2013 annual report
Knowing you
makes us better!
Company Profile
With annual sales of over $11 billion and more than
65,000 employees, METRO is a leader in food and
pharmaceutical distribution in Québec and Ontario,
where it operates a network of 566 food stores under
several banners including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C,
Food Basics and Adonis, as well as 257 drugstores mainly
under the Brunet, Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners.
2013 Highlights
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) of
$478.4 million, up 3.9% based on 52 weeks in 2012
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from
continuing operations(1) of $4.92, up 8.1% based on
52 weeks in 2012
Return on equity of 27.0%, exceeding 14%
for the 20th consecutive year
Quarterly dividends per share increase of 15.2%,
the 19th consecutive year of dividend growth
Closing share price of $64.74, up 10.9%
Retail Network
québec
superMarkets
217
Metro
Metro plus
adonis
discount
stores
85
super c
TOTAL
drugstores
302
184
brunet
brunet plus
brunet clinique
clini plus
ontario
148
Metro
adonis
116
264
food basics
73
pharMacy
drug basics
Supermarkets
Discount stores
Partner
Drugstores
total
365
201
566
257
Forward-looking information: for any information on statements in
this annual report that are of a forward-looking nature, please consult
the section on “forward-looking information” on page 36 in the
Management’s discussion and analysis (Md&a).
Financial Highlights
Operating Results (MIllIons oF dollARs)
sales
eBITdA(1)(2)
Income from operating activities
net earnings
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1)
Cash flows from operating activities
Financial Structure (MIllIons oF dollARs)
Total assets
non-current debt
equity
Per Share (dollARs)
Basic net earnings
Fully diluted net earnings
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings from continuing operations(1)
Book value
dividends
Financial Ratios (%)
eBITdA(1)(2)/sales
Income from operating activities/sales
Return on equity
non-current debt/total capital
Share Price (dollARs)
High
low
Closing price (AT yeAR-end)
(1) see section on ‘’IFRs and non-IFRs measurements’’ on page 36 in the Md&A
(2) earnings before financial costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization
2013
IFRS
52 weekS
2012
IFRs
53 weeks
2011
IFRs
52 weeks
2010
GAAP
52 weeks
2009
GAAP
52 weeks
11,402.8
11,674.9
11,070.0
11,021.1 10,882.8
781.2
601.6
721.6
478.4
566.8
822.9
639.0
489.3
471.5
546.1
725.8
546.5
392.7
408.6
542.4
747.5
549.2
391.8
385.1
547.8
704.8
518.0
354.4
361.0
520.1
5,061.5
5,150.9
4,817.4
4,796.9
4,658.1
650.0
973.9
656.2
1,004.3
1,004.3
2,807.4
2,545.1
2,399.3
2,442.8
2,264.1
7.52
7.46
4.92
4.87
4.84
4.66
3.81
3.79
3.94
3.67
3.65
3.59
3.21
3.19
3.25
30.72
26.19
23.74
23.25
20.85
0.9650
0.8375
0.7475
0.6475
0.5375
6.9
5.3
27.0
18.8
7.0
5.5
19.8
27.7
6.6
4.9
16.6
29.9
6.8
5.0
16.6
29.1
6.5
4.8
16.4
30.7
75.81
56.52
64.74
59.68
43.76
58.40
49.55
42.11
44.69
47.01
33.02
45.15
40.00
27.38
34.73
SaleS
(MIllIonS oF dollaRS)
adjuSted net eaRnIngS
FRoM contInuIng
opeRatIonS(1)
adjuSted Fully dIluted net
eaRnIngS peR ShaRe FRoM
contInuIng opeRatIonS(1)
(MIllIonS oF dollaRS)
(dollaRS)
13
12
11
10
09
11,402.8
11,674.9
11,070.0
11,021.1
10,882.8
13
12
11
10
09
478.4
471.5
408.6
385.1
361.0
13
12
11
10
09
4.92
4.66
3.94
3.59
3.25
0
2000
4000
0
6000
0
2000
8000
4000
2000
10000 12000
6000
4000
8000
6000
10000 12000
8000
10000 12000
0
100
0
200
100
0
300
200
100
400
300
200
500
400
300
500
400
500
0
1
0
2
1
0
3
2
1
4
3
2
5
4
3
5
4
5
Financial Hig Hlig H ts | 2013 annu al repor t 1
Letter to our Shareholders
eRIc R. la Flèche
President and Chief executive officer
The Canadian food distribution market
was marked by fierce competition in
2013 caused mainly by an accelerated
increase in competitive square footage,
the absence of inflation in the food
basket and an increase of promotional
sales. These factors resulted in a
slight decrease in our sales, which
reached $11,402.8 million compared to
$11,674.9 million last year. excluding
the 53rd week of the 2012 fiscal year,
our sales for the 2013 fiscal year
decreased by 0.4% compared to those
of 2012. despite that decrease, we
achieved an increase in our net earnings
and in our fully diluted net earnings
per share in 2013, thanks to strong
management of our gross margins,
control of our operating costs and our
share buyback program.
our net earnings for fiscal 2013
reached $721.6 million, up 47.5% from
$489.3 million last year. Fully diluted
net earnings per share were $7.46
compared to $4.84 last year, up 54.1%.
This strong increase is the result of the
sale of close to half of our investment
in Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. in the
second quarter for a net post-tax gain of
$266.4 million. excluding this gain and
the other non-recurring items, as well
as the net earnings of $11 million from
the 53rd week of 2012, our adjusted net
earnings from continuing operations(1)
for 2013 were $478.4 million compared
to $460.5 million in 2012, up 3.9%. our
adjusted fully diluted net earnings per
share from continuing operations(1) were
$4.92 compared to $4.55, up 8.1%.
Return on shareholders’ equity was
27.0% in 2013, exceeding 14% for the
20th consecutive year. our dividend
was increased to $1.00 per share on
an annualized basis, up 16.3%. we
repurchased more than 6 million shares in
2013 compared to over 4 million shares in
2012. our share price at the end of fiscal
2013 was $64.74 compared to $58.40
in 2012, up 10.9%. The performance of
MeTRo’s share price has grown over the
past 15, 10 and 5 years by 605.6%, 240.7%
and 103.8% respectively, significantly
(1) see section on “IFRs and non-IFRs Measurements” on page 36 in the Md&A.
2 201 3 a nn ua l re por t | le tte r t o o u r s Hare Hol ders
pIeRRe h. leSSaRd
Chairman of the Board
higher returns than the s&P/TsX index.
our financial situation is very healthy
with a total long-term debt to capital
ratio of 18.8% at the end of fiscal 2013
and a BBB credit rating.
Couche-Tard Inc.’s outstanding shares.
we used the $479.0 million disposition
proceeds to repay our revolving credit
facility of $330.4 million and to increase
our share buybacks.
expansions and major renovations in
nine other stores. we are pleased that
among the new stores, we opened the
first Adonis store in ontario.
A major shareholder of Alimentation
Couche-Tard Inc. since 1987, we decided,
during the second quarter of 2013,
because of the significant value of
the investment compared to the
Corporation’s total value, that it was
an appropriate time to realize part of
the gain we had accrued over all those
years. we remain confident about the
value of our investment, which is why
we have kept 10.7 million shares, which
represents 5.7% of Alimentation
2013 achIeveMentS
we undertook several projects in 2013
that were geared towards our mission
of satisfying our customers every day
to earn their long-term loyalty.
we invested over $270 million with our
retailers in our retail network, for a
gross increase of 413,300 square feet
and a net increase of 163,200 square
feet or 0.8% of our retail network. we
opened nine new stores and carried out
we continued carrying out our Produce
Initiative aimed at improving our in-store
produce offering. The installation of
new produce counters and displays in our
stores, which began last year, continued
this year. we also opened, in the spring
of 2013, a new 241,000 square foot
produce and dairy warehouse in laval.
This $50 million investment allows us
to be more efficient and improve our
product assortment.
letter to our s H are Holders | 2013 annua l repor t 3
we carried out a complete overhaul of
our metro.ca website and developed a
new iPhone(1) mobile digital device app in
order to communicate more easily with
our customers and make their grocery
shopping experience simpler. These
platforms allow us to better customize
our offers and help our customers choose
products according to the weekly specials
and recipe suggestions.
Finally, on the pharmaceutical side, we
agreed to a partnership with retailer
Target to open 18 pharmacies in 2014
under the Brunet banner in most Target
stores in Québec.
objectIveS and buSIneSS planS
FoR 2014
Competition will remain fierce in 2014.
our objectives and our business plans
for 2014 will be mainly directed at
increasing our sales while continuing
to put the customer at the centre of
everything we do.
we believe that our size and leadership
position in Québec and ontario give
us the scale necessary to compete
effectively in our markets despite recent
announcements of acquisitions made
by some of our competitors, which will
further consolidate the Canadian food
distribution industry.
one of our major priorities is to
complete the reorganization of our
ontario stores, which began in the
fourth quarter of 2013. some Metro
supermarkets will be converted into
Food Basics discount stores, some
collective agreements will be bought
out, early exit will be offered to some
employees and a few stores will close.
To rejuvenate our Food Basics discount
stores, we will speed up renovations,
improve in-store signage and renew our
(1) iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.
merchandising program to increase our
share of the growing discount market.
will reach the age limit, and the Board
is preparing an orderly transition.
For our Metro supermarkets, our
priority is to always provide the best
customer experience in the industry.
we will concentrate on improving our
product offerings, notably where fresh
and healthy products are concerned.
we will focus on their superior quality,
a pleasant and efficient shopping
experience, as well as customer service.
our loyalty programs will evolve towards
greater personalization in order to nurture
the engagement of our customers.
acknowledgeMentS
we pay tribute to our 65,000 employees
for their dedication and professionalism.
Achieving our results speaks to the
efforts that each of them has made. we
would also like to thank the members of
the Board of directors for their sound
advice, as well as our business partners,
suppliers and customers for their loyalty
and support. Finally, we would like to
thank you, dear shareholders, for the
trust that you continue to show in us.
eRIc R. la Flèche
President and Chief executive officer
pIeRRe h. leSSaRd, Fcpa, Fca
Chairman of the Board
Always mindful of new trends, we put
together a team devoted to innovation
whose goal will be to seek out innovative
and distinctive products and to develop,
through the use of test stores, new
merchandising concepts.
we will continue to be on the lookout
for any opportunity to increase
our market share in the food and
pharmaceutical distribution areas.
our financial situation is very healthy
and our acquisition decisions will
continue to be guided by disciplined
financial management in the best
long-term interests of the Corporation.
boaRd oF dIRectoRS
The Board of directors carries out its
mandate thanks to the various skills and
experience of its members. we propose
the candidacy of a third woman, line
Rivard, a corporate director who spent
most of her career as an investment
banker in the area of mergers and
acquisitions. This candidacy follows
the Corporation’s commitment taken
at last year’s Annual General Meeting
of shareholders to gradually increase
the number of women on the Board.
Between now and 2016, four directors
4 201 3 a nn ua l re por t | le tte r t o o u r s Hare Hol ders
Review of Operations
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Available on the
our objective is to be the most successful
food retailer in Canada, and our mission
is satisfying our customers every day to
earn their long-term loyalty.
To achieve our objective and carry out
our mission, we adopted, in 2008, a
strategy based on four pillars: customer-
focus, the best execution, the best team
and creating value for our shareholders.
cuStoMeR-FocuS
Customer-focus is at the heart of our
strategy and guides all of our activities.
Basically, we have our metro&moi
program in Québec and our Air Miles®
program in ontario. In addition to
accumulating points and rewards,
our customers receive personalized
offers that have been developed
using our information concerning
their tastes and food preferences. our
metro&moi program was launched
in the fall of 2010, and now has over
1,350,000 members, which represents
approximately 40% of Québec
households. over $90 million worth of
rewards have been awarded to members
of our metro&moi loyalty program and
their 87% satisfaction rate is one of the
highest in the field.
we have also made a commitment to
make our customers’ lives simpler. our
website, metro.ca, launched in 2000
and continuously improved over the
years, recently underwent a complete
overhaul. A new iPhone(1) mobile digital
device app was also added to our digital
platforms (website, newsletter and
Facebook(2)) on which over 2.5 million
contacts are made every month.
we make customers’ lives easier by
being with them at every stage of
their purchase process, when using our
website and our mobile app. each week,
on these platforms, they find products
on promotion, recipes based on these
products, discount coupons and
(1) iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.
(2) Facebook is a trademark of Facebook Inc.
review o F operations | 2013 annual repor t 5
M points for the metro&moi program as
well as miles for the Air Miles® program.
over 4,500 recipes are also available.
Customers can write their grocery list
directly onto the app or synchronize it
with the website. In-store, the mobile
app arranges the order of products
according to the store aisles, and the
discount and loyalty points’ coupons
are transfered by optical scan, from the
iPhone(1) mobile digital device, to the
store’s cash register system.
we redesigned the format of our
weekly circulars in order to improve
communication of our promotions to
consumers. we also developed more
impactful media messages to better
deliver our freshness, variety and service
messages for our Metro supermarkets,
and freshness and low prices messages
for our discount stores. More of these
messages will be delivered over the
course of the coming year. This fall,
a new commitment was made to our
Food Basics discount stores customers,
guaranteeing them the availability
of promotional items.
To make our customers’ lives easier and
appease their concerns about wanting
to eat foods that contribute to a healthy
lifestyle, we developed, along with
Metro’s nutritionists and in collaboration
with McGill University, the My Healthy
Plate with Metro program. The produce
(1) iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.
6 201 3 a nn ua l re por t | revi e w o F op erati ons
department is featured prominently at
the heart of the health strategy, through
a poster campaign, as well as helpful
hints and advice in the circular and in-
store, in order to showcase them and
encourage consumers to cook them in a
healthy way. smiley-faces posted in-store
enable customers to quickly identify
good choices and the best choices in
the various grocery categories. our
nutritionists’ helpful hints and recipes
allow customers to enjoy eating well.
beSt executIon
our second pillar is to carry out the best
execution in all of our activities. our
Produce Initiative, whose objective is to
improve our in-store produce offerings,
was launched two years ago and is part
of that thinking. we have improved
every aspect related to produce, from
choosing suppliers to presentation
standards as well as the supply chain
and our employee training. we are also
increasing variety and improving the
freshness of our in-store produce by
installing new counters and displays.
The setting up of these installations in
our stores began last year and will be
completed next year. The success of our
Produce Initiative is reflected by our
customers’ satisfaction and our increased
produce sales.
review o F operations | 2013 annual repor t 7
In our quest to carry out the best
execution, we constantly revisit our
product offering. The Canadian social
fabric is enriched with the arrival of
different ethnic groups whose eating
habits are varied. To satisfy their
preferences, we expand our line of
ethnic products every year. we are also
focusing our efforts on improving our
private label products. This year, we
completed the transition of our 2,500
Selection private label products to a
new image. our 1,500 Irresistibles
superior quality products are enriched
with the addition of healthy products
from our Irresistibles Life-Smart,
Irresistibles Organic and Irresistibles
Gluten-Free lines.
In the spring of 2013, we completed
construction of a new produce and dairy
distribution centre in laval. At 241,000
square feet, this $50 million investment
allows us to be more efficient and
improve our product assortment.
over the course of the year, we also
invested over $270 million, along with
our retailers, in our retail network. we
opened an Adonis store in Mississauga
and a second one in Montréal, and
relocated another to a building with
a larger surface area. we also opened
three new super C stores and relocated
two others. Finally, we reopened the
westmount 5 saisons store in a brand
new space. Using a unique concept,
8 201 3 a nn ua l re por t | revi e w o F op erati ons
this specialty food store offers high-end
and distinctive products to the most
demanding of gourmets.
agreements will be bought out, early
exit will be offered to some employees
and a few stores will close.
we also built a team devoted to
innovation whose goal is to seek out
innovative and distinctive products, and
to develop, with the help of test stores,
new merchandising concepts.
In order to better meet the needs of our
clientele and reduce our operating costs,
we have begun a reorganization of our
store network in ontario. In the coming
months, some Metro supermarkets
will be converted into Food Basics
discount stores, some collective
For our Brunet pharmacies, we completely
redesigned our brunet.ca website.
The new digital platform includes five
sections, Health and wellness, Beauty,
Products and Promotions, Photo services
and MaSanté, which enables customers
to manage their own personalized
prescription file. In the fall of 2013, we
launched a new Brunet Facebook(1) page.
It is a meeting place for pharmacy owners
affiliated with Brunet and their patients.
(1) Facebook is a trademark of Facebook Inc.
review o F operations | 2013 annual repor t 9
winner for the second quarter of 2013 – our Five Customer Promises Recognition Program.
danielle Picard, franchised owner of Metro Plus in saint-Constant, Québec, with her managers.
An agreement was reached with Target
to open, in 2014, 18 pharmacies under
the Brunet banner in most Target stores
in Québec.
beSt teaM
our third pillar is to be able to rely
on the best team of employees. we
regularly provide training to our
in-store employees with respect to
our Five Customer Promises program.
The program is a commitment to
our clientele to give them greater
satisfaction. To measure if we have
reached our objectives, we use a
survey to gather the opinions of our
customers. over the coming year, we
will implement a manpower planning
system to optimize the number of in-
store employees required to respond to
clientele need according to customer
traffic.
In order to develop and retain our
talented personnel, we are currently
developing a mentoring and training
program within the framework of a
personalized career plan.
10 20 1 3 a nn ua l re por t | revi e w o F op erati ons
Corporate Responsibility
MeTRo continues its efforts to go
beyond its role as a distributor and
become a player in the sustainable
development area through various
carrier projects.
In April of 2013, MeTRo published
its Corporate Responsibility Update
covering the 2012 fiscal year. It shed light
on the highlights of the year gone by
and provided a summary of our efforts
and accomplishments with respect to
our commitments and priorities. Here
are its highlights.
RESPECT fOR ThE ENVIRONMENT
RESPECT DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT
Making responsible choices in every aspect of the business to minimize
our environmental footprint.
•
•
•
•
•
we continued to measure our
progress towards our goal of a 10%
reduction in energy consumption by
2016 using 2010 as our baseline.
we continued organic waste and
multi-material recycling programs
aimed at achieving our goal of a 25%
reduction in waste sent to landfill by
2016 using 2010 as our baseline.
we implemented a new standard
for new construction: introduction
of refrigerant gases with 50% less
impact on global warming than the
refrigerant gases normally used.
we calculated the carbon footprint of
our corporate and franchised stores in
Québec and in ontario for 2011.
we took part in the Gs1 Canada
stewardship Initiative aimed at
gathering information with respect
to packaging weight.
next StepS
•
Continue energy optimization
projects for our buildings and the
evaluation of refrigerants that are
more environmentally friendly.
•
•
•
•
Carry out the organic waste collection
program in our franchised and
corporate Metro stores and super C
stores in Québec.
Continue to develop the database
on the characteristics of private
label products packaging.
Continue studying various options
in order to optimize the packaging
of private label products.
Inform and engage all employees
with respect to the 25% reduction
goal in waste sent to landfill and
the creation of new in-store recycling
programs.
corporate responsibility | 2013 annual repor t 11
CLIENTèLE COMbLéE
DELIghTED CuSTOMERS
our customer-centric approach is at the very foundation of our business and the
key element of our corporate Responsibility strategy.
next StepS
•
Continue expanding our Irresistibles
Life Smart product line, making it
even easier for our customers to
make healthy food choices.
•
•
Beginning in January of 2014, all
of our private brand and produce
suppliers must comply with a
recognized standard certified by
the GFsI.
Continue updating traceability
information with our suppliers in
order to provide information that
shows the product’s origin - such as
the fishing area and type of fishing -
on the packaging of fresh and frozen
seafood products.
•
Conduct a complete inventory of
our palm oil consumption in order to
prioritize our areas of intervention.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
we expanded the variety of organic
products available in stores.
we increased the number of
Irresistibles Life Smart products,
going from 184 in 2011 to 243 in 2012.
we went from 720 quality controls on
our private brand products in 2011 to
1,186 in 2012.
we increased the number of suppliers
manufacturing our private brand
products in compliance with the
GFsI to reach 80%.
we increased the number of our
produce suppliers following an
audited food safety program to reach
75%; of that number, 73% are GFsI-
certified.
we continued implementing our
sustainable Fisheries Policy, including
with our private brand grocery
products.
we added a clause to all of our
calls for tender with respect to
sustainable palm oil status. At equal
performance, the responsible product
is favoured.
1 0 0 % B O N
E T N AT U R E L
1 0 0 % N AT U R A L G O O D N E S S
12 20 1 3 a nn ua l re por t | c orpo rate resp onsi bi li ty
COLLECTIVITé VaLORISéE
STRENgThENED COMMuNITIES
Making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate and
source our merchandise.
•
•
•
•
•
we made donations in cash and
products adding up to $5.4 million in
2012, which is the equivalent of 1.4%
of the average net earnings from
2009, 2010 and 2011.
we created the Metro Green Apple
School Program, through which MeTRo
awards 1,500 grants of $1,000 each to
elementary and high schools in Québec
and in ontario for carrying out projects
aimed at promoting healthy eating
habits for young people.
we continued our association with
Aliments du Québec, including
identifying Aliments du Québec and
Aliments préparés au Québec products
at super C stores using shelf labels
bearing the distinctive blue and yellow
logo, a first for a discount banner.
we continued our association with
Foodland Ontario, including several
Metro stores taking part in the
Foodland ontario Retailer Awards.
we partnered with Équiterre in
carrying out a pilot project during
which three stores served as drop-off
points for baskets of certified organic
fresh vegetables prepared by farmers
belonging to the Family Farmers’
network.
METRO – SCHOOL PROGRAM – TEST – AUGUST 20/2012
chez
depuis 65 ans
next StepS
•
Launch and implement METRO’s new
Community Investment Program,
Nourishing for Growth, geared
towards food accessibility and
promoting healthy eating habits.
•
Continue and improve our association
with agri-food industry players
from Québec and ontario, through
MeTRo’s local Purchasing Policy.
on May 1, 2013, MeTRo announced
its local Purchasing Policy, which is
intended to maximize the accessibility
and promotion of local products. As
a result, MeTRo provides direction
to structure its actions and those of
industry players, and plans to work
closely with them. The policy rests
on three guiding principles aimed at
making MeTRo the following.
• A unique showcase for
regional products
• A partner of choice of Aliments
du Québec
• The main ally of innovative
Québec suppliers
Bien ancrés au Québec,
nous sommes fiers de poursuivre
notre engagement envers
les produits d’ici.
Notre politique d’achat local vise à optimiser
l’accessibilité aux produits d’ici et à les promouvoir
afin de faire de
:
Une vitrine de choix pour les produits régionaux
Un partenaire privilégié d’Aliments du Québec
Le principal allié des fournisseurs innovants du Québec
Pour plus de détails sur nos politiques d’approvisionnement
responsable, visitez
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corporate responsibility | 2013 annual repor t 13
EMPLOyéS ENgagéS
EMPOwERED EMPLOyEES
a top priority for MetRo is the creation of an ethical, safe and healthy work
environment with a dynamic culture of respect, diversity and professional conduct.
•
we implemented a store Recognition
Program to reward a quarterly
divisional winner among the Metro,
super C and Food Basics banners,
based mainly on overall customer
satisfaction and average basket size.
next StepS
•
Continue to focus on accident
prevention and lost-time injuries
strategies.
•
•
Continue to develop and implement
our occupational safety procedures
in order to improve control over risks
that are present.
Continue to meet company and
employee needs with respect to
training requirements. This will
include implementing an 8-hour
training session for employees of
the Québec distribution sector.
•
Continue to roll-out the Store
Recognition Program in both
Québec and ontario.
•
•
•
Fiscal 2012 marked the 5th consecutive
year for reduction in lost-time
accident frequency in Québec and
ontario. 158 stores in MeTRo’s retail
network reported zero lost-time
accidents, which represents 44%
of MeTRo facilities.
we provided training to management
personnel and employees on many
topics involving Health and safety,
ranging from legal occupational
H&s Responsibility and MeTRo‘s
occupational H&s Policy and related
programs, to operating lift trucks
and pallet jacks, ergonomics and the
handling of material, as well as First
Aid and CPR training.
we provided training to over
2,000 management employees in
both provinces involving various
topics such as performance
management, coaching, health and
safety management, supervision,
political savvy, union management,
technology and languages, in
addition to training involving
work-related duties.
•
we created an employee Committee
in all super C stores dedicated to the
improvement of customers’ shopping
experience.
MetRo will issue its next corporate Responsibility Report in the
spring of 2014.
14 20 1 3 a nn ua l re por t | c orpo rate resp onsi bi li ty
MD&A and
Consolidated
Financial Statements
FoR THe yeAR ended sePTeMBeR 28, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................
Goal, mission and strategies .........................................................................................................................
Key performance indicators ...........................................................................................................................
Key achievements in fiscal 2013 ...................................................................................................................
Selected annual information ..........................................................................................................................
Outlook ..........................................................................................................................................................
Operating results ...........................................................................................................................................
Quarterly highlights .......................................................................................................................................
Cash position ................................................................................................................................................
Financial position ..........................................................................................................................................
Sources of financing ......................................................................................................................................
Contractual obligations ..................................................................................................................................
Related party transactions .............................................................................................................................
Fourth quarter
...............................................................................................................................................
Derivative financial instruments .....................................................................................................................
New accounting policies ................................................................................................................................
IFRS and Non-IFRS measurements ..............................................................................................................
Forward-looking information ..........................................................................................................................
Controls and procedures ...............................................................................................................................
Significant judgements and estimates ...........................................................................................................
Risk management
.........................................................................................................................................
Management's responsibility for financial reporting .......................................................................................
Independent auditors' report
..........................................................................................................................
Annual consolidated financial statements ......................................................................................................
Page
17
17
18
18
19
20
21
24
27
27
30
30
30
31
33
34
36
36
36
37
38
41
42
43
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis sets out the financial position and consolidated results of METRO INC. for the
fiscal year ended September 28, 2013, and should be read in conjunction with the annual consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes as at September 28, 2013. This report is based upon information as at November 29, 2013 unless otherwise
indicated. Additional information, including the Annual Information Form and Certification Letters for fiscal 2013, is available on the
SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.
- 16 -
OVERVIEW
The Corporation is a leader in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Québec and Ontario.
The Corporation, as a retailer and a distributor, operates under different banners in the traditional supermarket and
discount segments. For those consumers wanting service, variety, freshness and quality, we operate 358 supermarkets
under the Metro and Metro Plus banners. The Adonis banner, which currently has seven stores, is specialized in
perishables and Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern products. The 201 discount stores operating under the Super C and
Food Basics banners offer products at low prices to consumers who are both cost and quality conscious. The majority
of these stores are owned by the Corporation or by special purpose entities and their financial statements are consolidated
with those of the Corporation. Independent owners bound to the Corporation by leases or affiliation agreements operate
a large number of Metro and Metro Plus stores. Supplying these stores contributes to our sales. The Corporation also
acts as a distributor by providing small-surface food stores and convenience stores with banners that reflect their
environment and customer base. Their purchases are included in the Corporation sales.
The Corporation also acts as franchisor and distributor for 184 franchised Brunet Plus, Brunet, Brunet Clinique, and
Clini Plus drugstores, owned by independent pharmacists. The Corporation also operates 73 drugstores under Pharmacy
and Drug Basics banners and their sales are included in the Corporation's. Supplying non-franchised drugstores and
various health centres also contributes to our sales.
GOAL, MISSION AND STRATEGIES
The Corporation's goal is to be the best performing food retailer in Canada.
Our mission is to satisfy our customers every day and earn their long-term loyalty.
The four pillars of our business strategy are customer focus, strong execution, best team and shareholder value.
We put the customer at the heart of every decision. In our supermarkets and our discount stores, pricing, promotions,
friendly service, and quality products are our priorities.
Strong execution means operating the best stores, a results-driven corporate culture, engaging all employees and
monitoring performance so as to react swiftly.
The best team consists of leaders who put the Corporation's interests first. Employee growth and leadership development
opportunities and succession planning ensure its continued strength.
The creation of shareholder value includes sustained growth in net earnings per share and significant return on equity.
Our investments and acquisitions are relevant and beneficial in the long term.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 17 -
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
We evaluate the Corporation's overall performance using the following principal indicators:
• sales:
Same-store sales growth;
dollar value of the average basket (average customer transaction);
average weekly sales per square foot;
percentage of sales represented by customers who are loyalty program members;
market share;
customer satisfaction;
• gross margins percentage;
• earnings before financial costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)(1) as a percentage of sales;
• net earnings as a percentage of sales;
• net earnings per share growth;
•
•
return on equity;
retail network investments:
dollar value and nature of store investments;
number of stores;
average store square footage;
network's total square footage.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS IN FISCAL 2013
Our sales dipped 0.4% in 2013 from those for 2012, excluding the 53rd week. In the last two quarters of 2013, our sales
were impacted by fierce competition, especially in Ontario, resulting from an accelerated increase in competitive square
footage. Still, we achieved adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) and adjusted fully diluted net earnings
per share from continuing operations(1) growth of 3.9% and 8.1% respectively compared to 2012, excluding the 53rd week.
This growth is due to good margin management, operating cost control, and our share repurchase program. Our teams
carried out their business plans and implemented several projects, including the following major ones:
• we invested, along with our retailers, over $270 million in our store network. We opened 9 new stores and carried
out major renovations and expansions of 9 stores;
• we began the reorganization of our Ontario store network which includes the conversion of certain Metro
supermarkets to Food Basics discount stores, the buyout of some collective agreements, the offer of early exit to
some employees, and the closure of a few stores;
•
in spring 2013, we opened a new 241,000 square feet produce and dairy distribution centre in Laval. This $50 million
investment allows us to be more efficient and improve our product assortment;
• we completely revamped our metro.ca website and developed a new mobile application for iPhone* mobile digital
device in order to communicate more easily with our customers and make their grocery shopping experience simpler.
These platforms can provide customers help in choosing products based on the week’s promotions and recipe
suggestions. The mobile app also allows customers to draw up their grocery list based on the store layout;
• we revised and resized our weekly flyers to better communicate our promotions to consumers. We developed
stronger media messages to get the message out on Metro supermarkets’ freshness, variety and service and
Super C and Food Basics’ freshness and low prices;
•
as part of our Produce Initiative, we continued to install new produce counters and displays, increasing the variety
and improving the freshness of our fruits and vegetables;
• working with McGill University and our dietitians, we developed My Healthy Plate with Metro. Smiles on price tags
identify the good and great healthy-eating choices, with special emphasis on fruits and vegetables, we offer
customers;
•
this year, we completed the transition of our 2,500 Selection corporate brand products to a new look. Our 1,500
Irresistibles superior quality products were enriched by healthy products with our Irresistibles LifeSmart, Irresistibles
Bio and Irresistibles Gluten-Free;
• we created an innovation team whose objective is to search out distinctive innovative products and develop, through
the use of test stores, new merchandising concepts;
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 18 -
• we completely revamped our brunet.ca website, and launched, in fall 2013, a new Brunet Facebook** page, creating
a meeting place for Brunet-affiliated pharmacist-owners and their patients;
• we entered into a partnership with Target, which will see, in 2014, 18 Brunet banner pharmacies open in the majority
of Target stores in Québec;
•
to develop and retain our most valuable employees, we have begun developing a mentoring and training program
within the framework of a personalized career plan.
* iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc.
** Facebook is a trademark of Facebook Inc.
SELECTED ANNUAL INFORMATION
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Sales
Net earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent
Net earnings attributable to non-controlling interests
Net earnings
Basic net earnings per share
Fully diluted net earnings per share
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to
equity holders of the parent
Net earnings from continuing operations attributable to
non-controlling interests
Net earnings from continuing operations
Basic net earnings per share from continuing
operations
Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing
operations
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1)
(based on 52 weeks in 2012)
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from
continuing operations(1) (based on 52 weeks in 2012)
Return on equity (%)
Dividends per share (Dollars)
Total assets
Current and non-current portions of debt
2013
(52 weeks)
11,402.8
712.9
8.7
721.6
7.52
7.46
706.7
8.7
715.4
7.46
7.40
478.4
4.92
27.0
0.9650
5,061.5
662.4
2012
Change
2011
Change
(53 weeks)
11,674.9
481.8
7.5
489.3
4.87
4.84
482.7
7.5
490.2
4.88
4.85
%
(2.3)
48.0
16.0
47.5
54.4
54.1
46.4
16.0
45.9
52.9
52.6
(52 weeks)
11,070.0
392.7
—
392.7
3.81
3.79
394.1
—
394.1
3.82
3.80
460.5
3.9
408.6
4.55
19.8
0.8375
5,150.9
986.0
8.1
—
15.2
(1.7)
(32.8)
3.94
16.6
0.7475
4,817.4
1,034.3
%
5.5
22.7
—
24.6
27.8
27.7
22.5
—
24.4
27.7
27.6
12.7
15.5
—
12.0
6.9
(4.7)
Corporation sales were $11,402.8 million in 2013, down 2.3% from 2012 sales. Sales for 2012 were $11,674.9 million,
up 5.5% from $11,070.0 million in 2011. Excluding the 53rd week in fiscal 2012, fiscal 2013 sales were down 0.4% and
fiscal 2012 sales were up 3.5% from the previous fiscal years. Fierce competition, especially in Ontario, resulting from
an accelerated increase in competitive square footage, impacted our sales in the last two quarters of 2013. The absence
of inflation in the food basket, the increase of promotional sales, the closure of a few unprofitable stores and temporary
efficiency difficulties following the implementation of a new management system in our pharmaceutical warehouse also
brought our sales down. Fiscal 2012 sales were affected by modest inflation that was lower than the Consumer Price
Index reported by Statistics Canada. Adonis stores and distributor Phoenicia, acquired that fiscal year, contributed
$236.6 million to 2012 sales. Fiscal 2011 sales were affected by lower drug pricing following the expiry of important drug
patents and new generic drug legislation in Québec and Ontario, food price deflation in the first half of the year owing
mainly to a high penetration of promotional sales, and modest inflation of our food basket in the second half of the year.
Net earnings for fiscal 2013 reached $721.6 million, up 47.5% from the previous fiscal year. Net earnings for fiscal 2012
were $489.3 million, up 24.6% from $392.7 million in fiscal 2011. Fully diluted net earnings per share were $7.46 in 2013,
an increase of 54.1% from the previous year. Fully diluted net earnings per share for 2012 were $4.84 versus $3.79 in
fiscal 2011, an increase of 27.7%.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 19 -
In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we discontinued our foodservice operation and disposed of the Distagro division which
supplied restaurant chains and convenience stores belonging to and operated by gas station chains. In fiscal 2013, we
recorded net earnings of $6.2 million due chiefly to the gain on disposal versus net losses of $0.9 million and $1.4 million
respectively in fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011.
Net earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2013 were $715.4 million, up 45.9% from the previous fiscal year. Net
earnings from continuing operations for fiscal 2012 were $490.2 million versus $394.1 million in fiscal 2011, an increase
of 24.4%. Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $7.40 in fiscal 2013, an increase of 52.6%
from the previous year. Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $4.85 in fiscal 2012 versus
$3.80 in fiscal 2011, an increase of 27.6%.
We recorded non-recurring items for all three fiscal years. In 2013, we sold nearly half of our investment in Alimentation
Couche-Tard to three financial institutions for a net post-tax gain of $266.4 million and decided to proceed with a
reorganization of our Ontario store network for reorganization costs of $40.0 million before taxes. In 2012, we realized
a pre-tax dilution gain of $25.0 million following a share issue by Alimentation Couche-Tard in which we did not participate,
and recorded an additional income tax expense of $3.0 million due to the postponement of the tax rate reductions
previously announced by the Government of Ontario. Lastly, in 2011, the closure of our meat processing plant in Montréal
and a grocery warehouse in Toronto resulted in costs of $20.5 million before taxes.
Excluding these non-recurring items, as well as the 53rd week in fiscal 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing
operations(1) for 2013 were $478.4 million, up 3.9% from the previous fiscal year. Adjusted net earnings from continuing
operations(1) for 2012 were $460.5 million compared to $408.6 million in 2011, an increase of 12.7%. Adjusted fully
diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) for 2013 were $4.92, up 8.1% from the previous fiscal year.
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) for 2012 were $4.55, up 15.5% from $3.94 in
2011. We achieved growth in 2013 versus 2012 due to good margin management, operating cost control, and our share
repurchase program. The growth from 2011 to 2012 was achieved due to our teams’ excellent execution, effective cost
control, and sustained investment in our store network.
Return on equity totalled 27.0% in 2013, 19.8% in 2012 and 16.6% in 2011. Dividends per share were $0.9650 in 2013,
$0.8375 in 2012 and $0.7475 in 2011 representing $91.5 million, $82.9 million and $77.1 million respectively, or 18.7%,
21.1% and 19.7% of the previous fiscal years’ net earnings from continuing operations. Total assets were $5,061.5 million
in 2013, $5,150.9 million in 2012 and $4,817.4 million in 2011. Non-current debt, including the current portion, was
$662.4 million in 2013, $986.0 million in 2012 and $1,034.3 million in 2011.
OUTLOOK
While we expect competitive activity will remain fierce in 2014, we are confident that our reorganization of our Ontario
store network and our investments, along with our retailers, of nearly $250 million in our retail network, coupled with
effective merchandising strategies, will allow(2) us to continue to grow in the next fiscal year.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 20 -
OPERATING RESULTS
SALES
Sales for fiscal 2013 reached $11,402.8 million versus $11,674.9 million for fiscal 2012. Excluding the 53rd week of fiscal
2012, our 2013 sales were down 0.4% compared to fiscal 2012. Fierce competition, especially in Ontario, impacted
sales in our last two quarters due to an accelerated increase in competitive square footage. The absence of food inflation
in the food basket, the increase of promotional sales, the closure of underperforming stores, and temporary efficiency
difficulties following the implementation of a new management system in our pharmaceutical warehouse caused our
sales to dip as well.
EARNINGS BEFORE FINANCIAL COSTS, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION(1)
EBITDA(1) for fiscal 2013 was $781.2 million or 6.9% of sales versus $822.9 million or 7.0% of sales for fiscal 2012. In
order to better meet customers’ needs and reduce operating costs, we decided to proceed over the coming months with
a reorganization of our Ontario store network. This will include the conversion of certain Metro supermarkets to Food
Basics discount stores, the buyout of some collective agreements, the offer of early exit to some employees and the
closure of a few stores. Non-recurring reorganization costs of $40.0 million were recorded in 2013. Excluding this item,
adjusted EBITDA(1) for 2013 was $821.2 million, or 7.2% of sales. Excluding the 53rd week of fiscal 2012, adjusted
EBITDA(1) in 2012 was $806.9 million, or 7.0% of sales. Adjusted EBITDA(1) for 2013 increased by 1.8% compared to
fiscal 2012.
EBITDA adjustments(1)
Fiscal Year
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
(Millions of dollars,
unless otherwise indicated)
EBITDA
Restructuring charges
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA (based on
52 weeks in 2012)
EBITDA
Sales
781.2 11,402.8
—
40.0
821.2 11,402.8
821.2 11,402.8
EBITDA/
Sales(%)
6.9
7.2
7.2
EBITDA
Sales
822.9 11,674.9
—
—
822.9 11,674.9
806.9 11,453.4
EBITDA/
Sales(%)
7.0
7.0
7.0
Change
%
EBITDA
(5.1)
(0.2)
1.8
Fiscal 2013 gross margins were 19.0%, an increase over 18.7% for fiscal 2012. Effective margin management in a highly
promotional environment, higher proportion of perishable product sales, reduced shrink at store level, and the closure
of unprofitable stores contributed to the improvement of our gross margin rate versus last year's.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND NET FINANCIAL COSTS
Total depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2013 amounted to $179.6 million versus $183.9 million in 2012.
The closure of unprofitable stores in late fiscal 2012 and early fiscal 2013 reduced depreciation costs compared to last
year.
Net financial costs for fiscal 2013 totalled $41.1 million versus $46.4 million for 2012. Financial costs for the 53rd week
of fiscal 2012 were $0.9 million. The average financing rate was 5.0% for fiscal 2013 versus 4.2% for fiscal 2012. This
increase in the average rate was due to the reimbursement in the second quarter of 2013 of our revolving $330.4 million
credit facility which carried a lower interest rate than our other debts. The reimbursement was made out of our operating
activities cash flows and the proceeds on disposal of a portion of the investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 21 -
SHARE OF AN ASSOCIATE'S EARNINGS
Our share of earnings in Alimentation Couche-Tard was $50.8 million for fiscal 2013 versus $47.6 million for fiscal 2012.
NON-RECURRING GAINS FROM AN INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE
In the second quarter of 2013, we sold nearly half of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard to three financial
institutions for cash consideration of $479.0 million, and a pre-tax gain of $307.8 million and a post-tax gain of
$266.4 million. We decided, because of the significant value of the investment compared to the Corporation's total value,
that it was an appropriate time to realize part of the gain we had accrued over all those years.
In the fourth quarter of 2012, Alimentation Couche-Tard issued 7.3 million shares for net proceeds of approximately
$330 million to finance part of its acquisition of Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA. As we did not participate in this share issue,
our interest in Couche-Tard decreased from 11.6% to 11.1%. This dilution and our share in Couche-Tard's increased
value as a result of the share issue amount to a deemed disposition and deemed proceeds of disposition of part of our
investment for a net pre-tax gain of $25.0 million and $21.7 million post-tax.
INCOME TAXES
The fiscal 2013 income tax expense of $203.7 million represented an effective tax rate of 22.2%. The fiscal 2012 income
tax expense of $175.0 million represented an effective tax rate of 26.3%.
Excluding the $307.8 million gain on disposal of part of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard and related income
tax of $41.4 million, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2013 was 26.5%. Excluding the non-recurring income tax expense
of $3.0 million recorded in 2012, the effective tax rate for fiscal 2012 was 25.9%.
The income tax expense for the 53rd week of fiscal 2012 was $4.1 million.
NET EARNINGS
Net earnings for fiscal 2013 reached $721.6 million, up 47.5% from $489.3 million for fiscal 2012. Fully diluted net
earnings per share were $7.46 compared to $4.84 last year, an increase of 54.1%.
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION
In the first quarter of 2013, we discontinued our foodservice operation and disposed of the Distagro division which
supplied restaurant chains and convenience stores belonging to and operated by gas station chains. The division's sales
and expenses are presented under the item “Discontinued operation” for 2012 and 2013.
In fiscal 2013, we recorded net earnings of $6.2 million due chiefly to the gain on disposal versus a net loss of $0.9 million
for fiscal 2012.
NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net earnings from continuing operations were $715.4 million for fiscal 2013 versus $490.2 million last year, an increase
of 45.9%. Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $7.40 for fiscal 2013 versus $4.85 last
year, an increase of 52.6%.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 22 -
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(1)
Excluding the fiscal 2013 gain on disposal of part of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard of $266.4 million after
taxes and reorganization cost of $29.4 million after taxes, and the fiscal 2012 Couche-Tard dilution gain of $21.7 million
after taxes and non-recurring tax expense of $3.0 million, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for
fiscal 2013 were $478.4 million versus $471.5 million last year, an increase of 1.5%, and adjusted fully diluted net earnings
per share from continuing operations(1) were $4.92 versus $4.66 last year, an increase of 5.6%. Excluding the 53rd week
in 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for fiscal 2013 increased 3.9%, and adjusted fully diluted
net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) increased 8.1%.
Fiscal Year
2013
(52 weeks)
(Millions
of dollars)
Fully diluted
EPS (Dollars)
721.6
(6.2)
715.4
—
7.46
(0.06)
7.40
—
(266.4)
(2.79)
29.4
—
478.4
0.31
—
4.92
(Millions
of dollars)
489.3
0.9
490.2
(21.7)
—
—
3.0
471.5
2012
(53 weeks)
Change
(%)
Fully diluted
EPS (Dollars)
Net
earnings
Fully diluted
EPS
4.84
0.01
4.85
(0.22)
—
—
0.03
4.66
47.5
54.1
45.9
52.6
1.5
3.9
5.6
8.1
478.4
4.92
460.5
4.55
Net earnings
Net loss (earnings) from
discontinued operation
Net earnings from
continuing operations
Dilution gain from an
associate after taxes
Gain on disposal of a
portion of the investment
in an associate after
taxes
Restructuring charges after
taxes
Non-recurring tax expense
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
(based on 52 weeks in 2012)
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 23 -
QUARTERLY HIGHLIGHTS
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
Change
(%)
Sales
Q1(3)
Q2(3)
Q3(4)
Q4(5)
Fiscal
Net earnings
Q1(3)
Q2(3)
Q3(4)
Q4(5)
Fiscal
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1)
Q1(3)
Q2(3)
Q3(4)
Q4(5)
Fiscal
Fully diluted net earnings per share (Dollars)
Q1(3)
Q2(3)
Q3(4)
Q4(5)
Fiscal
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share
from continuing operations(1) (Dollars)
Q1(3)
Q2(3)
Q3(4)
Q4(5)
Fiscal
(3) 12 weeks
(4) 16 weeks
(5) 2013 - 12 weeks, 2012 - 13 weeks
2,704.7
2,513.2
3,573.3
2,611.6
11,402.8
2,632.6
2,580.2
3,599.9
2,862.2
11,674.9
121.4
366.8
149.8
83.6
721.6
115.0
100.5
149.9
113.0
478.4
1.23
3.77
1.55
0.88
7.46
1.16
1.02
1.55
1.19
4.92
103.7
96.1
144.4
145.1
489.3
103.6
96.3
147.8
123.8
471.5
1.01
0.94
1.43
1.46
4.84
1.01
0.94
1.46
1.25
4.66
2.7
(2.6)
(0.7)
(8.8)
(2.3)
17.1
281.7
3.7
(42.4)
47.5
11.0
4.4
1.4
(8.7)
1.5
21.8
301.1
8.4
(39.7)
54.1
14.9
8.5
6.2
(4.8)
5.6
As the discontinued operation and non-controlling interests are not material, the information is not presented in the table
above, but in the consolidated statements of income.
First quarter sales for 2013 reached $2,704.7 million versus $2,632.6 million for 2012, an increase of 2.7%. Same-store
sales were up 1.5%. This increase is due in part to the week preceding Christmas falling in the first quarter of 2013
rather than the second quarter as it did last year. We experienced very low inflation in our food basket in the first quarter.
Sales in the second quarter of 2013 reached $2,513.2 million versus $2,580.2 million last year. This decrease resulted
primarily from the shift in the important week preceding Christmas (which in this fiscal year was included in the first
quarter compared to the second quarter last year), the closure of a few unprofitable stores in Ontario, as well as the loss
of sales in our pharmaceutical division due to temporary efficiency difficulties following the implementation of a new
warehouse management system. Adjusting for the Christmas week shift, same-store sales were flat versus last year.
We experienced no inflation in our food basket for the second quarter of 2013.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 24 -
Sales in the third quarter of 2013 reached $3,573.3 million versus $3,599.9 million last year, down 0.7%. Excluding the
one-day shift of a holiday versus last year and the closure of some unprofitable stores, our 2013 third quarter sales
remained stable compared to 2012. During the last quarters, a very low inflation of our food basket and increased
competition affected our sales. Same-store sales decreased 0.9%.
Sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 reached $2,611.6 million versus $2,862.2 million last year, down 8.8%. Excluding the
13th week of the 2012 fourth quarter, our 2013 fourth quarter sales were down 1.1% compared to 2012. Increased
competition and higher promotional sales caused minor deflation in our aggregate food basket. Same-store sales
decreased 1.8%.
Net earnings for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 were $121.4 million, an increase of 17.1% over net earnings of
$103.7 million for the same quarter of 2012. Fully diluted net earnings per share rose 21.8% to $1.23 from $1.01 last
year. In the first quarter of 2013, we discontinued our foodservice operation and disposed of the Distagro division which
supplied restaurant chains and convenience stores belonging to and operated by gas station chains. Excluding net
earnings from discontinued operation, net earnings from continuing operations were $115.0 million and fully diluted net
earnings per share from continuing operations were $1.16 in 2013, up 11.0% and 14.9% respectively from $103.6 million
and $1.01 in 2012.
Net earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 were $366.8 million compared to $96.1 million for the same quarter
of 2012, an increase of 281.7%. Fully diluted net earnings per share rose 301.1% to $3.77 from $0.94 in 2012. Excluding
the net loss from the discontinued operation of $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2013 versus $0.2 million in 2012,
net earnings from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2013 were $366.9 million, an increase of 281.0% over
$96.3 million for the same quarter last year. Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $3.77 for
the second quarter of 2013 compared to $0.94 last year, an increase of 301.1%. Excluding the after-tax gain on disposal
of part of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard, 2013 second quarter adjusted net earnings from continuing
operations(1) were $100.5 million, up 4.4% from $96.3 million last year, and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share
from continuing operations(1) were $1.02, up 8.5% from $0.94 last year.
Net earnings for the third quarter of 2013 were $149.8 million, up 3.7% from $144.4 million for the corresponding quarter
of 2012. Fully diluted net earnings per share were $1.55, up 8.4% from $1.43 last year. Excluding the net loss from the
discontinued operation of $0.1 million for the third quarter of 2013 versus $0.4 million for the same quarter of 2012 and
(1)
excluding also the non-recurring tax expense of $3.0 million of 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations
were $149.9 million in the third quarter of 2013, up 1.4% from $147.8 million last year, and adjusted fully diluted net
earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were $1.55, up 6.2% from $1.46 last year.
Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $83.6 million, a decrease of 42.4% over net earnings of $145.1 million
for the same quarter of 2012. Fully diluted net earnings per share were down 39.7% to $0.88 from $1.46 last year.
Excluding the 2013 fourth quarter $29.4 million post-tax reorganization cost, and excluding the 2012 fourth quarter
Couche-Tard dilution gain of $21.7 million after taxes, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for the fourth
quarter of 2013 were $113.0 million, down 8.7% from $123.8 million for the same quarter last year, and adjusted fully
diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were $1.19, down 4.8% from $1.25 last year.
Excluding the 13th week in the fourth quarter of 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for the fourth
quarter of 2013 were up 0.2% and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were up
4.4%.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 25 -
(Millions of dollars)
Net earnings
Net loss (earnings) from
discontinued operation
Net earnings from
continuing operations
Gain on disposal of a portion
of the investment in an
associate after taxes
Dilution gain from an
associate after taxes
Non-recurring tax expense
Restructuring charges after
taxes
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
(based on 12 weeks in 2012)
(Dollars and per share)
Fully diluted net earnings
Fully diluted net loss
(earnings) from
discontinued operation
Fully diluted net earnings
from continuing
operations
Gain on disposal of a portion
of the investment in an
associate after taxes
Dilution gain from an
associate after taxes
Non-recurring tax expense
Restructuring charges after
taxes
2013
2012
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Fiscal
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Fiscal
121.4
366.8
149.8
83.6
721.6
103.7
96.1
144.4
145.1
489.3
(6.4)
0.1
0.1
—
(6.2)
(0.1)
0.2
0.4
0.4
0.9
115.0
366.9
149.9
83.6
715.4
103.6
96.3
144.8
145.5
490.2
— (266.4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— (266.4)
—
—
—
—
— 29.4
29.4
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— (21.7)
—
3.0
(21.7)
3.0
—
—
—
115.0
100.5
149.9
113.0
478.4
103.6
96.3
147.8
123.8
471.5
115.0
100.5
149.9
113.0
478.4
103.6
96.3
147.8
112.8
460.5
2013
2012
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Fiscal
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Fiscal
1.23
3.77
1.55
0.88
7.46
1.01
0.94
1.43
1.46
4.84
(0.07)
—
—
— (0.06)
—
—
— 0.01
0.01
1.16
3.77
1.55
0.88
7.40
1.01
0.94
1.43
1.47
4.85
— (2.75)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— (2.79)
—
—
—
—
— 0.31
0.31
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— 0.03
— (0.22)
(0.22)
— 0.03
—
—
—
—
Adjusted fully diluted net
earnings from continuing
operations(1)
Adjusted fully diluted net
earnings from continuing
operations(1)
52 weeks in 2012)
(based on
1.16
1.02
1.55
1.19
4.92
1.01
0.94
1.46
1.25
4.66
1.16
1.02
1.55
1.19
4.92
1.01
0.94
1.46
1.14
4.55
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 26 -
CASH POSITION
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Operating activities generated cash flows of $566.8 million compared to $546.1 million in 2012.
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investing activities generated cash flows of $264.3 million over fiscal 2013 versus outflows $357.0 million in fiscal 2012.
The change is mainly due to the net proceeds from the disposal of part of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard
for $472.6 million, as well as the proceeds from the disposal of Distagro for $22.7 million.
During fiscal 2013, the Corporation and its retailers invested $270.9 million in our retail network, for a gross expansion
of 413,300 square feet and a net expansion of 163,200 square feet or 0.8%. Major renovations and expansions of 9
stores were completed and 9 new stores were opened.
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Financing activities required outflows of $823.6 million in fiscal 2013 versus fiscal 2012 outflows of $371.3 million. This
increase is largely attributable to the greater redemption of shares in fiscal 2013, in the amount of $409.4 million versus
$215.0 million in fiscal 2012, and to the $330.4 million repayment, in the second quarter of 2013, of our revolving credit
facility mainly from the proceeds of the disposal of part of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard.
FINANCIAL POSITION
Although our working capital is negative, we do not anticipate(2) any liquidity risk and consider our financial position at
the end of fiscal 2013 as very solid. We had an unused authorized revolving credit facility of $600.0 million. Our non-
current debt corresponded to 18.8% of the combined total of non-current debt and equity (non-current debt/total capital).
At the end of fiscal 2013, the main elements of our non-current debt were as follows:
Interest Rate
Revolving Credit Facility Rates fluctuate with changes in bankers'
Series A Notes
Series B Notes
acceptance rates
4.98% fixed rate
5.97% fixed rate
Balance
(Millions of dollars)
Maturity
—
200.0
400.0
November 3, 2017
October 15, 2015
October 15, 2035
On October 1, 2013, the maturity of the revolving credit facility was extended to November 3, 2018.
At the end of fiscal 2013, we had foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange
rate fluctuations on our future foreign-denominated purchases of goods and services.
Our main financial ratios were as follows:
Financial structure
Non-current debt (Millions of dollars)
Equity (Millions of dollars)
Non-current debt/total capital (%)
Results
EBITDA(1)/Financial costs (Times)
As at September 28,
2013
As at September 29,
2012
650.0
2,807.4
18.8
Fiscal Year
2013
19.0
973.9
2,545.1
27.7
2012
17.7
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 27 -
CAPITAL STOCK
(Thousands)
Balance – beginning of year
Share issue
Share redemption
Stock options exercised
Balance – end of year
Balance as at November 29, 2013 and November 30, 2012
(Thousands)
Balance – beginning of year
Acquisition
Release
Balance – end of year
Balance as at November 29, 2013 and November 30, 2012
STOCK OPTIONS PLAN
Common Shares issued
2012
2013
97,444
—
(6,241)
445
91,648
90,759
101,384
2
(4,213)
271
97,444
96,453
Treasury shares
2013
258
94
(90)
262
262
2012
300
50
(92)
258
258
Stock options (Thousands)
Exercise prices (Dollars)
Weighted average exercise price (Dollars)
PERFORMANCE SHARE UNIT PLAN
As at November 29,
2013
As at September 28,
2013
As at September 29,
2012
1,356
1,351
24.73 to 66.29
24.73 to 66.29
46.18
46.12
1,683
24.73 to 58.41
39.27
Performance share units (Thousands)
257
257
284
As at November 29,
2013
As at September 28,
2013
As at September 29,
2012
NORMAL COURSE ISSUER BID PROGRAM
The Corporation decided to renew its normal course issuer bid program as an additional option for using excess funds.
Thus, we will be able to decide, in the Corporation’s best interest, to pay down debt or to repurchase Corporation shares.
The Board of Directors authorized the Corporation to repurchase, in the normal course of business, between
September 10, 2013 and September 9, 2014, up to 7,000,000 of its Common Shares representing approximately 7.6%
of its issued and outstanding shares at the close of the Toronto Stock Exchange on August 30, 2013. Repurchases are
made through the stock exchange at market price and in accordance with its policies and regulations, and in any other
manner allowed by the stock exchange and by any other securities regulatory agency, including private transactions.
Common Shares so repurchased will be cancelled. Under the normal course issuer bid program covering the period
between September 10, 2012 and September 9, 2013, the Corporation repurchased 6,000,000 Common Shares at an
average price of $65.62 for a total of $393.7 million. Under the program covering the period from September 10, 2013
to September 9, 2014, the Corporation has repurchased, as of November 29, 2013, 1,130,700 Common Shares at an
average price of $62.30 for a total of $70.4 million.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 28 -
DIVIDEND POLICY
The Corporation's dividend policy is to pay an annual dividend representing approximately 20% of net earnings of the
preceding fiscal year before extraordinary items. For the nineteenth consecutive year, the Corporation paid quarterly
dividends to its shareholders. The annual dividend increased by 15.2%, to $0.9650 per share compared to $0.8375 in
2012, for total dividends of $91.5 million in 2013 compared to $82.9 million in 2012. Dividends paid in 2013 represented
18.7% of net earnings of the preceding fiscal year compared to 21.1% in 2012.
SHARE TRADING
The value of METRO shares remained in the $56.52 to $75.81 range throughout fiscal 2013 ($43.76 to $59.68 in 2012).
A total of 73.8 million shares traded on the TSX during this fiscal year (70.0 million in 2012). The closing price on Friday,
September 27, 2013 was $64.74, compared to $58.40 at the end of fiscal 2012. Since fiscal year-end, the value of
METRO shares has remained in the $60.00 to $68.00 range. The closing price on November 29, 2013 was $61.92.
METRO shares have maintained sustained growth over the last 10 years, reflecting a performance superior to that of
the S&P/TSX index and the Canadian Food Industry sector index.
COMPARATIVE SHARE PERFORMANCE (10 YEARS)*
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 29 -
SOURCES OF FINANCING
Our operating activities as well as the disposal of a portion of our investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard generated
respectively cash flows in the amount of $566.8 million and $472.6 million in 2013. These major cash flows were sufficient
to finance our investing activities, including the acquisition of $227.8 million in fixed and intangible assets, to redeem
shares for an amount of $409.4 million, to pay dividends of $91.5 million, to repay our revolving credit facility of
$330.4 million and to carry out other investing and financing activities.
At 2013 fiscal year-end, our financial position mainly consisted of cash and cash equivalents in the amount of
$80.8 million, Series A Notes in the amount of $200.0 million maturing in 2015, a revolving credit facility of $600.0 million
maturing in 2018, that was unused, and Series B Notes in the amount of $400.0 million maturing in 2035.
We believe that cash flows from next year's operating activities should be sufficient to finance the Corporation's investing
activities, including approximately $275 million(2) in fixed and intangible assets.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Payment commitments by fiscal year (capital and interest)
(Millions of dollars)
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and thereafter
Loans
9.4
2.2
1.5
1.2
0.8
19.8
Finance
lease
commitments
6.8
5.7
6.0
5.8
5.4
30.1
Service
contract
commitments
67.1
67.1
53.9
53.7
51.3
76.6
Operating
lease
commitments
171.5
161.7
147.4
132.8
112.5
551.7
Lease and
sublease
commitments(6)
41.3
39.0
37.8
36.1
33.0
240.7
Notes
33.8
33.8
223.9
23.9
23.9
806.1
Total
329.9
309.5
470.5
253.5
226.9
1,725.0
34.9
1,145.4
59.8
369.7
1,277.6
427.9
3,315.3
(6) The Corporation has lease commitments with varying terms through 2035, to lease premises which it sublets to clients, generally under the same
conditions.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During fiscal 2013, we supplied supermarkets held by a member of the Board of Directors and paid fees to Dunnhumby
Canada, a jointly controlled entity, for analysis of our customer sales data. These transactions were carried out in the
normal course of business and recorded at exchange value. They are itemized in note 27 to the consolidated financial
statements.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 30 -
FOURTH QUARTER
(Millions of dollars, except for net earnings per share)
Sales
EBITDA(1)
Adjusted EBITDA(1) (based on 12 weeks in 2012)
Net earnings
Adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1)
(based on 12 weeks in 2012)
Fully diluted net earnings per share
Adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing
operations(1) (based on 12 weeks in 2012)
Cash flows from:
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
SALES
2013
(12 weeks)
2,611.6
147.4
187.4
83.6
113.0
0.88
1.19
159.8
(44.1)
(123.3)
2012
(13 weeks)
2,862.2
209.7
193.7
145.1
112.8
1.46
1.14
126.8
(69.2)
(82.7)
Change
%
(8.8)
(29.7)
(3.3)
(42.4)
0.2
(39.7)
4.4
—
—
—
Sales in the fourth quarter of 2013 reached $2,611.6 million versus $2,862.2 million last year, down 8.8%. Excluding the
13th week of the 2012 fourth quarter, our 2013 fourth quarter sales were down 1.1% compared to 2012. Increased
competition and higher promotional sales caused minor deflation in our aggregate food basket. Same-store sales
decreased 1.8%.
EARNINGS BEFORE FINANCIAL COSTS, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION(1)
EBITDA(1) for the fourth quarter of 2013 was $147.4 million, down 29.7% from $209.7 million for the same quarter last
year. As already announced, in order to better meet customers’ needs and reduce operating costs, we decided to proceed
over the coming months with a reorganization of our Ontario store network. This will include the conversion of certain
Metro supermarkets to Food Basics discount stores, the buyout of some collective agreements, the offer of early exit to
some employees and the closure of a few stores. Non-recurring reorganization costs of $40.0 million were recorded in
the fourth quarter of 2013. Excluding this item, adjusted EBITDA(1) for the fourth quarter of 2013 was $187.4 million or
7.2% of sales. Excluding the 13th week, adjusted EBITDA(1) for the fourth quarter of 2012 was $193.7 million or 7.3% of
sales. Adjusted EBITDA(1) for the fourth quarter of 2013 was down 3.3% versus the 2012 adjusted 12-week fourth quarter
EBITDA(1) mainly due to lower sales.
EBITDA adjustments(1)
(Millions of dollars,
unless otherwise indicated)
EBITDA
Restructuring charges
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA (based on
12 weeks in 2012)
Fiscal Year
2013
(12 weeks)
2012
(13 weeks)
EBITDA
Sales
147.4
40.0
187.4
2,611.6
—
2,611.6
187.4
2,611.6
EBITDA/
Sales
(%)
5.6
7.2
7.2
EBITDA
Sales
209.7
—
209.7
2,862.2
—
2,862.2
193.7
2,640.7
EBITDA/
Sales
(%)
7.3
7.3
7.3
Change
%
EBITDA
(29.7)
(10.6)
(3.3)
Fourth quarter gross margins were 18.9%, an increase over 18.8% for fiscal 2012. Effective margin management in a
highly promotional environment, higher proportion of perishable product sales, reduced shrink at store level, and the
closure of unprofitable stores contributed to the improvement of our gross margin rate versus last year's.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 31 -
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION AND NET FINANCIAL COSTS
Total depreciation and amortization expense for the fourth quarter of 2013 amounted to $41.3 million versus $41.8 million
in 2012. The closure of unprofitable stores in late fiscal 2012 and early fiscal 2013 reduced depreciation costs compared
to last year.
Net financial costs for the fourth quarter of 2013 totalled $8.6 million compared to $11.7 million for the corresponding
period of 2012. Financial costs for the 13th week of the 2012 fourth quarter were $0.9 million.
SHARE OF AN ASSOCIATE'S EARNINGS
Our share of earnings in Alimentation Couche-Tard was $15.0 million for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 versus
$12.1 million for fiscal 2012.
NON-RECURRING GAINS FROM AN INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE
In the fourth quarter of 2012, Alimentation Couche-Tard issued 7.3 million shares for net proceeds of approximately
$330 million to finance part of its acquisition of Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA. As we did not participate in this share issue,
our interest in Couche-Tard decreased from 11.6% to 11.1%. This dilution and our share in Couche-Tard's increased
value as a result of the share issue amount to a deemed disposition and deemed proceeds of disposition of part of our
investment for a net pre-tax gain of $25.0 million and $21.7 million post-tax.
INCOME TAXES
The 2013 fourth quarter income tax expense of $28.9 million represented an effective tax rate of 25.7%. The 2012 fourth
quarter income tax expense of $47.8 million represented an effective tax rate of 24.7%.
Income tax expense for the 13th week of the 2012 fourth quarter was $4.1 million.
NET EARNINGS
Net earnings for the fourth quarter of 2013 were $83.6 million, down 42.4% from net earnings of $145.1 million for the
same quarter of 2012. Fully diluted net earnings per share were down 39.7% to $0.88 from $1.46 last year.
NET EARNINGS (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATION
In the first quarter of 2013, we discontinued our foodservice operation and disposed of the Distagro division which
supplied restaurant chains and convenience stores belonging to and operated by gas station chains. The division's sales
and expenses are presented under the item “Discontinued operation” for 2012 and 2013.
There was no net loss from discontinued operation in the fourth quarter of 2013 versus $0.4 million loss for the same
quarter of 2012.
NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Net earnings from continuing operations were $83.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2013, down 42.5% from $145.5 million
for the same quarter last year. Fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.88 for the fourth
quarter of 2013 compared to $1.47 last year, a decrease of 40.1%.
ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS(1)
Excluding the 2013 fourth quarter $29.4 million post-tax reorganization cost, and excluding the 2012 fourth quarter
Couche-Tard dilution gain of $21.7 million after taxes, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for the fourth
quarter of 2013 were $113.0 million, down 8.7% from $123.8 million for the same quarter last year, and adjusted fully
diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were $1.19, down 4.8% from $1.25 last year.
Excluding the 13th week in the fourth quarter of 2012, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations(1) for the fourth
quarter of 2013 were up 0.2% and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations(1) were up
4.4%.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 32 -
Fiscal Year
2013
(12 weeks)
(Millions
of dollars)
Fully diluted
EPS(Dollars)
83.6
—
83.6
—
29.4
113.0
0.88
—
0.88
—
0.31
1.19
2012
(13 weeks)
Change
(%)
(Millions
of dollars)
145.1
0.4
145.5
Fully diluted
EPS(Dollars)
Net
earnings
Fully diluted
EPS
1.46
0.01
1.47
(42.4)
(39.7)
(42.5)
(40.1)
(21.7)
(0.22)
—
—
123.8
1.25
(8.7)
(4.8)
113.0
1.19
112.8
1.14
0.2
4.4
Net earnings
Net loss from discontinued
operation
Net earnings from
continuing operations
Dilution gain from an
associate after taxes
Restructuring charges after
taxes
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
Adjusted net earnings from
continuing operations(1)
(based on 12 weeks in 2012)
CASH POSITION
Operating activities
Operating activities generated cash flows of $159.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to $126.8 million for
the same quarter of 2012. This increase is mainly attributed to changes in non-cash working capital items.
Investing activities
Investing activities required outflows of $44.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 versus $69.2 million in the corresponding
period of 2012. The change is due primarily to fewer fixed asset acquisitions and disposals in 2013 than in 2012.
Financing activities
Financing activities required outflows of $123.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2013 versus 2012 fourth quarter outflows
of $82.7 million. This increase in outflows is largely attributable to the greater redemption of shares, in the amount of
$98.3 million in 2013 versus $2.5 million in 2012.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Corporation adopted a risk management policy, approved by the Board of Directors in December 2005, setting forth
guidelines relating to its use of derivative financial instruments. These guidelines prohibit the use of derivatives for
speculative purposes. During fiscal 2013, the Corporation used derivative financial instruments as described in notes 2
and 29 to the consolidated financial statements.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 33 -
NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ADOPTED IN 2013
Presentation of financial statements
In June 2011, the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of
Financial Statements”. Items of other comprehensive income and the corresponding tax expense are required to be
grouped into those that will and will not subsequently be reclassified through net earnings. The Corporation has applied
these amendments in its fiscal 2013 annual financial statements. Additional information was disclosed in the consolidated
statement of comprehensive income.
RECENTLY ISSUED
Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities
In November 2009, the IASB issued IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”. This new standard replaces the various rules of
IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” with a single approach to determine whether a financial
asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value. This approach is based on how an entity manages its financial
instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets.
In October 2010, the IASB issued revisions to IFRS 9, adding the requirements for classification and measurement of
financial liabilities contained in IAS 39.
In December 2011, the IASB deferred the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 to fiscal years beginning on or after
January 1, 2015. Early adoption is permitted under certain conditions. The Corporation will not adopt this new standard
early and will, over the next fiscal year, assess the impact of IFRS 9 on its financial statements.
Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities
In December 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation” clarifying the
requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities. The IASB specified that the right of set-off had to be
legally enforceable even in the event of bankruptcy.
The IASB also issued amendments to IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” improving disclosures on offsetting
of financial assets and financial liabilities.
The amendments to IFRS 7 are applicable to the first quarter of the Corporation's 2014 fiscal year. The amendments to
IAS 32 are applicable to the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In order to co-ordinate the two standards' application, the
Corporation will early adopt IAS 32 in the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. These amendments will not impact the
Corporation's financial statements, but additional information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
Consolidated financial statements
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” which is a replacement of SIC-12
“Consolidation - Special Interest Entities” and certain parts of IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”.
IFRS 10 eliminates the risk/benefit-based approach and uses control as the sole basis for consolidation. An investor
controls an investee if and only if the investor has all of the following elements:
a)
b)
c)
power over the investee;
exposure or rights to variable returns from involvement with the investee;
the ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns.
The Corporation will apply IFRS 10 as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the
Corporation's financial statements.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 34 -
Joint arrangements
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements” which supersedes IAS 31 “Interests in Joint Ventures” and
SIC-13 “Jointly Controlled Entities - Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers”. This standard describes two types of
joint arrangements which differ according to the rights and obligations of the partners: joint operations and joint ventures.
IFRS 11 eliminates the proportionate consolidation method for joint ventures and requires the equity method. However,
proportionate consolidation is maintained for joint operations. The Corporation will apply IFRS 11 as of the first quarter
of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the Corporation's financial statements.
Disclosure of interests in other entities
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities” which requires that an entity disclose
more information on the nature of and risks associated with its interests in other entities (i.e. subsidiaries, joint
arrangements, associates or unconsolidated structured entities) and the effects of those interests on its financial
statements. The Corporation will apply IFRS 12 as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. Additional information will
be disclosed through notes to the annual financial statements.
Fair value measurement
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” to establish a single framework for fair value
measurement of financial and non-financial items. IFRS 13 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It
also requires disclosure of more information on fair value measurements. The Corporation will apply IFRS 13 as of the
first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the Corporation's financial statements, but additional
information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
Employee benefits
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” (IAS 19R). IAS 19R eliminates the corridor
method for recognizing changes (actuarial gains and losses) in defined benefit obligations and plan assets and requires
that they be recognized in other comprehensive income when they occur. Application of this amendment will have no
impact, as the Corporation has used immediate recognition of actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income
since the transition to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
IAS 19R eliminates the possibility of deferring recognition of past service costs related to unvested benefits and requires
their immediate recognition in the income statement. Application of this amendment will have no impact for the
Corporation, as no past service costs have been deferred since the transition to IFRS.
Under IAS 19, the employee benefit expense included a financial cost composed of interest income corresponding to
the expected return on plan assets measured according to management assumptions based on market expectations.
IAS 19R eliminates the expected return on plan assets component and requires recognition of net interest on defined
benefit obligations net of plan assets based on the discount rate for measuring obligations. This net interest is not a
component of the employee benefit expense and will be presented as part of finance costs. The Corporation expects
this amendment to increase annual employee benefit expenses by about $15 million and annual financial costs by about
$10 million.The Corporation will apply these amendments as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year.
IAS 19R also requires additional disclosures to present the characteristics of defined benefit plans to the annual financial
statements.
Impairment of assets
In May 2013, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” to require disclosures about assets or cash
generating units for which an impairment loss was recognized or reversed during the period. The Corporation will apply
the amendments to IAS 36 along with the new IFRS 13 requirements as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year.
Additional information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 35 -
IFRS AND NON-IFRS MEASUREMENTS
In addition to the IFRS earnings measurements provided, we have included certain IFRS and non-IFRS earnings
measurements. These measurements are presented for information purposes only. They do not have a standardized
meaning prescribed by IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measurements presented by other public
companies.
EARNINGS BEFORE FINANCIAL COSTS, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION (EBITDA)
EBITDA is a measurement of earnings that excludes financial costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization, share of an
associate's earnings, dilution gain from an associate and gain on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate.
It is an additional IFRS measurement and it is presented separately in the consolidated statements of income. We believe
that EBITDA is a measurement commonly used by readers of financial statements to evaluate a company's operational
cash-generating capacity and ability to discharge its financial expenses.
ADJUSTED EBITDA, ADJUSTED NET EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS AND ADJUSTED FULLY
DILUTED NET EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net earnings from continuing operations and adjusted fully diluted net earnings per share
from continuing operations are earnings measurements that exclude non-recurring items. They are non-IFRS
measurements. We believe that presenting earnings without non-recurring items leaves readers of financial statements
better informed as to the current period and corresponding period's earnings, thus enabling them to better evaluate the
Corporation's performance and judge its future outlook.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
We have used, throughout this annual report, different statements that could, within the context of regulations issued
by the Canadian Securities Administrators, be construed as being forward-looking information. In general, any statement
contained in this report that does not constitute a historical fact may be deemed a forward-looking statement. Expressions
such as “allow”, “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, and other similar expressions are generally indicative of forward-
looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this report are based upon certain assumptions
regarding the Canadian food industry, the general economy, our annual budget, as well as our 2014 action plan.
These forward-looking statements do not provide any guarantees as to the future performance of the Corporation and
are subject to potential risks, known and unknown, as well as uncertainties that could cause the outcome to differ
significantly. An economic slowdown or recession, or the arrival of a new competitor, are examples described under the
“Risk Management” section of this annual report that could have an impact on these statements. We believe these
statements to be reasonable and relevant as at the date of publication of this report and represent our expectations.
The Corporation does not intend to update any forward-looking statement contained herein, except as required by
applicable law.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The President and Chief Executive Officer, and the Senior Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the
Corporation, are responsible for the implementation and maintenance of disclosure controls and procedures (DC&P),
and of the internal control over financial reporting (ICFR), as provided for in National Instrument 52-109 regarding the
Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings. They are assisted in this task by the Disclosure
Committee, which is comprised of members of the Corporation's senior management.
An evaluation was completed under their supervision in order to measure the effectiveness of DC&P and ICFR. Based
on this evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of the Corporation concluded that the DC&P and the ICFR were effective as at the end of the fiscal year ended
September 28, 2013.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 36 -
Therefore, the design of the DC&P provides reasonable assurance that material information relating to the Corporation
is made known to it by others, particularly during the period in which the annual filings are being prepared, and that the
information required to be disclosed by the Corporation in its annual filings, interim filings and other reports filed or
submitted by it under securities legislation is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods
specified in securities legislation.
Furthermore, the design of the ICFR provides reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of the Corporation's financial
reporting and the preparation of its financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.
SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
Our Management's Discussion and Analysis is based upon our consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance
with IFRS, and it is presented in Canadian dollars, our unit of measure. The preparation of the consolidated financial
statements and other financial information contained in this Management's Discussion and Analysis requires
management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the recognition and valuation of assets,
liabilities, sales, other income and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and
other factors deemed relevant and reasonable and are reviewed at every closing date. The use of different estimates
could produce different amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
JUDGEMENTS
In applying the Corporation's accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, which have the
most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
Consolidation of special purpose entities
The Corporation has no voting rights in certain food stores. However, it assumes the majority of their risks and benefits
from the majority of their advantages. For these reasons, the Corporation consolidates these food stores in its financial
statements.
The Corporation has no voting rights in the trust created for performance share unit plan participants. However, under
the trust agreement, it instructs the trustee as to the sale and purchase of Corporation shares and payments to
beneficiaries, gives the trustee money to buy Corporation shares, assumes the majority of the risks, benefits from the
majority of the advantages, and ensures that the trust holds a sufficient number of shares to meet its obligations to the
beneficiaries. Management, having concluded that the Corporation controls the trust, consolidates the entity in its financial
statements.
The Corporation also has an agreement with a distributor, whose majority of risks it assumes and whose majority of
advantages it benefits from. For these reasons, the Corporation consolidates this distributor in its financial statements.
ESTIMATES
The assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the value of assets and liabilities within the next period, are discussed
below:
Impairment of assets
In testing for impairment of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill, value in use and fair value less
costs to sell are estimated using the discounted future cash flows model, the capitalized excess earnings before financial
costs and taxes (EBIT) and royalty-free licence methods. These methods are based on various assumptions, such as
the future cash flows estimate, excess EBIT, royalty rates, discount rate, earnings multiples and growth rate. The key
assumptions are disclosed in notes 16 and 17 to the consolidated financial statements.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 37 -
Pension plans and other plans
Defined pension plans, ancillary retirements and other long-term benefits obligations and costs associated to these
obligations are determined from actuarial calculations according to the projected credit unit method. These calculations
are based on management's best assumptions relating to expected long-term return on plan assets, salary escalation,
retirement age of participants and expected health care costs. The key assumptions are disclosed in note 24 to the
consolidated financial statements.
Non-controlling interest
The non-controlling interest-related liability is calculated in relation to the price to be paid by the Corporation for the non-
controlling interest, which price is based mainly on the future earnings of Adonis and Phoenicia at the date the options
become exercisable. Given the uncertainty associated with the estimation of these future earnings, the Corporation
used, at the end of the current fiscal year, its most probable estimate and various other assumptions, including the
discount rate, growth rate and capital investments. Additional information is presented in note 29 to the consolidated
financial statements.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors, Audit Committee and Steering Committee monitor business risks closely. Internal Audit has the
mandate to audit all business risks triennially. Hence, each segment is audited every three years to ensure that controls
have been implemented to deal with the business risks related to its business area.
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to various risks, which are described below, that could have a material
impact on our earnings, financial position and cash flows. In order to counteract the principal risk factors, we have
implemented strategies specifically adapted to them.
MARKET AND COMPETITION
Intensifying competition, the possible arrival of new competitors and changing consumer needs are constant concerns
for us.
To cope with competition and maintain our leadership position in the Québec and Ontario markets, we are on the alert
for new ways of doing things and new sites. We have an ongoing investment program for all our stores to ensure that
our retail network remains one of the most modern in Canada.
We have also developed a successful market segmentation strategy. Our grocery banners: the conventional Metro
supermarkets, Super C and Food Basics discount banners, and Adonis ethnic food stores, target three different market
segments. In the pharmaceutical market, we have large, medium, and small pharmacies under the Brunet Plus, Brunet,
Brunet Clinique, Clini Plus, Pharmacy, and Drug Basics banners.
With the metro&moi and Air Miles® loyalty programs in our Metro and Metro Plus supermarkets and our partner
Dunnhumby Canada Limited, we are able to know the buying habits of loyal customers, offer them personalized
promotions and increase their purchases at our stores.
In September 2013, we completed another step in our personalization customization strategy with our new website
www.metro.ca and smartphone mobile app. So our customers can access their grocery list, weekly menus suited to
their needs, flyer specials and coupons to be redeemed at the checkout.
ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
An economic slowdown or recession could affect our supermarkets and discount stores, however, they can adapt to
such conditions with appropriate merchandising strategies. Since food is a basic need, the food industry is less affected
by an economic slowdown or recession.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 38 -
FOOD SAFETY
We are exposed to potential liability and costs regarding defective products, food safety, product contamination and
handling. Such liability may arise from product manufacturing, packaging and labelling, design, preparation, warehousing,
distribution and presentation. Food products represent the greater part of our sales and we could be at risk in the event
of a major outbreak of food-borne illness or an increase in public health concerns regarding certain food products.
To counter these risks, we apply very strict food safety procedures and controls throughout the whole distribution chain.
Employees receive continuous training in this area from Metro's L'École des professionnels. Our main meat distribution
facilities are Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) accredited, the industry's highest international standard.
Our systems also enable us to trace every meat product distributed from any of our main distribution centres to its
consumer point of sale.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY
If our actions do not respect our environmental, social and economic responsibilities, we are exposed to criticism, claims,
boycotts and even lawsuits, should we fail to adhere to our legal obligations.
We are aware that our business operations affect society and have increased our efforts regarding corporate responsibility.
In 2012, we published our first Corporate Responsibility Report which was developed based on a prioritization process
that considered both internal and external issues and trends impacting our sector and business. The report's development
was guided by the requirements set out in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3.1 Guidelines. In 2013, we updated
our report, incorporating the year’s highlights and providing a summary of our efforts and achievements with respect to
our commitments and priorities in matters of corporate responsibility. Our Corporate Responsibility Report is available
on our website www.metro.ca. The Corporation will issue its next Corporate Responsibility Report in the spring of 2014.
REGULATIONS
Changes are regularly brought about to accounting policies, laws, regulations, rules or policies impacting our operations.
We monitor these changes closely.
PRICE OF FUEL, ENERGY AND UTILITIES
We are a big consumer of utilities, electricity, natural gas and fuel. Increases in the price of these items may affect us.
LABOUR RELATIONS
The majority of our store and distribution centre employees are unionized. Collective bargaining may give rise to work
stoppages or slowdowns that could hurt us. We negotiate agreements with different maturity dates, conditions that ensure
our competitiveness and terms that promote a positive work environment in all our business segments. We have
experienced some minor labour conflicts over the last few years but expect(2) to maintain good labour relations in the
future.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT
Events outside our control that could seriously affect our operations may arise. We have set up business recovery plans
for all our operations. These plans provide for several disaster recovery sites, generators in case of power outages and
back-up computers as powerful as the Corporation's existing computers. A steering committee oversees and regularly
reviews all our recovery plans. We have also developed a contingency plan in the event of a pandemic to minimize its
impact.
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 39 -
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
We make some foreign-denominated purchases of goods and services, exposing ourselves to exchange rate risks.
According to our risk management policy, we may use derivative financial instruments, such as foreign exchange forward
contracts. The policy's guidelines prohibit us from using derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes, but
they do not guarantee that we will not sustain losses as a result of our derivative financial instruments.
We hold receivables generated mainly from sales to affiliate customers. To guard against credit losses, we have adopted
a credit policy that defines mandatory credit requirements to be maintained and guarantees to be provided. Affiliate
customer assets guarantee the majority of our receivables.
We are also exposed to liquidity risk mainly through our non-current debt and creditors. We evaluate our cash position
regularly and estimate(2) that cash flows generated by our operating activities are sufficient to provide for all outflows
required by our financing activities. Our Series A and Series B Notes mature only in 2015 and 2035, respectively. We
also have an unused authorized balance of $600.0 million on our revolving credit facility and, on October 1, 2013, the
maturity was extended to November 3, 2018.
CLAIMS
In the normal course of business, we are exposed to various claims and proceedings. We limit our exposure by maintaining
insurance to cover the risk of claims related to our operations.
SUPPLIERS
Negative events could affect a supplier and lead to service breakdowns and store delivery delays. As a remedy for this
situation, we deal with several suppliers. In the event of a supplier's service breakdown, we can turn to another supplier
reasonably quickly.
FRANCHISEES AND AFFILIATES
Some of our franchisees and affiliates might breach prescribed clauses of franchise or affiliation contracts, such as
purchasing policies and marketing plans. Non-compliance with such clauses may have an impact on us. A team of retail
operations advisers ensures our operating standards' consistent application in all of these stores.
Montréal, Canada, November 29, 2013
(1) See section on "IFRS and Non-IFRS Measurements"
(2) See section on "Forward-looking Information"
- 40 -
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL REPORTING
The preparation and presentation of the consolidated financial statements of METRO INC. and the other financial
information contained in this Annual Report are the responsibility of management. This responsibility is based on a
judicious choice of appropriate accounting principles and policies, the application of which requires making estimates
and informed judgements. It also includes ensuring that the financial information in the Annual Report is consistent with
the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards and were approved by the Board of Directors.
METRO INC. maintains accounting systems and internal controls over the financial reporting process which, in the
opinion of management, provide reasonable assurance regarding the accuracy, relevance and reliability of financial
information and the well-ordered, efficient management of the Corporation's affairs.
The Board of Directors fulfills its duty to oversee management in the performance of its financial reporting responsibilities
and to review the consolidated financial statements and Annual Report, principally through its Audit Committee. This
Committee is comprised solely of directors who are independent of the Corporation and is also responsible for making
recommendations for the nomination of external auditors. Also, it holds periodic meetings with members of management
as well as internal and external auditors to discuss internal controls, auditing matters and financial reporting issues. The
external and internal auditors have access to the Committee without management. The Audit Committee has reviewed
the consolidated financial statements and Annual Report of METRO INC. and recommended their approval to the Board
of Directors.
The enclosed consolidated financial statements were audited by Ernst & Young LLP and their report indicates the extent
of their audit and their opinion on the consolidated financial statements.
Eric R. La Flèche
President and Chief Executive Officer
November 12, 2013
François Thibault
Senior Vice-President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
- 41 -
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the shareholders of METRO INC.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of METRO INC., which comprise the consolidated
statements of financial position as at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, and the consolidated statements
of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and a summary of
significant accounting policies and other explanatory information.
Management's responsibility for the consolidated financial statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these consolidated financial statements in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines
is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement,
whether due to fraud or error.
Auditors' responsibility
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 comply
with ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free from material misstatement.
An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditors' judgment, including the assessment of the risks
of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk
assessments, the auditors consider internal control relevant to the entity's preparation and fair presentation of the
consolidated financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the entity's internal control. An audit also includes
evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained in our audits is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for
our audit opinion.
Opinion
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
METRO INC. as at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012 and its financial performance and its cash flows for
the years then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.
Montréal, Canada
November 12, 2013
1 CPA auditor, CA, public accountancy permit no. A120803
- 42 -
Annual Consolidated Financial Statements
METRO INC.
September 28, 2013
- 43 -
Table of contents
Consolidated statements of income ...............................................................................................................
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income ......................................................................................
Consolidated statements of financial position ................................................................................................
Consolidated statements of changes in equity ...............................................................................................
Consolidated statements of cash flows ..........................................................................................................
Notes to consolidated financial statements ....................................................................................................
1- Description of business ...........................................................................................................................
2- Significant accounting policies .................................................................................................................
3- New accounting policies ..........................................................................................................................
4- Significant judgements and estimates .....................................................................................................
5- Business acquisitions ..............................................................................................................................
6- Additional information on the nature of earnings components ..................................................................
7- Income taxes ...........................................................................................................................................
8- Discontinued operation ............................................................................................................................
9- Net earnings per share ............................................................................................................................
10- Inventories
..............................................................................................................................................
11- Assets held for sale .................................................................................................................................
12- Investment in an associate ......................................................................................................................
13- Other financial assets ..............................................................................................................................
14- Fixed assets ............................................................................................................................................
15- Investment properties ..............................................................................................................................
16- Intangible assets .....................................................................................................................................
17- Goodwill
..................................................................................................................................................
18- Bank loans ..............................................................................................................................................
19- Provisions
...............................................................................................................................................
20- Debt
........................................................................................................................................................
21- Other liabilities .........................................................................................................................................
22- Capital stock
...........................................................................................................................................
23- Dividends ................................................................................................................................................
24- Employee benefits ...................................................................................................................................
25- Commitments ..........................................................................................................................................
26- Contingencies .........................................................................................................................................
27- Related party transactions .......................................................................................................................
28- Management of capital
............................................................................................................................
29- Financial instruments ..............................................................................................................................
30- Comparative figures ................................................................................................................................
31- Approval of financial statements ..............................................................................................................
- 44 -
Page
45
46
47
48
50
51
51
51
56
58
59
60
61
63
64
64
64
65
65
66
67
68
70
70
70
71
72
72
74
75
78
79
79
80
80
83
83
Consolidated statements of income
Years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, except for net earnings per share)
Continuing operations
Sales (notes 6 and 27)
Cost of sales and operating expenses (notes 6 and 27)
Restructuring charges (note 6)
Earnings before financial costs, taxes, depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization (note 6)
Income from operating activities
Financial costs, net (note 6)
Share of an associate's earnings (notes 6 and 12)
Dilution gain from an associate (notes 6 and 12)
Gain on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate (notes 6 and 12)
Earnings before income taxes from continuing operations
Income taxes (note 7)
Net earnings from continuing operations
Discontinued operation
Net earnings (loss) from discontinued operation (note 8)
Net earnings
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Net earnings per share (Dollars) (note 9)
Continuing operations and discontinued operation
Basic
Fully diluted
Continuing operations
Basic
Fully diluted
See accompanying notes
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
11,402.8
(10,581.6)
(40.0)
781.2
(179.6)
601.6
(41.1)
50.8
—
307.8
919.1
(203.7)
715.4
11,674.9
(10,852.0)
—
822.9
(183.9)
639.0
(46.4)
47.6
25.0
—
665.2
(175.0)
490.2
6.2
721.6
712.9
8.7
721.6
7.52
7.46
7.46
7.40
(0.9)
489.3
481.8
7.5
489.3
4.87
4.84
4.88
4.85
- 45 -
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income
Years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars)
Net earnings
Other comprehensive income
Items that will not be reclassified to net earnings
Changes in defined benefit plans
Actuarial gains (losses)
Asset ceiling effect
Minimum funding requirement
Share of an associate's other comprehensive income
Corresponding income taxes
Items that may be reclassified later to net earnings
Share of an associate's other comprehensive income
Comprehensive income
Attributable to:
Equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
See accompanying notes
2013
(52 weeks)
721.6
2012
(53 weeks)
489.3
87.0
(6.9)
(2.3)
—
(20.8)
57.0
—
57.0
778.6
769.9
8.7
778.6
(65.6)
(2.7)
0.1
(0.7)
19.0
(49.9)
0.1
(49.8)
439.5
432.0
7.5
439.5
- 46 -
Consolidated statements of financial position
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars)
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable (notes 13 and 27)
Inventories (note 10)
Prepaid expenses
Current taxes
Assets held for sale (note 11)
Non-current assets
Investment in an associate (note 12)
Other financial assets (note 13)
Fixed assets (note 14)
Investment properties (note 15)
Intangible assets (note 16)
Goodwill (note 17)
Deferred taxes (note 7)
Defined benefit assets (note 24)
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities
Bank loans (note 18)
Accounts payable (note 27)
Current taxes
Provisions (note 19)
Current portion of debt (note 20)
Non-current liabilities
Debt (note 20)
Defined benefit liabilities (note 24)
Provisions (note 19)
Deferred taxes (note 7)
Other liabilities (note 21)
Non-controlling interest (note 29)
Equity
Capital stock (note 22)
Treasury shares (note 22)
Contributed surplus
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Equity attributable to equity holders of the parent
Non-controlling interests
Commitments and contingencies (notes 25 and 26)
See accompanying notes
On behalf of the Board:
2013
2012
80.8
300.2
781.3
15.3
10.9
1,188.5
0.9
1,189.4
206.4
27.5
1,328.4
20.7
365.1
1,855.6
53.9
14.5
5,061.5
2.0
1,004.9
147.3
39.7
12.4
1,206.3
650.0
69.8
4.5
148.9
14.1
160.5
2,254.1
640.4
(14.4)
14.6
2,165.9
(0.4)
2,806.1
1.3
2,807.4
5,061.5
73.3
329.1
784.4
6.6
13.9
1,207.3
0.6
1,207.9
324.5
25.8
1,280.3
22.1
373.1
1,859.5
56.3
1.4
5,150.9
0.3
1,086.9
60.5
11.2
12.1
1,171.0
973.9
156.9
3.1
147.7
13.9
139.3
2,605.8
666.3
(12.2)
16.2
1,874.4
(0.4)
2,544.3
0.8
2,545.1
5,150.9
ERIC R. LA FLÈCHE
Director
MICHEL LABONTÉ
Director
- 47 -
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
Years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars)
Attributable to the equity holders of the parent
Capital
stock
(note 22)
Treasury
shares
(note 22)
Contributed
surplus
Retained
earnings
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
(52 weeks)
Balance as at
September 29, 2012
666.3
(12.2)
16.2
1,874.4
(0.4)
2,544.3
Net earnings
Other comprehensive
income
Comprehensive income
Stock options exercised
Shares redeemed
Share redemption premium
Acquisition of treasury
shares
Share-based
compensation cost
Performance share units
settlement
Dividends (note 23)
Reclassification of non-
controlling interest
liability
Change in fair value of
non-controlling interest
liability (note 29)
Balance as at
September 28, 2013
See accompanying notes
Total
equity
2,545.1
721.6
57.0
778.6
13.9
(43.3)
(366.1)
(6.3)
5.7
(0.3)
0.8
8.7
—
8.7
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
17.4
(43.3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(6.3)
—
4.1
—
—
—
—
—
—
(3.5)
—
—
—
5.7
(3.8)
—
—
—
712.9
57.0
769.9
—
—
(366.1)
—
—
(0.6)
(91.5)
—
(20.2)
(25.9)
(2.2)
(1.6)
(478.4)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
712.9
57.0
769.9
13.9
(43.3)
(366.1)
(6.3)
5.7
(0.3)
(91.5)
(7.2)
(98.7)
—
(1.0)
(1.0)
(20.2)
(508.1)
—
(20.2)
(8.2)
(516.3)
640.4
(14.4)
14.6
2,165.9
(0.4)
2,806.1
1.3
2,807.4
- 48 -
Consolidated statements of changes in equity
Years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars)
Attributable to the equity holders of the parent
(53 weeks)
Balance as at
September 24, 2011
Net earnings
Other comprehensive
income
Comprehensive income
Shares issued for cash
Stock options exercised
Shares redeemed
Share redemption
premium
Acquisition of treasury
shares
Share-based
compensation cost
Performance share units
settlement
Dividends (note 23)
Share conversion fees
Reclassification of non-
controlling interest
liability
Balance as at
September 29, 2012
See accompanying notes
Capital
stock
(note 22)
Treasury
shares
(note 22)
Contributed
surplus
Retained
earnings
684.6
(13.1)
16.0
1,711.2
—
—
—
0.1
10.3
(28.7)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(18.3)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(2.6)
—
3.5
—
—
—
0.9
—
—
—
—
(2.3)
—
—
—
6.1
(3.6)
—
—
481.8
(49.3)
432.5
—
—
—
(186.3)
—
—
—
(82.9)
(0.1)
—
0.2
—
(269.3)
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income
Non-
controlling
interests
Total
0.1
—
2,398.8
481.8
Total
equity
2,399.3
489.3
(49.8)
439.5
0.1
8.0
(28.7)
(186.3)
(2.6)
6.1
(0.1)
(82.9)
(0.1)
0.5
7.5
—
7.5
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(49.8)
432.0
0.1
8.0
(28.7)
(186.3)
(2.6)
6.1
(0.1)
(82.9)
(0.1)
(0.5)
(0.5)
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(286.5)
(7.2)
(7.2)
(7.2)
(293.7)
666.3
(12.2)
16.2
1,874.4
(0.4)
2,544.3
0.8
2,545.1
- 49 -
Consolidated statements of cash flows
Years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars)
Operating activities
Earnings before income taxes from continuing operations
Earnings (loss) before income taxes from discontinued operation (note 8)
Non-cash items
Share of an associate's earnings
Dilution gain from an associate (note 12)
Restructuring charges (note 6)
Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Loss (gain) on disposal and write-offs of fixed and intangible assets and
investment properties
Gain on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate (note 12)
Gain on disposal of an operation (note 8)
Impairment losses on fixed and intangible assets
Impairment loss reversals on fixed and intangible assets
Share-based compensation cost
Difference between amounts paid for employee benefits and current period cost
Financial costs, net
Net change in non-cash working capital items
Interest paid
Income taxes paid
Investing activities
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired totalling $3.0 in 2012 (note 5)
Proceeds on disposal of an operation (note 8)
Proceeds on disposal of assets held for sale
Proceeds on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate (note 12)
Net change in other financial assets
Dividends from an associate
Additions to fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of investment properties
Additions to intangible assets and goodwill
Financing activities
Net change in bank loans
Shares issued (note 22)
Shares redeemed (note 22)
Acquisition of treasury shares (note 22)
Performance share units cash settlement
Increase in debt
Repayment of debt
Net change in other liabilities
Dividends (note 23)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents – end of year
See accompanying notes
- 50 -
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
919.1
8.5
927.6
(50.8)
—
40.0
179.6
0.8
1.5
(307.8)
(8.9)
12.8
(7.6)
5.7
(22.4)
41.1
811.6
(68.9)
(42.5)
(133.4)
566.8
(11.6)
22.7
—
472.6
0.6
4.1
(208.4)
1.2
2.5
(19.4)
264.3
1.7
13.9
(409.4)
(6.3)
(0.3)
5.4
(337.3)
0.2
(91.5)
(823.6)
7.5
73.3
80.8
665.2
(1.2)
664.0
(47.6)
(25.0)
—
183.9
0.3
(5.4)
—
—
10.3
(10.0)
6.1
(43.3)
46.4
779.7
(44.4)
(48.0)
(141.2)
546.1
(146.8)
—
6.6
—
(4.6)
6.2
(210.5)
26.9
3.5
(38.3)
(357.0)
(15.5)
8.1
(215.0)
(2.6)
(0.1)
391.1
(454.9)
0.5
(82.9)
(371.3)
(182.2)
255.5
73.3
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
METRO INC. (the Corporation) is a company incorporated under the laws of Québec. The Corporation is one of Canada’s
leading food retailers and distributors and operates a network of supermarkets, discount stores and drugstores. Its head
office is located at 11011 Maurice-Duplessis Blvd., Montréal, Québec, Canada, H1C 1V6. Its various components
constitute a single operating segment.
2.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The consolidated financial statements, in Canadian dollars, have been prepared by management in accordance with
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared within the reasonable limits of materiality, on a historical cost
basis, except for certain financial instruments measured at fair value. The significant accounting policies are summarized
below:
Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries, as well as those of
special purpose entities. All intercompany transactions and balances were eliminated on consolidation.
Sales recognition
Sales come essentially from the sale of goods. Retail sales made by corporate stores and stores that are special purpose
entities are recognized at the time of sale to the customer, and sales to affiliated stores and other customers when the
goods are delivered. The rebates granted by the Corporation to its retailers are recorded as a reduction in sales.
Recognition of consideration from vendors
In some cases, a cash consideration from vendors is considered as an adjustment to the vendor's product pricing and
is therefore characterized as a reduction of cost of sales and related inventories when recognized in the consolidated
financial statements. Certain exceptions apply if the cash consideration constitutes the reimbursement of incremental
costs incurred by the Corporation to promote the vendor's products or a payment for assets or services delivered to
vendors. This other consideration from vendors is accounted for, according to its nature, under sales or as a reduction
of the cost of sales and operating expenses when receipt is considered likely and can be reasonably estimated.
Loyalty programs
The Corporation has two loyalty programs.
The first program, for which the Corporation acts as an agent, belongs to a third party and its cost is recorded as a
reduction in sales at the time of sale to the customer.
The second program belongs to the Corporation. At the time of a sale to the customer, part of it is recorded in accounts
payable as deferred revenue equal to the fair value of the program's issued points, as determined based on the exchange
value of the points awarded and the expected redemption rate which are regularly remeasured, and recognized as sales
when the points are redeemed.
Foreign currency translation
The consolidated financial statements are presented in Canadian dollars, the Corporation's functional currency.
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded at the functional currency rate prevailing at the date of the
transaction. At each closing, monetary items denominated in foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate
at the closing date. Non-monetary items that are measured at historical cost in foreign currency are translated using the
exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Non-monetary items that are measured at fair value in foreign currency
are translated using the exchange rate at the date when the fair value was determined. Gains or losses resulting from
currency translations are recognized in net earnings.
- 51 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Income taxes
Current tax assets and liabilities for the current and prior years are measured at the amount expected to be recovered
from or paid to the taxation authorities. The tax rates and tax laws used to determine these amounts are those that are
enacted or substantively enacted by tax authorities by the closing date.
The Corporation follows the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and
liabilities are accounted for based on estimated taxes recoverable or payable that would result from the recovery or
settlement of the carrying amount of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using
substantively enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when the temporary differences are expected to reverse. Changes
in these amounts are included in current net earnings in the period in which they occur. The carrying amount of deferred
tax assets is reviewed at every closing date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient earnings
will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax assets to be utilized.
Income tax relating to items recognized directly in equity is recognized in equity.
Share-based payment
A share-based compensation expense is recognized for the stock option and performance share unit (PSU) plans offered
to certain employees.
Stock option awards vest gradually over the vesting term and each tranche is considered as a separate award. The
value of the remuneration expense is calculated based on the fair value of the stock options at the option grant date and
using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The compensation expense is recognized over the vesting term of each
tranche.
The compensation expense for the PSU plan is determined based on the market value of the Corporation's Common
Shares at grant date. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The impact
of any changes in the number of PSUs is recorded in the period where the estimate is revised. The grant qualifies as
an equity instrument.
Net earnings per share
Basic net earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent by
the weighted average number of Common Shares outstanding during the year. For the fully diluted net earnings per
share, the net earnings attributable to equity holders of the parent and the weighted average number of Common Shares
outstanding are adjusted to reflect all potential dilutive shares.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand, bank balances, highly liquid investments (with an initial term of
three months or less), outstanding deposits and cheques in transit. They are classified as “Financial assets at fair value
through net earnings” and measured at fair value, with revaluation at the end of each period. Resulting gains or losses
are recorded in net earnings.
Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable and loans to certain customers are classified as “Loans and receivables”. After their initial fair value
measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. For the Corporation, the
measured amount generally corresponds to cost.
Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value. Warehouse inventories cost is determined by the
average cost method net of certain considerations received from vendors. Retail inventories cost is valued at the retail
price less the gross margin and certain considerations received from vendors. All costs incurred in bringing the inventories
to their present location and condition are included in the cost of warehouse and retail inventories.
- 52 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Assets held for sale
Non-current assets are classified as assets held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a
sale transaction rather than through continuing use. For this to be the case, the sale must be highly probable, assets
must be available for immediate sale in their present condition, and management must be committed to a plan to sell
assets that should be expected to close within one year from the date of classification. Assets held for sale are recognized
at the lower of their carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. They are not depreciated.
Investment in an associate
The Corporation's investment in its associate is accounted for using the equity method. An associate is an entity in which
the Corporation has significant influence.
Investment in a joint venture
The Corporation has an interest in a joint venture, whereby the venturers have a contractual agreement that establishes
joint control over the economic activities of the entity. This investment is accounted for using the equity method. The
Corporation's share in the joint venture's earnings is recorded in the cost of sales and operating expenses. The financial
information related to this investment is not material and is not presented separately.
Fixed assets
Fixed assets are recorded at cost. Principal components of a fixed asset with different useful lives are depreciated
separately. Buildings and equipment are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Leasehold
improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the remaining
lease term. The depreciation method and estimate of useful lives are reviewed annually.
Buildings
Equipment
Leasehold improvements
20 to 50 years
3 to 20 years
5 to 20 years
Leases
Leases are classified as finance leases if substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership are transferred to
the lessee. At the moment of initial recognition, the lessee records the leased item as an asset at the lower of the fair
value of the asset and the present value of the minimum lease payments. A corresponding liability to the lessor is recorded
in the consolidated statement of financial position as a finance lease obligation. In subsequent periods, the asset is
depreciated on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and interest on the obligation is expensed through net
earnings.
Leases are classified as operating leases if substantially all risks and rewards incidental to ownership are not transferred
to the lessee. The lease payments are recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Investment properties
Investment properties are held for capital appreciation and to earn rentals. They are not occupied by the owner for its
ordinary activities. They are recognized at cost. Principal components, except for land which is not depreciated, are
depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective useful lives which vary from 20 to 50 years. The depreciation
method and estimates of useful lives are reviewed annually.
- 53 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Intangible assets
Intangible assets with finite useful lives are recorded at cost and amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.
The amortization method and estimates of useful lives are reviewed annually.
Leasehold rights
Software
Improvements and development of retail network loyalty
Prescription files
20 to 40 years
3 to 10 years
5 to 30 years
10 years
The banners that the Corporation intends to keep and operate, the private labels for which it continues to develop new
products and the loyalty programs it intends to maintain qualify as intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. They are
recorded at cost and not amortized.
Goodwill
Goodwill is recognized at cost measured as the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the acquired enterprise's
identifiable net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is not amortized.
Impairment of non financial assets
At each reporting date, the Corporation must determine if there is any indication of depreciation of its fixed assets,
intangible assets with finite useful lives, investment properties and investment in an associate. If any indication exists,
the Corporation has to test the assets for impairment. Impairment testing of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives
and goodwill is to be done at least annually, regardless of any indication of depreciation.
Impairment testing is conducted at the level of the asset itself, a CGU or group of CGUs. A CGU is the smallest identifiable
group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups
of assets. Each store is a separate CGU. Impairment testing of warehouses is conducted at the level of the different
groups of CGUs. As for goodwill, certain private labels and support assets that cannot be allocated wholly to a single
CGU, impairment testing is conducted at the level of the unique operating segment. Impairment testing of investment
properties, investment in an associate, banners, certain private labels and loyalty programs is conducted at the level of
the asset itself.
To test for impairment, the carrying amount of an asset, CGU or group of CGUs is compared with its recoverable amount.
Generally, the recoverable amount is the higher of the value in use and the fair value less costs to sell. The value in use
corresponds to the pre-tax cash flow projections from the management-approved budgets. These projections reflect
past experience and are discounted at a pre-tax rate corresponding to the expected market rate for this type of investment.
The recoverable amount of investment properties, investment in an associate, banners, certain private labels and loyalty
programs is these assets' fair value less costs to sell. If the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount, an
impairment loss in the amount of the excess is recognized in net earnings. CGU or group of CGUs' impairment losses
are allocated pro rata to the assets of the CGU or group of CGUs, without however reducing the carrying amount of the
assets below the highest of their fair value less costs to sell, their value in use, and zero.
Except for goodwill, any reversal of an impairment loss is recognized immediately in net earnings. A reversal of an
impairment loss for a CGU or group of CGUs is allocated pro rata to the assets of the CGU or group of CGUs. The
recoverable amount of an asset increased by a reversal of an impairment loss may not exceed the carrying amount that
would have been determined, net of depreciation and amortization, if no impairment loss had been recognized for the
asset in prior years.
Deferred financing costs
Financing costs related to debt are deferred and amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the
corresponding loans. When one of these loans is repaid, the corresponding financing costs are charged to net earnings.
Employee benefits
Employee benefits include short-term employee benefits which correspond to wages and fringe benefits and are
recognized immediately in net earnings as are termination benefits which are also recorded as a liability when the
Corporation is demonstrably committed to terminating the employment.
- 54 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Employee benefits also include post-employment benefits which comprise pension benefits (both defined benefit and
defined contribution plans) and ancillary benefits such as post-employment life and medical insurance. Employee benefits
also comprise other long-term benefits, namely long-term disability benefits not covered by insurance plans and ancillary
benefits provided to employees on long-term disability. Assets and obligations and related costs of employee defined
benefit plans, ancillary retirement benefits and other long-term benefits plan are accounted for using the following
accounting policies:
• Defined benefit obligations and the cost of pension, ancillary retirement benefits and other long-term benefits earned
by participants are determined from actuarial calculations according to the projected credit unit method. The
calculations are based on management's best assumptions relating to expected long-term return on plan assets,
salary escalation, retirement age of participants and expected health care costs.
•
For the purpose of calculating the estimated rate of return on plan assets, assets are measured at fair value.
• Defined benefit obligations are discounted using high-quality corporate bond yield rates with cash flows that match
the timing and amount of expected benefit payments.
•
Actuarial gains or losses arise from the difference between the effective yield of plan assets for a period and the
expected yield on plan assets for that period, from changes in actuarial assumptions used to determine defined
benefit obligations and from emerging experience that differs from the selected assumptions. Actuarial gains or
losses relating to pension plans and ancillary retirement benefit plans are recognized under other comprehensive
income in the period in which they occur. Actuarial gains or losses relating to other long-term employee benefits
are recognized in full immediately in net earnings.
•
Past service cost for vested benefits is recognized immediately in net earnings. For non-vested benefits, past service
cost is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average remaining vesting period.
• Defined benefit plans assets or liabilities recognized in the consolidated statement of financial position correspond
to the difference between the present value of defined benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets. In the
case of a surplus funded plan, these assets are limited at the lesser of the actuarial value determined for accounting
purposes or the value of the future economic benefit by way of surplus refunds or contribution holidays. Furthermore,
an additional liability could be recorded when minimum funding requirements for past services exceed economic
benefits available. The asset ceiling effect and minimum funding requirement are recognized under other
comprehensive income in the period in which they occur.
Defined contribution plans costs, including those of multi-employer plans, are recorded when the contributions are due.
As sufficient information to reliably determine multi-employer defined benefit plan obligations and assets is not available
and as there is no actuarial valuation according to IFRS, these plans are accounted for as defined contribution plans.
Provisions
Provisions are recognized when the Corporation has a present obligation (legal or constructive) resulting from a past
event and will likely have to settle the obligation, the amount of which can be reliably estimated. The amount recognized
as provision is the best estimate of the expense required to settle the present obligation at the closing date. When a
provision is measured based on estimated cash flows required to settle the present obligation, its carrying amount is
the discounted value of these cash flows.
Present obligations resulting from onerous contracts are accounted for and measured as provisions. A contract is said
to be onerous when the costs involved in fulfilling the terms and conditions of the contract are higher than the contract's
expected economic benefits.
Other financial liabilities
Bank loans, accounts payable, credit facility, notes and loans payable are classified as “Other financial liabilities”. After
their initial fair value measurement, they are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method. For the
Corporation, the measured amount generally corresponds to cost.
Non-controlling interests
Non-controlling interests are usually recognized in equity. However, with respect to the interests in Adonis et Phoenicia,
the Corporation has a call option on their minority shareholder’s interest and the minority shareholder has a put option
to sell its interest in the two entities to the Corporation under certain conditions at the date the options become exercisable.
Given these options, the non-controlling interest is a financial liability. It is classified as "Financial liabilities held for
trading" and measured at fair value with gains or losses resulting from the revaluation at the end of each period recorded
in net earnings or in retained earnings. The Corporation elected to record them in retained earnings.
- 55 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Derivative financial instruments
In accordance with its risk management strategy, the Corporation uses derivative financial instruments for hedging
purposes. On inception of a hedging relationship, the Corporation indicates whether or not it will apply hedge accounting
to the relationship. Should there be any, the Corporation formally documents several factors, such as the election to
apply hedge accounting, the hedged item, the hedging item, the risks being hedged and the term over which the
relationship is expected to be effective, as well as risk management objectives and strategy.
The effectiveness of the hedging relationship is measured at its inception to determine whether it will be highly effective
over the term of the relationship and assessed periodically to ensure that hedge accounting is still appropriate. The
results of these assessments are formally documented.
The Corporation uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against foreign exchange rate fluctuations in respect
of future foreign-denominated purchases of goods and services. Given their short-term maturity, the Corporation elected
not to apply hedge accounting to its foreign exchange forward contracts. These derivative financial instruments are
classified as "Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through net earnings" and measured at fair value with revaluation
at the end of each period. Resulting gains or losses are recorded in net earnings.
Fiscal year
The Corporation's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday of September. The fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 included
52 weeks of operations and the fiscal year ended September 29, 2012 included 53 weeks of operations.
3. NEW ACCOUNTING POLICIES
ADOPTED IN 2013
Presentation of financial statements
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 1 “Presentation of Financial Statements”. Items of other
comprehensive income and the corresponding tax expense are required to be grouped into those that will and will not
subsequently be reclassified through net earnings. The Corporation has applied these amendments in its fiscal 2013
annual financial statements. Additional information was disclosed in the consolidated statement of comprehensive
income.
RECENTLY ISSUED
Classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities
In November 2009, the IASB issued IFRS 9 “Financial Instruments”. This new standard replaces the various rules of
IAS 39 “Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement” with a single approach to determine whether a financial
asset is measured at amortized cost or fair value. This approach is based on how an entity manages its financial
instruments and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets.
In October 2010, the IASB issued revisions to IFRS 9, adding the requirements for classification and measurement of
financial liabilities contained in IAS 39.
In December 2011, the IASB deferred the mandatory effective date of IFRS 9 to fiscal years beginning on or after
January 1, 2015. Early adoption is permitted under certain conditions. The Corporation will not adopt this new standard
early and will, over the next fiscal year, assess the impact of IFRS 9 on its financial statements.
Offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities
In December 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 32 “Financial Instruments: Presentation” clarifying the
requirements for offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities. The IASB specified that the right of set-off had to be
legally enforceable even in the event of bankruptcy.
- 56 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
The IASB also issued amendments to IFRS 7 “Financial Instruments: Disclosures” improving disclosures on offsetting
of financial assets and financial liabilities.
The amendments to IFRS 7 are applicable to the first quarter of the Corporation's 2014 fiscal year. The amendments to
IAS 32 are applicable to the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In order to co-ordinate the two standards' application, the
Corporation will early adopt IAS 32 in the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. These amendments will not impact the
Corporation's financial statements, but additional information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
Consolidated financial statements
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 10 “Consolidated Financial Statements” which is a replacement of SIC-12
“Consolidation - Special Interest Entities” and certain parts of IAS 27 “Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements”.
IFRS 10 eliminates the risk/benefit-based approach and uses control as the sole basis for consolidation. An investor
controls an investee if and only if the investor has all of the following elements:
a)
b)
c)
power over the investee;
exposure or rights to variable returns from involvement with the investee;
the ability to use power over the investee to affect the amount of the investor's returns.
The Corporation will apply IFRS 10 as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the
Corporation's financial statements.
Joint arrangements
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 11 “Joint Arrangements” which supersedes IAS 31 “Interests in Joint Ventures” and
SIC-13 “Jointly Controlled Entities - Non-Monetary Contributions by Venturers”. This standard describes two types of
joint arrangements which differ according to the rights and obligations of the partners: joint operations and joint ventures.
IFRS 11 eliminates the proportionate consolidation method for joint ventures and requires the equity method. However,
proportionate consolidation is maintained for joint operations. The Corporation will apply IFRS 11 as of the first quarter
of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the Corporation's financial statements.
Disclosure of interests in other entities
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 12 “Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities” which requires that an entity disclose
more information on the nature of and risks associated with its interests in other entities (i.e. subsidiaries, joint
arrangements, associates or unconsolidated structured entities) and the effects of those interests on its financial
statements. The Corporation will apply IFRS 12 as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. Additional information will
be disclosed through notes to the annual financial statements.
Fair value measurement
In May 2011, the IASB issued IFRS 13 “Fair Value Measurement” to establish a single framework for fair value
measurement of financial and non-financial items. IFRS 13 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell
an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. It
also requires disclosure of more information on fair value measurements. The Corporation will apply IFRS 13 as of the
first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year. This standard will not impact the Corporation's financial statements, but additional
information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
Employee benefits
In June 2011, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 19 “Employee Benefits” (IAS 19R). IAS 19R eliminates the corridor
method for recognizing changes (actuarial gains and losses) in defined benefit obligations and plan assets and requires
that they be recognized in other comprehensive income when they occur. Application of this amendment will have no
impact, as the Corporation has used immediate recognition of actuarial gains and losses in other comprehensive income
since the transition to IFRS.
IAS 19R eliminates the possibility of deferring recognition of past service costs related to unvested benefits and requires
their immediate recognition in the income statement. Application of this amendment will have no impact for the
Corporation, as no past service costs have been deferred since the transition to IFRS.
- 57 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Under IAS 19, the employee benefit expense included a financial cost composed of interest income corresponding to
the expected return on plan assets measured according to management assumptions based on market expectations.
IAS 19R eliminates the expected return on plan assets component and requires recognition of net interest on defined
benefit obligations net of plan assets based on the discount rate for measuring obligations. This net interest is not a
component of the employee benefit expense and will be presented as part of finance costs. The Corporation expects
this amendment to increase annual employee benefit expenses by about $15 and annual financial costs by about $10.The
Corporation will apply these amendments as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year.
IAS 19R also requires additional disclosures to present the characteristics of defined benefit plans to the annual financial
statements.
Impairment of assets
In May 2013, the IASB issued amendments to IAS 36 “Impairment of Assets” to require disclosures about assets or cash
generating units for which an impairment loss was recognized or reversed during the period. The Corporation will apply
the amendments to IAS 36 along with the new IFRS 13 requirements as of the first quarter of its 2014 fiscal year.
Additional information will be disclosed through notes to financial statements.
4.
SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the recognition and valuation of assets, liabilities, sales, other income and expenses. These
estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors deemed relevant and reasonable and
are reviewed at every closing date. The use of different estimates could produce different amounts in the consolidated
financial statements. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
JUDGEMENTS
In applying the Corporation's accounting policies, management has made the following judgements, which have the
most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements:
Consolidation of special purpose entities
The Corporation has no voting rights in certain food stores. However, it assumes the majority of their risks and benefits
from the majority of their advantages. For these reasons, the Corporation consolidates these food stores in its financial
statements.
The Corporation has no voting rights in the trust created for PSU plan participants. However, under the trust agreement,
it instructs the trustee as to the sale and purchase of Corporation shares and payments to beneficiaries, gives the trustee
money to buy Corporation shares, assumes the majority of the risks, benefits from the majority of the advantages, and
ensures that the trust holds a sufficient number of shares to meet its obligations to the beneficiaries. Management,
having concluded that the Corporation controls the trust, consolidates the entity in its financial statements.
The Corporation also has an agreement with a distributor, whose majority of risks it assumes and whose majority of
advantages it benefits from. For these reasons, the Corporation consolidates this distributor in its financial statements.
ESTIMATES
The assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the value of assets and liabilities within the next period, are discussed
below:
Impairment of assets
In testing for impairment of intangible assets with indefinite useful lives and goodwill, value in use and fair value less
costs to sell are estimated using the discounted future cash flows model, the capitalized excess earnings before financial
costs and taxes (EBIT) and royalty-free licence methods. These methods are based on various assumptions, such as
the future cash flows estimate, excess EBIT, royalty rates, discount rate, earnings multiples and growth rate. The key
assumptions are disclosed in notes 16 and 17.
- 58 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Pension plans and other plans
Defined pension plans, ancillary retirements and other long-term benefits obligations and costs associated to these
obligations are determined from actuarial calculations according to the projected credit unit method. These calculations
are based on management's best assumptions relating to expected long-term return on plan assets, salary escalation,
retirement age of participants and expected health care costs. The key assumptions are disclosed in note 24.
Non-controlling interest
The non-controlling interest-related liability is calculated in relation to the price to be paid by the Corporation for the non-
controlling interest, which price is based mainly on the future earnings of Adonis and Phoenicia at the date the options
become exercisable. Given the uncertainty associated with the estimation of these future earnings, the Corporation
used, at the end of the current fiscal year, its most probable estimate and various other assumptions, including the
discount rate, growth rate and capital investments. Additional information is presented in note 29.
5. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
On October 23, 2011, the Corporation acquired 55% of the net assets of Adonis, a Montréal-area retailer with four existing
stores and a fifth one under construction that was opened in December 2011, as well as Phoenicia, an importer and
wholesaler with a distribution centre in Montréal and another in the Greater Toronto Area. These businesses specialize
in perishable and ethnic food products. The final purchase price paid by the Corporation for the 55% interest was $161.4,
the remaining balance of $11.6 as at September 29, 2012 has been paid during the first quarter of 2013. The acquisition
was accounted for using the purchase method. The Corporation controls the acquired businesses and consolidated their
earnings as of the date of acquisition. The final total purchase price allocation was as follows:
Net assets acquired at their fair value
Cash
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
Finite useful life
Indefinite useful life
Goodwill
Bank loans
Accounts payable
Debt
Deferred tax liabilities
Cash consideration for the Corporation's interest (55%)
Non-controlling interest (45%) (note 29)
3.0
10.6
24.3
0.5
11.9
10.7
63.4
206.8
(15.5)
(5.4)
(10.4)
(6.4)
293.5
161.4
132.1
293.5
The non-controlling interest was measured at 45% of the fair value of the acquired companies' net assets.
The goodwill from the acquisition corresponds to the growth potential of Adonis stores and the broadening of the
Corporation’s customer base through improvement of the ethnic food offering in all its stores. In the goodwill’s tax
treatment, 53% of the goodwill is treated as an eligible capital property with related tax deductions and 47% as non-
deductible.
Between October 23, 2011 and September 29, 2012, the acquired businesses have increased Corporation sales and
net earnings by $236.6 and $16.0 respectively. If the acquisition had taken place at the beginning of the year, the acquired
businesses would have increased Corporation sales and net earnings by an additional amount of $16.5 and
$1.1 respectively for the year ended September 29, 2012.
In fiscal 2012, acquisition-related costs of $1.1 were recorded in cost of sales and operating expenses.
- 59 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
6. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE NATURE OF EARNINGS COMPONENTS
Continuing operations
Sales
Cost of sales and operating expenses
Cost of sales
Wages and fringe benefits
Employee benefit expense (note 24)
Rents, taxes and common costs
Electricity and natural gas
Impairment losses on fixed and intangible assets (notes 14 and 16)
Impairment loss reversals on fixed and intangible assets (notes 14 and 16)
Other expenses
Restructuring charges
Depreciation and amortization
Fixed assets (note 14)
Investment properties (note 15)
Intangible assets (note 16)
Financing costs, net
Current interest
Non-current interest
Amortization of deferred financing costs
Interest income
Passage of time
Share of an associate’s earnings (note 12)
Dilution gain from an associate (note 12)
Gain on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate (note 12)
Earnings before income taxes from continuing operations
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
11,402.8
11,674.9
(9,237.0)
(642.6)
(46.8)
(259.3)
(118.3)
(12.8)
7.6
(272.4)
(10,581.6)
(40.0)
(9,485.9)
(656.2)
(49.1)
(259.7)
(113.4)
(9.5)
10.0
(288.2)
(10,852.0)
—
(147.0)
—
(32.6)
(179.6)
(2.1)
(40.5)
(0.8)
2.7
(0.4)
(41.1)
50.8
—
307.8
919.1
(150.5)
(0.1)
(33.3)
(183.9)
(2.9)
(45.1)
(0.3)
2.2
(0.3)
(46.4)
47.6
25.0
—
665.2
Impairment losses and impairment loss reversals recorded during the fiscal years were particularly on food stores where
cash flows decreased or increased due to local competition.
During fiscal 2013, restructuring charges of $40.0 before taxes were recorded for severances, vacant leases provisions,
assets write-offs and others.
- 60 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
7.
INCOME TAXES
The effective income tax rates were as follows:
(Percentage)
Combined statutory income tax rate
Changes
Impact on deferred taxes due to postponement
of 1.5% future reductions of Ontario tax rate
Gain on disposal of a portion of the investment in an associate
Share of earnings and dilution gain from an associate
Others
The main components of the income tax expense were as follows:
Consolidated income statements
Current
Current tax expense
Adjustment of taxes payable for prior years
Deferred
Adjustment related to temporary differences
Impact on deferred taxes due to postponement
of 1.5% future reductions of Ontario tax rate
Consolidated comprehensive income statements
Deferred tax related to items reported directly in other
comprehensive income during the year
Changes in defined benefit plans
Actuarial gains (losses)
Asset ceiling effect
Minimum funding requirement
Share of an associate's other comprehensive income
Impact on deferred taxes due to postponement
of 1.5% future reductions of Ontario tax rate
- 61 -
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
26.9
—
(4.5)
(0.9)
0.7
22.2
27.2
0.5
—
(1.8)
0.4
26.3
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
217.4
3.5
(17.2)
—
203.7
151.1
(6.9)
27.8
3.0
175.0
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
23.2
(1.8)
(0.6)
—
—
20.8
(17.2)
(0.7)
—
(0.1)
(1.0)
(19.0)
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax impact of temporary differences between the value of assets and liabilities for
accounting and tax purposes. The main components of the deferred tax expense and deferred tax assets and liabilities
were as follows:
Consolidated statements
of financial position
Consolidated statements
of income
As at
September 28
2013
As at
September 29
2012
2013
2012
(52 weeks)
(53 weeks)
Accrued expenses, provisions and other
reserves that are tax-deductible only at
the time of disbursement
Deferred tax losses
Inventories
Excess of tax value over net carrying value
of buildings under finance leases
Employee benefits
Investment in an associate
Excess of net carrying value over tax value
Fixed assets
Investment properties
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities
2.9
1.7
(9.2)
4.7
13.9
(27.4)
1.4
0.8
(56.0)
(27.8)
(95.0)
53.9
(148.9)
(95.0)
(2.4)
1.6
(9.4)
5.2
41.9
(39.7)
(9.6)
0.8
(56.0)
(23.8)
(91.4)
56.3
(147.7)
(91.4)
5.3
0.1
0.2
(0.5)
(7.2)
12.3
11.0
—
—
(4.0)
17.2
1.2
0.1
(2.9)
(0.3)
(9.1)
(8.8)
2.8
(0.3)
(8.5)
(5.0)
(30.8)
- 62 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
8. DISCONTINUED OPERATION
On December 17, 2012, the Corporation disposed of its food service operation, the Distagro division, which supplied
restaurant chains and convenience stores belonging to and operated by gas station chains. The final disposal price of
this operation was $23.6, with a balance receivable of $0.9.
Sales and other income statement items of this division are presented in the consolidated statement of income in the
"Discontinued operation" section, and the year ended September 29, 2012 was restated as a result.
The discontinued operation's net earnings (loss) were fully attributed to equity holders of the parent and are itemized
below:
Sales
Cost of sales and operating expenses
Loss before income taxes
Income taxes
Gain on disposal of an operation
Income taxes
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
96.1
(96.5)
(0.4)
0.1
(0.3)
8.9
(2.4)
6.2
335.9
(337.1)
(1.2)
0.3
(0.9)
—
—
(0.9)
The discontinued operation's basic net earnings (loss) per share and fully diluted net earnings (loss) per share were as
follows:
(Dollars)
Basic
Fully diluted
The final disposal price allocation is itemized below:
Assets
Accounts receivable
Inventories
Other financial assets
Fixed assets
Goodwill
Liabilities
Accounts payable
Gain on disposal of an operation
Disposal price
Cash consideration
Balance due (note 11)
Total consideration
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
0.06
0.06
(0.01)
(0.01)
10.0
11.6
1.4
0.7
4.0
27.7
(13.0)
8.9
23.6
22.7
0.9
23.6
The discontinued operation's cash flows from operating activities generated inflows of $3.6 for fiscal 2013 [$(4.0) in
2012].
- 63 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
9. NET EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic net earnings per share and fully diluted net earnings per share were calculated using the following number of
shares:
(Millions)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Basic
Dilutive effect under:
Stock option plan
Performance share unit plan
Weighted average number of shares outstanding – Fully diluted
10.
INVENTORIES
Inventories were detailed as follows:
Wholesale inventories
Retail inventories
11. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
Assets held for sale were as follows:
Balance receivable related to discontinued operation (note 8)
Other assets
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
94.8
0.5
0.2
95.5
2013
338.2
443.1
781.3
2013
0.9
—
0.9
98.9
0.4
0.3
99.6
2012
335.3
449.1
784.4
2012
—
0.6
0.6
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Corporation was committed to a sale plan for these assets.
They were reclassified in the assets held for sale in the consolidated statement of financial position and measured at
the lower of carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. No loss related to these assets was recorded during 2012
and 2013.
- 64 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
12.
INVESTMENT IN AN ASSOCIATE
The Corporation has a 5.7% (11.1% in 2012) interest in a publicly traded associate, which is Alimentation Couche-Tard.
On January 22, 2013, the Corporation sold close to half of its investment in Alimentation Couche-Tard to three financial
institutions for a cash consideration of $479.0 and for proceeds, net of fees and commissions, of $472.6. A net before-
tax gain of $307.8 ($266.4 after-taxes) was recorded in the Corporation's 2013 results.
investment associate's quoted market value was $698.3 as at September 28, 2013 ($937.7 as at
The
September 29, 2012).
The associate's reporting date is the last Sunday of April of every year. The Corporation applied the equity method, using
the associate's first quarter financial statements as at July 21, 2013 (July 22, 2012).
The associate's financial information was as follows:
Share of the associate's statement of financial position:
Assets
Liabilities
Carrying amount of the investment
Share of the associate's earnings:
Sales
Net earnings
Change in equity
2013
589.2
403.4
206.4
2012
1,134.5
883.6
324.5
2013
2012
2,707.6
50.8
—
2,662.7
47.6
25.0
In August 2012, Alimentation Couche-Tard issued 7.3 million shares for net proceeds of approximately $330 to finance
part of its acquisition of Statoil Fuel & Retail ASA. As the Corporation did not invest in this share issue, its interest in
Alimentation Couche-Tard decreased from 11.6% to 11.1%. This dilution and the Corporation's share in Alimentation
Couche-Tard's increased value as a result of the share issue amount to a deemed disposition and deemed proceeds of
disposition of part of its investment for a net pre-tax gain of $25.0.
13. OTHER FINANCIAL ASSETS
Loans to certain customers, bearing interest at floating rates,
repayable in monthly instalments, maturing through 2030
Other assets
Current portion included in accounts receivable
2013
25.8
3.4
29.2
1.7
27.5
2012
23.5
3.7
27.2
1.4
25.8
- 65 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
14. FIXED ASSETS
Land
Buildings
Equipment
Leasehold
improvements
Buildings
under
finance
leases
Cost
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Acquisitions
Acquisitions through business
combinations (note 5)
Disposals and write-offs
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Acquisitions
Disposals and write-offs
Disposals related to the discontinued
operation (note 8)
165.7
28.1
—
(2.1)
191.7
22.5
—
—
443.2
52.5
—
(18.2)
477.5
59.2
—
1,128.3
82.0
8.4
(33.5)
1,185.2
88.3
(47.0)
596.9
47.9
3.5
(14.7)
633.6
38.4
(76.8)
55.6
—
—
—
55.6
—
—
Total
2,389.7
210.5
11.9
(68.5)
2,543.6
208.4
(123.8)
—
(8.2)
(4.3)
—
(12.5)
Balance as at September 28, 2013
214.2
536.7
1,218.3
590.9
55.6
2,615.7
Accumulated depreciation and
impairment
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Depreciation
Disposals and write-offs
Impairment losses
Impairment loss reversals
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Depreciation
Disposals and write-offs
Disposal related to the discontinued
operation (note 8)
Impairment losses
Impairment loss reversals
(1.9)
—
0.3
—
0.4
(1.2)
—
—
—
—
0.8
(118.2)
(12.7)
5.6
—
0.9
(124.4)
(14.1)
—
—
—
1.5
(706.7)
(85.9)
33.4
(4.6)
4.4
(759.4)
(81.5)
47.0
7.5
(6.8)
2.5
(316.5)
(48.3)
11.1
(4.2)
3.5
(354.4)
(47.9)
68.3
4.3
(3.5)
1.4
(20.3)
(3.6)
—
—
—
(23.9)
(3.5)
—
—
—
—
(1,163.6)
(150.5)
50.4
(8.8)
9.2
(1,263.3)
(147.0)
115.3
11.8
(10.3)
6.2
Balance as at September 28, 2013
(0.4)
(137.0)
(790.7)
(331.8)
(27.4)
(1,287.3)
Net carrying value
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Balance as at September 28, 2013
190.5
213.8
353.1
399.7
425.8
427.6
279.2
259.1
31.7
28.2
1,280.3
1,328.4
- 66 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
15.
INVESTMENT PROPERTIES
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Transfers
Disposals and write-offs
Depreciation
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Transfers
Disposals and write-offs
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Cost
39.6
(0.6)
(5.1)
—
33.9
0.6
(2.3)
32.2
Accumulated
depreciation
Net carrying
value
(12.6)
—
0.9
(0.1)
(11.8)
—
0.3
(11.5)
27.0
(0.6)
(4.2)
(0.1)
22.1
0.6
(2.0)
20.7
The fair value of investment properties was $27.0 as at September 28, 2013 ($28.3 as at September 29, 2012). The fair
value was determined based on recent transactions observable in the market rather than an independent expert's
valuation.
- 67 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
16.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets with finite useful lives were as follows:
Leasehold
rights
Software
Improvements and
development of retail
network loyalty
Prescription
files
Total
Cost
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Acquisitions
Acquisitions through business
combinations (note 5)
Disposals and write-offs
Transfers
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Acquisitions
Disposals and write-offs
Disposals related to the
discontinued operation (note 8)
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Accumulated amortization
and impairment
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Amortization
Disposals and write-offs
Impairment losses
Impairment loss reversals
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Amortization
Disposals and write-offs
Disposals related to the
discontinued operation (note 8)
Impairment losses
Impairment loss reversals
74.9
—
—
1.5
—
76.4
—
(5.6)
—
70.8
(42.1)
(2.6)
(1.5)
(0.6)
0.4
(46.4)
(1.4)
5.6
—
(2.4)
1.4
170.8
3.9
0.1
(0.2)
—
174.6
4.0
(4.1)
(12.2)
162.3
(136.0)
(11.7)
0.2
(0.8)
0.1
(148.2)
(10.9)
4.1
12.2
—
—
Balance as at September 28, 2013
(43.2)
(142.8)
Net carrying value
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Balance as at September 28, 2013
30.0
27.6
26.4
19.5
213.9
37.6
10.6
(12.9)
(2.0)
247.2
22.8
(23.3)
(5.3)
241.4
(96.7)
(18.4)
7.3
—
—
(107.8)
(19.5)
22.5
5.3
(0.1)
—
(99.6)
139.4
141.8
7.4
1.9
—
(0.4)
—
8.9
—
(0.5)
—
8.4
(4.9)
(0.6)
0.4
(0.1)
0.3
(4.9)
(0.8)
0.2
—
—
—
467.0
43.4
10.7
(12.0)
(2.0)
507.1
26.8
(33.5)
(17.5)
482.9
(279.7)
(33.3)
6.4
(1.5)
0.8
(307.3)
(32.6)
32.4
17.5
(2.5)
1.4
(5.5)
(291.1)
4.0
2.9
199.8
191.8
- 68 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives were as follows:
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Acquisitions through business
combinations (note 5)
Balance as at September 29, 2012 and
September 28, 2013
Banners
Private labels
Loyalty programs
Total
53.3
57.0
110.3
33.1
6.4
39.5
23.5
109.9
—
63.4
23.5
173.3
Net additions of intangible assets excluded from the consolidated statement of cash flows amounted to $7.5 in 2013
($6.5 in 2012).
For impairment testing, the carrying amount of certain private labels was allocated to the unique operating segment.
The recoverable amount was determined based on its value in use which was calculated using pre-tax cash flow forecasts
from the management-approved budgets. The forecasts reflected past experience. A pre-tax discount rate of 14.0% was
used without considering a growth rate.
Impairment testing of loyalty programs was conducted at the level of the asset itself. The recoverable amount was
determined based on its fair value less costs to sell, which was calculated using the capitalized excess EBIT method.
The estimated EBIT directly allocated to the programs, after deduction of the return on contributory assets, was based
on historical data reflecting past experience. The earnings multiple used was 6.7 considering a growth rate of 2.0%
corresponding to the consumer price index.
Impairment testing of banners and certain private labels were conducted at the level of the asset itself. The recoverable
amount was determined based on its fair value less costs to sell, which was calculated using the royalty-free licence
method. The estimated royalty rate was based on information from external sources and historical data reflecting past
experience. For the banners, the earnings multiples used were 7.3 and 7.5 considering growth rate of 2.0% corresponding
to the consumer price index. For certain private labels, the earnings multiple used was 7.3 considering a growth rate of
2.0% corresponding to the consumer price index.
No reasonably possible change of any of the previously mentioned key assumptions would result in a carrying amount
higher than the recoverable amount.
- 69 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
17. GOODWILL
Balance – beginning of year
Acquisitions
Acquisitions through business combinations (note 5)
Disposal related to the discontinued operation (note 8)
Disposals
Balance – end of year
2013
1,859.5
0.1
—
(4.0)
—
1,855.6
2012
1,649.1
7.3
206.8
—
(3.7)
1,859.5
For impairment testing, the carrying amount of goodwill was allocated to the unique operating segment. The recoverable
amount was determined based on its value in use, which was calculated using pre-tax cash flow forecasts from the
management-approved budgets. The forecasts reflected past experience. A pre-tax discount rate of 14.0% was used
without consideration of the growth rate. No reasonably possible change of any of these key assumptions would result
in a carrying amount higher than the recoverable amount.
18. BANK LOANS
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Corporation's only bank loans were the credit margins of special
purpose entities. The consolidated special purpose entities have credit margins totalling $7.7 ($6.5 as at
September 29, 2012), bearing interest at prime, unsecured and maturing on various dates through 2014. As at
September 28, 2013, $2.0 ($0.3 as at September 29, 2012) had been drawn down under credit margins at an interest
rate of 3.0% (3.0% as at September 29, 2012).
19. PROVISIONS
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Additional provisions
Amounts used
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Current provisions
Non-current provisions
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Additional provisions
Amounts used
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Current provisions
Non-current provisions
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Onerous leases
Restructuring
charges
(note 6)
5.4
0.8
(1.8)
4.4
1.3
3.1
4.4
4.4
1.1
(1.7)
3.8
2.1
1.7
3.8
8.9
—
(8.9)
—
—
—
—
—
34.3
—
34.3
31.5
2.8
34.3
Other
7.0
11.0
(8.1)
9.9
9.9
—
9.9
9.9
7.8
(11.6)
6.1
6.1
—
6.1
Total
21.3
11.8
(18.8)
14.3
11.2
3.1
14.3
14.3
43.2
(13.3)
44.2
39.7
4.5
44.2
The provision for onerous leases corresponds to the discounted present value of the future lease payments the
Corporation has to make under non-cancellable onerous operating leases, less the income that should be made from
these leases, including estimated future sublease income, if any. The estimate may vary in response to changes in use
of leased premises and subleases, if any. The remaining terms of these leases are from one to 12 years.
- 70 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
The restructuring provision corresponds to a reorganization of the store network. Certain Metro supermarkets will be
converted into discount stores, some collective agreements will be bought out, early exit will be offered to some employees
and a few stores will close. The actual expenditures associated with this reorganization will be known in the coming
months. The value of the provision is the Corporation’s best estimate of the amount of expenditures it deems most likely
at fiscal year end.
Other provisions include notably amounts with respect to provincial worker's compensation insurance.
20. DEBT
Revolving Credit Facility, bearing interest at a weighted average rate of 2.47%
(2.48% in 2012), repayable on November 3, 2017 or earlier
Series A Notes, bearing interest at a fixed nominal rate of 4.98%, maturing on
October 15, 2015 and redeemable at the issuer's option at fair value at any time
prior to maturity
Series B Notes, bearing interest at a fixed nominal rate of 5.97%, maturing on
October 15, 2035 and redeemable at the issuer's option at fair value at any time
prior to maturity
Loans, maturing on various dates through 2027, bearing interest at an average
rate of 3.16% (3.06% in 2012)
Obligations under finance leases, bearing interest at an effective rate of 8.6%
(8.6% in 2012)
Deferred financing costs
Current portion
2013
2012
—
315.4
200.0
200.0
400.0
28.1
39.0
(4.7)
662.4
12.4
650.0
400.0
32.6
43.2
(5.2)
986.0
12.1
973.9
The revolving credit facility with a maximum of $600.0 bears interest at rates that fluctuate with changes in bankers'
acceptance rates and is unsecured. As at September 28, 2013, the unused authorized revolving credit facility was $600.0
($284.6 as at September 29, 2012). Given that the Corporation frequently increases and decreases this loan through
bankers' acceptances with a minimum of 30 days and to simplify its presentation, the Corporation found that it is preferable
for the understanding of its financing activities to present the consolidated statement of cash flows solely with net annual
changes.
Minimum required payments on debt in the upcoming fiscal years will be as follows:
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 and thereafter
Loans
Notes
Obligations under
finance leases
8.6
1.7
1.1
0.8
0.4
15.5
28.1
—
—
200.0
—
—
400.0
600.0
6.8
5.7
6.0
5.8
5.4
30.1
59.8
Total
15.4
7.4
207.1
6.6
5.8
445.6
687.9
The minimum payments in respect of the obligations under finance leases included interest amounting to $20.8 on these
obligations in 2013 ($24.1 in 2012).
On October 1, 2013, the maturity of the revolving credit facility was extended to November 3, 2018 and this change is
not taken into consideration in the present note tables.
- 71 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
21. OTHER LIABILITIES
Lease liabilities
Other liabilities
2013
11.2
2.9
14.1
2012
12.1
1.8
13.9
22. CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of the Corporation was summarized as follows:
• unlimited number of Common Shares, bearing one voting right per share, participating, without par value;
• unlimited number of Preferred Shares, non-voting, without par value, issuable in series.
The Common Shares issued and the changes during the year were summarized as follows:
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Shares issued for cash
Shares redeemed for cash, excluding premium of $186.3
Stock options exercised
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Shares redeemed for cash, excluding premium of $366.1
Stock options exercised
Balance as at September 28, 2013
The treasury shares changes during the year were summarized as follows:
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Acquisition
Release
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Acquisition
Release
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Number
(Thousands)
101,384
2
(4,213)
271
97,444
(6,241)
445
91,648
Number
(Thousands)
300
50
(92)
258
94
(90)
262
684.6
0.1
(28.7)
10.3
666.3
(43.3)
17.4
640.4
(13.1)
(2.6)
3.5
(12.2)
(6.3)
4.1
(14.4)
Treasury shares are held in trust for the PSU plan. They will be released into circulation when the PSUs settle. The trust,
considered a special purpose entity, is consolidated in the Corporation's financial statements.
- 72 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Stock option plan
The Corporation has a stock option plan for certain Corporation employees providing for the grant of options to purchase
up to 10,000,000 Common Shares. As at September 28, 2013, a balance of 2,814,512 shares that could be issued
following the exercise of stock options (3,259,356 as at September 29, 2012). The subscription price of each Common
Share under an option granted pursuant to the plan is equal to the market price of the shares on the day prior to option
grant date and must be paid in full at the time the option is exercised. While the Board of Directors determines other
terms and conditions for the exercise of options, no options may have a term of more than five years from the date the
option may initially be exercised, in whole or in part, and the total term may in no circumstances exceed ten years from
the option grant date. Options may generally be exercised two years after their grant date and vest at the rate of 20%
per year.
The outstanding options and the changes during the year were summarized as follows:
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Number
(Thousands)
(Dollars)
1,776
293
(271)
(115)
1,683
224
(445)
(111)
1,351
35.38
53.76
29.77
38.44
39.27
66.11
31.16
42.54
46.12
The information regarding the stock options outstanding and exercisable as at September 28, 2013 was summarized
as below :
Range of exercise prices
(Dollars)
24.73 to 29.63
34.56 to 43.64
44.19 to 53.15
58.40 to 66.29
Outstanding options
Exercisable options
Weighted
average
remaining
period
(Months)
Weighted
average
exercise
price
(Dollars)
19.8
31.6
55.7
77.4
49.6
25.86
38.04
48.55
65.09
46.12
Number
(Thousands)
213
254
629
255
1,351
Number
(Thousands)
129
128
95
—
352
Weighted
average
exercise
price
(Dollars)
26.02
37.69
45.40
—
35.49
The weighted average fair value of $11.30 per option ($10.50 in 2012) for stock options granted during fiscal 2013 was
determined at the time of grant using the Black-Scholes model and the following weighted average assumptions: risk-
free interest rate of 1.2% (1.7% in 2012), expected life of 5.4 years (5.8 years in 2012), expected volatility of 21.0%
(22.4% in 2012) and expected dividend yield of 1.5% (1.6% in 2012). The expected volatility is based on the historic
share price volatility over a period similar to the life of the options.
Compensation expense for these options amounted to $2.0 for fiscal 2013 ($2.3 in 2012).
- 73 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Performance share unit plan
The Corporation has a PSU plan. Under this program, senior executives and other key employees (participants)
periodically receive a given number of PSUs which may increase if the Corporation meets certain financial performance
indicators. The PSUs entitle the participant to Common Shares of the Corporation, or at the latter's discretion, the cash
equivalent. PSUs vest at the end of a period of three years.
PSUs outstanding and changes during the year were summarized as follows:
Balance as at September 24, 2011
Granted
Settled
Cancelled
Balance as at September 29, 2012
Granted
Settled
Cancelled
Balance as at September 28, 2013
Number
(Units)
310
97
(95)
(28)
284
96
(96)
(27)
257
The weighted average fair value of $62.92 per PSU ($53.24 in 2012) for PSUs granted during the year was the stock
market valuation of a Common Share of the Corporation at grant date.
The compensation expense comprising all of these PSUs amounted to $3.7 for fiscal 2013 ($3.8 in 2012).
23. DIVIDENDS
In fiscal 2013, the Corporation paid $91.5 in dividends to holders of Common Shares ($82.9 in 2012), or $0.9650 per
share ($0.8375 in 2012). On September 23, 2013, the Corporation's Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of
$0.25 per Common Share payable November 27, 2013.
- 74 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
24. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
The Corporation maintains several defined benefit and defined contribution plans for eligible employees, which provide
most participants with pension, ancillary retirement benefits, and other long-term employee benefits which in certain
cases are based on the number of years of service or final average salary. The defined benefit plans are funded by the
Corporation's contributions, with some plans also funded by participants' contributions. The Corporation also provides
eligible employees and retirees with health care, life insurance and other benefits. Ancillary retirement benefits plans
and other long-term employee benefits are not funded and are presented in other plans.
The changes in present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:
Balance – beginning of year
Current service cost
Interest cost
Participant contributions
Benefits paid
Actuarial losses (gains)
Balance – end of year
2013
2012
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
841.1
35.6
36.6
4.3
(41.6)
(57.2)
818.8
31.0
1.7
1.4
—
(3.0)
(3.0)
28.1
717.7
29.1
36.7
3.9
(32.1)
85.8
841.1
33.6
1.6
1.5
—
(3.4)
(2.3)
31.0
The changes in the fair value of plan assets were as follows:
Fair value – beginning of year
Expected return on plan assets
Actuarial gains
Employer contributions
Participant contributions
Benefits paid
Fair value – end of year
2013
2012
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
730.3
51.6
27.6
42.3
4.3
(41.6)
814.5
—
—
—
3.0
—
(3.0)
—
631.8
45.5
17.8
63.4
3.9
(32.1)
730.3
—
—
—
3.4
—
(3.4)
—
The changes in the defined benefit plans' funding status were as follows:
Balance of defined benefit obligation –
end of year
Fair value – end of year
Funding position
Asset ceiling effect
Minimum funding requirement
Defined benefit assets
Defined benefit liabilities
2013
2012
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
(818.8)
814.5
(4.3)
(15.3)
(7.6)
(27.2)
14.5
(41.7)
(27.2)
(28.1)
—
(28.1)
—
—
(28.1)
—
(28.1)
(28.1)
(841.1)
730.3
(110.8)
(8.4)
(5.3)
(124.5)
1.4
(125.9)
(124.5)
(31.0)
—
(31.0)
—
—
(31.0)
—
(31.0)
(31.0)
- 75 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
The defined contribution and defined benefit plans expense was as follows:
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
Defined contribution plans
23.3
0.6
Defined benefit plans
Current service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial losses (gains)
Expected return on plan assets
35.6
36.6
—
(51.6)
20.6
43.9
1.7
1.4
(0.8)
—
2.3
2.9
25.1
29.1
36.7
—
(45.5)
20.3
45.4
0.5
1.6
1.5
0.1
—
3.2
3.7
The actuarial gains or losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
Balance – beginning of the year
Actuarial losses (gains) incurred
Balance – end of year
2013
2012
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
138.5
(84.8)
53.7
(6.1)
(2.2)
(8.3)
70.5
68.0
138.5
(3.7)
(2.4)
(6.1)
Total cash payments for employee benefits, consisting of cash contributed by the Corporation to its funded pension plans
and cash payments directly to beneficiaries for its unfunded other benefit plans, amounted to $45.3 in 2013 ($66.8 in
2012). The Corporation plans to contribute $48.2 to the defined benefit plans during the next fiscal year.
The most recent actuarial valuations for funding purposes in respect of the Corporation's pension plans were performed
on various dates between December 2010 and December 2012. The next valuations will be performed between
December 2013 and December 2015.
Plan assets held in trust and their weighted average allocation as at the measurement dates were as follows:
Asset categories (Percentage)
Shares
Bonds
Others
2013
56
35
9
2012
55
40
5
The actual return on plan assets was $79.2 in 2013 (63.3 in 2012).
Pension plan assets include shares issued by the Corporation with a fair value of $5.9 as at September 28, 2013 ($5.8 as
at September 29, 2012).
- 76 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
The principal actuarial assumptions used in determining the defined benefit obligation were the following:
(Percentage)
Discount rate
Projected long-term return on plan assets
Rate of compensation increase
2013
2012
Pension plans Other plans Pension plans
Other plans
4.85
7.25
3.0
4.85
—
3.0
4.25
7.25
3.0
4.25
—
3.0
To determine the most suitable discount rate, management considers the interest rates for high-quality bonds issued by
entities operating in Canada with cash flows that match the timing and amount of expected benefit payments. The
mortality rate is based on available mortality tables. Projected inflation rates are taken into account in establishing future
wage and pension increases.
The overall expected return corresponds to the weighted average projected return on the various asset categories held
by the plans. The rate is determined based on the overall portfolio rather than the total of the individual asset categories.
The managements' measurement of expected return is based on historical market return and analysts' long-term
projections of different categories of assets return.
The assumed annual health care cost trend rate per participant was set at 7.3%. Under the assumption used, this rate
should gradually decline to 4.5% in 2019 and remain at that level thereafter. A 1% change in this rate would have the
following effects:
(Millions of dollars)
Effect on current service cost and interest cost
Effect on defined benefit obligation
1% increase
1% decrease
0.3
1.5
(0.2)
(1.3)
The history of experience adjustments for the defined benefit pension plans or other plans was as follows:
Experience adjustments of liabilities - losses (gains)
Experience adjustments of assets - gains
Fair value of total plan assets
Present value of defined benefit obligation
Funded (underfunded) plans status
2013
1.8
27.6
814.5
(846.9)
(32.4)
2012
(5.7)
17.8
730.3
(872.1)
(141.8)
- 77 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
25. COMMITMENTS
Operating leases
The Corporation has operating lease commitments, with varying terms through 2037 and one to 14 five-year renewal
options, to lease premises and equipment used for business purposes. The Corporation does not have an option to
purchase the leased assets when the leases expire, but it has the right of first refusal in certain cases. Future minimum
lease payments under these operating leases will be as follows:
Under 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 years
2013
171.5
554.4
551.7
1,277.6
2012
175.4
555.0
633.7
1,364.1
In addition, the Corporation has committed to leases for premises, with varying terms through 2035 and one to 15 five-
year lease renewal options, which it sublets to clients generally under the same terms and conditions. Future minimum
lease payments under these operating leases will be as follows:
Under 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 years
2013
41.3
145.9
240.7
427.9
2012
40.4
136.4
233.2
410.0
Finance leases
The Corporation has finance lease commitments, with varying terms through 2036 and three to seven five-year renewal
options, to lease premises used for business purposes. The Corporation does not have an option to purchase the leased
assets when the leases expire. Future minimum lease payments under these finance leases and the present value of
net minimum lease payments will be as follows:
Under 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 years
Minimum lease payments
Future finance costs
Present value of minimum lease payments
Minimum lease payments
Present value of
minimum lease payments
2013
6.8
22.9
30.1
59.8
(20.8)
39.0
2012
7.5
24.3
35.5
67.3
(24.1)
43.2
2013
3.8
13.8
21.4
39.0
—
39.0
2012
4.1
13.8
25.3
43.2
—
43.2
Service contracts
The Corporation has service contract commitments essentially for transportation and IT, with varying terms through 2020
and no renewal option. Future minimum payments under these service contracts will be as follows:
Under 1 year
Between 1 and 5 years
Over 5 years
2013
67.1
226.0
76.6
369.7
2012
67.2
243.9
131.2
442.3
- 78 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
26. CONTINGENCIES
Guarantees
For certain customers with established business relationships, the Corporation is contingently liable as guarantor in
connection with lease agreements with varying terms through 2020 for which the average annual minimum lease
payments for the next five years will be $0.4 ($0.4 in 2012). The maximum contingent liability under these guarantees
as at September 28, 2013 was $2.5 ($2.7 as at September 29, 2012). In addition, the Corporation has guaranteed loans
granted to certain customers by financial institutions, with varying terms through 2025. The balance of these loans
amounted to $22.5 as at September 28, 2013 ($22.9 as at September 29, 2012). No liability has been recorded in respect
of these guarantees for the years ended September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012.
Claims
In the normal course of business, various proceedings and claims are instituted against the Corporation. The Corporation
contests the validity of these claims and proceedings and management believes that any forthcoming settlement in
respect of these claims will not have a material effect on the Corporation's financial position or on consolidated earnings.
27. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Corporation has significant interest in the following subsidiaries, jointly controlled entity and associate:
Names
Subsidiaries
Metro Richelieu Inc.
McMahon Distributeur pharmaceutique Inc.
Metro Ontario Inc.
Groupe Adonis Inc.
Groupe Phoenicia Inc.
Jointly controlled entity
Dunnhumby Canada Limitée
Associate
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc.
Country of
incorporation
Percentage of
interest in the capital
Percentage of
voting rights
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
Canada
100.0
100.0
100.0
55.0
55.0
50.0
5.7
100.0
100.0
100.0
55.0
55.0
50.0
17.0
In the normal course of business, the following transactions have been entered into with related parties:
Jointly controlled entity
Companies controlled by a member of the Board of Directors
Jointly controlled entity
Companies controlled by a member of the Board of Directors
2013
(52 weeks)
Sales
—
28.7
28.7
Services
received
10.0
—
10.0
2012
(53 weeks)
Sales
—
28.3
28.3
Services
received
10.6
—
10.6
Account receivables
Account payables
2013
2012
—
1.0
1.0
—
0.9
0.9
2013
(0.5)
—
(0.5)
2012
(0.5)
—
(0.5)
- 79 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
Compensation for the principal officers was as follows:
Compensation and current employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long-term benefits
Share-based payment
2013
(52 weeks)
2012
(53 weeks)
2.7
0.8
1.5
3.6
8.6
2.4
0.5
2.0
3.1
8.0
28. MANAGEMENT OF CAPITAL
The Corporation aims to maintain a capital level that enables it to meet several objectives, namely:
• Striving for a percentage of non-current debt to total combined non-current debt and equity (non-current debt/total
capital ratio) of less than 50%.
• Maintaining an adequate credit rating to obtain an investment grade rating for its term notes.
• Paying total annual dividends representing approximately 20% of net earnings for the previous fiscal year before
extraordinary items.
In its capital structure, the Corporation considers its stock option and PSU plans for key employees and officers. In
addition, the Corporation's stock redemption plan is one of the tools it uses to achieve its objectives.
The Corporation is not subject to any capital requirements imposed by a regulator.
The Corporation's fiscal 2013 annual results regarding its capital management objectives were as follows:
•
•
•
a non-current debt/total capital ratio of 18.8% (27.7% as at September 29, 2012);
a BBB credit rating confirmed by S&P and DBRS (same rating in 2012);
a dividend representing 18.7% of net earnings for the previous fiscal year (21.1% in 2012).
The capital management objectives remain the same as for the previous fiscal year.
29. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
FAIR VALUE
The fair value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, bank loans and accounts payable approximates their
carrying value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.
The fair value of loans to certain customers, credit facility and loans payable is equivalent to their carrying value since
their interest rates are comparable to market rates.
The fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts is measured using a generally accepted valuation technique, that
is, the discounted value of the difference between the contract's value at maturity based on the foreign exchange rate
set out in the contract and the contract's value at maturity based on the foreign exchange rate that the financial institution
would use if it were to renegotiate the same contract at today's date under the same conditions.
The fair value of notes represents the obligations that the Corporation would have to meet in the event of the negotiation
of similar notes under current market conditions.
The fair value of the obligations under finance leases represents the obligations that the Corporation would have to face
in the event of the negotiation of similar leases under current market conditions.
The fair value of the non-controlling interest-related liability is equivalent to the estimated price to be paid which is based
mainly on the discounted value of the future earnings of Adonis and Phoenicia at the date the options become exercisable.
- 80 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
The financial instruments' book and fair values were as follows:
Other financial assets
Loans and receivables
Loans to certain customers (note 13)
25.8
25.8
23.5
23.5
2013
2012
Book value
Fair value
Book value
Fair value
Non-controlling interest
Financial liability held for trading
Debt (note 20)
Other financial liabilities
Revolving Credit Facility
Series A Notes
Series B Notes
Loans
Obligations under finance leases
160.5
160.5
139.3
139.3
—
200.0
400.0
28.1
39.0
667.1
—
211.5
417.3
28.1
43.9
700.8
315.4
200.0
400.0
32.6
43.2
991.2
315.4
217.2
457.7
32.6
53.1
1,076.0
The foreign exchange forward contracts, classified as “Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through net earnings”,
are not shown in the above table, as they are insignificant in value.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS HIERARCHY
Fair value measurements recognized in the statement of financial position must be categorized in accordance with the
following levels:
•
•
Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly
(i.e., as prices) or indirectly (i.e., derived from prices);
Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs).
•
The Corporation categorized the foreign exchange forward contracts fair value measurement in Level 2, as it is primarily
derived from observable market inputs, that is, foreign exchange rates.
For the non-controlling interest-related liability, the Corporation categorized the fair value measurements in Level 3, as
they are derived from data that is not observable.
The changes of the non-controlling interest-related liability were as follows:
Balance – beginning of year
Issuance through business combinations (note 5)
Share of earnings
Dividends
Change in fair value
Balance – end of year
2013
139.3
—
7.8
(6.8)
20.2
160.5
2012
—
132.1
7.2
—
—
139.3
A 1% increase in future earnings would result in a $1.8 increase in fair value.
INTEREST RATE RISK
In the normal course of business, the Corporation is exposed primarily to interest rate fluctuations risk as a result of
loans and receivables that it grants, as well as loans payable that it contracts at variable interest rates.
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, there were no outstanding interest rate swap contracts.
- 81 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
CREDIT RISK
Loans and receivables / Guarantees
The Corporation sells products to consumers and merchants in Canada. When it sells products, it gives merchants
credit. In addition, to help certain merchants finance business acquisitions, the Corporation grants them long-term loans
or guarantees loans obtained by them from financial institutions. Hence, the Corporation is subject to credit risk.
To mitigate such risk, the Corporation performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and has adopted a credit
policy that defines the credit conditions to be met and the required guarantees. As at September 28, 2013 and
September 29, 2012, no customer accounted for over 10% of total loans and receivables.
To cover its credit risk, the Corporation holds guarantees from its clients' assets in the form of deposits, movable hypothecs
on the Corporation stock and/or second hypothecs on their inventories, movable property, intangible assets and
receivables.
In recent years, the Corporation has not suffered any material losses related to credit risk.
As at September 28, 2013, the maximum potential liability under guarantees provided amounted to $22.5 ($22.9 as at
September 29, 2012) and no liability had been recognized as at that date.
Financial assets at fair value through net earnings
With regard to its financial assets at fair value through net earnings, consisting of foreign exchange forward contracts,
the Corporation is subject to credit risk when these contracts result in receivables from financial institutions. In accordance
with its risk management policy, the Corporation entered into these agreements with major Canadian financial institutions
to reduce its credit risk.
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the Corporation was not exposed to credit risk in respect of its
foreign exchange forward contracts, as they resulted in amounts payable.
LIQUIDITY RISK
The Corporation is exposed to liquidity risk primarily as a result of its debt and trade accounts payable.
The Corporation regularly assesses its cash position and feels that its cash flows from operating activities are sufficient
to fully cover its cash requirements as regards its financing activities. Its Series A Notes, its revolving credit facility and
its Series B Notes mature only in 2015, 2017 and 2035, respectively. The Corporation also has an unused authorized
balance of $600.0 on its revolving credit facility.
Maturing under 1 year
Maturing in 1 to 10 years
Maturing in 11 to 20 years
Maturing over 20 years
Accounts
payable
1,004.9
—
—
—
1,004.9
Undiscounted cash flows (capital and interest)
Loans
Notes
9.4
8.0
3.3
14.2
34.9
33.8
424.9
238.8
447.9
1,145.4
Finance lease
commitments
Non-
controlling
interest
6.8
36.8
14.0
2.2
59.8
—
180.1
—
—
180.1
Total
1,054.9
649.8
256.1
464.3
2,425.1
- 82 -
Notes to consolidated financial statements
September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012
(Millions of dollars, unless otherwise indicated)
FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK
Given that some of its purchases are denominated in foreign currencies, the Corporation is exposed to foreign exchange
risk.
In accordance with its risk management policy, the Corporation uses derivative financial instruments, consisting of foreign
exchange forward contracts, to hedge against the effect of foreign exchange rate fluctuations on its future foreign-
denominated purchases of goods and services.
As at September 28, 2013 and September 29, 2012, the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts was
insignificant.
30. COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to conform to the presentation adopted in the current year.
31. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements of fiscal year ended September 28, 2013 (including comparative figures) were
approved for issue by the Board of Directors on November 12, 2013.
- 83 -
luc Martinovitch
Vice-president and general Manager
McMahon distributeur
pharmaceutique inc.
simon rivet
Vice-president
general counsel and
corporate secretary
yves Vézina
national Vice-president
logistics and distribution
(1) Member of the audit committee
(2) Member of the human resources committee
(3) Member of the corporate governance and
nominating committee
Directors and Officers
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MANAGEMENT OF METRO INC.
Marc deserres (1) (3)
Montréal, québec
claude dussault (2) (3)
québec city, québec
serge ferland
québec city, québec
paule gauthier (2) (3)
québec city, québec
paul gobeil (3)
Montréal, québec
Vice-chairman of the board
russell goodman (1)
lac-tremblant-nord, québec
christian W.e. haub (2)
greenwich, connecticut
Michel labonté (1)
Montréal, québec
eric r. la flèche
town of Mount-royal, québec
president and chief executive officer
pierre h. lessard
Westmount, québec
chairman of the board
Marie-José nadeau (1) (2)
Montréal, québec
réal raymond (2)
Montréal, québec
lead director
Michael t. rosicki (3)
orillia, ontario
John h. tory (1)
toronto, ontario
eric r. la flèche
president and chief executive officer
françois thibault
senior Vice-president
chief financial officer and treasurer
christian bourbonnière
senior Vice-president
québec division
Johanne choinière
senior Vice-president
ontario division
serge boulanger
senior Vice-president
national procurement and
corporate brands
Martin allaire
Vice-president
real estate & engineering
geneviève bich
Vice-president
human resources
Jacques couture
Vice-president
information systems
paul dénommée
Vice-president
corporate controller
Marc giroux
Vice-president and
chief Marketing and
communications officer
Shareholder Information
Transfer agent and registrar
computershare
investor services
Stock listing
toronto stock exchange
ticker symbol: Mru
Auditors
ernst & young llp
Head Office
11011 Maurice-duplessis blvd.
Montréal, québec h1c 1V6
the annual information form may be
obtained from the investor relations
department:
tel: (514) 643-1055
e-mail: finance@metro.ca
Vous pouvez vous procurer la version
française de ce rapport auprès du ser-
vice des relations avec les investisseurs:
Tél. : (514) 643-1055
Courriel : finance@metro.ca
Metro inc.’s corporate information and
press releases are available on
the internet at the following address:
www.metro.ca
Annual meeting
the annual general Meeting
of shareholders will be held on
January 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at:
centre Mont-royal
2200 Mansfield street
Montréal, québec h3a 3r8
Dividends* 2014 fiscal year
Declaration Date
• January 27, 2014
• april 15, 2014
• august 12, 2014
• september 29, 2014
Record Date
• february 18, 2014
• May 15, 2014
• september 2, 2014
• november 7, 2014
* subject to approval by the board of directors
Payment Date
• March 14, 2014
• June 6, 2014
• september 19, 2014
• november 26, 2014
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metro.ca
Metro is committed to respecting the principles of corporate responsibility notably in terms of the environment. the company is
therefore proud to present this annual report, printed using recycled paper that includes post-consumer fibres and is certified fsc.
the fsc® (forest stewardship council®) is an international certification and labeling system that guarantees that the forest products
you purchase, from the forest to the shelf, come from responsibly managed sources.