Empire Company
Annual Report 2006

Plain-text annual report

E M P I R E E m p i r e C o m p a n y i L m i t e d 2 0 0 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t www.empireco.ca Expanding Value Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 2006 E M P I R E C O M P A N Y L I M I T E D Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A) is a diversified Canadian company whose key businesses include food retailing, real estate and corporate investment activities. Guided by conservative business principles, our primary goal is to grow long-term shareholder value through income and cash flow growth and equity participation in businesses that have the potential for long-term growth and profitability. Financial Highlights Shareholder and Investor Information ($ in millions, except per share amounts) Operations Revenue Operating income Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Financial Condition Total assets Long-term debt Shareholders’ equity Per Share Information, fully diluted Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Book value Dividends Share Price High Low Close Table of Contents Expanding Value This is Empire Letter to Shareholders Message from Operating Management Long-Term Progress Message from the Chair Corporate Governance Mission Statement Community Involvement Corporate Officers 52 Weeks Ended May 6th 2006 53 Weeks Ended May 7th 2005 52 Weeks Ended April 30th 2004 $ 13,161.1 491.4 202.0 94.8 296.8 5,051.5 823.5 1,965.2 $ 12,435.2 463.7 182.9 3.7 186.6 4,929.2 986.7 1,709.0 $ 11,284.0 422.8 163.3 9.2 172.5 4,679.7 1,008.2 1,567.6 3.07 1.44 4.51 29.77 0.56 44.35 33.37 43.29 2.78 0.05 2.83 25.87 0.48 38.00 24.25 36.66 2.47 0.14 2.61 23.67 0.40 29.50 23.10 26.65 2 3 4 8 14 16 19 20 21 24 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Management’s Statement of Responsibility for Financial Reporting Auditors’ Report Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings Consolidated Statements of Earnings Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Eleven-Year Financial Review Glossary Shareholder and Investor Information 25 65 65 66 67 68 69 70 90 92 IBC Empire Company Limited Head Office: 115 King St. Stellarton, Nova Scotia B0K 1S0 Telephone: (902) 755-4440 Fax: (902) 755-6477 www.empireco.ca Investor Relations and Inquiries Shareholders, analysts, and investors should direct their financial inquiries or requests to: Stewart H. Mahoney, cfa, Vice President,Treasury and Investor Relations E-mail: investor.relations@empireco.ca Communication regarding investor records including changes of address or ownership, lost certificates or tax forms, should be directed to the Company’s transfer agent and registrar, CIBC Mellon Trust Company. Affiliated Company Web Addresses www.sobeys.com www.empiretheatres.com www.crombiereit.com Stock Exchange Listing The Toronto Stock Exchange Stock Symbols Non-Voting Class A shares – EMP.A Preferred shares: Series 2 – EMP.PR.B Average Daily Trading Volume (TSX) 31,814 Common Dividend Record and Payment Dates for Fiscal 2007 Record Date July 15, 2006 October 13, 2006* January 15, 2007* April 13, 2007* * Subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Payment Date July 31, 2006 October 31, 2006* January 31, 2007* April 30, 2007* Outstanding Shares As of July 14, 2006 Non-Voting Class A shares Option exercisable with Non-Voting Class A shares Class B common shares, voting 31,205,839 15,255 34,560,763 Transfer Agent CIBC Mellon Trust Company Investor Correspondence P.O. Box 7010 Adelaide Street Postal Station Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W9 Telephone: (800) 387-0825 Email: enquiries@cibcmellon.com Bankers Bank of Montreal Bank of Nova Scotia Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce National Bank of Canada Royal Bank of Canada TD Canada Trust Solicitors Stewart McKelvey Halifax, Nova Scotia Auditors Grant Thornton, LLP New Glasgow, Nova Scotia Multiple Mailings If you have more than one account, you may receive a separate mailing for each. If this occurs, please contact CIBC Mellon Trust Company at (800) 387-0825 to eliminate the multiple mailings. …by Expanding Our Operations At Empire, our legacy of long-term value creation has been based on investing in businesses we know and understand, with strong management and dedicated people. Our core businesses have all grown strongly, and over the years, we have been gaining strength and opening up future growth prospects by expanding our presence across Canada. 59% Net earnings increased by 59% in fiscal 2006 to reach $296.8 million. Rob Dexter, Chair, Empire Company Limited Paul Sobey, President and C.E.O., Empire Company Limited Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 1 Expanding Value At Empire, our approach to expanding value is clear and unwavering: we commit our capital to businesses we know and understand. We ensure that these operations have outstanding management and are provided with the capital they need to expand value. Since going public in July 1982, Empire Company has delivered a 23.0% annual compound return to shareholders versus 9.5% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index over the same time period. * Compound Annual Growth Rate 2 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Value of an Investment of $100 madeon April 30, 1996200300400500600700$7006005004003002001000969798990001020304050623.0%CAGR*(10 years)EmpireS&P/TSXEarnings per Share (before net capital gains)0.00.51.01.52.02.53.03.5$3.503.002.502.001.501.000.500969798990001020304050620.6%CAGR*(10 years)Dividends per Share0.00.10.20.30.40.50.6$0.600.500.400.300.200.100969798990001020304050617.9%CAGR*(10 years)Revenue($in millions)03000600090001200015000$15,00012,0009,0006,0003,0000969798990001020304050616.3%CAGR*(10 years)Shareholders’ Equity($in millions)0500100015002000$2,0001,5001,0005000969798990001020304050615.3%CAGR*(10 years)Share Trading Range and Book Value($per share)1020304050$50403020100969798990001020304050621.5%CAGR* in Share Price(10 years)Book ValueShare Trading RangeThis is Empire Empire Company Limited trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol EMP.A. Our value has expanded over time as a result of committing our capital to businesses operating in sectors we know and understand: food, real estate, movie-theatres and investments. Food Sobeys Inc. (“Sobeys”), a 70.3% owned subsidiary of Empire, is a leading national grocery retailer and food distributor with annual revenue of $12.8 billion. Headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,300 stores in all 10 Canadian provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, IGA extra, IGA and Price Chopper. During fiscal 2006, Empire increased its ownership in Sobeys to 70.3% from 68.4% a year earlier. Real Estate Empire’s real estate division includes commercial and residential property operations. Commercial operations consist of wholly-owned ECL Properties Limited (“ECL”) and Sobey Leased Properties Limited (“SLP”) as well as a 48.3% ownership interest in publicly traded Crombie REIT (TSX: CRR.UN). Residential operations are predominately carried out through a 35.7% ownership interest in Genstar Development Partnership (“Genstar”), a residential land development business. Theatres Empire Theatres Limited (“Empire Theatres”) is a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited. Empire Theatres, the second largest movie exhibitor in Canada, owned or had an interest in 57 theatres representing 397 screens across Canada at fiscal year-end. Empire Theatres is committed to providing its customers with an enjoyable movie-going experience by offering modern stadium amenities and exceptional customer service. Investments Empire manages an investment portfolio that carried a market value of $607.3 million as at fiscal 2006 year-end. Empire is committed to maintaining a high quality, liquid investment portfolio that offers a combination of yield and attractive growth characteristics, providing Empire with a pool of capital to support the growth and development of the operating businesses and to enhance shareholder net asset value. * excluding equity earnings from the real estate division * $100 invested on 03/31/2001 in Empire Company investment portfolio or the index, including reinvestment of dividends Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 3 Food Operating Income ($ in millions)02030405296.6325.6294.3322.6331.606Fiscal yearRealEstate Revenue ($in millions)02030405185.1198.6210.5229.2239.006Fiscal yearRealEstate OperatingIncome ($ in millions)02030405100.6103.8111.0122.2138.306Fiscal yearTheatres Revenue ($in millions)0203040556.260.564.473.2118.106Fiscal yearTheatres OperatingCash Flow ($in millions)020304059.09.09.810.613.606Fiscal yearInvestmentIncome* ($in millions)0203040518.014.915.918.824.606Fiscal yearInvestmentPortfolioTotalReturn* vs. Benchmarks$263.870602030405$174.14$89.81Empire CompanyInvestment PortfolioS&P/TSX IndexS&P 500Index (inCanadian$)Fiscal yearFood Revenue ($in millions)029,732.50310,414.50411,061.40512,189.412,853.306Fiscal yearLetter to Shareholders Expanding Value in 2006 Each of our businesses expanded its horizons in fiscal 2006: in real estate we launched Crombie REIT, Sobeys continued its network expansion – particularly in Ontario and Quebec, Empire Theatres more than doubled in size – and became a coast-to-coast Canadian player – with a major acquisition, and Wajax successfully converted to an income fund. For Empire, fiscal 2006 was a strong year by every measure – with good returns to shareholders and a solid financial performance by our core businesses. As well, it was a year of change and expansion as we proceeded with major value creation initiatives in each of our businesses: • in real estate, we saw the creation of Crombie REIT, and the reorganization of our real estate development business to ECL Properties; • in our theatre business, Empire Theatres more than doubled in size with the acquisition of 28 movie- theatres (206 screens); • in food retailing, Sobeys continued its aggressive focused on food growth strategy, bringing total investment in its store network and infrastructure to over $1.6 billion in the past three years; and • in investments,Wajax converted to an income fund. Each of these moves represented an investment in the future, which is expected to bring increasing value to shareholders over time.While building for tomorrow, we also significantly expanded value in fiscal 2006. Financial highlights of fiscal 2006 For fiscal 2006, Empire posted record results in revenues and operating earnings. Our revenues grew by 5.8% to reach $13.1 billion, operating earnings grew by 10.4% to reach $202.0 million or $3.07 per share. Dividends paid to common shareholders increased by 16.7% and book value per share grew by 15.1%.We are also pleased to see that the returns enjoyed by our shareholders once again reflect the strong underlying performance of the Company, with the total return to shareholders equalling 19.6% in fiscal 2006. Expanding our operations When Empire became a public company in fiscal 1983, our core businesses were centered in Atlantic Canada. As we have grown, we have expanded our geographic horizons and markets – most emphatically when Sobeys acquired the Oshawa Group in 1998, and became a leading national grocer. Geographic expansion opens up new market opportunities, as well as mitigating risk through market diversification.This is true for Empire as a whole and 4 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 20% Total return to shareholders in fiscal 2006. Paul D. Sobey President and C.E.O., Empire Company Limited for each of our core companies. A common thread of the major initiatives mentioned above is that each has facilitated further geographic expansion in Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada. As well, as each of our core businesses expands, all benefit from the depth of local market knowledge acquired. Expanding value and opportunities in real estate The launch of Crombie REIT was a major undertaking – one that we have considered and weighed for some time. In the final analysis, we saw the creation of a REIT as the best way to extract as well as add value for shareholders. By selling our major commercial property portfolio to Crombie REIT, we benefited shareholders in several ways: • We freed up capital, for reinvestment in our other businesses; • We secured long-term cash flow in the form of monthly distributions, through the 48.3% ownership position that we retained in Crombie REIT; • We provided Crombie REIT with a structure which will enable it to broaden its access to capital markets and focus on expanding its proven anchored strip centre model across Ontario and Western Canada; • We established ECL Properties as a focused commercial property development company; • We have continued important strategic alliances and opened up mutually attractive expansion opportunities for Crombie REIT, Sobeys, and for ECL Properties, which will be the property development pipeline for our businesses. Over time, we have seen the benefit of expanding our real estate presence in Canada. Our equity investment in Genstar – a major residential developer in Western Canada – has delivered outstanding results and provided the opportunity of participating in the real estate boom in that region. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 5 Letter to Shareholders Bill McEwan President and C.E.O., Sobeys Inc. Frank C. Sobey President, ECL Properties Limited Stuart G. Fraser President and C.E.O., Empire Theatres Limited Doubling the size and scope of Empire Theatres With the acquisition of 28 movie-theatres in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Empire Theatres moved from being primarily in Atlantic Canada to a coast-to-coast national theatre operator, with half of its theatres located in Ontario and Western Canada.The size of Empire Theatres more than doubled, to close to 400 screens. This expansion was as material for our theatre business as the Oshawa Group acquisition was for our grocery business eight years ago. While expanding geographic markets and long-term growth opportunities, the acquisition has provided Empire Theatres with the opportunity to achieve economies of scale, improve purchasing power and represents a new platform for growth coast-to-coast. Empire Theatres is well managed with an excellent brand, and is well positioned to accelerate its growth and long-term contribution to shareholder value. This has been a major investment – $1.6 billion in the past three years.The progress has been strong – with the addition of 2.8 million square feet, the opening, and/or expansion and renovation of 372 stores, the introduction of new efficiencies, investment in competitive pricing, the launch of Business Process Optimization, and the launch of the exclusive and unique Compliments private label. Same-store sales rose an industry leading 4.0% in fiscal 2006. Sobeys’ sales increased $664 million and net earnings reached $189.4 million or $2.90 per Sobeys’ share – both at record levels. Over the years, Sobeys has expanded in its major markets – in Western Canada, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.This expansion has been highly focused, with specific strategies for every region and community served. In the highly competitive Ontario market, for example, Sobeys has developed flexible and non-traditional store formats for penetration of Toronto and other urban markets. Ongoing expansion of Sobeys Expanding value in our Investments Three years ago, Sobeys – having integrated its acquisition of the Oshawa Group – embarked on a food focused growth strategy. Sobeys consolidated its banners, improved its food offering, and invested in improving and upgrading its store network and infrastructure. Empire’s investment portfolio continued to generate strong returns, posting a total investment return of 25.8% for the twelve months ended March 31, 2006. Over the past four years the investment portfolio has generated an annual compound rate of return of 17.6% compared to 13.5% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and -3.0% 6 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report John G. Morrow Vice-President and Comptroller, Empire Company Limited Stewart H. Mahoney Vice-President, Treasury and Investor Relations, Empire Company Limited Carol A. Campbell Vice-President, Risk Management, Empire Company Limited Paul V. Beesley Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary, Empire Company Limited Empire today is a leading corporation, with over 37,000 employees across Canada. But as we have grown and changed, we have never lost touch with our small town roots in Atlantic Canada. Next year, we will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Sobeys’ grocery business – an extraordinary achievement.We are very proud of the legacy that has been built over the decades, by generations of dedicated employees, franchisees and affiliates. By building on our legacy, investing in our businesses and always taking a long-term view, we are confident that we will be expanding value for generations to come. Paul D. Sobey President and C.E.O., Empire Company Limited for the S&P 500 Index in Canadian dollars over the same time period. We remain committed to a high quality, liquid investment portfolio. Our goal is that our investment portfolio not only delivers above median return performance but provides added financial flexibility to support and expand value in our core operating businesses. During fiscal 2006, we allocated $40 million in investment capital to assist in the funding of the acquisition of 28 movie-theatres by Empire Theatres and allocated a further $50 million in investment capital to purchase 1.3 million additional common shares of Sobeys – increasing Empire’s ownership interest from 68.4% to 70.3%. Capital allocation: a focus on our core businesses We have had a very disciplined approach to capital allocation – focusing on our core businesses, which are businesses we know and understand – with a particular focus on our primary food business. Over time, the bulk of our investments have been in these businesses, and we allocate capital according to the demonstrated needs and opportunities that each presents. Our long-term track record and legacy of value creation indicates that our approach to capital allocation is successful, and we have been focused on maintaining the financial flexibility and the resources to build the value of our core businesses. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 7 Message from Operating Management Food Retailing Strategic Focus At Sobeys, our strategy is to differentiate ourselves from the competition by sustaining our focus on food while meeting the changing needs and expectations of our customers – region by region, community by community, one store at a time.We are determined to “out-food”, “out-fresh”, “out-service” and “out-market” those who choose to compete with us for a greater share of Canadian consumers’ food requirements. Our strategy remains unchanged, but our customer relationships continue to strengthen as a result of the significant investments we have made in our food- focused customer offerings. Over the past three years we have strategically invested $1.6 billion in new, expanded and upgraded stores and infrastructure, as well as the “back shop” systems and processes that support our retail focus. At the same time, we have made substantial product and service improvements and additions in every region of the country, including the successful introduction of our repositioned private brand, Compliments. Progress in fiscal 2006 We made solid progress in fiscal 2006, improving the quality, variety and merchandising intensity of our products and promotions – with numerous local, regional and national initiatives and innovations. Highlights include: • SMART Retailing – our store based operational excellence and productivity program which was implemented in 675 stores by the end of fiscal 2006. As well, we developed and began implementation of the newest element of SMART Retailing – Peer-to- Peer, which allows for best practice comparison between groups of similar stores; • We advanced our Urban Fresh Fill-In format with smaller, right-sized Sobeys and Sobeys express stores in the high growth Toronto market; • We successfully completed the national roll-out of our Compliments private label brand with the introduction of more than 3,000 products within the three-tiered brand portfolio. As well, we developed and introduced the new Compliments Organics and the Compliments Balance-Équilibre lines; • We acquired Rachelle-Béry, a small, specialty chain in Quebec focused on organic/natural supplements and health and wellness products, as part of our ongoing commitment to build capability to meet the changing needs of our customers; and • We added hundreds of fresh and ready-to-serve products in our deli, produce, seafood and meat departments—including store specific, local market favourites. 8 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Jason Potter President Operations, Sobeys Atlantic Marc Poulin President Operations, Sobeys Quebec Craig T. Gilpin President Operations, Sobeys Ontario J. Gary Kerr President Operations, Sobeys West Bill McEwan President and C.E.O., Sobeys Inc. In fiscal 2006, our efforts resulted in solid improvements to both our top and bottom line, during a period of continued - and significant - investment in the expansion and upgrade of our store assets, optimization of our business processes, improvement in our price competitive position coast-to-coast, enhancement of our product offerings and development of our people. In aggregate, these initiatives attracted more customers to shop in our stores more often, driving higher sales per square foot from increased traffic and higher average customer transaction size. Our eight consecutive quarters of industry leading same store sales growth combined with the continued expansion and rejuvenation of our store network resulted in market share gains in each of our four operating regions. While we are pleased with the progress made in a challenging year – progress along a continuum – we know there is much yet to accomplish. We have been investing in a very targeted manner – and the numbers show that where we have focused first, our results are stronger. Stores we have touched are delivering higher sales per square foot, SMART Retailing has led to reduced product waste and a lower cost base, and service and promotional initiatives have led to larger basket sizes. As we move forward, we do so with the confidence that we are focused on initiatives that will continue to drive our success. In the year ahead, we will continue to: 1. Maintain our unwavering commitment to focus on food: to “out-food”, “out-fresh”, “out-service” and “out-market” those that choose to compete with us for a greater share of Canadian consumers’ food requirements; 2. Improve our cost base and productivity; and 3. Invest in and develop our people, as we continue to nurture a service and performance culture. Our strategies are working because of the dedication and commitment of employees and franchise affiliates across the company. We have the financial resources necessary to sustain our focused investments – investments that are clearly delivering results, with much more in store. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 9 Message from Operating Management Real Estate Strategic Focus Prior to the creation of Crombie REIT in March, 2006, the foundation of the strategic focus of our real estate operations was the ownership and management of a major commercial property portfolio, located primarily in Atlantic Canada.Within that focus, we had been pursuing a diversification strategy, targeting geographic expansion in Ontario, often in conjunction with Sobeys. With the launch of Crombie REIT, Empire retained a significant interest in the portfolio, but now as equity investors with a 48.3% ownership interest rather than as operators. Crombie REIT – with broader access to capital markets – is now better able to pursue expansion opportunities in its target markets in Ontario and Western Canada, and as investors, we will benefit from its growth and progress, just as we have from our stake in residential development through our investment in Genstar. Our remaining wholly-owned real estate operations are now focused on commercial development through Sobey Leased Properties and wholly-owned ECL Properties, a property development company which also holds the real estate assets we have retained within Empire. Our experienced real estate team is responsible for managing both Sobey Leased Properties and ECL Properties. Our strategic focus moving forward is to position ECL Properties as the developer of choice for our key clients, notably Crombie REIT. Progress in fiscal 2006 It was a successful and eventful year for both our commercial real estate and residential operations. In fiscal 2006, Genstar once again surpassed our expectations with strong growth in both residential lot sales and earnings. Genstar contributed $32.9 million to Empire’s earnings in fiscal 2006 as compared to a $21.3 million contribution last fiscal year, a 54% increase. Continued strength in residential markets in both Calgary and Edmonton were the primary drivers of our growth in fiscal 2006 and we are pleased to see that activity remains robust. Genstar’s U.S. residential activity was strong, generating a $6.9 million equity earnings contribution compared to a $2.2 million contribution last year. Our commercial property portfolio, through ECL Properties and Sobey Leased Properties, generated earnings of $26.7 million in fiscal 2006 as compared to $24.4 million a year earlier, a 9.4% growth rate. 10 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Pat Martin Vice President, Ontario & Quebec, ECL Properties Limited Steve Cleroux Manager, Development, ECL Properties Limited John Coffin Manager, Self Storage and Residential, ECL Properties Limited Dave Wallace Manager, Planning, ECL Properties Limited Frank C. Sobey President, ECL Properties Limited Employees of all our operations performed exceptionally well, not only on a day-to-day basis but also dealing with the major changes that were involved with the launch of Crombie REIT in the final quarter of fiscal 2006. While successfully managing the launch of Crombie REIT, our team also proceeded with several important development projects during the year.These included: • the major redevelopment of Avalon Mall, NFLD where Sears replaced Walmart, and Winners replaced Sobeys as anchor tenants; • the “demalling” of Fredericton Mall, NB which is being redesigned as a power centre; • commencing the redevelopment of County Fair in Summerside, PEI, with a newly built Sobeys, a new medical centre, and additional ancillary retail premises; • Phase II of Greenfield Park site in Montreal; and • the completion of Martello Towers, a 108 unit condo development in Halifax, part of the Park Lane complex. Going forward, we are positioning ECL Properties as a product development pipeline for Crombie REIT, which has the first right to buy our development projects. Our major goal for fiscal 2007 is to develop and expand our property pipeline – this is consistent with expanding value for shareholders of Empire. Our development expertise, combined with the growth and expansion goals and strategies of Crombie REIT, provides us with significant opportunities. As well, we have the benefit of strong relationships and market knowledge, which each company can effectively leverage. Going forward, where we see important development opportunities we will continue to expand within the Atlantic region, while also looking to expand in Quebec and Ontario and to establish a presence in Western Canada. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 11 Message from Operating Management Theatres Kevin J. MacLeod Executive Vice-President, Empire Theatres Limited Paul W. Wigginton Chief Financial Officer, Empire Theatres Limited Stuart G. Fraser President and C.E.O., Empire Theatres Limited Strategic Focus Through our history, Empire Theatres has pursued a strategy of controlled expansion, growing steadily into our position as the second largest theatre chain in Canada, by focusing on being the premier entertainment venue in the markets we serve.With the acquisition of 28 theatres with 206 screens across Canada last year, we doubled in size overnight, and became a coast-to-coast national player.The acquisition provides Empire Theatres with the opportunity to achieve economies of scale, improve purchasing power and represents a new platform for growth coast-to-coast. Despite the doubling of our screen count, our basic mission and approach that has served us well remains unchanged: we are committed to providing a terrific out-of-home cinema experience for our customers. Progress in fiscal 2006 The movie-theatre industry is very dependent on quality movies to ensure growth in the box office. Fiscal 2006 was a relatively poor year for blockbusters, in fact, the box office in North America declined by 6%. Empire Theatres revenue, on a same-theatre basis, performed slightly better than the industry over this time period. Clearly, the major event of fiscal 2006 was our acquisition of a significant portfolio of former Cineplex/Famous Players theatres, which meant overnight expansion across the country, with over 100 screens in Western 12 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Canada and close to 100 in Ontario – added to our existing base in Atlantic Canada. Following the acquisition, our major priority has been to integrate the new theatres – by developing a new operating structure and implementing common systems. By year-end, we had a new point of sale system in place – and we are moving forward with the next phase – building the brand nationally by bringing the newly acquired theatres up to the Empire standard. This process has engaged the staff of both our existing theatres and our newly acquired theatres; all employees have been managing the change and are excited about ensuring that our customers continue to enjoy the optimum theatre experience.We remain committed to offering modern, clean theatres and excellent customer service. Moving into fiscal 2007, we expect a better year at the box office, with some promising new blockbuster movies being released.With our greatly expanded theatre network, we are well positioned to take advantage of this industry improvement, and to accelerate our operating performance as we complete the integration of the acquisition and the refurbishment and rebranding of the acquired screens. Our controlled expansion continues in our national marketplace.We have announced two major new state-of-the art theatre complexes at Dartmouth Crossing in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, and in Bolton, Ontario. Investments Frank C. Sobey President, ECL Properties Limited Stuart G. Fraser President and C.E.O., Empire Theatres Limited Paul V. Beesley Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Stewart H. Mahoney Vice-President, Treasury and Investor Relations Strategic Focus A successful investment strategy has been key to expanding value at Empire – delivering strong returns for shareholders while also providing the financial flexibility to support the expansion of our core businesses. Our strategy is based on a long-term perspective with a focus on proven management and traditional fundamental analysis, and our preference is for high quality businesses that we feel are priced below their intrinsic value.With a highly disciplined stock-picking approach, we limit our portfolio to a relatively small number of high-quality, liquid investments – the portfolio has averaged only 12 stocks over the last five years. Most of our portfolio investments are leaders in their respective sectors and are well positioned for long-term growth. Our Investment Committee meets regularly to review the performance of existing investments and to debate the relative merits of prospective investments.This approach has resulted in superior performance, consistently outpacing passive index-based investments and money-market returns. Progress in fiscal 2006 In fiscal 2006, dividend income amounted to $8.3 million, realized investment capital gains amounted to $37.2 million and the unrealized capital gain position on portfolio investments grew by $74.7 million.Total portfolio investment market value, which excludes investments in Crombie REIT and Genstar, climbed by 30.6%, from $465 million at the start of the fiscal year to $607.3 million at fiscal year-end – largely as a result of share price appreciation from our investment in Wajax Income Fund and financial services stocks. Empire’s 2006 investment performance builds on an impressive history of value expansion.Total investment return for the twelve months ended March 31, 2006 equaled 25.8% (2005 – 26.9%) compared to 28.4% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index (2005 – 13.9%) and 7.8% for the S&P 500 Index in Canadian dollars (2005 – negative 1.5%). Over the past four years, for the period ending March 31, 2006, the investment portfolio has generated an annual compound rate of return of 17.6%, compared to 13.5% for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and -3.0% for the S&P 500 Index in Canadian dollars over the same time period. We remain committed to maintaining a high quality, liquid investment portfolio, to provide the added financial flexibility to support and expand value in our core operating businesses. During fiscal 2006, we allocated $40 million in investment capital to assist in the funding of the acquisition of 28 movie-theatres by Empire Theatres and a further $50 million in investment capital to purchase 1.3 million additional common shares of Sobeys – increasing Empire’s ownership interest from 68.4% to 70.3%. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 13 Long-Term Progress Empire’s focus on expanding value is reflected in its long-term performance and progress through different business cycles since the Company went public 24 years ago. It all adds up to a legacy of value creation. July, 1982 On July 9, 1982 Empire goes public at $8/share, $0.67 split adjusted. Annual revenue $300 million; total assets $260 million; net earnings $7 million. February, 1983 Empire increases its ownership in Hannaford Bros. Co. (a U.S. food retailer) to 25% resulting in a cost base of $20 million. December, 1998 Sobeys went public on the TSE and acquired the assets of the Oshawa Group for $1.5 billion, tripling the size of its food operations. December, 1993 The real estate division increases its ownership of Halifax Developments Limited to 100% from 36% at a cost of $12.7 million. June, 1987 Empire purchases common shares of Sobeys to increase its ownership to 100%. 14 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 19832838284858687888990919293$0.51$0.51$0.51$0.51$4.6$4.6$4.6$4.6$625$625$625$625$0.51$0.51$0.51$0.51$0.51$0.51$4.6$4.6$4.6$4.6$4.6$4.6$625$625$625March, 2006 Crombie REIT completed an initial public offering. Empire retained a 48.3% ownership interest. September, 2005 Empire Theatres acquired 27 movie theatres for $83 million. March, 2002 Sobeys sells its SERCA Foodservice operation to SYSCO for $411 million. January, 2001 The real estate division purchases a 35.8% interest in Genstar Development Partnership. February, 2004 Acquisition of Commisso’s Food Markets by Sobeys and six Commisso’s properties by the real estate division. July, 2000 Empire sells its 25% investment in Hannaford Bros. Co. for a $1.2 billion Canadian consideration. June, 2005 Wajax converts to an Income Fund. Empire sells 2.875 million units, for a $25.6 million gain. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 15 2006959602979899000103040506$$13,161.1$43.29$202.0REVENUE($in millions) OPERATING EARNINGS ($in millions)SHARE PRICE ($per share) Message from the Chair The Value of Good Governance Expanding value while maintaining our values.     As well as being an excellent year for the top line and bottom line of Empire, 2006 was an active year for the Board of Directors as we provided oversight for major decisions that will contribute to the long-term value of the Company. Each of our core businesses proceeded with major strategies affecting their long-term value, and the Board was actively involved with each decision, providing oversight and counsel. Our diverse and highly qualified Board of Directors brought valuable expertise, experience, insight and wisdom to the process, making a strong contribution. Early in the fiscal year, in recognition of Wajax Limited’s significant improvement in its operations, the Board supported Wajax’s decision to convert to an income trust and at the time of the conversion in June, 2005 Empire sold 2.875 million units of Wajax reducing its holdings to a 27.6% ownership interest. In September, we reviewed and affirmed the investment by Empire Theatres in its acquisition of a significant portfolio of theatres across Canada.We share management’s commitment to the future of this business, which, while much smaller than our food and real estate businesses, has made a steady contribution to earnings over the long term. Also during fiscal 2006, the Board provided counsel and supported managements’ recommendations around the transformation of our real estate business, with the creation of Crombie REIT, and the sale of extensive commercial real estate assets to the newly formed Crombie REIT. Again, this major step had full Board support, as we saw the opportunity to extract and expand shareholder value. 16 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Throughout the year, we supported Sobeys’ food focused growth strategy and commitment of capital to expanding and enhancing its store network, food offerings and infrastructure. A strong indication of our support is indicated by our approval of a further investment in shares of Sobeys, raising our stake to over 70.3% at the end of the fiscal year from 68.4% a year earlier. Management has done an excellent job in managing the investment portfolio, as clearly demonstrated by both short and long-term performance compared against benchmarks.The financial returns and investment performance has allowed for ongoing reinvestment in core businesses – again, contributing to our long-term value expansion. It was an eventful year which built on Empire’s legacy of value creation and also reinforced the high value we place on strong governance and stewardship. Indeed, with the creation of Crombie REIT, establishing sound governance for the new entity was one of our most important priorities. Crombie REIT has an independent Board, and as a major shareholder, Empire is represented with 2 of 10 Trustees, including the Chair, Frank Sobey. While seeking fair representation in companies in which we are significant investors, we also seek a balance on our own Board and operating companies. Empire’s commitment to excellent governance, within its strong and effective family ownership model, is longstanding.The Sobey family is represented on the Board of Empire and the operating companies as significant stakeholders, but the majority are independent directors – business leaders in their own right – whose counsel is not only welcomed, but sought out.                  Robert P. Dexter Halifax, Nova Scotia Director since 1987. Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Travel Inc. John L. Bragg 3, 6 Collingwood, Nova Scotia Director since 1999. Chairman, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. William T. Brock 3, 5 Toronto, Ontario Director since 2005. Corporate Director Sir Graham Day 3, 5 Hantsport, Nova Scotia Director since 1991. Counsel to Stewart McKelvey James W. Gogan 2 New Glasgow, Nova Scotia Director since 1972. Corporate Director Edward C. Harsant 1 Woodbridge, Ontario Director since 2003. Corporate Director       Anna Porter 1 Toronto, Ontario Director since 2004. Corporate Director E. Courtney Pratt 4, 5 Toronto, Ontario Director since 1995. Corporate Director Stephen J. Savidant 1 Calgary, Alberta Director since 2004. Chairman, ProspEx Resources Limited and Corporate Director David F. Sobey 3 New Glasgow, Nova Scotia Director since 1963. Chair Emeritus of Sobeys Inc. Donald R. Sobey 3 Pictou County, Nova Scotia Director since 1963. Chair Emeritus of Empire Company Limited John R. Sobey 1 Pictou County, Nova Scotia Director since 1979. Corporate Director    Karl R. Sobey 3 Halifax, Nova Scotia Director since 2001. Corporate Director Paul D. Sobey Pictou County, Nova Scotia Director since 1993. President and Chief Executive Officer of Empire Company Limited Rob G. C. Sobey Stellarton, Nova Scotia Director since 1998. President and Chief Executive Officer of Lawton Drug Stores 1 Audit Committee Member 2 Audit Committee Chairman 3 Human Resources Committee Member 4 Human Resources Committee Chairman 5 Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Member 6 Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Chairman Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 17 Empire Compay Limited Annual Report 2006 15 Message from the Chair “We understand that when we invest in businesses we are also making an investment in the communities where we operate.” Robert P. Dexter, Chair, Empire Company Limited family, who have a strong tradition of philanthropy and support of the arts, education, health care and culture. A snapshot of this commitment is showcased in the Community Involvement section of this Annual Report on pages 21 to 23. Next year will be a great milestone for the Company, as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Sobeys’ grocery business – a century of growth. As Empire has grown, expanded and changed over the years, the core values have endured, and we have stayed in touch with our small town, Atlantic Canadian roots. It is a great legacy, and I am proud to be part of it. Robert P. Dexter Chair, Empire Company Limited As Empire and our businesses have expanded across Canada, the geographic representation and balance on our Board has also evolved, and we have added new directors from Central and Western Canada in recent years.This year, we were pleased to welcome William Brock from Toronto, former Deputy Chairman and Director of the TD Bank Financial group. One of Canada’s most respected bankers, Bill brings a profound knowledge of Canadian and international markets and industries to Empire. As we welcome Bill, we extend our great appreciation to Sir Graham Day, who is retiring from the Board this year. Sir Graham has made an extraordinary contribution in his 15 years as a Director of Empire and as past Chairman of Sobeys. Building and expanding value at Empire has never been at the expense of the core values of the Company, or of the Sobey family. As indicated by our commitment to excellence in governance, a strong sense of stewardship and corporate citizenship defines Empire.We understand that when we invest in businesses we are also making an investment in the communities where we operate.We feel a particular sense of responsibility in our home base in Atlantic Canada, as one of the largest, oldest and most successful enterprises in the region. On behalf of the Board, I commend employees in our businesses who contribute so much of their time and money to their communities. I also recognize and commend the example of community leadership set by the Sobey 18 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Corporate Governance Corporate Governance Practices At Empire, we are committed to the highest level of corporate governance.We believe that a strict code of business conduct – emphasizing accountability – and a comprehensive disclosure policy – ensuring transparency – are the pillars of a successful company. Empire’s Board is committed to delivering value to its stakeholders while assuming the explicit responsibility of the stewardship of the Company. At Empire, we constantly review and monitor our own governance policies and practices.We consistently examine our policies with a strict eye to ensure that Empire is a leader in governance practices. A comprehensive review of our corporate governance policies and practices can be found in our Proxy Circular and on our website at www.empireco.ca. Further, a detailed explanation of our Corporate Disclosure Policy, approved by our Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of our Board of Directors, as well as our Code of Business Conduct is available on our website. Board Committees At Empire, the governance of the Company is the responsibility of the Board of Directors which is supported by three key committees: the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, the Human Resources Committee, and the Audit Committee. All members of the Audit Committee and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are independent directors as recommended by TSX Guidelines.The Human Resource Committee is entirely composed of outside directors, of which all but three are independent. In addition, the Audit Committee meets the independence and financial literacy tests set out in Multilateral Instrument 52-110 adopted by most of the Canadian securities regulators.The primary responsibilities of each committee of the Board are as follows: Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee – develops the Company’s corporate governance policies, including responsibility for disclosure; reviews and assesses the effectiveness of the Board as a whole, the committees of the Board and the contribution of individual directors; recommends suitable compensation of directors; and is responsible for recommending nominees for election or appointment as Directors. Human Resource Committee – monitors management compensation and succession planning; reviews the Company’s management training and development programs; conducts the annual performance review and establishes annual and longer term objectives for the CEO; and oversees the Company’s pension plan. Audit Committee – reviews and assesses the Company’s financial reporting practices and procedures; reviews the adequacy and reporting of its internal accounting controls and the independence of external auditors from management; assesses risk management and reviews consolidated quarterly and annual financial statements and related communications; communicates directly with internal and external auditors; and directly oversees the work of the external auditor.The external auditor communicates directly to the Audit Committee. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 19 Mission Statement Goal Empire is committed to building shareholder value through long-term profitability and growth by becoming a market leader in its core operating businesses and by investing in other opportunities to augment this growth in value. How We believe that the three key factors in the creation of value are: first, strong management, second, financial structures which facilitate growth and third, emphasis on long-term growth in cash flow that exceeds the after-tax dollar cost of capital. Values Empire will be a good corporate citizen, upholding the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. 20 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Community Involvement Walk for Kids: This is a great event that allows Empire Theatres’ employees, friends, family and patrons to support Kids Help Phone. We created a program that allows staff the opportunity to enter a team to participate in the walk. Empire Theatres generates donation dollars through both internal programs and customer programs. The Empire Group of Companies directly and through our affiliates and franchisees, have always recognized the importance of our respective employees becoming involved with and supporting the growth and development of the communities in which they live and work. These grassroots efforts have contributed in a significant way to the well being of communities across Canada. At the same time, through the support of various Sobey Foundations, we have also directed support primarily to the areas of health and education, and community activities throughout Atlantic Canada.This is a region where the Sobey Family and indeed Empire believe we have a particular responsibility to provide leadership as a major corporation headquartered in the region. Empire is proud to sponsor numerous charitable initiatives through our operating companies and franchisees as well as through the Sobey Foundation. Our primary emphasis is on programs that promote the well being and health of families and children.This support is strengthened and enhanced by the volunteer efforts of thousands of employees in communities across Canada. In fiscal 2006, Empire management volunteered time to support community based programs such as the Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation, the Aberdeen Hospital Foundation and Summer Street Industries Foundation. Educational Support We believe that quality education is an important contributor to the future growth and well being of our communities and to the employment opportunities for our young people. As a result, the Empire Group of Companies and the Sobey Foundations have placed a special focus on education and scholarships: • Sobeys Inc. Scholarship Program – which assists employees and their families across Canada, pursuing university education via $1,000 scholarships. • Frank H. Sobey Fund for Excellence in Business Studies – assisting business students at universities in Atlantic Canada via six $10,000 scholarships. In fiscal 2006 Empire, Sobeys, and the Sobey Foundation, took the lead with a $2 million contribution to the “Hearts and Minds” Capital Campaign for Saint Mary’s University in Halifax. Real Estate shot to come As well, Sobeys combines its focus on food with our emphasis on education and community support by funding Sobeys Culinary Centres – two major teaching kitchens at community colleges in Halifax and Toronto, which opened in fiscal 2006.The funding for these centres was approximately $1 million.These centres also serve as test kitchens for Compliments food innovations. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 21 Community Involvement The Crombie Crushers represented the real estate division in the annual Pictou County Dragon Boat Festival Race on the River for Breast Cancer Research. It is a fun event enjoyed by Employees and their families while raising money for a very worthwhile cause. Cultural Support Since 1981, the Sobey Art Foundation has built on the vision of the late Frank H. Sobey, a dedicated collector and supporter of Canadian art and has assembled one of the finest collections of 19th and 20th century Canadian art at Crombie House in Abercrombie, Nova Scotia. In 2001, we extended the vision to the future, extending support to contemporary art, with the creation of the bi-annual Sobey Art Award.This award – which at $50,000 is the richest of its kind in Canada – is designed to provide assistance for young artists (under 39 years of age) while increasing public awareness of their work. The third of these awards will be presented in fiscal 2007. Commencing in fiscal 2008, we are pleased to announce that the Sobey Art Award will become an annual event. For information about this award, please visit the website at www.sobeyartaward.ca. Community Support Grassroots efforts by our community based operations have contributed in a significant way to the well being of communities across Canada. As a prime example, Sobeys food stores under all our banners and in all regions have been major supporters of local food banks.They have launched creative campaigns ranging from Fill ‘er Up in Moncton to Hampers of Hope, Pot of Soup, Campers for Hampers and Fame for Food in Western Canada and the Food for Thought school snack program in PEI. Other food and health related programs include Smart Options diabetes information and products, Cook for the Cure for the Canadian Cancer Society, and Good for You healthy living recipe cards in Newfoundland. Empire Theatres’ management and staff have worked closely with Sobeys in support of food banks, toy drives and Kids’ Help Phone – and they have also provided extensive support to the Atlantic Film Festival and ViewFinders – a celebration of film for young people. Management and employees of ECL Properties have focused primarily on communities in Atlantic Canada where we are long established in the commercial property market – supporting business development organizations as well as family and health oriented charities such as the Special Olympics, the Children’s Aid Society’s Families for Christmas program, and the Dragon Boat Race on the River for Breast Cancer Research. 22 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report We have always understood the importance of giving something back, and Empire and our operating companies have extended our involvement in community and philanthropy programs to all parts of Canada as our businesses have expanded. Debbie Fraser, Sobeys store manager in Halifax, and Greville Nifort, Sobeys manager trainee in Bedford, spent Labour Day weekend last year helping the Canadian Navy source and pull together the supplies needed for relief ships for Hurricane Katrina. Sobeys’ Value Champions Sobeys celebrates its core values and the employees who exemplify them, by honouring Value Champions – employees who bring the values to life everyday, on the job and in their communities.They are nominated by their peers, and celebrated in all four Sobeys’ regions, and nationwide. Outstanding examples in the past year include: • Debbie Fraser, Sobeys store manager in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Greville Nifort, Sobeys manager trainee in Bedford, Nova Scotia, who spent Labour Day weekend last year responding to a last-minute request from the Canadian Navy – sourcing and pulling together the supplies needed for relief ships for Hurricane Katrina, mobilizing Sobeys people from across Atlantic Canada – and getting the job done. • René-Paul Coly, grocery manager of an IGA extra store in Saint-Romuald, Quebec who has assisted many community building organizations and initiatives as a volunteer, and is currently Vice-President for La Société de Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, a major charitable organization in Quebec – helping to bring relief to people in need. • Frank Ritacca, store manager of a Sobeys in Brampton, Ontario, who helped raise awareness as well as funds for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (the childhood version of Lou Gehrig’s Disease) – with a special barbecue last May, at his store and two other Sobeys stores in Brampton. • Larry Swenarchuk, foreman of a Sobeys distribution centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who has been recognized for extraordinary personal commitment as a foster parent to many children with special needs and disabilities over the years; he and his wife are currently caring for two girls and a boy who could be called “miracle children”, each with a host of physical and mental disabilities. • Angeline Tham, a Sobeys corporate employee in Toronto, Ontario, provides first aid training through St. John Ambulance and constantly volunteers her time and talents to help other employees – from organizing first aid courses during her lunch hours and ensuring new parents’ car seats are properly installed to organizing events that make new employees feel welcome and part of a team. The leadership examples of these employees, and the efforts of people in all our businesses across Canada, have helped demonstrate our values in action.While expanding value, we have strengthened our roots in the communities where we operate. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 23 Corporate Officers Dennis Folz Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resource Officer J. Bruce Terry Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer François Vimard Executive Vice-President Belinda Youngs Executive Vice-President, Corporate Brands R. Glenn Hynes Executive Vice-President and Chief Development Officer Karin McCaskill Senior Vice-President, General Counsel and Secretary Paul A. Jewer Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer L. Jane McDow Assistant Secretary ECL Properties Limited Frank C. Sobey President Paul V. Beesley Secretary John G. Morrow Vice-President Finance, Treasurer and Assistant Secretary Empire Theatres Limited Stuart G. Fraser President and Chief Executive Officer Kevin J. MacLeod Executive Vice-President Paul W. Wigginton Chief Financial Officer Officers of Empire Company Limited Robert P. Dexter Chair Paul D. Sobey President and Chief Executive Officer Paul V. Beesley Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Frank C. Sobey Vice-President, Real Estate Stewart H. Mahoney Vice-President, Treasury and Investor Relations Carol A. Campbell Vice-President, Risk Management John G. Morrow Vice-President and Comptroller Officers of Operating Companies Sobeys Inc. Peter C. Godsoe Chairman Bill McEwan President and Chief Executive Officer Craig T. Gilpin President Operations, Sobeys Ontario J. Gary Kerr President Operations, Sobeys West Jason Potter President Operations, Sobeys Atlantic Marc Poulin President Operations, Sobeys Quebec 24 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Directors of Operating Companies Sobeys Inc. Peter C. Godsoe Chairman Bill McEwan President and Chief Executive Officer John L. Bragg Chairman, President and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Frozen Foods Ltd. Marcel Côté Senior Partner of Secor Inc. Christine Cross President of Christine Cross Ltd. Robert P. Dexter Chair, Empire Company Limited and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Maritime Travel Inc. Malen Ng Chief Financial Officer, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario Mel A. Rhinelander President and Chief Executive Officer, Extendicare Inc. David F. Sobey Chair Emeritus Donald R. Sobey Chair Emeritus, Empire Company Limited Frank C. Sobey Chairman, Crombie REIT John R. Sobey Corporate Director Paul D. Sobey President and Chief Executive Officer, Empire Company Limited David Leslie Corporate Director Management’s Discussion and Analysis 26 INTRODUCTION 27 COMPANY OVERVIEW • Food Division • Real Estate Division • Investments and Other Operations Division 29 EMPIRE’S STRATEGIC DIRECTION 30 CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS 31 EXPLANATION OF FISCAL 2006 ANNUAL RESULTS • Revenue • Operating Income • Interest Expense • Income Taxes • Minority Interest • Operating Earnings • Capital Gain and Other Items • Net Earnings 33 OPERATING PERFORMANCE BY DIVISION 33 Food Division • Highlights • Sales • Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization • Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent • Earnings before Interest and Income Taxes • Net Earnings 36 Real Estate Division • Highlights • Revenue • Operating Income • Operating Earnings • Net Earnings 38 Investments and Other Operations Division • Highlights • Investment Value • Portfolio Composition • Revenue • Investment Return • Investment Portfolio Performance Attribution • Hedging Investment Currency Risk • Capital Allocation from Investments • Investment Income • Operating Earnings • Capital Gain • Net Earnings 41 QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS • Results by Quarter • Fourth Quarter Results – Revenue – Operating Income – Interest Expense – Income Taxes – Minority Interest – Operating Earnings – Capital Gain and Other Items – Net Earnings 44 FINANCIAL CONDITION • Shareholders’ Equity • Liabilities • Financial Instruments 46 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES • Sources of Liquidity • Major Cash Flow Components • Operating Activities • Major Components of Non-Cash Working Capital • Investing Activities • Financing Activities • Dividend Payments • Share Repurchases 50 ACCOUNTING POLICY CHANGES 54 FUTURE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS 55 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES 57 DISCLOSURE CONTROLS 57 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS 57 CONTINGENCIES 58 GUARANTEES AND COMMITMENTS 58 RISK MANAGEMENT 62 OUTLOOK 63 NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 25 Revenue ($in millions)020304059,92610,62411,28412,43513,16106OperatingEarnings(1) ($in millions)02030405132.2159.3163.3182.9202.006Shareholders’Equity($in millions)020304051,290.61,418.51,567.61,709.01,965.206Fiscal yearFiscal yearFiscal year(1) earning beforecapitalgain (loss) and other items,net oftaxManagement’s Discussion and Analysis Introduction This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (“MD&A”) contains commentary from management on the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Empire Company Limited (“Empire” or the “Company”) for the 52-weeks ended May 6, 2006, as compared to the 53-weeks ended May 7, 2005. Management also provides an explanation of the Company’s fourth quarter results, changes in accounting policies, critical accounting estimates and factors that the Company believes may affect its prospective financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.This MD&A also provides analysis of the operating performance of the Company’s divisions as well as a discussion of cash flows, the impact of risks and the outlook for the business. Additional information about the Company, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, can be found on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The discussion and analysis is the responsibility of management. The Board of Directors carries out its responsibility for review of this disclosure principally through its Audit Committee, comprised exclusively of independent directors.The Audit Committee has reviewed and approved this disclosure and it has also been approved by the Board of Directors. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited annual consolidated financial statements of the Company and the accompanying notes for the 52-weeks ended May 6, 2006.The consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are reported in Canadian dollars. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company adopted Accounting Guideline 15 “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” (“AcG-15”). AcG-15 required the Company to consolidate certain entities that were deemed to be subject to control of the Company on a basis other than through ownership of a voting interest in the entity.The guideline was adopted retroactively without restatement of prior periods. See Note 27 to the audited annual consolidated financial statements. This results in 52 weeks of data being consolidated in fiscal 2006, for variable interest entities (“VIEs”), while there were only 14 weeks of data consolidated in fiscal 2005.There are 13 weeks and 14 weeks of data consolidated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 and 2005, respectively. Please review the section titled “AcG-15, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” included in this MD&A for more information. This discussion contains forward-looking statements which reflect management’s expectations regarding the Company’s objectives, plans, goals, strategies, future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words or phrases such as “anticipates”,“expects”,“believes”,“estimates”, “intends” and other similar expressions.These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of the information currently available to them.These forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements.These uncertainties and risks are discussed in the Company’s materials filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities from time to time, including those in the Risk Management section of this MD&A. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as a number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from any estimates or intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements.The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company. There are measures included in this MD&A that do not have a standardized meaning under Canadian GAAP. Management includes these measures because it believes certain investors use these measures as a means of assessing relative financial performance. Additional information relating to non-GAAP financial measures is provided at the end of this MD&A. 26 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Company Overview Empire is a diversified Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing through a 70.3 percent ownership of Sobeys Inc. (“Sobeys”), real estate through two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: Sobey Leased Properties Limited (“SLP”), and ECL Properties Limited (“ECL”), formerly Crombie Properties Limited, including 35.7 percent ownership of Genstar Development Partnership (“Genstar”) and a 48.3 percent ownership interest in Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (“Crombie REIT”); and corporate investment activities and other operations which includes wholly-owned Empire Theatres Limited (“Empire Theatres”) and a 27.6 percent ownership position in the Wajax Income Fund (“Wajax”). With approximately $5.0 billion in assets, Empire employs approximately 37,000 people directly and through its subsidiaries. Empire’s primary goal is to grow long-term shareholder value through income and cash flow growth and equity appreciation. This is accomplished through direct ownership and equity participation in businesses that management believes have the potential for long-term growth and profitability. Food Division Sobeys is a leading national retail grocery and food distributor headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Founded in 1907, Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,300 corporate and franchised food stores located in all 10 provinces under various retail banners including: Sobeys, IGA extra, IGA, and Price Chopper. Sobeys and its subsidiaries conduct business in four retail regions: Sobeys West, Sobeys Ontario, Sobeys Quebec, and Sobeys Atlantic. Sobeys’ strategy is focused on delivering the best food shopping experience to its customers in the right format, right-sized stores, supported by superior customer service.The five distinct store formats deployed by Sobeys to satisfy its customers’ principal shopping requirements are the full service, fresh service, convenience service, community service and price service formats. Sobeys remains focused on improving the product, service and merchandising offerings within each format by realigning and renovating its current store base, while continuing to build new stores. Sobeys’ four major banners are the primary focus of these format development efforts. During the year, Sobeys opened, replaced, expanded, renovated, acquired and/or converted the banners in 83 stores (2005 – 98 stores). In fiscal 2006, Sobeys continued to execute against a number of initiatives in support of its food-focused strategy including productivity initiatives and business process and system upgrades. In fiscal 2006, Sobeys continued the roll-out of the Sobeys banner in Western Canada with the introduction of two new Sobeys stores and one rebannered store in Alberta.The addition of the Alberta store brings the total Sobeys banner stores in Western Canada to 74. Compliments, Sobeys’ new private label brand, was launched in fiscal 2005, to contribute to growth of Company-wide profitability and earn a greater share of customers’ food and grocery shopping requirements.The Compliments brand consists of three quality tiers:Value, Selection and Sensations. In addition, Sobeys introduced two sub-brands during fiscal 2006, Compliments Organics and Compliments balance-équilibre, an organic and a healthy line of products, respectively. By the end of fiscal 2006, Sobeys had launched approximately 3,700 Compliments products. Sobeys remains focused on productivity and business process optimization initiatives designed to improve its processes and cost structure. A key productivity focus in fiscal 2006 was the continued roll-out of the first phase of Sobeys’ SMART Retailing initiative.The first phase of SMART Retailing focused on continuous improvement processes that have resulted in improved labour productivity in the handling of back-shop inventories, Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 27 Real Estate Division Empire’s real estate division consists of wholly-owned SLP and ECL, which includes a 35.7 percent interest in Genstar, a residential land development business with operations primarily in Western Canada. ECL also owns various commercial properties held for redevelopment, a self-storage operation and a 48.3 percent ownership interest in Crombie REIT. Empire segments its real estate’s financial results between commercial property operations, consisting of SLP and ECL, and residential property operations which consist of Genstar’s financial results. At the end of fiscal 2006, real estate operations had approximately 5.9 million square feet of commercial property rentable space, significantly lower than 12.9 million square feet at the end of last fiscal year.The decline in gross leaseable area is the result of 44 properties with 7.2 million of gross leaseable area being sold to Crombie REIT in connection with its initial public offering on March 23, 2006. The remaining wholly-owned real estate operations are primarily focused on commercial property development.The strategic focus moving forward is to position ECL as the developer of choice for Crombie REIT. Prior to the creation of Crombie REIT in March, 2006, the strategic focus of real estate operations was the ownership and management of a major commercial property portfolio, located primarily in Atlantic Canada.Within that focus, the real estate division had been pursuing a diversification strategy, targeting geographic expansion in Ontario, often in conjunction with Sobeys. With the formation of Crombie REIT, Empire retains a significant interest in the portfolio, but now as an equity investor with a 48.3% ownership interest rather than as an operator. As contained in its initial public offering prospectus dated March 10, 2006, Crombie REIT has stated that its growth strategy will focus on generating greater rental income from its existing properties and also on accretive acquisitions of income producing retail properties primarily in Ontario and Western Canada. Management’s Discussion and Analysis reduction in back room inventories and shrink reduction in produce, bakery, and meat departments. Sobeys completed the first phase of SMART Retailing during the year with the program implemented in 675 stores.The second phase of SMART Retailing began during fiscal 2006 and has been implemented in 425 stores to date.The second phase of SMART Retailing is focused on the implementation of a comprehensive store performance management process supported by tools to assist in the measurement of Sobeys’ progress against targets and expectations. Phase two continues to support the ongoing implementation of SMART Retailing and focuses on customer satisfaction, sales growth and margin improvements.The third phase will see the extension of the process and productivity improvement across the store. During fiscal 2006, Sobeys also made significant progress in the implementation of system-wide business process optimization initiatives that are designed to reduce complexity and improve processes throughout the food division.To this end, Sobeys continued the roll-out of a common point-of-sale (“POS”) system.This common POS system provides improved customer information and enhanced customer service at store check-outs, and is a key enabler of other business process optimization initiatives currently underway. Sobeys also completed the roll-out of a new scale networking system, which improved accuracy and productivity and has enabled full compliance with the new nutritional labeling requirements that came into effect on December 12, 2005. As discussed in the fiscal 2005 MD&A, system and process complexities in the Ontario business negatively impacted earnings in that region. In fiscal 2006, Sobeys began its business process and information systems transformation plan by focusing on the significant opportunity to upgrade capabilities and improve efficiencies in the Ontario region.The system and processes that are being implemented have been developed over several years and are currently employed in Sobeys’ Atlantic Region.The Ontario roll-out will standardize and streamline the “back shop” in support of Sobeys’ food-focused strategy.This move will allow Sobeys to leverage technology investments, improve efficiencies and lower costs over the long-term. Costs associated with this initiative totalled $0.19 per Sobeys’ basic share in fiscal 2006. A similar transformation plan was initiated for the Western region in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.The anticipated costs for both these initiatives in fiscal 2007 will be $0.27 to $0.32 per Sobeys’ share. 28 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Investments & Other Operations Division Empire’s Strategic Direction The third component of Empire’s business is its investments and other operations. Empire’s investment portfolio consists of Canadian and U.S. common equity investments. At fiscal year-end, Empire’s investments, excluding its investment in Genstar U.S. builder deals and in Crombie REIT, carried a market value of $607.3 million consisting of Canadian common equity investments valued at $432.3 million, foreign common equities (including the value of the forward contract hedges) valued at $173.5 million in Canadian dollars, and other investments valued at $1.5 million.The Canadian common equity investment market value includes the market value of Empire’s equity accounted investment in Wajax Income Fund (approximately a 27.6 percent ownership position on a fully diluted basis) of $193.0 million at fiscal year-end. All of Empire’s portfolio investments are listed on a recognized public stock exchange. Other operations consist of wholly-owned Empire Theatres, the second largest movie exhibitor in Canada which owns or has an interest in 57 locations representing 397 screens and Kepec Resources Limited (“Kepec”), a joint venture with APL Oil and Gas Limited which has ownership interests in various oil and gas properties in Alberta. On September 30, 2005, Empire Theatres acquired 27 cinemas operating 202 screens in Ontario and Western Canada from Cineplex Galaxy LP. On October 21, 2005, Empire Theatres acquired an additional theatre with four screens in Western Canada. Management’s primary objective is to maximize the long-term sustainable value of Empire through enhancing the worth of the Company’s net assets and in turn, having that value reflected in Empire’s share price. The strategic direction of the Company is to stay the course by continuing to direct its energy and capital towards growing the long-term sustainable value of each of its core operating businesses – food retailing, real estate and investment and other operations.While these respective core businesses are well established and profitable in their own right, the diversification they offer Empire by both business line and by market area served is considered by management to be an additional source of strength.Together, these core businesses reduce risk and volatility, thereby contributing to greater consistency in consolidated earnings growth over the long-term. Going forward, the Company intends to continue to direct its resources towards the most promising opportunities within these core businesses in order to maximize long-term shareholder value. In carrying out the Company’s strategic direction, Empire management defines its role as having four fundamental responsibilities: first, to support the development and execution of sound strategic plans for each of its operating companies; second, to regularly monitor the development and the execution of business plans within each operating company; third, to ensure that Empire is well governed as a public company; and fourth, to prudently manage a pool of investment capital in order to augment the growth in our core operating businesses. The Company remains committed to holding an investment portfolio consisting largely of high quality common equities. A liquid investment portfolio provides Empire with the opportunity to augment earnings while waiting to make further investment in its core operations as attractive opportunities unfold. Historically, the Company has been successful in generating investment returns well in excess of the Company’s cost of capital and well in excess of returns that would otherwise have been generated by either passively investing, using index-based investments, or from investing in money market investments. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 29 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Consolidated Operating Results The consolidated financial overview presented below reports on the financial performance for fiscal 2006 relative to the last two fiscal years. Summary Table of Consolidated Financial Results ($ in millions, except per share information) Revenue Food(1) Real estate, net of inter-segment Investments and other operations Consolidated revenue Operating income Food Real estate, net of inter-segment Investments and other operations Consolidated operating income Interest expense Income taxes (from operating activities) Minority interest (from operating activities) Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Cash flows from operating activities Total assets Total long-term liabilities Basic earnings per share Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Diluted earnings per share Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Dividends 52 Weeks Ended May 6, 2006 % of Revenue 53 Weeks Ended May 7, 2005 % of Revenue 52 Weeks Ended April 30, 2004(2) % of Revenue $ 12,853.3 185.0 122.8 97.66% 1.41 0.93 $ 12,189.4 171.4 74.4 98.02% 1.38 0.60 $ 11,061.4 158.2 64.4 98.03% 1.40 0.57 $ 13,161.1 100.00% $ 12,435.2 100.00% $ 11,284.0 100.00% 3.75% 0.82 0.96 0.52 1.45% 0.08 1.53% 4.14% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 331.6 138.3 21.5 491.4 83.8 138.7 66.9 202.0 94.8 296.8 626.6 5,051.5 1,561.5 3.08 1.45 4.53 65.5 3.07 1.44 4.51 65.7 0.56 3.73% 0.64 1.05 0.51 1.53% 0.72 2.26% 4.76% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 322.6 122.2 18.9 463.7 86.7 130.5 63.6 182.9 3.7 186.6 486.4 4,929.2 1,552.3 2.79 0.05 2.84 65.5 2.78 0.05 2.83 65.7 0.48 3.73% 0.70 1.05 0.51 1.47% 0.03 1.50% 3.91% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 293.7 111.0 18.1 422.8 92.4 108.6 58.5 163.3 9.2 172.5 467.2 4,679.7 1,696.7 2.48 0.14 2.62 65.5 2.47 0.14 2.61 65.8 0.40 (1) Fiscal 2004 revenue includes a $14.6 million gain on the sale of several real estate assets. (2) Fiscal 2004 has been restated to reflect retroactive adjustments related to lease accounting and EIC-144. Please see sections entitled “Lease Accounting” and EIC-144, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor” in this fiscal 2006 MD&A. 30 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Explanation of Fiscal 2006 Annual Results The financial performance for each of the Company’s businesses (food, real estate, and investments and other operations) is discussed in detail in further sections of this MD&A. The following is a review of Empire’s consolidated performance for the 52-weeks ended May 6, 2006 compared to the 53-weeks ended May 7, 2005. Revenue The following shows the fiscal 2006 revenue adjusted to eliminate the impact of VIE consolidation and the 53rd week of revenue included in fiscal 2005: ($ in millions) Reported Revenue Fiscal 2006 VIE Impact Adjusted Revenue Reported Revenue VIE Impact 53rd Week Impact Adjusted Revenue Fiscal 2005 Reported Growth Over 2005 Adjusted Growth Over 2005 $ 13,161 $ (587) $ 12,574 $ 12,435 $ (137) $ (241) $ 12,057 5.8% 4.3% Each of Empire’s operating businesses contributed to growth in the Company’s consolidated revenue in fiscal 2006 over the prior fiscal year; an increase of $725.9 million or 5.8 percent. The revenue increase is largely attributed to an increase in food division revenues of $663.9 million or 5.4 percent over the prior year. Growth in real estate revenues (net of inter-segment) totalled $13.6 million or 7.9 percent, while investments and other operations recorded revenue growth of $48.4 million or 65.0 percent, primarily as a result of the acquisition of 28 theatres acquired in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Fiscal 2006 contained 52 weeks of operations compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2005.The additional week accounted for $241 million of fiscal 2005 revenue. Also, the consolidation of VIEs occurred at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, therefore fiscal 2006 was positively impacted by a full year of VIEs’ sales versus only the fourth quarter sales for fiscal 2005. Excluding the additional selling week from fiscal 2005 and the VIE consolidation from both fiscal 2006 and 2005, revenue growth in fiscal 2006 equalled 4.3 percent. The year-over-year change in revenues for each division is explained in the section which follows, “Operating Performance by Division.” Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 31 Empire purchased a total of 1,308,800 common shares of Sobeys in fiscal 2006 resulting in the increase in ownership interest.These share purchases totalled $49.5 million and were funded largely from the proceeds received on the sale of 44 properties to Crombie REIT. Over the last three years Empire has purchased 5,142,200 common shares of Sobeys for a total cost of $187.3 million. Operating Earnings The $19.1 million or 10.4 percent improvement in consolidated operating earnings (earnings before net capital gain and other items) over the prior year was the result of the $27.7 million increase in operating income and the $2.9 million reduction in interest expense partially offset by the $8.2 million increase in income tax expense (from operating activities) and the $3.3 million increase in minority interest (from operating activities) as previously discussed. Capital Gain and Other Items The capital gain and other items (net of tax) of $94.8 million resulted primarily from the sale of 44 properties to Crombie REIT of $76.2 million and a net gain on the sale of 2.875 million Wajax Income Fund units of $23.5 million during the year, partially offset by a reduction of book value of real estate assets held for development of $17.0 million, net of tax. Net Earnings The increase in consolidated net earnings of $110.2 million or 59.1 percent from last fiscal year is the result of the $19.1 million increase in operating earnings and the increase in net capital gain and other items (net of tax) over the prior year of $91.1 million, as discussed. Management’s Discussion and Analysis Operating Income The year-over-year increase in operating income of $27.7 million or 6.0 percent is the result of a $16.1 million or 13.2 percent increase in operating income from the real estate division, a $9.0 million or 2.8 percent increase in operating income contribution from the food division, and a $2.6 million or 13.8 percent increase in operating income from investments and other operations.The year-over-year change in operating income for each division is explained in the section which follows, “Operating Performance by Division.” Interest Expense The $2.9 million decline in interest expense is largely attributed to reduced interest expense on long-term debt as a result of lower long-term debt levels in fiscal 2006 compared to the previous year. The majority of the Company’s debt is long-term and at fixed interest rates, accordingly there is limited exposure to interest rate volatility. Income Taxes The fiscal 2006 effective tax rate was 34.0 percent compared to 34.6 percent in fiscal 2005.The decrease in the effective tax rate for the year was the result of adjustments to future statutory rates applied to timing differences of future tax balances and a reduction in federal capital taxes. Minority Interest The Company incurs minority interest expense largely as a consequence of not owning 100 percent of Sobeys. Fiscal 2006 minority interest from operations equalled $66.9 million, an increase of $3.3 million or 5.2 percent from the $63.6 million recorded in fiscal 2005.The increase in minority interest is primarily attributed to increased Sobeys’ net earnings offset by an increase in Empire’s ownership interest in Sobeys, from 68.4 percent last fiscal year to 70.3 percent at the end of fiscal 2006. 32 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Consolidated Operating Earnings($in millions)02030405132.2159.3163.3182.9202.006Consolidated Operating Earnings per Share ($per share fullydiluted)020304052.002.422.482.783.0706Fiscal yearFiscal yearOperating Performance by Division Food Division Highlights • Sobeys achieved fiscal 2006 sales growth of $663.9 million or 5.4 percent and same-store sales growth of 4.0 percent. Excluding the additional selling week in fiscal 2005 and the consolidation of variable interest entities, Sobeys’ sales growth equalled 3.9 percent. • EBITDA as a percentage of sales increased to 4.11 percent from 4.09 percent last year. EBITDA increased $29.2 million or 5.9 percent to $528.2 million. • Sobeys contributed $130.1 million in net earnings to Empire, a 5.7 percent increase over the prior year. • Total capital expenditures equalled $421.3 million (total company-wide capital expenditures, which includes franchisee and third party spending, equalled $560.0 million). • Opened or replaced 56 corporate and franchised stores, expanded 18 stores and rebannered 9 stores. The following is a review of Sobeys’ performance for the 52-week period ended May 6, 2006 compared to the 53-week period ended May 7, 2005. Sales Fiscal 2006 food division sales adjusted to eliminate the impact of VIE consolidation and the 53rd week of sales in fiscal 2005 were as follows: ($ in millions) Reported Revenue Fiscal 2006 VIE Impact Adjusted Revenue Reported Revenue VIE Impact 53rd Week Impact Adjusted Revenue Fiscal 2005 Reported Growth Over Fiscal 2005 Adjusted Growth Over Fiscal 2005 $ 12,853 $ (587) $ 12,266 $ 12,189 $ (137) $ (241) $ 11,811 5.4% 3.9% Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 33 Management’s Discussion and Analysis In fiscal 2006, Sobeys achieved sales of $12.85 billion, an increase of $663.9 million or 5.4 percent over fiscal 2005. Fiscal 2006 contained 52 weeks of operations compared to 53 weeks in fiscal 2005. Also impacting Sobeys’ sales growth in fiscal 2006 and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 was the consolidation of VIEs, which accounted for approximately $587 million of sales in fiscal 2006 and $137 million of sales in fiscal 2005. Adjusting for the 53rd week of operations and VIEs, Sobeys had sales growth of $455 million or 3.9 percent over fiscal 2005. Sales growth was also driven by Sobeys continued implementation of sales and merchandising initiatives across the country, coupled with the increased retail selling square footage resulting from the development of new stores and an ongoing program to enlarge and renovate existing store assets. Store square footage increased by 1.6 percent in fiscal 2006 as a result of the opening of 56 new or replacement stores and the expansion of 18 stores, net of stores closed. Sobeys’ same-store sales (sales from stores in the same locations in both reporting periods) increased by 4.0 percent. Sales growth was impacted by a year-over-year decline of approximately $134.5 million in company-wide tobacco sales. Excluding this decline in the tobacco business, sales growth would have been 5.0 percent rather than the 3.9 percent discussed above. Inflation was approximately 1.5 percent for the year, with variances by region. Sobeys expects sales growth to continue in fiscal 2007 as a result of ongoing capital investment in its retail store network, and continued offering, merchandising and pricing improvements across the country. Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization Sobeys’ fiscal 2006 EBITDA (“earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization”) increased $29.2 million or 5.9 percent to $528.2 million from $499.0 million reported in fiscal 2005. EBITDA as a percentage of sales increased to 4.11 percent from 4.09 percent last year. Excluding VIEs, EBITDA as a percent of sales was 4.17 percent in fiscal 2006, a four basis point increase from fiscal 2005 EBITDA as a percent of sales. For the 13-weeks and 52-weeks ended May 6, 2006, $5.3 million and $18.6 million, respectively, of pre-tax costs related to the Ontario business process and system initiative were incurred.These costs included the severance, labour, implementation and training costs associated with the Ontario systems implementation as well as the cost of writing off the Commisso’s brand-name. As part of the transformation of the Ontario business, Sobeys is converting 12 Commisso’s stores in Ontario to the Sobeys and Price Chopper banners.The conversions began in fiscal 2006 and will continue into the first half of fiscal 2007. Excluding these costs and the impact of VIEs, EBITDA increased 6.2 percent over fiscal 2005 and EBITDA as a percent of sales would have been 4.31 percent, an 18 basis point improvement over fiscal 2005. Contributing to increased EBITDA was the growth in sales and an increase in gross margin, as a result of improved productivity initiatives and changes in mix, compared to the prior year. 34 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Net Earnings Sobeys’ fiscal year 2006 net earnings were $189.4 million compared with $186.7 million last fiscal year, a $2.7 million or 1.4 percent increase. Sobeys net earnings in fiscal 2005 were favourably impacted by approximately $3.5 million as a result of the 53rd week of operations in the prior year. Net earnings for the year ended May 6, 2006 included increased depreciation and amortization expense and Ontario business process and system initiative costs as mentioned. The consolidation of VIEs resulted in a $0.3 million increase in net earnings for the 52-week period ended May 6, 2006 and a $0.6 million decrease in net earnings for the prior fiscal year.The Ontario business process and system initiative costs reduced Sobeys’ basic earnings per share by $0.19 for the 52-weeks of fiscal 2006. Excluding the Ontario process and system costs and the impact of VIEs, Sobeys’ fiscal 2006 basic earnings per share would have been $3.11 compared to basic earnings per share of $2.84 in the prior year excluding the impact of VIEs and the 53rd week of operations.This would represent a 9.5 percent increase in Sobeys’ basic earnings per share year-over-year. Earnings before Interest, Income Taxes, Depreciation, Amortization and Rent Sobeys’ fiscal 2006 earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) was $863.2 million compared to $774.9 million in fiscal 2005. Sobeys leases a substantial portion of its store network. Therefore, to arrive at a measure of operating performance excluding the impact of capital, gross rent expense of $335.0 million in fiscal 2006 and $275.9 million in fiscal 2005 is added to EBITDA to arrive at EBITDAR. As a percent of sales in fiscal 2006 EBITDAR was 6.72 percent compared to 6.36 percent in fiscal 2005. Earnings before Interest and Income Taxes Sobeys’ EBIT increased to $331.6 million in fiscal 2006, a 2.8 percent increase from the prior year, with an EBIT margin of 2.58 percent compared to 2.65 percent in fiscal 2005. Included in fiscal 2006 EBIT was a $20.2 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense ($196.6 million current year compared to $176.4 million last year), reflecting Sobeys continued capital investments. Also included in EBIT are the Ontario business and system initiative costs as discussed. Adjusting for the Ontario business process and system initiative costs and the impact of the VIEs, EBIT would total $338.8 million representing an EBIT margin of 2.76 percent. The 53rd week of operations in fiscal 2005 favourably impacted EBIT by approximately $6.1 million or 2.1 percentage points, but had no impact on EBIT margin in the prior year. Sobeys will continue to focus on disciplined cost management initiatives, supply chain and retail productivity improvements and migration of best practices across its four regions to continue to fuel and fund investments to drive sales, reduce costs and improve margins over time. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 35 Food Division Revenue ($in millions)020304059,73210,41411,06112,18912,85306Food DivisionOperatingIncome($in millions)02030405296.6325.6293.7322.6331.606Fiscal yearFiscal yearManagement’s Discussion and Analysis Real Estate Division Highlights • Formation of Crombie REIT through an initial public offering on March 23, 2006. Empire received cash proceeds of $267.7 million or approximately $155 million net of post closing obligations to Crombie REIT and retained a 48.3 percent ownership interest. • The real estate division recorded a gain on the sale of assets to Crombie REIT of $76.2 million partially offset by a reduction in book value of retained assets of $17.0 million, both net of taxes. • An exceptional year for residential operations with growth in net earnings contribution of $11.6 million or 54.5 percent. • Funds from operations increased 18.8 percent to $76.5 million from $64.4 million last year. During the current fiscal year, the real estate division sold 44 commercial real estate properties to Crombie REIT. Reflected in the sale proceeds is an ownership interest in Crombie REIT of 48.3 percent.The Company’s interest in Crombie REIT is accounted using the equity method. See note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for detail on this transaction. The table below segments real estate division revenue, funds from operations and operating earnings for commercial and residential operations. ($ in millions) Revenue Commercial Residential Inter-segment Operating earnings Commercial Residential Funds from operations Commercial Residential 52 weeks ended May 6, 2006 % Change over 2005 53 weeks ended May 7, 2005 % Change over 2004 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 190.9 48.1 239.0 (54.0) 185.0 26.7 32.9 59.6 43.2 33.3 76.5 (1.7%) 37.4 4.3% (6.6) 7.9% 9.4% 54.5 30.4% 1.2% 53.5 18.8% $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 194.2 35.0 229.2 (57.8) 171.4 24.4 21.3 45.7 42.7 21.7 64.4 7.7% 15.9 8.9% 10.5 8.3% (2.0%) 25.3 9.1% 4.7% 23.3 10.3% 36 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Revenue Net Earnings Real estate division contribution to Empire’s fiscal 2006 net earnings was $118.7 million, an increase of $73.0 million or 159.7 percent from the $45.7 million recorded in fiscal 2005. The increase is principally the result of the capital gain and other items (net of tax) of $76.2 million on the sale of commercial properties to Crombie REIT, offset in part by a reduction of book value of real estate assets of $17.0 million (net of tax). Funds from operations (operating earnings plus depreciation and amortization) increased 18.8 percent to $76.5 million from $64.4 million last year primarily as a result of improved residential operating earnings performance. Commercial property related revenue decreased $3.3 million or 1.7 percent primarily as a result of the sale of 44 properties to Crombie REIT nine days prior to the end of the fourth quarter for ECL. Revenue from residential activities increased $13.1 million or 37.4 percent largely as a result of stronger than expected lot sales in Genstar’s Western Canadian operation, particularly in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta markets. Genstar continued to benefit from strong housing markets in Western Canada. Operating Income The $16.1 million or 13.2 percent increase in real estate division operating income in fiscal 2006 was the result of higher residential operations’ operating income of $18.2 million or 55.0 percent due primarily to the strong housing market in Western Canada as mentioned.The real estate division contributed 28.1 percent of Empire’s total operating income in fiscal 2006 (2005 – 26.3 percent).The $2.1 million decrease in commercial property operating income is primarily attributed to the revenue decline as mentioned. Operating Earnings The $13.9 million or 30.4 percent increase in real estate division operating earnings in fiscal 2006 was primarily the result of higher residential operations’ operating earnings of $11.6 million or 54.5 percent. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 37 RealEstate DivisionRevenue ($in millions)02030405185.1198.6210.5229.2239.006RealEstate DivisionOperatingIncome($in millions)02030405100.6103.8111.0122.2138.306Fiscal yearFiscal yearManagement’s Discussion and Analysis Investments and Other Operations Division Highlights • Formation of Wajax Income Fund in June 2005 with Empire selling 2.875 million units of Wajax resulting in a capital gain of $25.6 million. • Empire Theatres acquired 28 locations with 206 screens for a total cash consideration of $87.8 million. • Empire’s liquid portfolio investments generated a 25.8 percent return in fiscal 2006, resulting in first quartile return performance. • Four-year annualized return performance for Empire’s portfolio investments was 17.6 percent compared to a 13.5 percent total return for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and a negative 3.0 percent total return for the S&P 500 Index, in Canadian dollars. Investment Value At fiscal year-end, Empire’s total portfolio investments, excluding its ownership of 20.08 million units of Crombie REIT and Genstar U.S. builder deal investments, carried a market value of $607.3 million (2005 – $465.0 million) on a cost base of $393.0 million (2005 – $325.4 million), resulting in an unrealized gain of $214.3 million.This compares to an unrealized gain of $139.6 million at the end of fiscal 2005. Portfolio Composition At fiscal year-end, Empire’s investment portfolio, excluding the investment in both Crombie REIT and Genstar U.S. builder deals consisted of: ($ in Canadian millions) Canadian equities U.S. equities Wajax Preferred shares & other Hedge value(1) Total Market Value 239.3 158.1 193.0 1.5 15.4 607.3 $ $ $ % of Total 39.4 26.0 31.8 0.3 2.5 $ Cost 170.5 187.9 33.1 1.5 – 100.0 $ 393.0 $ Unrealized Gain (Loss) 68.8 (29.8) 159.9 – 15.4 214.3 (1) On U.S. common equity investments, includes a deferred foreign exchange gain of $10.2 million. 38 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Empire’s direct debt matched to these portfolio investments was $71.2 million Canadian at fiscal year-end, equivalent to 11.7 percent of investment portfolio market value, including hedge value. Management considers a ratio of debt to investment value of no greater than 35 percent as prudent. Revenue Investments and other operations’ revenue, primarily generated by Empire Theatres, reached $122.8 million versus $74.4 million last year. Revenue growth at Empire Theatres was primarily the result of the acquisition of the 27 movie theatres from Cineplex Galaxy LP on September 30, 2005. Empire Theatres owned or had an interest in 397 screens in operation at the end of fiscal 2006 compared to 176 at the end of the prior fiscal year. Investment Return Total portfolio return for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2006 was 25.8 percent.This compares to a 28.4 percent total return for the S&P/TSX Composite Index and a 7.8 percent total return for the S&P 500 Index in Canadian dollars over the same twelve-month period. Empire’s investment return performance was ranked as being in the top quartile for the twelve-month period ended March 31, 2006. The total return on the Empire investment portfolio, as independently benchmarked against over 100 North American equity fund managers, has provided first quartile return performance (i.e. in the top 25 percent of surveyed equity fund managers) over one, two, three, four and five-year trailing periods ended March 31, 2006, respectively. The tables below present the return performance for Empire’s investments, relative to Canadian and U.S. equity benchmarks over each of the last five years ended March 31st, as well as on a two, three, four and five-year annualized compounded basis. Investment returns are measured using a calendar quarter-end cycle, consistent with industry practice. Total Investment Returns Annual Returns for Periods Ended March 31st Empire Investment Portfolio S&P/TSX Composite Index S&P 500 Index (in Cdn.$) Total Investment Returns Annualized Compound Returns for Periods Ended March 31, 2006 Empire Investment Portfolio 1st Quartile Manager Return Median Manager Return S&P/TSX Composite Index S&P 500 Index (in Cdn.$) 2006 25.8% 28.4% 7.8% 2005 26.9% 13.9% (1.5%) 2-year 25.9% 18.4% 16.3% 20.9% 3.0% 2004 63.4% 37.7% 20.5% 3-year 37.1% 23.9% 21.5% 26.3% 8.6% 2003 (25.6%) (17.6%) (30.7%) 4-year 17.6% 9.6% 8.6% 13.5% (3.0%) 2002 18.2% 4.9% 1.4% 5-year 18.1% 12.6% 11.4% 11.7% (2.1%) The median manager and first quartile manager returns as presented in the table above were calculated using Canadian and U.S. equity manager return data, as supplied by an independent analytical firm, multiplied by the respective Canadian and U.S. equity weights for the Empire investment portfolio. managing a high quality, liquid portfolio of common equities to augment the growth in the Company’s core operating businesses. Investment Portfolio Performance Attribution Despite the volatility in equity markets, management continues to believe that equity market returns will be superior to either fixed income or money market investment returns over the long-term. Management remains committed to prudently The increase of $74.7 million in investment market value over book cost in fiscal 2006 was primarily attributed to an increase in the unrealized gain position in the Wajax investment for the May 6, 2006 over the prior fiscal year-end. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 39 Investmentand Other Operations DivisionRevenue($in millions)0203040556.260.564.474.4122.806Investmentand Other Operations DivisionOperatingIncome*($in millions)0203040527.023.925.728.331.306*beforedeductingcorporateexpensesFiscal yearFiscal yearManagement’s Discussion and Analysis Overall portfolio value also benefited from an increase in the value of a currency hedge put in place to protect U.S. equity portfolio investment value against a stronger Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Hedging Investment Currency Risk At May 6, 2006, Empire had hedged approximately 95 percent of the market value of its U.S. based common equity investments by way of $151 million notional of forward currency contracts. The average foreign exchange rate associated with these U.S. forward currency contracts is $1.14269.The fair value of the hedge was $5.2 million at the end of the fiscal year, consistent with last fiscal year, as a result of the foreign exchange rate equalling $1.1070 at the end of the fiscal year.This hedge value is included in the $214.3 million unrealized investment gain discussed above. The $151 million notional of forward currency contracts were put in place in late March/April 2006 as a replacement for U.S. dollar borrowings via bankers’ acceptances which were repaid with a portion of the net cash proceeds from the closing of the Crombie REIT initial public offering on March 23, 2006.The repayment of the U.S. based borrowings resulted in a deferred hedge gain of $10.2 million which will be realized on the eventual disposition of the underlying U.S. dollar portfolio investments. The Company also had a $12 million notional forward currency contract in place to hedge the value of Genstar – U.S. builder deal investments against a stronger Canadian dollar.The fair value of this hedge was $0.3 million at the end of the fiscal year. Capital Allocation from Investments During fiscal 2006 Empire purchased 1,308,800 common shares of Sobeys for a total cost of $49.5 million.The purchase price was funded by the net proceeds received on the sale of real estate assets to Crombie REIT.This resulted in an increase in Empire’s ownership of Sobeys of 1.9 percentage points, with total interest of 70.3 percent at the end of fiscal 2006 versus 68.4 percent a year earlier. Also during fiscal 2006, Empire allocated $40.0 million to assist in the funding of the 27 movie-theatres purchased by Empire Theatres from Cineplex Galaxy LP in September 2005. 40 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Investment Income Investment income generated by the investment portfolio, excluding equity earnings from Genstar U.S. builder deal investment equalled $24.6 million in fiscal 2006, an increase of $5.8 million or 30.8 percent over the prior year.The increase is the result of equity accounted earnings from Wajax being higher than last year by $6.5 million combined with a decrease in dividend income of $0.7 million.The decline in dividend income was expected as a result of changes in the investment portfolio mix.The growth in Wajax equity earnings was higher than expected and is largely the result of a strong resource sector in Western Canada which benefits Wajax sales of products and services. Operating Earnings Fiscal 2006 operating earnings from investments (net of corporate expenses) and other operations equalled $12.7 million, a decrease of $1.4 million or 9.9 percent from the prior year. Higher investment income was more than offset by a reduction in other operations’ operating earnings and increased corporate expenses. Empire Theatres’ earnings were negatively impacted by a combination of relatively weak movie product during the fiscal year and the effect of higher fixed costs resulting from the acquisition of 28 movie-theatres. The increase in corporate expenses was primarily attributed to higher interest expense as a result of higher average short-term borrowings relative to the prior year. Capital Gain Total capital gain (net of tax) from investments and other operations amounted to $35.3 million in fiscal 2006 versus $3.7 million last fiscal year. Capital gain (net of tax) realized on the sale of investments in fiscal 2006 equalled $32.4 million including a net capital gain of $23.5 million from the sale of 2.875 million units of Wajax.The remaining gain was due to the sale of other common equity investments. Empire Theatres recorded a net capital gain of $2.9 million (2005 – nil) as a result of the sale of a joint venture theatre interest in Western Canada. Net Earnings Investments (net of corporate expenses) and other operations contributed $48.0 million to Empire’s consolidated net earnings. This compares to a $17.8 million net earnings contribution last fiscal year.The growth was largely attributed to the increase in realized capital gains as discussed. Quarterly Results of Operations The following table is a summary of selected consolidated financial information from the Company’s unaudited interim consolidated financial statements for each of the eight most recently completed quarters. Results by Quarter ($ in millions, except per share information) Revenue Operating income Operating earnings(1) Capital gain (loss) and Q4 (13 weeks) May 6, 2006 Q3 (13 weeks) Feb. 4, 2006 Q2 (13 weeks) Nov. 5, 2005 Q1 (13 weeks) Aug. 6, 2005 Q4 (14 weeks) May 7, 2005 Q3 (13 weeks) Jan. 29, 2005 Q2 (13 weeks) Oct. 30, 2004 Q1 (13 weeks) July 31, 2004 $ 3,249.4 130.9 56.9 $ 3,264.4 118.3 47.7 $ 3,285.6 122.1 47.8 $ 3,361.7 120.1 49.6 $ 3,360.2 124.0 49.3 $ 2,978.5 113.3 46.2 $ 3,022.8 111.6 43.0 $ 3,073.7 114.8 44.4 other items, net of tax 61.5 8.3 0.8 24.2 5.5 1.4 (3.0) Net earnings $ 118.4 $ 56.0 $ 48.6 $ 73.8 $ 54.8 $ 47.6 $ 40.0 $ (0.2) 44.2 Per Share Information, fully diluted Operating earnings Capital gain (loss) and other items, net of tax Net earnings $ $ Weighted average number of shares outstanding 0.87 $ 0.72 $ 0.73 $ 0.75 $ 0.75 $ 0.70 $ 0.66 $ 0.66 0.93 1.80 0.13 $ 0.85 $ 0.01 0.74 0.37 0.08 $ 1.12 $ 0.83 $ 0.02 0.72 (0.05) – $ 0.61 $ 0.66 (in millions) 65.7 65.7 65.7 65.7 65.7 65.8 65.8 65.8 All quarters prior to the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 have been restated to reflect retroactive adjustments related to lease accounting. Please see the section entitled “Accounting Standards – Lease Accounting” in this fiscal 2006 MD&A. (1) Operating earnings is net earnings before capital gain (loss) and other items, net of tax. Fourth Quarter Results Summary Table of Consolidated Financial Results for the Fourth Quarter ($ in millions, except per share information) Revenue Operating income Interest expense Income taxes (from operating activities) Minority interest (from operating activities) Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Basic earnings per share Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Diluted earnings per share Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding (in millions) Dividends % of Revenue 100.00% 3.69 0.69 1.05 0.48 1.47 0.16 1.63% 13 Weeks Ended May 6, 2006 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,249.4 130.9 19.1 36.0 18.9 56.9 61.5 118.4 0.87 0.94 1.81 65.5 0.87 0.93 1.80 65.7 0.56 % of Revenue 100.00% 4.03 0.59 1.11 0.58 1.75 1.89 3.64% 14 Weeks Ended May 7, 2005 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,360.2 124.0 23.3 35.4 16.0 49.3 5.5 54.8 0.75 0.08 0.83 65.5 0.75 0.08 0.83 65.7 0.48 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 41 Management’s Discussion and Analysis The following is a review of financial performance for the 13-week period ended May 6, 2006 compared to the 14-week period ended May 7, 2005. Revenue Revenue for the fourth quarter was $3.25 billion compared to $3.36 billion last year, a $110.8 million or 3.3 percent decrease. The fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 contained 13 weeks of operations compared to 14 weeks in fiscal 2005 and this additional week accounted for approximately $241 million in additional sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Adjusting for the additional week, sales growth was 4.2 percent over the prior year.The consolidation of VIEs occurred at the beginning of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and as a result did not impact the quarter-over-quarter growth. The following table shows the fourth quarter revenues adjusted to eliminate the impact of the 14th week of sales included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 (VIEs were consolidated in both the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and 2006): ($ in millions) Fiscal 2006 Reported Revenue $ 3,249 Reported Revenue $ 3,360 Fiscal 2005 53rd Week Impact $ (241) Adjusted Revenue $ 3,119 Reported Decline Over Fiscal 2005 (3.3%) Adjusted Growth Over Fiscal 2005 4.2% The food division reported revenue of $3.16 billion, a decrease of $132.1 million or 4.0 percent. For the food division, the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 contained 13 weeks of operations compared to 14 weeks in fiscal 2005.The additional week accounted for approximately $241 million of the revenue decrease. Revenue from investments and other operations in the fourth quarter equalled $36.6 million, an increase of $18.5 million or 102.2 percent over the fourth quarter last year.This is primarily related to the revenue contribution from 28 acquired movie-theatres by Empire Theatres in the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Food division same-store sales grew 3.9 percent during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.The growth in retail sales was a direct result of Sobeys’ continued implementation of sales and merchandising initiatives across Sobeys and its ongoing financial commitment to upgrade and renovate existing store assets. Same-store sales growth outpaced overall Sobeys’ sales growth as there was little growth in wholesale sales to independent customers in the fourth quarter this year compared to the fourth quarter last year.Tobacco sales have decreased in the current quarter and the disposition of Sobeys’ Cash and Carry business in Ontario and Quebec in the quarter also had a negative impact on sales. Excluding the impact of the tobacco decline and the impact of the Cash and Carry disposition, sales growth would have been 6.1 percent on a comparable 13 week basis. Real estate operations reported fourth quarter revenues (net of inter-company eliminations) of $50.2 million, an increase of $2.8 million or 5.9 percent over the fourth quarter last year. Commercial property revenue declined by $2.1 million or 6.0 percent while revenue from residential operations increased $4.9 million or 39.8 percent.The decline in commercial property revenues was primarily the result of the sale of 44 properties to Crombie REIT nine days prior to the end of the quarter for ECL.The increase in residential revenue from Genstar was the result of exceptionally strong lot sales, particularly in Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta markets. 42 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Operating Income The $6.9 million or 5.6 percent increase in consolidated operating income in the fourth quarter was attributed to: (i) an increase in operating income contribution from residential property operations of $4.8 million, (ii) a $0.8 million increase in operating income from investments and other operations (net of corporate expenses), (iii) a $0.7 million increase in operating income from commercial property operations and (iv) a $0.6 million increase in operating income from the food division compared to the fourth quarter last year. Sobeys’ EBITDA for the quarter ended May 6, 2006 was $136.7 million; an increase of 2.7 percent or $3.6 million versus the $133.1 million recorded in the same quarter last year. EBITDA as a percentage of sales increased to 4.32 percent from 4.04 percent when compared to fourth quarter fiscal 2005 results. Sobeys experienced a modest increase in gross margin percentage compared to the same quarter last year as a result of the continued implementation of enhanced merchandising programs and store productivity initiatives. Sobeys’ EBIT for the fourth quarter increased $0.6 million or 0.7 percent to $85.2 million.The 14th week of operations in the fourth quarter last year positively impacted EBIT by approximately $6.1 million. EBIT margin, which is EBIT divided by sales, for the fourth quarter increased to 2.69 percent from 2.57 percent in the same quarter last year. Sobeys fourth quarter EBIT included $5.3 million of costs related to the Ontario business process and system initiative outlined previously. Real estate division operating income grew by $5.5 million or 15.6 percent over the fourth quarter last year. Commercial operations operating income increased $0.7 million or 3.0 percent to $23.7 million while residential operations operating income increased by $4.8 million or 39.3 percent to reach $17.0 million. This rate of growth in residential operations’ operating income is not expected to be sustainable. Management recognizes that selling residential lots is a cyclical industry and that growth will likely soften as interest rates rise and/or other macroeconomic events dampen the demand for residential real estate. Operating income from investments and other operations, net of corporate expenses, increased $0.8 million or 19.0 percent to reach $5.0 million. Higher investment income of $1.8 million was more than offset by a reduction in operating income contribution for other operations as well as higher corporate expenses. Relatively weak movie product quality in the fourth quarter coupled with higher fixed costs as a result of acquiring 28 movie-theatres in the second quarter served to negatively impact Empire Theatres’ growth in operating income. Minority Interest The $2.9 million increase in minority interest relative to the fourth quarter last year was the result of higher earnings from Sobeys offset by an increase in Empire’s ownership interest. The purchase of 1.3 million Sobeys’ shares during April 2006 served to increase Empire’s interest in Sobeys from 68.4 percent to 70.3 percent. Operating Earnings The $7.6 million or 15.4 percent increase in operating earnings over the fourth quarter last year is the result of a $2.2 million increase in food distribution division earnings contribution; a 5.3 million increase in real estate division earnings contribution, and a $0.1 million increase in earnings contribution from investments and other operations. Capital Gain and Other Items The capital gain and other items (net of tax) of $61.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 compares to $5.5 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.The increase in the capital gain (net of tax) of $56.0 million is primarily the result of the sale of assets to Crombie REIT as discussed. Interest Expense Net Earnings The $4.2 million decrease in fourth quarter consolidated interest expense is primarily due to a $3.6 million reduction in interest expense connected to long-term debt. At the end of the fiscal year, long-term debt was $171.7 million lower than the prior year. Interest expense related to short-term debt also declined, by $0.6 million, reflecting decreased bank loans in the fourth quarter as a result of using a portion of the cash proceeds received on the sale of property to Crombie REIT to reduce short-term indebtedness. Income Taxes The effective income tax rate for the fourth quarter was 32.2 percent compared to 35.2 percent in the fourth quarter last year.The decrease in the effective tax rate for the quarter was the result of adjustments to the statutory rates applied to timing differences of future tax balances and a reduction in federal capital taxes. Consolidated net earnings in the fourth quarter, including capital gains and other items (net of tax), totalled $118.4 million or $1.80 per share on a fully diluted basis versus $54.8 million or $0.83 per share in the fourth quarter last year, a $63.6 million increase.The real estate division accounted for $64.3 million of the increase in consolidated earnings. Real estate’s earnings were favourably impacted by a net capital gain on the sale of properties to Crombie REIT of $76.2 million which was partially offset by a reduction in the book value of retained real estate assets of $17.0 million for a net impact of $59.2 million.The food division contributed a $2.6 million increase in net earnings while investments and other operations’ net earnings contribution declined by $3.3 million over the fourth quarter last year. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 43 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Financial Condition Management believes that the Company’s capital structure and financial condition can be evaluated based on a review of key financial condition measures contained in the table below. ($ in millions, except per share and ratio calculations) Shareholders’ equity Book value per share Minority interest Bank indebtedness Long-term debt, including current portion(1) Funded debt to total capital Net debt to total capital ratio(2) Adjusted debt to total capital(3) Debt to EBITDA Interest coverage Total assets May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 April 30, 2004 $ $ 1,965.2 29.77 585.4 98.6 823.5 31.9% 22.8% 48.9% 1.35x 5.86x 5,051.5 $ $ 1,709.0 25.87 556.3 219.4 986.7 41.4% 35.1% 53.7% 1.87x 5.35x 4,929.2 $ $ 1,567.6 23.67 541.0 140.8 1,008.2 42.3% 37.7% 50.2% 1.98x 4.58x 4,679.7 (1) Includes long-term lease obligation. (2) Net debt to total capital is calculated as funded debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by total capital, net of cash and cash equivalents. (3) Adjusted debt includes capitalization of lease obligations based on six times net annual lease payments (gross lease payments net of expected sub-lease income). Empire’s financial condition continues to strengthen as evidenced by improvement in interest coverage, a reduction in debt ratios and an increase in book value per share.The sale of 44 commercial properties to Crombie REIT and corresponding equity accounting of Crombie REIT as a consequence of the 48.3 percent ownership level, had the effect of removing $312.9 million of long-term debt from the consolidated balance sheet. Shareholders’ Equity Total common shares outstanding at May 6, 2006 equalled 65,735,810, relatively unchanged from a year ago.There were 31,175,047 Non-Voting Class A shares outstanding and 34,560,763 Class B common shares outstanding at May 6, 2006. During fiscal 2006, there were no options exercised compared to 9,400 options exercised in fiscal 2005. At May 6, 2006, Empire had 27,674 options outstanding which are scheduled to expire in October, 2006. Empire has a policy of repurchasing enough Class A Non- Voting shares to offset the dilutive effect of shares issued to fulfill the Company’s obligation under its stock option and share purchase plans. During fiscal 2006 Empire purchased 20,254 Non-Voting Class A shares for cancellation versus 61,129 shares purchased for cancellation in fiscal 2005. Also, during fiscal 2005 Empire purchased for cancellation 100,000 series 2 preferred shares for $2.5 million; none were purchased for cancellation in fiscal 2006. At July 14, 2006, Empire had 65,766,602 shares outstanding, consisting of 31,205,839 Non-Voting Class A shares and 34,560,763 Class B common shares outstanding, along with 15,255 options outstanding expiring in October, 2006. Options allow the holder to purchase Non-Voting Class A shares at $6.555 per share. Dividends paid to common shareholders in fiscal 2006 amounted to $36.7 million ($0.56 per share) versus $31.6 million ($0.48 per share) last fiscal year. 44 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Liabilities Historically the Company has financed a significant portion of its investing activities, consisting primarily of purchases of property and equipment, through the use of funded debt (consisting of bank indebtedness, long-term debt, long-term debt due within one year, and long-term lease obligation), the majority of which is fixed-rate and long-term in nature.This trend is expected to continue. Total fixed-rate, long-term debt (including the current portion of long-term debt) at fiscal year-end of $587.1 million represents 63.7 percent of Empire’s total funded debt of $922.1 million. Long-term debt (including current portion and long-term lease obligations) segmented by division is detailed in the table below. ($ in millions) May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 Food Real estate Investments and other operations Total $ 510.8 253.9 58.8 $ 470.1 512.2 4.4 $ 823.5 $ 986.7 Of the total long-term debt outstanding at fiscal year-end, 62.0 percent was directly related to the food segment, 30.8 percent was directly related to the real estate segment, and 7.2 percent was related to investments and other operations. Empire finances its long-term assets predominately with fixed-rate long-term debt, thereby reducing both interest rate and refinancing risk. Because the investment segment’s assets are short-term and liquid in nature, associated financing tends to be short-term in duration, primarily by way of one to three month bankers’ acceptances. Excluding long-term lease obligation, a total of $324.4 million in long-term debt is due within the next five years, and a further $478.3 million with longer maturities for a total of $802.7 million (2005 - $974.4 million).The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated to be $866.4 million. Long-term debt maturities, including capital leases, in fiscal 2007 and 2008 amount to $95.4 million and $51.6 million, respectively.The Company anticipates being able to fund these maturities through the following sources of cash: cash generated from operations, the utilization of short-term credit facilities and the issuance of additional long-term debt. Management monitors capital markets with a view to replacing maturing debt with new debt having long-term maturities. At May 6, 2006, interest coverage (operating income divided by interest expense) improved to 5.86 times from the 5.35 times coverage reported as of May 7, 2005.The improvement in coverage is the result of the 5.9 percent increase in year- over-year operating income coupled with the 3.3 percent decrease in interest expense as discussed.The ratio of debt to EBITDA also improved, from 1.87 times last fiscal year-end, to 1.35 times at the end of fiscal 2006.This is related to growth in EBITDA of 6.4 percent and a decrease in debt of 23.5 percent, primarily as a result of the formation of Crombie REIT. As mentioned, a portion of the proceeds received on the Crombie REIT closing were used to reduce bank indebtedness. Largely as a consequence of the Crombie REIT transactions, the Company’s debt to total capital ratio declined 9.5 percentage points in fiscal 2006 and the ratio of net debt (debt less cash and cash equivalents) to total capital ratio declined by 12.3 percentage points. The Company also monitors adjusted debt to total capital, where net annual lease payments are capitalized at six times annual lease payments, and this capitalized lease obligation is then added to funded debt. Adjusted debt to capital at fiscal year-end was 49.9 percent versus 57.4 percent at the end of last fiscal year. Empire’s investment portfolio consisting of liquid publicly traded securities also strengthens the Company’s financial position. At fiscal year-end May 6, 2006 the investment portfolio, including the market value of 20.07 million Crombie REIT units, carried a market value of $824.2 million (2005 - $483.3 million). Through established credit ratings, Sobeys maintains access to the capital markets. Sobeys has a corporate unsecured debt rating of BBB- (stable trend) from Standard and Poor’s and a debt rating of BBB high (negative trend) from Dominion Bond Rating Service. Empire and its subsidiaries have provided covenants to its lenders in support of various financing facilities. All covenants were complied with in fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005. Empire anticipates ready availability of any required longer- term financing due to improvement in its financial condition and previous experience in the capital markets. Sobeys filed a short-form base shelf prospectus, on October 21, 2005, providing for the issuance of up to $500 million in unsecured medium term notes (“MTNs”) over the next two years. On October 28, 2005, Sobeys issued $175 million Series D MTN with a maturity date of October 29, 2035 (30 years) and an interest rate of 6.06 percent.The proceeds from this issuance were used to repay the Sobeys’ Series A MTN which matured on November 1, 2005 and carried an interest rate of 7.60 percent.Through a bond forward Sobeys had locked in the rate on the underlying government of Canada 15 year yield for refinancing $100 million of the November 2005 Series A MTN maturity.The settlement of this bond forward resulted in a $4.4 million addition to deferred costs which Sobey is amortizing to interest expense over the 30-year term of the related MTN. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 45 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Financial Instruments Empire utilizes interest rate instruments from time to time to prudently manage its exposure to interest rate volatility and also to fix future long-term debt maturities which are expected to be refinanced. At May 6, 2006, there were no interest rate hedges in place by Empire directly or with any of its operating companies. To mitigate the currency risk associated with the Company’s U.S. dollar investments, including its investment in Genstar – U.S. builder deals, Empire has entered into and designated $163 million of forward currency contracts to act as a hedge against the effect of a stronger Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar.The fair value of these currency forwards at May 6, 2006 was $5.5 million. Approximately 95 percent of the market value of U.S. dollar common equities in the Empire investment portfolio are hedged at an average foreign exchange rate of 1.14269.These forward exchange contracts have variable maturities over the next year and are anticipated to be extended at maturity. Empire and its subsidiaries use hedging instruments to mitigate risk exposure, not for speculative purposes. Liquidity and Capital Resources Sources of Liquidity Empire’s liquidity remains strong as a result of the following sources of liquidity: • Cash and cash equivalents on hand; • Unutilized bank credit facilities; • Availability of long-term debt financing; • Empire’s portfolio of liquid investments; and • Cash generated from operating activities. The Company anticipates that these sources of liquidity will be sufficient to meet expected cash outflows over the next year. At May 6, 2006 cash and cash equivalents were $341.1 million versus $281.7 million at May 7, 2005. On a non-consolidated basis, Empire maintains authorized bank lines for operating, general and corporate purposes of $325.0 million, of which approximately 22 percent was utilized at fiscal year-end. On a consolidated basis, Empire’s authorized bank credit facilities exceeded borrowings by $626.4 million at May 6, 2006. The Company normally refinances existing long-term debt as it matures, and maintains financial flexibility through its investment portfolio and access to the capital markets for additional long-term debt or equity financing. Longer-term financing is obtained by Sobeys primarily through Canadian public debt markets via Sobeys’ established MTN program. Sobeys also utilizes capital leases for the financing of selected properties and assets.The Company anticipates continued ready access to financing sources as a result of in-place investment grade credit ratings for Sobeys, as mentioned, and previous capital markets experience. Major Cash Flow Components The table below highlights major cash flow components for the 13 and 52-weeks ended May 6, 2006 compared to the 14 and 53-weeks ended May 7, 2005. ($ in millions) Earnings for common shareholders Items not affecting cash Net change in non-cash working capital Cash flows from operating activities Cash flows used in investing activities Cash flows (used in) from financing activities Initial impact of VIEs 13 Weeks May 6, 2006 14 Weeks May 7, 2005 52 Weeks May 6, 2006 53 Weeks May 7, 2005 $ 118.3 45.1 163.4 168.3 331.7 (26.9) (169.9) – $ $ 54.8 95.0 149.8 111.7 261.5 (205.7) 34.9 32.9 $ 296.5 254.4 550.9 75.7 626.6 (472.9) (94.3) - 186.3 315.8 502.1 (15.7) 486.4 (447.0) 7.2 32.9 Increase in cash and cash equivalents $ 134.9 $ 123.6 $ 59.4 $ 79.5 46 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Funded Debt to Total Capital (percentage)0203040549.645.942.341.431.906InterestCoverage(times)020304053.74.84.65.35.906Fiscal yearFiscal yearOperating Activities Cash flows from operating activities amounted to $331.7 million in the fourth quarter compared to $261.5 million in the comparable quarter last year. The increase of $70.2 million was the result of increased earnings for common shareholders of $63.5 million, an increase in non-cash working capital of $56.6 million partially offset by a decrease in items not affecting cash of $49.9 million. Key factors resulting in the decrease in items not affecting cash in the fourth quarter were: the gain on sale of property to Crombie REIT of $76.2 million and the reduction of book value of real assets of $17.0 million. Cash flows from operating activities on an annual basis amounted to $626.6 million compared to $486.4 million last fiscal year.The increase of $140.2 million was the result of a $110.2 million improvement in earnings for common shareholders, a $91.4 million increase in non-cash working capital, partially offset by a $61.4 million decrease in items not affecting cash.The decrease in items not affecting cash was primarily attributed to: (i) the real estate items as discussed above, (ii) a capital gain, net of tax, on the sale of Wajax Income Fund units equal to $23.5 million, (iii) a decrease in future income taxes of $21.6 million, and (iv) an increase in depreciation and amortization of $24.3 million. The following table presents non-cash working capital changes as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2006 and to last fiscal year. Major Components of Non-Cash Working Capital Including VIEs ($ in millions) Receivables Inventories Prepaid expenses Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes receivable (payable) May 6, 2006 February 4, 2006 Quarter Increase (Decrease) in Cash Flows $ $ 275.4 694.3 51.5 (1,241.8) (35.8) $ 274.9 726.6 50.6 (1,130.3) (1.2) (0.5) 32.3 (0.9) 111.5 34.6 $ May 7, 2005 257.8 639.6 52.3 (1,149.1) 15.0 Total $ (256.4) $ (79.4) $ 177.0 $ (184.4) $ Year-over-Year Increase (Decrease) in Cash Flows $ (17.6) (54.7) 0.8 92.7 50.8 72.0 Inventory levels decreased $32.3 million, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $111.5 million and income taxes payable increased $34.6 million compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2006.The decrease in inventory levels is consistent with trends in inventory levels in prior years.The increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was consistent with the prior year and can be attributed to a combination of higher trade payables and higher accrued liabilities such as construction costs and employee incentives. Compared to May 7, 2005, accounts receivable increased $17.6 million, inventories increased $54.7 million, accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased $92.7 million and income taxes payable increased $50.8 million.The increase in inventory and the corresponding increase in trade accounts payable primarily reflects higher inventory levels to support Sobeys’ expanded network and growing sales. Investing Activities Cash flows used in investing activities of $26.9 million in the fourth quarter was $178.8 million lower than in the fourth quarter of last fiscal year.The significant reduction is largely the result of proceeds of $267.7 million on the sale of property to Crombie REIT, partially offset by a net increase in investments over the comparable quarter of the prior year of $88.9 million. On an annual basis, cash used in investing activities increased $25.9 million to total $472.9 million.This was primarily the result of: (i) a net increase in investments of $135.0 million, (ii) an increase in purchases of property, equipment and other assets of $174.4 million and (iii) an increase in business acquisitions (net of cash acquired) of $73.2 million, offset by proceeds on the sale of property to Crombie REIT of $267.7 million and net proceeds on the sale of Wajax Income Fund units of $50.8 million. Also contributing to the fiscal 2006 increase in cash flows used in investing activities was the purchase of shares in Sobeys totalling $49.5 million compared to $93.5 million last fiscal year. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 47 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Consolidated on-balance sheet purchases of property equipment and other assets totalled $546.4 million compared to $372.0 million last fiscal year.The table below presents balance sheet capital expenditures over the last two years by division. ($ in millions) Food Real estate Investments and other operations Total May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 $ 421.3 67.9 57.2 $ 321.1 33.2 17.7 $ 546.4 $ 372.0 Food division company-wide capital investment which includes on-balance sheet capital expenditures, all known capital investments by franchise affiliates and capital investments by third-party landlords, totalled $560 million in fiscal 2006, an increase of $124 million from $436 million recorded in the previous year. Sobeys remains committed to growing and improving its store network. During the fourth quarter, 12 corporate and franchised stores were opened or replaced compared to 13 corporate and franchised stores opened or replaced during the fourth quarter of last year. An additional four stores were expanded during the quarter compared to seven in the same time period last year.There were four stores rebannered in the current quarter compared to 16 for the same quarter last year. On an annual basis, the food division opened or replaced 56 corporate and franchised stores compared to 41 corporate and franchised stores opened or replaced last year. An additional 18 stores were expanded in the year compared to 19 stores last year and nine stores were rebannered this year compared to 36 last year. Net retail store square footage increased during the fourth quarter by 1,341 square feet (405,108 square feet opened, less 403,767 square feet closed). Net retail store additions for the year totalled 322,484 square feet (1,341,601 square feet opened less 1,019,117 square feet closed). At May 6, 2006, Sobeys’ square footage totalled 25.4 million square feet, a 1.6 percent increase over May 7, 2005. Sobeys continues to focus on growth through a combination of new store openings, renovations, replacements and enlargements and, where appropriate, through strategic acquisitions. It is expected that there will be a significant increase in capital expenditures for fiscal 2007.This will include a continued focus on the retail store network along with increased spending on landbank sites and logistics infrastructure. During fiscal 2007, the Company plans to open, expand, or renovate approximately 90 corporate and franchised stores across Canada, increasing square footage by approximately four percent. Capital expenditures for the real estate division equalled $67.9 million in fiscal 2006 as a result of ongoing property developments and land additions. Capital spending by investments and other operations equalled $57.2 million in fiscal 2006 ($17.7 million in 2005) as a result of expenditures to invest in selected oil and gas properties in Alberta through Kepec and to modernize various movie- theatre locations. 48 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Food DivisionCapital Expenditures ($in millions)02030405458.9411.2384.9321.1421.306Real Estate Division Capital Expenditures($in millions)0203040548.125.134.233.267.906Fiscal yearFiscal yearFinancing Activities Financing activities during the fourth quarter used $169.9 million in cash compared to cash generated of $34.9 million in the comparable period of fiscal 2005. Net repayments of funded debt amounted to $160.1 million in the fourth quarter (repayments of $281.7 million net of issuances of $121.6 million), compared to net issuances of $43.9 million (repayments of $14.3 million net of issuances of $58.2 million) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, some of the proceeds from the sale of properties to Crombie REIT were used to pay down bank indebtedness, and also to purchase 1,308,800 common shares of Sobeys. In the fourth quarter of last year, the purchase of Sobeys’ shares was financed by short-term bank indebtedness. For the fiscal year, financing activities decreased cash by $94.3 million compared to an increase of $7.2 million in the prior fiscal year. Bank indebtedness decreased in fiscal 2006 by $110.6 million compared to an increase in bank indebtedness in fiscal 2005 of $78.6 million. As previously discussed, proceeds from the sale of properties to Crombie REIT were used to pay down short-term bank indebtedness and to purchase additional Sobeys’ shares, whereas in fiscal 2005 Sobeys’ share purchases were financed by short-term bank indebtedness. As well, for the full fiscal year, the issuance of long-term debt at $409.5 million and the repayment of long-term debt at $362.5 million were significantly higher than last fiscal year, netting at a $47.0 million source of cash.The long-term debt issuance largely reflects: (i) Sobeys repaying, on maturity, the $175 million Series A MTN with proceeds from the issuance of a new Series D MTN; (ii) the entering into of $144.2 million of commercial mortgage backed securities which were subsequently repaid on the formation of Crombie REIT; and (iii) notes payable to Crombie REIT in the amount of $62.7 million in connection with capital expenditures, rental income subsidies, interest rate subsidies and tax subsidies as detailed in various commercial agreements between ECL and Crombie REIT.The repayment of long-term debt of $362.5 million reflects the $175 million MTN repayment as mentioned along with the assumption of long-term debt connected to the 44 commercial properties sold to Crombie REIT. See note 3 to the financial statements for details on the sale of these properties. The Company’s share capital was comprised of the following at its fiscal year-end May 6, 2006: Authorized Number of Shares Preferred shares, par value $25 each, issuable in series 2002 Preferred shares par value $25 each, issuable in series Non-Voting Class A shares, without par value Class B common shares, without par value, voting Issued and Outstanding Preferred shares, Series 2 cumulative, redeemable, rate of 75% of prime Non-Voting Class A shares Class B common shares Dividend Payments 2,846,000 992,000,000 259,154,492 40,800,000 Number of Shares 331,900 31,175,047 34,560,763 Dividends of $36.7 million ($0.56 per share) were paid in fiscal 2006 on Empire’s common shares, up from the $31.6 million ($0.48 per share) paid in fiscal 2005.The dividend rate increased from $0.48 to $0.56 per share.There was no material change in the number of common shares outstanding year-over-year. Share Repurchases During fiscal 2006, Empire repurchased 20,254 Non-Voting Class A shares ($0.8 million) under a Normal Course Issuer Bid announced on July 26, 2005.The Company issued 20,254 Non-Voting Class A shares ($0.8 million) to fulfill its obligation under its share purchase plan. The Company anticipates that its sources of liquidity as discussed will meet its investing and financing requirements over the next year. On July 26, 2006, Empire announced its intention to file a Normal Course Issuer Bid with the Toronto Stock Exchange to purchase for cancellation up to 623,200 common shares representing approximately 2.0 percent of the shares outstanding. The Board of Directors and Management of Empire believe that the repurchase of its shares at recent prevailing market prices is a worthwhile use of funds and in the best interests of the Company. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 49 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Accounting Policy Changes CICA Section 1100, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Accounting Standards Implemented in Fiscal 2006 and 2005 EIC-144, Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor (“EIC-144”) In January 2004, the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”) issued a new accounting standard, EIC-144 titled “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor”. EIC-144 outlines that cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction in the prices of the vendor’s products or services and should be accounted for as a reduction in cost of sales and related inventory, when recognized in the customer’s income statement and balance sheet. Certain exceptions apply if the consideration is a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor or for a reimbursement of costs incurred to sell the vendor’s products, provided certain conditions are met. EIC-144 requires retroactive application to all financial statements for annual and interim periods ending after August 15, 2004.The Company adopted EIC-144 in November 2004, adjusting for it retroactively with restatement of the comparative periods. The Company receives allowances from certain vendors, whose products are purchased for resale. Included in these vendor programs are allowances for volume purchases, exclusivity allowances, listing fees, and other allowances. Due to the retroactive implementation of EIC-144, the timing of recognition of certain vendor allowances has changed, resulting in the Company recording a decrease in opening retained earnings for fiscal 2005 of $3.8 million (net of minority interest of $2.1 million), and a decrease in inventory of $9.3 million.The implementation of EIC-144 did not result in a material change in the annual net earnings for fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005 or in fiscal 2006 or fiscal 2005 quarterly net earnings. During fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the amendment to EIC-144 issued in January 2005.The amendment requires disclosure of the amount of vendor allowances that have been recognized in income but for which the full requirements for entitlement have not yet been met. Certain allowances from vendors are contingent on the Company achieving minimum purchase levels.The Company recognizes these allowances in income in accordance with EIC-144 when it is probable that the minimum purchase level will be met, and the amount of allowances can be estimated. As of the year ended May 6, 2006, the Company has recognized $3.5 million of allowances in income where it is probable that the minimum purchase level will be met and the amount of the allowance can be estimated. 50 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report During fiscal 2004, the CICA introduced handbook section 1100, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, which deleted the reference to industry practice that had previously constituted a source for Canadian GAAP.The Company had been following industry practice with respect to depreciation and lease accounting. Section 1100 now requires the Company to recognize depreciation of real estate buildings, rental expense and income from tenant leases on a straight- line basis. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company adopted this handbook section prospectively without restatement. Depreciation The sinking fund method was used to record depreciation of the real estate buildings, calculated as an amount which, compounded annually at the rate of five percent, would have fully amortized the cost of the buildings over their estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years. Effective May 1, 2004, the straight-line method was adopted to record depreciation of the real estate buildings. Depreciation is determined with reference to each rental property’s book value, its estimated useful life (not greater than 40 years) and its residual value. Adoption of the straight-line method resulted in additional deprecation of $1.2 million during fiscal 2005. Real Estate Leases Rental expense was recognized in accordance with the lease agreements with landlords. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company has changed its policy to record real estate lease expense on a straight-line basis. Additional real estate lease expense of $2.7 million was recorded in the 2005 fiscal year as a result of this policy change in the food reporting segment. Real estate revenue was recognized in accordance with the lease agreements with tenants.The Company has changed its policy to record income on a straight-line basis. Adoption of this policy resulted in recognition of additional straight-line real estate revenue of $2.2 million during the 2005 fiscal year. AcG-13, Hedging Relationships Accounting guideline (“AcG”) 13, “Hedging Relationships”, came into effect during the prior fiscal year.This guideline addresses the identification, designation, documentation and effectiveness of hedging relationships for the purpose of applying hedge accounting and provides guidance with respect to the discontinuance of hedge accounting.The Company has applied this guideline prospectively and there was no effect on the company from the adoption of this guideline. Upon application of this guideline, if documentation and effectiveness requirements are met, gains and losses on derivative financial instruments used to hedge exposure to foreign exchange, and interest rates are deferred and recognized in earnings in the same period the related hedged risk is realized. Amounts received or paid related to instruments used to hedge foreign exchange, including any gains and losses, are recognized in the cost of purchases. Amounts received or paid, including any gains and losses on instruments used to hedge interest rate risks are recognized over the term of the hedged item in interest expense.The derivatives are not recorded on the balance sheet. CICA Section 3110, Asset Retirement Obligations Beginning in fiscal 2005, CICA Handbook Section 3110, “Asset Retirement Obligations,” was adopted retroactively. This section establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of legal obligations associated with the costs to retire long-lived assets. A liability associated with the retirement of long-lived assets is recorded in the period in which the legal asset is capitalized as part of the related asset and depreciated over its useful life. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future costs underlying the obligation. There has been no impact on the Company from the adoption of this section. should be recorded as a deferred credit and amortized as a reduction of lease expense over the term of the lease.The second adjustment relates to rent expense to be recorded during a store’s fixturing period.The Company is often granted a fixturing period during which rent is not charged. The fixturing is generally considered to be one month prior to the store opening. Historically, when the Company was granted a fixturing period, rent expense was not recorded as none was being charged and the store was not yet open.The clarification of the accounting guidance however requires that the fixturing period be considered a free-rent period that should be included in the term of the lease. Since lease expense must be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, an appropriate portion of the straight-line expense must be recorded for the fixturing period.The third adjustment relates to the capitalization of long-term leases. An evaluation was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and certain long-term leases were identified as capital leases.These changes have been accounted for on a retroactive basis with restatement resulting in the Company recording a decrease in opening retained earnings for fiscal 2005 of $5.4 million (net of minority interest of $2.9 million). These lease accounting adjustments did not have any material impact on the Company’s current or prior year net earnings. Lease Accounting AcG-15, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities On February 7, 2005, the Office of the Chief Accountant of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a clarification in respect of accounting for various components of property leases and leasehold improvements on which U.S. and Canadian accounting governing bodies had been largely silent. As a result of the SEC clarification, in fiscal 2005, the Company has adopted the following two accounting policies. Lease inducements received as a reimbursement for leasehold improvement costs are amortized over the term of the lease and lease expense related to a store fixturing period is expensed during the fixturing period. A store fixturing period varies by store but is generally considered to be one month prior to the store opening.The Company adopted this guideline retroactively with restatement in fiscal 2005. The Company reviewed its practices related to lease accounting and has determined that adjustments were required to align to the recent clarification of lease accounting guidelines.The first adjustment relates to lease allowances and incentives. Historically the Company classified lease allowances as a reduction of the related capital assets, which effectively reduced the depreciation expense over the expected life of the asset.The guideline clarification suggests these lease allowances Variable interest entities are defined under AcG-15 as entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or where the equity holders lack the overall characteristics of a controlling financial interest.The guideline requires that the VIE be consolidated with the financial results of the entity deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE’s expected losses and its expected residual returns. The Company implemented AcG-15 during the fourth quarter ended May 7, 2005 retroactively without restatement of prior periods. Entities that have been identified as meeting the characteristics of a VIE have been consolidated in the Company’s results effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The Company has identified the following entities as VIEs: Franchise Affiliates The Company has identified 300 (May 7, 2005 – 287) franchise stores whose franchise agreements result in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the entity according to AcG-15.The results for these entities were consolidated with the results of the Company pursuant to AcG-15. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 51 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Warehouse and Distribution Agreement The Company has an agreement with an independent entity to provide warehouse and distribution services for one of its distribution centres.The terms of the agreement with this entity require the Company to consolidate its results with those of the Company pursuant to AcG-15. Impact of the Consolidation of VIEs Balance Sheet as at May 6, 2006: ($ in millions) Assets Current Cash and cash equivalents Receivables Inventories Prepaid expenses Investments, at cost (quoted market value $398.9) Investments, at equity (realizable value $425.3) Property and equipment Assets held for sale Other assets Goodwill Liabilities Current Bank indebtedness Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Future income taxes Long-term debt due within one year Liabilities relating to assets held for sale Long-term debt Long-term lease obligation Other liabilities Employee future benefits obligation Future income taxes Minority interest Shareholders’ Equity Capital stock Contributed surplus Retained earnings Cumulative translation adjustment 52 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report The Company has consolidated the results of these franchise affiliates and the entity providing warehouse and distribution services effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Before AcG-15 Impact Impact of the Implementation of AcG-15 After AcG-15 Impact $ $ 301.8 317.6 571.4 46.4 1,237.2 359.9 157.5 2,112.2 23.1 360.0 731.8 39.3 (42.2) 122.9 5.1 125.1 – – 31.4 – (86.7) – $ 341.1 275.4 694.3 51.5 1,362.3 359.9 157.5 2,143.6 23.1 273.3 731.8 $ 4,981.7 $ 69.8 $ 5,051.5 $ $ 98.6 1,219.6 33.6 46.1 94.3 7.1 1,499.3 690.6 16.6 18.9 97.3 133.1 547.2 3,003.0 195.1 0.2 1,784.5 (1.1) 1,978.7 – 22.2 2.2 – 1.1 – 25.5 16.7 4.2 – – (1.3) 38.2 83.3 – – (13.5) – (13.5) $ 98.6 1,241.8 35.8 46.1 95.4 7.1 1,524.8 707.3 20.8 18.9 97.3 131.8 585.4 3,086.3 195.1 0.2 1,771.0 (1.1) 1,965.2 $ 4,981.7 $ 69.8 $ 5,051.5 The impact of implementation of AcG-15 on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company can be explained as follows: Accounts receivable and long-term notes receivable due from the franchise affiliates were eliminated upon consolidation. Cash, inventories, fixed assets, accounts payable and debt financing of the fixed assets have been consolidated. A charge of $9.5 million (net of minority interest of $5.0 million) has been recorded to opening retained earnings to reflect: (i) The reduction of inventory values of the franchise affiliates that include charges from the Company for distribution costs and vendor allowances that are not recognized by the Company until final sale to customers, and (ii) Goodwill that is carried on the accounts of the stores determined to be VIEs has been assessed as being impaired with no fair market value, and as such, has been eliminated. It has been determined that a charge of $3.7 million (net of minority interest of $2.0 million) to retained earning was required in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 to reflect additional minority interest in the VIEs. Additional adjustments of $0.1 million (net of minority interest of $0.1 million) to retained earnings are reflective of changes in the amount of VIE entities required to be consolidated. Minority interest represents the equity in the VIEs held by the common shareholders. Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the 52 weeks ended, May 6, 2006: ($ in millions) Revenue Operating expenses Cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization Investment income Operating income Interest expense Long-term debt Short-term debt Capital gain and other items Earnings before income taxes and minority interest Income taxes Earnings before minority interest Minority interest Net earnings Earnings per share Basic Diluted Before AcG-15 Impact Impact of the Implementation of AcG-15 After AcG-15 Impact $ 12,573.9 $ 587.2 $ 13,161.1 11,905.7 220.0 448.2 31.8 480.0 74.5 8.2 82.7 397.3 109.4 506.7 150.3 356.4 59.8 296.6 4.53 4.51 $ $ $ $ $ $ 570.0 5.8 11.4 – 11.4 1.1 – 1.1 10.3 – 10.3 2.8 7.5 7.3 0.2 – – 12,475.7 225.8 459.6 31.8 491.4 75.6 8.2 83.8 407.6 109.4 517.0 153.1 363.9 67.1 296.8 4.53 4.51 $ $ $ Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 53 Management’s Discussion and Analysis The impact of implementation of AcG-15 on the consolidated income statement of the Company can be explained as follows: EIC-159, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (“EIC-159”) Franchise affiliate retail sales are recorded and sales from the Company’s distribution centres and cost of goods sold to the franchise affiliates have been eliminated.The impact on all other financial statement line items including net earnings is immaterial. EIC-150, Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease (“EIC-150”) EIC-150 addresses arrangements comprising a transaction or a series of transactions that do not take the legal form of a lease but convey a right to use a tangible asset in return for a payment or a series of payments. EIC-150 provides guidance for determining whether these types of arrangements contain a lease within the scope of handbook section 3065, “Leases”, and should be accounted for accordingly.The assessment should be based on whether the fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of specific tangible assets and whether the arrangement conveys the right to control the use of the tangible assets.This assessment should be made at the inception of the arrangement and only reassessed if certain conditions are met. EIC-150 is effective for arrangements entered into or modified during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and did not have any impact during fiscal 2005 or 2006. The Company will continue to monitor whether EIC-150 is applicable to transactions undertaken by the Company. EIC-154, Accounting for Pre-Existing Relationships Between the Parties of the Business Combination (“EIC-154”) EIC-154 issued on May 31, 2005, requires that a business combination occurring after May 31, 2005 between parties that have a pre-existing relationship be evaluated to determine if a settlement of the pre-existing contract has occurred which would require separate accounting from the business combination.The settlement of the pre-existing contract should be measured at the settlement amount as defined within the standard. In addition, EIC-154 requires that certain reacquired rights, including the rights to the acquirer’s trade name under a franchise agreement, be recognized as an intangible asset separate from goodwill. The Company has determined that its acquisitions of franchised, associated and independent stores could be within the scope of EIC-154.The adoption of EIC-154 by the Company on a prospective basis did not impact net earnings and the Company will continue to monitor whether EIC-154 is applicable to transactions undertaken by the Company. 54 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report This abstract provides guidance on when a conditional asset retirement obligation should be recognized in accordance with CICA 3110, Asset Retirement Obligations.The abstract is to be applied on a retroactive basis effective in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.The abstract requires an entity to recognize a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. A conditional asset retirement obligation refers to a legal obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are conditional on a future event that may not be within the control of the entity.The obligation to perform the asset retirement activity is unconditional even though uncertainty exists about the timing and/or method of settlement. There was no effect on the Company of adopting this guideline and the Company will continue to monitor whether EIC-159 is applicable to future transactions. Future Accounting Standards EIC-156, Accounting for Consideration by a Vendor to a Customer (Including a Reseller of the Vendor’s Products) (“EIC-156”) Issued in September 2005, EIC-156 addresses cash consideration, including a sales incentive, given by a vendor to a customer. This consideration is presumed to be a reduction of the selling price of the vendor’s products and should therefore be classified as a reduction of sales in the vendor’s income statement.These recommendations are effective for all interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2006.The Company is currently assessing the impact of these recommendations and will implement them in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. The following standards are effective for interim and annual financial statements for fiscal years beginning on or after October 1, 2006.The Company is currently assessing the impact of these recommendations. CICA Section 3855, Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement CICA Section 3855 “Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement” establishes standards for recognizing and measuring financial assets, financial liabilities and non-financial derivatives. All financial instruments must be classified into defined categories.This classification will determine how each instrument is measured and how gains and losses are recognized. In addition, the recommendations define derivatives and embedded derivatives which meet certain criteria. CICA Section 3865, Hedges CICA Section 3865 “Hedges” will replace AcG-13, “Hedging Relationships” and the guidance formerly in CICA Section 1650, “Foreign Currency Translation”.The recommendations of this section are optional and are only required if the entity is applying hedge accounting.This section establishes standards for the accounting treatment of qualifying hedge relationships and the necessary disclosures. CICA Section 1530, Comprehensive Income CICA Section 1530, “Comprehensive Income” introduces a statement of comprehensive income in the full set of interim and annual financial statements. Comprehensive income will temporarily present certain gains and losses outside net income. CICA Section 3070, Deferred Charges CICA Section 3070 “Deferred Charges” will be withdrawn with the introduction of CICA Sections 3855, 3865, and 1530 as discussed above. Critical Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Canadian GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures made in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management continually evaluates the estimates and assumptions it uses. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Pension, Post-Retirement and Post-Employment Benefits Certain estimates and assumptions are used in actuarially determining the Company’s defined pension and employee future benefits obligation. Significant assumptions used to calculate the pension and employee future benefits obligation are the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and expected growth rate of health care costs.The Company has also assumed the completion of a pending plan merger.These assumptions depend on various underlying factors such as economic conditions, investment performance, employee demographics, mortality rates and regulatory approval.These assumptions may change in the future and may result in material changes in the pension and employee benefit plans expense.The magnitude of any immediate impact, however, is mitigated by the fact that net actuarial gains and losses in excess of 10 percent of the greater of the accrued benefit plan obligation and the market value of the benefit plan assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining service period of the active employees. Changes in financial market returns and interest rates could also result in changes in funding requirements for the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. The discount rate is based on current market interest rates, assuming a portfolio of Corporate AA bonds with terms to maturity that, on average, match the terms of the obligation. The appropriate discount rate is determined on April 30th every year. For fiscal 2006, the discount rate used for calculation of pension and other benefit plan expense was 5.5 percent consistent with fiscal 2005.The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for pension benefit plans for each of fiscal 2006 and 2005 was 7.0 percent.The expected growth rate in health care costs is 10.0 percent for fiscal 2006.The cumulative growth rate to 2012 is expected to be 6.0 percent. The expected future growth rate is evaluated on an annual basis. The table below outlines the sensitivity of the fiscal 2006 key economic assumptions used in measuring the accrued benefit plan obligations and related expenses of the Company’s pension and other benefit plans.The sensitivity of each key assumption has been calculated independently. Changes to more than one assumption simultaneously may amplify or reduce the impact on the accrued benefit obligations or benefit plan expenses. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 55 Management’s Discussion and Analysis ($ in millions) Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Impact of: 1% increase Impact of: 1% decrease Discount rate Impact of: 1% increase Impact of: 1% decrease Growth rate of health care costs(2) Impact of: 1% increase Impact of: 1% decrease Pension Plans Other Benefit Plans Benefit Obligations Benefit Cost(1) Benefit Obligations Benefit Cost(1) 7.0% (2.6) 2.6 5.5% 0.3 (0.6) $ $ $ $ 5.5% (30.5) 34.4 $ $ 5.5% (17.5) 21.1 10.0% 18.0 (14.7) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 5.5% (0.9) 1.0 10.0% 2.1 (1.6) (1) Reflects the impact on the current service cost, the interest cost and the expected return on assets. (2) Gradually decreasing to 6.0 percent in 2012 and remaining at that level thereafter. The Company has also assumed that a pending merger of pension plans will be completed. If this merger is not completed, the valuation of the transitional pension asset included in other assets on the balance sheet may need to be re-evaluated. Goodwill and Long-Lived Assets Goodwill is not amortized and is assessed for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. Any potential goodwill impairment is identified by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is considered not to be impaired. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, potential goodwill impairment has been identified and must be quantified by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to its carrying value. Any goodwill impairment will result in a reduction in the carrying value of goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet and in the recognition of a non-cash impairment charge in operating income. The Company periodically assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets when there are indications of potential impairment. In performing these analyses, the Company considers such factors as current results, trends and future prospects, current market value and other economic factors. A substantial change in estimated undiscounted future cash flows for these assets could materially change their estimated fair values, possibly resulting in additional impairment. Changes which may impact future cash flows include, but are not limited to, competition and general economic conditions and unrecoverable increases in operating costs. Income Taxes Future income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future income tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities and their respective income tax bases. Future income tax assets or liabilities are measured using enacted or substantively enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The calculation of current and future income taxes requires management to make estimates and assumptions and to exercise a certain amount of judgment.The financial statement carrying values of assets and liabilities are subject to accounting estimates inherent in those balances.The income tax bases of assets and liabilities are based upon the interpretation of income tax legislation across various jurisdictions.The current and future income tax assets and liabilities are also impacted by expectations about future operating results and the timing of reversal of temporary differences as well as possible audits of tax filings by the regulatory authorities. Management believes it has adequately provided for income taxes based on current available information. 56 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Changes or differences in these estimates or assumptions may result in changes to the current or future income tax balances on the consolidated balance sheet. A charge or credit to income tax expense may result in cash payments or receipts. Valuation of Inventories Certain retail store inventories are stated at the lower of cost and estimated net realizable value less normal gross profit margin. Significant estimation or judgment is required in the determination of (i) inventories counted and adjusted to cost and (ii) estimated inventory reductions due to spoilage, shrinkage and allowances, occurring between the last physical inventory count and the balance sheet date. Inventory shrinkage, which is calculated as a percentage of sales, is evaluated throughout the year and provides for estimated inventory shortages from the last physical count to the balance sheet date.To the extent that actual losses experienced vary from those estimated, both inventories and operating income may be impacted. Changes or differences in these estimates may result in changes to inventories on the consolidated balance sheet and a charge or credit to operating income in the consolidated statement of earnings. Disclosure Controls Based on an evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded as of May 6, 2006 that these controls and procedures operated effectively. Related Party Transactions The Company rents premises from Crombie REIT. In addition, Crombie REIT provides administrative and management services to the Company.The rental payments are at fair value and the charges incurred for administrative and management services are on a cost recovery basis.The Company has non-interest bearing notes payable to Crombie REIT in the amount of $62.7 million. Contingencies On June 21, 2005, Sobeys received a notice of reassessment from Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for the fiscal years 1999 and 2000 related to the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”). CRA asserts that Sobeys was obliged to collect GST on the sales of these tobacco products to status Indians.The total tax, interest and penalties in the proposed reassessment was $13.6 million. Sobeys has reviewed this matter, has received legal advice and believes it was not required to collect GST. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Sobeys filed a Notice of Objection with CRA. Accordingly, Sobeys has not recorded in its statement of earnings any of the tax, interest or penalties set-out in the notice of reassessment. Sobeys has deposited with CRA funds to cover the total tax, interest and penalties in the reassessment and has recorded this amount as a long- term receivable from CRA pending resolution of the matter. On January 19, 2006, E.C.L. Investments Limited (a subsidiary of the Company) received a notice from CRA that it is proposing a reassessment for fiscal year 2001 related to the disposition of its shares in Hannaford Bros. Co.The Company has signed a waiver that effectively postpones the issuance of the reassessment. Due to the complexity of the matter, it is not possible to determine the amounts that may ultimately be assessed against the Company. Management believes that it has recorded adequate accruals in relation to the matter. Any settlement in excess of these accruals will be charged to earnings. The Company has entered into an agreement with Crombie REIT to fund certain property redevelopments and has issued and recorded a note payable to Crombie REIT in the amount of $39.6 million related thereto.The Company has agreed to pay for all additional costs and expenses required for the redevelopment of those properties. In the event that the redevelopment costs are less than $39.6 million, the savings will be paid to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify its directors and officers and particular employees in accordance with the Company’s policies.The Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims. There are various claims and litigation which the Company is involved with, arising out of the ordinary course of business operations.The Company’s management does not consider the exposure to such litigation to be material, although this cannot be predicted with certainty. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 57 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Guarantees and Commitments The table below illustrates the Company’s significant contractual obligations. ($ in millions) Long-term debt Capital leases Operating leases Total contractual obligations $ 2007 86.7 8.7 231.9 $ 2008 44.4 7.2 205.9 $ 2009 84.4 6.6 183.7 $ 2010 39.0 6.0 168.3 2011 Thereafter Total $ 38.7 2.7 149.7 $ 460.3 18.0 1,365.2 $ 753.5 49.2 2,304.7 $ 327.3 $ 257.5 $ 274.7 $ 213.3 $ 191.1 $ 1,843.5 $ 3,107.4 Operating leases, net of lease income received by the Company, are as follows: ($ in millions) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter Total $ 160.1 $ 141.6 $ 126.6 $ 117.3 $ 104.6 $ 1,073.4 $ 1,723.6 Franchise Affiliates Sobeys has guaranteed certain bank loans contracted by franchisees. At May 6, 2006, these loans amounted to approximately $1.3 million (2005 - $2.4 million). Sobeys also has guaranteed certain equipment leases of its franchise affiliates. Under the terms of the guarantee should a franchise affiliate be unable to fulfill its lease obligation, Sobeys would be required to fund the difference of the lease commitments up to a maximum of $100.0 million on a cumulative basis. Sobeys approves each of the contracts. The aggregate, annual, minimum rent payable under the guaranteed equipment leases for fiscal 2007 is approximately $21.1 million.The guaranteed lease commitments over the next five fiscal years are: ($ in millions) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Thereafter Other $ Guaranteed Lease Commitments 21.1 23.2 18.9 15.9 11.1 9.8 At May 6, 2006, the Company was contingently liable for letters of credit issued in the aggregate amount of $47.6 million (2005 – $44.0 million). Upon entering into the lease of its new Mississauga distribution centre in March 2000, Sobeys guaranteed to the landlord the performance, by SERCA Foodservice, of all of its obligations under the lease.The remaining term of the lease is 14 years with an aggregate obligation of $43.3 million (2005 – $46.2 million).At the time of the sale of assets of SERCA Foodservice to Sysco Corporation, the lease of the Mississauga distribution centre was assigned to and assumed by a subsidiary of the purchaser and Sysco Corporation agreed to indemnify and hold Sobeys harmless from any liability it may incur pursuant to its guarantee. Risk Management Through its operating companies and its investment portfolio, Empire is exposed to a number of risks in the normal course of business that have the potential to affect operating performance.The Company has operating and risk management strategies and insurance programs to help minimize these operating risks. Competition Empire’s food retail business, through Sobeys, operates in a dynamic and competitive market. Other national and regional food distribution companies along with non-traditional competitors, such as mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, represent a competitive risk to Sobeys’ ability to attract customers and operate profitably in its markets. 58 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Sobeys maintains a strong national presence in the Canadian retail food and food distribution industry through regionally managed operations.The most significant risk to Sobeys is the potential for reduced revenues and profit margins as a result of increased competition.To mitigate this risk, Sobeys’ strategy is to be geographically diversified with the benefits of national scale, to be customer and market-driven, to be focused on superior execution, and to have efficient, cost effective operations. Sobeys reduces its exposure to competitive or economic pressures in any one region of the country by operating in each region of Canada through a network of corporate, franchised, and affiliated stores, and through servicing the needs of thousands of independent, wholesale accounts. Sobeys approaches the market with five distinct formats, sizes, and banners, to meet anticipated needs of its customers in order to enhance profitability by region and by target market. Empire’s real estate operations, through ECL, compete with numerous other developers, managers, and owners of real estate properties in seeking tenants and new properties for future development.The existence of competing developers, managers, and owners could affect our real estate group’s ability to lease space in its properties and on rents charged or concessions granted. Commercial property revenue is also dependent on the renewal of lease arrangements by key tenants.These factors could adversely affect revenues and cash flows. Other than space leased to affiliated companies, no one tenant accounts for more than 5.0 percent of real estate division total base rental income. Continued growth of rental income is dependent on renewing expiring leases and finding new tenants to fill vacancies at market rental rates, thereby ensuring an attractive return on our investment.The success of the real estate portfolio is also subject to general economic conditions, the supply and demand for rental property in key markets served, and the availability of attractive financing to expand the real estate portfolio where deemed prudent. During fiscal 2006, our real estate operations encountered generally positive economic conditions with relatively stable occupancy levels and healthy rental renewal rates. Financial Empire and its operating companies have adopted a number of financial policies to manage interest rate risk and foreign exchange risk. Risks can also arise from changes in the rules or standards governing accounting or financial reporting. The Company employs numerous professionally accredited accountants throughout its finance group. In the ordinary course of managing its debt, the Company utilizes financial instruments from time to time to manage the volatility of borrowing costs. Financial instruments are not used for speculative purposes. Interest Rate Risk Interest rate risk is the potential for financial loss arising from changes in interest rates.The Company’s long-term debt is generally at a fixed interest rate, and therefore, the Company’s exposure to interest rate cash flow risk during the term of the debt is minimal. Insurance Empire and its subsidiaries are self-insured on a limited basis with respect to certain operational risks and also purchase excess insurance coverage from financially stable third-party insurance companies. In addition to maintaining comprehensive loss prevention programs, the Company maintains management programs to mitigate the financial impact of operational risks. Human Resources Empire is exposed to the risk of labour disruption in its operating companies. Labour disruptions pose a moderate operational risk, as Sobeys operates an integrated network of more than 21 distribution centres across the country for the food division. Sobeys has good relations with its employees and unions and does not anticipate any material labour disruptions in fiscal 2007. However, Sobeys has stated that it will accept the short-term costs of a labour disruption to support a steadfast commitment to building and sustaining a competitive cost structure for the long-term. Effective leadership is very important to the growth and continued success of the Company.The Company develops and delivers training programs at all levels across its various operating regions in order to improve employee knowledge and to better serve its customers.The ability of the Company to properly develop and retain its employees could affect the Company’s future performance. Business Continuity The Company is subject to unexpected events and natural hazards which could cause sudden or complete cessation of its day-to-day operations. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 59 Management’s Discussion and Analysis One such unexpected event and natural hazard is the risk of a pandemic. Sobeys is working with industry and government sources to develop a pandemic preparedness plan. Responsibility for business continuity planning has been designated to Sobeys’ Leadership Committee. Environmental, Health and Safety The Company is continually enhancing its programs in areas of environmental, health and safety and is in compliance with relevant legislation. Employee awareness and training programs are conducted and environmental, health and safety risks are reviewed on a regular basis. Any environmental site remediation is completed using appropriate, qualified internal and external resources and health and safety issues are proactively dealt with.The Board of Directors receives regular reports which review outstanding matters, identify new legislation and outline new programs being implemented across the Company to positively impact the environment and employee health and safety. Existing environmental protection regulatory requirements are not expected to have a material financial or operational effect on the capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position of the Company during the current fiscal year or in future years. Sobeys has developed programs to promote a healthy and safe workplace, as well as progressive employment policies focused on the well being of the thousands of employees who work in its stores, distribution centres and offices.These policies and programs are reviewed regularly by the Human Resources Committee of the Board. Each operating business conducts an ongoing, comprehensive environmental monitoring process and the Company is unaware of any material environmental liabilities in any of its operating companies. Empire’s Board of Directors receives quarterly reports that review any outstanding issues including plans to resolve them. Food Safety Sobeys is subject to potential liabilities connected with its business operations, including potential liabilities and expenses associated with product defects, food safety and product handling. Such liabilities may arise in relation to the storage, distribution and display of products and, with respect to private label products, in relation to the production, packaging and design of products. A large majority of Sobeys’ sales are generated from food products and Sobeys could be vulnerable in the event of a significant outbreak of food-borne illness or increased public health concerns in connection with certain food products. Such an event could materially affect financial performance. Procedures are in place to manage food crises, should they occur.These procedures identify risks, provide clear communication to employees and consumers and ensure that potentially harmful products are removed from inventory immediately. Food safety related liability exposures are insured by the Company’s insurance program. In addition, Sobeys has food safety procedures and programs, which address safe food handling and preparation standards. Sobeys employs best practices for storage and distribution of food products. Technology The Company and each of its operating companies are committed to improving their respective operating systems, tools and procedures in order to become more efficient and effective.The implementation of major information technology projects carries with it various risks that must be mitigated by disciplined change management and governance processes. Sobeys has a business process optimization team staffed with knowledgeable internal and external resources that is responsible for implementing the various initiatives. Sobeys’ Board of Directors have also created an oversight committee to ensure appropriate governance of these change initiatives is in place and this committee receives regular reports from the Company’s management. Real Estate The Company utilizes a capital allocation process which is focused on obtaining the most attractive real estate locations for its retail grocery stores as well as for its commercial property operations and residential development operations, with direct Company ownership being an important, but not overriding, consideration. Sobeys develops certain retail store locations on owned sites, however, the majority of its store development is done in conjunction with external developers. The availability of high potential new store sites and/or the ability to expand existing stores is therefore in large part contingent upon successful negotiation of operating leases with these developers and Sobeys ability to purchase high potential sites. 60 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Legal, Taxation and Accounting Seasonality Changes to any of the various federal and provincial laws, rules and regulations related to the Company’s business could have a material impact on its financial results. Compliance with any proposed changes could also result in significant cost to the Company. Failure to fully comply with various laws, rules and regulations may expose the Company to proceedings which may materially affect its performance. Similarly, income tax regulations and/or accounting pronouncements may be changed in ways which could negatively affect the Company. The Company’s operations as they relate to food, specifically inventory levels, sales volume and product mix, are impacted to some degree by certain holiday periods in the year. Utility and Fuel Prices The Company is a significant consumer of electricity, other utilities and fuel. Unanticipated cost increases in these items could negatively affect the Company’s financial performance. The Company has various consumption and procurement programs in place to minimize utility risk. Operations Foreign Operations The success of Empire is closely tied to the performance of Sobeys’ retail stores. Franchise affiliates operate approximately 58 percent of these retail stores. Sobeys relies on the franchise affiliates and corporate store management to successfully execute retail programs and strategies. To maintain controls over Sobeys’ brands and the quality and range of products and services offered at its stores, each franchise affiliate agrees to purchase merchandise from Sobeys. In addition, each store agrees to comply with the policies, marketing plans and operating standards prescribed by Sobeys. These obligations are specified under franchise agreements which expire at various times for individual franchisees. As well, Sobeys maintains head lease control, or has long-term buying agreements, to control the vast majority of its retail locations. Supply Chain Sobeys is exposed to potential supply chain disruptions that could result in shortages of merchandise in its retail store network. Sobeys mitigates this risk through effective supplier selection and procurement practices along with a reliance on the efficient maintenance and evolution of its supply and logistics chain to sustain and meet growth objectives. Empire does not directly carry out foreign operations, however, Sobeys and ECL do have certain foreign operations. Sobeys’ foreign operations are limited to a small number of produce brokerage offices based in the United States. ECL, through its interest in Genstar, has certain residential land development in the California market but on a limited scale.These foreign operations are relatively small and are not considered material to Empire on a consolidated basis, as such, the Company does not have any material risks associated with foreign operations. Foreign Currency The Company conducts the majority of its operating business in Canadian dollars and its foreign exchange risk is limited to currency fluctuations between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. U.S. dollar purchases of product by the food division represent approximately three percent of Sobeys’ total annual purchases. Sobeys has processes in place to use forward contracts with high quality counter-parties to fix the exchange rate on some of its expected requirements for U.S. dollars for periods of not more than 30 days. With respect to portfolio investments denominated in U.S. dollar currency, to mitigate exposure to currency fluctuations, the Company has hedged a portion of its foreign currency exposure through the use of U.S. forward currency contracts. At May 6, 2006 the ratio of U.S. dollar debt to the market value of U.S. equities was approximately 95.0 percent. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 61 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Ethical Business Conduct Food Division Any failure of the Company to adhere to its policies, the law or ethical business practices could significantly affect its reputation and brands and could therefore, negatively impact the Company’s financial performance.The Company’s framework for managing ethical business conduct includes the adoption of a Code of Business Conduct which employees of the Company are required to acknowledge and agree to on a regular basis and as part of an independent audit and security function, maintenance of a whistle-blowing hotline. Equity Price Risk The carrying values of the investments in Empire’s investment portfolio are based on cost; however the realizable value of each investment and therefore the portfolio is based on market prices and is subject to market price fluctuations. Empire has a disciplined, long-term approach to selecting quality investments and has been successful in generating above market portfolio returns.While portfolio returns may not match those of the prior year, or exceed median manager returns, management will continue to manage the portfolio prudently to ensure appropriate diversification and liquidity. Outlook Management’s primary objective will continue to be to maximize the long-term sustainable value of Empire through enhancing the worth of the Company’s net assets and in turn, having that value reflected in Empire’s share price. The Company will continue to direct its energy and capital towards growing the long-term sustainable value of each of its divisions – food, real estate and investments and other operations.While the Company’s core businesses are well established and profitable in their own right, the diversification they offer Empire by both business line and by market area served is considered by management to be an additional source of strength. Going forward, the Company intends to continue to direct its resources towards the most promising opportunities within these core businesses in order to maximize long-term shareholder value. Comments with respect to the outlook for each of the Company’s divisions are noted below. Sobeys will continue to invest in infrastructure and productivity improvements in a manner consistent with its expressed intention to build a healthy and sustainable retail business and infrastructure for the long-term. The disposition of Sobeys’ cash and carry business in Ontario and Quebec, as discussed, will negatively impact sales growth by approximately $200 million in fiscal 2007 compared to fiscal 2006.The Company also expects to experience continued declines in company-wide tobacco sales during fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2007, Sobeys will advance its business process and information systems transformation plan by focusing on the significant opportunity to upgrade information processing and decision support capabilities and improve efficiencies in its Ontario and Western regions.The system and processes that are being implemented have been developed over several years and are currently employed in the food division’s Atlantic Region.The Ontario and Western initiatives will simplify, standardize and streamline the “back shop”, in support of Sobeys’ food focused strategy.These efforts will leverage technology investments, improve efficiency and lower costs over the long term. The approach taken for this set of initiatives was guided and informed by Sobeys’ previous experience.The complexity of this comprehensive set of initiatives, which impacts every aspect of the business, requires that a significant investment be made to manage the risk of implementation but also to prepare employees to secure and sustain the benefits of more efficient processes and systems after they have been implemented.The necessary re-training of thousands of employees in Ontario has just begun and will continue through the first six months of fiscal 2007.The implementation costs as well as training costs for thousands of employees in the Western region will be completely incurred during fiscal 2007.The total anticipated cost of the Ontario and Western initiatives is expected to approximate $0.27 to $0.32 per Sobeys share in fiscal 2007. 62 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Real Estate Division • EBITDAR is calculated as EBITDA plus gross rent expense. Over the next year, Empire’s real estate management group will continue its policy of maximizing and prudently reinvesting its cash flow to further strengthen and diversify its portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Empire’s real estate management group expects overall retail occupancy levels to remain strong during fiscal 2007 as a result of the diligence of the leasing team and general economic conditions. Management looks forward to continuing its strong relationship with Sobeys and to pursuing attractive opportunities to jointly develop locations with Sobeys. • Operating earnings is calculated as net earnings before capital gains (losses) and other items. • Funds from operations is calculated as operating earnings plus depreciation and amortization. • Interest coverage is calculated as operating income divided by interest expense. • Funded debt is all interest bearing debt, which includes bank loans, bankers’ acceptances, long-term debt and long-term lease obligations. • Net debt is calculated as funded debt less cash and cash equivalents. • Adjusted debt is funded debt plus the capitalized value of net operating leases payments, which is calculated as six times net annual operating lease payments. • Total capital is calculated as funded debt plus shareholders’ equity. • Company-wide capital investment includes on-balance sheet capital expenditures, all known capital investments by franchise affiliates and capital investments by third-party landlords. • Same-store sales are sales from stores in the same locations in both reporting periods. Investments and Other Operations Division Growth in the Company’s investment portfolio will be dependent on a number of factors including investor sentiment in the U.S. and Canada. Equity markets may continue to remain volatile. Management remains committed to maintaining a portfolio of high quality, liquid common equity investments as a pool of capital to augment the growth in its core operating companies as attractive opportunities arise. With respect to Empire Theatres’ outlook, management recognizes that future growth will remain highly dependent on a steady supply of quality product. Based on the quality of film releases expected in fiscal 2007, an experienced operations team, and planned screen development, management looks forward to continued revenue growth in this business. Non-GAAP Financial Measures There are measures included in this MD&A that do not have a standardized meaning under GAAP and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by publicly traded companies.The Company includes these measures because it believes certain investors use these measures as a means of assessing financial performance. Empire’s definition of the non-GAAP terms are as follows: • Operating income or EBIT is calculated as operating earnings before minority interest, interest expense and income taxes. • EBITDA is calculated as operating income plus depreciation and intangible amortization. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 63 Management’s Discussion and Analysis The following table reconciles the food division’s EBITDA and EBITDAR to GAAP measures as reported in Sobeys audited statement of earnings for the period ended May 6, 2006 and May 7, 2005, respectively: ($ in millions) EBIT Depreciation Amortization of intangibles EBITDA Gross rent EBITDAR 13 Weeks Ended May 6, 2006 14 Weeks Ended May 7, 2005 52 Weeks Ended May 6, 2006 53 Weeks Ended May 7, 2005 $ $ 85.2 50.8 0.7 136.7 84.3 221.0 $ $ 84.6 47.7 0.8 133.1 71.6 $ 204.7 $ 331.6 192.8 3.8 528.2 335.0 863.2 $ $ 322.6 174.5 1.9 499.0 275.9 774.9 The following table reconciles Empire’s funded debt and total capital to GAAP measures reported in the audited balance sheets as at May 6, 2006 and May 7, 2005, respectively: ($ in millions) Bank indebtedness Long-term debt due within one year Long-term debt Long-term lease obligation Funded Debt Total Shareholders’ Equity Total Capital $ May 6, 2006 98.6 95.4 707.3 20.8 $ May 7, 2005 219.4 247.0 727.4 12.3 922.1 1,965.2 1,206.1 1,709.0 April 30, 2004 140.8 $ 82.7 913.0 12.8 1,149.0 1,567.6 $ 2,887.3 $ 2,915.1 $ 2,716.6 Additional financial information relating to Empire, including the Company’s Annual Information Form, can be found on the Company’s website or on the SEDAR website for Canadian regulatory filings at www.sedar.com. June 29, 2006 Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada 64 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Management’s Statement of Responsibility for Financial Reporting Preparation of the consolidated financial statements accompanying this annual report and the presentation of all other information in the report is the responsibility of management.The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles and reflect management’s best estimates and judgements. All other financial information in the report is consistent with that contained in the consolidated financial statements. Management of the Company has established and maintains a system of internal control that provides reasonable assurance as to the integrity of the consolidated financial statements, the safeguarding of Company assets, and the prevention and detection of fraudulent financial reporting. The Board of Directors, through its Audit Committee, oversees management in carrying out its responsibilities for financial reporting and systems of internal control.The Audit Committee, which is chaired by and composed solely of directors who are unrelated to, and independent of, the Company, meet regularly with financial management and external auditors to satisfy itself as to reliability and integrity of financial information and the safeguarding of assets.The Audit Committee reports its findings to the Board of Directors for consideration in approving the annual consolidated financial statements to be issued to shareholders.The external auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee. Paul D. Sobey President and Chief Executive Officer Paul V. Beesley Executive Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary June 29, 2006 June 29, 2006 Auditors’ Report To the Shareholders of Empire Company Limited We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Empire Company Limited as at May 6, 2006 and May 7, 2005, and the consolidated statements of earnings, retained earnings, and cash flows for the 52 week and 53 week fiscal years then ended, respectively.These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with Canadian generally accepted auditing standards.Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall consolidated financial statement presentation. In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as at May 6, 2006 and May 7, 2005, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the fiscal years then ended in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. Grant Thornton LLP Chartered Accountants New Glasgow, Canada June 15, 2006 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 65 Consolidated Balance Sheets (in millions) Assets Current Cash and cash equivalents (Note 5) Receivables Income taxes receivable Inventories Prepaid expenses Investments, at cost (quoted market value $398.9; 2005 - $320.9) Investments, at equity (Note 6) (realizable value $425.3; 2005 - $162.4) Property and equipment (Note 7) Assets held for sale Other assets (Note 8) Goodwill Liabilities Current Bank indebtedness (Note 9) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Future income taxes (Note 15) Long-term debt due within one year Liabilities relating to assets held for sale Long-term debt (Note 10) Long-term lease obligation (Note 25) Other liabilities (Note 11) Employee future benefits obligation (Note 22) Future income taxes (Note 15) Minority interest Shareholders’ Equity Capital stock (Note 12) Contributed surplus Retained earnings Cumulative translation adjustment Contingent liabilities (Note 20) Approved on behalf of the Board Director Director See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements 66 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 $ 341.1 275.4 – 694.3 51.5 1,362.3 359.9 157.5 2,143.6 23.1 273.3 731.8 $ 281.7 257.8 15.0 639.6 52.3 1,246.4 270.8 72.9 2,429.8 11.5 215.6 682.2 $ 5,051.5 $ 4,929.2 $ 98.6 1,241.8 35.8 46.1 95.4 7.1 1,524.8 707.3 20.8 18.9 97.3 131.8 585.4 3,086.3 195.1 0.2 1,771.0 (1.1) 1,965.2 $ 219.4 1,149.1 – 52.4 247.0 – 1,667.9 727.4 12.3 3.0 94.5 158.8 556.3 3,220.2 194.6 – 1,515.5 (1.1) 1,709.0 $ 5,051.5 $ 4,929.2 Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings Years Ended (in millions) Balance, beginning of year as previously reported Adjustment due to adoption of accounting standards (Note 1) Balance, beginning of year as restated Net earnings Adjustment to minority interest (Note 27) Dividends Preferred shares Common shares Premium on common shares purchased for cancellation (Note 12) $ May 6, 2006 (52 Weeks) 1,515.5 – 1,515.5 296.8 (3.6) 1,808.7 (0.3) (36.7) (37.0) (0.7) May 7, 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 1,380.7 (18.7) 1,362.0 186.6 – 1,548.6 (0.3) (31.6) (31.9) (1.2) Balance, end of year $ 1,771.0 $ 1,515.5 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 67 Consolidated Statements of Earnings Years Ended (in millions except per share amounts) Revenue Operating expenses Cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization Investment income (Note 13) Operating income Interest expense Long-term debt Short-term debt Capital gain and other items (Note 14) Earnings before income taxes and minority interest Income taxes (Note 15) Current Future Earnings before minority interest Minority interest Net earnings Earnings per share (Note 4) Basic Diluted Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, in millions Basic Diluted See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements May 6, 2006 (52 Weeks) May 7, 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 13,161.1 $ 12,435.2 12,475.7 225.8 11,791.0 201.5 459.6 31.8 491.4 75.6 8.2 83.8 407.6 109.4 517.0 141.8 11.3 153.1 363.9 67.1 296.8 4.53 4.51 65.5 65.7 $ $ $ 442.7 21.0 463.7 81.5 5.2 86.7 377.0 4.4 381.4 99.5 31.7 131.2 250.2 63.6 186.6 2.84 2.83 65.5 65.7 $ $ $ 68 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years Ended (in millions) Operating Activities Net earnings Items not affecting cash (Note 16) Preferred dividends Net change in non-cash working capital Cash flows from operating activities Investing Activities Net (increase) decrease in investments Net proceeds from sale of Wajax Income Fund Proceeds from sale of property to Crombie REIT Purchase of shares in subsidiary, Sobeys Inc. Purchase of property, equipment and other assets Proceeds from sale of other property Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Cash flows used in investing activities Financing Activities (Decrease) increase in bank indebtedness Decrease in construction loans Issue of long-term debt Repayment of long-term debt Minority interest Repurchase of preferred shares Issue of Non-Voting Class A shares Repurchase of Non-Voting Class A shares for cancellation Common dividends Cash flows (used in) from financing activities Increase in cash and cash equivalents Initial impact of variable interest entities Increase cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents, end of year See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements May 6, 2006 (52 Weeks) May 7, 2005 (53 Weeks) $ $ 296.8 254.4 (0.3) 550.9 75.7 626.6 (132.0) 50.8 267.7 (49.5) (546.4) 29.3 (92.8) (472.9) (110.6) – 409.5 (362.5) 6.0 – 0.8 (0.8) (36.7) (94.3) 59.4 – 59.4 281.7 341.1 $ $ 186.6 315.8 (0.3) 502.1 (15.7) 486.4 3.0 – – (93.5) (372.0) 35.1 (19.6) (447.0) 78.6 (1.1) 39.9 (79.8) 4.4 (2.5) 0.9 (1.6) (31.6) 7.2 46.6 32.9 79.5 202.2 281.7 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 69 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements May 6, 2006 (in millions except share capital) 1. Summary of significant accounting policies Real Estate Leases Empire Company Limited (the “Company”) is a diversified Canadian company whose key businesses include food retailing, real estate and corporate investment activities.These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and include the accounts of the Company, all subsidiary companies, including 70.3% owned Sobeys Inc., and certain enterprises considered variable interest entities (“VIEs”) where control is achieved on a basis other than through ownership of a majority of voting rights. Investments in which the Company has significant influence are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in significant joint ventures are consolidated on a proportionate basis. Changes in accounting policies Adopted during fiscal 2006 (a) Vendor allowances During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company adopted the amendment to the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (“CICA”) Emerging Issues Committee (“EIC”) Abstract 144 issued in January 2005.The amendment requires disclosure of the amount of any vendor allowances that have been recognized in income but for which the full requirements for entitlement have not yet been met (see Note 26). Adopted during fiscal 2005 (a) Generally accepted accounting principles During fiscal 2004, the CICA introduced Handbook Section 1100, “Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”, which deleted the reference to industry practice that had previously constituted a source for Canadian GAAP.The Company had been following industry practice with respect to depreciation and lease accounting. Section 1100 now requires the Company to recognize depreciation of real estate buildings, rental expense and income from tenant leases on a straight-line basis. Effective May 1, 2004, the Company adopted this handbook section prospectively without restatement. Depreciation The sinking fund method was used to record depreciation of the real estate buildings, calculated as an amount which, compounded annually at the rate of 5%, would have fully amortized the cost of the buildings over their estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years. Effective May 1, 2004 the straight-line method is now used to record depreciation of the real estate buildings. Depreciation is determined with reference to each rental property’s book value, its estimated useful life (not greater than 40 years) and its residual value. Adoption of the straight-line method resulted in additional depreciation of $1.2 during the 2005 fiscal year. 70 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Rental expense was recognized in accordance with the lease agreements with landlords. Effective May 1, 2004 the Company has changed its policy to record real estate lease expense on a straight-line basis. Additional real estate lease expense of $2.7 was recorded in the 2005 fiscal year as a result of this policy change in the food reporting segment. Real estate revenue was recognized in accordance with the lease agreements with tenants.The Company has changed its policy to record income on a straight-line basis. Adoption of this policy resulted in recognition of additional straight-line real estate revenue of $2.2 during the 2005 fiscal year. On February 7, 2005, the Office of the Chief Accountant of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a clarification in respect of accounting for various components of property leases and leasehold improvements on which U.S. and Canadian accounting governing bodies had been largely silent. As a result of the SEC clarification the Company has adopted the following two accounting policies. Lease inducements received as a reimbursement for leasehold improvement costs are amortized over the term of the lease. The total lease expense is amortized straight-line over the entire term of the lease including rent free periods related to store fixturing. A store fixturing period varies by store but is generally considered to be one month prior to the store opening.The Company has adopted this guideline retroactively with restatement (see Note 25). (b) Hedging Accounting guideline (“AcG”) 13, “Hedging Relationships”, came into effect during fiscal 2005.This guideline addresses the identification, designation, documentation and effectiveness of hedging relationships for the purpose of applying hedge accounting and provides guidance with respect to the discontinuance of hedge accounting.The Company adopted this guideline prospectively, and there was no effect on the Company from the adoption of this guideline. (c) Asset retirement obligations Beginning in fiscal 2005 CICA Handbook Section 3110, “Asset Retirement Obligations”, was adopted retroactively. This section establishes standards for the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of legal obligations associated with the costs to retire long-lived assets. A liability associated with the retirement of long-lived assets is recorded in the period in which the legal asset is capitalized as part of the related asset and depreciated over its useful life. Subsequent to the initial measurement of the asset retirement obligation, the obligation is adjusted to reflect the passage of time and changes in the estimated future costs underlying the obligation. There has been no impact on the Company from the adoption of this section. (d) Vendor allowances In January 2004, the CICA issued EIC Abstract 144, “Accounting by a Customer (including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor”. EIC-144 outlines that cash consideration received from a vendor is presumed to be a reduction in the prices of the vendor’s products or services and should be accounted for as a reduction in cost of sales and related inventory when recognized in the customer’s income statement and balance sheet. Certain exceptions apply if the consideration is a payment for assets or services delivered to the vendor or for reimbursement of costs incurred to sell the vendor’s products, provided certain conditions are met.The Company adopted EIC-144 in November 2004, adjusting for it retroactively, with restatement of the comparative periods (see Note 26). (e) Variable interest entities Effective for the fourth quarter ended May 7, 2005, the Company was required to implement AcG-15, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” issued by the CICA. AcG-15 requires the Company to consolidate certain entities that are deemed to be subject to control by the Company on a basis other than through ownership of a voting interest in the entity (see Note 27). (f) Stock-based compensation The Company has a Share Purchase Loan plan for employees. In accordance with EIC Abstract 132, these loans, which are granted to employees to purchase Non-Voting Class A shares are considered to be stock options and are treated as stock- based compensation and recorded at their fair market value. This application was on a prospective basis beginning in 2005 as it was determined that application on a retroactive basis would not result in a material change (see Note 24). Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash, treasury bills and guaranteed investments with a maturity less than 90 days at date of acquisition. Inventories Warehouse inventories are valued at the lower cost and net realizable value with cost being determined substantially on a first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) basis. Retail inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Cost is determined using FIFO or the retail method.The retail method uses the anticipated selling price less normal profit margins, substantially on an average cost basis. Real Estate inventory of residential properties is carried at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Portfolio investments Portfolio investments are accounted for under the cost method. Investment income is recognized on an accrual basis. Portfolio investments are written down when the inherent loss is determined to be other than temporary. Gains and losses on sale of investments are recorded in earnings as realized. Property and equipment Depreciation on real estate buildings is calculated using the straight-line method with reference to each property’s book value, its estimated useful life (not exceeding 40 years) and its residual value. Deferred leasing costs are amortized over the terms of the related leases. Depreciation of other property and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: Equipment Buildings Leasehold 3 – 20 years 10 – 40 years improvements Lesser of lease term and 7 – 10 years Property and equipment is reviewed for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected from use and eventual disposal. Property and equipment is reviewed for impairment annually.The carrying value of the property and equipment is also reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of property and equipment may not be recoverable. If property and equipment is determined to be impaired, the impairment loss is measured at the excess of the carrying value over fair value. Assets to be disposed are classified as held for sale and are no longer depreciated. Assets held for sale are recognized at the lower of carrying value and fair value. The Company follows the full cost method of accounting for its exploration and development of petroleum and natural gas reserves. Costs initially capitalized are depleted and depreciated using the unit-of-production method based on production volumes, before royalties, in relation to the Company’s share of estimated proved petroleum and natural gas reserves. Capitalization of costs (a) Construction projects Certain subsidiary companies and joint ventures capitalize interest during the construction period until the project opening date.The amount of interest capitalized to construction in progress in the current year was $0.5 (2005 - $0.1). Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 71 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (b) Commercial properties Certain subsidiaries and joint ventures capitalize the direct carrying and operating costs applicable to the unleased areas of each new project for a reasonable period from the project opening date until a certain level of occupancy is reached. No amounts were capitalized in fiscal 2005 or 2006. (c) Development properties and land held for future development A subsidiary company capitalizes interest and real estate taxes to the extent that they relate to properties for immediate development.The carrying costs on the balance of development properties are expensed as incurred.The amount of real estate taxes capitalized in the current year was $0.2 (2005 - $0.1). Leases Leases meeting certain criteria are accounted for as capital leases.The imputed interest is charged against income. If the lease contains a term that allows ownership to pass to the Company or there is a bargain purchase option the capitalized value is depreciated over the estimated useful life of the related asset. Otherwise the capitalized value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the lease term and its estimated useful life. Obligations under capital leases are reduced by rental payments net of imputed interest. All other leases are accounted for as operating leases. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of the business acquired over the fair value of the underlying net tangible and intangible assets acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are subject to an annual impairment review. Should the carrying value exceed the fair value of goodwill or intangible assets, the carrying value will be written down to the fair value. Intangibles Intangibles arise on the purchase of a new business, existing franchises and the acquisition of pharmacy prescription files. Amortization is on a straight-line basis over 10-15 years. Deferred costs Deferred costs consist of deferred store marketing, deferred financing, transitional pension assets and deferred purchase agreements. Deferred costs are amortized as follows: • Deferred store marketing – 7 years • Deferred financing – over the term of the debt • Deferred purchase agreements – over the term of the purchase agreement Assets held for sale Certain land and buildings have been listed for sale and reclassified as “Assets held for sale” in accordance with CICA Handbook Section 3475.These assets are expected to be sold within a twelve month period, are no longer productive assets and there is no longer an intent to develop for future use. Assets held for sale are valued at the lower of cost and fair value less cost of disposal. Store opening expenses Opening expenses of new stores and store conversions are written off during the first year of operation. Future income taxes The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method.The difference between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying value on the balance sheet is used to calculate future tax assets and liabilities.The future tax assets and liabilities have been measured using substantively enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred revenue Deferred revenue consists of long-term supplier purchase agreements and rental revenue arising from the sale of subsidiaries. Deferred revenue is being taken into income over the term of the related agreements. Foreign currency translation Assets and liabilities of self-sustaining foreign investments are translated at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. The revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates for the year. Cumulative gains and losses on translation are shown as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Other assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date.These exchange gains or losses are recognized in operating income. Revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies are translated into Canadian dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. 72 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Revenue recognition Food sales are recognized at the point-of-sale. Sales include revenues from customers through corporate stores operated by the Company and consolidated VIEs, and revenue from sales to non-VIE franchised stores, affiliated stores and independent accounts. Revenue received from non-VIE franchised stores, affiliated stores and independent accounts is mainly derived from the sale of product.The Company also collects franchise fees under two types of arrangements. Franchise fees contractually due based on the dollar value of product shipped are recorded as revenue when the product is shipped. Franchise fees contractually due based on the franchisee’s retail sales are recorded as revenue weekly upon invoicing based on the franchisee’s retail sales. Real Estate revenue is recognized in accordance with the lease agreements with tenants on a straight-line basis. Financial instruments The Company uses various derivative financial instruments to hedge its exposure to foreign exchange and interest rate risks. If documentation and effectiveness requirements are met, gains and losses on these instruments are deferred and recognized in earnings in the same period the related hedged risk is realized. Pension benefit plans and other benefit plans The cost of the Company’s pension benefits for defined contribution plans are expensed when the employees are paid. The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other benefit plans is accrued based on actuarial valuations, which are determined using the projected benefit method pro-rated on service and management’s best estimate of the expected long- term rate of return on plan assets, salary escalation, retirement ages and expected growth rate of health care costs. Current market values are used to value benefit plan assets. The obligation related to employee future benefits is measured using current market interest rates, assuming a portfolio of Corporate AA bonds with terms to maturity that, on average, match the terms of the obligation. The impact of changes in plan amendments is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected average remaining service life (“EARSL”) of active members. For pension benefit plans, the actuarial gains and losses and the impact of changes in the actuarial basis in excess of 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation and the market value of assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the EARSL of the active members. For other benefit plans, actuarial gains and losses are recognized immediately. For the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, the impact of changes in the plan provisions are amortized over five years. Use of estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with Canadian GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.These estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company may undertake in the future. Earnings per share Earnings per share are calculated by dividing the earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is calculated using the treasury stock method. 2. Sale of Wajax Income Fund On June 6, 2005, the shareholders of Wajax Limited, an equity accounted investment, approved a Plan of Arrangement to convert into Wajax Income Fund (“Wajax”).The Company owned approximately 45% of the outstanding shares of Wajax Limited (on a fully diluted basis).The Plan of Arrangement was completed on June 15, 2005 with the Company receiving one unit of Wajax for each Wajax Limited share held.Through a secondary offering on June 21, 2005, the Company sold a total of 2.5 million Wajax units for net proceeds of approximately $44.0. On June 29, 2005, the underwriter exercised their over-allotment option to purchase 375,000 Wajax units at $19.25 per unit, resulting in additional net proceeds of $6.8.This reduced the Company’s ownership percentage to approximately 27.6%. Details of the sale are as follows: Net proceeds Book value Equity share of income fund conversion-related items Capital gain before income taxes Income taxes Net capital gain $ $ 50.8 21.1 29.7 4.1 25.6 2.1 23.5 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 73 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 3. Sale of property to Crombie REIT 4. Earnings per share Earnings per share amounts are calculated on the weighted average number of shares outstanding after providing for preferred share dividends accrued to the balance sheet date. Diluted earnings per share is calculated on the assumption that all the outstanding stock options were exercised and share purchase loans were repaid at the beginning of the year. Earnings applicable to common shares is comprised of the following: Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax of $14.4 (2005 – $0.7) Net earnings Preferred share dividends Earnings applicable to common shares 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 202.0 $ 182.9 94.8 296.8 (0.3) 3.7 186.6 (0.3) $ 296.5 $ 186.3 Earnings per share is comprised of the following: Operating earnings Capital gain and other items Basic earnings per share Operating earnings Capital gain and other items Diluted earnings per share $ $ $ $ 3.08 1.45 4.53 3.07 1.44 4.51 $ $ $ $ 2.79 0.05 2.84 2.78 0.05 2.83 5. Cash and cash equivalents Included in cash and cash equivalents is restricted cash of $6.8 (2005 - $7.5) relating to deposits on future sale of real estate inventories. On March 23, 2006, the Company’s real estate segment sold 44 commercial properties to Crombie Real Estate Investment Trust (“Crombie REIT”). Included in the proceeds is an interest in Crombie REIT giving the Company effective ownership of 48.3%.The Company’s investment in Crombie REIT is accounted using the equity method. Details of the sale are as follows: $ 267.7 200.8 468.5 593.2 (1.0) (2.2) (44.7) (312.9) 232.4 25.4 9.4 17.1 284.3 184.2 (88.2) 96.0 19.8 76.2 Proceeds Cash Investment in Crombie REIT Book value of assets sold and liabilities assumed Property and equipment Net working capital Employee future benefits obligation Future income taxes Long-term debt Early extinguishment of long-term debt Share of issue costs Other costs Capital gain before deferral and income taxes Deferral of capital gain related to retained interest Capital gain before income taxes Income taxes Net capital gain $ 74 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 6. Investments, at equity Wajax Income Fund (27.6% interest, May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 The Company’s carrying value of its investment in Crombie REIT as at May 6, 2006 is as follows: 2005 – 45.0% interest) $ 33.1 $ 55.1 Crombie REIT (48.3% interest) U.S. residential real estate partnerships 112.8 11.6 $ 157.5 $ – 17.8 72.9 Interest received in Crombie REIT Less deferral of gain related to retained interest Equity earnings since acquisition The Company’s carrying value of its investment in Wajax Income Fund (formerly Wajax Limited to June 6, 2005) as at May 6, 2006 is as follows: May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 Balance, beginning of year Equity earnings Distributions received Book value of equity interest sold $ 55.1 16.3 (13.1) (25.2) $ 46.7 9.8 (1.4) – Balance, end of year $ 33.1 $ 55.1 7. Property and equipment May 6, 2006 $ 200.8 (88.2) 0.2 $ 112.8 Food segment Land Land held for future development Buildings Equipment Leasehold improvements Assets under capital leases Real estate and other segments Land Land held for future development Buildings* Equipment Leasehold improvements Petroleum and natural gas costs May 6, 2006 Accumulated Depreciation $ – – 135.7 1,062.7 218.2 27.7 1,444.3 – – 94.1 26.9 8.3 3.4 132.7 $ Cost 89.5 138.6 681.1 1,707.4 361.0 78.9 3,056.5 79.6 23.6 385.9 69.4 51.6 54.0 664.1 Net Book Value $ 89.5 138.6 545.4 644.7 142.8 51.2 1,612.2 79.6 23.6 291.8 42.5 43.3 50.6 531.4 Total $ 3,720.6 $ 1,577.0 $ 2,143.6 * During the year, based on revised estimates of holding periods, it was determined that the carrying value of five commercial properties was impaired. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $27.4 to reduce their carrying value to estimated fair value using external appraisals. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 75 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Food segment Land Land held for future development Buildings Equipment Leasehold improvements Assets under capital leases Real estate and other segments Land Land held for future development Buildings Equipment Leasehold improvements Petroleum and natural gas costs May 7, 2005 Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value $ – – 117.6 993.6 192.7 23.6 $ 94.5 85.4 471.8 669.1 117.0 24.1 1,327.5 1,461.9 – – 182.2 22.6 5.5 0.8 211.1 147.8 9.1 759.1 28.9 13.1 9.9 967.9 $ Cost 94.5 85.4 589.4 1,662.7 309.7 47.7 2,789.4 147.8 9.1 941.3 51.5 18.6 10.7 1,179.0 Total $ 3,968.4 $ 1,538.6 $ 2,429.8 8. Other assets 9. Bank indebtedness As security for certain bank loans the Company has provided an assignment of certain marketable securities and, in certain divisions and subsidiaries, general assignments of receivables and leases, first floating charge debentures on assets and the assignment of proceeds of fire insurance policies. Under the terms of a credit agreement entered into between the Company and a banking syndicate, a revolving term credit facility of $300.0 was established. During the year, the expiry date of the revolving unsecured credit facility was extended from June 22, 2006 to December 20, 2010. All indebtedness and obligations under the agreement shall be payable in full on December 20, 2010. Interest payable on this facility fluctuates with changes in the prime interest rate. May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 Loans and mortgages receivable Deferred costs Transitional pension asset Restricted cash Other Intangibles (less accumulated amortization of $7.6; 2005 - $4.7) $ 68.4 101.4 36.2 14.7 25.4 27.2 $ 41.7 89.0 28.3 – 32.3 24.3 $ 273.3 $ 215.6 Loans receivable Loans receivable represent long-term financing to certain retail associates.These loans are primarily secured by inventory, fixtures and equipment, bear various interest rates and have repayment terms up to ten years.The carrying amount of the loans receivable approximates fair value based on the variable interest rates charged on the loans and the operating relationship of the associates with the Company. The loans and mortgages receivable are net of current portions of $15.9 (2005 - $15.5). 76 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 10. Long-term debt First mortgage loans, average interest rate 9.3%, due 2008-2026 Medium Term Notes, interest rate 7.6%, due November 1, 2005 Medium Term Notes, interest rate 6.1%, due October 29, 2035 Medium Term Notes, interest rate 7.2%, due February 26, 2018 Debentures, average interest rate 10.4%, due 2008-2016 Notes payable and other debt at interest rates fluctuating with the prime rate Capital lease obligations, net of imputed interest Less amount due within one year $ Food Segment 25.8 – 175.0 100.0 63.1 76.9 49.2 490.0 25.0 $ Real Estate and other Segments 141.4 – – – 32.6 138.7 – 312.7 70.4 May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 $ Total 167.2 – 175.0 100.0 95.7 215.6 49.2 802.7 95.4 $ Total 425.0 175.0 – 100.0 138.1 113.1 23.2 974.4 247.0 $ 465.0 $ 242.3 $ 707.3 $ 727.4 Long-term debt is secured by land and buildings, specific charges on certain assets and additional security as described in Note 9. Capital lease obligations are secured by the related capital lease asset. On October 21, 2005, the Company filed a short form base shelf prospectus providing for the issuance of up to $500.0 of unsecured Medium Term Notes. On October 28, 2005, the Company issued new Medium Term Notes of $175.0, maturing on October 29, 2035. On November 1, 2005, Medium Term Notes of $175.0 were repaid according to the terms of the agreement. During the year the Company increased its capital lease obligation by $29.0 with a similar increase in assets under capital lease. Debt retirement payments and capital lease obligations in each of the next five fiscal years are: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Long Term Debt Capital Leases $ $ $ $ $ 86.7 44.4 84.4 39.0 38.7 $ $ $ $ $ 8.7 7.2 6.6 6.0 2.7 Operating leases The net aggregate, annual, minimum rent payable under operating leases for fiscal 2007 is approximately $160.1 ($231.9 gross less expected sub-lease income of $71.8). The commitments over the next five fiscal years are: 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Net Lease Obligation Gross lease Obligation $ $ $ $ $ 160.1 141.6 126.6 117.3 104.6 $ $ $ $ $ 231.9 205.9 183.7 168.3 149.7 11. Other liabilities May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 Deferred revenue Deferred hedge gain Above market leases from acquisitions Asset retirement obligations $ 3.3 10.2 5.0 0.4 $ 3.0 – – – $ 18.9 $ 3.0 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 77 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 12. Capital stock Authorized No. of Shares Preferred shares, par value of $25 each, issuable in series. Series 2 cumulative, redeemable, rate of 75% of prime. 2002 Preferred Shares, par value of $25 each, issuable in series. Non-Voting Class A shares, without par value. Class B common shares, without par value, voting. Issued and outstanding: Preferred shares, Series 2 Non-Voting Class A Class B common 2,846,000 992,000,000 259,154,492 40,800,000 Loans receivable from officers and employees under share purchase plan No. of Shares 331,900 31,175,047 34,560,763 May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 No. of Shares 331,900 31,150,585 34,585,225 $ 8.3 183.7 7.7 199.7 (4.6) $ 8.3 183.0 7.7 199.0 (4.4) $ 195.1 $ 194.6 During the year, under a normal course issuer bid which expires on July 27, 2006, the Company purchased for cancellation 20,254 (2005 – 61,129) Non-Voting Class A shares.The purchase price was $0.8 of which $0.7 of the purchase price (representing the premium on common shares purchased for cancellation) was charged to retained earnings. During 2005, the Company purchased for cancellation 100,000 Series 2 preferred shares for $2.5. During the year, no options were exercised. Options allow holders to purchase Non-Voting Class A shares at $6.555 per share. Options expire in October 2006.There were 27,674 options outstanding at May 6, 2006. During the year, 20,254 (2005 – 32,729) Non-Voting Class A shares were issued under the Company’s share purchase plan to certain officers and employees for $0.8 (2005 – $0.9), which was based on the average trading price of the Non-Voting Class A shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange for the five previous trading days. Loans receivable from officers and employees of $4.6 (2005 – $4.4) under the Company’s share purchase plan are classified as a reduction of Shareholders’ Equity. Loan repayments will result in a corresponding increase in Share Capital.The loans are non-interest bearing and non-recourse, secured by 229,484 (2005 – 245,030) Non-Voting Class A shares. Market value of the shares at May 6, 2006 was $9.9 (2005 – $9.0). Under certain circumstances, where an offer (as defined in the share conditions) is made to purchase Class B common shares, the holders of the Non-Voting Class A shares shall be entitled to receive a follow-up offer at the highest price per share paid, pursuant to such offer to purchase Class B common shares. During the year, 24,462 (2005 – 300,000) Class B common shares were exchanged for 24,462 (2005 - 300,000) Non-Voting Class A shares. 78 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 13. Investment income 15. Income taxes Dividend and interest income Share of earnings of companies accounted using the equity method 2006 (52 Weeks) 8.3 23.5 31.8 $ $ 14. Capital gain and other items Gain on sale of Wajax Income Fund (Note 2) Gain on sale of property to Crombie REIT (Note 3) Reduction of book value of real estate assets (Note 7) Gain on sale of investments Other items 2006 (52 Weeks) $ 25.6 96.2 (27.4) 11.6 3.4 $ 109.4 2005 (53 Weeks) 9.0 12.0 21.0 2005 (53 Weeks) – – – 2.9 1.5 4.4 $ $ $ $ Income tax expense varies from the amount that would be computed by applying the combined federal and provincial statutory tax rate as a result of the following: Income tax expense according to combined statutory rate of 34.8% (2005 – 35.3%) Increase (decrease) in income taxes resulting from Rate changes effect on timing differences Non-taxable dividends and equity earnings Large corporation tax Capital gain and other items 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 141.8 $ 133.1 (1.6) (3.5) 2.0 138.7 14.4 – (5.5) 2.9 130.5 0.7 $ 153.1 $ 131.2 May 6, 2006 income tax expense attributable to net earnings consists of: Operations Capital gain and other items May 7, 2005 income tax expense attributable to net earnings consists of: Operations Capital gain and other items Current 127.7 14.1 141.8 Current 97.8 1.7 99.5 $ $ $ $ Future 11.0 0.3 11.3 Future 32.7 (1.0) 31.7 $ $ $ $ Total 138.7 14.4 153.1 Total 130.5 0.7 131.2 $ $ $ $ Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 79 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements The tax effect of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of future income taxes are presented below: 16. Supplementary cash flow information Property and equipment Investments Future employee benefits obligation Restructuring provisions Pension contributions Deferred costs Deferred credits Goodwill and intangibles Other Future income taxes – current liabilities Future income taxes – non-current liabilities May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 $ 64.1 59.0 $ 112.7 36.0 (34.8) (5.0) 17.4 28.4 54.6 8.6 (14.4) 177.9 46.1 131.8 $ $ (32.2) (5.3) 16.0 23.7 57.7 6.0 (3.4) 211.2 52.4 158.8 $ $ a) Items not affecting cash Depreciation and amortization Future income taxes Amortization of deferred May 6, 2006 (52 Weeks) May 7, 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 225.8 10.1 $ 201.5 31.7 items 35.8 34.0 Equity in earnings of other companies, net of dividends received Minority interest Stock-based compensation Long-term lease obligation Employee future benefits obligation Gain on sale of Wajax (4.1) 55.8 1.0 8.5 4.2 (23.5) (76.2) 17.0 254.4 83.1 102.1 $ $ $ (8.4) 52.5 0.6 (0.2) 4.1 – – – $ $ $ 315.8 85.1 124.7 $ 177.9 $ 211.2 Income Fund, net of tax of $2.1 Gain on sale of property to Crombie REIT, net of tax of $19.8 Reduction of book value of real estate assets, net of tax of $(10.4) b) Other information Net interest paid Net income taxes paid 80 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 17. Joint ventures The financial statements include the Company’s proportionate share of the accounts of incorporated and unincorporated joint ventures. A summary of these amounts is as follows: May 6, 2006 May 7, 2005 Revenues Expenses Assets Liabilities Equity and advances $ $ $ 101.0 60.0 41.0 101.0 $ $ $ 101.6 41.9 59.7 101.6 Income before income taxes Cash provided (used) Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities 18. Segmented information Revenue Food Real estate Commercial Inter-segment Residential Investment and other operations Elimination Operating income Food Real estate Commercial Residential Investment and other operations Corporate expenses 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 12,853.3 $ 12,189.4 Identifiable assets Food Goodwill 136.9 54.0 48.1 239.0 122.8 13,215.1 (54.0) 136.4 57.8 35.0 229.2 74.4 12,493.0 (57.8) Real estate Investment and other operations (including goodwill of $40.1; 2005 - $3.8) $ 13,161.1 $ 12,435.2 Depreciation and amortization 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 331.6 $ 322.6 Food Real estate Investment and other operations 87.0 51.3 31.3 (9.8) 89.1 33.1 28.3 (9.4) $ 491.4 $ 463.7 Capital expenditure Food Real estate Investment and other operations 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ $ $ $ 61.4 6.6 54.8 62.3 4.7 3.9 70.9 $ $ $ $ 43.2 7.9 35.3 36.8 (8.4) (0.1) 28.3 May 6, 2006 May 7,2005 $ 3,119.5 691.7 3,811.2 634.7 $ 2,831.7 678.4 3,510.1 1,017.9 605.6 401.2 $ 5,051.5 $ 4,929.2 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 196.6 16.9 12.3 $ 176.4 18.7 6.4 $ 225.8 $ 201.5 2006 (52 Weeks) 2005 (53 Weeks) $ 421.3 67.9 57.2 $ 321.1 33.2 17.7 $ 546.4 $ 372.0 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 81 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements The Company operates principally in two business segments: food and real estate.The food segment consists of distribution of food products in Canada.The real estate segment consists of development and ownership of both commercial and residential properties. Commercial real estate is mainly shopping centres and office buildings in Central and Eastern Canada. Residential real estate is the development of housing lots for resale. Inter-segment transactions are at market values. 19. Financial instruments Credit risk There is no significant concentration of credit risk.The credit risk exposure is considered normal for the business. Fair value of financial instruments The book value of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, loans and mortgages, bank indebtedness, accounts payables and accrued liabilities and income taxes payable approximate fair values at May 6, 2006.The fair value of investments is $824.2 (2005 – $483.3). The total fair value of long-term debt is estimated to be $866.4 (2005 – $1,126.0).The fair value of variable rate long-term debt is assumed to approximate its carrying amount.The fair value of other long-term debt has been estimated by discounting future cash flows at a rate offered for debt of similar maturities and credit quality. Interest rate risk The majority of the Company debt is at fixed rates. Accordingly, there is limited exposure for interest rate risk. Foreign currency risk Investments include $187.9 Canadian that is denominated in U.S. funds. Bank indebtedness includes $4.6 Canadian that is denominated in U.S. funds and it acts as a partial hedge to the foreign exchange fluctuations inherent in the residual value of certain equipment. At May 6, 2006, there are outstanding forward exchange contracts to sell a notional amount of $163.0 million, maturing over the next twelve months at a weighted average rate of U.S. $87.60.The fair value of the outstanding forward exchange contracts, based on settlement requirements at May 6, 2006, is a positive value of U.S. $5.5 million due to the strengthening of the Canadian dollar since the dates on which the contracts were entered. 82 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 20. Contingent liabilities At May 6, 2006, the Company was contingently liable for letters of credit issued in the aggregate amount of $47.6 (2005 – $44.0). Sobeys Inc. has guaranteed certain bank loans contracted by franchise affiliates. As at May 6, 2006 these loans amounted to approximately $1.3 (2005 - $2.4). Sobeys Inc. has guaranteed certain equipment leases of its franchise affiliates. Under the terms of the guarantee should a franchise affiliate be unable to fulfil their lease obligation Sobeys Inc. would be required to fund the difference of the lease commitments up to a maximum of $100.0 on a cumulative basis. Sobeys Inc. approves each of the contracts. The aggregate, annual, minimum rent payable under the guaranteed operating equipment leases for fiscal 2007 is approximately $21.1.The guaranteed lease commitments over the next five fiscal years are: Guaranteed lease commitments 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 $ $ $ $ $ 21.1 23.2 18.9 15.9 11.1 Upon entering into the lease of its Mississauga distribution centre in March 2000, Sobeys Inc. guaranteed to the landlord the performance, by SERCA Foodservice, of all its obligation under the lease.The remaining term of the lease is 14 years with an aggregate obligation of $43.3 (2005 - $46.2). At the time of the sale of assets of SERCA Foodservice to Sysco Corp., the lease of the Mississauga distribution centre was assigned to and assumed by the purchaser, and Sysco Corp. agreed to indemnify and hold Sobeys Inc. harmless from any liability it may incur pursuant to its guarantee. On June 21, 2005, Sobeys Inc. received a notice of reassessment from Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) for fiscal years 1999 and 2000 related to the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”). CRA asserts that Sobeys Inc. was obliged to collect GST on sales of tobacco products to status Indians.The total tax, interest and penalties in the reassessment was $13.6. Sobeys Inc. has reviewed this matter, has received legal advice and believes it was not required to collect GST. During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, Sobeys Inc. filed a Notice of Objection with CRA. Accordingly the Company has not recorded in its statement of earnings any of the tax, interest or penalties in the notice of reassessment. Sobeys Inc. has deposited with CRA funds to cover the total tax, interest and penalties in the reassessment and has recorded this amount as a long-term receivable from CRA pending resolution of the matter. On January 19, 2006, E.C.L. Investments Limited (a subsidiary of the Company) received a notice from CRA that it is proposing a reassessment for fiscal year 2001 related to the disposition of its shares in Hannaford Bros. Co.The Company has signed a waiver that effectively postpones the issuance of the reassessment. Due to the complexity of the matter, it is not possible to determine the amounts that may ultimately be assessed against the Company. Management believes that it has recorded adequate accruals in relation to the matter. Any settlement in excess of these accruals will be charged to earnings. The Company has entered into an agreement with Crombie REIT to fund certain property redevelopments and has issued and recorded a note payable to Crombie REIT in the amount of $39.6 related thereto.The Company has agreed to pay for all additional costs and expenses required for the redevelopment of those properties. In the event that the redevelopment costs are less than $39.6, the savings will be paid to the Company. The Company has agreed to indemnify its directors and officers and particular employees in accordance with the Company’s policies.The Company maintains insurance policies that may provide coverage against certain claims. There are various claims and litigation, which the Company is involved with, arising out of the ordinary course of business operations.The Company’s management does not consider the exposure to such litigation to be material, although this cannot be predicted with certainty. 21. Related party transactions The Company rents premises from Crombie REIT. In addition, Crombie REIT provides administrative and management services to the Company.The rental payments are at fair value and the charges incurred for administrative and management services are on a cost recovery basis.The Company has non-interest bearing notes payable to Crombie REIT in the amount of $62.7. 22. Employee future benefits The company has a number of defined benefit and defined contribution plans providing pension and other retirement benefits to most of its employees. Defined contribution pension plans The contributions required by the employee and the employer are specified.The employee’s pension depends on what level of retirement income (for example, annuity purchase) that can be achieved with the combined total of employee and employer contributions and investment income over the period of plan membership, and the annuity purchase rates at the time of the employee’s retirement. Defined benefit pension plans The ultimate retirement benefit is defined by a formula that provides a unit of benefit for each year of service. Employee contributions, if required, pay for part of the cost of the benefit, but the employer contributions fund the balance.The employer contributions are not specified or defined within the plan text; they are based on the result of actuarial valuations which determine the level of funding required to meet the total obligation as estimated at the time of the valuation. The Company uses December 31 as an actuarial valuation date and April 30 as a measurement date for accounting purposes for its defined benefit pension plans. Retirement Pension Plan Senior Management Pension Plan Most recent valuation date December 31, 2004 December 31, 2004 Next required valuation date December 31, 2007 December 31, 2007 Defined contribution plans The total expense and cash contributions for the Company’s defined contribution plans are as follows: 2006 2005 $ $ 14.2 12.1 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 83 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Defined benefit plans Information about the Company’s defined benefits plans, in aggregate, is as follows: Pension Benefit Plans Pension Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans 2006 2005 2006 2005 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 267.0 – 2.4 14.5 0.4 – (0.8) (20.0) 5.8 269.3 244.4 33.0 9.3 0.4 (19.9) 267.2 (2.1) 0.7 37.6 36.2 2.5 14.5 (33.0) 5.8 – – (10.2) 16.0 0.2 (3.9) 2.1 60.8 (24.6) 36.2 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 252.0 – 2.2 14.8 0.4 0.7 – (18.4) 15.3 267.0 223.5 31.3 7.6 0.4 (18.4) 244.4 (22.6) 1.0 49.9 28.3 2.2 14.8 (31.3) 15.3 0.7 – 1.7 16.0 (0.5) (12.9) 4.3 55.2 (26.9) 28.3 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 108.7 – 2.9 6.1 – – (2.2) (3.7) 2.3 114.1 – – 3.7 – (3.7) – (114.1) 1.1 15.7 (97.3) 2.9 6.1 – 2.3 – – 11.3 – 0.1 (3.5) 7.9 – (97.3) (97.3) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 112.0 0.4 2.4 5.9 – – – (4.4) (7.6) 108.7 – – 4.4 – (4.4) – (108.7) 1.2 13.0 (94.5) 2.4 5.9 – (7.6) – 0.4 1.1 – 0.1 7.2 8.4 – (94.5) (94.5) Accrued benefit obligation Balance, beginning of year New incidence (post-employment benefits) Current service cost Interest cost Employee contributions Past service costs Divestitures Benefits paid Actuarial losses (gains) Balance, end of year Plan assets Market value, beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Employer contributions Employee contributions Benefits paid Market value, end of year Funded status Deficit Unamortized past service cost Unamortized actuarial losses Accrued benefit asset (liability) Expense Current service cost Interest cost Actual return on plan assets Actuarial losses (gains) Past service costs New incidence (post-employment benefits) (Income) expense before adjustments Expected vs actual return on plan assets Recognized vs actual past service costs Recognized vs actual actuarial losses (gains) Net expenses Classification of accrued benefit asset (liability) Other assets Other liabilities Accrued benefit asset (liability) 84 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Included in the above accrued benefit obligation at year-end are the following amounts in respect of plans that are not funded: Accrued benefit obligation Pension Benefit Plans Pension Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans 2006 19.9 2005 19.5 $ 2006 97.3 2005 94.5 $ $ $ The significant actuarial assumptions adopted in measuring the Company’s accrued benefit obligations are as follows (weighted-average assumptions as of May 6, 2006): Discount rate Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets Rate of compensation increase Pension Benefit Plans Pension Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans Other Benefit Plans 2006 5.50% 7.00% 4.00% 2005 5.50% 7.00% 4.00% 2006 5.50% 2005 5.75% For measurement purposes, a 10% fiscal 2006 annual rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered health care benefits was assumed.The cumulative rate expectation to 2012 is 6%.The expected average remaining service period of the active employees covered by the pension benefit plans ranges from 11 to 19 years with a weighted average of 11 years at year end.The expected average remaining service period of the active employees covered by the other benefit plans range from 13 to 17 years with a weighted average of 16 years at year end. Expected long term rate of return on plan assets Impact of: 1% increase 1% decrease Discount rate Impact of: 1% increase 1% decrease Growth rate of health costs(2) Impact of: 1% increase 1% decrease Pension Plans Other Benefit Plans Benefit Obligations Benefit Cost(1) Benefit Obligations Benefit Cost(1) 7.00% (2.6) 2.6 5.50% 0.3 (0.6) $ $ $ $ 5.50% (30.5) 34.4 $ $ 5.50% (17.5) 21.1 10.00% 18.0 (14.7) 5.50% (0.9) 1.0 10.00% 2.1 (1.6) $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (1) Reflects the impact on the current service cost, the interest cost and the expected return on assets. (2) Gradually decreasing to 6.0% in 2012 and remaining at that level thereafter. The asset mix of the defined benefit pension plans as at year end is as follows: Cash and short-term investments Bonds, debenture, fixed income pooled funds 2006 2005 3.34% 7.06% and real estate funds 18.04% 17.71% Equities and pooled equities fund Accrued interest and dividends Total investments 78.42% 0.20% 100.00% 74.96% 0.27% 100.00% Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 85 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Within these securities are investments in Empire Company Limited.The market value of these shares at year end are as follows: 2006 93.4 $ % of plan assets 10.3% $ 2005 80.2 % of plan assets 10.0% accounted using the purchase method with net identifiable assets recorded at $15.3 (including intangible assets of $7.2) and goodwill recorded at $3.8. 24. Stock-based compensation Deferred share units Members of the Board of Directors may elect to receive all or any portion of their fees in Deferred Share Units (“DSUs”) in lieu of cash.The number of DSUs received is determined by the market value of the Company’s Non-Voting Class A shares on each director’s fee payment date.Additional DSUs are received as dividend equivalents. DSUs cannot be redeemed for cash until the holder is no longer a director of the Company.The redemption value of a DSU equals the market value of an Empire Company Limited Non-Voting Class A share at the time of the redemption. On an ongoing basis, the Company values the DSU obligation at the current market value of a Non-Voting Class A share and records any increase in the DSU obligation as an operating expense. At May 6, 2006, there were 60,470 (May 7, 2005 – 50,420) DSUs outstanding. During the year, the stock-based compensation expense was $1.0 (2005 – $0.9). Share purchase loans The Company has a Share Purchase Loan plan for employees of the Company whereby loans are granted to purchase Non-Voting Class A Shares.These loans have been treated as stock-based compensation in accordance with EIC Abstract 132.The application was on a prospective basis beginning in fiscal 2005 as it was determined that the application on a retroactive basis would not result in a material change. The compensation cost relating to the 2006 Share Purchase Loans was determined to be $0.2 (2005 – $0.2) with amortization of the cost over 7 years.The total increase in contributed surplus in relation to the Share Purchase Loan compensation cost for 2006 is $0.2.The compensation cost was calculated using the Black-Scholes model with the following assumptions: Expected life Risk-free interest rate Expected volatility Dividend yield 2006 7 years 4.25% 21.8% 1.5% 2005 7 years 4.25% 22.7% 1.9% 23. Business acquisitions Sobeys Inc. During fiscal 2006 the Company increased its ownership interest in Sobeys Inc. from 68.4% to 70.3% by way of purchase of shares on the open market.The acquisition was accounted using the purchase method with operating results being included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of each share acquisition.The cash consideration paid was $49.5, goodwill increased by $13.2 and minority interest decreased by $36.3. During fiscal 2005 the Company increased its ownership interest in Sobeys Inc. from 65.0% to 68.4% by way of purchase of shares on the open market.The acquisition was accounted using the purchase method with operating results being included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of each share acquisition.The cash consideration paid was $93.5, goodwill increased by $27.1 and minority interest decreased by $66.4. Other acquisitions On September 30, 2005, ETL Canada Holdings Limited (a subsidiary of the Company) acquired 27 theatres with 202 screens located in Ontario and Western Canada from Cineplex Galaxy LP. On October 21, 2005 ETL Canada Holdings Limited further acquired one theatre with 4 screens in Western Canada from Motion Picture Distribution LP.The total cash consideration of the acquisitions was $87.8.The acquisitions were accounted using the purchase method with net identifiable assets recorded at $51.5 (including intangible assets of $6.0) and goodwill recorded at $36.3. During fiscal 2006 Sobeys Inc. acquired franchisee stores and prescription files as part of its normal course of operations for total cash consideration of $5.3.The acquisitions were accounted using the purchase method with net identifiable assets recorded at $5.0 (including intangible assets of $1.2) and goodwill recorded at $0.3. During fiscal 2005 the Company acquired franchisee stores and prescription files in its food segment as part of its normal course of operations and acquired four cinemas in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick in its other operations segment for total cash consideration of $19.1.The acquisitions were 86 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 25. Real estate leases During fiscal 2005 the Company reviewed its practices related to lease accounting and determined that adjustments were required to align to the recent clarification of lease accounting guidelines.The first adjustment related to lease allowances and incentives. Historically the Company classified lease allowances as a reduction of the related capital assets, which effectively reduced the depreciation expense over the expected life of the asset.The guideline clarification suggests these lease allowances should be recorded as a deferred credit and amortized as a reduction of lease expense over the term of the lease.The second adjustment related to rent expense to be recorded during a store’s fixturing period.The Company is often granted a fixturing period during which rent is not charged. The fixturing period is generally considered to be one month prior to the store opening. Historically, when the Company was granted a fixturing period, rent expense was not recorded as none was being charged and the store was not yet open. The clarification of the accounting guidance however requires that the fixturing period be considered a rent-free period that should be included in the term of the lease. Since lease expense must be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, an appropriate portion of the straight-line expense must be recorded for the fixturing period.The third adjustment related to the capitalization of long-term leases. An evaluation was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 and certain long-term leases were identified as capital leases.These changes were accounted for on a retroactive basis with restatement resulting in the Company recording a decrease in opening retained earnings for fiscal 2005 of $5.4 (net of minority interest of $2.9).These lease accounting adjustments did not have any material impact on the Company’s current or prior year’s net earnings. 26. Vendor allowances The Company receives allowances from certain vendors, whose products are purchased for resale. Included in these vendor programs are allowances for volume purchases, exclusivity allowances, listing fees and other allowances. Due to the retroactive implementation of EIC-144, the timing of recognition of certain vendor allowances has changed, resulting in the Company recording a decrease in opening retained earnings for fiscal 2005 of $3.8 (net of minority interest of $2.1).The implementation of EIC-144 did not result in a material change in the net earnings for the current or prior year. Certain allowances from vendors are contingent on the Company achieving minimum purchase levels.The Company recognizes these allowances in income in accordance with EIC-144 when it is probable that the minimum purchase level will be met, and the amount of allowance can be estimated. As of the year ended May 6, 2006, the Company has recognized $3.5 of allowances in income where it is probable that the minimum purchase level will be met and the amount of allowance can be estimated. 27. Variable interest entities Variable interest entities are defined under AcG-15 as entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support, or where the equity holders lack the overall characteristics of a controlling financial interest.The guideline requires that the VIE be consolidated with the financial results of the entity deemed to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE’s expected losses and its expected residual returns. The Company has implemented AcG-15 on May 7, 2005, retroactively without restatement of prior periods. Entities that have been identified as meeting the characteristics of VIE were consolidated in the Company’s results effective for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. The Company has identified the following entities as VIEs: Franchise Affiliates The Company has identified 300 (May 7, 2005 – 287) franchise affiliate stores whose franchise agreements result in the Company being deemed the primary beneficiary of the entity according to AcG-15.The results for these entities were consolidated with the results of the Company. Warehouse and Distribution Agreement The Company has an agreement with an independent entity to provide warehouse and distribution services for one of its distribution centres.The terms of the agreement with this entity require the Company to consolidate its results with those of the Company pursuant to AcG-15. The Company has consolidated the results of these franchise affiliates and the entity providing warehouse and distribution services effective at the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 87 Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Consolidated Balance Sheet as at May 6, 2006 Assets Current Cash and cash equivalents Receivables Inventories Prepaid expenses Investments, at cost (quoted market value $398.9) Investments, at equity (realizable value $425.3) Property and equipment Assets held for sale Other assets Goodwill Liabilities Current Bank indebtedness Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Income taxes payable Future income taxes Long-term debt due within one year Liabilities relating to assets held for sale Long-term debt Long-term lease obligation Other liabilities Employee future benefits obligation Future income taxes Minority interest Shareholders’ Equity Capital stock Contributed surplus Retained earnings Cumulative translation adjustment Before AcG-15 Impact Impact of the Imple- mentation of AcG-15 After AcG-15 Impact $ 301.8 317.6 571.4 46.4 1,237.2 359.9 157.5 2,112.2 23.1 360.0 731.8 $ 4,981.7 $ 98.6 1,219.6 33.6 46.1 94.3 7.1 1,499.3 690.6 16.6 18.9 97.3 133.1 547.2 3,003.0 195.1 0.2 1,784.5 (1.1) 1,978.7 $ $ $ 39.3 (42.2) 122.9 5.1 125.1 – – 31.4 – (86.7) – $ 341.1 275.4 694.3 51.5 1,362.3 359.9 157.5 2,143.6 23.1 273.3 731.8 69.8 $ 5,051.5 – 22.2 2.2 – 1.1 – 25.5 16.7 4.2 – – (1.3) 38.2 83.3 – – (13.5) – (13.5) $ 98.6 1,241.8 35.8 46.1 95.4 7.1 1,524.8 707.3 20.8 18.9 97.3 131.8 585.4 3,086.3 195.1 0.2 1,771.0 (1.1) 1,965.2 $ 4,981.7 $ 69.8 $ 5,051.5 The impact of implementation of AcG-15 on the consolidated balance sheet of the Company can be explained as follows: Accounts receivable and long-term notes receivable due from the franchise affiliates were eliminated upon consolidation. Cash, inventories, fixed assets, accounts payable and debt financing the fixed assets have been consolidated. 88 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report A charge of $9.5 (net of minority interest of $5.0) had been recorded to opening retained earnings for fiscal year 2005 to reflect: 1.The reduction of inventory values of the franchise affiliates that include charges from the Company for distribution costs and vendor allowances that are not recognized by the Company until final sale to customers, 2. Goodwill that is carried on the accounts of stores determined to be VIEs has been assessed as being impaired with no fair market value and, as such, has been eliminated. It has been determined that a charge of $3.7 (net of minority interest of $2.0) to retained earnings was required in the second quarter of fiscal 2006 to reflect additional minority interest in the VIEs. Additional adjustments of $0.1 (net of minority interest of $0.1) to retained earnings are reflective of changes in the amount of VIE entities required to be consolidated. Minority interest represents the equity in the VIEs held by the common shareholder. Consolidated Statement of Earnings for the 52 weeks ended May 6, 2006 Revenue Operating expenses Cost of sales, selling and administrative expenses Depreciation and amortization Investment income Operating income Interest expense Long-term debt Short-term debt Capital gain and other items Earnings before income taxes and minority interest Income taxes Earnings before minority interest Minority interest Net earnings Earnings per share Basic Diluted Before AcG-15 Impact Impact of the Imple- mentation of AcG-15 After AcG-15 Impact $ 12,573.9 $ 587.2 $ 13,161.1 11,905.7 220.0 448.2 31.8 480.0 74.5 8.2 82.7 397.3 109.4 506.7 150.3 356.4 59.8 296.6 4.53 4.51 $ $ $ 570.0 5.8 11.4 – 11.4 1.1 – 1.1 10.3 – 10.3 2.8 7.5 7.3 0.2 – – 12,475.7 225.8 459.6 31.8 491.4 75.6 8.2 83.8 407.6 109.4 517.0 153.1 363.9 67.1 296.8 4.53 4.51 $ $ $ $ $ $ The impact of implementation of AcG-15 on the consolidated statement of earnings of the Company can be explained as follows: Franchise affiliate retail sales are recorded and sales from the Company’s distribution centres and cost of goods sold to the franchise affiliate have been eliminated.The impact on all other financial statement line items including net earnings is immaterial. 28. Change in fiscal year end Effective for fiscal 2005, Empire’s year end changed from April 30 to the first Saturday in May. As such the quarter end dates and fiscal year end will be consistent with Sobeys Inc. 29. Comparative figures Comparative figures have been reclassified, where necessary, to reflect the current year’s presentation. Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 89 Eleven-Year Financial Review Years Ended(1) 2006 2005 Financial Results ($ in millions; except ROE) Revenue Operating income Interest expense Income taxes Minority interest Earnings from continuing operations before net capital gain and other items Earnings from discontinued operations(2) Operating earnings(3) Capital gain (loss) and other items, net of tax Net earnings Return on equity Financial Position ($ in millions) Total assets Long-term debt (excluding current portion) Shareholders’ equity Per Share Data on a Fully Diluted Basis ($ per share) Operating earnings Capital gain (loss) and other items, net of tax Net earnings Dividends Non-Voting Class A shares Class B common shares Book value Share Price, Non-Voting Class A Shares ($ per share) High Low Close Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding (in millions) $ 13,161.1 491.4 83.8 153.1 67.1 $ 12,435.2 463.7 86.7 131.2 63.6 202.0 – 202.0 94.8 296.8 16.2% 5,051.5 707.3 1,965.2 3.07 1.44 4.51 0.5600 0.5600 29.77 44.35 33.37 43.29 65.7 182.9 – 182.9 3.7 186.6 11.4% 4,929.2 727.4 1,709.0 2.78 0.05 2.83 0.4800 0.4800 25.87 38.00 24.25 36.66 65.7 2004 Restated $ 11,284.0 422.8 92.4 111.0 58.5 2003 Restated $ 10,624.2 444.4 93.7 120.0 67.5 163.3 – 163.3 9.2 172.5 11.6% 4,679.7 913.0 1,567.6 2.48 0.14 2.62 0.4000 0.4000 23.67 29.50 23.10 26.65 65.8 159.3 – 159.3 (6.0) 153.3 11.4% 4,519.3 923.1 1,418.5 2.42 (0.09) 2.33 0.3300 0.3300 21.41 33.25 23.70 23.85 65.8 (1) Fiscal years are ended April 30th except fiscal 2006 which ended May 6, 2006 and fiscal 2005 which ended May 7, 2005 (a 53 week year), reflecting a change in fiscal year end to the first Saturday in May, consistent with the fiscal year end of Sobeys Inc. (2) Discontinued operations reflect the financial contribution of SERCA Foodservice operations, which was sold at the end of 2002. (3) Operating earnings equals net earnings before capital gain (loss) and other items (net of tax). 90 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 $ 9,926.5 $ 9,331.1 $ 9,100.1 $ 5,362.7 $ 2,912.2 $ 3,149.7 $ 2,915.2 16.4% 69.1% 416.2 111.6 104.8 50.0 123.5 8.7 132.2 63.7 195.9 4,318.0 975.0 1,290.6 2.00 0 2.97 0.2138 0.2138 19.47 33.30 15.75 28.88 65.7 341.1 145.8 131.9 34.3 78.5 10.0 88.5 491.5 580.0 4,254.3 1,107.2 1,115.0 1.33 8.82 0.1700 0.1700 16.82 18.25 13.88 17.00 65.6 309.7 159.6 68.1 32.9 78.8 5.9 84.7 2.1 86.8 13.3% 4,171.0 1,332.0 602.8 1.10 1.13 0.1400 0.1400 8.73 16.98 12.33 16.05 75.6 184.4 112.6 49.1 9.2 59.0 1.1 60.1 74.9 135.0 21.7% 4,023.5 1,391.8 737.5 0.78 1.78 0.1363 0.1363 9.03 16.275 12.50 13.00 75.0 108.6 76.8 17.9 – 56.1 8.1 64.2 23.6 87.8 17.9% 1,907.2 616.5 558.3 0.85 1.17 0.1213 0.1163 7.06 14.25 7.80 13.63 73.9 114.2 79.2 16.9 0.4 51.5 – 51.5 1.4 52.9 11.9% 1,797.4 606.8 479.6 0.65 0.67 0.1100 0.0900 5.93 7.85 6.13 7.85 74.0 110.1 87.7 13.7 0.5 41.1 – 41.1 (19.4) 21.7 3.9% 1,731.4 656.1 474.9 0.47 0.21 0.1075 0.0825 5.24 7.88 5.75 6.15 74.6 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 $ 9,926.5 416.2 111.6 104.8 50.0 123.5 8.7 132.2 63.7 195.9 16.4% 4,318.0 975.0 1,290.6 2.00 0.97 2.97 0.2138 0.2138 19.47 33.30 15.75 28.88 65.7 $ 9,331.1 341.1 145.8 131.9 34.3 78.5 10.0 88.5 491.5 580.0 69.1% 4,254.3 1,107.2 1,115.0 1.33 7.49 8.82 0.1700 0.1700 16.82 18.25 13.88 17.00 65.6 $ 9,100.1 309.7 159.6 68.1 32.9 78.8 5.9 84.7 2.1 86.8 13.3% 4,171.0 1,332.0 602.8 1.10 0.03 1.13 0.1400 0.1400 8.73 16.98 12.33 16.05 75.6 $ 5,362.7 184.4 112.6 49.1 9.2 59.0 1.1 60.1 74.9 135.0 21.7% 4,023.5 1,391.8 737.5 0.78 1.00 1.78 0.1363 0.1363 9.03 16.275 12.50 13.00 75.0 $ 2,912.2 108.6 76.8 17.9 – $ 3,149.7 114.2 79.2 16.9 0.4 56.1 8.1 64.2 23.6 87.8 17.9% 1,907.2 616.5 558.3 0.85 0.32 1.17 0.1213 0.1163 7.06 14.25 7.80 13.63 73.9 51.5 – 51.5 1.4 52.9 11.9% 1,797.4 606.8 479.6 0.65 0.02 0.67 0.1100 0.0900 5.93 7.85 6.13 7.85 74.0 $ 2,915.2 110.1 87.7 13.7 0.5 41.1 – 41.1 (19.4) 21.7 3.9% 1,731.4 656.1 474.9 0.47 (0.26) 0.21 0.1075 0.0825 5.24 7.88 5.75 6.15 74.6 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 91 Glossary Adjusted debt Funded debt plus capitalized value of operating lease payments, which is calculated as six times net annual operating lease payments Adjusted debt to capital Adjusted debt divided by the sum of adjusted debt and shareholders’ equity Book value per share Shareholders’ equity less preferred shares divided by Class A Non-Voting shares and Class B common shares outstanding Capital expenditure Payments made for the acquisition of property and equipment Company-wide capital expenditures Total investment in property and equipment, which includes investment financed by the Company, third party operating leases, landlords and franchise affiliates EBIT Earnings before capital gain (loss) and other items, and minority interest, interest expense and income taxes EBITDA EBIT plus depreciation and amortization EBITDA margin EBITDA divided by revenue EBITDAR EBITDA plus annual rental expense Expanded stores Stores that undergo construction resulting in a square footage increase during the year Funded debt All interest bearing debt, which includes bank loans, bankers’ acceptances and long-term debt and long-term lease obligations Funds from operations Operating earnings plus depreciation Interest coverage Operating income divided by interest expense Letters of credit Financial instruments issued by a financial institution to guarantee the Company’s payments to a third party Net debt to total capital Funded debt less cash and cash equivalents divided by funded debt less cash and cash equivalents plus shareholders’ equity On balance sheet investment The Company’s investment in property and equipment that is recorded on the balance sheet Operating earnings Net earnings before capital gain (loss) and other items, net of tax Operating margin EBIT divided by sales Private label A brand of products that is marketed, distributed and owned by the Company Renovated stores Stores that undergo construction, resulting in no increase in square footage Return on equity Operating earnings divided by average shareholders’ equity Same-store sales Sales from stores in the same location in both reporting periods Total capital Funded debt plus shareholders’ equity VIE (Variable Interest Entity) An entity that does not have sufficient equity at risk to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or where the equity holders lack the overall characteristics of a controlling financial interest Hedge A financial instrument used to manage foreign exchange or interest rate risk by making a transaction which offsets the existing position Weighted average number of shares Number of class A Non-Voting shares plus class B common shares outstanding adjusted to take into account the time the shares are outstanding in the reporting period 92 Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A) is a diversified Canadian company whose key businesses include food retailing, real estate and corporate investment activities. Guided by conservative business principles, our primary goal is to grow long-term shareholder value through income and cash flow growth and equity participation in businesses that have the potential for long-term growth and profitability. Financial Highlights Shareholder and Investor Information ($ in millions, except per share amounts) Operations Revenue Operating income Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Financial Condition Total assets Long-term debt Shareholders’ equity Per Share Information, fully diluted Operating earnings Capital gain and other items, net of tax Net earnings Book value Dividends Share Price High Low Close Table of Contents Expanding Value This is Empire Letter to Shareholders Message from Operating Management Long-Term Progress Message from the Chair Corporate Governance Mission Statement Community Involvement Corporate Officers 52 Weeks Ended May 6th 2006 53 Weeks Ended May 7th 2005 52 Weeks Ended April 30th 2004 $ 13,161.1 491.4 202.0 94.8 296.8 5,051.5 823.5 1,965.2 $ 12,435.2 463.7 182.9 3.7 186.6 4,929.2 986.7 1,709.0 $ 11,284.0 422.8 163.3 9.2 172.5 4,679.7 1,008.2 1,567.6 3.07 1.44 4.51 29.77 0.56 44.35 33.37 43.29 2.78 0.05 2.83 25.87 0.48 38.00 24.25 36.66 2.47 0.14 2.61 23.67 0.40 29.50 23.10 26.65 2 3 4 8 14 16 19 20 21 24 Management’s Discussion and Analysis Management’s Statement of Responsibility for Financial Reporting Auditors’ Report Consolidated Balance Sheets Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings Consolidated Statements of Earnings Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Eleven-Year Financial Review Glossary Shareholder and Investor Information 25 65 65 66 67 68 69 70 90 92 IBC Empire Company Limited Head Office: 115 King St. Stellarton, Nova Scotia B0K 1S0 Telephone: (902) 755-4440 Fax: (902) 755-6477 www.empireco.ca Investor Relations and Inquiries Shareholders, analysts, and investors should direct their financial inquiries or requests to: Stewart H. Mahoney, cfa, Vice President,Treasury and Investor Relations E-mail: investor.relations@empireco.ca Communication regarding investor records including changes of address or ownership, lost certificates or tax forms, should be directed to the Company’s transfer agent and registrar, CIBC Mellon Trust Company. Affiliated Company Web Addresses www.sobeys.com www.empiretheatres.com www.crombiereit.com Stock Exchange Listing The Toronto Stock Exchange Stock Symbols Non-Voting Class A shares – EMP.A Preferred shares: Series 2 – EMP.PR.B Average Daily Trading Volume (TSX) 31,814 Common Dividend Record and Payment Dates for Fiscal 2007 Record Date July 15, 2006 October 13, 2006* January 15, 2007* April 13, 2007* * Subject to approval by the Board of Directors. Payment Date July 31, 2006 October 31, 2006* January 31, 2007* April 30, 2007* Outstanding Shares As of July 14, 2006 Non-Voting Class A shares Option exercisable with Non-Voting Class A shares Class B common shares, voting 31,205,839 15,255 34,560,763 Transfer Agent CIBC Mellon Trust Company Investor Correspondence P.O. Box 7010 Adelaide Street Postal Station Toronto, Ontario M5C 2W9 Telephone: (800) 387-0825 Email: enquiries@cibcmellon.com Bankers Bank of Montreal Bank of Nova Scotia Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce National Bank of Canada Royal Bank of Canada TD Canada Trust Solicitors Stewart McKelvey Halifax, Nova Scotia Auditors Grant Thornton, LLP New Glasgow, Nova Scotia Multiple Mailings If you have more than one account, you may receive a separate mailing for each. If this occurs, please contact CIBC Mellon Trust Company at (800) 387-0825 to eliminate the multiple mailings. E M P I R E E m p i r e C o m p a n y i L m i t e d 2 0 0 6 A n n u a l R e p o r t www.empireco.ca Expanding Value Empire Company Limited 2006 Annual Report 2006 E M P I R E C O M P A N Y L I M I T E D 

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