 - $3.3 and $11.5), respectively (38.4) 7.5 (20.5) 22.8 Reclassification to earnings of loss (gain) on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, net of tax of $9.2 and $12.0 (2007 - $0.7 and $0.7), respectively 22.0 1.4 28.0 (1.2) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other comprehensive income (loss) 101.0 12.2 147.2 (58.6) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Comprehensive income $ 202.2 $ 143.5 $ 521.4 $ 353.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 53 weeks 52 weeks ended, ended, January 3, December 29, (Dollars in millions) 2009 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Restated - Notes 2) Share capital Balance, beginning of period $ 700.7 $ 702.7 Transactions, net (Note 5) 14.7 (2.0) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ 715.4 $ 700.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contributed surplus Balance, beginning of period $ 2.3 $ 0.1 Transactions, net (2.3) 2.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ - $ 2.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained earnings Balance, beginning of period as previously reported $ 2,440.9 $ 2,083.7 Transitional adjustment on adoption of new accounting policies (Note 2) 14.2 20.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, beginning of period as restated 2,455.1 2,103.8 Net earnings for the period 374.2 411.7 Dividends (68.4) (60.4) Repurchase of Class A Non-Voting Shares (5.4) - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ 2,755.5 $ 2,455.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Balance, beginning of period $ (50.0) $ 8.6 Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period 147.2 (58.6) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ 97.2 $ (50.0) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income $ 2,852.7 $ 2,405.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in millions) January 3, December 29, As at 2009 2007 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Restated - Notes 2 and 15) ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents (Note 8) $ 429.0 $ - Accounts receivable 824.1 715.0 Loans receivable (Note 3) 1,683.4 1,486.1 Merchandise inventories (Note 2) 917.5 778.7 Income taxes recoverable 64.2 53.2 Prepaid expenses and deposits 40.2 29.5 Future income taxes 20.2 75.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current assets 3,978.6 3,138.2 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term receivables and other assets (Note 3) 265.4 231.2 Other long-term investments, net (Note 11) 25.2 7.6 Goodwill 70.7 51.8 Intangible assets 58.4 52.4 Property and equipment, net 3,389.8 3,283.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets $ 7,788.1 $ 6,764.8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- LIABILITIES Current liabilities Bank indebtedness (Note 8) $ - $ 105.5 Deposits 540.7 111.5 Accounts payable and other 1,444.2 1,740.4 Current portion of long-term debt 14.8 156.3 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total current liabilities 1,999.7 2,113.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt 1,373.5 1,341.8 Future income taxes 45.9 71.8 Long-term deposits 598.7 3.8 Other long-term liabilities 202.2 125.6 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities 4,220.0 3,656.7 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Share capital (Note 5) 715.4 700.7 Contributed surplus - 2.3 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 97.2 (50.0) Retained earnings 2,755.5 2,455.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' equity 3,568.1 3,108.1 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 7,788.1 $ 6,764.8 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Basis of Presentation These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements (the "financial statements") have been prepared by management in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited and its subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the "Company". These financial statements do not contain all disclosures required by Canadian GAAP for annual financial statements, and accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the most recently issued annual financial statements for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007 contained in our 2007 Annual Report. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Estimates are used when accounting for items such as income taxes, impairment of assets (including goodwill), employee benefits, product warranties, inventory provisions, amortization, uncollectible loans, environmental reserves, asset retirement obligations, financial instruments, and the liability for the Company's loyalty programs. The quarter and year ended January 3, 2009 consisted of 14 weeks and 53 weeks, respectively while the quarter and year ended December 29, 2007 consisted of 13 weeks and 52 weeks, respectively. 2. Change in Accounting Policies These financial statements follow the same accounting policies and methods of their application as the most recently issued annual financial statements for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007, except as noted below. Merchandise inventories Effective, December 30, 2007 (the first day of the Company's 2008 fiscal year), the Company implemented, on a retrospective basis with restatement, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook Section 3031 - Inventories, which is effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2008. This new standard provides guidance on the determination of cost and requires inventories to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value. The cost of inventories includes the cost of purchase and other costs incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Costs such as storage costs, administrative overheads that do not contribute to bringing the inventories to their present location and condition, and selling costs are specifically excluded from the cost of inventories and are expensed in the period incurred. Reversals of previous write-downs to net realizable value are now required when there is a subsequent increase in the value of inventories. The cost of inventories should be determined using either a first-in, first-out or weighted average cost formula. Techniques for the measurement of cost of inventories, such as the retail method or standard cost method, may be used for convenience if the results approximate actual cost. The new standard also requires additional disclosures including the accounting policies adopted in measuring inventories, the carrying amount of inventories, amount of inventories recognized as an expense during the period, the amount of write-downs during the period and the amount of any reversal of write-downs that is recognized as a reduction of expenses. The Company's new policy to correspond with the new standard is as follows: Merchandise inventories are carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value, with cost being determined as weighted average cost. As a result of the retrospective implementation of this new standard, the cumulative impact on previously reported balances on the following dates is as follows: (Dollars in millions) Increase / (Decrease) ------------------------------------------ December 29, 2007 December 30, 2006 ------------------------------------------ Retained earnings $14.2 $20.1 Inventories 22.0 31.5 Income taxes recoverable (5.8) - Future income tax assets (2.0) (5.3) Accounts payable and other - 0.6 Income taxes payable - 5.5 In addition, the retrospective impact on net earnings for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2007 was an increase of $6.3 million, or $0.08 per share, and for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007 a reduction of $5.9 million, or $0.07 per share. Included in "cost of merchandise sold and all other operating expenses except for the undernoted items" for the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009 is $1,811.9 million (2007 - $1,797.6 million) and $6,422.0 million (2007 - $6,060.8 million), respectively, of inventory recognized as an expense, which included $19.3 million (2007 - $11.0 million) and $68.2 million (2007 - $42.6 million), respectively, of write-downs of inventory as a result of net realizable value being lower than cost. Inventory write-downs recognized in previous periods and reversed in the current quarter and year to date and the comparative quarter and year to date were insignificant. Financial instruments Effective, December 30, 2007, the Company implemented the new CICA Handbook Section 3862 "Financial Instruments - Disclosures" and CICA Handbook Section 3863 "Financial Instruments - Presentation". These standards replaced the existing CICA Handbook Section 3861 "Financial Instruments - Disclosure and Presentation". They require increased disclosures regarding the risks associated with financial instruments and how these risks are managed. These new standards carry forward the presentation standards for financial instruments and non- financial derivatives but provide additional guidance for the classification of financial instruments, from the perspective of the issuer, between liabilities and equity. The adoption of these new standards did not require any changes to the Company's accounting, but does require additional note disclosure, which is included in note 10. Capital management disclosures Effective, December 30, 2007, the Company implemented the new CICA Handbook Section 1535 "Capital Disclosures" which is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2007. The new standard requires entities to disclose information about their objectives, policies and processes for managing capital, as well as their compliance with any externally imposed capital requirements. The adoption of this new standard did not require any changes to the Company's accounting, but does require additional note disclosure, which is included in note 9. Future accounting changes Goodwill and intangible assets In February 2008, the CICA issued CICA HB 3064 - Goodwill and Intangible Assets, which replaces CICA HB 3062 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets as well as CICA HB 3450 - Research and Development. This new standard provides guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of goodwill and intangible assets. As this standard applies to interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2008, the Company will adopt this new standard effective January 4, 2009 (the first day of the Company's 2009 fiscal year) retrospectively with a restatement of prior periods. It is anticipated that the restatement upon adoption will not result in a significant impact on pre-tax earnings and total assets. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) In February 2008, the CICA announced that Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for publicly accountable enterprises will be replaced by International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2011. Companies will be required to provide IFRS comparative information for the previous fiscal year. Accordingly, the conversion from Canadian GAAP to IFRS will be applicable to the Company's reporting for the first quarter of 2011 for which the current and comparative information will be prepared under IFRS. The Company expects the transition to IFRS to impact accounting, financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting, taxes, IT systems and processes as well as certain contractual arrangements. The Company is currently assessing the impact of the transition to IFRS in the above areas and has deployed additional trained resources and formal project management practices and governance to ensure the timely conversion to IFRS. 3. Loans Receivable The Company sells pools of loans receivable (the Loans) to third party trusts (the Trusts) in transactions known as securitizations. The transactions are accounted for as sales in accordance with CICA Accounting Guideline 12 (AcG-12), Transfers of Receivables, and the Loans are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company retains the interest-only strip, and, for the personal loan securitization, a subordinated interest in the loans sold (the "seller's interest") and cash deposited with one of the Trusts (the "securitization reserve"), which are components of retained interests. The interest-only strip represents the present value of the expected spread to be earned over the collection period on the loans receivable sold. The expected spread is equal to the yield earned, less the net write-offs and interest expense on the loans receivable sold. The seller's interest and securitization reserve provide the Trust with a source of funds in the event that the interest and principal collected on the Loans is not sufficient to pay the Trust's creditors. The Trusts' recourse to the Company is limited to the interest-only strip, the seller's interest and the securitization reserve and for the credit card loan securitization, the additional enhancement required to be maintained. The proceeds of the sale are deemed to be the cash received, interest-only strip and securitization reserve, less any servicing obligation assumed. The servicing liability represents the Company's estimated cost of servicing the securitized loans and is amortized over the life of the securitized loans. The proceeds are allocated between the Loans, interest-only strip, seller's interest and securitization reserve based on their relative fair value at the date of sale, with any excess or deficiency recorded as a gain or loss on sale, respectively. The Trusts have not been consolidated in these financial statements because either they meet the criteria for a qualified special purpose entity (which are exempt from consolidation) or the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Quantitative information about loans managed and securitized by the Company is as follows: Average balances for the for the (Dollars in Total principal amount 53 weeks 52 weeks millions) of receivables as at(1) ended ended ----------------------- ------------------------- January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, 2009 2007 2009 2007 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total net managed credit card loans $ 3,780.4 $ 3,681.3 $ 3,601.5 $ 3,370.2 Credit card loans sold (2,216.0) (2,233.7) (2,592.9) (2,602.0) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Credit card loans held 1,564.4 1,447.6 1,008.6 768.2 Total net managed personal loans(2) 83.8 140.2 114.2 179.7 Personal loans sold - (56.0) (17.8) (85.1) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Personal loans held 83.8 84.2 96.4 94.6 Total net managed mortgage loans(3) 138.8 35.4 76.0 13.1 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total net managed line of credit loans(4) 20.6 - 23.7 - ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Total loans receivable 1,807.6 1,567.2 $ 1,204.7 $ 875.9 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Less: long-term portion(5) (124.2) (81.1) ------------ ------------ Current portion of loans receivable $ 1,683.4 $ 1,486.1 ------------ ------------ (1) Amounts shown are net of allowance for credit losses. (2) Personal loans are unsecured loans that are provided to qualified existing credit cardholders for terms of three to five years. Personal loans have fixed monthly payments of principal and interest; however, the personal loans can be repaid at any time without penalty. The securitized portfolio of personal loans of $43.7 million was repurchased in May 2008 for $26.7 million. (3) Mortgage loans are issued for terms of up to ten years, have fixed or variable interest rates, are secured and include a mix of both high and low ratio loans. High ratio loans are fully insured and low ratio loans are partially insured. (4) Line of credit portfolio was purchased in January 2008 for $29.6 million. (5) The long-term portion of loans is included in "Long-term receivables and other assets". Net credit losses for the owned portfolio for the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009 were $32.0 million (2007 - $34.3 million) and $87.3 million (2007 - $81.4 million), respectively. Net credit losses for the total managed portfolio for the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009 were $67.6 million (2007 - $58.5 million) and $249.2 million (2007 - $217.3 million), respectively. 4. Employee Future Benefits The net employee future benefit expense for the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009 was $1.6 million (2007 - $1.6 million) and $6.4 million (2007 - $6.5 million), respectively. 5. Share Capital (Dollars in millions) January 3, December 29, 2009 2007 ------------------------- Authorized 3,423,366 Common Shares 100,000,000 Class A Non-Voting Shares Issued 3,423,366 Common Shares (December 29, 2007 - 3,423,366) $ 0.2 $ 0.2 78,178,066 Class A Non-Voting Shares (December 29, 2007 - 78,048,062) 715.2 700.5 ------------ ------------ $ 715.4 $ 700.7 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ The Company issues and repurchases Class A Non-Voting Shares. The net excess of the issue price over the repurchase price results in contributed surplus. The net excess of the repurchase price over the issue price is allocated first to contributed surplus, to the extent of any previous net excess from the issue of shares, with any remainder allocated to retained earnings. The following transactions occurred with respect to Class A Non- Voting Shares: (Dollars in 53 weeks ended 52 weeks ended millions) January 3, 2009 December 29, 2007 ------------------------- ------------------------- Number $ Number $ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Shares outstanding at the beginning of the period 78,048,062 700.5 78,047,456 702.5 Issued 649,804 36.9 457,606 35.1 Repurchased (519,800) (29.9) (457,000) (34.9) Excess of repurchase price over issue price (issue price over repurchase price) - 7.7 - (2.2) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ Shares outstanding at the end of the period 78,178,066 715.2 78,048,062 700.5 ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 6. Stock-based Compensation Plans All stock-based compensation plans are as disclosed in the most recently issued annual financial statements for the 52 weeks ended December 29, 2007 except as follows: 2008 Performance Share Unit Plan The Company has granted 2008 performance share units (2008 PSUs) to certain employees. Each 2008 PSU entitles the participant to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the weighted average closing price of Class A Non-Voting Shares traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the 20-day period prior to and including the last day of the performance period, multiplied by an applicable multiplier determined by specific performance-based criteria. Compensation expense related to 2008 PSUs is accrued over the performance period based on the expected total compensation to be paid out at the end of the performance period. For the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, $1.4 million and $2.9 million of compensation expense was recorded for the 2008 PSUs, respectively. 7. Segmented Information - Statement of Earnings --------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 weeks 13 weeks 53 weeks 52 weeks ended ended ended ended January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, 2009 2007 2009 2007 (Restated - (Restated - (Dollars in Notes 2 and Notes 2 and millions) 15) 15) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Gross operating revenue CTR $ 1,636.4 $ 1,583.7 $ 5,669.1 $ 5,473.5 Financial Services 212.4 190.3 820.4 745.9 Petroleum 414.3 434.1 1,871.2 1,666.5 Mark's 355.7 326.2 872.4 825.3 Eliminations (31.0) (29.2) (111.8) (105.1) ---------------------------------------------------- Total gross operating revenue $ 2,587.8 $ 2,505.1 $ 9,121.3 $ 8,606.1 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Earnings before income taxes CTR $ 26.6 $ 81.0 $ 249.2 $ 302.4 Financial Services 45.1 32.6 189.5 190.3 Petroleum 6.1 3.7 26.6 20.5 Mark's 71.7 67.0 75.9 98.0 ---------------------------------------------------- Total earnings before income taxes 149.5 184.3 541.2 611.2 ---------------------------------------------------- Income taxes 48.3 53.0 167.0 199.5 ---------------------------------------------------- Net earnings $ 101.2 $ 131.3 $ 374.2 $ 411.7 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Interest expense(1) CTR $ 55.5 $ 18.6 $ 103.2 $ 59.0 Financial Services 9.3 5.4 15.1 1.0 Mark's 1.1 0.9 4.3 3.1 ---------------------------------------------------- Total interest expense $ 65.9 $ 24.9 $ 122.6 $ 63.1 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Depreciation and amortization expense CTR $ 46.9 $ 44.2 $ 174.6 $ 159.1 Financial Services 3.5 3.4 13.5 12.8 Petroleum 4.9 4.4 17.2 16.7 Mark's 6.6 5.1 23.6 18.3 ---------------------------------------------------- Total deprec- iation and amortization expense $ 61.9 $ 57.1 $ 228.9 $ 206.9 --------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Net interest expense includes interest on short-term and long- term debt, offset by passive interest income. Interest on long- term debt for the 14 weeks and 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009 was $60.3 million (2007 - $20.5 million) and $117.9 million (2007 - $67.1 million), respectively. Segmented Information - Total Assets --------------------------------------------------------------------- January 3, December 29, 2009 2007 (Restated - (Dollars in millions) Note 2) --------------------------------------------------------------------- CTR $ 5,802.5 $ 5,732.4 Financial Services 2,552.8 1,852.0 Petroleum 352.9 573.4 Mark's 510.4 464.1 Eliminations (1,430.5) (1,857.1) ---------------------------------------------------- Total $ 7,788.1 $ 6,764.8 --------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Cash and Cash Equivalents (Bank Indebtedness) The components of cash and cash equivalents (bank indebtedness) are: January 3, December 29, (Dollars in millions) 2009 2007 ------------ ------------ Cash $ 59.2 $ 71.8 Line of credit borrowings - (316.8) Short-term investments 369.8 139.5 ------------ ------------ Cash and cash equivalents (bank indebtedness) $ 429.0 $ (105.5) ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ 9. Capital Management Disclosures The Company's objectives when managing capital are: - minimizing the after-tax cost of capital; and - maintaining flexibility in capital structure to ensure the ongoing ability to execute the Strategic Plan; Management includes the following items in its definition of capital: (Dollars in January 3, December 29, millions) 2009 % of total 2007 % of total ------------------------ -------------------------- Current portion of long-term debt $ 14.8 0.3% $ 156.3 3.4% Long-term debt 1,373.5 25.1% 1,341.8 28.8% Long-term deposits 598.7 11.0% 3.8 0.1% Other long-term liabilities(1) 3.2 0.1% 10.6 0.2% Share capital 715.4 13.1% 700.7 15.0% Contributed surplus - - % 2.3 0.0% Components of accumulated other comprehensive loss(2) - - % (8.5) (0.2)% Retained earnings 2,755.5 50.4% 2,455.1 52.7% ------------------------ -------------------------- Net capital under management $ 5,461.1 100.0% $ 4,662.1 100.0% ------------------------ -------------------------- ------------------------ -------------------------- (1) Long-term liabilities that are derivative or hedge instruments related to capital items only. (2) Components of other comprehensive loss relating to capital items only. The Company has in place various policies which it uses to manage capital, including a leverage and liquidity policy and a securities and derivatives policy. As part of the overall management of capital, management's Financial Risk Management Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board review the Company's compliance with and performance against these policies. In addition, management's Financial Risk Management Committee and the Audit Committee of the Board perform periodic reviews of the policies to ensure they remain consistent with the risk tolerance acceptable to the Company and with current market trends and conditions. To assess its effectiveness in managing capital, management monitors certain key ratios to ensure they are within targeted ranges. January 3, December 29, 2009 2007(1) ------------------------ Debt ratio Long-term debt to total capitalization(2) 34.2% 31.2% Coverage ratio Interest coverage(3) 5.4 times 10.7 times ------------------------ (1) 2007 results have been restated for the implementation, on a retrospective basis, of CICA HB 3031 - Inventories. (2) Long-term debt includes the current portion of long-term debt. Capitalization is based on current and long-term debt, long- term deposits, future income taxes, other long-term liabilities and shareholders' equity. (3) Interest coverage is calculated on a rolling 12-month basis for short-term and long-term interest on debt, net of short-term interest income. As part of existing debt agreements, two key financial covenants are monitored on an on-going basis by management to ensure compliance with the agreements. The key covenants are as follows: - net tangible assets coverage - calculated as: - total assets less intangible assets, current liabilities (excluding current portion of long-term debt), and liability for employee future benefits - divided by long-term debt (including current portion of long- term debt) - limitations on surplus available for distribution to shareholders - the Company is restricted from distributions (including dividends and redemptions or purchases of shares) exceeding its accumulated net income over a defined period. The Company was in compliance with these covenants during the period. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Canadian Tire Bank (the "Bank") manages its capital under guidelines established by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada ("OSFI"). The regulatory capital guidelines measure capital in relation to credit, market and operational risks. The Bank has various capital policies, procedures and controls which it utilizes to achieve its goals and objectives. The Bank's objectives include: - Providing sufficient capital to maintain the confidence of depositors. - Being an appropriately capitalized institution, as measured internally, defined by regulatory authorities and compared with the Bank's peers. - Achieving the lowest overall cost of capital consistent with preserving the appropriate mix of capital elements to meet target capitalization levels. The Bank's total capital consists of two tiers of capital approved under OSFI's current regulatory capital guidelines. As at December 31, 2008 (the bank's fiscal fourth quarter), Tier 1 capital includes common shares and retained earnings reduced by net securitization exposures. The Bank currently does not hold any instruments in Tier 2 capital. Risk-weighted assets ("RWA"), referenced in the regulatory guidelines, include all on-balance sheet assets weighted for the risk inherent in each type of asset as well as an operational risk component based on a percentage of average risk-weighted revenues. The Bank's ratios are above internal minimum targets of 12% for Tier 1 and Total capital ratios and within internal maximum targets of 11.0 times for the assets to capital multiple. OSFI's minimum Tier 1 and Total capital ratios for Canadian banks are 7% and 10%, respectively. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2008, the Bank complied with the capital guidelines issued by OSFI under the "International Convergence of Capital Measurement and Capital Standards - A Revised Framework" ("Basel II"). For the comparative period, the Bank complied with the capital guidelines issued by OSFI under the then current Basel I Capital Accord ("Basel I"). 10. Financial Instruments Disclosures Allowance for credit losses The Company's allowances for receivables are maintained at levels which are considered adequate to absorb future credit losses. A continuity of the Company's allowances for credit losses is as follows: Credit card loans Other loans(1) --------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, millions) 2009 2007 2009 2007 --------------------------------------------------- Balance, beginning of year $ 51.5 $ 30.4 $ 2.7 $ 2.9 Provision for credit losses 78.0 75.8 9.3 5.6 Recoveries 15.0 11.5 0.7 0.2 Write-offs (92.7) (66.2) (9.2) (6.0) --------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ 51.8 $ 51.5 $ 3.5 $ 2.7 --------------------------------------------------- Accounts receivable Total(2) --------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, millions) 2009 2007 2009 2007 --------------------------------------------------- Balance, beginning of year $ 5.0 $ 4.6 $ 59.2 $ 37.9 Provision for credit losses 1.0 0.4 88.3 81.8 Recoveries 0.3 0.1 16.0 11.8 Write-offs (3.0) (0.1) (104.9) (72.3) --------------------------------------------------- Balance, end of period $ 3.3 $ 5.0 $ 58.6 $ 59.2 --------------------------------------------------- (1) Other Loans include personal loans, mortgages loans and lines of credit loans. (2) Relates to Company owned receivables. Foreign currency risk The Company has significant demand for foreign currencies, primarily United States dollars, due to global sourcing. However, it mitigates its exposure to foreign exchange rate risk through active hedging programs and through its ability, subject to competitive conditions, to pass on changes in foreign currency exchange rates through pricing. Liquidity risk The following table summarizes the Company's contractual maturity for its financial liabilities. The table includes both interest and principal cash flows. (Dollars in millions) 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years -------------------------------------------------- Deposits $ 545.7 $ 162.4 $ 95.6 $ 39.3 $ 301.5 Accounts payable and other 1,425.4 - - - - Long-term debt 14.7 458.9 21.1 8.4 6.5 Interest payment(1) 100.1 89.5 62.7 56.1 118.8 Other - 9.7 - - 8.1 -------------------------------------------------- Total $ 2,085.9 $ 720.5 $ 179.4 $ 103.8 $ 434.9 -------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- (Dollars in millions) Thereafter Total --------------------- Deposits $ - $ 1,144.5 Accounts payable and other - 1,425.4 Long-term debt 862.9 1,372.5 Interest payment(1) 665.3 1,092.5 Other - 17.8 -------------------- Total $ 1,528.2 $ 5,052.7 -------------------- -------------------- (1) Includes interest payments on deposits and long-term debt. Interest rate risk The Company is exposed to interest rate risk, which it manages through the use of interest rate swaps. The Company has a policy in place that requires a minimum of 75% of its long term debt (term greater than one year) to be at fixed versus floating interest rates. The Company is in compliance with the policy. 11. Other Long-Term Investments Included in other long-term investments is the Company's remaining investment of $5.6 million (2007 - $7.6 million) in Canadian third- party asset-backed commercial paper ("ABCP") issued by a number of trusts with an original cost of $8.9 million. The market for Canadian third-party ABCP, which was greatly impacted by the global disruption in the market experienced in August 2007, has been addressed in a formal restructuring proposal. Based on information provided to investors who hold ABCP through the formal restructuring proposal and market changes during the year, the Company recorded an additional $2.0 million before-tax provision for impairment of the ABCP during 2008. The total charge for impairment is $3.3 million or 37 percent of the original value of the ABCP. The valuation model used by the Company to estimate the fair value of the ABCP incorporates discounted cash flows considering the best available information regarding market conditions and other factors that a market participant would consider for such investments. The valuation assumed a redemption term of approximately nine years corresponding to the expected maturities of the ABCP held by the Company. As indicated above, the Company's valuation assumed that the replacement notes will bear interest rates similar to short-term instruments and that such rates would be commensurate with the nature of the underlying assets and their associated cash flows. The Company used a weighted average discount rate of 7.35%. Subsequent to the year-end, on January 21, 2009, the Company received restructured ABCP as designed in the Montreal Accord. The $8.9 million MAV II notes are floating rate notes with expected payouts in eight years in January 2017. Accrued interest owed from August 2007 to present is expected in two payments, the first was received on January 21, 2009 at 3.21 per cent of face value ($0.3 million), and the rest will be received at a future date. There still remains some uncertainty regarding the value of the underlying assets, the amount and timing of cash flows and whether a secondary market can be established for the new notes and this could give rise to a further change in the value of the Company's investment in ABCP. While these changes could positively or negatively affect the Company's future earnings, it would not be considered material to the Company's overall financial position, given the relatively small amount of ABCP held at January 3, 2009. The write-down of the Company's investment in ABCP had no effect to date on the Company's debt covenants, debt ratings or compliance with banking regulations governing the Financial Services segment or Canadian Tire Bank. The Company does not expect a material adverse impact on its business as a result of the current third-party ABCP liquidity issue. 12. Supplementary Cash Flow Information The Company paid income taxes during the 14 weeks ended January 3, 2009 of $49.5 million (2007 - $44.4 million) and made interest payments of $35.5 million (2007 - $31.4 million). For the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, the Company paid income taxes of $220.1 million (2007 - $348.4 million) and made interest payments of $108.7 million (2007 - $88.5 million). During the 14 weeks ended January 3, 2009, property and equipment were acquired at an aggregate cost of $134.9 million (2007 - $194.8 million). During the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, property and equipment were acquired at an aggregate cost of $471.9 million (2007 - $592.7 million). The amount of property and equipment acquired that is included in accounts payable and other at January 3, 2009 was $102.1 million (2007 - $65.1 million). 13. Legal Matters The Company and certain of its subsidiaries are party to a number of legal proceedings. The Company believes that each such proceeding constitutes a routine legal matter incidental to the business conducted by the Company and that the ultimate disposition of the proceedings will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated earnings, cash flow or financial position. 14. Tax Matters In the ordinary course of business, the Company is subject to ongoing audits by tax authorities. While the Company believes that its tax filing positions are appropriate and supportable, from time to time, certain matters are reviewed and challenged by the tax authorities. The main issues challenged by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) relate to the tax treatment of commissions paid to foreign subsidiaries of the Company (covering periods from 1995 to 2007), and dividends received on an investment made by a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company related to reinsurance (covering periods from 1999 to 2003). The applicable provincial tax authorities have reassessed and are also expected to issue further reassessments on these matters for the corresponding periods. The Company has agreed with the CRA to settle the commissions issue for the period 1995-2003, although the determination of the final tax liability pursuant to the settlement is subject to the verification by the CRA of certain information provided by the Company. The Company believes the provincial tax authorities will also reassess on the same basis. The Company does not have a significant exposure on this issue subsequent to the 2003 taxation year. The reassessments with respect to the dividends received issue are based on multiple grounds, some of which are highly unusual. The Company has appealed the reassessments and the matter is currently pending before the Tax Court of Canada. If the CRA (and applicable provincial tax authorities) were entirely successful in their reassessments - an outcome that the Company and its tax advisors believe to be unlikely - it is estimated that the total liability of the Company for additional taxes, interest and penalties could be approximately $189.0 million. Although the Company has appealed these reassessments, current tax legislation requires the Company to remit to the CRA and its provincial counterparts approximately $117.0 million related to this matter, of which $112.7 million had been remitted by the end of the quarter. The Company regularly reviews the potential for adverse outcomes in respect of tax matters. The Company believes that the ultimate disposition of the settlements, finalization of the commissions issue, resolution of the dividends received issue and other tax matters, will not have a material adverse effect on its liquidity, consolidated financial position or results of operations because the Company believes that it has adequate provision for these tax matters. Should the ultimate tax liability materially differ from the provision, the Company's effective tax rate and its earnings could be affected positively or negatively in the period in which the matters are resolved. 15. Comparative Figures Passive interest income has been reclassified from gross operating revenue to net short-term interest expense on the consolidated statement of earnings. The Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, Canadian Tire Bank, began taking deposits from customers commencing in 2007. Previously, these amounts were classified in accounts payable and other in the consolidated balance sheets and in changes in other working capital components in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Commencing in the second quarter of 2008, these deposits are shown as current and long-term deposits in the consolidated balance sheets and a separate line in financing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The prior period's figures have been reclassified to conform to the current year's presentation. Interest Coverage Exhibit to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited) The Company's long-term interest requirements for the 53 weeks ended January 3, 2009, after annualizing interest on long-term debt issued and retired during this period, amounted to $129.2 million. The Company's earnings before interest on long-term debt and income taxes for the 53 weeks then ended were $659.0 million, which is 5.1 times the Company's long-term interest requirements for this period.%SEDAR: 00000534EF
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For further information: Media: Lisa Gibson, (416) 544-7655, lgibson@cantire.com; Investors: Karen Meagher, (416) 480-8058, karen.meagher@cantire.com