EX-99.1 2 g99649exv99w1.htm NEWS RELEASE News Release
 

Exhibit 99.1
(Office Depot Logo)
CONTACTS:
Ray Tharpe
Investor Relations
561/438-4540

ray.tharpe@officedepot.com
Brian Levine
Public Relations
561/438-2895

brian.levine@officedepot.com
OFFICE DEPOT ANNOUNCES FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR RESULTS
Delray Beach, Fla., February 15, 2006 — Office Depot, Inc. (NYSE: ODP), a leading global provider of office products and services, today announced fourth quarter (14 weeks) and full year results for the fiscal periods ended December 31, 2005.
FOURTH QUARTER RESULTS
Total Company sales for the fourth quarter grew 7% to $3.7 billion compared to the fourth quarter of 2004. Excluding the 53rd week of 2005, sales for the quarter increased 2% from the same period last year.
Net earnings for the quarter were $106 million compared to $52 million in the same quarter of the prior year, and diluted earnings per share were $0.34 in the fourth quarter of 2005 versus $0.17 in the same period a year ago. The fourth quarter 2004 and 2005 results include the effects of charges related to asset impairments, exit costs and other operating items which are more fully described in our Form 10-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Fourth quarter charges in 2005 had a $0.09 per diluted share negative impact on results, and net charges identified in the fourth quarter of 2004 had a $0.12 per diluted share negative impact on results. Without these charges and the benefits of having a 53rd week of sales, our fourth quarter 2005 net earnings were $117 million1 or $0.38 per share1. This is an increase of 31% compared to an adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter in the prior year of $0.291.
For the quarter, gross profit as a percentage of sales was 31.1%, down from 31.8% in the same period last year. Negative gross margin impact was primarily attributable to a decline in the International Division as gross margin was relatively consistent with the same quarter in the prior year for both the North American Retail and North American Business Solutions Divisions.
 
1   This is non-GAAP information. Except where specifically noted all references in this news release to financial results are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, as adopted in the United States (GAAP). Non-GAAP, or pro forma results, are presented where that presentation will afford investors an opportunity to make meaningful comparisons to results in prior periods. The presentation of such non-GAAP information is not intended in any manner to suggest that such information is superior to the presentation of GAAP information, but only to clarify some information and assist the reader. See reconciliations on our corporate website, officedepot.com, under the category Investor Relations.

 


 

Total operating expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 27.4% for the quarter, and 28.9% in the fourth quarter of 2004. Fourth quarter charges negatively impacted operating margin by 120 basis points in the current quarter, as compared to 100 basis points in the same quarter of the prior year. Improvements were realized in both general and administrative expenses as well as store and warehouse operating and selling expenses, driven by advertising cost efficiencies, increased sales leverage from the 53rd week, and lower warehouse costs.
Operating profit for the quarter was $137 million as compared to $103 million in the fourth quarter of the prior year. Fourth quarter charges, negatively impacted operating results by $45 million in 2005 as compared to $33 million in the fourth quarter of 2004.
Return on invested capital for the year was 9.5%, compared to 10.6% in the same period of the prior year. Charges in 2005 negatively impacted the calculation of our current return on invested capital by 310 basis points, and charges in 2004 negatively impacted the calculation of ROIC in the prior period by 60 basis points.
Share Repurchase
We repurchased 11.5 million shares of our common stock for $330 million in the quarter under the $500 million share repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors in the fourth quarter of 2005. For the year, share repurchases totaled $815 million, or 29.8 million shares at an average share price of approximately $27. Today, we are announcing that Office Depot’s Board of Directors has granted authorization for the repurchase of an additional $500 million in market value of its common stock.
“We are pleased with the overall performance of North America in the fourth quarter,” said Steve Odland, Office Depot’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “The North American Retail Division recorded its eighth consecutive quarter of positive comparable sales while expanding its operating profit margin. Our retail comps for the quarter reflect solid promotions and merchandising that were particularly effective during a more heavily consumer based holiday season. Given the strong impact of the holiday season on this comp, we would caution people not to expect this level of performance going forward. North American Business Solutions Division sales increased by 6% excluding the 53rd week of sales, and division operating profit margins also expanded. Our International Division results are still not where we would like them to be. We remain optimistic on the long term potential of our International business, but cautious regarding expectations of immediate marked improvements in this Division’s performance based on modest changes in broad economic conditions in Europe. Our focus remains to improve profitability and grow this business over time.”
FOURTH QUARTER DIVISION RESULTS
North American Retail Division
Fourth quarter sales in the North American Retail Division increased 15% compared to the same period last year (8% excluding sales in the 53rd week). Comparable store sales in the 945 stores in the U.S. and Canada that have been open for more than one year increased 5% in the fourth quarter and 3% for the full year.
North American Retail had an operating profit of $119 million for the fourth quarter of 2005 up 20% from the same period in the prior year, and as a percentage of sales was 6.9%, up 30 basis points from the prior year. Fourth quarter 2005 charges negatively impacted operating results for the period by $7 million, and charges in the fourth quarter 2004 impacted that period’s operating results by $2 million. Broad based product category management improvement and increased private brand sales improved gross margin in the quarter. Effective advertising, leverage from the 53rd week of sales, and expense controls more than compensated for incremental costs associated with adding new stores during the period and helped to drive the increase in operating profit.

 


 

During the fourth quarter, the Company opened 41 new stores, while closing 1 office supply store. At the end of the fourth quarter, Office Depot operated a total of 1,047 office products superstores throughout the U.S. and Canada.
North American Business Solutions Division
North American Business Solutions Division sales increased by 11% in the fourth quarter compared to the same period last year (6% excluding the 53rd week of sales). We experienced broad based revenue growth in all customer segments.
Division operating profit was $130 million for the quarter, up 24% from the prior year, and as a percentage of sales was 11.8%, up 130 basis points from the same period in 2004. Fourth quarter 2005 charges negatively impacted operating profit by $7 million, while charges in the fourth quarter of the prior year had a negative $4 million impact on that period’s operating profit.
Gross margin for the Division was relatively unchanged, but selling and warehouse expense was leveraged from our call center optimization, positive effects of the 53rd week, and reduced expenses resulting from the integration of the Office Depot and Viking catalog brands.
International Division
International fourth quarter sales decreased 8% in U.S. dollars or 1% in local currencies compared to the same period in 2004. Excluding the 53rd week of sales, revenue decreased 10% or 3% in local currencies from the same quarter of the prior year. The change in exchange rates from the corresponding prior year period decreased sales reported in U.S. dollars by approximately $70 million for the quarter.
Division operating profit was $71 million or 7.9% of sales as compared to $92 million or 9.4% of sales in the prior year’s fourth quarter. Fourth quarter 2005 charges negatively impacted operating profit by $28 million, and fourth quarter 2004 charges negatively impacted operating profit in that quarter by $13 million.
Gross margin experienced substantial declines in the quarter because of continued pricing pressures in key product categories and increased competitive activity.
New Managing Director For Europe
Today Office Depot announced the appointment of Dirk Collin to the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Europe. In this position, he has general management accountability for all operations in Europe. Dirk comes to Office Depot with a proven track record of developing and growing sales organizations as well as successfully managing operations through restructuring initiatives. Dirk will report to the President of our International Division, Charles Brown, from our European headquarters in Venlo, Netherlands.
Acquisition
Office Depot also announced today the acquisition of a controlling interest in Best Office, one of the leading South Korean office supply companies. Best Office operates a network of over 70 franchised and company owned retail stores along with a complementary delivery sales channel. This $44 million dollar business will strengthen Office Depot’s global presence in a rapidly growing area of the world and extend our ability to service our global customers. The transaction is subject to normal regulatory approvals.

 


 

FULL YEAR RESULTS
For the year, sales were $14.3 billion, an increase of 5% from the prior year. Excluding the 53rd week, sales increased by 4% when compared to 2004. Comparable sales for the year in the North American Retail Division, excluding the 53rd week, increased by 3%.
Net earnings for 2005 were $274 million ($0.87 per share on a fully diluted basis). Included in 2005 net income were after tax charges of $185 million, or $0.59 per share in 2005 and $37 million in 2004. Without charges and the benefits of having a 53rd week of sales, our full year net earnings were $444 million, or $1.41 per share on a non-GAAP basis. This is an increase of 19% compared to an adjusted earnings per share for the prior year of $1.18 on a non-GAAP basis.
Operating profit in 2005 was $348 million on an operating margin of 2.4% as compared to an operating profit of $530 million in 2004 on an operating margin of 3.9%. 2005 charges negatively impacted operating margin by 200 basis points while 2004 charges had a negative impact of 20 basis points on the operating margin of the prior period.
Mr. Odland remarked, “Our Company is clearly headed in the right strategic direction. We are pleased with the results that we have achieved in 2005, but we are mindful of the significant work that still must be accomplished to drive continuous improvement in those operating results. We are focused on delivering top line growth as well as achieving results from various cost management activities in each of our Divisions. These growth and cost cutting initiatives will take some time to complete. In addition, competition in the office supply market both domestically and abroad is steadily increasing and we anticipate increased gross margin pressure in many product categories in the years to come. Globally, we have a significant percentage of sales where margins are more contractually linked. So, our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2005 results are promising, but we still have much to do.”
Non-GAAP Reconciliation
A reconciliation of GAAP results to results excluding Charges and the effects of the 53rd week may be accessed on our corporate website, officedepot.com, under the category, Company Info.

Conference Call Information
Office Depot will hold a conference call for investors and analysts at 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on today’s date. The conference call will be available to all investors via Web cast at http://investor.officedepot.com. Interested parties may contact Investor Relations at 561-438-7893 for further information.
About Office Depot
With annual sales of over $14 billion, Office Depot provides more office products and services to more customers in more countries than any other company. Incorporated in 1986 and headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, Office Depot conducts business in 22 countries and employs 47,000 people worldwide. The Company operates under the Office Depot®, Viking Office Products®, and Viking Direct® brand names.
Office Depot is a leader in every distribution channel — from retail stores and contract delivery to catalogs and e-commerce. With over $3.8 billion of sales, the Company is one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers. As of December 31, 2005, Office Depot had 1,047 retail stores in North America. Internationally, the Company conducts wholly-owned operations in 14 countries, and operates retail stores under joint venture and license arrangements in another six countries.
The company’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol ODP and is included in the S&P 500 Index. Additional press information can be found at: http://mediarelations.officedepot.com.

 


 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: Except for historical information, the matters discussed in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Forward-looking statements, including without limitation all of the projections and anticipated levels of future performance, involve risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed herein. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time by Office Depot in its filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including without limitation its most recent filing on Form 10-K, filed on February 15, 2006 and its 10-Q and 8-K filings made from time to time. You are strongly urged to review all such filings for a more detailed discussion of such risks and uncertainties. The Company’s SEC filings are readily obtainable at no charge at www.sec.gov and at www.freeEDGAR.com, as well as on a number of other commercial web sites.

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                 
    As of     As of  
    December 31, 2005     December 25, 2004  
Assets
               
 
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 703,197     $ 793,727  
Short-term investments
    200       161,133  
Receivables, net
    1,232,107       1,303,888  
Merchandise inventories, net
    1,360,274       1,408,778  
Deferred income taxes
    136,998       133,282  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    97,286       142,350  
 
           
 
               
Total current assets
    3,530,062       3,943,158  
 
               
Fixed assets:
               
Property and equipment, at cost
    2,727,407       2,836,633  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    1,415,670       1,373,605  
 
           
 
               
Net fixed assets
    1,311,737       1,463,028  
 
               
Goodwill
    881,182       1,049,669  
Other assets
    375,544       338,483  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 6,098,525     $ 6,794,338  
 
           
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
               
 
               
Current liabilities:
               
Trade accounts payable
  $ 1,324,198     $ 1,569,862  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    979,796       900,086  
Income taxes payable
    117,487       133,266  
Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt
    47,270       15,763  
 
           
 
               
Total current liabilities
    2,468,751       2,618,977  
 
               
Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities
    321,455       368,633  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    569,098       583,680  
 
               
Commitments and contingencies
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common stock — authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; outstanding shares — 419,812,671 in 2005 and 404,925,515 in 2004
    4,198       4,049  
Additional paid-in capital
    1,517,373       1,257,619  
Unamortized value of long-term incentive stock grant
          (2,125 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    140,745       339,708  
Retained earnings
    2,867,067       2,593,275  
Treasury stock, at cost — 122,787,210 shares in 2005 and 92,623,768 shares in 2004
    (1,790,162 )     (969,478 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    2,739,221       3,223,048  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 6,098,525     $ 6,794,338  
 
           

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
                                 
    14 Weeks Ended     13 Weeks Ended     53 Weeks Ended     52 Weeks Ended  
    December 31,     December 25,     December 31,     December 25,  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Sales
  $ 3,719,101     $ 3,469,418     $ 14,278,944     $ 13,564,699  
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs
    2,561,579       2,365,046       9,886,921       9,308,560  
 
                       
 
                               
Gross profit
    1,157,522       1,104,372       4,392,023       4,256,139  
 
                               
Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses
    826,070       809,294       3,220,081       3,025,729  
Asset impairments
    11,581             133,483       11,528  
General and administrative expenses
    174,097       186,196       666,563       665,825  
Other operating expenses
    8,467       6,014       23,854       23,080  
 
                       
 
                               
Operating profit
    137,307       102,868       348,042       529,977  
 
                               
Other income (expense):
                               
Interest income
    4,672       7,365       22,204       20,042  
Interest expense
    (242 )     (13,328 )     (32,380 )     (61,108 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt
          (45,407 )           (45,407 )
Miscellaneous income, net
    5,718       3,911       23,649       17,729  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings before income taxes
    147,455       55,409       361,515       461,233  
 
                               
Income tax expense
    41,189       3,280       87,723       125,729  
 
                       
 
                               
Net earnings
  $ 106,266     $ 52,129     $ 273,792     $ 335,504  
 
                       
 
                               
Earnings per common share:
                               
Basic
  $ 0.35     $ 0.17     $ 0.88     $ 1.08  
Diluted
    0.34       0.17       0.87       1.06  
 
                               
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    302,009       311,824       310,020       311,760  
Diluted
    308,046       314,714       315,242       315,625  

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
                 
    53 Weeks     52 Weeks  
    Ended     Ended  
    December 31,     December 25,  
    2005     2004  
Cash flows from operating activities:
               
Net earnings
  $ 273,792     $ 335,504  
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    268,098       269,166  
Charges for losses on inventories and receivables
    92,136       87,927  
Net earnings from equity method investments
    (23,394 )     (16,171 )
Compensation expense for share-based payments
    49,328       751  
Deferred income tax provision
    (109,946 )     10,889  
(Gain) loss on disposition of assets
    (7,947 )     (3,242 )
Facility closure costs and impairment charges
    47,166       13,263  
Asset impairments
    133,483       11,528  
Other operating activities
    10,563       (4,749 )
Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
Decrease (increase) in receivables
    4,397       (150,821 )
Increase in merchandise inventories
    (49,096 )     (114,160 )
Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets
    24,605       (20,615 )
Net (decrease) increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred credits
    (77,315 )     226,595  
 
           
Total adjustments
    362,078       310,361  
 
           
Net cash provided by operating activities
    635,870       645,865  
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Purchase of short-term investments
    (2,037,015 )     (67,975 )
Sale of short-term investments
    2,196,962       5,000  
Acquisition, net of cash acquired
          (7,900 )
Capital expenditures
    (260,773 )     (391,222 )
Acquisition of properties held for sale
          (19,570 )
Proceeds from disposition of assets and deposits received
    48,629       55,061  
 
           
Net cash used in investing activities
    (52,197 )     (426,606 )
 
           
 
               
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Net proceeds from exercise of stock options and sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans
    175,898       70,592  
Tax benefit from employee share-based exercises
    23,024        
Acquisition of treasury stock
    (815,236 )     (65,578 )
Proceeds from issuance of borrowings
    24,490        
Payments on long- and short-term borrowings
    (38,901 )     (11,491 )
Redemption of notes
          (250,000 )
 
           
Net cash used in financing activities
    (630,725 )     (256,477 )
 
           
 
               
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
    (43,478 )     40,056  
 
           
 
               
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (90,530 )     2,838  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    793,727       790,889  
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 703,197     $ 793,727  
 
           

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
OTHER ITEMS
(In millions, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
2005 Charges and 53rd Week Impact
A summary of the charges and the line item presentation of these amounts in our accompanying Consolidated Statement of Earnings is as follows.
         
    Amounts  
Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs
  $ 19.7  
Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses
    108.7  
Asset impairments
    133.5  
General and administrative expenses
    20.2  
 
     
Total pre-tax 2005 Charges
    282.1  
Income tax effect
    (96.8 )
 
     
After-tax impact
  $ 185.3  
Per share impact
  $ 0.59  
Of the total pre-tax 2005 charges, approximately $162.1 million were recorded in North American Retail, $62.1 million were recorded in North American Business Solutions, $37.7 million were recorded in International, and $20.2 were recorded in G&A. In addition to the amounts recognized in 2005, we expect to recognize an additional $51.7 million during 2006, $51.6 million during 2007 and $20.2 million during 2008, for total current and future charges of $405.6 million. The per share impact of the amount recognized in 2005 is based on 315.2 million shares.
53rd Week Impact
In accordance with our retail calendar convention, fiscal year 2005 includes a 53rd week, with a 14 week fourth quarter. Total sales on a 53-week basis increased 7%, or 2% on a 52-week basis. Included in the fourth quarter and full year net earnings is approximately $16 million, or $0.05 per diluted shares from this extra period.

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
DIVISION INFORMATION
($ In millions)
(Unaudited)
North American Retail Division
                                 
    Fourth Quarter     Year-to-Date  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Sales
  $ 1,725.0     $ 1,503.3     $ 6,510.2     $ 5,940.7  
% change
    15 %     8 %     10 %     5 %
 
                               
Division operating profit
  $ 119.1     $ 98.9     $ 318.9     $ 388.3  
% of sales
    6.9 %     6.6 %     4.9 %     6.6 %
Of the total pre-tax fourth quarter charges, approximately $7.0 million were recorded in North American Retail. Of the total pre-tax 2005 charges, approximately $162.1 million were recorded in North American Retail.
North American Business Solutions Division
                                 
    Fourth Quarter     Year-to-Date  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Sales
  $ 1,103.0     $ 995.3     $ 4,300.8     $ 4,045.5  
% change
    11 %     3 %     6 %     2 %
 
                               
Division operating profit
  $ 129.9     $ 104.6     $ 406.4     $ 399.5  
% of sales
    11.8 %     10.5 %     9.4 %     9.9 %
Of the total pre-tax fourth quarter charges, approximately $7.0 million were recorded in North American Business Solutions. Of the total pre-tax 2005 charges, approximately $62.1 million were recorded in North American Business Solutions.
International Division
                                 
    Fourth Quarter     Year-to-Date  
    2005     2004     2005     2004  
Sales
  $ 891.9     $ 971.5     $ 3,470.9     $ 3,580.8  
% change
    (8 )%     9 %     (3 )%     30 %
 
                               
Division operating profit
  $ 70.9     $ 91.6     $ 313.4     $ 431.4  
% of sales
    7.9 %     9.4 %     9.0 %     12.1 %
Of the total pre-tax fourth quarter charges, approximately $27.9 million were recorded in International. Of the total pre-tax 2005 charges, approximately $37.7 million were recorded in International.
Percentage of Sales by Division
                                 
North American Retail
    46.4 %     43.3 %     45.6 %     43.8 %
North American Business Solutions
    29.7 %     28.7 %     30.1 %     29.8 %
International
    23.9 %     28.0 %     24.3 %     26.4 %

 


 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.
OTHER SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA
(In thousands, except per share amounts, return and operating data)
(Unaudited)
Other Selected Financial Information
                 
    53 Weeks Ended     52 Weeks Ended  
    December 31, 2005     December 25, 2004  
Cumulative share repurchases ($):
  $ 815,236     $ 65,578  
 
               
Cumulative share repurchases (shares):
    29,842       3,974  
Shares outstanding, end of quarter
    297,025       312,302  
                 
    Trailing 4 Quarters  
    December 31, 2005     December 25, 2004  
Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)
    9.5 %     10.6 %
 
               
Return on Equity (ROE)
    8.7 %     11.2 %
Selected Operating Highlights
                                 
    14 Weeks Ended     13 Weeks Ended     53 Weeks Ended     52 Weeks Ended  
    December 31, 2005     December 25, 2004     December 31, 2005     December 25, 2004  
Store Count and Square Footage
                               
 
                               
United States and Canada:
                               
Store count:
                               
Stores opened
    41       52       100       80  
Stores closed
    3       6       22       11  
Stores relocated
    1       2       6       11  
Total U.S. and Canada stores
    1,047       969       1,047       969  
 
                               
North American Retail Division square footage — end of quarter
    26,261,318       24,791,255              
Average square footage per NAR store — end of quarter
    25,082       25,584              
Sales per square foot — gross basis
    $    248       $    248       $    251       $    251  
International Division company-owned:
                               
Store count:
                               
Stores opened
    2       3       6       15 *
Stores closed
    8       1       14       1  
Total International company-owned stores
    70       78       70       78  
 
*   Includes 3 stores in operation at date of Hungary acquisition