Item 1. Business
SFW Holding Corp. ("Holding" or the "Company") was incorporated in Delaware in January 1997 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation ("Dart"). Holding's sole asset is its ownership of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. ("Shoppers"). The principal executive offices of Shoppers are at 4600 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, Maryland 20706. The telephone number of Shoppers is 301-306-8600. The common stock of Holding and Shoppers is not publicly traded, however the common stock of Dart is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol DART.
Acquisition of the Company by Dart Group Corporation
Since June 1988, Dart held a 50% interest in Shoppers through a wholly-owned subsidiary which was contributed to Holding in January 1997. On February 6, 1997, Holding acquired the other 50% interest in Shoppers for $210 million (the "Acquisition"). Dart financed the Acquisition through the application of $137.2 million in net proceeds raised from an offering of Increasing Rate Senior Notes due 2000 (the "Increasing Rate Notes") of SFW Acquisition Corp., a newly created wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Holding, and $72.8 million of bridge financing (the "Bridge Loan") provided by a bank. Immediately after the Acquisition, SFW Acquisition Corp. merged into Shoppers (with Shoppers becoming obligor and Holding becoming guarantor on the Increasing Rate Notes) and Shoppers repaid the Bridge Loan from its existing cash and the liquidation of certain short-term investments.
Planned Merger of Dart
On April 9, 1998, Dart entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Richfood Holdings, Inc. ("Richfood Holdings") and a subsidiary of Richfood Holdings ("Acquisition Subsidiary") pursuant to which Dart has agreed to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Richfood Holdings will (1) make a cash tender offer the ("Offer") for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Dart at a price of $160.00 per share and (2) take all steps necessary to
Item 1. Business (Continued)
cause Acquisition Subsidiary to merge with and into Dart (the "Merger") in a transaction in which Dart will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings. As a result of the Merger, Richfood Holdings will indirectly own 100% of the outstanding Common Stock of Shoppers.
The Merger is subject to the tender in the offer of a majority of the shares of common stock of Dart on a fully diluted basis and to other customary conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and the absence of material adverse effects on the business or financial conditions of Dart and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole, with certain limited exceptions. The Offer closed on May 13, 1998 and the Merger is expected to close on May 18, 1998.
Operations
Shoppers is a leading supermarket operator in Greater Washington, D.C. (as defined below), operating 37 stores that target the price-conscious segment of the market in densely populated suburban areas under the "Shoppers Food Warehouse" and "Shoppers Club" names. Shoppers operates warehouse-style, price impact supermarkets that are positioned to offer the lowest overall prices in its market area by passing on to the consumer savings achieved through labor efficiencies and lower overhead associated with the warehouse format, while providing the product selection and quality associated with a conventional format. Shoppers' store equipment and facilities are generally in good condition. Shoppers stores are generally open 18 hours per day seven days a week (allowing for shelf restocking while the stores are closed) and offer a full range of fresh produce, fresh baked goods, fresh meats and seafood, frozen foods, traditional grocery items and certain non-food items such as health and beauty aids, cookware, greeting cards, magazines and seasonal items. Shoppers' stores also have service delicatessens with some stores offering hot and cold prepared food and self-service soup and salad bars.
Shoppers's stores offer products at prices that generally range from 15% to 20% below those of its primary supermarket competitors. Merchandise is presented on warehouse-style racks in full cartons, reducing labor-intensive unpacking and customers bag their own groceries. In-store operations are also designed to allow customers to perform certain labor-intensive services usually offered in conventional supermarkets. For example, Shoppers stores generally do not provide service staff to support the bakery and floral departments or the meat and seafood refrigerated cases, although the stores provide service in these department at the request of customers.
Shoppers' stores generally are constructed with high ceilings to accommodate warehouse racking with overhead pallet storage. Wide aisles accommodate forklifts and, compared to conventional supermarkets, a higher percentage of total store square footage is devoted to retail selling because the top of the warehouse-style grocery racks on the sales floor are used to store inventory, which reduces the need for large backroom storage and restocking trips.
Notwithstanding the "warehouse" name, physical features and low-price reputation, Shoppers' stores have more in common with conventional supermarket chains than with so-called "warehouse clubs." No membership fee is charged at Shoppers stores, which offer a selection of popular-sized national brands and private label products as well as high quality produce, meat and seafood. The
Item 1. Business (Continued)
product offerings are similar to those of conventional supermarkets with slightly more emphasis on larger package sizes and with less emphasis on extensive brand and size selection. All 37 of the Company's supermarkets have a delicatessen, a bakery and a floral department while 21 stores have a beer and wine department.
While similar in most respects to conventional supermarket operators, Shoppers distinguishes itself by providing low-price leadership while still emphasizing quality. Shoppers does this by offering an unusual combination of higher-end specialty departments with self-service and discount price features. In addition, unlike traditional supermarkets, Shoppers stores offer a greater selection of "club size" products, along with popular-sized brands. Through this approach, Shoppers has established a unique niche among supermarket operators in Greater Washington, D.C.
Shoppers' stores range in size from approximately 20,000 to 77,000 total square feet and average approximately 47,000 square feet. The Shoppers stores can be categorized by size as follows: (i) 10 stores smaller than 40,000 square feet; (ii) 12 stores ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 square feet; and (iii) 15 stores larger than 50,000 square feet. The stores in the first category generally represent older stores located in densely populated areas in which little or no supermarket expansion could be expected due to the limited availability of real estate locations. Despite their age and size, as a group, these stores generally continue to perform well in terms of sales per square foot and profitability. The next size category represents stores which more closely resemble the store sizes operated by conventional supermarket competitors in the local area. Finally, the category representing the largest size stores includes the eight "Shoppers Club" supermarkets (averaging approximately 67,800 total square feet per store). These larger size supermarkets generally have more space devoted to specialty departments and offer more "club pack" size products.
Shoppers is the largest supermarket chain targeting the price-conscious segment in Greater Washington, D.C. The two primary competitors of Shoppers are Giant Food, Inc. ("Giant") and Safeway Inc. ("Safeway"), both of which operate in the higher-service, higher-price segment. Overall, Shoppers has the third largest market share in Greater Washington, D.C. On a combined basis, Shoppers, Giant and Safeway have 84% of the market share in this area. Shoppers' share of the Greater Washington, D.C. market has increased from 11.9% in 1992 to 13.6% in 1997; Shoppers believes that it exceeds the fourth largest competitor by almost four times. During the same period, Giant's market share decreased from 45.9% to 42.9% while Safeway's market share increased from 27.1% to 27.5%.
"Greater Washington, D.C." includes Washington, D.C.; Calvert, Charles, Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties in Virginia; and the independent cities of Alexandria, Fairfax and Falls Church in Virginia. Shoppers does not, however, operate any stores in the city of Washington, D.C.
Store Expansion and Remodeling
Shoppers strategy is to open large new stores and upgrade existing stores. Shoppers opened three new stores since July 1997 and has signed a lease to open a new store (between 65,000 and 75,000 square feet) during the next fiscal year.
Item 1. Business (Continued)
Also during this period, Shoppers is considering expanding or remodeling at least two stores. Since 1992, Shoppers has opened 15 new stores (while closing four stores) and remodeled seven stores. Of its existing 37 stores, 27 are larger than 40,000 square feet, and all but one of these 27 stores were opened, remodeled or expanded during the last ten years. Shoppers believes that its existing supermarkets generally have well-established locations with favorable lease terms (including multiple options), are in good condition and require only routine maintenance.
The following chart sets forth certain information concerning Shoppers stores during the past five fiscal years:
In fiscal 1998, Shoppers opened a 74,864 square foot store in Fredericksburg, Virginia, a 68,974 square foot store in Falls Church, Virginia and a 76,774 square foot store in Alexandria, Virginia. In the following two fiscal years, Shoppers expects to open stores in College Park, Maryland and Landover, Maryland.
Product Selection
Shoppers believes that in recent years consumers have shown an increasing preference for food stores that offer not only the wide variety of food and non- food items carried by conventional supermarkets, but also an expanded assortment of high-quality specialty food items and fresh produce. To respond to this trend, Shoppers offers a complete line of produce, fresh baked goods, freshly packaged meat and seafood products and floral assortments and provides service in these departments at the customer's request. This strategy provides consumers with a wider selection of better quality products and convenience foods, while shifting its sales mix toward higher gross margin products.
Shoppers' largest supermarkets now carry over 25,000 SKUs. Its merchandising program is designed to offer customers a wide selection of products at prices that generally range from 15% to 20% below those of its primary supermarket competitors. Shoppers accomplishes this by carrying slightly fewer items than its local supermarket competitors, primarily through pursuing less duplication of products in smaller sizes. This program also includes a critical assessment of existing store layouts, shelving, and product mix. Shoppers monitors SKUs to identify slow-moving products that may be replaced with new products.
Shoppers stores carry a variety of grocery and general merchandise under private label names, including "Richfood" and "Shoppers Food Warehouse," which currently account for approximately 7% of its sales. Private label products are of a quality generally comparable to that of national brands, at significantly lower prices, while Shoppers' gross margins on private label products are generally higher than on national brands.
Item 1. Business (Continued)
Purchasing, Warehousing and Distribution
Shoppers purchases approximately one-half of its grocery inventory from Richfood of PA, Inc., formerly Super Rite Foods, Inc. ("Richfood"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings. For a description of the pending merger between Dart and a wholly owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings, see the heading entitled "Planned Merger" in this Item 1. Because its stores receive most of their deliveries from Richfood almost daily, Shoppers maintains only minimal dry grocery warehouse storage space. Richfood's large volume purchasing results in significant cost savings to Shoppers. While Shoppers is under no obligation to purchase any particular quantity of products or minimum dollar amounts of inventory from Richfood, Shoppers has agreed to use Richfood as its "substantially exclusive supplier" for non-perishable dry-grocery, frozen and dairy products (other than milk) and for health and beauty aids.
Shoppers also purchases products and items sold in its supermarkets from a wide variety of sources other than Richfood. In particular, Shoppers purchases most of its perishable products from sources other than Richfood.
Shoppers currently leases and operates a produce warehouse and a grocery warehouse that are collectively approximately 60,000 square feet. Each store submits orders to the warehouses through a centralized processing system. Merchandise ordered from the warehouses is normally delivered to the stores the next day. Shoppers distributes produce and grocery products from its warehouses through a fleet of Company-owned tractor and trailers. Shoppers estimates that all Shoppers stores are located within a 90-minute drive of the warehouses.
Advertising and Promotion
Shoppers uses a broad-based advertising program to emphasize its "Low Price" image. Over two million, 12 page four color circulars are printed and distributed in the Washington Post to subscribers and to nonsubscribers via the "Post-Plus" program which insures that the circulars are placed in every home in the market. The "Low price" image is reinforced with television and radio campaign supported by vendors and Shoppers funds.
The media broadcasts support the Bonus Saving Program in which manufactures' allowances are passed to customers, giving them lower priced products. Broadcasts also support Shoppers Discounted Program, whereby pre-priced items are discounted 10% to 40% for the customer. Extensive in-store point of purchase signs are located throughout the stores to communicate Shoppers low price image.
Shoppers is committed to offer customers low prices and quality products in a complete food shopping experience. During the fiscal year end January 31, 1998, Shoppers focused its energies and resources on re-emphasizing its long term image as a "Low Price" leader. This program was kicked off by reducing 10,000 prices throughout the stores.
Item 1. Business (Continued)
Competition
The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. Shoppers' competitors include national, regional and local supermarket chains, independent grocery stores, specialty food stores, warehouse club stores, drug stores and convenience stores. Supermarket chains generally compete on the basis of location, quality of products, service, price, product variety and store condition. Shoppers competes by providing its customers with exceptional value by offering quality produce and fresh foods, self-service specialty departments, and a selection of national brand groceries and private label goods, all at competitive prices. Shoppers monitors the prices offered by its competitors on a weekly basis and uses a computerized price management system to verify pricing positions. Shoppers' ability to remain competitive in its markets depends in part on its ability to remodel and update its stores in response to remodelings and new store openings by its competitors, which in turn will require the continued availability of financing.
The number and type of competitors vary by location. Shoppers' two principal competitors are conventional supermarket chains, Giant and Safeway, which have market shares in Greater Washington, D.C. of 42.9% and 27.5%, respectively. Shoppers believes that Shoppers' market share of 13.6% exceeds the next highest competitor by almost four times. However, Shoppers believes that it will face increased competition in the future from other supermarket chains and intends to compete aggressively against existing and new competition.
Employees
As of January 31, 1998, Shoppers employed approximately 4,400 people of whom approximately 1,400 were full-time. Approximately 4,000 employees were covered by collective bargaining agreements with various locals of three unions. Shoppers has renewed its agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 400 which will expire July 1, 2000 and covers approximately 3,700 retail clerks and meat cutters. A substantially similar contract with Local 27 of United Food and Commercial Workers which covers approximately 270 employees subject to the current collective bargaining agreement which expired in September, 1997 has been ratified and is expected to be signed. The new agreement expires on September 30, 2001. In addition, Shoppers has approximately 50 employees at its produce warehouse who are covered by collective bargaining agreements with locals of the Warehouse Employees Union and the Teamsters Union. This contract expires on July 6, 1998.
Trade Names, Service Marks and Trademarks
Shoppers uses a variety of trade names, service marks and trademarks. Except for "Shoppers," "SFW," "Shoppers Food Warehouse" and "Shoppers Club," Shoppers does not believe any of such trade names, service marks or trademarks are material to its business. Shoppers presently has federal registration of the "Shoppers Food Warehouse" and "Colossal Donuts" trademarks. It has federal registration of "Shoppers Club" as a service mark and is seeking federal registration of it as a trademark. Shoppers also has federally registered "Shoppers," "Shoppers Food Warehouse" and "SFW" as service marks and has also registered the "Shoppers Food Warehouse" and "SFW" designs.
Item 1. Business (Continued)
Government Regulation
Shoppers is subject to regulation by a variety of governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and local health departments and other agencies, including those regulating the sale of beer and wine.
Environmental Matters
Shoppers is subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances that (i) govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as handling and disposal practices for solid and hazardous wastes, and (ii) impose liability for the costs of cleaning up, and certain damages resulting from, sites of past spills, disposals or other releases of hazardous materials. Shoppers believes it conducts its operations in compliance with applicable environmental laws. Shoppers has not incurred material capital expenditures for environmental controls during the previous three years.
Changes in Management of Dart
On September 7, 1994, the Board of Directors of Dart established an Executive Committee comprised of Dart's outside directors to conduct the affairs of Dart with respect to matters that were the subject of disputes between the then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dart, Herbert H. Haft, and the then President and Chief Operating Officer of Dart, Ronald S. Haft. For a description of such disputes and their resolutions, see Item 3 - Legal Proceedings. On October 11, 1994, the Board of Directors of Trak Auto, Crown Books and Total Beverage each established an Executive Committee of their respective Boards of Directors comprised of the same outside directors, with authority parallel to that of Dart's Executive Committee. The disputes between Herbert H. Haft and Ronald S. Haft concerning issues involving Dart were extensive. Accordingly, the Executive Committee assumed day-to-day involvement in these disputed issues and other matters affecting Dart, in particular matters relating to litigation to which Dart was then a party. The Executive Committee remains active in the day-to-day affairs of Shoppers. Its continuing role is dependent on future developments.
In October 1995, Dart and Ronald S. Haft entered into a settlement of certain litigation and other related transactions (collectively, the "RSH Settlement"). Among other things, the RSH Settlement transferred majority control of Dart's voting stock to one or more voting trustees under a Voting Trust Agreement (the "Voting Trust Agreement"), by and among Ronald S. Haft, Dart and Larry G. Schafran and Sidney B. Silverman, as initial Voting Trustees. On December 28, 1995, the initial Voting Trustees resigned and appointed Richard B. Stone as successor Voting Trustee.
On September 24, 1997, Richard B. Stone, in his capacity as Voting Trustee and Herbert H. Haft, in his capacity as the holder of the purported Proxy from Ronald S. Haft to vote 172,730 shares of Dart's Class B common stock, removed Larry G. Schafran from Dart's Board of Directors and appointed Richard B. Stone to Dart's Board of Directors. For a description of the Proxy, see Item 3 - Legal Proceedings - Herbert H. Haft Proxy Litigation. In addition, Richard B.
Item 1. Business (Continued)
Stone was named Chairman of the Executive Committee of Dart's Board of Directors, and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Dart and he replaced Larry G. Schafran as a director of Trak Auto, Crown Books, Shoppers and Total Beverage. Richard B. Stone also assumed the positions of Acting Chief Executive Officer of Trak Auto and Chairman of the Executive Committee of both Trak Auto and Crown Books.
On October 21, 1997, Howard M. Metzenbaum and Harry M. Linowes were elected to fill new positions on the Board of Directors of Dart, which was increased from five to seven members. On December 19, 1997, Richard B. Stone, in his capacity as Voting Trustee, and Herbert H. Haft, in his capacity as holder of the purported Proxy, executed a unanimous written consent in lieu of an annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to which (i) Dart's bylaws were amended to provide for a board of directors composed of four directors and (ii) Richard B. Stone, Howard M. Metzenbaum, Harry M. Linowes and Herbert H. Haft were elected directors of Dart. Accordingly, Ronald S. Haft is no longer a director of Dart. At the same time, Douglas M. Bregman and Bonita A. Wilson jointly stepped down as directors and Executive Committee members of Dart and its subsidiaries. On May 15, 1998, Howard M. Metzenbaum and Harry M. Linowes resigned as directors of Dart, Holding and Shoppers.
In February 1998, pursuant to the Settlements (as defined in Item 3 - Legal Proceedings), Herbert H. Haft among other things (i) resigned from all of his positions with Dart and its subsidiary corporations, (ii) relinquished his claim to voting control of Dart, and (iii) terminated his employment contract with Dart. In addition, all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dart and Herbert H. Haft were dismissed or resolved. For a description of the Settlements, see Item 3 - Legal Proceedings - Resolution of Haft Family and Related Litigation.
In February 1998, Richard B. Stone was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Dart and its subsidiaries instead of Acting Chief Executive Officer.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties
Shoppers has supermarkets in Virginia and Maryland, all of which are leased. The following chart sets forth certain information regarding its stores by size:
----------------------------------- (1) Shoppers Club supermarket.
Most of Shoppers' stores are operated under long-term leases that have favorable terms. The lease for one of Shoppers' smallest stores is on a month-to-month basis scheduled to expire in October 1998 and there can be no assurance that this lease will be renewed.
Shoppers leases an 86,000 square foot office building in Lanham, MD that serves as its corporate offices. Shoppers subleases approximately 30,000 square feet of this office building. In addition, Shoppers leases and operates a produce
Item 2. Properties (Continued)
warehouse and grocery warehouse that collectively are approximately 60,000 square feet, both of these warehouses are located in Landover, MD.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As a result of the Acquisition, see Item 1. - Business, Shoppers is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation ("Dart"). Dart has been involved in significant litigation which could effect Dart and its subsidiaries.
Resolution of Haft Family and Related Litigation
The litigation discussed below involving Dart, its affiliates and members of the Haft family settled prior to January 31, 1998. On February 5, 1998, Dart closed the settlement agreement with Herbert H. Haft (the "HHH Settlement") and a Second Supplemental Settlement Agreement with Ronald S. Haft ("Second Supplemental Agreement"). The RSH Settlement, the First Supplemental Settlement Agreement to the RSH Settlement, the Second Supplemental Agreement, the RGL Settlement and the HHH Settlement are herein referred to as the "Settlements". The RSH Settlement, the First Supplemental Settlement Agreement, the Second Supplemental Agreement and the RGL Settlement are described below. As part of the closing of the HHH Settlement, Herbert H. Haft (i) sold to Dart all of his shares of, and options to purchase, Dart Class A Common Stock, and his capital stock of Dart's subsidiaries Trak Auto Corporation ("Trak Auto") and Crown Books Corporation ("Crown Books"),(ii) resigned from all of his positions with Dart and its subsidiary corporations, (iii) relinquished his claim to voting control of Dart, and (iv) terminated his employment agreement with Dart. In addition, all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dart and Herbert H. Haft were resolved. As consideration for the HHH Settlement, Dart paid Herbert H. Haft approximately $28 million at the closing. In connection with the closing of the Settlements, Dart also made a $10 million loan to a partnership owned by Ronald S. Haft, the proceeds of which were used to repay a $10 million note to Herbert H. Haft. Consummation of the Settlements also means that all litigation (described below) between Dart and members of the Haft family has been settled and dismissed, and Shoppers is no longer subject to a Standstill Order (described below) previously imposed by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
In October, 1995, Dart entered into a settlement agreement with Ronald S. Haft, to settle certain litigation to which Dart was a party ("RSH Settlement"). Pursuant to the RSH Settlement, Ronald S. Haft transferred 172,730 shares of Dart's Class B Common Stock, par value $1.00 (Dart's sole voting stock prior to February, 1998 when Dart discontinued its dual class common stock structure, "Class B Common Stock"), in exchange for 288,312 shares of Dart's Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 (Dart's non-voting, publicly traded class of stock prior to February, 1998, "Class A Common Stock"). Ronald S. Haft also exercised an option to purchase 197,048 shares of Class B Common Stock, and paid the exercise price by paying cash and issuing a promissory notes to Dart for approximately $27.4 million. Dart also loaned Ronald S. Haft approximately, $37.9 million and he issued Dart a $37.7 million promissory note to Dart. Then, Ronald S. Haft placed the 288,312 shares of Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock which he owned or in which he had an interest, into a voting trust. Dart also (i) transferred approximately $11.6 million to Ronald S. Haft in exchange for an additional promissory note (which was repaid in May 1996), and (ii) entered into a variety of agreements with Ronald S. Haft regarding the sale of certain properties owned by Dart or affiliates of Dart at that time. As a part of the RSH Settlement, Ronald S. Haft resigned all positions he had with Dart and its subsidiaries and consented to the termination of all of his outstanding options with Dart and its affiliates.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
On November 19, 1997, the real estate related transactions contemplated in the First Supplemental Agreement to the RSH Settlement were closed and include: completion of bankruptcy plans of reorganization for partnerships owing Dart and Trak Auto's headquarters in Landover, Maryland and a distribution center leased to Trak Auto in Bridgeview, Illinois; payment by Dart of $7.0 million to reduce outstanding mortgage loans on these properties, which thereafter are wholly- owned by Dart and/or its affiliates; and Ronald S. Haft paid $2.2 million to Dart from escrowed funds previously earmarked for him.
Trak Auto advanced approximately $3.3 million to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart for the Bridgeview distribution center. The $3.3 million advance is in the form of a promissory note and is expected to be repaid in May 1998.
The Second Supplemental Agreement to the RSH Settlement closed in February 1998 and Dart required that the shares held in the Voting Trust for the benefit of Ronald S. Haft to be transferred to Dart. Dart's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock from the Voting Trust was then placed in treasury and on February 17, 1998, the distinctions between Dart's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were eliminated.
On September 26, 1997, Dart closed an agreement to settle certain litigation and enter other related transactions (the "RGL Settlement") with Robert M. Haft, Gloria G. Haft and Linda G. Haft (collectively "RGL").
The RGL Settlement resulted in mutual dismissal of claims against or by RGL (including control of Dart). Dart also acquired all of Robert M. Haft and Linda G. Haft's interest in partnership owning Dart and Trak Auto's headquarters building in Landover, Maryland and a distribution center leased by Trak Auto in Bridgeview, Illinois for $4.4 million.
Derivative Litigation
In September 1993, Alan R. Kahn and the Tudor Trust (the "Kahn Derivative Plaintiffs"), shareholders of Dart, filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Court of Chancery for New Castle County naming as defendants Herbert H. Haft, Ronald S. Haft (a director and a former president of Dart), Douglas M. Bregman, Bonita A. Wilson, Combined Properties, Inc. ("CPI") and other CPI affiliates. The suit was brought derivatively and named as nominal defendants Dart, Trak Auto, Crown Books, Shoppers and certain other subsidiaries of Dart. The complaint, as amended on January 12, 1995, alleged waste, breach of fiduciary duty, violation of securities laws and entrenchment in connection with various lease agreements between the CPI defendants and Dart and its subsidiaries, the termination of Robert M. Haft (a former president of Dart and Crown Books), the compensation paid to Ronald S. Haft and Herbert H. Haft, the employment agreement entered into by Ronald S. Haft and Dart on August 1, 1993 (the "RSH Employment Agreement"), the sale of 172,730 shares of Dart Class B Common Stock (Dart's only voting stock) by Herbert H. Haft to Ronald S. Haft, and the compensation paid to the Executive Committee of Dart's Board of Directors. Plaintiffs seek an accounting of unspecified damages incurred by Dart, voiding of the options sold to Ronald S. Haft, appointment of a temporary custodian to manage the affairs of Dart or to oversee its recapitalization or sale and costs and attorneys' fees.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
In January 1994, a Special Litigation Committee consisting of two outside, independent directors of Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto was appointed by the Board of Directors to assess, on behalf of Dart, whether to pursue, settle or abandon the claims asserted in the derivative lawsuit. (After the death of one member in December 1994, the Special Litigation Committee has consisted of one director.) In September 1994, the Special Litigation Committee moved for dismissal of certain claims in the derivative lawsuit and for realignment of the parties to permit Dart to prosecute other claims in the derivative lawsuit. Thereafter, the Special Litigation Committee amended its motion and advised the court that it had instituted certain lawsuits concerning related party real estate transactions, (see the Pennsy Warehouse Litigation, described below), and was considering asserting additional claims, certain of which were subsequently asserted. See the Lawsuit Against Herbert H. Haft Concerning Haft-Owned Real Estate, described below. The Court did not act upon the amended motion.
As a result of the Settlements, this litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
Pennsy Warehouse Litigation
In fiscal 1995, the Executive Committee of Dart's Board of Directors undertook a legal review of certain Dart warehouse leases with Haft owned entities (the "Pennsy Warehouse"). By their terms, the Pennsy Warehouse leases, which expire in 2016, required annual rental payments of $855,000 subject to escalation based on increases in the Consumer Price Index. The lease terms also required the lessee to pay real estate taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance expenses. At January 31, 1997, Dart reserved approximately $18.5 million for the obligations represented by the Pennsy Warehouse leases.
As a result of this review, on February 10, 1995, Dart filed a complaint (the "Pennsy Warehouse Litigation") in the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Maryland, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty, waste and other irregularities by certain members of the Haft family and others in connection with the Pennsy Warehouse leases and, in particular, with the resumption of rental payments for these warehouses in 1991 following the bankruptcy of the prior tenant. The complaint sought rescission of the Pennsy Warehouse leases, restitution of rent and other expenses paid since 1991 and other monetary damages.
As a result of the Settlements, this litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
Herbert H. Haft Proxy Litigation
In connection with Herbert H. Haft's sale of 172,730 shares of Dart Class B Common Stock to Ronald S. Haft on July 28, 1993 (the "Stock Sale Agreement"), Ronald S. Haft purportedly granted Herbert H. Haft an irrevocable proxy (the "Proxy") to vote these shares of stock "to the same extent and with the same effect as Ronald S. Haft might or could do under any applicable laws or regulations governing the rights and powers of shareholders of Dart," until Herbert H. Haft's death or incapacitation. On June 30, 1995, Ronald S. Haft sent a letter to Herbert H. Haft purportedly revoking this proxy.
On July 18, 1995, Ronald S. Haft filed a lawsuit against Herbert H. Haft and,
Item 3. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
nominally, Dart in the Delaware Court of Chancery for New Castle County for Herbert H. Haft's alleged breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duties to Ronald S. Haft and to Dart in connection with the Proxy (Ronald S. Haft v. Herbert H. Haft, et al., Civ. A. No. 14425). In this action, Ronald S. Haft sought a declaration that the Proxy was revocable or would be revocable under certain conditions, as well as costs and attorneys' fees. Ronald S. Haft also requested that the court require Dart to refuse to recognize the validity of the Proxy. On August 9, 1995, Herbert H. Haft filed an Answer and Counterclaim denying liability and requesting rescission of the Stock Sale Agreement because of Ronald S. Haft's alleged breach of contract and other grounds. On September 25, 1995, Dart filed its answer in this action. Both Ronald S. Haft and Herbert H. Haft moved for summary judgment in this lawsuit. On November 14, 1995, the court denied Ronald S. Haft's motion for summary judgment; Herbert H. Haft's motion for summary judgment was not acted upon.
In October 1995, Dart and Ronald S. Haft entered into the RSH Settlement. As part of the RSH Settlement, Dart purchased from Ronald S. Haft the 172,730 shares of Class B Common Stock that were subject to the Proxy and placed the shares in treasury.
As a result of the Settlements, this litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
Challenge to RSH Settlement by Herbert H. Haft
On November 6, 1995, Herbert H. Haft filed a lawsuit captioned Herbert H. Haft v. Dart Group Corporation, et al., Del. Ch., Civ. A. No. 14685, in the Delaware Court of Chancery for New Castle County naming as defendants Dart, all of its directors (except Herbert H. Haft), Robert, Gloria, and Linda Haft, John L. Mason, Ellen V. Sigal and Michael Ryan. Herbert H. Haft sought a judgment (i) declaring the RSH Settlement unlawful, hence null and void; (ii) declaring either that 172,730 shares of Class B Common Stock belong to him were wrongfully sold by Ronald S. Haft to Dart, and that Herbert H. Haft is entitled to restitution of such shares or, alternatively, that his purportedly irrevocable proxy on the 172,730 shares continues to be valid; (iii) declaring that Herbert H. Haft retains voting control of Dart or, at a minimum, 34.55% of Dart's voting power; (iv) declaring that the Trust Shares may not be lawfully voted; and (v) declaring that defendants John L. Mason, Ellen V. Sigal and Michael Ryan are not duly elected directors of Dart.
On December 5, 1996, Herbert H. Haft filed a motion for partial summary judgment in which he asserted two arguments based upon Section 160(c) of the Delaware General Corporation Law. Section 160(c) provides that the shares of capital stock "belonging to" a corporation are not entitled to vote. Herbert H. Haft maintained that (i) notwithstanding Section 160(c), the 172,730 Class B shares that Dart purchased in the RSH Settlement on October 6, 1995 do not "belong to" Dart and are still subject to the Proxy, and (ii) Section 160(c) does not permit the Trust Shares to be voted because those shares "belong to" Dart, not Ronald S. Haft. Dart opposed this motion for partial summary judgment and, on March 14, 1997, the Delaware Court of Chancery denied Herbert H. Haft's motion in its entirety.
As a result of the Settlements, all claims in this litigation against or on
Item 3. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
behalf of Dart have been dismissed with prejudice.
Standstill Order
In connection with the legal challenges to the RSH Settlement raised by Robert, Gloria, and Linda Haft and by Herbert H. Haft, on December 6, 1995, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered the Standstill Order, which restricted certain actions by Dart. Without further order of the court, Dart could not (i) change its Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws; (ii) change the current composition of Dart's Board of Directors or any of its subsidiaries; (iii) change the Haft family officers of Dart or any of its subsidiaries; or (iv) issue any additional securities of Dart or any of its subsidiaries (except employee stock options issued in the ordinary course of business). In addition, without first giving Herbert H. Haft and the other parties to the Section 225 Action not less than seven days written notice, Dart could not take any extraordinary actions, including but not limited to actions that would result in (a) the liquidation of Dart or any of its subsidiaries, (b) the sale of any major subsidiary of Dart or (c) the disadvantage of any Class B stockholder of Dart through any debt transaction. For purposes of the Standstill Order, the phrase "extraordinary actions" means any transaction, contract or agreement, the value of which exceeds $3.0 million.
As a result of the Delaware Court of Chancery approval of the Settlements in November 1997, Dart is no longer subject to the Standstill Order.
Lawsuit Against Herbert H. Haft Concerning Haft-Owned Real Estate
On December 17, 1996, Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto filed a lawsuit captioned Dart Group Corporation, et al. v. Herbert H. Haft, Civ. A. No. 96-26474, in the Circuit Court for Prince George's County, Maryland, seeking damages from Herbert H. Haft for breach of fiduciary duty, fraud and waste arising from a series of lease transactions (other than the Pennsy Warehouse leases) between Dart and certain partnerships owned beneficially by members of the Haft family. The complaint alleged that Herbert H. Haft exploited the dominance and control he enjoyed as an officer, director and controlling stockholder of Dart to enrich himself and other members of the Haft family unlawfully and unfairly at the expense of the public stockholders of Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto. In particular, the complaint charged that Herbert H. Haft (i) caused Trak Auto to surrender favorable retail store leases and subleases in Haft-owned shopping centers in exchange for new leases less favorable to Trak Auto; (ii) required Crown Books to relinquish its favorable lease in a particular shopping center in suburban Washington, D.C. and to enter into a new lease with a Haft family partnership for a new location in the same shopping center at a rent rate equal to 450 percent of the prior lease; (iii) caused Dart, Crown Brooks and Trak Auto to enter into exorbitant long-term leases for warehouse and distribution facilities that were purchased and developed by Haft family partnerships for the purpose of leasing those facilities to these companies as captive tenants; (iv) induced Dart and Trak Auto to lease retroactively from a Haft family partnership a 2.66 acre wooded lot for which the companies had no use; and (v) caused Trak Auto to purchase certain used warehouse equipment from a Haft family partnership for more than 700 percent of the price contemplated by the original equipment lease.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings (Continued)
As a result of the Settlements, this litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
Lawsuit Against Herbert H. Haft in Washington, D.C.
On December 17, 1996, Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto also filed a lawsuit captioned Dart Group Corporation, et al. v. Herbert H. Haft, Civ. A. No. 96-CV- 2788, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia naming Herbert H. Haft as defendant. In this action, Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto advanced claims for breach of fiduciary duty, civil conspiracy and tortious interference with contracts. The companies alleged that Herbert H. Haft wrongfully imposed Robert M. Haft's excessively generous employment contracts upon Dart and Crown Books, later breached those contracts for personal reasons and then, due in large part to a personal conflict of interest, mishandled the defense to Robert M. Haft's wrongful termination lawsuit. Dart, Crown Books and Trak Auto sought to recover the approximately $38 million paid to Robert M. Haft in satisfaction of the judgment in his wrongful termination suit, approximately $5 million in attorneys' fees incurred by the companies in defense of that litigation, and punitive damages.
As a result of the Settlements, this litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
Other
In the ordinary course of its business, Shoppers is party to various legal actions that Shoppers believes are routine in nature and incidental to the operation of its business. Shoppers believes that the outcome of the proceedings to which Shoppers currently is party will not have a material adverse effect, if established, upon its business, financial conditions and results of operations.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Inapplicable.
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
The Common Stock of SFW Holding Corp. and Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. is not publicly traded.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following table sets forth audited summary historical financial data of Holding.
- ----------------- (a) Gross profit is net of LIFO expense of $368,000, $155,000 and $472,000 in the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, January 31, 1995 and January 31, 1994, respectively.
(b) Selling and administrative expenses include a $500,000 charge for reserves against a related party receivable for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1994.
(c) In connection with the Acquisition Shoppers commenced using Dart's method of depreciating property and equipment on a straight-line basis. The following pro forma analysis gives effect to the change in depreciation method, assuming the new depreciation method was applied retroactively. Earnings per share information is not disclosed as Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data, Continued
(d) On fiscal 1989, Dart invested $17.4 million in Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. ("Shoppers") and acquired in excess of 50% of the common stock of Shoppers. Dart's investment in Shoppers is held through Holding. Accordingly, Shoppers was consolidated into Holding's financial statements from fiscal 1989 to May 28, 1994. On May 28, 1994, one of the other shareholders of Shoppers exercised a right to reacquire one share of Shoppers Class B common stock, thereby reducing Holding and ultimately Dart's ownership to exactly 50%. As a result, Holding's investment in Shoppers is reflected in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting for fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996. Under the equity method, Holding's investment is shown in the balance sheet as a single line under Investment in Shoppers Food Warehouse. Similarly, the sales and expenses of Shoppers have been aggregated in fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1996 and reflected in the caption Equity in Affiliate on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. On February 6, 1997, Holding acquired the 50% interest in Shoppers that it did not already own for $210 million. For periods after February 6, 1997, the accounts of Shoppers are consolidated with Holding's financial statements.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Outlook
Except for historical information, statements in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward- looking. Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of factors, including the Company's ability to open new stores and the effect of regional economic conditions. Shoppers undertakes no obligation and does not intend to update, revise or otherwise publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect future events or circumstances.
Results of Operations
Reference to "fiscal 1998" means the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, "fiscal 1997" means the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997, and "fiscal 1996" means the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1996.
52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1998 For SFW Holding Corp. Compared with the 52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1997 for Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. (unaudited)
The Company opened three new stores in fiscal 1998 for a store count of 37 at January 31, 1998.
Sales increased by $4.9 million, from $850.9 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $855.8 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. The sales increases were due to the three new stores opened since July 1997. Comparable store sales decreased 4.5% during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. The decrease in comparable store sales was primarily due to the new stores drawing customers from existing stores and competitive market conditions.
Gross profit increased by $8.3 million (4.3%), from $190.9 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $199.2 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. Gross profit, as a percentage of sales, increased to 23.3% during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 from 22.4% during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997. The increases were primarily due to a more proactive pricing strategy on selected items, a reduction in the number of items which are offered at special discounts on a weekly basis in stores, a higher allowance income achieved through increased vendor participation and a reduction in the charge to operations for LIFO, from $0.9 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $0.4 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998.
Selling and administrative expenses increased by $6.1 million (3.9%), from $154.6 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $160.7 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. Selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, increased from 18.2% during the 52 weeks January 31, 1997 to 18.8% during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. The increases were primarily attributable to increased payroll costs associated with negotiated union rates and to expenses associated with the new stores opened since July 1997.
Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.4 million from $8.7 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $11.1 million during the 52 weeks ended
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
January 31, 1998. The increases were primarily due to additional depreciation and amortization associated with goodwill and lease rights, as well as with fixed assets purchased for the new stores opened since July 1997 offset by a reduction of assets becoming fully depreciated in 1997. In connection with the Acquisition, the Company commenced using Dart's method of depreciating property and equipment on a straight-line basis. Prior to the Acquisition, the Company used accelerated methods. The cumulative effect of this change in accounting principle has been recorded in the financial statements for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. Depreciation expense for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 would have been $0.6 million more using the straight-line basis.
Operating income was $27.4 million for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 compared to $27.6 million during the same period in the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to higher selling and administrative expenses and increased depreciation and amortization and was partially offset by the increase in gross profit.
Interest income decreased $2.4 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 compared to the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 due to a reduction of funds available for short-term investing as a result of the repayment of the bridge financing associated with Acquisition.
Interest expense increased approximately $19.4 million from $1.6 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $21.1 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 as a result of interest paid on the Increasing Rate Notes, interest accrued on the Senior Notes and the amortization of financing costs.
The effective income tax rate for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 was 48.5% compared to 35.7% for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997. The increase was primarily attributable to nondeductible amortization of acquisition related goodwill.
On June 26, 1997 the Company sold $200 million aggregate principal amount of its 9.75% senior notes due 2004. On July 25, 1997, the proceeds were used to repay $143.5 million (including approximately $3.3 million of accrued and unpaid interest) of the existing Increasing Rate Notes and to pay $50.0 million into an escrow account which was used by Dart when it consummated a settlement with certain of its shareholders. As a result of this transaction, $5.3 million, representing an unamortized portion of the financing costs incurred to secure initial senior indebtedness, were expensed as an extraordinary item, net of taxes of approximately $2.2 million.
Net income decreased by $16.9 million, from $20.6 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 to $3.7 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998. These decrease was primarily attributable to increased interest expense associated with the Company's indebtedness and the extraordinary item discussed above offset by the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principle.
52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1997 Compared to the 52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1996 for SFW Holding Corp.
Income from unconsolidated subsidiary was $8.7 million and $7.6 million during
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively so as a result of an increase in Holding's equity interest in Shoppers which has been reflected on Holding's financial statements using the equity method of accounting.
Year 2000 Compliance (unaudited)
Shoppers is currently in the process of conducting a review of the impact of Year 2000 on its information systems, as well as reviewing its impact on relationships with key customers and vendors. Based on this review, Shoppers is upgrading its store POS systems, General Ledger, Accounts Payable and Payroll systems. All other systems are currently Year 2000 compliant. The upgrades are scheduled to be completed by January 1999. There can be no certainty that the upgrades will be completed by the year 2000. Currently, the aggregate cost associated with this program have not been estimated.
Effects of Inflation
During the last several years, the rate of general inflation has been relatively low and has not had a significant impact of Shoppers' business.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's principal sources of liquidity are expected to be cash flow from operations and, if necessary, borrowings under its Credit Facility. It is anticipated that the Shoppers' principal uses of liquidity will be to provide working capital, finance capital expenditures, meet debt service requirements.
Letters of credit have been issued in connection with Shoppers' workers' compensation insurance in the amount of approximately $6.6 million as of January 31, 1998. These letters of credit will mature at various dates through June 4, 1998.
During the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, operating activities generated $16.6 million of cash. One of the principal uses of cash in the Company's operating activities is inventory purchases. However, Shoppers' relatively high inventory turnover enables the Company to finance a substantial portion of its inventory through trade payables, thereby allowing the Company to use cash from operations for non-current purposes such as financing capital expenditures and other investing activities.
For the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, investing activities provided $85.6 million to Shoppers from the net disposition of $95.1 million of marketable debt securities, which amount was partially offset by $9.5 million of capital expenditures.
Shoppers estimates that it will make capital expenditures of approximately $9.4 million during the 52 weeks ended January 30, 1999. Such expenditures relate to new store openings as well as routine expenditures for equipment and maintenance. Management expects that these capital expenditures will be financed primarily through cash flow from operations and, if necessary, the Credit Facility.
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
In February 1997, $137.2 million of the net proceeds from the sale of the Increasing Rate Notes and $72.8 million of Shoppers' cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments were used to fund the Acquisition. In addition, Shoppers paid approximately $6.9 million in fees and expenses incurred by Dart in connection with the Acquisition. On February 6, 1997, the Company also declared a dividend of $10.0 million that was paid on May 30, 1997.
In June 1997, Shoppers sold $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of its Senior Notes due 2004 (the "Senior Notes"). The net proceeds of the offering was approximately $193.5 million. Shoppers used approximately $143.5 million of the net proceeds to repay its Increasing Rate Notes due 2000 (including accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption). The remaining net proceeds were paid to Dart for a settlement with Robert M., Gloria G. and Linda G. Haft on September 26, 1997 in the form of a $40 million dividend and a $10 million loan. In January 1998, Shoppers loaned Dart an additional $25 million for the settlement with Herbert H. Haft.
Shoppers' current interest expense consists primarily of interest on the Senior Notes and capital lease obligations. Interest expense increased approximately $19.4 million from $1.6 million during the 52 weeks ended February 1, 1997 to $21.1 million during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 due to interest paid on the Increasing Rate Notes, interest accrued on the Senior Notes and amortization of deferred financing costs.
The Company believes that cash flows from Shoppers' operations and, if necessary, borrowings under the Credit Facility will be adequate to meet its anticipated requirements for working capital, debt service and capital expenditures over the next few years. However, there can be no assurances that Shoppers will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that it will be able to borrow under the Credit Facility.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SFW HOLDING CORP.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SFW Holding Corp., as defined in Note 1, (a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company"), as of January 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the fifty-two week period ended January 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of SFW Holding Corp. and subsidiaries as of January 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the fifty- two week period ended January 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
Effective February 6, 1997, the Company changed its method of depreciating property and equipment (see Note 1).
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Washington, D.C. April 28, 1998
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (dollars and shares in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (dollars in thousands)
(continued on next page)
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED) (dollars in thousands)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SFW Holding Corp. (a Delaware corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation ("Dart") and its subsidiaries, collectively "Holding" or the "Company." All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Shoppers is engaged in the business of discount grocery stores in Maryland and Virginia.
On February 6, 1997, Holding acquired the 50% interest in Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. ("Shoppers") that it did not already own for $210 million (the "Acquisition") (see Note 2). The accounts of Holding, the successor to Dart's ownership of Shoppers, are reflected as if Holding held the common stock of Shoppers since 1989.
In fiscal 1989, Dart invested $17.4 million in Shoppers and acquired in excess of 50% of Shoppers common stock. Accordingly, Shoppers was consolidated into Dart's financial statements from fiscal 1989 to May 28, 1994.
The accounts of Shoppers are not consolidated with Holding's financial statements for periods from May 28, 1994 until February 6, 1997 as a result of a reduction of Holding's ownership to 50% on May 28, 1994. Holding's investment in Shoppers is reflected in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting for periods from May 28, 1994 until February 6, 1997. For periods after February 6, 1997, the accounts of Shoppers are consolidated with Holding's financial statements.
Prior to the Acquisition, Holding had no material assets, liabilities or operations independent of its investment in Shoppers. As of the Acquisition date, Dart contributed its initial 50% interest in Shoppers to Holding for 100% of the stock of Holding. This interest was recorded at Dart's carryover basis. Subsequent to the merger of SFW Acquisition Corp. into Shoppers, Holding became the immediate parent of Shoppers. Holding's sole purpose is to own Shoppers' stock.
Use of Estimates in Financial Statements
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Equivalents
The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The majority of
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
these are invested in U.S. Treasury Notes.
Marketable Debt Securities
Marketable debt securities included United States Treasury Notes and United States Agency Securities.
Effective February 1, 1997, the Company classifies its marketable debt securities as available-for-sale. At January 31, 1998, market value was approximately $4,000 greater than cost, net of income taxes, and the Company had no investments that qualified as trading or held-to-maturity.
The amortized cost of debt securities classified as available-for-sale is adjusted for amortization premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity.
Such amortization and interest are included in interest income. Realized gains and losses are included in interest income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The following table presents the estimated fair value of marketable debt securities available for sale by contractual maturity at January 31, 1998:
(dollars in thousands) Due in one year or less $ 522 Due after one year - -------- $ 522 ========
Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties.
Merchandise Inventories
The Company's inventories are priced at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. If replacement cost (which approximates the first-in, first-out method) had been used, inventories would have been greater by approximately $4,743,000, as of January 31, 1998. Net income would have been higher by approximately $368,000, for the period ended January 31, 1998.
Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable include amounts due from vendors for coupons remitted, cooperative advertising, merchandise rebates, as well as interest receivable on treasury notes.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Shoppers depreciated property and equipment using accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally five to seven years. In connection with the Acquisition,
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Shoppers adopted Dart's method of depreciating property and equipment on a straight line basis. The following pro forma analysis for the Predecessor gives effect to the change in depreciation method assuming the depreciation method was applied retroactively.
Accrued Insurance Claims
Shoppers maintains self funded coverage with respect to general, workers compensation, and health insurance liabilities. Claims for general and workers' compensation are administered through insurance companies, which estimate the obligation of reported claims. An estimate of the obligation for health insurance claims is accrued at year-end and is based on historical data. Expenses arising from claims are accrued as claims become subject to estimation. Self-insurance liabilities are based on claims filed plus an additional amount for incurred but not reported claims. These liabilities are not discounted.
Income Taxes
Shoppers provides a deferred tax expense or benefit equal to the change in the net deferred tax asset during the year. Deferred income taxes represent the future net tax effects resulting from temporary differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.
Store Opening and Closing Costs
All costs of a noncapital nature incurred in opening a new store are charged to expense as incurred. Shoppers opened three new stores during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998.
The costs associated with store closings are charged to selling and administrative expense when management makes the decision to close a store. Such costs consist primarily of lease payments and other carrying costs of holding the facility, net of estimated sublease income.
Deferred Income
Shoppers has entered into various agreements with vendors and suppliers which provide for the payment of cash or the receipt of merchandise at the beginning or during the contract period. These amounts are deferred and amortized over the expected lives of the contracts.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Long Lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value should be assessed. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. The Company has determined that as of January 31, 1998, there has been no impairment in the carrying value of long-lived assets.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company's assets that are exposed to credit risk consist primarily of cash and equivalents, short-term investments, and accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash and equivalents with major banks in its marketplace. The Company performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit standing of the financial institutions with which it does business. The Company's short-term investments are invested in United States Treasury Bills. The Company's accounts receivable balance results primarily from the amounts due from its vendors for various promotional programs. The Company periodically reviews its accounts receivable balance and allows for uncollectible accounts.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 107, Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments, requires the disclosure of the fair value of a financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate the value and the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the value. At January 31, 1998, the carrying amount of current assets and current liabilities approximates fair value due to the short maturity of those instruments.
The fair value for Shoppers's fixed rate Senior Notes is based on quoted market prices. The fair value of Shoppers's Senior Notes on January 31, 1998 was approximately $201.5 million.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings per common share is not presented as Holding is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart.
New Accounting Standards
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 130 Reporting Comprehensive Income. SFAS No. 130 requires that an enterprise (a) classify items of other comprehensive income by their nature in a financial statement and (b) display the accumulated balance of other comprehensive income separately from retained earnings and additional paid-in capital in the equity section of a statement of financial position. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 130 in the first quarter of fiscal 1999 and will provide the necessary disclosures.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
NOTE 2 - ACQUISITION
On February 6, 1997, Holding acquired the 50% interest in Shoppers that it did not already own for $210 million (the "Acquisition") and Shoppers became a wholly owned subsidiary of Holding and ultimately Dart, as a result of Dart's 100% ownership of Holding. Holding financed the Acquisition through the application of $137.2 million in net proceeds raised from an offering of Increasing Rate Senior Notes due 2000 (the "Increasing Rate Notes") of SFW Acquisition Corp., a newly created wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Dart, and $72.8 million of bridge financing (the "Bridge Loan") provided by a bank. Immediately after the Acquisition, SFW Acquisition Corp. merged into Shoppers (with Shoppers becoming the obligor and Holding becoming the guarantor on the Increasing Rate Notes) and Shoppers repaid the Bridge Loan from its existing cash and the liquidation of certain short-term investments.
The Acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting and Holding's interest in Shoppers has been pushed down into Shoppers' financial statements. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets and liabilities of Shoppers and the remaining excess purchase price over the net assets acquired of $148.8 million represents goodwill which will be amortized over 40 years. In conjunction with the Acquisition, Shoppers adopted Dart's method of depreciating property and equipment on a straight-line basis. Prior to the Acquisition, Shoppers used accelerated depreciation methods.
Pro forma operating results for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1997 reflect the Acquisition as if it had occurred on February 1, 1996. The following unaudited pro forma results reflect the push down of all acquisition entries, including additional amortization of intangibles, interest on the acquisition related debt, amortization of deferred financing costs as well as depreciation adjustments for the new basis of assets as of the Acquisition.
NOTE 3 - LONG-TERM DEBT
Senior Notes
In June 1997, Shoppers refinanced the Increasing Rate Notes with $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 9 3/4% Senior Notes due 2004 (the "Senior Notes"). The net proceeds from the Senior Notes was $193.5 million (after fees and expenses of approximately $6.5 million) of which $143.5 million was used to repay the Increasing Rate Notes (including interest) and $50.0 million (the "Restricted Proceeds") was paid to Dart in the form of a $40 million dividend and a $10 million loan (see Note 10) for settlements with certain Dart
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
shareholders (Haft family members). The early extinguishment of the Increasing Rate Notes resulted in the write-off of unamortized deferred financing cost of $5,276,000. Interest on the Senior Notes accrued from the date of issuance and is payable semi-annually in arrears on each June 15 and December 15, commencing December 15, 1997. The Senior Notes are effectively subordinated in right of payment to all secured indebtedness of Shoppers and certain restrictive covenants including, limitation on restricted payments, limitation on indebtedness, limitation on investments, loans and advances, limitation on liens, limitation on transactions with affiliates, restriction on mergers, consolidations and transfers of assets, limitation on lines of business, limitations on asset sales and limitation on issuance and sale of capital stock of subsidiaries. In addition, Shoppers is restricted, as to the amount, of declaring or paying any dividends or making distributions of Shopper's capital stock accounts.
The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Holding the immediate parent of Shoppers. Holdings holds 100% of the common stock of Shoppers and is wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart. The guarantee is secured by a first priority security interest in the capital stock of Shoppers owned by Holdings.
Revolving Credit Facility
On December 22, 1997, Shoppers entered into a revolving loan and security agreement (the "Credit Facility") to borrow up to $25 million. Shoppers intends to use proceeds from drawdowns from the Credit Facility for working capital and other corporate purposes. The Credit Facility has an original term of five years and may be renewed for up to two additional one year periods. Borrowings under the Credit Facility shall bear interest at rates ranging from prime rate minus 0.25% to prime rate plus 0.25%, for prime rate loans, or LIBOR plus 1.5% to LIBOR plus 2.0%, for LIBOR loans. Shoppers may elect prime rate loans or LIBOR loans. Interest rates are based upon Shoppers's net income determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles; plus, income taxes, interest expense (net of interest income), amortization and depreciation expenses, LIFO expense, other non-cash charges (excluding accruals for cash expenses made in the ordinary course of business) and losses from sales or other dispositions of assets; less, gains from sales or other dispositions and extraordinary or non-recurring gains, but not net of extraordinary or non- recurring cash losses ("EBITDA"). Borrowings are limited to eligible accounts, as defined less any letters of credit outstanding, and are secured by Shoppers inventory and certain accounts receivable. Interest on prime rate loans is payable monthly and interest on LIBOR loans is payable between one and three months. The Credit Facility includes a fee on the unused principal balance of 0.375% per annum until January 31, 1999 and a variable rate from .25% to .50% based on EBITDA. Letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility cannot exceed $10.0 million and Shoppers must pay a fee of 1.75 percent to 1.25 percent, based on the level of EBITDA, of the daily outstanding balance of the letters of credit. The Credit Facility has certain restrictive covenants, including the maintenance of specified EBITDA levels. As of January 31, 1998, Shoppers had not borrowed under the Credit Facility.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
As of January 31, 1998, Shoppers had outstanding letters of credit of approximately $6,597,000. One of the letters of credit expired on March 1, 1998, three others are expected to expire on May 1, 1998 and the remaining letter credit expires on June 4, 1998. One has been replaced with a surety bond and the others will be secured by replacement letters of credit.
NOTE 4 - INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change is comprised of the following (in thousands):
This effective income tax rate is reconciled to the Federal statutory rate as follows:
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Temporary differences which give rise to the deferred tax assets and liabilities on a consolidated basis are as follows (in thousands):
At January 31, 1997 and 1996, $13,846,000 and $11,642,000, respectively, of cumulative deferred tax liabilities have been settled through stockholders' equity.
Tax Sharing Agreement with Dart
In February 1997, Dart and Shoppers entered into a tax sharing agreement whereby the federal and certain state and local income tax returns of Shoppers will be consolidated in the federal income tax returns to be filed by Dart. This tax sharing arrangement will allow Dart to utilize its net operating loss carryforwards and Shoppers' tax liabilities will be paid to Dart as if Shoppers filed a separate tax return.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
NOTE 5 - OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES
Other accrued expenses consist of the following (in thousands):
NOTE 6 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
401(k) Plan
Prior to fiscal year 1995 the Company maintained a noncontributory profit sharing plan (the "Plan") for all employees with one year of full time continuous service. During fiscal 1995, the Company replaced the Plan with a defined contribution 401(k) plan (the "New Plan"). The New Plan is available to substantially all employees over the age of 21 who have completed one year of continuous service. Discretionary contributions are made by the Company in trust for the exclusive benefit of employees who participate in the New Plan. For the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 the Company has accrued $400,000 for its contributions to the New Plan. All amounts contributed or accrued to the New Plan are included in accrued salaries and benefits in the accompanying financial statements.
Multiemployer Plans
The Company makes contributions to multiemployer plans for its union employees. Such contributions, net of employee contributions, totaled approximately $842,000, $10,725,000 and $487,000 for pension, health and welfare and legal benefit plans, respectively, for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998.
Lease Commitments
The Company leases warehouse and retail store facilities under noncancelable lease agreements ranging from 1 to 20 years. Renewal options are available on the majority of the leases for one or more periods of five years each. Most leases require the payment of taxes and maintenance costs, and some leases provide for additional rentals based on sales in excess of specified minimums. All store leases have stated periodic rental increases. The increases are amortized over the lives of the leases. Rent expense includes approximately $991,000 of amortized rental increases for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998.
Following is a schedule of annual future minimum payments under the capital lease for office space, assuming future annual increases of 3 percent, and noncancelable operating leases, which have initial or remaining terms in excess
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
of one year at January 31, 1998 (in thousands):
Rent expense for operating leases charged to operations is as follows (in thousands):
Related-Party Leases
In July 1990, the Company entered into an agreement to lease an 86,000 square foot office building in Lanham, Maryland, from a private partnership (the "Partnership") which is owned by former stockholders of the Company (members of the Herman family) and former stockholders of Dart members of the Haft family. As part of a settlement with Herbert H. Haft and Ronald S. Haft (see Note 8), the Haft's interest in the office building is pledged as security to Dart. The lease is for 20 years and it commenced December 10, 1990. The lease provides for yearly increasing rental payments, based upon the Consumer Price Index for the Washington D.C., metropolitan statistical area; however, the annual increases will not be more than 6 percent or less than 3 percent. Rental payments for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 were approximately $1,317,000, and all payments over the life of the lease aggregate approximately $21,019,000. Shoppers accounts for the lease as a capital lease. The lease requires the Company to pay for maintenance, utilities, insurance, and taxes. The Partnership purchased the office building for approximately $8,663,000 in July 1990.
During the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 Shoppers made rental payments of approximately $5,911,000, on store leases to partnerships related to former stockholders of Dart. As of January 31, 1998, the Company had ten store operating leases with partnerships related to the former stockholders of Dart. The remaining future minimum payments under these leases exclusive of option periods are approximately $66,360,000 and expire through 2014.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Shoppers made payments of approximately $290,000 during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 for warehouse operating leases to a partnership owned by former stockholders of Shoppers and to Dart. As of January 31, 1998, the remaining future minimum annual payments under these leases are approximately $1,033,000 and expire in 2002.
Subleasing Agreements
Shoppers subleases space within one store for the sale of beer and wine to an entity affiliated with its officers. Shoppers received rental income of approximately $209,000 in the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998 from this entity, which is included in selling and administrative expenses.
As of January 31, 1998, there were three unaffiliated subtenants in the Lanham office building. The subtenants are leasing approximately 34,000 square feet. The subleases expire between December 1998 and September 2000. Shoppers received rental income of approximately $600,000 in the 52 weeks ending January 31, 1998 from its subtenants.
During the period ended June 29, 1996 Shoppers began leasing space to Trak Auto Corporation ("Trak Auto") a majority-owned subsidiary of Dart. Shoppers received rental income of approximately $177,000 during the period ended January 31, 1998.
Employment Agreements
In February 1997, Shoppers entered into letters of employment with each of its executive officers (excluding William J. White) and several other key employees. The initial annual salaries of the executive officers under the letters of employment are as follows: Jack W. Binder ($183,000), Louis E. Davis ($150,000), Isaac Gendelman ($162,000) and Roy N. Marks ($148,000). Each executive officer may receive a bonus in accordance with a bonus program developed by the Company. Each executive officer will receive life insurance and health, dental and disability insurance. In addition, the Company pays between $350 and $850 per month to the executive officers as an automobile allowance. None of the letters of employment has a termination date.
On August 25, 1997, Shoppers entered into a one-year employment agreement with William J. White as President of the Company. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $300,000 and a bonus on performance.
NOTE 7 - LITIGATION
Resolution of Haft Family and Related Litigation
The litigation discussed below involving Dart, its affiliates and members of the Haft family settled prior to January 31, 1998. On February 5, 1998, Dart closed the settlement agreement with Herbert H. Haft (the "HHH Settlement") and a Second Supplemental Settlement Agreement with Ronald S. Haft ("Second Supplemental Agreement"). The settlements with various Haft family members
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
described in Note 8 are referred to as the "Settlements". As part of the HHH Settlement, Herbert H. Haft (i) sold to Dart all of his shares of, and options to purchase, Dart Class A Common Stock, and his capital stock of Dart's subsidiaries Trak Auto and Crown Books Corporation ("Crown Books"),(ii) resigned from all of his positions with Dart and its subsidiary corporations, (iii) relinquished his claim to voting control of Dart, and (iv) terminated his employment agreement with Dart. In addition, all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dart and Herbert H. Haft were resolved. As consideration for the HHH Settlement, Dart paid Herbert H. Haft approximately $28 million at the closing. An accrual for the HHH Settlement of approximately $28.0 million has been reflected in Dart's January 31, 1998 Consolidated Financial Statements. Subsequent to January 31, 1998 and in connection with the closing of the Settlements, Dart also made a $10 million loan to a partnership owned by Ronald S. Haft, the proceeds of which were used to repay a $10 million note to Herbert H. Haft. Consummation of the Settlements also means that all litigation (described below) between Dart and members of the Haft family has been settled and dismissed, and the Company is no longer subject to a Standstill Order (described below) imposed by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Haft Litigation involving Dart Group Corporation and its Subsidiaries
Over the past three years, there has been significant litigation involving the control of Dart. On September 7, 1994, the Board of Directors of Dart established an Executive Committee comprised of Dart's outside directors to conduct the affairs of Dart with respect to matters that were the subject of dispute between the then Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Dart, Herbert H. Haft, and the then President and Chief Operating Officer of Dart, Ronald S. Haft. In April 1996, the Board of Directors of Dart authorized the Executive Committee to conduct the affairs of Dart with respect to matters that are the subject of dispute between Dart and its Co-Chairman, or in connection with which Dart and its Co-Chairman have adverse interests. Dart filed three lawsuits against Herbert H. Haft alleging various improper actions by him.
As a result of the Settlements, the litigation has been dismissed with prejudice.
On October 6, 1995, Dart and Ronald S. Haft entered into a settlement of litigation initiated by Ronald S. Haft to obtain control of Dart through the exercise of certain disputed stock options, and other related transactions (the "RSH Settlement"). The RSH Settlement transactions were subject to legal challenge and, through such litigation, Herbert H. Haft sought control of Dart. As a result of the Settlements, the litigation has been dismissed with prejudice. Pursuant to the RSH Settlement, Ronald S. Haft consented to the termination of his option to purchase 5 shares of Dart/SFW Corp. If he had succeeded in litigation to obtain control of Dart (in excess of 35% of the voting stock of Dart), it would have constituted a Change in Control under the Indenture permitting the holders of the Senior Notes, subject to certain conditions, to require the Company to repurchase any or all of the Senior Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus any accrued and
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
unpaid interest to the date of repurchase.
In connection with the legal challenges to the RSH Settlement, on December 6, 1995, the Delaware Court of Chancery entered a Standstill Order (the "Standstill Order"), which restricted certain actions by Dart. Without further order of the court, Dart could not, among other things, (i) change the current composition of the Board of Directors of Dart or any of its subsidiaries or (ii) issue any additional securities of Dart or any of its subsidiaries. In addition, without first giving certain litigants not less than seven days' written notice, Dart could not take any extraordinary actions, including but not limited to actions that would result in (a) the liquidation of Dart or any of its subsidiaries or (b) the sale of any major subsidiary of Dart. For purposes of the Standstill Order, the Company is a "subsidiary" of Dart and the phrase "extraordinary actions" means any transaction, contract or agreement, the value of which exceeds $3 million.
As a result of the Delaware Court of Chancery approval of the Settlements, Dart is no longer subject to the Standstill Order.
Other
In the ordinary course of business, Shoppers is party to various legal actions that the Company believes are routine in nature and incidental to the operation of its business. The Company believes that the outcome of the proceedings to which Shoppers currently is party will not have a material adverse effect, if established, upon the business, financial condition and results of operations.
NOTE 8 - SETTLEMENT OF LITIGATION
Settlement with Robert, Gloria and Linda Haft
On September 26, 1997, Dart and its subsidiaries closed the transactions contemplated in an agreement, dated August 16, 1997, to settle certain litigation and enter other related transactions (the "RGL Settlement") with Robert M. Haft, Gloria G. Haft, Linda G. Haft and certain related parties (collectively "RGL").
The transactions completed by the closing of the RGL Settlement between Dart and RGL include: the purchase by Dart from RGL of 104,976 shares of Dart Class B Common Stock and 77,244 shares of Dart Class A Common Stock; the termination of options held or claimed by RGL to purchase shares of Dart Class A Common Stock; the termination of putative options to purchase 15 shares of Dart/SFW Corp., and the termination of a small number of options to purchase shares of common stock of Trak Auto Corporation ("Trak Auto") and Crown Books Corporation ("Crown Books"), affiliates of Dart. Dart paid RGL a total of approximately $41.0 million in connection with these transactions. Dart paid for the RGL Settlement with the Restricted Proceeds and Shoppers paid the Restricted Proceeds to Dart in the form of a $40 million dividend and a $10 million loan.
In addition, Dart acquired all of Robert M. Haft and Linda G. Haft's respective
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
interests in partnerships owning Dart's headquarters building in Landover, Maryland and a warehouse leased by Trak Auto in Bridgeview, Illinois for $4.4 million.
The closing of the RGL Settlement resulted in the termination of the pending claim by RGL to control of Dart and the settlement of all litigation between them and Dart and its subsidiaries.
Settlements with Herbert H. Haft and Ronald S. Haft
On October 16, 1997, Dart announced the Settlements with Herbert H. Haft and Ronald S. Haft. The Settlements were subsequently approved by the Delaware Court of Chancery on November 24, 1997.
The HHH Settlement closed on February 5, 1998 and included the following transactions: the purchase by Dart from Herbert H. Haft of all his shares of, and options to purchase, Dart Class A Common Stock; that Herbert H. Haft resigned from all of his positions with Dart and its subsidiary corporations; that Herbert H. Haft relinquished his claim to voting control of Dart and that Herbert H. Haft terminated his employment contract with Dart. In addition, all outstanding litigation and disputes between Dart and Herbert H. Haft were dismissed or resolved. As consideration for the Settlements, Dart paid Herbert H. Haft approximately $28 million upon closing. Dart also made a $10 million loan to a partnership owned by Herbert H. Haft and Ronald S. Haft, which loan is personally guaranteed by Ronald S. Haft and is secured by the partnership's interest in three shopping centers located in suburban Washington, D.C. and by a one-half indirect interest in the Company's headquarters building in Lanham, Maryland leased from a partnership in which the Haft's own one-half of the partnership interest. Shoppers loaned Dart an additional $25 million for the Settlements as permitted by covenants under the Senior Notes. In addition, certain derivative litigation was dismissed with prejudice and Dart paid approximately $3.5 million in attorney's fees to derivative plaintiff's counsel.
On November 19, 1997, the transactions contemplated in the First Supplemental Agreement, were closed. The transactions in the First Supplemental Agreement include: completion of bankruptcy plans of reorganization for partnerships owning Dart's headquarters in Landover, Maryland and a distribution center leased to Trak Auto in Bridgeview, Illinois; payment by Dart of $7 million to reduce outstanding mortgage loans on these properties, which thereafter are wholly-owned by Dart and/or its affiliates; and Ronald S. Haft paid $2.2 million to Dart from escrowed funds previously earmarked for Ronald S. Haft.
The Second Supplemental Agreement, closed in February 1998 and Dart required that the shares held in a Voting Trust for the benefit of Ronald S. Haft, be transferred to Dart. In addition, the Dart Class A and Class B Common Stock from the Voting Trust was placed in treasury and Dart's Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock were reclassified as Common Stock.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
52 Weeks Ended January 31, 1998, 31 Weeks Ended February 1, 1997 and the 52 Weeks Ended June 29, 1996 and, July 1, 1995
NOTE 9 - DISPOSITION OF TOTAL BEVERAGE CORP.
In October 1992, Shoppers opened Total Beverage Corp. ("Total Beverage"), a discount beverage retail store. On February 27,1993, Shoppers entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") to sell Total Beverage to Dart.
As proceeds from the sale, Shoppers received approximately $1,493,000 in a note receivable (the "Note"). Under the terms of the Agreement, Shoppers is required to reimburse Dart for 25 percent of future operating losses of Total Beverage, as defined in the Agreement, over a three year period. To the extent of such losses, Shoppers will remit funds first by reducing amounts due under the Note and then by remitting payment to Dart. The Note and accrued interest were due in February 1995. Shoppers has reflected the Note, net of a $1,000,000 reserve, in the accompanying balance sheets as of January 31, 1998. Management believes the reserve is adequate to provide for any reductions in the Note.
NOTE 10 - TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
Dart provides Shoppers with certain general and administrative services, including, but not limited to, legal, human resources, data processing income taxes and financial reporting in accordance with an agreement dated February 6, 1997 (the "Management Services Agreement"). In management's opinion, the intercompany charges for these services were equal to the costs incurred by Dart to provide these functions. In fiscal 1998, Dart charged Shoppers approximately $125,000 for such services. It is not practicable for Shoppers to estimate the cost it would have incurred for these services if it had operated as an unaffiliated entity.
In addition to the intercompany charges for general and administrative services, Dart charged Shoppers, on a monthly basis, for actual expenses which related directly to Shoppers's operations (primarily legal expenses). Substantially all such charges were supported by invoices from unrelated parties designating Shoppers as recipient of the related goods or services. Such charges were approximately $1.6 million in fiscal 1998.
In Shoppers's opinion, the methods used for allocating costs described above constitute a reasonable basis on which to allocate such costs.
Promissory Notes
On September 26, 1997, Shoppers loaned Dart $10.0 million from the Restricted Proceeds that Dart used for the RGL Settlement. The loan is in the form of a promissory note that bears interest at 9 3/4% per annum compounded annually. Interest and principal are payable on June 15, 2004, however Dart could make interest payments prior to that time.
On January 28, 1998, Shoppers loaned Dart $25.0 million that Dart used for the HHH Settlement. The loan is in the form of a promissory note that bears interest at 9 3/4% per annum compounded annually. Interest and principal are
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
payable on June 15, 2004, however Dart could make interest payments prior to that time.
NOTE 11 - SUBSEQUENT EVENT
Planned Merger of Dart
On April 9, 1998, Dart entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Richfood Holdings, Inc. ("Richfood Holdings") and a subsidiary of Richfood Holdings ("Acquisition Subsidiary") pursuant to which Dart has agreed to become a wholly owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, Richfood Holdings will (1) make a cash tender offer (the "Offer") for all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Dart at a price of $160.00 per share (2) take all steps necessary to cause Acquisition Subsidiary to merge with and into Dart (the "Merger") in a transaction in which Dart will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Richfood Holdings. As a result of the Merger, Richfood Holdings will indirectly own 100% of the outstanding Common Stock of Shoppers.
The Offer is subject to a number of customary conditions. The Merger is subject to the tender in the offer of a majority of the shares of common stock of Dart on a fully diluted basis and to other customary conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals and the absence of material adverse effects on the business or financial conditions of Dart and its subsidiaries, taken as a whole with certain limited exceptions. The Offer closed on May 13, 1998 and the Merger is expected to close on May 18, 1998.
NOTE 12 - INTERIM FINANCIAL DATA - (UNAUDITED)
Selected interim financial data for the year ended January 31, 1998 is as follows:
(1) Includes income of $1,729, net of income taxes, during the 13 weeks ended May 3, 1997, for the cumulative effect of an accounting change and a loss of $3,126, net of income taxes, during the 13 weeks ended July 2, 1997, for an extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt.
SFW HOLDING CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
Years Ended January 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Note 13 - SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL DATA
Summary Income Data for Deconsolidated Subsidiary
The following information reflects the results of Shoppers for the years ended January 31, 1997 and 1996:
The amounts included in net income above do not reflect the amortization of the difference between Holding's original purchase price and the equity in net assets or certain tax contingencies recorded by the Company. The following is a reconciliation of the net income as reported by Shoppers with the equity in affiliate as reported on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations:
The following information presents summarized balance sheet information of Shoppers as of January 31, 1997 and 1996.
On February 6, 1997, Holding acquired the other 50% interest in Shoppers for $210 million. As a result, the accounts of Shoppers are consolidated with the Company effective February 6, 1997. Holding financed the Acquisition through the application of $137.2 million in net proceeds raised from an offering of Increasing Rate Senior Notes due 2000 (the "Increasing Rate Notes") of SFW Acquisition Corp., a newly created wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart, and $72.8 million of bridge financing. Immediately after the Acquisition, SFW Acquisition Corp. merged into Shoppers (with Shoppers becoming obligor on the Increasing Rate Notes) and Shoppers repaid the bridge financing from its existing cash and the liquidation of certain short-term investments.
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Inapplicable.
PART III
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The directors and executive officers of Holding are as follows:
Richard B. Stone was elected Chairman of Shoppers in October 1997 and Chief Executive Officer. Senator Stone serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dart Group Corporation ("Dart") and Chairman of SFW Holding Corp. ("Holding") a wholly-owned Dart subsidiary and Shoppers immediate parent. He is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of each of Dart's other majority owned subsidiaries Trak Auto Corporation ("Trak Auto") and Crown Books Corporation ("Crown Books") and Darts wholly-owned subsidiary Total Beverage Corporation ("Total Beverage"). Since December 1995, Senator Stone has been Voting Trustee of a trust that held all of the voting stock of Dart until February 1998 when Dart's Class A Common Stock was given voting power. From 1992 to 1994, Senator Stone was a Director of International Service System. He served as United States Ambassador to Denmark from 1992 to 1993, and he is currently a member of the Council of America Ambassadors. He was Chief Operating Officer of Capital Bank, N.A. from 1989 to 1991, and was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Capital Bank, N.A. from 1985 to 1991. Senator Stone served as President Reagan's Special Envoy for Central American Affairs and Ambassador-at-Large from 1983 to 1984. He was a United States Senator from 1975 to 1981, representing the State of Florida.
Howard M. Metzenbaum has been a Director of Shoppers, Holding and Dart since October 21, 1997. He is also a director of Dart's subsidiaries Trak Auto, Crown Books and Total Beverage. He currently serves on the Board of the Public Citizen and National Peace Garden and he serves as Chairman of the Board of the Consumer Federation of America. He served also as Senator from the State of Ohio between 1977 and 1995, and from January 1974 to December 1974. Senator Metzenbaum was practicing attorney prior to joining the United States Senate. He headed the firm Metzenbaum, Gaines, Schwartz, Arupansky, Finley and Stern. Senator Metzenbaum was Chairman of the Board of COMCORP from 1969 to 1974. Prior to 1974, he served as Chairman of the Board of ITT Consumer Services
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant (Continued)
Corp. ("ITT") and as a director of Capital National Bank of Cleveland and Society National Bank of Cleveland for several years. From 1958 to 1966, he served as Chairman of the Board of the Airport Parking Company of America, which later merged with ITT. Mr. Metzenbaum resigned from the boards of Shoppers, Holding and Dart on May 15, 1998.
Harry M. Linowes has been a Director of Shoppers, Holding and Dart since October 21, 1997. He is also a director of Dart's subsidiaries Trak Auto, Crown Books and Total Beverage. Mr. Linowes is a Certified Public Accountant and a consultant. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Linowes served as a Senior Partner of BDO Siedman, L.L.P. Accountants and Consultants ("BDO Siedman") from 1992 to 1996, and as Managing Partner from 1986 to 1992. In 1986, Mr. Linowes, then the Managing Partner of Leopold & Linowes, oversaw the merger of that firm with BDO Siedman. Mr. Linowes served as President of the Board of Trustees of the D.C. Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as President of the Washington, D.C. Estate Planning Counsel, and as Chairman of the Executive Committee of CPA Associates (an international association of CPA firms). He has been active in leadership roles with many civic organizations. Mr. Linowes resigned from the boards of Shoppers, Holding and Dart on May 15, 1998.
Mark A. Flint has been President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Holding and a Director of Shoppers since February 6, 1997. He was the President of Shoppers from February 6, 1997 until August 25, 1997 and he was Chief Executive Officer from February 1997 until August 1997. He has also been the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dart since September 1996. Prior to joining Dart, Mr. Flint spent 14 years serving in various capacities as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and a member of the Board of Directors of Peter J. Schmitt Holdings, Inc., a multi-state $1.3 billion food retailer and distributor, where he was responsible for corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, finance and information technology.
Elliot R. Arditti has been Senior Vice President, Corporate Counsel of Dart since June 1995 and Secretary since June 1993. He joined Dart in January 1984 as Associate Counsel. He was appointed Assistant Vice President, Corporate Counsel in September 1986 and Vice President, Corporate Counsel in December 1987. In February 1997, he was appointed Secretary of Holding and Shoppers.
Kenneth M. Sobien joined Dart in August 1988. He was appointed Assistant Treasurer of Dart in July 1994 and Assistant Treasurer of Holding and Shoppers in February 1997.
William J. White has been President of Shoppers since September 1997. Before joining Shoppers, Mr. White held a number of senior management positions in the retail-food business. He has served as Vice President of Operations for Giant Food of Carlisle, where he was responsible for over $600 million dollars in sales volume attributable to 55 stores. He later served as Senior Vice President of Retail Operations of Piggly Wiggly. Mr. White was subsequently promoted to President of Piggly Wiggly, and held that position from 1987 through 1994. Most recently, Mr. White served as President of Mega Foods in Phoenix, Arizona, from 1995 through 1997. While President of Mega Foods, Mr. White spearheaded a successful turn-around of the company.
Jack W. Binder became Senior Vice President of Finance of Shoppers in 1987. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and Controller since he joined
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant (Continued)
Shoppers in 1966.
Isaac Gendelman worked at Shoppers' first store as a produce clerk beginning in 1953. Mr. Gendelman was promoted through the ranks to Store Produce Manager, Produce Buyer, Warehouse Manager, Vice President and in 1987 was promoted to Senior Vice President of Produce Operations.
Leroy N. Marks joined Shoppers in 1982 as Director of Grocery Buying. Mr. Marks was later promoted to Vice President and subsequently became Senior Vice President--Grocery in 1991.
Louis E. Davis joined Shoppers in 1971 as a cashier. Over the next several years, he advanced within the organization, serving as a store grocery manager, assistant store manager, store manager, grocery merchandiser, Director of Merchandising and Director of Store Operations. He remained in that position until he was promoted to Assistant Vice President of Operations. He became Vice President of Operations in 1991 and Senior Vice President of Store Operations in 1997.
Lucky Hicks joined Shoppers in February 1998 as Senior Vice President - Perishable Merchandise. Prior to joining the Company he was with Associated Wholesale Grocers in various positions since 1992. Prior to that he was with Kroger Company.
Other officers of Shoppers are as follows:
James K. Barnhart joined Shoppers in 1982 as Director of Data Processing. In 1987, Mr. Barnhart was promoted to Assistant Vice President--Data Processing and in January 1998 he was promoted to Vice President Data Processing.
Edward A. Klig joined Shoppers as Controller in 1985. In 1994, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President and Controller and Vice President of Finance in January 1998.
Richard A. Pasewark joined Shoppers in November 1997 as Director of Advertising. He was promoted Vice President of Advertising in January 1998. Mr. Pasewark was Director of Advertising at Giant Food Stores, Inc. (Carlisle) from 1978 until November 1997.
R. Kevin Small was promoted to Vice President of Store Development in January 1998. He joined Shoppers in 1995 as Executive Director of Corporate Facilities. Prior to joining Shoppers he was Executive Director of Construction and Maintenance at Fresh Fields Market, Inc. from June 1994 to June 1995 and he was Director of Property Development with The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. from 1989 to June 1994.
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The officers of Holding are not compensated by Holding or Shoppers. The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth in summary form all compensation for all services rendered to Shoppers during the last three fiscal years (i) the Chief Executive Officer and (ii) the five for most highly compensated executive officers employed by Shoppers as of the end of its most recent fiscal year.
(a) There were 31 weeks in fiscal 1997 compared to 52 weeks in each of fiscal 1998 and 1996.
(b) Excludes perquisites and other personal benefits, unless the aggregate amount of such compensation is at least $50,000 or 10% of the total annual salary and bonus reported.
(c) Includes Dart Group Corporation stock options.
(d) Includes allocations pursuant to the named executive officers 401(k) account and/or profit sharing account.
(e) Richard B. Stone was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 1997. He is not compensated by Shoppers.
(f) William J. White joined Shoppers in August 1997. His annual base salary is $300,000 with a bonus based on performance. Mr. White received a
Item 11. Executive Compensation (Continued)
$5,000 sign-on bonus and approximately $12,200 in relocation fees and taxes thereon.
Employment Agreements
In February 1997, Shoppers entered into letters of employment with each of its executive officers (excluding William J. White) and several other key employees. The initial annual salaries of the executive officers under the letters of employment are as follows: Jack W. Binder ($183,000), Louis E. Davis ($150,000), Isaac Gendelman ($162,000) and Roy A. Marks ($148,500). Each executive officer will receive life insurance and health, dental and disability insurance. In addition, the Company pays between $350 and $650 per month to the executive officers as an automobile allowance. None of the letters of employment has a termination date.
On August 25, 1997, Shoppers entered into a one-year employment agreement with William J. White as President of the Company. The agreement provides for an annual base salary of $300,000 and a bonus based on performance.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
In June 1988, Dart acquired its initial 50% interest in Shoppers. On February 6, 1997, Dart acquired the other 50% interest in Shoppers. Dart, indirectly (through its wholly-owned subsidiary SFW Holdings Corp.) owns 100% of all classes of Shoppers' outstanding common stock.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In July 1990, Shoppers entered into an agreement to lease an 86,000 square foot office building in Lanham, Maryland, from Combined Properties/4600 Forbes Limited Partnership ("CP/Forbes Partnership") which is half-owned by certain former stockholders of Dart (members of the Haft family) and half-owned by certain former stockholders of Shoppers (members of the Herman family.) As a result of the Settlements the Haft's interest is pledged as security to Dart. The lease is for 20 years and commenced December 10, 1990. The lease provides for yearly increasing rental payments, based upon the Consumer Price Index for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan statistical area; however, the annual increases will not be more than 6 percent or less than 3 percent. Rental payments for the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, for the 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997 and for the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995, were approximately $1,317,000, $744,000, $1,246,000, and $1,210,000, respectively, and total payments over the life of the lease aggregate approximately $21,019,000. Shoppers accounts for the lease as a capital lease. Due to fixed rental increases during the term of the lease, lease payments exceeded interest payments by $34,000 for the 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997, approximately $254,000 for the 52 weeks ended June 29,1996 and approximately $292,000 for the 52 weeks ended July 1, 1995. The lease requires Shoppers to pay for maintenance, utilities, insurance, and taxes. CP/Forbes Partnership purchased the office building for approximately $8,663,000 in July 1990.
During the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, the 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997, and the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995 Shoppers made rental payments of approximately $5,911,000, $3,573,000, $5,384,000, and $5,985,000, respectively, on store leases to partnerships related to former stockholders of Dart (Haft family members). As of January 31, 1998, Shoppers had ten store operating leases with partnerships related to Haft family members. The remaining future minimum payments under these leases exclusive of option periods are approximately $66,360,000 and expire through 2014.
During the fiscal year ended June 29, 1996, Shoppers began leasing space to Trak Auto Corporation, a majority-owned subsidiary of Dart. Shoppers received rental income of approximately $177,000 during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, $91,000 during the 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997 and $140,000 during the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1996.
Shoppers made payments of approximately $290,000, $198,000, $278,000 and $246,000 during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997 and the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995 for two warehouse operating leases. The first lease is with a partnership, owned by various members of the Herman family. As of January 31, 1998, the remaining future minimum payments under the lease are approximately $957,000. The second lease which was terminated in fiscal 1998, was with a subsidiary of Dart. It provided for a month-to-month term and payments of approximately $5,000 per month.
Shoppers subleases space within one store for the sale of beer and wine to an entity affiliated with its officers. Shoppers received rental income of approximately $209,000, $58,000, $155,000 and $155,000 during the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, the 31 weeks ended February 1, 1997 and the 52 weeks ended June 29, 1996 and July 1, 1995 respectively, from this entity.
Concurrent with the Acquisition, Shoppers entered into a management services agreement (the "Management Services Agreement") with Dart. The Management Services Agreement allocates costs and expenses incurred by Dart on behalf of Shoppers, including tax, accounting, internal audit, human resources and legal services. During the 52 weeks ended January 31, 1998, Dart charged Shoppers $125,000 for such costs. In addition, Shoppers entered into a tax sharing agreement (the "Tax Sharing Agreement") with Dart. The Tax Sharing Agreement provides, inter alia, that Shoppers shall pay to Dart from time to time amounts equal to the federal and state tax liability of Shoppers and each of its direct and indirect affiliated group subsidiaries (collectively, the "Shoppers Group") computed as if the Shoppers Group was a separate and independent affiliated group. For this purpose, the term "affiliated group" has the meaning set forth in section 1504 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
In connection with the sale in October 1992 by Shoppers of Total Beverage Corp. to a subsidiary of Dart, Shoppers received a note in the amount of approximately $1,493,000 (the "Note"). The Note and accrued interest was due in February 1995. Subsequent to the issuance of the Note, Dart and Shoppers have raised various claims against each other, some of which are related to the purchase and sale of Total Beverage Corp. As a result, neither Dart nor its subsidiary have made payment on the Note. Shoppers has recorded a $1,000,000 reserve against this Note, resulting in a remaining balance of approximately $500,000. See "Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." Dart intends to offset against the Note an amount reflecting certain claims that Dart and its subsidiaries have against Shoppers. As a result, it is not expected that Shoppers will receive funds from Dart in settlement of these disputes.
In February 1997, Shoppers paid approximately $10 million in fees and expenses incurred by Dart in connection with the Acquisition.
On September 26, 1997, Shoppers loaned Dart $10.0 million from the Restricted Proceeds that Dart used for the RGL Settlement. The loan is in the form of a promissory note that bears interest at 9 3/4% per annum compounded annually. Interest and principal are payable on June 15, 2004, however Dart could make interest payments prior to that time.
On January 28, 1998, Shoppers loaned Dart $25.0 million that Dart used for the HHH Settlement. The loan is the form of a promissory note that bears interest at 9 3/4% per annum compounded annually. Interest and principal are payable on June 15, 2004, however Dart could make interest payments prior to that time.
Item 14.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K
(a)(1) Financial Statements
See Item 8.
(a)(2) Schedules (Consolidated) -
All schedules are omitted because the required information is inapplicable or it is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.
(a)(3) Exhibits
4.1 Indenture dated June 26, 1997 by and among Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp., SFW Holding Corp. and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. Form S-4, Registration No. 333-32825, filed August 5, 1997).
4.2 Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. Global Security dated June 26, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. Form S-4, Registration No. 333-32825, filed August 5, 1997).
10.1 Employment Agreement dated August 18, 1997 between William White and Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp., herein incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 filed with Dart Group Corporation (No. 0-1946) Form 10-Q filed September 15, 1997.
10.2 Revolving Loan and Security Agreement dated December 22, 1997 between Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. and Lendors and Heller Financial, Inc. as Agent and as Lender (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. Form 10-K filed May 1, 1998.
10.3 Promissory Notes dated September 26, 1997 and January 28, 1998 from Dart Group Corporation to Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Shoppers Food Warehouse Corp. Form 10-K filed May 1, 1998).
11 Statement on Computation of Per Share Net Income.
21 Subsidiaries of SFW Holding Corp.
27 Financial Data Schedules
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
SFW Holding Corp. did not file any Current Reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SFW HOLDING CORP.
Date: May 15, 1998 By: Richard B. Stone ----------------------- ------------------------------------------ Richard B. Stone Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: May 15, 1998 Richard B. Stone ----------------------- ------------------------------------------ Richard B. Stone Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 15, 1998 Harry M. Linowes ----------------------- ------------------------------------------ Harry M. Linowes Director
Date: May 15, 1998 Howard M. Metzenbaum ----------------------- ------------------------------------------ Howard M. Metzenbaum Director
Date: May 15, 1998 Mark A. Flint ----------------------- ------------------------------------------ Mark A. Flint Chief Financial Officer
SCHEDULE I
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To SFW Holding Corp.
We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards the consolidated financial statements of SFW Holding Corp. (a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated April 28, 1998. Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basis financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule listed in the index is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. The schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the basic financial statements and in our opinion fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole.
Arthur Andersen LLP
Washington, D.C. April 28, 1998
SCHEDULE I SFW Holding Corp.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Balanced Sheets
SCHEDULE I SFW Holding Corp.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only)
Condensed Statements of Operations
SCHEDULE I SFW Holding Corp.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only)
SCHEDULE I SFW Holding Corp.
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Parent Company Only)
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Note A Basis of Presentation
The accompanying condensed financial statements of SFW Holding Corp. (a Delaware corporation), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dart Group Corporation ("Dart") includes its subsidiaries presented on an equity basis, collectively "Holding" or the "Company." All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
The notes to the SFW Holding Corp. and subsidiaries consolidated financial statements are an integral part of this schedule.
SFW HOLDING CORP.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
21 Subsidiaries of SFW Holding Corp.
27 Financial Data Schedules