UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
Mark One
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For Quarter Ended June 14, 2003
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _____
Commission File Number 1-4141
THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC.
----------------------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Maryland 13-1890974
---------------------------------- ---------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
2 Paragon Drive
Montvale, New Jersey 07645
--------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)
(201) 573-9700
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.
YES [X] NO [ ]
As of June 16, 2003 the Registrant had a total of 38,515,806 shares of common
stock - $1 par value outstanding.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1 - Financial Statements
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
16 Weeks Ended
------------------------------------
June 14, 2003 June 15, 2002
-------------- --------------
Sales $ 3,203,830 $ 3,093,776
Cost of merchandise sold (2,324,661) (2,211,961)
-------------- --------------
Gross margin 879,169 881,815
Store operating, general and
administrative expense (891,628) (856,601)
-------------- ---------------
(Loss) income from operations (12,459) 25,214
Interest expense (24,884) (26,752)
Interest income 2,139 1,959
-------------- --------------
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (35,204) 421
Benefit from income taxes 14,862 368
-------------- --------------
(Loss) income from continuing operations (20,342) 789
Discontinued operations (Note 2):
(Loss) income from operations of discontinued
businesses, net of tax (11,459) 1,086
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax 52,081 -
-------------- --------------
Income from discontinued operations 40,622 1,086
-------------- --------------
Net income $ 20,280 $ 1,875
============== ==============
Net (loss) income per share - basic:
Continuing operations $ (0.53) $ 0.02
Discontinued operations 1.06 0.03
------------- -------------
Net income per share- basic $ 0.53 $ 0.05
============== =============
Net (loss) income per share - diluted:
Continuing operations $ (0.53) $ 0.02
Discontinued operations 1.05 0.03
------------- -------------
Net income per share - diluted $ 0.52 $ 0.05
=========== ==============
Weighted average number of
common shares outstanding 38,515,806 38,450,102
Common stock equivalents 185,411 1,012,148
-------------- --------------
Weighted average number of common and
common equivalent shares outstanding 38,701,217 39,462,250
============== ==============
See Notes to Quarterly Report
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Accumulated
Common Stock Additional Other Total
----------------------------- Paid-in Retained Comprehensive Stockholders'
Shares Amount Capital Earnings (Loss)/Income Equity
-------------- ------------- ------------- ------------- ----------------- ---------------
16 Week Period Ended
June 14, 2003
-------------
Balance at beginning of period 38,515,806 $ 38,516 $ 459,411 $ 61,387 $ (61,123) $ 498,191
Net income 20,280 20,280
Other comprehensive income 39,374 39,374
------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at end of period 38,515,806 $ 38,516 $ 459,411 $ 81,667 $ (21,749) $ 557,845
============ =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
16 Week Period Ended
June 15, 2002
-------------
Balance at beginning of period 38,367,628 $ 38,368 $ 456,753 $ 254,896 $ (77,029) $ 672,988
Net income 1,875 1,875
Other comprehensive income 6,765 6,765
Stock options exercised 143,446 143 2,617 2,760
---------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Balance at end of period 38,511,074 $ 38,511 $ 459,370 $ 256,771 $ (70,264) $ 684,388
========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Comprehensive Income
--------------------
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
June 14, 2003 June 15, 2002
------------- -------------
Net income $ 20,280 $ 1,875
--------- ----------
Foreign currency translation adjustment 40,081 7,698
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income,
net of tax - (933)
Net unrealized loss on derivatives, net of tax (707) -
---------- ----------
Other comprehensive income 39,374 6,765
----------- ----------
Total comprehensive income $ 59,654 $ 8,640
=========== ==========
See Notes to Quarterly Report
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts)
June 14, February 22,
2003 2003
-------------------- --------------------
(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 163,382 $ 199,014
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of
$11,371 and $9,799 at June 14, 2003 and February 22, 2003,
respectively 181,998 185,411
Inventories 715,664 682,734
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 41,833 32,429
------------- --------------
Total current assets 1,102,877 1,099,588
------------- --------------
Non-current assets:
Property:
Property owned 1,511,874 1,538,117
Property leased under capital leases, net 73,589 71,806
------------- --------------
Property - net 1,585,463 1,609,923
Other assets 181,657 175,726
------------- --------------
Total assets $ 2,869,997 $ 2,885,237
============= ==============
LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt $ 24,637 $ 25,820
Current portion of obligations under capital leases 15,201 13,787
Accounts payable 542,669 511,634
Book overdrafts 112,456 101,817
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits 171,859 180,812
Accrued taxes 91,959 53,774
Other accruals 204,444 202,968
------------- --------------
Total current liabilities 1,163,225 1,090,612
------------- --------------
Non-current liabilities:
Long-term debt 667,576 803,277
Long-term obligations under capital leases 84,939 83,485
Other non-current liabilities 396,412 409,672
------------- --------------
Total liabilities 2,312,152 2,387,046
------------- --------------
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock--no par value; authorized - 3,000,000
shares; issued - none - -
Common stock--$1 par value; authorized - 80,000,000
shares; issued and outstanding - 38,515,806 shares
at both June 14, 2003 and February 22, 2003 38,516 38,516
Additional paid-in capital 459,411 459,411
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (21,749) (61,123)
Retained earnings 81,667 61,387
------------- --------------
Total stockholders' equity 557,845 498,191
------------- --------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 2,869,997 $ 2,885,237
============= ==============
See Notes to Quarterly Report
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------------
June 14, 2003 June 15, 2002
---------------- --------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 20,280 $ 1,875
Income from discontinued operations (40,622) (1,086)
------------ -----------
(Loss) income from continuing operations (20,342) 789
------------ -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income from continuing operations
to net cash provided by operating activities:
Asset disposition initiative - 6,963
Depreciation and amortization 85,647 76,906
Realized gain on sale of securities - (1,717)
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision (29,213) 23,356
Loss (gain) on disposal of owned property 13 (4,493)
Other changes in assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables 9,420 24,139
Increase in inventories (24,673) (3,230)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets (13,124) 26,431
Decrease in other assets 2,098 5,243
Increase in accounts payable 6,548 2,835
Increase (decrease) in accrued salaries, wages and benefits, and taxes 22,761 (25,356)
Decrease in other accruals (17,312) (6,616)
Decrease in other liabilities (14,960) (38,039)
Other operating activities, net (873) (419)
------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 5,990 86,792
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for property (56,949) (88,491)
Proceeds from disposal of property 137,614 29,335
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 80,665 (59,156)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds under revolving lines of credit - 8,253
Payments on revolving lines of credit (135,000) (8,253)
Proceeds from long-term borrowings - 2,239
Payments on long-term borrowings (1,143) (37,569)
Principal payments on capital leases (4,088) (4,098)
Increase (decrease) in book overdrafts 9,543 (867)
Deferred financing fees (62) (2,437)
Proceeds from stock option exercise - 2,760
----------- -----------
Net cash used in financing activities (130,750) (39,972)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 8,463 873
----------- -----------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (35,632) (11,463)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 199,014 168,620
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 163,382 $ 157,157
=========== ===========
See Notes to Quarterly Report
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
1. Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of The Great Atlantic &
Pacific Tea Company, Inc. ("We," "Our," "Us" or "Our Company") for the 16 weeks
ended June 14, 2003 and June 15, 2002 are unaudited and, in the opinion of
management, contain all adjustments that are of a normal and recurring nature
necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for
such periods. The consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
contained in our Fiscal 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Interim results are
not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
all majority-owned subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to
prior year amounts to conform to current year presentation.
2. Discontinued Operations
In February 2003, we announced the sale of a portion of our non-core assets,
including nine of our stores in northern New England and seven stores in
Madison, Wisconsin. In March 2003, we entered into an agreement to sell an
additional eight stores in northern New England.
Upon the decision to sell these stores, we applied the provisions of Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 144 "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS 144") to these properties
held for sale. SFAS 144 requires properties held for sale to be classified as a
current asset and valued on an asset-by-asset basis at the lower of carrying
amount or fair value less costs to sell. In applying those provisions, we
considered the binding sale agreements related to these properties as an
estimate of the assets' fair value. As a result of the adoption of SFAS 144,
$22.1 million in net property, plant and equipment was reclassified as held for
sale as of February 22, 2003, and included in "Prepaid expenses and other
current assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of April 2003, all of the asset sales described above were completed,
generating proceeds of $137.6 million and resulting in a gain of $81.4 million
($52.1 million after tax). This gain was included in "Gain on disposal of
discontinued operations, net of tax" on our Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2003.
Also, during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, we adopted a formal plan to exit
the Milwaukee, Wisconsin market, where our remaining 23 Kohl's stores are
located, as well as our Eight O'Clock Coffee business through the sale and/or
disposal of these assets.
Upon the decision to sell the remaining Kohl's stores and coffee business, we
estimated the assets' fair market value using a probability weighted average
approach based upon expected proceeds and recorded impairment losses on the
property, plant and equipment of $15.2 million, which is included in "(Loss)
income from operations of discontinued businesses, net of tax" on our
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2003. As a
result, $16.4 million in net property, plant and equipment relating to our
remaining properties held for sale, primarily our Kohl's stores and coffee
business, were reclassified as of June 14, 2003, and included in "Prepaid
expenses and other current assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. These
assets will no longer be depreciated.
We participate in various multi-employer union pension plans, which are
administered jointly by management and union representatives and which sponsor
most full-time and certain part-time union employees who are not covered by our
other pension plans. The decision to sell our Kohl's stores and terminate our
participation in these plans triggered our Company's liability for our unfunded
vested benefits or other expenses under these jointly administered
union/management plans. As a result, we recorded expense for these plans
of approximately $3.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2003. In
addition, we recorded $1.0 million in expense relating to withdrawal
from Kohl's health and welfare plan. Such amounts as well as the impairment
losses described above are included in "(Loss) income from operations of
discontinued businesses, net of tax" in our Consolidated Statements of
Operations.
We have accounted for all of these separate business components as discontinued
operations in accordance with SFAS 144. Amounts in the financial statements and
related notes for all periods shown have been reclassified to reflect the
discontinued operations. Summarized below are the operating results for the
discontinued New England and Kohl's supermarkets and Eight O'Clock Coffee
business, which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of
Operations, under the caption "(Loss) income from operations of discontinued
businesses, net of tax".
16 Weeks Ended
-------------------------------------------------------------
June 14, 2003 June 15, 2002
-------------------------- --------------------------
Sales $ 142,633 $ 213,462
Operating expenses (160,552) (211,590)
------------ ------------
(Loss) income from operations (17,919) 1,872
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes 6,460 (786)
----------- ------------
(Loss) income from operations of discontinued
businesses $ (11,459) $ 1,086
============ ===========
Depreciation and amortization $ 1,551 $ 4,355
=========== ===========
3. Long Lived Assets
We review the carrying values of our long-lived assets for possible impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
assets may not be recoverable. Such review is based upon groups of assets and
the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from such assets to determine if
the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash
flows. If such review indicates an impairment exists, we measure such impairment
on a discounted basis.
We also review individual assets for impairment upon determination that such
assets will not be used for their intended useful life. During the first quarter
of fiscal 2003 and 2002, we recorded impairment losses on property, plant and
equipment of nil and $5.9 million, respectively, related to U.S. Retail stores
that were or will be closed in the normal course of business. Such amounts are
included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based upon current events or changes in
circumstances, there may be additional future impairments as we continue to
review and monitor our long-lived assets, including the potential for impairment
of assets that are held and used.
4. Income Taxes
The income tax provision recorded for the 16 weeks ended June 14, 2003 and June
15, 2002 reflects our estimated expected annual tax rates applied to our
respective domestic and foreign financial results.
SFAS No. 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS 109") requires that a
valuation allowance be created and offset against a net deferred tax asset if,
based on existing facts and circumstances, it is more likely than not that some
portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Based upon our
continued assessment of the realization of our U.S. net deferred tax asset and
our historic cumulative losses, and in particular, the significant increase in
U.S. operating losses during the second quarter of fiscal 2002, we concluded
that it was appropriate to establish a full valuation allowance for our U.S. net
deferred tax asset in the amount of approximately $133.7 million during the 28
weeks ended September 7, 2002. During the remainder of fiscal 2002, the
valuation allowance was increased by an additional $32.9 million. For the first
quarter of fiscal 2003, the valuation allowance was decreased by $3.0 million as
a result of the gain on sale of discontinued operations. We are reversing the
income tax valuation allowance to the extent that our U.S. operations are
generating taxable income. In future periods, U.S. losses will not be tax
effected until such time as the certainty of future tax benefits can be
reasonably assured.
We had a net current deferred tax asset which is included in "Prepaid expenses
and other current assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet totaling $3.3
million and a net non-current deferred tax liability which is included in "Other
non-current liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet totaling $1.8 million
at June 14, 2003.
5. Wholesale Franchise Business
As of June 14, 2003, the Company served 64 franchised stores. These franchisees
are required to purchase inventory exclusively from our Company, which acts as a
wholesaler to the franchisees. We had sales to these franchised stores of $251
million and $221 million for the first quarter of fiscal years 2003 and 2002,
respectively. In addition, we sublease the stores and lease the equipment in the
stores to the franchisees. We also provide merchandising, advertising,
accounting and other consultative services to the franchisees for which we
receive a fee, which primarily represents the reimbursement of costs incurred to
provide such services.
We hold as assets inventory notes collateralized by the inventory in the stores
and equipment lease receivables collateralized by the equipment in the stores.
The current portion of the inventory notes and equipment leases, net of
allowance for doubtful accounts, amounting to approximately $1.8 million and
$3.6 million, are included in "Accounts receivable" on our Consolidated Balance
Sheets at June 14, 2003 and February 22, 2003, respectively. The long-term
portion of the inventory notes and equipment leases amounting to approximately
$45.0 million and $41.1 million are included in "Other assets" on our
Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 14, 2003 and February 22, 2003,
respectively.
The repayment of the inventory notes and equipment leases are dependent upon
positive operating results of the stores. To the extent that the franchisees
incur operating losses, we establish an allowance for doubtful accounts. We
continually assess the sufficiency of the allowance on a store by store basis
based upon the operating results and the related collateral underlying the
amounts due from the franchisees. In the event of default by a franchisee, we
reserve the option to reacquire the inventory and equipment at the store and
operate the franchise as a corporate owned store.
Refer to Note 6 - Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements regarding our
Company's analysis of our franchisees to determine if they are variable interest
entities in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of ARB No. 51 ("FIN 46").
Refer to Note 10 - Commitments and Contingencies regarding our pending class
action lawsuit relating to our Canadian franchise business.
6. Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
145, "Rescission of FASB Statements 4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement
13, and Technical Corrections". SFAS 145 rescinds the provisions of SFAS 4 that
requires companies to classify certain gains and losses from debt
extinguishments as extraordinary items, eliminates the provisions of SFAS 44
regarding transition to the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and amends the provisions
of SFAS 13 to require that certain lease modifications be treated as sale
leaseback transactions. The provisions of SFAS 145 related to classification of
debt extinguishment are effective for fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002.
In current and future periods, we will classify debt extinguishment costs within
income from operations and reclassify previously reported debt extinguishments
as such. The provisions of SFAS 145 related to lease modifications are effective
for transactions occurring after May 15, 2002. The provisions of SFAS 145
related to lease modifications did not have a material impact on our financial
position or results of operations.
In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46. FIN 46 addresses the consolidation of
entities whose equity holders have either (a) not provided sufficient equity at
risk to allow the entity to finance its own activities or (b) do not possess
certain characteristics of a controlling financial interest. FIN 46 requires the
consolidation of these entities, known as variable interest entities ("VIEs"),
by the primary beneficiary of the entity. The primary beneficiary is the entity,
if any, that is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the VIEs
activities, entitled to receive a majority of the VIEs residual returns, or
both. FIN 46 applies immediately to variable interests in VIEs created or
obtained after January 31, 2003. For variable interests in a VIE created before
February 1, 2003, FIN 46 is applied to the VIE no later than the end of the
first interim or annual reporting period beginning after June 15, 2003 (the
quarter ending November 29, 2003 for our Company). The Interpretation requires
certain disclosures in financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, if it
is reasonably possible that our Company will consolidate or disclose information
about variable interest entities when the Interpretation becomes effective.
As discussed further in Note 5, our Company served 64 franchised stores as of
June 14, 2003. These franchisees are required to purchase inventory exclusively
from our Company, which acts as a wholesaler to the franchisees. Our maximum
exposure to loss as a result of our involvement with these franchisees for
equipment leases and inventory notes was $46.8 million at June 14, 2003. We are
currently in the process of analyzing the franchisees in accordance with FIN 46
to determine if they are a variable interest entity. At this time, we currently
believe that it is reasonably possible we are the primary beneficiary of these
VIEs and thus could be required to consolidate these VIEs, as it is currently
structured, upon FIN 46 becoming effective for our Company.
In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 149"). SFAS 149 amends and
clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS
133. The new guidance amends SFAS 133 for decisions made: (a) as part of the
Derivatives Implementation Group process that effectively required amendments to
SFAS 133, (b) in connection with other Board projects dealing with financial
instruments, and (c) regarding implementation issues raised in relation to the
application of the definition of a derivative, particularly regarding the
meaning of an "underlying" and the characteristics of a derivative that contains
financing components. The amendments set forth in SFAS 149 improve financial
reporting by requiring that contracts with comparable characteristics be
accounted for similarly. SFAS 149 is generally effective for contracts entered
into or modified after June 30, 2003 (with a few exceptions) and for hedging
relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The guidance is to be applied
prospectively. We do not expect the provisions of SFAS 149 to have a material
impact on our financial position or results of operations.
7. Asset Disposition Initiative
In fiscal 1998 and 1999, we announced a plan to close two warehouse facilities
and a coffee plant in the U.S., a bakery plant in Canada and 166 stores
including the exit of the Richmond, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia markets. In
addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2001, we announced that certain
underperforming operations, including 39 stores (30 in the United States and 9
in Canada) and 3 warehouses would be closed and/or sold, and certain
administrative streamlining would take place.
As of June 14, 2003, we closed all of the above stores and facilities. The
following table summarizes the activity related to the charges recorded for the
aforementioned initiatives since the beginning of fiscal 2002:
Severance
and Goodwill/
Occupancy Benefits Fixed Assets Total
--------- -------- ------------ ---------
Balance at
February 23, 2002 $ 143,700 $ 22,137 $ - $ 165,837
Addition (1) 7,249 3,544 - 10,793
Utilization (2) (34,003) (19,830) 776 (53,057)
Adjustment (3) (13,825) 889 (776) (13,712)
------------- ----------- ------------ ----------
Balance at
February 22, 2003 $ 103,121 $ 6,740 $ - $ 109,861
Addition (1) 1,814 - - 1,814
Utilization (2) (7,998) (1,678) - (9,676)
------------ ------------- ----------- ----------
Balance at
June 14, 2003 $ 96,937 $ 5,062 $ - $ 101,999
============ ============= =========== ==========
(1) The additions to occupancy represent the present value of accrued
interest related to lease obligations. The addition to severance during
fiscal 2002 related to retention and productivity incentives that were
accrued as earned.
(2) Occupancy utilization represents vacancy related payments for closed
locations. Severance utilization represents payments made to terminated
employees during the period.
(3) At each balance sheet date, we assesses the adequacy of the balance to
determine if any adjustments are required as a result of changes in
circumstances and/or estimates. During fiscal 2002, we recorded net
adjustments of $13.7 million primarily related to reversals of
previously accrued vacancy related costs due to the following:
o Favorable results of assigning leases at certain locations of $7.2
million;
o The decision to continue to operate one of the stores previously
identified for closure due to changes in the competitive
environment in the market in which that store is located of $3.3
million; and
o The decision to proceed with development at a site that we had
chosen to abandon at the time of the original charge due to
changes in the competitive environment in the market in which that
site is located of $3.3 million.
As of June 14, 2003, we paid approximately $53 million of the total original
severance and benefits charge recorded, which resulted from the termination of
approximately 4,500 employees. The remaining severance liability primarily
relates to future obligations for early withdrawal from multi-employer union
pension plans and individual severance payments which will be paid by the end of
fiscal 2003.
At June 14, 2003, approximately $19.2 million of the reserve was included in
"Other accruals" and the remaining amount was included in "Other non-current
liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the first quarters of
fiscal 2003 and 2002 are the sales and operating results of the aforementioned
stores while they were open during the periods presented. The results of these
operations are as follows:
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
June 14, June 15,
2003 2002
--------------- ---------------
Sales $ 316 $ 19,096
=============== ==============
Operating loss $ (72) $ (1,337)
=============== ==============
Based upon current available information, we evaluated the reserve balance as of
June 14, 2003 of $102 million and have concluded that it is adequate. We will
continue to monitor the status of the vacant properties and adjustments to the
reserve balance may be recorded in the future, if necessary.
8. Stock Based Compensation
We apply the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB
25") with pro forma disclosure of compensation expense, net income or loss and
earnings per share as if the fair value based method prescribed by SFAS 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" ("SFAS 123") and SFAS 148, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure" ("SFAS 148") had been
applied.
Had compensation cost for our stock options been determined based on the fair
value at the grant dates for awards under those plans consistent with the fair
value methods prescribed by SFAS 123 and SFAS 148, our net income (loss) and
net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts
indicated below:
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
June 14, June 15,
2003 2002
---------------- ---------------
Net income, as reported: $ 20,280 $ 1,875
Deduct/(Add): Stock-based employee
compensation income included
in reported net income, net of
related tax effects - 449
Deduct: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined
under fair value based method for
all awards, net of related tax effects (2,121) (1,982)
--------------- -------------
Pro forma net income (loss) $ 18,159 $ (556)
============== =============
Net income (loss) per share - basic:
As reported $ 0.53 $ 0.05
Pro forma $ 0.47 $ (0.01)
Net income (loss) per share - diluted:
As reported $ 0.52 $ 0.05
Pro forma $ 0.47 $ (0.01)
The pro forma effect on net income and net income per share may not be
representative of the pro forma effect in future years because it includes
compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the vesting periods of the
grants.
The fair value of the option grants was estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions:
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
June 14, June 15,
2003 2002
---------------- ---------------
Expected life 7 years 7 years
Volatility 48% 47%
Dividend yield range 0% 0%
Risk-free interest rate range 2.89%-3.37% 4.69%-5.18%
9. Operating Segments
Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which
separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the
chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and in
assessing performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chairman of the
Board, President and Chief Executive Officer.
We currently operate in three reportable segments: United States Retail, Canada
Retail and Canada Wholesale. The retail segments are comprised of retail
supermarkets in the United States and Canada, while the wholesale segment is
comprised of our Canadian operation that serves as the exclusive wholesaler to
our franchised stores and serves as wholesaler to certain third party retailers.
The accounting policies for the segments are the same as those described in the
summary of significant accounting policies included in our Fiscal 2002 Annual
Report. We measure segment performance based upon income (loss) from operations.
Interim information on segments is as follows:
16 Weeks Ended
---------------------------------------
(Dollars in thousands) June 14, June 15,
2003 2002
----------------- -----------------
Sales
U.S. Retail $ 2,258,330 $ 2,299,716
Canada Retail 694,988 572,884
Canada Wholesale 250,512 221,176
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ 3,203,830 $ 3,093,776
================= =================
Depreciation and amortization
U.S. Retail $ 69,401 $ 60,675
Canada Retail 14,695 11,876
Canada Wholesale - -
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ 84,096 $ 72,551
================= =================
(Loss) income from operations
U.S. Retail $ (32,357) $ 3,858
Canada Retail 10,679 11,500
Canada Wholesale 9,219 9,856
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ (12,459) $ 25,214
================== =================
(Loss) income from continuing
operations before income taxes
U.S. Retail $ (54,521) $ (19,735)
Canada Retail 9,884 10,009
Canada Wholesale 9,433 10,147
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ (35,204) $ 421
================== =================
Capital expenditures
U.S. Retail $ 39,065 $ 69,354
Canada Retail 17,884 19,137
Canada Wholesale - -
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ 56,949 $ 88,491
================= =================
June 14, February 22,
2003 2003
----------------- -----------------
Total assets
U.S. Retail $ 2,096,476 $ 2,216,455
Canada Retail 692,612 597,634
Canada Wholesale 80,909 71,148
----------------- -----------------
Total Company $ 2,869,997 $ 2,885,237
================= =================
10. Commitments and Contingencies
In May of 1999, four present and former employees of The Food Emporium filed
suit against our Company in federal court in New York for unpaid wages and
overtime. In April 2000, the judge certified the case as a class action status
for this case covering approximately 82 stores in 9 counties in the New York
metropolitan area. Approximately 840 current and former full and part-time
employees of The Food Emporium and A&P opted into the class. In April 2003, the
Company filed a Motion to Decertify the Collective Action under the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
In April 2002, three Canadian Food Basics franchisees commenced a breach of
contract action in a Canadian court against The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company
of Canada, Limited ("A&P Canada") as representative plaintiffs for a purported
class of approximately 70 current and former Canadian Food Basics franchisees.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in connection with A&P Canada's alleged
failure to distribute to the franchisees the full amount of vendor allowances
and/or rebates to which the franchisees claim they are entitled under the
operative franchise agreements. A&P Canada disputes the plaintiff-franchisees'
claim and has filed a counterclaim seeking to recover subsidies made by it to
the plaintiffs. The lawsuit was certified as a class action in December 2002.
The majority of the potential class members have opted out of this class
proceeding. A&P Canada has obtained leave to appeal the class certification
order. The appeal hearing took place on June 26, 2003 and June 27, 2003, and the
decision was set aside.
On June 5, 2002, a purported securities class action Complaint was filed in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against our Company
and certain of our officers and directors in an action captioned Brody v. The
Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc., No. 02 CV 2674 (FSH). The Brody lawsuit
and four subsequently-filed related lawsuits were consolidated into a single
lawsuit captioned In re The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Securities Litigation, No. 02 CV 2674 (FSH) (the "Class Action Lawsuit"). On
December 2, 2002, plaintiffs filed their Consolidated Amended Class Action
Complaint (the "Complaint"), which alleges claims under Sections 10(b) (and Rule
10b-5 promulgated thereunder) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
arising out of our Company's July 5, 2002 filing of restated financial
statements for fiscal 1999, fiscal 2000 and the first three quarters of fiscal
2001. The Complaint in the Class Action Lawsuit seeks unspecified money damages,
costs and expenses. On January 17, 2003, defendants filed a motion seeking to
dismiss the Complaint. On February 28, 2003, plaintiffs filed their brief in
opposition to defendants' motion. Defendants' reply brief in support of their
dismissal motion was filed on March 28, 2003.
On May 31, 2002, a stockholder's derivative Complaint was filed in the Superior
Court of New Jersey in Bergen County against our Company's directors (some of
whom are also executive officers) in an action captioned Osher v. Barline, Civ.
Action No. BER L-4673-02 (N.J. Super. Ct.) (the "Derivative Lawsuit"). The
Complaint, which arises out of the events at issue in the Class Action Lawsuit,
alleges that the defendants violated their fiduciary obligations to our Company
and our stockholders by failing to establish and maintain adequate accounting
controls and mismanaging the assets and business of our Company. Plaintiff seeks
unspecified money damages, costs and expenses. In or about December 2002, after
the parties had agreed to and submitted for the Court's consideration a
stipulation and proposed Order staying the Derivative Lawsuit pending the
outcome of defendants' motion to dismiss the Complaint in the Class Action
Lawsuit, the Court dismissed the Derivative Lawsuit without prejudice.
We are subject to various other legal proceedings and claims, either asserted or
unasserted, which arise in the ordinary course of business. We are also subject
to certain environmental claims. While the outcome of these claims cannot be
predicted with certainty, Management does not believe that the outcome of any of
these legal matters will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated
results of operations, financial position or cash flows.
ITEM 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations
INTRODUCTION
------------
This Management's Discussion and Analysis describes matters considered by
Management to be significant to understanding the financial position, results of
operations and liquidity of our Company, including a discussion of the results
of continuing operations as well as liquidity and capital resources. These items
are presented as follows:
o Basis of Presentation
o Results of Continuing Operations and Liquidity and Capital Resources -- a
discussion of the following:
- Results for the 16 weeks ended June 14, 2003 compared to the 16 weeks
ended June 15, 2002;
- The Company's Asset Disposition Initiative; and
- Current and expected future liquidity.
o Critical Accounting Estimates -- a discussion of significant estimates made by
Management.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
---------------------
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of The Great Atlantic &
Pacific Tea Company, Inc.( "We", "Our", "Us", or "the Company") for the 16 weeks
ended June 14, 2003 and June 15, 2002 are unaudited and, in the opinion of
management, contain all adjustments that are of a normal recurring nature
necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations for
such periods. The consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes
contained in our Fiscal 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Interim results are not
necessarily indicative of results for a full year.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our Company and
all majority-owned subsidiaries.
RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS AND LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Our consolidated financial information presents the income related to our
operations of discontinued businesses separate from the results of our
continuing operations. The discussion and analysis that follows focus on
continuing operations.
16 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 14, 2003 COMPARED TO THE 16 WEEKS ENDED JUNE 15, 2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OVERALL
-------
Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 were $3.2 billion, compared with $3.1
billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2002; comparable store sales, which
includes stores that have been in operation for two full fiscal years and
replacement stores, decreased 0.1%. Net income per share - diluted for the first
quarter of fiscal 2003 was $0.52 compared to $0.05 for the first quarter of
fiscal 2002.
SALES
-----
Sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 of $3,204 million increased
$110 million or 3.6% from sales of $3,094 million for the first quarter of
fiscal 2002. The higher sales were due to an increase in retail sales of $81
million and an increase in wholesale sales of $29 million. The increase in
retail sales was attributable to the opening of 38 new stores since the
beginning of fiscal 2002, of which 7 were opened in fiscal 2003, increasing
sales by $72 million, and the favorable effect of the Canadian exchange rate,
which increased sales by $62 million. This increase was partially offset by the
closure of 79 stores since the beginning of fiscal 2002, of which 37 were sold
or closed in fiscal 2003, which decreased sales by $45 million, and the decrease
in comparable store sales for fiscal 2003 of 0.1% (down 1.1% in the U.S. and up
3.7% in Canada) when compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2002. The increase
in wholesale sales was attributable to higher sales volume of $7 million and the
favorable effect of the Canadian exchange rate of $22 million.
Sales in the U.S. for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 decreased by $41 million
or 1.8% compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2002. Sales in Canada for the
first quarter of fiscal 2003 increased by $151 million or 19.1% from the first
quarter of fiscal 2002.
Average weekly sales per supermarket were approximately $298,400 for the first
quarter of fiscal 2003 versus $292,200 for the corresponding period of the prior
year, an increase of 2.1%. This increase was primarily due to:
o Sale and/or closure of smaller stores with lower average weekly sales;
o Closure of underperforming stores; and
o Opening and remodeling of larger stores.
GROSS MARGIN
------------
Gross margin as a percentage of sales decreased 106 basis points to 27.44% for
the first quarter of fiscal 2003 from 28.50% for the first quarter of fiscal
2002. The gross margin dollar decrease of $2 million resulted from the decrease
in the gross margin rate partially offset by the increases in sales volume and
the favorable Canadian exchange rate. The U.S. operations gross margin decrease
of $21 million resulted from decreases of $13 million due to lower sales volume
and $8 million due to a lower gross margin rate. The Canadian operations gross
margin increase of $19 million resulted from increases of $15 million due to
higher sales volume and $17 million from fluctuations in the Canadian exchange
rate partially offset by a decrease of $13 million due to a lower gross margin
rate. This 106 basis point decrease was caused primarily by continued
competitive pressures to drive sales volume and protect market share in the
current market.
Included in gross margin for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 were costs related
to our asset disposition initiative of $0.9 million, which were incurred to mark
down inventory in stores announced for closure. There were no such costs
recorded in the first quarter of fiscal year 2003.
STORE OPERATING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
---------------------------------------------------
Store operating, general and administrative expense ("SG&A") was $892 million
for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to $857 million for the first
quarter of fiscal 2002. As a percentage of sales, SG&A was 27.83% for the first
quarter of fiscal 2003 compared to 27.69% for the first quarter of fiscal 2002.
The major items impacting this increase include:
o Increased labor costs as a percentage of sales in the U.S.;
o Higher severance and employee buy-out costs in the U.S.; and
o Higher store occupancy expense.
Partially offset by the following:
o Lower closed store expenses for stores closed during the normal course of
business; and
o Lower costs related to our business process initiative.
Included in SG&A for the first quarter of fiscal 2002 were net costs of $6.1
million relating to our asset disposition initiative as described in Note 6 of
our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Fiscal 2002 Annual Report
to Stockholders, a loss of $0.7 million relating to the early extinguishment of
$38 million of our 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2007 as described in Note 6 of our
Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Fiscal 2002 Annual Report to
Stockholders and a gain of $1.7 million related to the sale of securities
received as part of the demutualization of The Prudential Insurance Company as
described in Note 15 of our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our
Fiscal 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders. Excluding these items, SG&A as a
percentage of sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 as compared to the
first quarter of fiscal 2002 would have increased 31 basis points.
Also included in SG&A for fiscal 2002 were $20.0 million relating to our
business process initiative. Such costs primarily included professional
consulting fees and salaries, including related benefits, of employees working
full-time on the initiative.
We also review individual assets for impairment upon determination that such
assets will not be used for their intended useful life. During the first quarter
of fiscal 2003 and 2002, we recorded impairment losses on property, plant and
equipment of nil and $5.9 million, respectively, related to U.S. Retail stores
that were or will be closed in the normal course of business. This amount is
included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based upon current events or changes in
circumstances, there may be additional future impairments as we continue to
review and monitor our long lived assets including the potential for impairment
of assets that are held and used.
INTEREST EXPENSE
----------------
Interest expense of $25 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2003 decreased
from the prior year amount of $27 million due primarily to lower interest
expense resulting from our open market repurchase of $51 million of our 7.75%
Senior Notes due April 15, 2007 and $45 million of our 9.125% Senior Notes due
December 15, 2011, during fiscal 2002.
INCOME TAXES
------------
The benefit from income taxes from continuing operations for the first quarter
of fiscal 2003 was $14.9 million compared to a benefit of $0.4 million for the
first quarter of fiscal 2002. The U.S. tax benefit of approximately $23 million
is offset by a tax provision provided on discontinued operations of
approximately $23 million in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards 109 "Accounting for Income Taxes".
(LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS OF DISCONTINUED BUSINESSES, NET OF TAX
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss from operations of discontinued businesses, net of tax for the first
quarter of fiscal 2003 was $11 million as compared to income from operations of
$1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2002. Beginning in the fourth quarter
of fiscal year 2002 and in the early part of the first quarter of fiscal 2003,
we decided to sell our operations located in Northern New England, Madison and
Milwaukee, Wisconsin as well as our Eight O'Clock Coffee business. Upon our
decision to sell, we recorded impairment losses on the property, plant and
equipment relating to these operations of $15.2 million during the 16 weeks
ended June 14, 2003. In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2003, we
recorded $4.0 million in pension expense relating to early withdrawal from
various multi-employer union pension plans and a health and welfare plan we
participate in. The remaining amounts for each period represent the operating
results of the stores in these locations as well as our Eight O'Clock Coffee
business.
ASSET DISPOSITION INITIATIVE
----------------------------
In fiscal 1998 and 1999, we announced a plan to close two warehouse facilities
and a coffee plant in the U.S., a bakery plant in Canada and 166 stores
including the exit of the Richmond, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia markets. In
addition, during the third quarter of fiscal 2001, we announced that certain
underperforming operations, including 39 stores (30 in the United States and 9
in Canada) and 3 warehouses would be closed and/or sold, and certain
administrative streamlining would take place.
As of June 14, 2003, we closed all of the above stores and facilities. The
following table summarizes the activity related to the charges recorded for the
aforementioned initiatives since the beginning of fiscal 2002:
Severance
and Goodwill/
Occupancy Benefits Fixed Assets Total
------------ ------------- ------------- ------------
Balance at
February 23, 2002 $ 143,700 $ 22,137 $ - $ 165,837
Addition (1) 7,249 3,544 - 10,793
Utilization (2) (34,003) (19,830) 776 (53,057)
Adjustment (3) (13,825) 889 (776) (13,712)
------------- ------------- --------------- ------------
Balance at
February 22, 2003 $ 103,121 $ 6,740 $ - $ 109,861
Addition (1) 1,814 - - 1,814
Utilization (2) (7,998) (1,678) - (9,676)
------------ ------------- -------------- ------------
Balance at
June 14, 2003 $ 96,937 $ 5,062 $ - $ 101,999
============ ============= ============== ============
(1) The additions to occupancy represent the present value of accrued
interest related to lease obligations. The addition to severance during
fiscal 2002 related to retention and productivity incentives that were
accrued as earned.
(2) Occupancy utilization represents vacancy related payments for closed
locations. Severance utilization represents payments made to terminated
employees during the period.
(3) At each balance sheet date, we assesses the adequacy of the balance to
determine if any adjustments are required as a result of changes in
circumstances and/or estimates. During fiscal 2002, we recorded net
adjustments of $13.7 million primarily related to reversals of
previously accrued vacancy related costs due to the following:
o Favorable results of assigning leases at certain locations of $7.2
million;
o The decision to continue to operate one of the stores previously
identified for closure due to changes in the competitive
environment in the market in which that store is located of $3.3
million; and
o The decision to proceed with development at a site that we had
chosen to abandon at the time of the original charge due to
changes in the competitive environment in the market in which that
site is located of $3.3 million.
As of June 14, 2003, we paid approximately $53 million of the total original
severance and benefits charge recorded, which resulted from the termination of
approximately 4,500 employees. The remaining severance liability primarily
relates to future obligations for early withdrawal from multi-employer union
pension plans and individual severance payments which will be paid by the end of
fiscal 2003.
At June 14, 2003, approximately $19.2 million of the reserve was included in
"Other accruals" and the remaining amount was included in "Other non-current
liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the first quarters of
fiscal 2003 and 2002 are the sales and operating results of the aforementioned
stores while they were open during the periods presented. The results of these
operations are as follows:
16 Weeks Ended
-----------------------------------
June 14, June 15,
2003 2002
---------------- ---------------
Sales $ 316 $ 19,096
=============== ==============
Operating loss $ (72) $ (1,337)
============== ==============
Based upon current available information, we evaluated the reserve balance as of
June 14, 2003 of $102 million and have concluded that it is adequate. We will
continue to monitor the status of the vacant properties and adjustments to the
reserve balance may be recorded in the future, if necessary.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
-------------------------------
We had negative working capital of $60 million at June 14, 2003 compared to
positive working capital of $9 million at February 22, 2003. We had cash and
cash equivalents aggregating $163 million at June 14, 2003 compared to $199
million at the end of fiscal 2002. The decrease in working capital was
attributable primarily to the following:
o A decrease in cash and cash equivalents as detailed in the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows;
o A decrease in accounts receivable due to timing of receipts;
o An increase in accounts payable (inclusive of book overdrafts); and
o An increase in other accruals.
Partially offset by the following:
o An increase in inventories primarily relating to seasonality, the favorable
impact of the Canadian exchange rate, and management's decision to increase
inventories to accommodate changes in our business; and
o An increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets due to the
amortization of prepaid rent.
At June 14, 2003, we had a $425 million secured revolving credit agreement (as
amended, the "Secured Credit Agreement") with a syndicate of lenders enabling us
to borrow funds on a revolving basis sufficient to refinance short-term
borrowings and provide working capital as needed. This agreement is comprised of
a U.S. credit agreement amounting to $340 million and a Canadian credit
agreement amounting to $85 million (C$113.5 million at June 14, 2003) and is
collateralized primarily by inventory and company-owned real estate. Borrowings
under the Secured Credit Agreement bear interest based on LIBOR and Prime
interest rate pricing. Under the Secured Credit Agreement, $40 million of the
loan commitments expire in December 2003 and $385 million of the loan
commitments expire in June 2005.
As of June 14, 2003, we had no borrowings under the Secured Credit Agreement.
Accordingly, as of June 14, 2003, after reducing availability for outstanding
letters of credit and borrowing base requirements, we had $271 million available
under the Secured Credit Agreement.
Our loan agreements and certain notes contain various financial covenants, which
require among other things, minimum fixed charge coverage (compares EBITDA plus
rent and interest plus rents) and levels of leverage (compares EBITDA with
outstanding indebtedness under the agreement) and capital expenditures. On
February 21, 2003, we amended the Secured Credit Agreement in order to allow for
greater flexibility for fiscal year 2003. The amendment is effective through and
including the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 and includes, among other
things, a change to the fixed coverage ratio from 1.4 to 1.15, a senior secured
leverage ratio of 1.80, a waiver of the total leverage ratio, a minimum EBITDA
level and a limitation on capital expenditures. Certain of the covenants are
impacted by the amount of proceeds we receive from asset sales. At June 14,
2003, we were in compliance with all of our covenants.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, we repurchased in the open market $38
million of our 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2007. The cost of this open market
repurchase resulted in a pretax loss due to the early extinguishment of debt of
$0.7 million. In accordance with SFAS No. 145, "Rescission of FASB Statements 4,
44 and 64, Amendment of FASB 13, and Technical Corrections", this loss has been
reclassified within income from operations for the first quarter ended June 15,
2002. Under the recently amended Secured Credit Agreement, we are restricted
from entering into additional bond repurchases.
We currently have active Registration Statements dated January 23, 1998 and June
23, 1999, allowing us to offer up to $75 million of debt and/or equity
securities as of June 14, 2003 at terms contingent upon market conditions at the
time of sale.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2003, our capital expenditures and debt
repayments were funded through internally generated funds combined with proceeds
from disposals of properties. Capital expenditures totaled $57 million during
the first quarter of fiscal 2003, which included 7 new supermarkets and
enlarging or remodeling 2 supermarkets.
For the remainder of fiscal 2003, we have planned capital expenditures of
approximately $120 million. These expenditures relate primarily to opening
approximately 14 new supermarkets and enlarging or remodeling 25 - 30
supermarkets. We currently expect to close a total of approximately 10 - 15
stores during the remainder of fiscal 2003; the long-lived assets of which have
been evaluated for impairment in fiscal 2002.
We do not expect to pay dividends during fiscal 2003.
We are the guarantor of a loan of $2.3 million related to a shopping center,
which will expire in 2011.
Our existing senior debt rating was B3 with negative implications with Moody's
Investors Service ("Moody's") and B+ on credit watch with negative implications
with Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") as of June 14, 2003. Future rating
changes could affect the availability and cost of financing to the Company.
We believe that our cash from operations and asset sales will be sufficient for
our capital expenditure programs and mandatory scheduled debt repayments for the
next twelve months. However, certain external factors such as unfavorable
economic conditions, competition, labor relations and fuel and utility costs
could have a significant impact on cash generation. We are exploring several
actions to mitigate the potential risk, however, there can be no assurance that
such actions will be successful.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
-----------------------------
Critical accounting estimates are those accounting estimates that we believe are
important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations
and require our most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a
result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are
inherently uncertain.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America ("U.S. GAAP") requires us to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosures 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.
Self-Insurance Reserves
-----------------------
Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities with respect to self-insured
workers' compensation and general liability claims. We estimate the required
liability of such claims on a discounted basis, utilizing an actuarial method,
which is based upon various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to,
our historical loss experience, projected loss development factors, actual
payroll and other data. The required liability is also subject to adjustment in
the future based upon the changes in claims experience, including changes in the
number of incidents (frequency) and changes in the ultimate cost per incident
(severity).
Long-Lived Assets
-----------------
We review the carrying values of our long-lived assets for possible impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
assets may not be recoverable. Such review is based upon groups of assets and
the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from such assets to determine if
the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash
flows. If such review indicates an impairment exists, we measure such impairment
on a discounted basis using a probability weighted average approach and a risk
free rate.
We also review individual assets for impairment upon determination that such
assets will not be used for their intended useful life. During the first quarter
of fiscal 2003 and 2002, we recorded impairment losses on property, plant and
equipment of nil and $5.9 million, respectively, related to U.S. Retail stores
that were or will be closed in the normal course of business. Such amounts are
included in "Store operating, general and administrative expense" in our
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Based upon current events or changes in
circumstances, there may be additional future impairments as we continue to
review and monitor our long lived assets including the potential for impairment
of assets that are held and used.
Closed Store Reserves
---------------------
For stores closed that are under long-term leases, we record a discounted
liability using a risk free rate for the future minimum lease payments and
related costs, such as utilities and taxes, from the date of closure to the end
of the remaining lease term, net of estimated probable recoveries from projected
sublease rentals. If estimated cost recoveries exceed our liability for future
minimum lease payments, the excess is recognized as income over the term of the
sublease. We estimate future net cash flows based on our experience in and our
knowledge of the market in which the closed store is located. However, these
estimates project net cash flow several years into the future and are affected
by variable factors such as inflation, real estate markets and economic
conditions. While these factors have been relatively stable in recent years,
variation in these factors could cause changes to our estimates. As of June 14,
2003, we had liabilities for future minimum lease payments of $127 million,
which related to 99 dark stores and 41 subleased or assigned stores. Of this
amount, $30 million relates to stores closed in the normal course of business
and $97 million relates to stores closed as part of the asset disposition
initiative (see Note 7 of our Consolidated Financial Statements).
Employee Benefit Plans
----------------------
The determination of our obligation and expense for pension and other
post-retirement benefits is dependent, in part, on our selection of certain
assumptions used by our actuaries in calculating these amounts. These
assumptions are disclosed in Note 10 of our Fiscal 2002 Annual Report on Form
10-K and include, among other things, the discount rate, the expected long-term
rate of return on plan assets and the rates of increase in compensation and
health care costs. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, actual results that differ from
our Company's assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and,
therefore, affect our recognized expense and recorded obligation in such future
periods. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant
differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions
may materially affect our pension and other post-retirement obligations and our
future expense.
Inventories
-----------
Store inventories are valued principally at the lower of cost or market with
cost determined under the retail method on a first-in, first-out basis.
Warehouse and other inventories are valued primarily at the lower of cost or
market with cost determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventories of
certain acquired companies are valued using the last-in, first-out method, which
was their practice prior to acquisition. We evaluate inventory shrinkage
throughout the year based on actual physical counts in our stores and
distribution centers and record reserves based on the results of these counts to
provide for estimated shrinkage between the store's last inventory and the
balance sheet date.
ITEM 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
MARKET RISK
-----------
Market risk represents the risk of loss from adverse market changes that may
impact our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Among other possible market risks, we are exposed to such risk in the areas of
interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates.
From time to time, we may enter hedging agreements in order to manage risks
incurred in the normal course of business including forward exchange contracts
to manage our exposure to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.
Interest Rates
--------------
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to
our debt obligations. We do not have cash flow exposure due to rate changes on
our $681 million in notes as of June 14, 2003 because they are at fixed interest
rates. However, we do have cash flow exposure on our committed bank lines of
credit due to our variable floating rate pricing. Accordingly, during the first
quarter of fiscal 2003, a presumed 1% change in the variable floating rate would
have impacted interest expense by $0.2 million.
During fiscal 2002, we had three interest rate swaps with commercial banks with
an aggregate notional amount of $150 million maturing on April 15, 2007,
designated as fair value hedging instruments, to effectively convert a portion
of our 7.75% Notes due April 15, 2007 from fixed rate debt to floating rate
debt. In January 2003, these hedging instruments were terminated, resulting in a
gain of $10.2 million. This gain has been deferred and is being amortized as an
offset to interest expense over the life of the underlying debt instrument. Such
amount is classified as "Long term debt" in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Foreign Exchange Risk
---------------------
We are exposed to foreign exchange risk to the extent of adverse fluctuations in
the Canadian dollar. During the 16 weeks ended June 14, 2003, a change in the
Canadian currency of 10% would have resulted in a fluctuation in net income of
$1.2 million. We do not believe that a change in the Canadian currency of 10%
will have a material effect on our financial position or cash flows.
ITEM 4 - Controls and Procedures
Within 90 days prior to the date of this report, we completed an evaluation of
the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-14(c)
to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934). Based on this evaluation, we
believe that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective with respect
to the timely communication of all material information required to be disclosed
in this report as it relates to our Company and our consolidated subsidiaries.
Subsequent to the date of the most recently completed evaluation, there were no
significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could
significantly affect internal controls.
CAUTIONARY NOTE
---------------
This presentation may contain forward-looking statements about the future
performance of our Company, and is based on our assumptions and beliefs in light
of information currently available. We assume no obligation to update this
information. These forward-looking statements are subject to uncertainties and
other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such
statements including but not limited to: competitive practices and pricing in
the food industry generally and particularly in our principal markets; our
relationships with our employees; the terms of future collective bargaining
agreements; the costs and other effects of lawsuits and administrative
proceedings; the nature and extent of continued consolidation in the food
industry; changes in the financial markets which may affect our cost of capital
or the ability to access capital; supply or quality control problems with our
vendors; and changes in economic conditions, which may affect the buying
patterns of our customers.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1 - Legal Proceedings
In May of 1999, four present and former employees of The Food Emporium filed
suit against the Company in federal court in New York for unpaid wages and
overtime. In April 2000, the judge certified the case as a class action status
for this case covering approximately 82 stores in 9 counties in the New York
metropolitan area. Approximately 840 current and former full and part-time
employees of The Food Emporium and A&P opted into the class. In April 2003, the
Company filed a Motion to Decertify the Collective Action under the Fair Labor
Standards Act.
In April 2002, three Canadian Food Basics franchisees commenced a breach of
contract action in a Canadian court against The Great Atlantic & Pacific Company
of Canada, Limited ("A&P Canada") as representative plaintiffs for a purported
class of approximately 70 current and former Canadian Food Basics franchisees.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages in connection with A&P Canada's alleged
failure to distribute to the franchisees the full amount of vendor allowances
and/or rebates to which the franchisees claim they are entitled under the
operative franchise agreements. A&P Canada disputes the plaintiff-franchisees'
claim and has filed a counterclaim seeking to recover subsidies made by it to
the plaintiffs. The lawsuit was certified as a class action in December 2002.
The majority of the potential class members have opted out of this class
proceeding. A&P Canada has obtained leave to appeal the class certification
order. The appeal hearing took place on June 26, 2003 and June 27, 2003, and the
decision was set aside.
On June 5, 2002, a purported securities class action Complaint was filed in the
United States District Court for the District of New Jersey against our Company
and certain of our officers and directors in an action captioned Brody v. The
Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc., No. 02 CV 2674 (FSH). The Brody lawsuit
and four subsequently-filed related lawsuits were consolidated into a single
lawsuit captioned In re The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
Securities Litigation, No. 02 CV 2674 (FSH) (the "Class Action Lawsuit"). On
December 2, 2002, plaintiffs filed their Consolidated Amended Class Action
Complaint (the "Complaint"), which alleges claims under Sections 10(b) (and Rule
10b-5 promulgated thereunder) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
arising out of our Company's July 5, 2002 filing of restated financial
statements for fiscal 1999, fiscal 2000 and the first three quarters of fiscal
2001. The Complaint in the Class Action Lawsuit seeks unspecified money damages,
costs and expenses. On January 17, 2003, defendants filed a motion seeking to
dismiss the Complaint. On February 28, 2003, plaintiffs filed their brief in
opposition to defendants' motion. Defendants' reply brief in support of their
dismissal motion was filed on March 28, 2003.
On May 31, 2002, a stockholder's derivative Complaint was filed in the Superior
Court of New Jersey in Bergen County against our Company's directors (some of
whom are also executive officers) in an action captioned Osher v. Barline, Civ.
Action No. BER L-4673-02 (N.J. Super. Ct.) (the "Derivative Lawsuit"). The
Complaint, which arises out of the events at issue in the Class Action Lawsuit,
alleges that the defendants violated their fiduciary obligations to our Company
and our stockholders by failing to establish and maintain adequate accounting
controls and mismanaging the assets and business of our Company. Plaintiff seeks
unspecified money damages, costs and expenses. In or about December 2002, after
the parties had agreed to and submitted for the Court's consideration a
stipulation and proposed Order staying the Derivative Lawsuit pending the
outcome of defendants' motion to dismiss the Complaint in the Class Action
Lawsuit, the Court dismissed the Derivative Lawsuit without prejudice.
ITEM 2 - Changes in Securities
None
ITEM 3 - Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
ITEM 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
ITEM 5 - Other Information
None
ITEM 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
----------- -----------
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of The Great Atlantic
& Pacific Tea Company, Inc., as amended through
July 1987 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3(a) to Form 10-K filed on May 27, 1988)
3.2 By-Laws of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea
Company, Inc., as amended through July 2, 2002
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to Form 10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
4.1 Indenture, dated as of January 1, 1991 between
the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly
The Chase Manhattan Bank as successor by merger
to Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company), as
trustee (the "Indenture") (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K)
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
December 4, 2001, to the Indenture, dated as of
January 1, 1991 between our Company and JPMorgan
Chase Bank, relating to the 7.70% Senior Notes
due 2004 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 4,
2001)
4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of
December 20, 2001, to the Indenture between our
Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, relating to the
9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2011 (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed on
December 20, 2001)
4.4 Successor Bond Trustee (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Form 10-K filed on
May 9, 2003)
10.1 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as of
the 11th day of November, 2002, by and between
our Company and Eric Claus, and Offer Letter
dated the 22nd day of October, 2002 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q
filed on January 10, 2003)
10.2 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as
of the 1st day of November, 2000, by and between
the Company and William P. Costantini
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10
to Form 10-Q filed on January 16, 2001)
("Costantini Agreement")
10.3 Amendment to Costantini Agreement dated April
30, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.7 to Form 10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.4 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as
of the 24th day of February, 2002, by and
between our Company and Mitchell P. Goldstein
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.8 to Form 10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.5 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as
of the 2nd day of October, 2002, by and between
our Company and Peter Jueptner (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to Form
10-Q filed on October 22, 2002)
10.6 Offer Letter dated the 18th day of September
2002, by and between our Company and Peter
Jueptner (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 to Form 10-Q filed on January 10,
2003)
10.7 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as
of the 14th day of May, 2001, by and between our
Company and John E. Metzger, as amended February
14, 2002 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.13 to Form 10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.8 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as of
the 28th day of October, 2002, by and between our
Company and Brian Piwek, and Offer Letter dated
the 23rd day of October, 2002 (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Form 10-Q
filed on January 10, 2003)
10.9 Employment Agreement, made and entered into as
of the 25th day of February, 2002 by and between
our Company and David A. Smithies (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Form
10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.10 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective
as of September 30, 1991 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.B to Form 10-K filed on
May 28, 1993)
10.11 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan effective
as of September 1, 1997 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.B to Form 10-K filed on
May 27, 1998)
10.12 Supplemental Retirement and Benefit Restoration
Plan effective as of January 1, 2001
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10(j) to Form 10-K filed on May 23, 2001)
10.13 1994 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10(e) to Form 10-K filed
on May 24, 1995)
10.14 1994 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee
Directors (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10(f) to Form 10-K filed on May 24, 1995)
10.15 Directors' Deferred Payment Plan adopted May 1,
1996 (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10(h) to Form 10-K filed on May 16, 1997)
10.16 1998 Long Term Incentive and Share Award Plan
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10(k) to Form 10-K filed on May 19, 1999)
10.17 Credit Agreement dated as of February 23, 2001,
among our Company, The Great Atlantic & Pacific
Company of Canada, Limited and the other
Borrowers party hereto and the Lenders party
hereto, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as U.S.
Administrative Agent, and The Chase Manhattan
Bank of Canada, as Canadian Administrative Agent
("Credit Agreement") (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10 to Form 10-K filed on May
23, 2001)
10.18 Amendment No. 1 and Waiver, dated as of November
16, 2001 to Credit Agreement (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to Form
10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.19 Amendment No. 2 dated as of March 21, 2002 to
Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Form 10-K filed
on July 5, 2002)
10.20 Amendment No. 3 dated as of April 23, 2002 to
Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.25 to Form 10-K filed on
July 5, 2002)
10.21 Waiver dated as of June 14, 2002 to Credit
Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.26 to Form 10-K filed on July 5, 2002)
10.22 Amendment No. 4 dated as of October 10, 2002 to
Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.27 to Form 10-Q filed on
October 22, 2002)
10.23 Amendment No. 5 dated as of February 21, 2003 to
Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on
March 7, 2003)
10.24 Amendment No. 6 dated as of March 25, 2003 to
Credit Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.28 to Form 10-K filed on
May 9, 2003)
23.1 Consent of Independent Accountants from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 23.1 to Form 10-K filed
on May 9, 2003)
23.2 Independent Auditors' Consent from Deloitte &
Touche LLP (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 23.2 to Form 10-K filed on May 9, 2003)
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
On March 7, 2003, our Company filed a Form 8-K disclosing that it had executed
Amendment No. 5, dated as of February 21, 2003, to its existing Credit Agreement
dated as of February 23, 2001, as amended, with JPMorgan Chase Bank and the
lenders signatory thereto.
On May 2, 2003, our Company filed a Form 8-K pursuant to which it furnished the
SEC with a copy of the April 25, 2003 press release, which announced the
Company's financial results for the quarter and the fiscal year ended February
22, 2003 and a copy of the transcript of the related conference call, held on
April 25, 2003, for analysts and investors to discuss such results.
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
SIGNATURES
----------
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
THE GREAT ATLANTIC & PACIFIC TEA COMPANY, INC.
Dated: July 25, 2003 By: /s/ Brenda M. Galgano
---------------------------------------------
Brenda M. Galgano, Vice President, Corporate
Controller (Chief Accounting Officer)
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
I, Christian W.E. Haub, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of The Great Atlantic &
Pacific Tea Company, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being
prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any
corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
/s/ Christian W. E. Haub Date: July 25, 2003
------------------------
Christian W. E. Haub
Chairman of the Board,
President and
Chief Executive Officer
CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER
Section 302 Certification
I, Mitchell P. Goldstein, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-K of The Great Atlantic &
Pacific Tea Company, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterlyl report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this quarterly report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash
flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this
quarterly report;
4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material
information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being
prepared;
b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this
quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date"); and
c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date
5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):
a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the
registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls; and
6. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have indicated in this
quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any
corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.
/s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein Date: July 25, 2003
-------------------------
Mitchell P. Goldstein
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer
Certification Accompanying Periodic Report
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(18 U.S.C. ss. 1350)
The undersigned, Christian W. E. Haub, Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc.
("Company"), and Mitchell P. Goldstein, Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company, each hereby certifies that (1) the Quarterly
Report of the Company on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 14, 2003 fully
complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 and (2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all
material respects, the financial condition and the results of operations of the
Company.
Dated: July 25, 2003 /s/ Christian W. E. Haub
------------------------
Christian W. E. Haub
Chairman of the Board,
President and
Chief Executive Officer
Dated: July 25, 2003 /s/ Mitchell P. Goldstein
-------------------------
Mitchell P. Goldstein
Senior Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer