Le Lézard
Classified in: Business, Covid-19 virus
Subjects: ERN, ESG

Loblaw Reports 2021 Fourth Quarter Results and Announces Net-Zero Carbon Emission Commitment(1)


BRAMPTON, ON, Feb. 24, 2022 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) ("Loblaw" or the "Company") announced today its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter ended January 1, 2022 and the release of its 2021 Annual Report - Financial Review ("Annual Report"). The report includes the Company's audited financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2022. The Company's 2021 Annual Report will be available in the Investors section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and will be filed on SEDAR and available at sedar.com.

2021 Q4 AND FULL YEAR FINANCIAL AND OPERATING RESULTS

In the fourth quarter, Loblaw experienced strong demand as consumers continued to eat-at-home, particularly over the holiday period. The Company's focus on retail excellence resulted in operational and financial improvements, despite supply chain and inflationary pressures. Discount banners (representing 60% of Loblaw's Food Retail network) benefited from the return of price-sensitive customers, and conventional Market stores extended strong performance, with impactful promotional strategies. Drug Retail front-store and prescription sales benefited from the loosening of social restrictions in the quarter. The Drug Retail business continued to play an important role in supporting communities nationwide with COVID-19 testing and vaccine services. Loyalty and data-driven marketing promotions across the portfolio were effective as customers responded favourably to mass and personalized offers.

"Loblaw showed strength in the fourth quarter as we delivered improved results across the board," said Galen G. Weston, Chairman and President, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We are effectively managing through a challenging environment of supply chain constraints and higher costs. With a clear strategic agenda, we remain confident in our ability to create value over the long term."

LOBLAW COMMITS TO NET-ZERO CARBON EMISSIONS

In 2016, Loblaw committed to a 30-percent reduction in corporate carbon emissions by 2030. It achieved the target in 2020, with advancements in energy management, equipment conversions, and through addressing refrigerant leaks. Informed by the Science Based Target Initiative, the Company is raising and expanding its ambitions to its full corporate, independent and franchise store network, its distribution centres, and ultimately its supplier network. Today, the Company announces a long-term roadmap: achieving net-zero carbon emissions for Loblaw's operational footprint by 2040, and achieving net-zero for Scope 3 emissions, including those generated by suppliers, by 2050.

"Climate change is one of the biggest issues of our time," said Galen G. Weston, Chairman and President, Loblaw Companies Limited. "We are committed to doing our part, extending our past progress by setting an ambitious net-zero target."

Founded on a long-standing corporate social responsibility program, Loblaw has a growing record of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) performance. It is committed to fighting climate change, taking action on carbon emissions, plastic waste and food waste, and it has impactful social commitments to deliver workforce diversity, equity and inclusion and nation-leading support for childhood hunger and women's access to care.

In the quarter, Loblaw continued its efforts to make a positive impact in the communities in which it operates:

2021 FOURTH QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

Unless otherwise indicated, the following highlights include the impact of COVID-19 and are presented on a comparable(4) 12 week basis.

The following table provides the Company's fourth quarter highlights both including and excluding the approximate impact of the 53rd week in 2020:







For the periods ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

2021

2020(4)

2020(4)

(12 week vs. 13 week)

(12 week vs. 12 week)

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(12 weeks)

$ Change

% Change

$ Change

% Change

Revenue

$

12,757

$

13,286

$

12,408

$

(529)

(4.0)%

$

349

2.8%

Operating income

705

702

635

3

0.4%

70

11.0%

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

1,324

1,313

1,246

11

0.8%

78

6.3%

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

10.4%

9.9%

10.0%





Depreciation and amortization

$

623

$

609

$

609

$

14

2.3%

$

14

2.3%

Diluted net earnings per common share ($)

$

2.20

$

0.98

$

0.88

$

1.22

124.5%

$

1.32

150.0%

Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share(2) ($)

$

1.52

$

1.22

$

1.12

$

0.30

24.6%

$

0.40

35.7%









The following table provides the approximate impact of the 53rd week on the Retail segment and consolidated results of the Company in the fourth quarter of 2020. The 53rd week does not impact the Financial Services segment.

For the period ended January 2, 2021


53rd Week Impact   

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)


2020

Revenue


$

878

Operating income


67

Adjusted EBITDA(2)


67

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)


7.6%

Diluted net earnings per common share ($)


$

0.10

Adjusted Diluted net earnings per common share(2) ($)


$

0.10

2021 SELECT ANNUAL HIGHLIGHTS

On a comparable 52 week basis, the Company:

In 2021, the Company:

The following table provides the Company's fiscal year highlights both including and excluding the approximate impact of the 53rd week:







For the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

2021

2020(4)

2020(4)

(52 week vs. 53 week)

(52 week vs. 52 week)

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(52 weeks)

$ Change

% Change

$ Change

% Change

Revenue

$

53,170

$

52,714

$

51,836

$

456

0.9%

$

1,334

2.6%

Operating income

2,937

2,365

2,298

572

24.2%

639

27.8%

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

5,587

5,004

4,937

583

11.7%

650

13.2%

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

10.5%

9.5%

9.5%






Depreciation and amortization

$

2,664

$

2,596

$

2,596

$

68

2.6%

$

68

2.6%

Diluted net earnings per common share ($)

$

5.45

$

3.06

$

2.96

$

2.39

78.1%

$

2.49

84.1%

Adjusted diluted net earnings per common share(2) ($)

$

5.59

$

4.18

$

4.09

$

1.41

33.7%

$

1.50

36.7%










See "News Release Endnotes" at the end of this News Release.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS










For the periods ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

2021

2020(4)



2021

2020(4)



(millions of Canadian dollars except  
   where otherwise indicated)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

$ Change

% Change

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

$ Change

% Change

Revenue

$

12,757

$

13,286

$

(529)

(4.0)%

$

53,170

$

52,714

$

456

0.9%

Operating income

705

702

3

0.4%

2,937

2,365

572

24.2%

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

1,324

1,313

11

0.8%

5,587

5,004

583

11.7%

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

10.4%

9.9%



10.5%

9.5%



Net earnings attributable to
   shareholders of the
   Company

$

747

$

348

$

399

114.7%

$

1,875

$

1,108

$

767

69.2%

Net earnings available to
   common shareholders of
   the Company(i)

744

345

399

115.7%

1,863

1,096

767

70.0%

Adjusted net earnings available
   to common shareholders of 
   the Company(2)

515

431

84

19.5%

1,911

1,499

412

27.5%

Diluted net earnings
   per common share ($)

$

2.20

$

0.98

$

1.22

124.5%

$

5.45

$

3.06

$

2.39

78.1%

Adjusted diluted net
   earnings per common
   share(2) ($)

$

1.52

$

1.22

$

0.30

24.6%

$

5.59

$

4.18

$

1.41

33.7%

Diluted weighted
   average common
   shares outstanding

   (in millions)

338.1

353.8



341.8

358.2














(i)

Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company are net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company net of dividends declared on the Company's Second Preferred Shares, Series B.

REPORTABLE OPERATING SEGMENTS

The Company has two reportable operating segments with all material operations carried out in Canada:





2021

2020(4)


(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

For the periods ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

Retail

Financial Services

Eliminations(i)

Total

Retail

Financial Services

Eliminations(i)

Total

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Revenue

$

12,486

$

360

$

(89)

$

12,757

$

13,043

$

320

$

(77)

$

13,286

Adjusted gross profit(2)

$

3,859

$

282

$

(89)

$

4,052

$ 3,832

$

253

$

(77)

$

4,008

Adjusted gross profit %(2)

30.9%

N/A  

?%

31.8%

29.4%

N/A  

?%

30.2%

Operating income

$

636

$

69

$

?

$

705

$

649

$

53

$

?

$

702

Net interest (recovery) / expense and other financing charges

(45)

16

?

(29)

146

20

?

166

Earnings before income taxes

$

681

$

53

$

?

$

734

$

503

$

33

$

?

$

536

Depreciation and amortization

$

612

$

11

$

?

$

623

$

600

$

9

$

?

$

609

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

1,244

80

?

1,324

1,251

62

?

1,313

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

10.0 %

N/A  

?%

10.4%

9.6%

N/A  

?%

9.9%

















2021

2020(4)


(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

For the years ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

Retail

Financial
Services

Eliminations(i)

Total

Retail

Financial
Services

Eliminations(i)

Total

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Revenue

$

52,269

$

1,182

$

(281)

$

53,170

$

51,859

$

1,097

$

(242)

$

52,714

Adjusted gross profit(2)

$

16,041

$

974

$

(281)

$

16,734

$

15,300

$

931

$

(242)

$

15,989

Adjusted gross profit %(2)

30.7%

N/A   

?%

31.5%

29.5%

N/A  

?%

30.3%

Operating income

$

2,713

$

224

$

?

$

2,937

$

2,231

$

134

$

?

$

2,365

Net interest expense and
   other financing charges

431

64

?

495

655

87

?

742

Earnings before income taxes

$

2,282

$

160

$

?

$

2,442

$

1,576

$

47

$

?

$

1,623

Depreciation and amortization

$

2,623

$

41

$

?

$

2,664

$

2,571

$

25

$

?

$

2,596

Adjusted EBITDA(2)

5,322

265

?

5,587

4,845

159

?

5,004

Adjusted EBITDA margin(2)

10.2 %

N/A  

?%

10.5%

9.3 %

N/A   

?%

9.5%











(i)  Eliminations include the reclassification of revenue related to PC® Mastercard® loyalty awards in the Financial Services segment.

RETAIL SEGMENT

FINANCIAL SERVICES SEGMENT

DECLARATION OF DIVIDENDS

Subsequent to the end of the fourth quarter of 2021, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend on Common Shares and Second Preferred Shares, Series B.

Common Shares

$0.365 per common share, payable on April 1, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2022.



Second Preferred Shares, Series B

$0.33125 per share, payable on March 31, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 15, 2022.


STRATEGIC UPDATE AND OUTLOOK(3)

Strategic Update

Two years into the pandemic, Loblaw's portfolio of businesses remains strong and well-positioned. With best-in-class assets, the Company continues to meet Canadians' everyday needs for food, health and wellness in an evolving landscape. Management's commitment to food and drug retail excellence comes with clarity and a sense of urgency to continue to deliver steady performance throughout 2022. This overarching priority is further strengthened by four strategic initiatives which are expected to drive incremental growth in the medium to long-term.

Retail Excellence Loblaw creates value through the disciplined execution of core retail operations and by leveraging its scale and strategic assets. Supported by ongoing process and efficiency initiatives, retail excellence activities focus on growing sales while improving gross margins and reducing operating costs. In 2022, the Company is focused on strategic buying and procurement opportunities to deliver reliability, selection and economies of scale to support its grocery and pharmacy network. Leveraging its customer loyalty program and billions of customer interactions across food, pharmacy, apparel, and financial services, Loblaw will increase its promotional effectiveness while delivering personalized value and unmatched service to Canadians. As announced in the third quarter of 2021, the Company also continues to optimize its retail network, to better serve customers and improve its overall profitability.

Strategic Growth Initiatives Loblaw continues to invest in targeted areas to further differentiate its portfolio of assets, generate competitive advantages in products, services and price, improve its operational efficiencies, and create new areas of growth. The four priority areas are: Digital Retail, Loblaw Media, PC Optimumtm and Connected Healthcare. The Company's Digital Retail platform delivered over $3.1 billion of sales in 2021 expanding its offering of food, front store pharmacy, prescriptions, Joe Fresh, and marketplace products. In 2022, the Company is focused on opportunities to optimize operational efficiencies particularly as they relate to delivery, and to offset the costs of e-commerce fulfillment through additional promotional and advertising strategies. The Loblaw Media platform presents the opportunity to expand advertising opportunities on the Company's digital platforms and in-stores, delivering an unmatched value proposition to vendors. The Company's PC Optimumtm loyalty program continues to evolve, with increasing digital engagement, more meaningful personalized offers, and an improving campaign return on investment while strengthening the loyalty loop and increasing share of customer wallet. Over the longer-term, Loblaw's Connected Healthcare strategy will grow its ecosystem by connecting patients and providers, underpinned by an unmatched network of pharmacies and healthcare professionals. In 2021, the rollout of tools, technology and centralized services allowed pharmacists to play an elevated role in the delivery of care, and the Company saw over 172% of growth in pharmacy services revenue. The Company will continue to expand the capability and reach of PC Health by building on the momentum of its virtual care visits via Maple Corporation and the recently announced partnership with Lifemark Health Group, Canada's largest physiotherapy and rehabilitation company.

Outlook(3)

Loblaw will continue to execute on retail excellence in its core grocery, pharmacy and apparel businesses while advancing its growth initiatives in 2022. In the third year of the pandemic, the Company's businesses remain well placed to service the everyday needs of Canadians. However, the Company cannot predict the precise impacts of COVID-19 and the current industry volatility on its 2022 financial results. Loblaw anticipates that in the first half of 2022 sales will benefit from the continued impact of the pandemic and elevated industry-wide inflation. As economies reopen and the Company starts to lap elevated 2021 inflationary prices and COVID-related pharmacy services, year on year revenue growth will be more challenged.

The Company expects:

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

The Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: Retail segment gross profit; Retail segment adjusted gross profit; Retail segment adjusted gross profit percentage; adjusted earnings before income taxes, net interest expense and other financing charges and depreciation and amortization ("adjusted EBITDA"); adjusted EBITDA margin; adjusted operating income; adjusted net interest expense and other financing charges; adjusted income taxes; adjusted effective tax rate; adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders; adjusted diluted net earnings per common share, free cash flow. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to both management and investors in measuring the financial performance and financial condition of the Company for the reasons outlined below.

Management uses these and other non-GAAP financial measures to exclude the impact of certain expenses and income that must be recognized under GAAP when analyzing underlying consolidated and segment operating performance, as the excluded items are not necessarily reflective of the Company's underlying operating performance and make comparisons of underlying financial performance between periods difficult. The Company excludes additional items if it believes doing so would result in a more effective analysis of underlying operating performance. The exclusion of certain items does not imply that they are non-recurring.

These measures do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and therefore they may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other publicly traded companies and should not be construed as an alternative to other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.

Retail Segment Gross Profit, Retail Segment Adjusted Gross Profit and Retail Segment Adjusted Gross Profit Percentage The following tables reconcile adjusted gross profit by segment to gross profit by segment, which is reconciled to revenue and cost of merchandise inventories sold measures as reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that Retail segment gross profit and Retail segment adjusted gross profit are useful in assessing the Retail segment's underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of the business.

Retail segment adjusted gross profit percentage is calculated as Retail segment adjusted gross profit divided by Retail segment revenue.





2021

2020


(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

For the periods ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

Retail

 Financial Services

 Eliminations

 Total

Retail

Financial Services

Eliminations

Total

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Revenue

$

12,486

$

360

$

(89)

$

12,757

$

13,043

$

320

$

(77)

$

13,286

Cost of merchandise
  inventories sold


8,627


78


?


8,705


9,211


67


?


9,278

Gross profit

$

3,859

$

282

$

(89)

$

4,052

$

3,832

$

253

$

(77)

$

4,008

Adjusted gross profit

$

3,859

$

282

$

(89)

$

4,052

$

3,832

$

253

$

(77)

$

4,008































2021

2020


(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

For the years ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

 

Retail

Financial
Services

Eliminations

Total

Retail

Financial
Services

Eliminations

 

Total

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Revenue

$

52,269

$

1,182

$

(281)

$

53,170

$

51,859

$

1,097

$

(242)

$

52,714

Cost of merchandise
  inventories sold


36,228


208


?

36,436


36,559


166


?


36,725

Gross profit

$

16,041

$

974

$

(281)

$

16,734

$

15,300

$

931

$

(242)

$

15,989

Adjusted gross profit

$

16,041

$

974

$

(281)

$

16,734

$

15,300

$

931

$

(242)

$

15,989


















Adjusted Operating Income, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin The following tables reconcile adjusted operating income and adjusted EBITDA to operating income, which is reconciled to net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company as reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that adjusted EBITDA is useful in assessing the performance of its ongoing operations and its ability to generate cash flows to fund its cash requirements, including the Company's capital investment program.

Adjusted EBITDA margin is calculated as adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.





2021

2020(4)


(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

For the periods ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

Retail

Financial
Services

Consolidated

 

Retail

Financial
Services

Consolidated

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the
  Company




$

747





$

348

Add impact of the following:










Non-controlling interests




(28)





46

Net interest expense and other financing charges




(29)





166

Income taxes




15





142

Operating income

$

636

$

69

$

705

$

649

$

53

$

702

Add (deduct) impact of the following:










Amortization of intangible assets acquired with
  Shoppers Drug Mart

$

117

$

?

$

117

$

117

$

?

$

117

Restructuring and other related costs


(8)

?

(8)


8


?

8

Fair value adjustment on fuel and foreign
  currency contracts


6

?

6


(7)


?

(7)

Gain on sale of non-operating properties


?

?

?


(8)


?

(8)

Fair value adjustment on non-operating properties


(2)

?

(2)


9


?

9

Adjusting items

$

113

$

?

$

113

$

119

$

?

$

119

Adjusted operating income

$

749

$

69

$

818

$

768

$

53

$

821

Depreciation and amortization


612

11

623


600


9

609

Less: Amortization of intangible assets acquired
  with Shoppers Drug Mart


(117)

?

(117)


(117)


?

(117)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

1,244

$

80

$

1,324

$

1,251

$

62

$

1,313











 





2021

2020(4)


(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

For the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

Retail

Financial
Services

Consolidated

Retail

Financial
Services

Consolidated

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the
  Company




$

1,875





$

1,108

Add impact of the following:










Non-controlling interests




101





84

Net interest expense and other financing charges




495





742

Income taxes




466





431

Operating income

$

2,713

$

224

$

2,937

$

2,231

$

134

$

2,365

Add (deduct) impact of the following:










Amortization of intangible assets acquired with
  Shoppers Drug Mart

$

506

$

?

$

506

$

509

$

?

$

509

Restructuring and other related costs


13

?

13


38


?

38

Fair value adjustment on non-operating
  properties


(2)

?

(2)


9


?

9

Gain on sale of non-operating properties


(12)

?

(12)


(9)


?

(9)

Fair value adjustment on fuel and foreign currency contracts


(13)

?

(13)


5


?

5

Adjusting items

$

492

$

?

$

492

$

552

$

?

$

552

Adjusted operating income

$

3,205

$

224

$

3,429

$

2,783

$

134

$

2,917

Depreciation and amortization


2,623

41

2,664


2,571


25

2,596

Less: Amortization of intangible assets acquired
  with Shoppers Drug Mart


(506)

?

(506)


(509)


?

(509)

Adjusted EBITDA

$

5,322

$

265

$

5,587

$

4,845

$

159

$

5,004











In addition to the items described in the Retail segment adjusted gross profit section above, adjusted EBITDA was impacted by the following:

Amortization of intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart The acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart in 2014 included approximately $6,050 million of definite life intangible assets, which are being amortized over their estimated useful lives. Annual amortization associated with the acquired intangibles will be approximately $500 million until 2024 and will decrease thereafter.

Restructuring and other related costs The Company continuously evaluates strategic and cost reduction initiatives related to its store infrastructure, distribution networks and administrative infrastructure with the objective of ensuring a low cost operating structure. Only restructuring activities that are publicly announced related to these initiatives are considered adjusting items.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recovered approximately $8 million of restructuring and other related recoveries related to the previously announced closure of two distribution centres in Laval and Ottawa. The recovery is due to a true-up in estimate of restructuring charges. The year-to-date restructuring and other related charges were $13 million. The Company is investing to build a modern and efficient expansion to its Cornwall distribution centre to serve its food and drug retail businesses in Ontario and Quebec. Volumes from the distribution centre in Laval will be transferred to Cornwall and the Company expects to incur additional restructuring costs in 2022 related to these closures.

Fair value adjustment on non-operating properties The Company measures non-operating properties, which are investment properties and assets held for sale that were transferred from investment properties, at fair value. Under the fair value model, non-operating properties are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at fair value. Fair value using the income approach include assumptions as to market rental rates for properties of similar size and condition located within the same geographical areas, recoverable operating costs for leases with tenants, non-recoverable operating costs, vacancy periods, tenant inducements and terminal capitalization rates. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair value are recognized in operating income in the period in which they arise.

Fair value adjustment on fuel and foreign currency contracts The Company is exposed to commodity price and U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuations. In accordance with the Company's commodity risk management policy, the Company enters into exchange traded futures contracts and forward contracts to minimize cost volatility relating to fuel prices and the U.S. dollar exchange rate. These derivatives are not acquired for trading or speculative purposes. Pursuant to the Company's derivative instruments accounting policy, changes in the fair value of these instruments, which include realized and unrealized gains and losses, are recorded in operating income. Despite the impact of accounting for these commodity and foreign currency derivatives on the Company's reported results, the derivatives have the economic impact of largely mitigating the associated risks arising from price and exchange rate fluctuations in the underlying commodities and U.S. dollar commitments.

Gain/loss on sale of non-operating properties In 2021, the Company record a gain related to the sale of non-operating properties of $12 million. In 2020, the Company disposed of non-operating properties to a third party and recorded a gain of $9 million related to the sale.

Adjusted Net Interest (Recovery)/Expense and Other Financing Charges The following table reconciles adjusted net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges to net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges as reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that adjusted net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges is useful in assessing the Company's underlying financial performance and in making decisions regarding the financial operations of the business.






For the periods ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

2021

2020

2021

2020

(millions of Canadian dollars)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing
  charges

$

(29)

 

$

166

 

$

495

 

$

742

Recovery related to Glenhuron


189


?


189


?

Adjusted net interest expense and other financing
  charges

$

160

 

$

166

 

$

684

 

$

742














Recovery related to Glenhuron In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a recovery of $301 million related to the Supreme Court's decision on Glenhuron. Of the total recovery, $173 million was recorded in net interest and other financing charges and $128 million was recorded in income taxes. In addition, interest of $16 million, before taxes was recorded in respect of interest income earned on expected cash tax refunds.

Adjusted Income Taxes and Adjusted Effective Tax Rate The following table reconciles adjusted income taxes to income taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of earnings for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that adjusted income taxes is useful in assessing the Company's underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of its business. 

Adjusted effective tax rate is calculated as adjusted income taxes divided by the sum of adjusted operating income less adjusted net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges.






For the periods ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

2021

2020(4)

2021

2020(4)

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Adjusted operating income(i)

$

818

$

821

$

3,429

$

2,917

Adjusted net interest expense and other financing
  charges(i)


160


166


684


742

Adjusted earnings before taxes

$

658

$

655

$

2,745

$

2,175

Income taxes

$

15

$

142

$

466

$

431

Add (deduct) impact of the following:









Tax impact of items included in adjusted earnings
  before taxes(ii)


25


33


127


149

Recovery related to Glenhuron


128


?


128

$

?

Adjusted income taxes

$

168

$

175

$

721

$

580

Effective tax rate


2.0%


26.5%


19.1%


26.6%

Adjusted income tax rate


25.5%


26.7%


26.3%


26.7%










(i)

See reconciliations of adjusted operating income and adjusted net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges in the tables above.

(ii)

See the adjusted operating income, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin table and the adjusted net (recovery)/interest expense and other financing charges table above for a complete list of items included in adjusted earnings before taxes.

Recovery related to Glenhuron In the fourth quarter of 2021, the Company recorded a recovery of $301 million related to the Supreme Court's decision on Glenhuron. Of the total recovery, $173 million was recorded in net interest and other financing charges and $128 million was recorded in income taxes. In addition, interest of $16 million, before taxes was recorded in respect of interest income earned on expected cash tax refunds.

Adjusted Net Earnings Available to Common Shareholders and Adjusted Diluted Net Earnings Per Common Share The following table reconciles adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company and adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company to net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company and then to net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders and adjusted diluted net earnings per common share are useful in assessing the Company's underlying operating performance and in making decisions regarding the ongoing operations of its business.










For the periods ended January 1, 2022  and January 2, 2021

2021

2020(4)

2021

2020(4)

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company

$

747

$

348

$

1,875

$

1,108

Prescribed dividends on preferred shares in share capital


(3)


(3)


(12)


(12)

Net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company

$

744

$

345

$

1,863

$

1,096

Net earnings attributable to shareholders of the Company

$

747

$

348

$

1,875

$

1,108

Adjusting items (refer to the following table)


(229)


86


48


403

Adjusted net earnings attributable to shareholders  of the Company

$

518

$

434

$

1,923

$

1,511

Prescribed dividends on preferred shares in share capital


(3)


(3)


(12)


(12)

Adjusted net earnings available to common shareholders of the Company

$

515

$

431

$

1,911

$

1,499

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (millions)


338.1


353.8


341.8


358.2










 







2021

2020(4)

2021

2020(4)


(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

For the periods ended January 1, 2022
  and January 2, 2021

(millions of Canadian dollars/
  Canadian dollars)

Net Earnings
(Losses)
Available to
Common
Shareholders

of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
(Losses)

Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
(Losses)
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
(Losses)
Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
(Losses)
Available to

Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
(Losses)

Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
(Losses)
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
(Losses)
Per
Common
Share

As reported

$

744

$

2.20

$

345

$

0.98

$

1,863

$

5.45

$

1,096

$

3.06

Add (deduct) impact of the following:

















Amortization of intangible assets acquired
  with Shoppers Drug Mart

$

87

$

0.25

$

86

$

0.23

$

372

$

1.09

$

373

$

1.03

Fair value adjustment on fuel and foreign
  currency contracts


4


0.01


(5)


(0.01)


(10)


(0.03)


4


0.01

Fair value adjustment on non-operating
  properties


(1)


?


7


0.02


(1)


?


7


0.02

Restructuring and other related costs


(6)


(0.02)


5


0.02


10


0.03


27


0.08

Gain on sale of non-operating properties


?


?


(7)


(0.02)


(10)


(0.03)


(8)


(0.02)

Recovery related to Glenhuron


(313)


(0.92)


?


?


(313)


(0.92)


?


?

Adjusting items

$

(229)

$

(0.68)

$

86

$

0.24

$

48

$

0.14

$

403

$

1.12

Adjusted(i)

$

515

$

1.52

$

431

$

1.22

$

1,911

$

5.59

$

1,499

$

4.18












Free Cash Flow(2)  The following table reconciles, by reportable operating segments, free cash flow to cash flows from operating activities as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows for the periods ended as indicated. The Company believes that free cash flow is the appropriate measure in assessing the Company's cash available for additional financing and investing activities.





2021

2020


(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

For the periods ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

 

Retail

 

Financial Services

 

Eliminations(i)

 

Consolidated

 

Retail

 

Financial Services

 

Eliminations(i)

 

Consolidated

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

$

1,193

$

(186)

$

17

$

1,024

$

1,399

$

(44)

$

25

$

1,380

Less:

















Capital investments


381


11


?


392


413


5


?


418

Interest paid


58


?


17


75


46


?


25


71

Lease payments, net


294


?


?


294


285


?


?


285

Free cash flow(2)

$

460

$

(197)

$

?

$

263

$

655

$

(49)

$

?

$

606


















(i)  Interest paid is included in cash flows used in operating activities under the Financial Services segment.





2021

2020


(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

For the years ended January 1, 2022 and January 2, 2021

 

Retail

 

Financial Services

 

Eliminations(i)

 

Consolidated

 

Retail

 

Financial Services

 

Eliminations(i)

 

Consolidated

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Cash flows from (used in) operating activities

$

4,775

$

(16)

$

68

$

4,827

$

4,424

$

683

$

84

$

5,191

Less:

















Capital investments


1,154


29


?


1,183


1,193


31


?


1,224

Interest paid


271


?


68


339


252


?


84


336

Lease payments, net


1,346


?


?


1,346


1,384


?


?


1,384

Free cash flow(2)

$

2,004

$

(45)

$

?

$

1,959

$

1,595

$

652

$

?

$

2,247


















(i)  Interest paid is included in cash flows used in operating activities under the Financial Services segment. 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures Policy Change Commencing Fiscal 2021

In 2020, management undertook a review of historical adjusting items as part of an effort to reduce the number of items it excludes from its non-GAAP financial measures. Management concluded that, in order to present adjusting items in a manner more consistent with that of its Canadian and U.S. peers, the Company will no longer adjust for fixed asset and other related impairments (net of recoveries), certain restructuring and other related costs, pension settlement costs, statutory income tax rate changes or other items.

Starting in the first quarter of 2021, restructuring and other related costs will be considered an adjusting item only if significant and if part of a publicly announced restructuring plan. Other unusual items will be assessed on a case by case basis based on their nature, magnitude and propensity to re-occur. This change took effect in the first quarter of 2021 with restatement of comparative periods at that time.

The below summary reconciles the non-GAAP financial measures as previously reported in 2020 and 2019 to those reported under the new policy starting in the first quarter of 2021:


12 weeks ended

March 21, 2020

12 weeks ended

June 13, 2020

16 weeks ended
October 3, 2020

13 weeks ended
January 2, 2021

53 weeks ended
January 2, 2021


 

Retail

Financial
Services

Consol-
idated

 

 

Retail

Financial
Services

Consol-
idated

 

 

Retail

Financial
Services

Consol-
idated

Retail

Financial
Services

Consol-
idated

Retail

Financial
Services

Consol-
idated

(millions of Canadian dollars)

Adjusted operating income
- Previously reported

$

691

$

3

$

694

$

502

$

34

$

536

$

840

$

44

$

884

$

787

$

53

$

840

$

2,820

$

134

$

2,954

Add (deduct) impact of the































following:

Fixed asset and other

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

(17)

$

?

$

(17)

$

(17)

$

?

$

(17)

related Impairments, net of recoveries

Restructuring and other


(4)


?


(4)


(8)


?


(8)


(6)


?


(6)


(2)


?


(2)


(20)


?


(20)

related costs

Adjusting Items

$

(4)

$

?

$

(4)

$

(8)

$

?

$

(8)

$

(6)

$

?

$

(6)

$

(19)

$

?

$

(19)

$

(37)

$

?

$

(37)

Adjusted operating income -

$

687

$

3

$

690

$

494

$

34

$

528

$

834

$

44

$

878

$

768

$

53

$

821

$

2,783

$

134

$

2,917

Restated

Depreciation and amortization


589


5


594


593


5


598


789


6


795


600


9


609


2,571


25


2,596

Less: Amortization of


(119)


?


(119)


(118)


?


(118)


(155)


?


(155)


(117)


?


(117)


(509)


?


(509)

intangible assets acquired with Shoppers Drug Mart

Adjusted EBITDA - Restated

$

1,157

$

8

$

1,165

$

969

$

39

$

1,008

$

1,468

$

50

$

1,518

$

1,251

$

62

$

1,313

$

4,845

$

159

$

5,004
































Adjusted Net Earnings Available to Common Shareholders and Adjusted Diluted Net earnings per Common Share are presented below:








12 weeks ended
March 21, 2020

12 weeks ended
June 13, 2020

16 weeks ended
October 3, 2020

13 weeks ended
January 2, 2021

53 weeks ended
January 2, 2021


Net Earnings
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
Available to
Common
Shareholders
of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
Per
Common
Share

Net Earnings
Available to
Common
Shareholders

of the
Company

Diluted
Net
Earnings
Per
Common
Share

(millions of Canadian dollars/Canadian dollars)

Adjusted - As
  previously reported

$

352

$

0.97

$

266

$

0.74

$

464

$

1.30

$

445

$

1.26

$

1,527

$

4.26

Add (deduct) impact of the following:





















Fixed asset and other related impairments, net of recoveries

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

?

$

(13)

$

(0.04)

$

(13)

$

(0.04)

Restructuring and
other related costs


(3)


?


(6)


(0.02)


(5)


(0.02)


(1)


?


(15)


(0.04)

Adjusting items

$

(3)

$

?

$

(6)

$

(0.02)

$

(5)

$

(0.02)

$

(14)

$

(0.04)

$

(28)

$

(0.08)

Adjusted - Restated

$

349

$

0.97

$

260

$

0.72

$

459

$

1.28

$

431

$

1.22

$

1,499

$

4.18



















This policy change did not impact previously reported Retail segment gross profit, Retail segment adjusted gross profit and Retail segment adjusted gross profit percentage or adjusted net interest (recovery)/expense and other financing charges, as reported in the Company's 2020 annual and interim MD&A.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The following includes selected quarterly and annual financial information, which is prepared by management in accordance with  International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and is based on the Company's audited annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 1, 2022. This financial information does not contain all disclosures required by IFRS, and accordingly, should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2020 Annual Report, which is available in the Investors section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and on sedar.com.

Consolidated Statements of Earnings






 

(millions of Canadian dollars except where otherwise indicated)

January 1, 2022

January 2, 2021

January 1, 2022

January 2, 2021

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

(unaudited)

(unaudited)

(audited)

(audited)

Revenue

$

12,757

$

13,286

$

53,170

$

52,714

Cost of merchandise inventories sold


8,705


9,278


36,436


36,725

Selling, general and administrative expenses


3,347


3,306


13,797


13,624

Operating income

$

705

$

702

$

2,937

$

2,365

Net interest expense and other financing charges


(29)


166


495


742

Earnings before income taxes

$

734

$

536

$

2,442

$

1,623

Income taxes


15


142


466


431

Net earnings

$

719

$

394

$

1,976

$

1,192

Attributable to:









Shareholders of the Company

$

747

$

348

$

1,875

$

1,108

Non-controlling interests


(28)


46


101


84

Net earnings

$

719

$

394

$

1,976

$

1,192

Net earnings per Common Share ($)









Basic

$

2.23

$

0.98

$

5.49

$

3.08

Diluted

$

2.20

$

0.98

$

5.45

$

3.06

Weighted average Common Shares outstanding (millions)









Basic


334.2


351.3


339.1


355.5

Diluted


338.1


353.8


341.8


358.2






 

Consolidated Balance Sheets





As at

As at

(millions of Canadian dollars)

January 1, 2022

January 2, 2021(6)

Assets





Current assets





Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,976

$

1,668

Short term investments


464


269

Accounts receivable


947


977

Credit card receivables


3,443


3,109

Inventories


5,166


5,195

Income tax recoverable


301


?

Prepaid expenses and other assets


249


216

Assets held for sale


91


108

Total current assets

$

12,637

$

11,542

Fixed assets


5,447


5,540

Right-of-use assets


7,175


7,207

Investment properties


111


128

Intangible assets


6,402


6,870

Goodwill


3,949


3,948

Deferred income tax assets


91


113

Other assets


802


525

Total assets

$

36,614

$

35,873

Liabilities





Current liabilities





Bank indebtedness

$

52

$

86

Trade payables and other liabilities


5,433


5,395

Loyalty liability


190


194

Provisions


111


81

Income taxes payable


153


83

Demand deposits from customers


75


24

Short term debt


450


575

Long term debt due within one year


1,002


597

Lease liabilities due within one year


1,297


1,379

Associate interest


433


349

Total current liabilities

$

9,196

$

8,763

Provisions


114


132

Long term debt


6,211


6,449

Lease liabilities


7,542


7,522

Deferred income tax liabilities


1,346


1,380

Other liabilities


468


508

Total liabilities

$

24,877

$

24,754

Equity





Share capital

$

6,852

$

7,045

Retained earnings


4,591


3,813

Contributed surplus


116


109

Accumulated other comprehensive income


14


21

Total equity attributable to shareholders of the Company

$

11,573

$

10,988

Non-controlling interests


164


131

Total equity

$

11,737

$

11,119

Total liabilities and equity

$

36,614

$

35,873




 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows







January 1, 2022

January 2, 2021

January 1, 2022

January 2, 2021

(millions of Canadian dollars)

(12 weeks)

(13 weeks)

(52 weeks)

(53 weeks)

Operating activities









Net earnings

$

719

$

394

$

1,976

$

1,192

Add (Deduct):









Income taxes


15


142


466


431

Net interest (recovery) expense and other financing charges


(29)


166


495


742

Adjustment to fair value of investment properties


(2)


9


(2)


9

Depreciation and amortization


623


609


2,664


2,596

Asset impairments, net of recoveries


46


19


54


33

Change in allowance for credit card receivables


?


(10)


(32)


41

Change in provisions


(6)


(8)


12


4


$

1,366

$

1,321

$

5,633

$

5,048

Change in non-cash working capital


100


253


90


76

Change in gross credit card receivables


(289)


(91)


(302)


474

Income taxes paid


(161)


(105)


(643)


(452)

Interest received


?


1


4


7

Interest received from finance leases


1


1


4


4

Other


7


?


41


34

Cash flows from operating activities

$

1,024

$

1,380

$

4,827

$

5,191

Investing activities









Fixed asset purchases

$

(286)

$

(350)

$

(803)

$

(820)

Intangible asset additions


(106)


(68)


(379)


(338)

Cash assumed on initial consolidation of franchises


?


?


?


14

Change in short term investments


129


76


(164)


(212)

Proceeds from disposal of assets


24


25


80


76

Lease payments received from finance leases


5


2


14


9

Other


(15)


40


(19)


(105)

Cash flows used in investing activities

$

(249)

$

(275)

$

(1,271)

$

(1,376)

Financing activities









Change in bank indebtedness

$

(114)

$

(107)

$

(34)

$

68

Change in short term debt


150


75


(125)


(150)

Change in demand deposits from customers


16


24


51


24

Long term debt









Issued


214


84


772


1,417

Retired


(171)


(261)


(603)


(1,486)

Interest paid


(75)


(71)


(339)


(336)

Cash rent paid on lease liabilities - Interest


(77)


(84)


(340)


(369)

Cash rent paid on lease liabilities - Principal


(222)


(200)


(1,020)


(1,024)

Dividends paid on common and preferred shares


(125)


(120)


(484)


(580)

Common share capital









Issued


24


1


102


30

Purchased and held in trust


(50)


?


(50)


(10)

Purchased and cancelled


(200)


(350)


(1,200)


(888)

Proceeds from other financing


12


46


12


46

Other


40


23


9


(24)

Cash flows used in financing activities

$

(578)

$

(940)

$

(3,249)

$

(3,282)

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes on
   cash and cash equivalents

$

(1)

$

4

$

1

$

2

Change in cash and cash equivalents

$

196

$

169

$

308

$

535

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period


1,780


1,499


1,668


1,133

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

1,976

$

1,668

$

1,976

$

1,668










FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This News Release contains forward-looking statements about the Company's objectives, plans, goals, aspirations, strategies, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, performance, prospects, opportunities and legal and regulatory matters. Specific forward-looking statements in this News Release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Company's anticipated future results, events and plans, strategic initiatives and restructuring, regulatory changes including further healthcare reform, future liquidity, planned capital investments, and the status and impact of Information Technology systems implementation. These specific forward-looking statements are contained throughout this News Release including, without limitation, in the "Consolidated Results of Operations" and "Outlook" section of this News Release. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "strive", "will", "may", "should" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company and its management.

Forward-looking statements reflect the Company's estimates, beliefs and assumptions, which are based on management's perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the circumstances. The Company's estimates, beliefs and assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and other uncertainties and contingencies regarding future events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and as such, are subject to change. The Company can give no assurance that such estimates, beliefs and assumptions will prove to be correct.

Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed, implied or projected in the forward-looking statements, including those described in the Company's MD&A in the 2021 Annual Report and Section 4 "Risks" of the Company's 2021 Annual Information Form for the year ended January 1, 2022, which include detailed risks and disclosure regarding COVID-19 and its impact on the Company.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect the Company's expectations only as of the date of this News Release. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CORPORATE PROFILE

2021 Annual Report

The Company's 2021 Annual Report is available in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca and on sedar.com.

Additional financial information has been filed electronically with various securities regulators in Canada through the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR) and with the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) as the primary regulator for the Company's subsidiary, President's Choice Bank. The Company holds an analyst call shortly following the release of its quarterly results. These calls are archived in the "Investors" section of the Company's website at loblaw.ca.

Conference Call and Webcast

Loblaw Companies Limited will host a conference call as well as an audio webcast on February 24, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. (ET).

To access via tele-conference, please dial (416) 764-8688 or (888) 390-0546. The playback will be made available approximately two hours after the event at (416) 764-8677 or (888) 390-0541, access code: 189623#. To access via audio webcast, please go to the "Investor" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

Full details about the conference call and webcast are available on the Loblaw Companies Limited website at loblaw.ca.

News Release Endnotes

(1)

This News Release contains forward-looking information. See "Forward-Looking Statements" section of this News Release and the Company's 2021 Annual Report for a discussion of material factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forecasts and projections herein and of the material factors and assumptions that were used when making these statements. This News Release should be read in conjunction with Loblaw Companies Limited's filings with securities regulators made from time to time, all of which can be found at sedar.com and at loblaw.ca.

(2)

See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section of this News Release, which includes the reconciliation of such non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

(3)

To be read in conjunction with the "Forward-Looking Statements" section of this News Release and the Company's 2021 Fourth Quarter Report to Shareholders.

(4)

Certain figures have been restated due to the non-GAAP financial measures policy change. See section 17 "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" of the Company's 2021 Annual Report - Financial Review.

(5)

Compound Average Growth Rate ("CAGR") is the measure of annualized growth over a period longer than one year. CAGR as disclosed by the Company is the mean annual growth rate over a two year period, 2019 to 2021.

(6)

Certain comparative figures have been restated to conform with current year presentation.

 

SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited


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