Form 10-K/Amendment No. 1
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K/A

Amendment No. 1

(Mark One)

 

x

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 25, 2010

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 1-10948

Office Depot, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

LOGO

 

Delaware   59-2663954

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

6600 North Military Trail, Boca Raton, Florida   33496
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(561) 438-4800

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

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 ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files): Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x    Accelerated filer  ¨    Non-accelerated filer  ¨    Smaller reporting company  ¨
  

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 26, 2010 (based on the closing market price on the Composite Tape on June 25, 2010) was approximately $1,254,039,687 (determined by subtracting from the number of shares outstanding on that date the number of shares held by affiliates of Office Depot, Inc.).

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, as of the latest practicable date: At March 26, 2011, there were 277,571,087 outstanding shares of Office Depot, Inc. Common Stock, $0.01 par value.


Table of Contents

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

FORM 10-K/A

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 to the annual report of Office Depot, Inc. on Form 10-K/A (“Form 10-K/A”) amends our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2010, which was originally filed on February 22, 2011 (“Original Form 10-K”). This amendment is being filed for the purpose of restating certain amounts in the Selected Financial Data in Item 6, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7, Financial Statements in Item 8 and Controls and Procedures in Item 9A.

The company’s 2010 financial statements included in the Original Form 10-K were prepared reflecting the expected carry back of certain net operating losses. The company’s position was based on its view, after consultation with its tax advisor, that its tax losses qualified for extended carry-back provisions enacted in 2009. That position resulted in the company recognizing a tax benefit of approximately $80 million in the 2010 statement of operations. The company filed its carry back claim in February 2011 and in March 2011, the claim was denied by the Internal Revenue Service. Because the company has recognized full valuation allowances on its domestic deferred tax assets, the tax benefits recognized in the 2010 financial statements no longer met the accounting recognition criteria. The net operating losses included in the denied carry back claim will be available to offset what would otherwise be future tax payments over a 20-year period.

The impact of correcting that error is to reduce previously recorded full year tax benefits by approximately $79.5 million, change net earnings for 2010 from $33.3 million to a net loss of $46.2 million, increase the net loss attributable to common shareholders from $2.2 million to $81.7 million and increase loss per share from $0.01 to $0.30. Additionally, the current tax receivable of approximately $63 million has been removed from the balance sheet at December 25, 2010. The impact to quarterly periods is a reduction in diluted earnings per share of $0.02 in the quarter ended June 26, 2010, and $0.06 in the quarter ended September 25, 2010 as compared to amounts previously reported.

These restatements relate to non-cash entries in the 2010 financial statements and the reduction in net earnings has been offset in the consolidated statement of cash flows by a change in working capital and other items. This change in tax position, however, reduces the company’s outlook of projected 2011 cash flow from operations by eliminating the corresponding tax receivable.

The Form 10-K/A also reflects a correction to the 2010 presentation of approximately $22 million of acquisition-related payments from investing activities to financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The restatement is more fully described in Note B to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Pursuant to the rules of the SEC, Item 15, Part IV has also been amended to contain the currently dated certifications from the company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Section 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The certifications of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer are attached to this Amended Filing as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2, and 32.

This Form 10-K/A does not reflect events occurring after the filing of the Original Form 10-K, other than the restatement for the matter discussed above. Concurrent with the Form 10-K/A, the company will file amended Forms 10-Q for the second and third quarters of 2010.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART II

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

    3   

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    4   

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

    23   

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

    23   

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

    28   

SIGNATURES

    29   

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data at and for each of the five fiscal years in the period ended December 25, 2010. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included in Item 8 of this report, and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, included in Item 7 of this report.

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts and statistical data)   2010 (1)     2009     2008     2007     2006  
    (Restated)                          

Statements of Operations Data:

         

Sales

  $ 11,633,094      $ 12,144,467      $ 14,495,544      $ 15,527,537      $ 15,010,781   

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc (2)(3)(4)

  $ (44,623   $ (596,465   $ (1,478,938   $ 395,615      $ 503,471   

Net earnings (loss)

  $ (46,205   $ (598,724   $ (1,481,003   $ 394,704      $ 503,471   

Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders (2)(3)(4)

  $ (81,736   $ (626,971   $ (1,478,938   $ 395,615      $ 503,471   

Net earnings (loss) per share:

         

Basic

  $ (0.30   $ (2.30   $ (5.42   $ 1.45      $ 1.79   

Diluted

    (0.30     (2.30     (5.42     1.43        1.75   

Statistical Data:

         

Facilities open at end of period:

         

United States and Canada:

         

Office supply stores

    1,147        1,152        1,267        1,222        1,158   

Distribution centers

    13        15        20        21        20   

Crossdock facilities

    3        6        12        12        10   

International (5):

         

Office supply stores

    97        137        162        148        125   

Distribution centers

    26        39        43        33        32   

Call centers

    25        29        27        31        30   

Total square footage — North American Retail Division

    27,559,184        28,109,844        30,672,862        29,790,082        28,520,269   

Percentage of sales by segment:

         

North American Retail Division

    42.7%        42.1%        42.2%        43.9%        45.2%   

North American Business Solutions Division

    28.3%        28.7%        28.6%        29.1%        30.5%   

International Division

    29.0%        29.2%        29.2%        27.0%        24.3%   

Balance Sheet Data:

         

Total assets

  $ 4,569,437      $ 4,890,346      $ 5,268,226      $ 7,256,540      $ 6,557,438   

Long-term debt, excluding current maturities

    659,820        662,740        688,788        607,462        570,752   

Redeemable preferred stock, net

    355,979        355,308                        

 

(1)

Certain amounts have been restated. See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(2)

Fiscal year 2010 Net loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc. and Net loss available to common shareholders include charges of approximately $51 million for the write-off of Construction in Progress related to developed software. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.

 

(2)

Fiscal year 2009 Net loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc. and Net loss available to common shareholders include charges of approximately $322 million to establish valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.

 

(3)

Fiscal year 2008 Net loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc. and Net loss available to common shareholders include impairment charges for goodwill and trade names of $1.27 billion and other asset impairment charges of $222 million. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information.

 

(5)

Facilities of wholly-owned or majority-owned entities operated by our International Division.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations has been updated to reflect the restatement of the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, cash flows, and stockholders’ equity for the year ended December 25, 2010 and the consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2010. For a more detailed description of the restatement, see Note B — Restatement of Consolidated Financial Statements.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

OVERVIEW

Our business is comprised of three segments. The North American Retail Division includes our retail office supply stores in the U.S. and Canada, which offer office supplies and services, computers and business machines and related supplies, and office furniture. Most stores also offer a copy and print center offering printing, reproduction, mailing and shipping. The North American Business Solutions Division sells office supply products and services in the U.S. and Canada directly to businesses through catalogs, internet web sites and a dedicated sales force. Our International Division sells office products and services through catalogs, internet web sites, a dedicated sales force and retail stores.

Our fiscal year results are based on a 52- or 53-week retail calendar ending on the last Saturday in December. Each of the three years addressed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is based on 52 weeks. Our next 53 week fiscal year will occur in 2011. Our comparable store sales relate to stores that have been open for at least one year. A summary of factors important to understanding our results for 2010 is provided below and further discussed in the narrative that follows this overview.

 

 

Total company sales were $11.6 billion in 2010, down 4% compared to 2009. Sales in North America decreased 4% for the year; comparable store sales in the North American Retail Division decreased 1%. International Division sales decreased 5% in U.S. dollars and 2% in local currencies.

 

 

Gross margin for 2010 improved 90 basis points from 2009, following a 30 basis point increase from 2008. The increase in 2010 primarily reflects lower occupancy costs, better management of promotional activity and benefits from product line reviews and increased direct imports.

 

 

During 2010, we recognized $51 million for impairment of certain software applications, $23 million for net losses on business dispositions, facility closure and severance costs and $13 million associated with the departure of our former CEO and other executive compensation costs. The per share impact of these items totaled $0.26.

 

 

As part of our previously announced strategic reviews, we recorded charges of $253 million and $199 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. These expenses (the “Charges”) include primarily charges for lease accruals, severance expenses and asset impairments. Charges under these programs ended in 2009.

 

 

We have restated our tax benefits for 2010 following the March 2011 denial of our tax loss carry back claim. The restatement reduced tax benefits by $79.5 million, compared to amounts previously reported. The change in tax benefits also impacts the 2010 per share calculation of other items summarized in the table below.

 

 

During 2010, we recognized significant tax and interest benefits from settlements with tax authorities, resulting in a full year benefit of approximately $0.14 per share. During 2009, we recorded a non-cash tax expense to establish valuation allowances on deferred tax assets of $321.6 million ($1.18 per share) because of the uncertainty of future realizability of these assets.

 

 

At the end of 2010, we had $627 million in cash and approximately $674 million available on our asset based credit facility. Cash flow from operating activities was $200 million for 2010.

 

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A summary of items above affecting diluted (loss) per share by year is as follows:

 

     

2010

     2009      2008  

Diluted (loss) per share

   $   (0.30)       $   (2.30)       $   (5.42)   

Less charges (credits):

        

2010 Impairment and other charges

     0.26           —           —     

2010 Tax settlements and related interest

     (0.14)         —           —     

Prior year Charges

     —           0.86           5.01     

2009 Valuation Allowance

     —           1.18           —     

OPERATING RESULTS

Discussion of other income and expense items, including material Charges and changes in interest and taxes follows our review of segment results.

NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL DIVISION

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010      2009      2008  

Sales

   $   4,962.8       $   5,113.6       $   6,112.3   

% change

     (3)%         (16)%         (10)%   

Division operating profit (loss)

   $ 127.5       $ 105.5       $ (29.2)   

% of sales

     2.6%         2.1%         (0.5)%   

Sales in our North American Retail Division decreased 3% in 2010, 16% in 2009 and 10% in 2008. During 2009, we closed 120 underperforming stores as part of the strategic review initiated during the fourth quarter of 2008. Comparable store sales in 2010 from the 1,124 stores that were open for more than one year decreased 1%. Comparable store sales in 2009 from the 1,139 stores that were open for more than one year decreased 14%. Transaction counts were lower for the full year, but positive for the third and fourth quarters of 2010. Average order values declined, reflecting lower sales in our peripherals product category, in part from our reduction in television offerings. Sales in furniture, technology, technology services and Copy and Print Depot increased while sales of supplies declined. The overall sales declines in both 2009 and 2008 were driven by macroeconomic factors as consumers and small business customers curtailed their spending in response to the global financial crisis. While transaction counts were down in 2009 compared to 2008, a drop in average order value was the greater contributor to our sales decline. Additionally, our commitment to proactively reduce promotions in select categories resulted in lower sales compared to 2008. Within each of our three major product categories of supplies, technology and furniture, we experienced sales declines compared to 2008. The negative comparable store sales were driven by fewer sales of higher priced, discretionary categories in furniture and technology.

The North American Retail Division reported operating profit of approximately $128 million in 2010, $106 million in 2009 and an operating loss of $29 million in 2008. Gross margins increased in 2010 from lower occupancy costs, lower product cost driven by line reviews and direct import, and better management of promotional activity. Increased advertising expense during 2010 was partially offset by lower variable pay. The increase in Division operating profit for 2009 was driven by lower asset impairments, an improvement in product margins and lower operating expenses. The improvement in product margins was driven primarily by a more favorable product mix, lower levels of inventory shrinkage and valuation charges as well as lower product costs. These product margin improvements were partially offset by the deleveraging of fixed property costs on lower sales levels. During 2008, we recorded fixed asset impairment charges of approximately $98 million. Store impairment charges in 2010 and 2009 totaled $2 million and $3 million, respectively. Additionally, as a result of the 2008 fixed asset impairments, we experienced lower levels of depreciation expense in 2010 and 2009. Division operating profit in all periods was negatively affected by the unfavorable impact our sales volume decline had on gross margin and operating expenses (the “flow through” impact), with the greatest impact experienced during 2009.

 

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At the end of 2010, we operated 1,147 retail stores in the U.S. and Canada. We opened 17 new stores during 2010 and six stores during 2009. We closed 22 stores in North America during 2010 and 121 during 2009, of which 120 were part of the strategic review initiated during the fourth quarter of 2008. We anticipate opening approximately 10 stores in 2011. Also, we will continue to evaluate locations as leases become due and will close or relocate stores when appropriate.

NORTH AMERICAN BUSINESS SOLUTIONS DIVISION

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010      2009      2008  

Sales

   $   3,290.4       $   3,483.7       $   4,142.1   

% change

     (6)%         (16)%         (8)%   

Division operating profit

   $ 96.5       $ 98.2       $ 119.8   

% of sales

     2.9%         2.8%         2.9%   

Sales in our North American Business Solutions Division decreased 6% in 2010, 16% in 2009 and 8% in 2008. The restructuring of certain non-core businesses in late 2009 contributed approximately 1% to the 2010 sales decline. While the economic climate remained challenging in 2010, the rate of our sales decline improved sequentially throughout the year. Sales in the direct channel were negative for the full year, but relatively flat in the third quarter and positive in the fourth quarter. Sales in the contract channel were also lower for the year. For the Division, both the number of customer transactions and the average order value per transaction were lower in 2010 compared to 2009. On January 1, 2011, our primary purchasing cooperative agreement for public sector customers expired. We have several other non-exclusive arrangements with other cooperative purchasing consortiums and anticipate retaining a substantial amount of our public sector business. The 2009 sales decline was principally driven by a decrease in the number of customer transactions, which resulted in part from aggressive pricing from some of our competitors in our large, national accounts and contraction in our public sector business. On a product category basis, the Division experienced weakness in durables such as furniture, technology and peripherals, as customers delayed their purchases of these products in favor of consumables like paper, ink and toner.

Division operating profit totaled $97 million in 2010, compared to $98 million in 2009. The flow through impacts of lower sales adversely affected all periods, with the greatest impact in 2009. The 2010 decrease in operating profit was partially offset by higher gross margins from a shift in the mix of customers, some pricing improvements and product mix. Increased advertising expenses during 2010 were offset by initiatives to reduce the Division’s cost structure and lower variable pay for the period. In addition to the negative flow through impact in 2009 we experienced lower product margins, reflecting a less profitable product mix and cost increases that could not be passed on to our customers. Division operating profit for 2009 also reflects increased promotions in our direct business during the first half of the year. These negative impacts were partially offset by reductions in operating expenses, including a decrease in distribution costs as well as lower payroll and advertising expenses.

INTERNATIONAL DIVISION

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010      2009      2008  

Sales

   $   3,379.8       $   3,547.2       $   4,241.1   

% change

     (5)%         (16)%         1%   

% change in local currency sales

     (2)%         (9)%         (2)%   

Division operating profit

     110.8       $ 119.6       $ 157.2   

% of sales

     3.3%         3.4%         3.7%   

Sales in our International Division in U.S. dollars decreased 5% in 2010, 16% in 2009 and increased 1% in 2008. Local currency sales decreased 2% in 2010, 9% in 2009 and 2% in 2008. The sales in each of the three years presented were adversely impacted by the global economic climate. Sales in the contract business in local

 

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currencies increased 1% in 2010 and declined 8% in 2009. Growth in the small- to medium-sized business customers and large national account customers offset softness in the public sector business that resulted from various governmental austerity programs enacted throughout the year. The 2009 decrease reflects impacts from larger businesses decreasing their workforces and their discretionary spending on office supplies. Local currency sales in the direct business declined 5% and 11% in 2010 and 2009, respectively. The trend reflects some improvements in sales of higher priced items such as furniture and technology. We continue to focus on increasing the number of customer transactions. Sales in the retail channel increased after considering the impact of store closings in Japan, begun in 2009 and completed in early 2010, as well as the fourth quarter 2010 transaction related to our stores in Israel discussed below.

Division operating profit totaled approximately $111million in 2010, $120 million in 2009 and $157 million in 2008. Included in Division operating profit for 2010 were charges of approximately $23 million from the sale of operating subsidiaries in Israel and Japan, as well as facility closure and severance costs associated with consolidation arrangements in Europe. The subsidiary sales reflect the company’s decision to change its investment model in those countries from direct operating to license arrangements. The respective buyers of the entities will operate under the Office Depot name and the company will continue to generate cash flows from these entities from licensing fees and product sales. The company may continue efforts to improve financial results through efficiencies and operational consolidation during 2011. Should such activity be undertaken, additional charges could result.

The decreases in Division operating profit in 2010, 2009 and 2008 were also impacted by the flow through effects of lower sales levels. The operating profit comparison of 2010 to 2009 also reflects higher vendor rebates in 2009 and higher product costs in 2010 that were not passed on to customers, partially offset by lower variable pay. For 2009, the negative flow through impact was partially offset by lower operating expenses, including a decrease in distribution costs as well as lower payroll and advertising expenses. Other factors, including a shift to lower margin customers and cost increases that could not be fully passed on to our customers, negatively impacted Division operating profit in both 2009 and 2008. During 2008, we also recorded a non-cash gain of approximately $13 million related to the curtailment of a defined benefit pension plan in the UK and non-cash impairment charges of approximately $11 million related to our customer list intangible assets.

For U.S. reporting, the International Division’s sales are translated into U.S. dollars at average exchange rates experienced during the year. The Division’s reported sales were negatively impacted by approximately $80 million in 2010, $305 million in 2009 and positively impacted by $127 million in 2008 from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Division operating profit was negatively impacted by $3 million in 2010, $6 million in 2009 and positively impacted by $2 million in 2008 from changes in foreign exchange rates. Internally, we analyze our international operations in terms of local currency performance to allow focus on operating trends and results.

CORPORATE AND OTHER

Asset Impairments, Exit Costs and Other Charges

Each of our three operating segments has been adversely affected by the downturn in the global economy in recent years. The company has taken actions to adapt to the changing and increasingly competitive conditions including closing stores and distribution centers (“DCs”), consolidating functional activities and disposing of businesses and assets. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, we have recognized significant charges from reorganization efforts and asset impairments. The Charges recognized in 2009 and 2008 that related to a strategic review were managed at the corporate level and were excluded from measurement of Division operating profit.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the company initiated additional activities to improve future operating performance, change the ownership structure of certain international investments and eliminate non-productive corporate assets. Specifically, the company wrote off approximately $51 million of Construction In Progress

 

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related to impairment of certain software applications. In the fourth quarter of 2010 it was determined that the company was no longer going to fund the continued development of this software and the software projects were abandoned. The charge is presented in Other asset impairments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Other charges recognized during 2010 have been included in Division operating profit or corporate general and administrative expenses, as appropriate.

The company expects to take additional actions during the coming years in an effort to increase efficiency and operating results. These actions could include combining, outsourcing or eliminating functions which could lead to additional charges when the relevant accounting criteria are met. These actions are still being considered.

A summary of the Charges recognized during 2009 and 2008 and the line item presentation of these amounts in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows.

 

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2009     2008  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

   $ 13      $ 16   

Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses

     188        52   

Goodwill and trade name impairments

            1,270   

Other asset impairments

     26        114   

General and administrative expenses

     26        17   
                

Total pre-tax Charges

     253        1,469   

Income tax effect

     (19     (103
                

After-tax impact

   $ 234      $   1,366   

Per share impact

   $     0.86      $ 5.01   

Of the $253 million of 2009 Charges, approximately $194 million either have or are expected to require cash settlement, including longer-term lease obligations that will require cash over multi-year lease terms.

The primary components of Charges include:

 

 

Goodwill and Trade Name Impairments — During 2008, we recorded non-cash Charges of $1.2 billion to write down goodwill and $57 million related to the impairment of trade names. Our recoverability assessment of these non-amortizing intangible assets considered company-specific projections, assumptions about market participant views and the company’s overall market capitalization around the testing period.

 

 

Retail Store Initiatives — As part of the strategic review, we closed 126 stores in North America (six of which were closed in the fourth quarter of 2008 and the remainder in 2009) and 27 stores in Japan. The stores closed were underperforming or stores that were no longer a strategic fit for the company. The Charges totaled $122 million and $104 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2009 Charges were primarily related to lease accruals, inventory write downs, severance expenses and other facility closure costs. The 2008 Charges related primarily to asset impairments, inventory write downs and lease accruals.

 

 

Supply Chain Initiatives — During 2009, we closed five DCs and six crossdock facilities in North America and consolidated our DCs in Europe. Charges related to these actions totaled approximately $57 million in 2009 and related primarily to lease accruals, inventory write downs, severance expenses and other facility closure costs. The 2008 Charges totaled approximately $22 million and consisted primarily of accelerated depreciation, severance related costs and lease accruals.

 

 

Asset Sales and Sale-Leaseback Transactions — As a result of the strategic review and to enhance liquidity, we entered into multiple sale and sale-leaseback transactions. Total proceeds from these transactions were approximately $150 million and are included in the investing section on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Losses on these transactions are included in the Charges and totaled approximately $22 million in 2009. Gains have been deferred and will reduce rent expense over the related leaseback periods.

 

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Headcount Reductions and Other Restructuring Activities — Severance and termination benefit costs associated with actions to centralize activities and eliminate geographic redundancies totaled approximately $22 million and $13 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively. During 2009, we also recorded Charges for contract terminations on certain leased assets totaling approximately $17 million and for other restructuring activities totaling approximately $7 million. Additionally, we recognized a non-cash loss of approximately $6 million in conjunction with the disposition of other assets during 2009. Charges for other restructuring activities in 2008 totaled approximately $60 million and related primarily to asset write downs and costs associated with the restructuring of our back office operations and call centers in Europe.

Although we do not expect to recognize new Charges under the 2009 or earlier programs, positive and negative adjustments to previously accrued amounts as well as accretion on discounted long-term accruals such as lease obligations will continue to impact our results in future periods. We currently estimate accretion of approximately $10 million for 2011 and declining amounts in subsequent periods. All such amortizations and settlements or adjustments to related accruals will be included in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses and recognized at the corporate level, outside of Division operating profit.

In addition to the Charges that relate to the strategic reviews, during 2008, we recognized other material charges because of the downturn in our business. Those charges include material asset impairments relating to stores we continue to operate, charges to impair amortizing customer relationship intangible assets, as well as an increase in our allowance for bad debts related to our private label credit card portfolio and certain other accounts receivable balances to reflect the economic downturn. As these charges are considered reflective of operating an ongoing business in difficult times, they were included in the 2008 Division operating results.

General and Administrative Expenses

Total general and administrative expenses (“G&A”) decreased to $659 million in 2010 from $723 million in 2009. The portion of G&A expenses considered directly or closely related to division activity is included in the measurement of Division operating profit. The company continues to evaluate G&A and other expense allocations across the Divisions and may refine methodologies in future periods. Other companies may charge more or less G&A expenses and other costs to their segments, and our results therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The remainder of the total G&A expenses are considered corporate expenses. A breakdown of G&A is provided in the following table:

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010      2009      2008  

Division G&A

   $   342.2       $   361.7       $   394.6   

Corporate G&A

     316.6         361.4         348.6   
                          

Total G&A

     658.8       $ 723.1       $ 743.2   

% of sales

     5.7%         6.0%         5.1%   

Corporate G&A includes Charges of approximately $26 million and $17 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. After considering these amounts, corporate G&A expenses decreased $19 million in 2010 and increased $4 million in 2009. The decrease in 2010 was driven by lower variable pay, legal fees and a litigation settlement, partially offset by approximately $13 million of compensation-related costs following the departure of our former CEO and higher software amortization. The change in 2009 primarily reflects increased depreciation expense and higher levels of performance-based variable pay. The increase in depreciation expense resulted primarily from the capital lease associated with our new corporate campus as well as the company’s implementation of a new enterprise software system which was placed in service at the beginning of the third quarter of 2009. The increases were offset partially by reduction in legal and professional fees as well as lower payroll-related costs. Corporate G&A for 2009 also includes approximately $9 million from the effect of accelerated vesting of certain employee stock grants following approval of the redeemable preferred stock issuance.

 

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Other Income and Expense

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010     2009     2008  

Interest income

   $         4.7      $         2.4      $         10.0   

Interest expense

     (58.5     (65.6     (68.3

Miscellaneous income, net

     34.5        17.1        23.7   

The increase in interest income during 2010 reflects approximately $2 million of interest received on a tax settlement during the year. The decrease in interest income from 2008 to 2009 resulted primarily from lower investment rates. The 2010 tax settlement also resulted in reversal of approximately $11 million of previously accrued interest expense, partially offset by lower capitalized interest in 2010 compared to 2009.

Our net miscellaneous income consists of our earnings of joint venture investments, gains and losses related to foreign exchange transactions, investment results from our deferred compensation plan and realized gains and impairments of other investments. The majority of miscellaneous income is attributable to equity in earnings from our joint venture in Mexico, Office Depot de Mexico. The increase in 2010 reflects a level of foreign currency and deferred compensation plan losses in 2009 that did not recur in 2010 and 2010 receipts on investments previously impaired. The decrease in 2009 primarily reflects lower joint venture earnings resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as foreign currency losses.

Income Taxes

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010      2009      2008  

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $     (10.5)       $     287.6       $     (98.6)   

Effective income tax rate*

     18%         (92)%         6%   

 

*

Income taxes as a percentage of earnings (loss) before income taxes.

The 2010 tax benefits have been restated to reflect the March 2011 denial of the company’s 2010 net operating loss carry back claim. This restatement reduced 2010 tax benefits by $79.5 million. Because the company has recognized full valuation allowances on its domestic deferred tax assets, the tax benefits recognized in the 2010 financial statements no longer met the accounting recognition criteria. The net operating losses included in the denied carry back claim will be available to offset what would otherwise be future tax payments over a 20-year period.

The 18% effective tax rate for 2010 includes recognition of a $30 million tax benefit from the settlement of certain tax positions as well as the $10 million benefit from the release of a European valuation allowance.

Valuation allowances totaling $321.6 million were recognized during 2009, with $279.1 million related to domestic deferred tax assets and $42.5 million related to foreign deferred tax assets. The establishment of valuation allowances and development of projected annual effective tax rates requires significant judgment and is impacted by various estimates. Both positive and negative evidence, as well as the objectivity and verifiability of that evidence, is considered in determining the appropriateness of recording a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. An accumulation of recent pre-tax losses is considered strong negative evidence in that evaluation. Because of the downturn in our performance during this recessionary period, as well as the significant restructuring activities and charges we have taken in response, during the third quarter of 2009 the cumulative pre-tax results for the past 36 months of certain taxing jurisdictions reached or nearly reached loss positions. In our view, the recoverability of those deferred tax assets could no longer meet the more likely than not standard that applies to such assets.

Significant judgment is also required in determining when it is appropriate to release a previously established valuation allowance. During 2010, one jurisdiction in Europe reached sufficient positive performance and we had reasonable projections that positive performance would continue such that the valuation allowance established in 2008 could be reversed. While it is possible that other European entities could accumulate positive evidence that would support reversing some valuation allowances during 2011, it is not expected that the domestic valuation

 

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allowances will be adjusted during 2011. The short-term consequence of being unable to record deferred tax benefits will continue to cause our effective tax rate to be volatile, possibly changing significantly from period to period.

The company experienced significant volatility in its effective tax rate throughout 2010 and 2009, in large part because of valuation allowances recorded during 2009 that limit the impact of deferred tax accounting. The 2008 effective tax rate reflects the largely non-deductible nature of the goodwill impairment charge and non-deductible foreign interest, as well as a $47 million increase in deferred tax asset valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions.

As discussed in Note H to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the company maintains accruals for uncertain tax positions and is subject to examinations by various taxing authorities that are expected to be completed over several years. It is reasonably possible that certain of these audits will close within the next 12 months, which could result in a decrease of as much as $87.4 million or an increase of as much as $14.3 million to our accrued uncertain tax positions. Additionally, we anticipate that it is reasonably possible that new issues will be raised or resolved by tax authorities that may require changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, however, an estimate of such changes cannot reasonably be made.

In general, the effective tax rate in future periods can be affected by variability in our mix of domestic and foreign income, the variance of actual results to projected results, utilization of deferred tax assets, the statutory tax rates in various jurisdictions, changes in the rules related to accounting for income taxes, outcomes from tax audits that regularly are in process and our assessment of the need for accruals for uncertain tax positions.

 

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

At December 25, 2010, we had approximately $627 million in cash and equivalents and another $674 million available under our asset based credit facility based on the December borrowing base certificate, for a total liquidity of approximately $1.3 billion. We consider our resources adequate to satisfy our cash needs at least over the next twelve months. We anticipate that market conditions will continue to be challenging through 2011 and in response, we are focused on maximizing cash flow.

On September 26, 2008, the company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which provides for an asset based, multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) of up to $1.25 billion. The amount that can be drawn on the Facility at any given time is determined based on percentages of certain accounts receivable, inventory and credit card receivables (the “Borrowing Base”). At December 25, 2010, the company was eligible to borrow approximately $845 million of the Facility. The Facility includes a sub-facility of up to $250 million which is available to certain of the company’s European subsidiaries (the “European Borrowers”). Certain of the company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Domestic Guarantors”) guaranty the obligations under the Facility. The Agreement also provides for a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $400 million. All loans borrowed under the Agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until September 26, 2013 (or, in the event that the company’s existing 6.25% Senior Notes are not repaid, then February 15, 2013), on which date the Facility matures.

All amounts borrowed under the Facility, as well as the obligations of the Domestic Guarantors, are secured by a lien on the company’s and such Domestic Guarantors’ accounts receivables, inventory, cash and deposit accounts. All amounts borrowed by the European Borrowers under the Facility are secured by a lien on such European Borrowers’ accounts receivable, inventory, cash and deposit accounts, as well as certain other assets. At the company’s option, borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement bear interest at either, (i) the alternate base rate (defined as the higher of the Prime Rate (as announced by JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Agent”)) and the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%) or (ii) the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (defined as the LIBOR Rate as adjusted for statutory revenues) plus, in either case, a certain margin based on the aggregate average availability under the Facility. The Agreement also contains representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and default provisions which are conditions precedent to borrowing. The most significant of these covenants and default provisions include a capital expenditure limitation of $500 million in any fiscal year and limitations in certain circumstances on acquisitions, dispositions, share repurchases and payment of cash dividends. In the first quarter of 2010, the company executed a second amendment to the Facility allowing, among other things, the company to pay cash dividends on preferred stock and make share repurchases, in an aggregate amount of $50 million per fiscal year subject to the satisfaction of certain liquidity requirements. The company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock. The Agreement contains cash dividend restrictions based on the then-current and pro forma fixed charge coverage ratio and borrowing availability at the point of consideration. The company was in compliance with all financial covenants at December 25, 2010. The Facility also includes provisions whereby if the global availability is less than $218.8 million, or the European availability is below $37.5 million, the company’s cash collections go first to the Agent to satisfy outstanding borrowings. Further, if total availability falls below $187.5 million, a fixed charge coverage ratio test is required which could effectively eliminate additional borrowing under the Facility. Any event of default that is not cured within the permitted period, including non-payment of amounts when due, any debt in excess of $25 million becoming due before the scheduled maturity date, or the acquisition of more than 40% of the ownership of the company by any person or group, could result in a termination of the Facility and all amounts outstanding becoming immediately due and payable. On March 30, 2011, the company obtained from the lending institutions participating in the Facility a waiver of default following identification of the need to restate the financial statements in our original Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2011.

At December 25, 2010, we had approximately $674 million of available credit under our asset based credit facility (the “Facility”). At December 25, 2010, the company’s borrowings under the Facility totaled

 

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$52.5 million at an effective interest rate of approximately 3.49%. The maximum month end amount outstanding during 2010 occurred in November at approximately $73.4 million. There were also letters of credit outstanding under the Facility at year end totaling approximately $119.0 million. An additional $0.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding under separate agreements. Average borrowings under the Facility in the fourth quarter of 2010 were approximately $33.9 million at an average interest rate of 3.56%. The maximum monthly average in 2010 occurred in December at approximately $67.3 million. We did not borrow under the Facility during the first three quarters of 2010.

In addition to our borrowings under the Facility, we had short-term borrowings of $1.2 million at 2010 year end. These borrowings primarily represent outstanding balances under various local currency credit facilities for our international subsidiaries that had an effective interest rate at the end of the year of approximately 6%. The maximum month end and monthly average amounts were $53.5 million and $52.1 respectively, both occurring in the month of August. The maximum month end and monthly average amounts includes debt related to two operating subsidiaries in the International Division that were sold during the fourth quarter of 2010. The majority of these short-term borrowings represent outstanding balances on uncommitted lines of credit, which do not contain financial covenants.

The company’s arrangement with a third party financial services company for our private label credit cards is scheduled for renewal during 2011. We anticipate successfully renewing or replacing this arrangement. See our discussion under “Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements” for additional information.

Redeemable Preferred Stock

On June 23, 2009, we issued 274,596 shares of 10.00% Series A Redeemable Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and 75,404 shares of 10.00% Series B Redeemable Conditional Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock” and, together with Series A Preferred Stock the “Preferred Stock”) for net proceeds of approximately $325 million. Each share of Preferred Stock has an initial liquidation preference of $1,000 and the conversion rate of $5.00 per common share allow the two series of preferred stock to be initially convertible into 70 million shares of common stock. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments. The conversion and voting rights features of these shares were approved by the shareholders in 2009.

Dividends on the Preferred Stock are payable quarterly and will be paid in-kind or, in cash, only to the extent that the company has funds legally available for such payment and a cash dividend is declared by the company’s board of directors and allowed by credit facilities. If not paid in cash, an amount equal to the cash dividend due will be added to the liquidation preference and measured for accounting purposes at fair value. The dividend rate will be reduced to (a) 7.87% if, at any time after June 23, 2012, the closing price of the company’s common stock is greater than or equal to $6.62 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, or (b) 5.75% if, at any time after June 23, 2012, the closing price of the company’s common stock is greater than or equal to $8.50 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days.

The quarterly dividends of $9.2 million were paid in cash on April 1, 2010, July 1, 2010 and October 1, 2010. The dividend of $9.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2010 was paid in cash on January 3, 2011. Dividends accrued during 2009 were paid in-kind, with the stated-rate dividend added to the liquidation preference of the respective Series A and Series B Preferred Stock. For accounting purposes, the company measured the in-kind dividend at fair value using a binomial simulation model. The increase in fair value over the stated rate was charged against additional paid-in capital and added to the Preferred Stock carrying value of the Preferred Stock but provides no additional benefit to the Preferred Stock holders.

After the third anniversary of issuance the Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the company, subject to the right of the holder to first convert the Preferred Stock the company proposes to redeem. The redemption price is initially 107% of the liquidation preference amount and decreases by 1% each year until

 

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reaching 100% after June 23, 2019. At any time after June 23, 2011, if the closing price of the common stock is greater than or equal to $9.75 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Preferred Stock is redeemable at 100% of the liquidation preference amount, in whole or in part, at the option of the company, subject to the right of the holder to first convert the Preferred Stock the company proposes to redeem. The Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the holder at 101% of the liquidation preference in the event of certain fundamental change provisions (as defined in the Certificate of Designations for each series), including sale, bankruptcy, or delisting of our common stock.

Cash Flows

Cash provided by (used in) our operating, investing and financing activities is summarized as follows:

 

(Dollars in millions)    2010     2009      2008  

Operating activities

   $ 203.1      $ 296.4       $ 468.3   

Investing activities

     (191.5     25.3         (338.7

Financing activities

     (30.9     173.3         (186.3

Operating Activities

The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities in 2010 primarily reflects a reduction in business performance related to weak economic conditions. Depreciation and amortization decreased by approximately $16 million year over year primarily reflecting the accelerated depreciation of fixed assets related to Charges recorded during 2009. The decrease in charges for losses on inventories and receivables resulted from lower levels of bad debt expense and charges for shrinkage in 2010, compared to 2009. As previously discussed, the company wrote off approximately $51 million of Construction In Progress related to impairment of certain software applications during the fourth quarter of 2010. This represents a non-cash expense, and therefore, it has been added back to our net earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to arrive at cash provided by operating activities. The restatement of net earnings had no significant impact on cash flow from operations in 2010, as the decrease in earnings was largely offset by a change in working capital items for the removal of the related tax receivable. The company’s year-to-date 2010 earnings included recognition of non-cash settlements of certain tax positions and the release of certain valuation allowances in foreign jurisdictions. During the third quarter of 2009, non-cash valuation allowance charges of approximately $322 million were recognized related to deferred tax assets in the U. S. and foreign tax jurisdictions. The 2009 period net loss included significant non-cash Charges that increased working capital accruals for severance and lease obligations. Working capital was a use of cash of approximately $94 million in 2010 and source of cash of approximately $207 million in 2009. The working capital use of cash in 2010 reflects cash payments of approximately $76 million related to these prior restructuring efforts, as well as payments on other accruals, and an increase in inventories. The source of cash in 2009 was driven by our continued focus on collecting accounts receivable balances and controlling our inventory levels. Working capital is influenced by a number of factors, including the aging of inventory and timing of vendor payments. The timing of payments is subject to variability during the year depending on a variety of factors, including the flow of goods, credit terms, timing of promotions, vendor production planning, new product introductions and working capital management. For our accounting policy on cash management, see Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Investing Activities

We invested $169 million, $131 million and $330 million in capital expenditures during 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2010 activity primarily includes investments in information technology, distribution network infrastructure costs and the remodeling of retail stores. In 2009, capital expenditures related to the investment in information technology and distribution network infrastructure costs. Capital expenditures increased during 2010 due to the fact that we significantly reduced our capital expenditures in 2009 in response to the global economic crisis. We currently estimate that total capital expenditures will be approximately $180 million in 2011 for activities such as new retail stores and ongoing maintenance across all Divisions.

 

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Proceeds from the disposition of assets in 2010 include $25 million related to the sale of a data center, sale of a retail store and assets held for sale. In 2009 and 2008 proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions of $116 million and $67 million, respectively were included within proceeds from the disposition of assets. Additionally, we received proceeds of $8 million in connection with the sale of two operating subsidiaries in the International Division in the fourth quarter of 2010, and we used $11 million to complete a prior acquisition. In 2009, we also completed the sale of an asset previously classified as a capital lease, resulting in proceeds of approximately $29 million. We placed restricted cash on deposit in the amount of $47 million and $6 million, respectively, for transactions that were pending at the end of 2010 and 2008.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $31 million compared to a source of cash of $173 million in 2009. The use in 2010 resulted from the cash dividends paid on our convertible preferred stock of approximately $28 million and $22 million to acquire certain noncontrolling interests under existing put/call arrangements structured at the time of the initial acquisition. Net cash used in financing activities primarily resulted from short-term borrowings under the Facility offset by payments of approximately $30 million. At the end of 2010, borrowings under the Facility totaled approximately $53 million. The source in 2009 resulted from our issuance of redeemable preferred stock during the second quarter. Uses of cash during 2009 period resulted from repayments of borrowings on our asset based credit facility, which totaled $139 million, and $37 million in capital lease payments. Also, during 2009, we incurred approximately $19 million in debt as a result of a land sale-leaseback that was treated as a financing transaction as well as approximately $5 million of other short-term borrowings.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We maintain a merchant services agreement with a third-party financial services company related to our private label credit card program. Under the terms of this agreement, we do not own, but have recourse for most private label credit card receivables. This arrangement is a component of our overall liquidity resources, which we consider adequate to satisfy our cash needs at least over the next twelve months. We record an estimate for losses on these receivables as a liability in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. This liability totaled approximately $14 million and $16 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. The total outstanding balance of credit card receivables was approximately $124 million and $148 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Backing the liability is a letter of credit in the amount of $17.5 million. The company’s arrangement with this third party financial services company is scheduled for renewal during 2011. We anticipate successfully renewing or replacing this arrangement.

During the second quarter of 2010, the company cancelled the accounts receivable factoring arrangement established during 2009 in Europe without having sold any receivables.

 

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As of December 25, 2010, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the agreements described in the preceding paragraph and operating leases, which are included in the table below.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations at December 25, 2010, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

 

      Payments Due by Period  
(Dollars in millions)    Total     

Less than

1 year

     1 –3 years      4 –5 years      After 5
years
 

Contractual Obligations

              

Long-term debt obligations (1)

   $ 508.6       $ 28.8       $ 456.8       $ 4.2       $ 18.8   

Short-term borrowings and other (2)

     53.7         53.7                           

Capital lease obligations (3)

     393.1         33.8         61.8         61.3         236.2   

Operating lease obligations (4)

     2,431.0         473.1         769.8         518.4         669.7   

Purchase obligations (5)

     168.2         95.6         72.0         0.6           

Other liabilities (6)

                                       
        

Total contractual cash obligations

   $ 3,554.6       $ 685.0       $ 1,360.4       $ 584.5       $ 924.7   
        

 

(1)

Long-term debt obligations consist primarily of our $400 million senior notes and the associated contractual interest payments. Also included in this amount are the expected payments (principal and interest) on certain long-term debt obligations related to our international subsidiaries.

 

(2)

Short-term borrowings consist of amounts outstanding under the Facility and subsidiary lines of credit.

 

(3)

The present value of these obligations are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note G of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our capital lease obligations.

 

(4)

The operating lease obligations presented reflect future minimum lease payments due under the non-cancelable portions of our leases as of December 25, 2010. Our operating lease obligations are described in Note I of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In the table above, sublease income is distributed by period.

 

(5)

Purchase obligations include all commitments to purchase goods or services of either a fixed or minimum quantity that are enforceable and legally binding on us that meet any of the following criteria: (1) they are non-cancelable, (2) we would incur a penalty if the agreement was cancelled, or (3) we must make specified minimum payments even if we do not take delivery of the contracted products or services. If the obligation is non-cancelable, the entire value of the contract is included in the table. If the obligation is cancelable, but we would incur a penalty if cancelled, the dollar amount of the penalty is included as a purchase obligation. If we can unilaterally terminate the agreement simply by providing a certain number of days notice or by paying a termination fee, we have included the amount of the termination fee or the amount that would be paid over the “notice period.” As of December 25, 2010, purchase obligations include television, radio and newspaper advertising, sports sponsorship commitments, telephone services, certain fixed assets and software licenses and service and maintenance contracts for information technology. Contracts that can be unilaterally terminated without a penalty have not been included.

 

(6)

Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 25, 2010 includes $514 million classified as “Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities.” This caption primarily consists of our net long-term deferred income taxes, the unfunded portion of our pension plan, deferred lease credits, liabilities under our deferred compensation plans, and accruals for uncertain tax positions. These liabilities have been excluded from the above table as the timing and/or the amount of any cash payment is uncertain. As of December 25, 2010, accruals for uncertain tax positions, net of items offset by net operating losses, totaled approximately $72 million. See Note H of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding

 

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our deferred tax positions and accruals for uncertain tax positions and Note J for a discussion of our employee benefit plans, including the pension plan and the deferred compensation plan. The table above includes scheduled, acquisition-related payments.

In addition to the above, we have outstanding letters of credit totaling $119 million at December 25, 2010.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparation of these statements requires management to make judgments and estimates. Some accounting policies have a significant impact on amounts reported in these financial statements. A summary of significant accounting policies can be found in Note A of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We have also identified certain accounting policies that we consider critical to understanding our business and our results of operations and we have provided below additional information on those policies.

Vendor arrangements — Our inventory purchases from vendors are generally under arrangements that automatically renew until cancelled with periodic updates or annual negotiated agreements. Many of these arrangements require the vendors to make payments to us or provide credits to be used against purchases if and when certain conditions are met. We generally refer to these arrangements as “vendor programs,” and they typically fall into two broad categories, with some underlying sub-categories. The first category is volume-based rebates. Generally, our product costs per unit decline as higher volumes of purchases are reached. Many of our vendor agreements provide that we pay higher per unit costs prior to reaching a predetermined tier, at which time the vendor rebates the per unit differential on past purchases, and also applies the lower cost to future purchases until the next milestone is reached. Current accounting rules provide that companies with a sound basis for estimating their full year purchases, and therefore the ultimate rebate level, can use that estimate to value inventory and cost of goods sold throughout the year. We believe our history of purchases with many vendors provides us with a sound basis for our estimates of purchase volume. If the anticipated volume of purchases is not reached, however, or if we form the belief at any given point in the year that it is not likely to be reached, cost of goods sold and the remaining inventory balances are adjusted to reflect that change in our outlook. We review sales projections and related purchases against vendor program estimates at least quarterly and adjust these balances accordingly. During 2010, the company expanded the number of arrangements that eliminated this tiered purchase rebate mechanism in exchange for a lower price throughout the year. An increase in these arrangements could further reduce the potential variability in gross margin from changes in volume-based estimates.

The second broad category of arrangements with our vendors is event-based programs. These arrangements can take many forms, including advertising support, special pricing offered by certain of our vendors for a limited time, payments for special placement or promotion of a product, reimbursement of costs incurred to launch a vendor’s product, and various other special programs. These payments are classified as a reduction of costs of goods sold or inventory, as appropriate for the program. Some arrangements may meet the specific, incremental, identifiable cost criteria that allow for direct operating expense offset, but such arrangements are not significant. Additionally, we receive payments from vendors for certain of our activities that lower the vendors’ cost to ship their product to our facilities.

Vendor rebates are recognized throughout the year based on judgment and estimates and amounts due from vendors are generally settled throughout the year based on purchase volumes. The final amounts due from vendors are generally known soon after year-end. Substantially all vendor program receivables outstanding at the end of the year are settled within the three months immediately following year-end. We believe that our historic collection rates of these receivables provide a sound basis for our estimates of anticipated vendor payments throughout the year.

 

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Inventory valuation — Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value. We monitor active inventory for excessive quantities and slow-moving items and record adjustments as necessary to lower the value if the anticipated realizable amount is below cost. We also identify merchandise that we plan to discontinue or have begun to phase out and assess the estimated recoverability of the carrying value. This includes consideration of the quantity of the merchandise, the rate of sale, and our assessment of current and projected market conditions. If necessary, we record a charge to reduce the carrying value of this merchandise to our estimate of the lower of cost or realizable amount. Additional promotional activities may be initiated and markdowns may be taken as considered appropriate until the product is sold or otherwise disposed. Estimates and judgments are required in determining what items to stock and at what level, and what items to discontinue and how to value them prior to sale.

We also recognize an expense in cost of sales for our estimate of physical inventory loss from theft, short shipment and other factors — referred to as inventory shrink. During the year, we adjust the estimate of our shrink rate accrual following on-hand adjustments and our physical inventory results. These changes in estimates may result in volatility within the year or impact comparisons to other periods.

During 2008, we lowered our inventory levels to lessen working capital requirements and reduce obsolescence risk. Also, following a strategic review of our business in December 2008, we decided to close certain underperforming stores in North America. To facilitate these closures, we contracted with a liquidation firm that guaranteed the amount to be realized for the inventory in those stores. During the fourth quarter of 2008, we recognized a $15 million Charge to adjust that inventory to the net contracted value. That adjustment had no impact on the remaining inventory in other stores or in our supply chain. During 2009, we completed the closure of stores in North America and Japan and certain DCs. In conjunction with these closures, we recognized an additional $13 million Charge to facilitate inventory liquidation. The company has no current plans for significant additional closures that could result in similar charges, though some level of closures should be anticipated each year.

Closed store accruals and asset impairments — We regularly assess the performance of each retail store against historic patterns and projections of future profitability. These assessments are based on management’s estimates for sales levels, gross margin attainments, and cash flow generation. If, as a result of these evaluations, management determines that a store will not achieve certain operating performance targets, we may decide to close the store. When a store is no longer used for operating purposes, we recognize a liability for the remaining costs related to the property, reduced by an estimate of any sublease income. The calculation of this liability requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding the remaining term of the lease (including vacancy period), anticipated sublease income, and costs associated with vacating the premises. With assistance from independent third parties to assess market conditions, we periodically review these judgments and estimates and adjust the liability accordingly. In conjunction with the strategic review initiated in the fourth quarter of 2008, we closed 126 stores in North America and 27 stores in Japan. The lease-related costs associated with these closures, which totaled approximately $89 million and $6 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively, were recorded as the facilities closed. These costs were calculated based on our assumption of an extended vacancy period, three years in most cases, reflecting the slow economic conditions and the estimated sublease rates available in the future. These commitments with no economic benefit to the company were discounted at the credit-adjusted discount rate at the time of each location closure. Future fluctuations in the economy and the market demand for commercial properties could result in material changes in this liability. Costs associated with facility closures are included in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Because the 2008 and 2009 facility closures are considered part of a company-wide business review, the accretion of the discounted lease liability and potential future positive and negative adjustments to the recorded amounts from settlements or changes in market conditions will be recognized at the corporate level, outside of the determination of Division operating profit. Residual costs and benefits of closures from other periods are included in Division operating profit.

In addition to the decision about whether or not to close a store, store assets are regularly reviewed for recoverability of their carrying amounts. The recoverability assessment requires judgment and estimates of a

 

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store’s future cash flows. Our impairment analysis builds a cash flow model at the individual store level, beginning with recent store performance and trending the anticipated future results based on chain-wide and individual store initiatives. If the anticipated cash flows of a store cannot support the carrying amount of the store’s assets and the fair value of the store’s assets is less than the carrying value, an impairment charge is recorded to operations as a component of store and warehouse operating and selling expenses. To the extent that management’s estimates of future performance are not realized, future assessments could result in material impairment charges. During 2008, we recognized impairment charges of approximately $98 million, which were primarily driven by the significant economic downturn.

Income taxes — Income tax accounting requires management to make estimates and apply judgments to events that will be recognized in one period under rules that apply to financial reporting and in a different period in our tax returns. In particular, judgment is required when estimating the value of future tax deductions, tax credits, and the realizability of net operating loss carryforwards (NOLs), as represented by deferred tax assets. When we believe the realization of all or a portion of a deferred tax asset is not likely, we establish a valuation allowance. Changes in judgments that increase or decrease these valuation allowances impact current earnings.

Because of the downturn in our performance during this recessionary period, as well as the significant restructuring activities and charges we have taken in response, we established valuation allowances totaling approximately $322 million during 2009. The charge to establish the valuation allowance followed the third quarter 2009 condition of reaching or nearly reaching a 36 month cumulative loss position in two taxing jurisdictions. Judgment is required in projecting when operations will be sufficiently positive to allow a conclusion that utilization of the deferred tax assets will once again be more likely than not. Positive performance in subsequent periods and projections of future positive performance will need to be evaluated against this existing negative evidence. A valuation allowance in one foreign jurisdiction was removed during 2010, resulting in recognition of a $10 million tax benefit. Our effective tax rate in future periods may be positively or negatively impacted by changes in related judgments or pre-tax operations. Deferred tax assets without valuation allowances remain in certain foreign tax jurisdictions.

In addition to judgments associated with valuation accounts, our current tax provision can be affected by our mix of income and identification or resolution of uncertain tax positions. Because income from domestic and international sources may be taxed at different rates, the shift in mix during a year or over years can cause the effective tax rate to change. We base our rate during the year on our best estimate of an annual effective rate, and update those estimates quarterly, with the cumulative effect of a change in the anticipated annual rate reflected in the tax provision of that period. Such changes can result in significant interim reporting volatility. For example, during 2010, our effective tax rate, separate from discrete items, changed each quarter. We began the year at an estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 35% and ended at approximately negative 45% for the fourth quarter and full year of 2010. This volatility reflected changes in our projected earnings levels, the mix of income, changes in our assessment of carryback opportunities and the impact of valuation allowances in certain jurisdictions.

We file our tax returns based on our best understanding of the appropriate tax rules and regulations. However, complexities in the rules and our operations, as well as positions taken publicly by the taxing authorities, may lead us to conclude that accruals for uncertain tax positions are required. We generally maintain accruals for uncertain tax positions until examination of the tax position is completed by the taxing authority, available review periods expire, or additional facts and circumstances cause us to change our assessment of the appropriate accrual amount.

Preferred stock paid-in-kind dividends — In June 2009, we issued $350 million of redeemable preferred stock. The preferred stock carries a stated dividend of 10%, subject to future decreases in certain circumstances, and allows for payment in cash or an increase in the preferred stock’s liquidation preference. The valuation for accounting purposes of the dividend paid in-kind requires significant judgment to determine the estimated fair value. The company has used a binomial simulation model to measure values of multiple possible outcomes of the various provisions in the agreements that could impact whether the dividend rate would change based on

 

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future stock price performance, whether the company would issue a notice to call the preferred shares and whether the holders would convert their preferred stock into common stock. While the fair value of preferred stock dividends paid in-kind has no standing in the contractual rights to liquidation preference of the preferred shareholders nor any cash impact on the company, it impacts the measurement of net income available to common shareholders and reduces earnings per share. Changes in the valuation assumptions such as the risk adjusted rate, stock price volatility and time to call or convert can impact the estimated fair value and therefore the amount reported as net income available to common shareholders and earnings per share. However, the valuation is most sensitive to changes in the underlying common stock price. The company believes the model used to estimate fair value is reasonable and appropriate, but the reported dividend amount could change significantly in future periods based on changes in the underlying common stock price and the model inputs. The company paid all Preferred Stock dividends accrued for 2010 in cash.

SIGNIFICANT TRENDS, DEVELOPMENTS AND UNCERTAINTIES

Competitive Factors — Over the years, we have seen continued development and growth of competitors in all segments of our business. In particular, mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs, as well as grocery and drugstore chains, have increased their assortment of home office merchandise, attracting additional back-to-school customers and year-round casual shoppers. Warehouse clubs have expanded beyond their in-store assortment by adding catalogs and web sites from which a much broader assortment of products may be ordered. We also face competition from other office supply stores that compete directly with us in numerous markets. This competition is likely to result in increased competitive pressures on pricing, product selection and services provided. Many of these retail competitors, including discounters, warehouse clubs, and drug stores and grocery chains, carry basic office supply products. Some of them also feature technology products. Many of them may price certain of these offerings lower than we do, but they have not shown an indication of greatly expanding their somewhat limited product offerings at this time. This trend towards a proliferation of retailers offering a limited assortment of office products is a potentially serious trend in our industry that could impact our results.

We have also seen growth in competitors that offer office products over the internet, featuring special purchase incentives and one-time deals (such as close-outs). Through our own successful internet and business-to-business web sites, we believe that we have positioned ourselves competitively in the e-commerce arena.

Another trend in our industry has been consolidation, as competitors in office supply stores and the copy/print channel have been acquired and consolidated into larger, well-capitalized corporations. This trend towards consolidation, coupled with acquisitions by financially strong organizations, is potentially a significant trend in our industry that could impact our results.

We regularly consider these and other competitive factors when we establish both offensive and defensive aspects of our overall business strategy and operating plans.

Economic Factors — Our customers in the North American Retail Division and the International Division and many of our customers in the North American Business Solutions Division are predominantly small and home office businesses. Accordingly, these customers may continue to curtail their spending in reaction to macroeconomic conditions, such as changes in the housing market and commodity costs, higher credit costs, credit availability and other factors. The downturn in the global economy experienced over the past two years negatively impacted our sales and profits.

Liquidity Factors — Historically, we have generated positive cash flow from operating activities and have had access to broad financial markets that provide the liquidity we need to operate our business. Together, these sources have been used to fund operating and working capital needs, as well as invest in business expansion through new store openings, capital improvements and acquisitions. However, due to the downturn in the global economy our operating results have diminished. In June 2009, we issued $350 million of redeemable preferred stock and in September 2008, we entered into a $1.25 billion asset based credit facility to provide liquidity. There

 

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can be no assurance that our liquidity will not be adversely impacted by changes in the financial markets and the global economy. In addition, deterioration in our financial results could negatively impact our credit ratings. The tightening of the credit markets or a downgrade in our credit ratings could make it more difficult for us to access funds, to refinance our existing indebtedness, to enter into agreements for new indebtedness or to obtain funding through the issuance of securities.

MARKET SENSITIVE RISKS AND POSITIONS

The company has adopted an enterprise risk management process patterned after the principles set out by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) in 2004. Management utilizes a common view of exposure identification and risk management. A process is in place for periodic risk reviews and identification of appropriate mitigation strategies.

We have market risk exposure related to interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates, and commodities. Market risk is measured as the potential negative impact on earnings, cash flows or fair values resulting from a hypothetical change in interest rates or foreign currency exchange rates over the next year. Interest rate changes on obligations may result from external market factors, as well as changes in our credit rating. We manage our exposure to market risks at the corporate level. The portfolio of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities is monitored and adjusted to provide liquidity necessary to satisfy anticipated short-term needs. Our risk management policies allow the use of specified financial instruments for hedging purposes only; speculation on interest rates, foreign currency rates, or commodities is not permitted.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and debt obligations. The impact on cash and short-term investments held at the end of 2010 from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates would be a decrease in interest income of less than $1 million.

Market risk associated with our debt portfolio is summarized below:

 

    2010     2009  
(Dollars in thousands)   Carrying
Value
   

Fair

Value

   

Risk

Sensitivity

    Carrying
Value
   

Fair

Value

   

Risk

Sensitivity

 

$400 million senior notes

  $   400,067      $   398,000      $     4,800      $   400,172      $   345,966      $     5,420   

Asset based credit facility

  $ 52,488      $ 52,488      $      $      $      $   

The risk sensitivity of fixed rate debt reflects the estimated increase in fair value from a 50 basis point decrease in interest rates, calculated on a discounted cash flow basis. The sensitivity of variable rate debt reflects the possible increase in interest expense during the next period from a 50 basis point change in interest rates prevailing at year-end.

Foreign Exchange Rate Risk

We conduct business in various countries outside the United States where the functional currency of the country is not the U.S. dollar. While our company sells directly or indirectly to customers in 53 countries, the principal operations of our International Division are in countries with Euro, British Pound and Mexican Peso functional currencies. We continue to assess our exposure to foreign currency fluctuation against the U.S. dollar. As of December 25, 2010, a 10% change in the applicable foreign exchange rates would result in an increase or decrease in our pretax earnings of approximately $18 million.

Although operations generally are conducted in the relevant local currency, we also are subject to foreign exchange transaction exposure when our subsidiaries transact business in a currency other than their own

 

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functional currency. This exposure arises primarily from inventory purchases in a foreign currency. At December 25, 2010, the notional amount of foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge certain inventory exposures was $52 million. This amount was $57 million at its highest point during 2010. Also, from time-to-time, we enter into foreign exchange forward transactions to protect against possible changes in exchange rates related to scheduled or anticipated cash movements among our operating entities.

Generally, we evaluate the performance of our international businesses by focusing on the “local currency” results of the business, and not with regard to the translation into U.S. dollars, as the latter is impacted by external factors.

Commodities Risk

We operate a large network of stores and delivery centers around the globe. As such, we purchase significant amounts of fuel needed to transport products to our stores and customers as well as pay shipping costs to import products from overseas. We are exposed to potential changes in the underlying commodity costs associated with this transport activity. As of December 25, 2010, a 10% change in domestic commodity costs would result in an increase or decrease in our operating profit of approximately $4 million.

INFLATION AND SEASONALITY

Although we cannot determine the precise effects of inflation on our business, we do not believe inflation has had a material impact on our sales or the results of our operations. We consider our business to be only somewhat seasonal, with sales generally trending lower in the second quarter, following the “back-to-business” sales cycle in the first quarter and preceding the “back-to-school” sales cycle in the third quarter and the holiday sales cycle in the fourth quarter. Certain working capital components may build and recede during the year reflecting established selling cycles. Business cycles can and have impacted our operations and financial position when compared to other periods.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

There are no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, the Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued proposed accounting rules relating to leasing transactions that, if passed in their current form, would have significant impacts to our financial statements. Among other things, the current proposal would create a right of use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet measured at the present value of minimum lease payments, record amortization of the right of use asset and implied interest of the liability on the statement of operations and characterize a portion of the lease payments as financing activities rather than operating activities on the statement of cash flow. These proposed changes in accounting rules would have no direct economic impact to the company.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”) provides protection from liability in private lawsuits for “forward-looking” statements made by public companies under certain circumstances, provided that the public company discloses with specificity the risk factors that may impact its future results. We want to take advantage of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Reform Act. This Annual Report on Form 10-K/A contains both historical information and other information that you can use to infer future performance. Examples of historical information include our annual financial statements and the commentary on past performance contained in our MD&A. While we have specifically identified certain information as being forward-looking in the context of its presentation, we caution you that, with the exception of information that is historical, all the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A should be considered to be “forward-looking statements” as referred to in the Reform Act. Without limiting the generality of the preceding

 

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sentence, any time we use the words “estimate,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “continue” and similar expressions, we intend to clearly express that the information deals with possible future events and is forward-looking in nature. Certain information in our MD&A is clearly forward-looking in nature, and without limiting the generality of the preceding cautionary statements, we specifically advise you to consider all of our MD&A in the light of the cautionary statements set forth herein.

Forward-looking information involves future risks and uncertainties. Much of the information in this report that looks towards future performance of our company is based on various factors and important assumptions about future events that may or may not actually come true. As a result, our operations and financial results in the future could differ materially and substantially from those we have discussed in the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. Significant factors that could impact our future results are provided in Item 1A. Risk Factors included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. Other risk factors are incorporated into the text of our MD&A, which should itself be considered a statement of future risks and uncertainties, as well as management’s view of our businesses.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

See Item 15(a) in Part IV of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The company initially carried out an evaluation, with the participation of its Interim Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) as of December 25, 2010 in connection with the preparation of the company’s Original Form 10-K. The company disclosed in its Original Form 10-K that, based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO had concluded that as of December 25, 2010, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the company in reports that the company files or submits under the Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

In connection with the restatements of certain of our financial statements described in more detail elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A, management of the company re-evaluated the effectiveness of the company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 25, 2010. As a result of that reevaluation, management of the company has determined that due to the material weakness in internal control over financial reporting described below, the company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of such date. Additional information regarding the restatement is contained in Note B to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K/A.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in the company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 25, 2010 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company’s internal control over financial reporting, as the circumstances that led to the restatements had not yet been identified by management. The material weakness discussed above was subsequently identified and will result in future mitigation activities as discussed below in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

 

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Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Office Depot is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Act. Our Internal Control structure is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of our financial statements.

Because of inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risks that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2010 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, the company’s management initially concluded that, as of December 25, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective. However, as a result of the identification of the issues that caused the restatements described in Note B to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and management’s determination that there is a material weakness in the operational effectiveness of controls in the area of accounting for income taxes, as described below, the CEO and CFO have subsequently concluded that the company’s internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 25, 2010.

A material weakness in internal control over financial reporting is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of a company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by the company’s internal controls. Management identified an error within our accounting for non-recurring tax statutes that has caused the company to restate its financial statements for certain interim periods within, and the annual period ended, December 25, 2010. This error resulted from the misapplication of a specific tax rule in the preparation of a claim to carry back certain net operating losses to a prior period in conjunction with non-recurring tax legislation. The resulting restatements are more fully described in Note B to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K/A.

Although management believes that the company’s controls in the area of accounting for the income tax implications of complex transactions were, and are, appropriately designed, management has concluded that the deficiency in their operational effectiveness constitutes a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in this area.

As a result of this amended report of management on internal control over financial reporting, Deloitte & Touche LLP, the company’s independent registered public accounting firm, which also audited the company’s consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K/A, has issued an updated attestation report on the company’s internal control over financial reporting, which is provided below.

Remediation of Material Weakness in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. As a result of the identification of the issue that led to the restatements and the related reassessment of internal control over financial reporting, the company has begun to develop certain remediation steps to address the material weakness discussed above and to improve its internal control over financial reporting. Specifically, the following steps are being implemented or are planned to be implemented:

 

 

increase the level of review and validation of work performed by management and third-party tax professionals in the preparation of our provision for income taxes; and

 

 

require the involvement of two third-party subject matter experts for material and complex tax transactions.

 

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We are committed to a strong internal control environment, and believe that, when fully implemented, these remediation actions will represent significant improvements. The company anticipates that it will complete its testing of the additional internal control processes designed to remediate this material weakness in 2011; however, additional measures may be required, which may require additional implementation time. We will continue to assess the effectiveness of our remediation efforts in connection with management’s future evaluations of internal control over financial reporting.

 

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REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Office Depot, Inc.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Office Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 25, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our report dated February 22, 2011, we expressed an unqualified opinion on internal control over financial reporting. As described in the following paragraph, a material weakness was subsequently identified as a result of the restatement of the previously issued financial statements. Accordingly, management has revised its assessment about the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and our present opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2010, as expressed herein, is different from that expressed in our previous report.

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. The following material weakness has been identified and included in management’s assessment: deficiencies in the operating effectiveness of the Company’s internal controls over accounting for the income tax implications of complex transactions. This

 

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material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our audit of the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 25, 2010, of the Company and this report does not affect our report on such consolidated financial statements.

In our opinion, because of the effect of the material weakness identified above on the achievement of the objectives of the control criteria, the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 25, 2010 of the Company and our report dated February 22, 2011 (April 6, 2011 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note B) expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and included an explanatory paragraph regarding the restatement discussed in Note B.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Certified Public Accountants

Boca Raton, Florida

February 22, 2011 (April 6, 2011 as to the effects of the material weakness identified in our report)

 

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PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

  (a)

The following documents are filed as a part of this report:

 

  1.

The financial statements listed in “Index to Financial Statements.”

 

  2.

The financial statement schedules listed in “Index to Financial Statement Schedules.”

 

  3.

The exhibits listed in the “Index to Exhibits.”

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on this 6th day of April 2011.

 

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

By   /S/ NEIL R. AUSTRIAN
  Neil R. Austrian
  Interim Chief Executive Officer

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   31

Consolidated Balance Sheets

   32

Consolidated Statements of Operations

   33

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

   34

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

   35

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

   36

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   37-67

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedules

   68

Index to Financial Statement Schedules

   69

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Office Depot, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Office Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 25, 2010. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Office Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 25, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

As discussed in Note B to the consolidated financial statements, the 2010 consolidated financial statements have been restated.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 22, 2011 (April 6, 2011 as to the effects of the material weakness identified in our report) expressed an adverse opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting because of a material weakness.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Certified Public Accountants

Boca Raton, Florida

February 22, 2011 (April 6, 2011 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note B)

 

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OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

      December 25,
2010
    December 26,
2009
 
     (Restated)        

ASSETS

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 627,478      $ 659,898   

Receivables, net of allowances of $28,047 in 2010 and $32,802 in 2009

     963,787        1,121,160   

Inventories

     1,233,657        1,252,929   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     203,020        172,342   
                

Total current assets

     3,027,942        3,206,329   

Property and equipment, net

     1,157,013        1,277,655   

Goodwill

     19,431        19,431   

Other intangible assets

     21,840        25,333   

Deferred income taxes

     33,319        81,706   

Other assets

     309,892        279,892   
                

Total assets

   $   4,569,437      $   4,890,346   
                

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

    

Current liabilities:

    

Trade accounts payable

   $ 1,080,276      $ 1,081,381   

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     1,188,233        1,280,296   

Income taxes payable

     2,568        6,683   

Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt

     72,368        59,845   
                

Total current liabilities

     2,343,445        2,428,205   

Deferred income taxes and other long-term liabilities

     514,218        654,851   

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

     659,820        662,740   
                

Total liabilities

     3,517,483        3,745,796   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Redeemable preferred stock, net (liquidation preference – $368,516 in 2010 and $368,116 in 2009)

     355,979        355,308   
                

Stockholders’ equity:

    

Office Depot, Inc. stockholders’ equity:

    

Common stock – authorized 800,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued and outstanding shares – 283,059,236 in 2010 and 280,652,278 in 2009

     2,831        2,807   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,161,409        1,193,157   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

     223,807        238,379   

Accumulated deficit

     (634,818     (590,195

Treasury stock, at cost – 5,915,268 shares in 2010 and 2009

     (57,733     (57,733
                

Total Office Depot, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     695,496        786,415   

Noncontrolling interest

     479        2,827   
                

Total stockholders’ equity

     695,975        789,242   
                

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 4,569,437      $ 4,890,346   
                

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

      2010     2009     2008  
     (Restated)              

Sales

   $ 11,633,094      $ 12,144,467      $ 14,495,544   

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

     8,275,957        8,752,283        10,489,785   
   

Gross profit

     3,357,137        3,392,184        4,005,759   

Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses

     2,684,301        2,907,900        3,322,662   

Goodwill and trade name impairments

                   1,269,893   

Other asset impairments

     51,295        26,175        222,379   

General and administrative expenses

     658,832        723,114        743,174   

Amortization of deferred gain on sale of building

                   (7,308
   

Operating loss

     (37,291     (265,005     (1,545,041

Other income (expense):

      

Interest income

     4,663        2,396        10,013   

Interest expense

     (58,498     (65,628     (68,286

Miscellaneous income, net

     34,451        17,085        23,666   
   

Loss before income taxes

     (56,675     (311,152     (1,579,648

Income tax expense (benefit)

     (10,470     287,572        (98,645
   

Net loss

     (46,205     (598,724     (1,481,003

Less: Net loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     (1,582     (2,259     (2,065
   

Net loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

     (44,623     (596,465     (1,478,938

Preferred stock dividends

     37,113        30,506          
   

Net loss attributable to common shareholders

   $ (81,736   $ (626,971   $ (1,478,938
   

Net earnings (loss) per share:

      

Basic

   $ (0.30   $ (2.30   $ (5.42

Diluted

     (0.30     (2.30     (5.42
   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

 

      2010     2009     2008  
     (Restated)              

Net loss

   $ (46,205   $ (598,724   $ (1,481,003

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

      

Foreign currency translation adjustments

     (32,224     25,769        (248,591

Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge

     (1,659     (1,659     (1,659

Change in deferred pension

     19,942        (7,523     (24,128

Change in deferred cash flow hedge

     (51     4,657        (4,657

Other

     (246     246          
   

Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

     (14,238     21,490        (279,035
   

Comprehensive loss

     (60,443     (577,234     (1,760,038

Less: comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interest

     (1,248     (1,951     (2,381
   

Comprehensive loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

   $ (59,195   $ (575,283   $ (1,757,657
   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

 

    Common
Stock
Shares
    Common
Stock
Amount
    Additional
Paid-in
Capital
    Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
    Treasury
Stock
    Noncontrolling
Interest
    Total
Stockholders’
Equity
 

Balance at December 29, 2007

    428,777,625      $ 4,288      $ 1,784,184        $ 495,916      $ 3,783,805      $ (2,984,349   $ 15,564      $ 3,099,408   

Acquisition of majority-owned subsidiaries

                  5,995        5,995   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest

                  (14,295     (14,295

Comprehensive loss, net of tax:

                 

Net loss

          (1,481,003       (1,478,938       (2,065     (1,481,003

Foreign currency translation adjustments

          (248,591     (248,275         (316     (248,591

Change in deferred pension

          (24,128     (24,128           (24,128

Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge

          (1,659     (1,659           (1,659

Change in deferred cash flow hedge

          (4,657     (4,657           (4,657
                             

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

        $ (1,760,038           $ (1,760,038
                             

Acquisition of treasury stock

                (944       (944

Retirement of treasury stock

    (149,940,718     (1,499     (626,889         (2,298,597     2,926,985            

Grant of long-term incentive stock

    2,307,993        23        (23                 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

    (465,175     (5     1                  (4

Exercise of stock options (including income tax benefits and withholding)

    109,744        1        (1,222               (1,221

Issuance of stock under employee stock purchase plans

    10,666               (785               (785

Direct stock purchase plans

        (228           361          133   

Amortization of long-term incentive stock grant

        39,584                  39,584   
   

Balance at December 27, 2008

    280,800,135        2,808        1,194,622          217,197        6,270        (57,947     4,883        1,367,833   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest

                  (105     (105

Comprehensive loss, net of tax:

                 

Net loss

          (598,724       (596,465       (2,259     (598,724

Foreign currency translation adjustments

          25,769        25,461            308        25,769   

Change in deferred pension

          (7,523     (7,523           (7,523

Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge

          (1,659     (1,659           (1,659

Change in deferred cash flow hedge

          4,657        4,657              4,657   

Other

          246        246              246   
                             

Comprehensive loss, net of tax

        $ (577,234           $ (577,234
                             

Preferred stock dividends

        (30,506               (30,506

Grant of long-term incentive stock

    258,074        3        (3                 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

    (405,931     (4                      (4

Share-based payments (including income tax benefits and withholding)

        (4,096               (4,096

Direct stock purchase plans

        (179           214          35   

Amortization of long-term incentive stock grant

        33,319                  33,319   
   

Balance at December 26, 2009

    280,652,278      $ 2,807      $ 1,193,157        $ 238,379      $ (590,195   $ (57,733   $ 2,827      $ 789,242   

Disposition of majority-owned subsidiaries

                  2,523        2,523   

Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest

        (16,066             (3,623     (19,689

Comprehensive income, net of tax:

                 

Net loss (Restated)

          (46,205       (44,623       (1,582     (46,205

Foreign currency translation adjustments

          (32,224     (32,558         334        (32,224

Change in deferred pension

          19,942        19,942              19,942   

Amortization of gain on cash flow hedge

          (1,659     (1,659           (1,659

Change in deferred cash flow hedge

          (51     (51           (51

Other

          (246     (246           (246
                             

Comprehensive loss, net of tax (Restated)

        $ (60,443           $ (60,443
                             

Preferred stock dividends

        (37,113               (37,113

Grant of long-term incentive stock

    223,762        2        (2                 

Forfeiture of restricted stock

    (236,512     (2                 (2

Exercise of stock options (including income tax benefits and with holding) (Restated)

    2,419,708        24        590                  614   

Amortization of long-term incentive stock grant

        20,843                  20,843   
   

Balance at December 25, 2010 (Restated)

    283,059,236      $ 2,831      $ 1,161,409        $ 223,807      $ (634,818   $ (57,733   $ 479      $ 695,975   
   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

      2010     2009     2008  
     (Restated)              

Cash flows from operating activities:

      

Net loss

   $ (46,205   $ (598,724   $ (1,481,003

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

      

Depreciation and amortization

     208,319        224,115        254,099   

Charges for losses on inventories and receivables

     57,824        80,178        140,058   

Net earnings from equity method investments

     (30,635     (30,579     (37,113

Dividends received

            13,931          

Goodwill and trade name impairments

                   1,269,893   

Other asset impairments

     51,295        26,175        222,379   

Compensation expense for share-based payments

     20,840        33,316        39,561   

Deferred income taxes and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets

     15,551        325,886        (108,099

Loss (gain) on disposition of assets

     8,709        7,655        (13,443

Other operating activities

     11,501        7,199        (5,547

Changes in assets and liabilities:

      

Decrease (increase) in receivables

     60,273        126,131        133,162   

Decrease (increase) in inventories

     (87,724     37,583        249,849   

Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

     2,522        28,165        (16,986

Net increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities

     (69,144     15,408        (178,554
   

Total adjustments

     249,331        895,163        1,949,259   
   

Net cash provided by operating activities

     203,126        296,439        468,256   
   

Cash flows from investing activities:

      

Capital expenditures

     (169,452     (130,847     (330,075

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and related payments

     (10,952            (102,752

Purchase of assets held for sale and sold

                   (38,537

Proceeds from disposition of assets and other

     35,393        150,131        120,632   

Restricted cash for pending transaction

     (46,509            (6,037

Release of restricted cash

            6,037        18,100   
   

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (191,520     25,321        (338,669
   

Cash flows from financing activities:

      

Net proceeds from exercise of stock options and sale of stock under employee stock purchase plans

     1,011        35        503   

Tax benefit from employee share-based exercises

                   89   

Treasury stock additions from employee related plans

                   (944

Payment for non-controlling interests

     (21,786              

Debt issuance costs

     (4,688            (40,793

Proceeds from issuance of redeemable preferred stock, net

            324,801          

Dividends on redeemable preferred stock

     (27,639              

Proceeds from issuance of borrowings

     52,488        24,321        139,098   

Payments on long- and short-term borrowings

     (30,284     (175,863     (284,204
   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (30,898     173,294        (186,251
   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

     (13,128     9,099        (10,545
   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (32,420     504,153        (67,209

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     659,898        155,745        222,954   
   

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 627,478      $ 659,898      $ 155,745   
   

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE A — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business: Office Depot, Inc. (“Office Depot”) is a global supplier of office products and services under the Office Depot® brand and other proprietary brand names. As of December 25, 2010, we sold to customers in 53 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. We operate wholly-owned entities, majority-owned entities or participate in other ventures covering 41 countries and have alliances in an additional 12 countries.

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements of Office Depot and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In addition to wholly owned subsidiaries, we consolidate entities where we control financial and operating policies but do not have total ownership. Noncontrolling interests are presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity as a component of total stockholders’ equity and in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a specific allocation of net earnings (loss). The equity method of accounting is used for our investments in which we do not control but we either share control equally or have significant influence. During 2010, we amended the shareholders’ agreement related to our venture in India such that control is now shared equally. The venture has been deconsolidated and is now accounted for under the equity method. We also participate in a joint venture selling office products and services in Mexico and Central and South America that is accounted for using the equity method with its results presented in miscellaneous income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note R for information on our investment in Mexico. The December 26, 2009 balance sheet has been modified to combine short term deferred income taxes with prepaid expenses and other current assets, to conform to the December 25, 2010 presentation.

Fiscal Year: Fiscal years are based on a 52- or 53-week period ending on the last Saturday in December. All years presented are based on 52 weeks. Fiscal year 2011 will include 53 weeks.

Estimates and Assumptions: Preparation of these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the financial statements and related notes. For example, estimates are required for, but not limited to, facility closure costs, asset impairments, amounts earned under vendor programs, contingencies and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Foreign Currency: Assets and liabilities of international operations are translated into U.S. dollars using the exchange rate at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at average monthly exchange rates. Translation adjustments resulting from this process are recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“OCI”).

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency other than a consolidated entity’s functional currency result in transaction gains or losses from the remeasurement at spot rates at the end of the period. Foreign currency gains and losses are recorded in miscellaneous income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Cash Equivalents: All short-term highly liquid securities with maturities of three months or less from the date of acquisition are classified as cash equivalents. Approximately $53 million and $7 million of restricted cash held on deposit was included in other current assets at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. Approximately $47 million of restricted cash at the end of the year 2010 relates to an agreement to purchase an entity that is pending regulatory approval.

Cash Management: Our cash management process generally utilizes zero balance accounts which provide for the settlement of the related disbursement accounts and cash concentration on a daily basis. Accounts payable and accrued expenses as of December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009 included $64 million and $77 million,

 

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respectively, of amounts not yet presented for payment drawn in excess of disbursement account book balances, after considering existing offset provisions. We may borrow on a cost effective basis during the period, which may result in higher levels of borrowings and invested cash within the period. At the end of the period, cash may be used to minimize borrowings outstanding at the balance sheet date.

Receivables: Trade receivables, net, totaled $687.4 million and $770.1 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. An allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded to reduce receivables to an amount expected to be collectible from customers. The allowance recorded at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009 was $28.0 million and $32.8 million, respectively. We do not own, but have recourse for private label credit card receivables generated under our private label credit card program. The estimated fair value liability associated with risk of loss is included in accrued expenses.

Our exposure to credit risk associated with trade receivables is limited by having a large customer base that extends across many different industries and geographic regions. However, receivables may be adversely affected by an economic slowdown in the U.S. or internationally. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of our total sales in 2010, 2009 or 2008.

Other receivables are $276.4 million and $351.1 million as of December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively, of which $198.3 million and $225.4 million are amounts due from vendors under purchase rebate, cooperative advertising and various other marketing programs.

Inventories: Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value and are reduced for inventory losses based on physical counts. In-bound freight is included as a cost of inventories. Also, certain vendor allowances that are related to inventory purchases are considered to reduce the product cost. The weighted average method is used to determine the cost of our inventory in North America and the first-in-first-out method is used for inventory held within our international operations.

Income Taxes: Income tax expense is recognized at applicable U.S. or international tax rates. Certain revenue and expense items may be recognized in one period for financial statement purposes and in a different period’s income tax return. The tax effects of such differences are reported as deferred income taxes. Valuation allowances are recorded for periods in which realization of deferred tax assets does not meet a more likely than not standard. See Note H for additional information on deferred income taxes.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment additions are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is recognized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. The useful lives of depreciable assets are estimated to be 15-30 years for buildings and 3-10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Computer software is amortized over three years for common office applications, five years for larger business applications and seven years for certain enterprise-wide systems. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the estimated economic lives of the improvements or the terms of the underlying leases, including renewal options considered reasonably assured at inception of the leases.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price and related costs over the value assigned to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Accounting rules require that we test at least annually for possible goodwill impairment. Unless conditions warrant earlier action, we perform our test in the fourth quarter of each year using a discounted cash flow analysis that requires that certain assumptions and estimates be made regarding industry economic factors and future profitability. During 2008, we recognized an impairment charge of $1,213.3 million related to goodwill, which is reflected in goodwill and trade name impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Unless conditions warrant earlier action, intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested annually for impairment during the fourth quarter and written down to fair value as required. During 2008, a charge of approximately $56.6 million was recorded to impair non-amortizing trade name intangibles. This impairment charge is included in goodwill and trade name impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

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We amortize the cost of other intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets are reviewed at least annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. During 2008, we concluded that the value of certain amortizing intangible assets was impaired, and we recognized a charge of $10.9 million to fully impair the customer list intangible assets in our International Division. This impairment charge is included in other asset impairments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

See Note D for information related to goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charges recognized in 2008.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: Long-lived assets with identifiable cash flows are reviewed for possible impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Impairment is assessed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, considering the estimated undiscounted cash flows over the asset’s remaining life. If estimated cash flows are insufficient to recover the investment, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the estimated fair value of the asset less its carrying value and any costs of disposition. Impairment losses of $2.3 million, $3.5 million and $97.7 million were recognized in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, relating to certain under-performing retail stores. For additional discussion of material asset impairment charges recognized in 2008, see Note D.

Facility Closure Costs: We regularly review store performance against expectations and close stores not meeting our performance requirements. Costs associated with store or other facility closures, principally lease cancellation costs, are recognized when the facility is no longer used in an operating capacity or when a liability has been incurred. Store assets are also reviewed for possible impairment, or reduction of estimated useful lives.

Accruals for facility closure costs are based on the future commitments under contracts, adjusted for anticipated sublease benefits and discounted at the company’s risk-adjusted rate at the time of closing. We recorded charges relating to facilities closed totaling $5 million, $126 million and $10 million in 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Additionally, we recognized charges to terminate existing commitments and to adjust remaining commitments to current market values. These charges totaled $5 million and $9 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The accrued balance relating to our future commitments under operating leases for our closed facilities was $133 million and $181 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. The short-term and long-term components of this liability are included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments: The estimated fair values of financial instruments recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets or disclosed within these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements have been determined using available market information, information from unrelated third-party financial institutions and appropriate valuation methodologies, primarily discounted projected cash flows. However, considerable judgment is required when interpreting market information and other data to develop estimates of fair value. See Note K for additional information on fair value.

Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation: We account for stock-based compensation using the fair value method of expense recognition. We use the Black-Scholes valuation model and recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the grant. We consider alternative models if grants have characteristics that cannot be reasonably estimated using this model.

Accrued Expenses: Included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in our Consolidated Balance Sheets are accrued payroll-related amounts of approximately $273 million and $294 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively.

Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized at the point of sale for retail transactions and at the time of successful delivery for contract, catalog and internet sales. Sales taxes collected are not included in reported

 

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sales. We use judgment in estimating sales returns, considering numerous factors including historical sales return rates. Although we consider our sales return accruals to be adequate and proper, changes from historical customer patterns could require adjustments to the provision for returns. We also record reductions to our revenues for customer programs and incentive offerings including special pricing agreements, certain promotions and other volume-based incentives. Revenue from sales of extended warranty service plans is either recognized at the point of sale or over the warranty period, depending on the determination of legal obligor status. All performance obligations and risk of loss associated with such contracts are transferred to an unrelated third-party administrator at the time the contracts are sold. Costs associated with these contracts are recognized in the same period as the related revenue.

We recognize a liability for future performance when gift cards are sold and recognize the related revenue when gift cards are redeemed as payment for our products. We recognize as revenue the unused portion of the gift card liability when historical data indicates that additional redemption is unlikely.

Franchise fees, royalty income and the sales of products to our franchisees and licensees are included in sales, while product costs are included in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs: Income generated from shipping and handling fees is classified as revenues for all periods presented. Freight costs incurred to bring merchandise to stores and warehouses are included as a component of inventory and costs of goods sold. Freight costs incurred to ship merchandise to customers are recorded as a component of store and warehouse operating and selling expenses. Shipping costs, combined with warehouse handling costs, totaled $747.1 million in 2010, $767.6 million in 2009 and $911.2 million in 2008.

Advertising: Advertising costs are charged either to expense when incurred or, in the case of direct marketing advertising, capitalized and amortized in proportion to the related revenues over the estimated life of the material, which range from several months to up to one year.

Advertising expense recognized was $469.5 million in 2010, $453.3 million in 2009 and $525.7 million in 2008. Prepaid advertising costs were $40.9 million as of December 25, 2010 and $37.3 million as of December 26, 2009.

Pre-opening Expenses: Pre-opening expenses related to opening new stores and warehouses or relocating existing stores and warehouses are expensed as incurred and included in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses.

Self-Insurance: Office Depot is primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation, auto and general liability and employee medical insurance programs. Self-insurance liabilities are based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. These liabilities are not discounted.

Comprehensive Income (Loss): Comprehensive income (loss) represents the change in stockholders’ equity from transactions and other events and circumstances arising from non-stockholder sources. Comprehensive income consists of net earnings (loss), foreign currency translation adjustments, realized or unrealized gains (losses) on investment securities that are available-for-sale, deferred pension gains (losses), and elements of qualifying cash flow hedges, net of applicable income taxes. As of December 25, 2010, and December 26, 2009, our Consolidated Balance Sheet reflected OCI in the amount of $224 million and $238 million, which consisted of $214 million and $247 million in foreign currency translation adjustments, $4 million and $6 million in unamortized gain on hedge and $6 million in deferred pension gain and $15 million in deferred pension loss, respectively.

Vendor Arrangements: We enter into arrangements with substantially all of our significant vendors that provide for some form of consideration to be received from the vendors. Arrangements vary, but generally specify

 

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volume rebate thresholds, advertising support levels, as well as terms for payment and other administrative matters. The volume-based rebates, supported by a vendor agreement, are estimated throughout the year and reduce the cost of inventory and cost of goods sold during the year. This estimate is regularly monitored and adjusted for current or anticipated changes in purchase levels and for sales activity. Other promotional consideration received is event-based or represents general support and is recognized as a reduction of cost of goods sold or inventory, as appropriate based on the type of promotion and the agreement with the vendor. Some arrangements may meet the specific, incremental, identifiable criteria that allow for direct operating expense offset, but such arrangements are not significant.

New Accounting Standards: There are no recently issued accounting standards that are expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE B — RESTATEMENT OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The company’s 2010 financial statements included in its original Form 10-K that was filed on February 22, 2011 were prepared reflecting the expected carry back of certain net operating losses. The company’s position was based on the view that its tax losses qualified for extended carry-back provisions enacted in 2009. That position resulted in the company recognizing a tax benefit of approximately $80 million in the 2010 statement of operations. The company filed its carry back claim in February 2011 and in March 2011, the claim was denied by the Internal Revenue Service. Because the company has recognized full valuation allowances on its domestic deferred tax assets, the tax benefits recognized in the 2010 financial statements no longer met the accounting recognition criteria and, accordingly, these financial statements are being restated. The net operating losses included in the denied carry back claim will be available to offset what would otherwise be future tax payments over a 20-year period. As a result of the need to restate the financial statements included in the original Form 10-K, on March 30, 2011 the company obtained a waiver of default from the lending institutions participating in the asset based credit facility (the “Facility”).

The Form 10-K/A also reflects a correction to the 2010 presentation of approximately $22 million of acquisition-related payments from investing activities to financing activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The effects of the restatement on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 25, 2010 are summarized in the following table:

 

      As of December 25, 2010  
(In thousands)   

Previously

Reported

    Adjustments     Restated  

Receivables, net

   $   1,026,500      $   (62,713   $       963,787   

Total current assets

     3,090,655        (62,713     3,027,942   

Other assets

     330,108        (20,216     309,892   

Total assets

     4,652,366        (82,929     4,569,437   

Additional paid-in capital

     1,164,823        (3,414     1,161,409   

Accumulated deficit

     (555,303     (79,515     (634,818

Total Office Depot, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     778,425        (82,929     695,496   

Total stockholders’ equity

     778,904        (82,929     695,975   

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

     4,652,366        (82,929     4,569,437   

 

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The effects of the restatement on the consolidated statements of operations for fiscal year 2010 are summarized in the following table:

 

      Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2010  
(In thousands)   

Previously

Reported

    Adjustments     Restated  

Income tax benefit

   $ (89,985   $ 79,515      $ (10,470

Net earnings (loss)

     33,310        (79,515     (46,205

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

     34,892        (79,515     (44,623

Net loss attributable to common shareholders

     (2,221     (79,515     (81,736

Earnings per common share:

      

Basic

   $ (0.01   $ (0.29   $ (0.30
        

Diluted

   $ (0.01   $ (0.29   $ (0.30
        

The effects of the restatement on the consolidated statement of comprehensive loss for fiscal year 2010 is summarized in the following table:

 

      Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2010  
(In thousands)   

Previously

Reported

     Adjustments     Restated  

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 33,310       $ (79,515   $ (46,205

Comprehensive income (loss)

     19,072         (79,515     (60,443

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

     20,320         (79,515     (59,195

The effects of the restatement on the consolidated statement of cash flows for fiscal year 2010 is summarized in the following table:

 

      Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2010  
(In thousands)   

Previously

Reported

    Adjustments     Restated  

Cash flow from operating activities:

      

Net earnings (loss)

   $ 33,310      $ (79,515   $ (46,205

Decrease (increase) in receivables

     (2,440     62,713        60,273   

Net decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets

     (17,694     20,216        2,522   

Total adjustments

     166,402        82,929        249,331   

Cash provided by operating activities

     199,712        3,414        203,126   

Cash flow from investing activities

      

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired, and related payments

     (32,738     21,786        (10,952

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

     (213,306     21,786        (191,520

Cash flow from investing activities

      

Tax benefit from employee share-based exercises

     3,414        (3,414       

Payment for non-controlling interests

            (21,786     (21,786

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (5,698     (25,200     (30,898

NOTE C — REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK

On June 23, 2009, Office Depot, Inc. issued 274,596 shares of 10.00% Series A Redeemable Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”), and 75,404 shares of 10.00% Series B Redeemable Conditional Convertible Participating Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Series B Preferred Stock”), to funds advised by BC Partners, Inc. (the “Investors”), for $350 million (collectively, the “Preferred Stock”). The issued shares are out of 280,000 authorized shares of Series A Preferred Stock and 80,000 authorized shares of Series B Preferred Stock. Approval of conversion and voting rights for these shares was received at a special shareholders’ meeting on October 14, 2009.

 

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The initial liquidation value of $1,000 per preferred share and the conversion rate of $5.00 per common share allow the two series of preferred stock to be initially convertible into 70 million shares of common stock. The conversion rate is subject to anti-dilution adjustments. Until converted or otherwise redeemed, the Preferred Stock is recorded outside of permanent equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because certain redemption conditions are not solely within the control of Office Depot. The balance is presented inclusive of accrued dividends and net of approximately $25 million of fees, including issuance costs paid for investment banking, legal and accounting fees, and $3.5 million paid to BC Partners, approximately $2.8 million of which was returned to the investing funds as a portion of a transaction funding fee.

Dividends are payable quarterly and will be paid in-kind or, in cash, only to the extent that the company has funds legally available for such payment and a cash dividend is declared by the company’s board of directors and allowed by credit facilities. If not paid in cash, an amount equal to the cash dividend due will be added to the liquidation preference and measured for accounting purposes at fair value. After the third anniversary of issuance, the dividend rate will be reduced to:

 

  (i)

7.87% if at any time after June 23, 2010, the closing price of the company’s common stock is greater than or equal to $6.62 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, or

 

  (ii)

5.75% if at any time after June 23, 2010, the closing price of the company’s common stock is greater than or equal to $8.50 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days.

The Preferred Stock also may participate in dividends on common stock, if declared. However, if the closing price of the common stock on the record date for a dividend payment is less than $45.00 per share, the company may not declare or pay a cash dividend on the common stock per share for any fiscal quarter in excess of the Preferred Stock dividend amounts.

The board of directors approved cash dividends on the Preferred Stock for each of the quarterly periods of 2010. Dividends were accrued and paid in-kind for the quarterly periods of 2009. The stated-rate of those in-kind dividends were added to the liquidation preference of the respective Series A and Series B Preferred Stock. For accounting purposes, the dividends were measured at fair value using a binomial simulation model This technique resulted in a fair value estimate of approximately $30.5 million, or approximately $12.4 million above the increase in the liquidation preference amounts of the Preferred Stock. The liquidation preference and carrying value of the Preferred Stock was $368.5 million and $356.0 million at December 25, 2010 and $368.1 million and $355.3 million at December 26, 2009, respectively.

The Preferred Stock is redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the company at any time after June 23, 2012, subject to the right of the holder to first convert the preferred stock the company proposes to redeem. The redemption price is initially 107% of the liquidation preference amount plus any accrued but unpaid dividends and decreases by 1% each year until reaching 100% after June 23, 2019. At any time after June 23, 2011, if the closing price of the common stock is greater than or equal to $9.75 per share for a period of 20 consecutive trading days, the Preferred Stock is redeemable at 100% of the liquidation preference amount plus any accrued but unpaid dividends, in whole or in part, at the option of the company, subject to the right of the holder to first convert the Preferred Stock the company proposes to redeem. The Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of the holder at 101% of the liquidation preference in the event of certain fundamental change provisions (as defined in the Certificate of Designations for each series), including sale, bankruptcy or delisting of our common stock.

In connection with the transaction, the company entered into an Investor Rights Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, for so long as the Investors’ ownership percentage is equal to or greater than 10%, the approval of at least one of the directors designated to the company’s board of directors by the Investors is required for the company to incur any indebtedness for borrowed money in excess of $200 million in the aggregate during any

 

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fiscal year. In addition, at the current ownership percentage level, the Investors are entitled to nominate up to three members of the board of directors. Declining ownership percentages reduce the Investors’ board representation rights. Three directors designated by the Investors are current members of the company’s board of directors.

NOTE D — ASSET IMPAIRMENTS, EXIT COSTS AND OTHER CHARGES

Each of our three operating segments has been adversely affected by the downturn in the global economy in recent years. The company has taken actions to adapt to the changing and increasingly competitive conditions including closing stores and distribution centers (“DCs”), consolidating functional activities and disposing of businesses and assets. During 2010, 2009 and 2008, we have recognized significant charges from reorganization efforts and asset impairments. The charges recognized in 2009 and 2008 that related to a strategic review (the “Charges”) were managed at the corporate level and were excluded from measurement of Division operating profit.

In the fourth quarter of 2010, the company initiated additional activities to increase future operating performance, change the ownership structure of certain international investments and eliminate non-productive corporate assets. The 2010 charges included termination benefits and lease obligations accrued in Europe of approximately $6 million and $5 million respectively, a pre-tax loss on the sale of two operating subsidiaries in the International Division of approximately $11 million, a $51 million charge for the abandonment of software under development that will not be implemented and approximately $13 million associated with severance, accelerated vesting of share-based awards and compensation-related costs following the departure of the former CEO. The operations of the two subsidiaries sold were not material to the operations of the company. The loss on subsidiary sales and the severance and lease obligation accruals recognized in 2010 are included in Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and are included in the measurement of segment operating profit for the International Division. The software impairment charge is presented on a separate line and the executive compensation costs are included in unallocated general and administrative expenses.

A summary of the Charges recognized during 2009 and 2008 and the line item presentation of these amounts in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations is as follows.

 

(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)    2009      2008  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

   $ 13       $ 16   

Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses

     188         52   

Goodwill and trade name impairments

             1,270   

Other asset impairments

     26         114   

General and administrative expenses

     26         17   

Total pre-tax Charges

   $ 253       $ 1,469   

The primary components of Charges include:

 

 

Retail Store Initiatives — We closed 126 stores in North America (six of which were closed in the fourth quarter of 2008, the remainder in 2009) and 27 stores in Japan. The stores closed were underperforming or stores that were no longer a strategic fit for the company. The Charges totaled $122 million and $104 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. The 2009 Charges were primarily related to lease accruals, inventory write downs, severance expenses and other facility closure costs. The 2008 Charges related primarily to asset impairments, inventory write downs and lease accruals.

 

 

Supply Chain Initiatives — During 2009, we closed five DCs and six crossdock facilities in North America and consolidated our DCs in Europe. Charges related to these actions totaled approximately $57 million in 2009 and related primarily to lease accruals, inventory write downs, severance expenses and other facility closure costs. The 2008 Charges totaled approximately $22 million and consisted primarily of accelerated depreciation, severance related costs and lease accruals.

 

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Asset Sales and Sale-Leaseback Transactions — As a result of the strategic review and to enhance liquidity, we entered into multiple sale and sale-leaseback transactions. Total proceeds from these transactions were approximately $150 million and are included in the investing section on our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Losses on these transactions are included in the Charges and totaled approximately $22 million in 2009. Gains have been deferred and will reduce rent expense over the related leaseback periods.

 

 

Headcount Reductions and Other Restructuring Activities — Severance and termination benefit costs associated with actions to centralize activities and eliminate geographic redundancies totaled approximately $22 million and $13 million during 2009 and 2008, respectively. During 2009, we also recorded Charges for contract terminations on certain leased assets totaling approximately $17 million and for other restructuring activities totaling approximately $7 million. Additionally, we recognized a non-cash loss of approximately $6 million in conjunction with the disposition of other assets during 2009. Charges for other restructuring activities in 2008 totaled approximately $60 million and related primarily to asset write downs and costs associated with the restructuring of our back office operations and call centers in Europe.

Although we do not expect to recognize new Charges under the 2009 and earlier programs, positive and negative adjustments to previously accrued amounts as well as accretion on discounted long-term accruals such as lease obligations will continue to impact our results in future periods. We currently estimate accretion of approximately $10 million for 2011 and declining amounts in subsequent periods. All such amortizations and settlements or adjustments to related accruals will be included in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses and recognized at the corporate level, outside of Division operating profit.

Exit cost accruals related to the activities described above are as follows:

 

(Dollars in millions)    Beginning
Balance
     Charges
Incurred
     Cash
Payments
    Non-cash
settlements
   

Currency
and Other

Adjustments

    Ending
Balance
 

2010

              

Termination benefits

   $ 13       $ 6       $ (12   $      $ (3   $ 4   

Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation

             1                (1              

Lease and contract obligations

     162         5         (64     14        (4     113   
   

Total

   $ 175       $ 12       $ (76   $ 13      $ (7   $ 117   
   

2009

              

Cost of goods sold

   $       $ 13       $      $ (13   $      $   

Termination benefits

     14         34         (33            (2     13   

Asset impairments and accelerated depreciation

             39                (39              

Lease and contract obligations

     33         149         (57     36        1        162   

Other associated costs

             18         (12     (7     1          
   

Total

   $ 47       $ 253       $ (102   $ (23   $      $ 175   
   

Lease accruals on closed facilities reflect the company’s best estimate of its obligations under these long-term arrangements, net of sublease assumptions, discounted at the company’s estimated unsecured borrowing rate at the time of each location closure. This accrued liability may be adjusted in future periods as actual sublease activity is better or worse than estimated. It is currently expected that any such adjustments, as well as accretion of this liability will be reflected as a component of store and warehouse operating and selling expenses and recognized at the corporate level, outside of Division operating profit, in future periods.

 

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Other asset impairments

In addition to the exit costs discussed above, during 2008, we recognized other material charges because of the downturn in our business. Those charges include goodwill and trade name impairment charges, as well as material asset impairments relating to stores and charges to impair amortizing customer relationship intangible assets.

We perform our annual review of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets during the fourth quarter. As a result of this review for 2008, we recorded non-cash charges of $1,213 million to write down goodwill and $57 million related to the impairment of trade names. Our recoverability assessment of these non-amortizing intangible assets considered company-specific projections, assumptions about market participant views and the company’s overall market capitalization around the testing period.

At least annually, we review our stores for possible impairment. Our impairment analysis is based on a cash flow model at the individual store level, beginning with recent store performance and forecasting the anticipated future results based on chain-wide and individual store initiatives. If the anticipated undiscounted cash flows of a store cannot support the carrying amount of the store’s assets, an impairment charge to bring the assets to estimated fair value is recorded to operations as a component of store and warehouse operating and selling expenses. Because of the downturn in our business in late 2008, we recorded store asset impairment charges totaling approximately $98 million in 2008. Store impairment charges totaled approximately $2 million and $3 million in 2010 and 2009, respectively.

We review our amortizing intangible assets at least annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. In developing forecasts for our assessment of goodwill in 2008, we concluded that the value of certain amortizing intangible assets was impaired. Accordingly, during 2008, we incurred a charge of approximately $11 million to fully impair the customer list intangible assets in our International Division.

NOTE E — PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and equipment consisted of:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 25,
2010
     December 26,
2009
 

Land

   $ 36,447       $ 38,456   

Buildings

     340,748         354,630   

Leasehold improvements

     994,320         997,919   

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     1,645,750         1,703,691   
   
     3,017,265         3,094,696   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (1,860,252      (1,817,041
   

Total

   $ 1,157,013       $ 1,277,655   
   

The above table of property and equipment includes assets held under capital leases as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 25,
2010
    December 26,
2009
 

Buildings

   $ 267,471      $ 269,232   

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

     49,969        43,443   
   
     317,440        312,675   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (92,695     (78,143
   

Total

   $ 224,745      $ 234,532   
   

 

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NOTE F — GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill

During the fourth quarter of 2008, we performed our annual goodwill impairment testing, which indicated that the goodwill in four of our five reporting units was fully impaired. This resulted in impairment charges totaling $1,213.3 million, most of which was related to acquisitions made in our International and North American Business Solutions Divisions. Approximately $19.4 million of goodwill was not impaired during the fourth quarter of 2008. This remaining goodwill is associated with our North American Business Solutions Division, and the balance has remained constant since December 27, 2008. The components of goodwill by segment are provided in the following table:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   

North
American

Retail

Division

   

North

American
Business
Solutions
Division

    International
Division
    Total  

Balance as of December 27, 2008

        

Goodwill

   $ 1,842      $ 367,790      $ 863,134      $ 1,232,766   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (1,842     (348,359     (863,134     (1,213,335
   
            19,431               19,431   

2009 Changes

                            
   

Balance as of December 26, 2009

        

Goodwill

     1,842        367,790        863,134      $ 1,232,766   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (1,842     (348,359     (863,134     (1,213,335
   
            19,431               19,431   

2010 Changes

        
   

Balance as of December 25, 2010

        

Goodwill

     1,842        367,790        863,134      $ 1,232,766   

Accumulated impairment losses

     (1,842     (348,359     (863,134     (1,213,335
   
   $      $ 19,431      $      $ 19,431   
   

Other Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets related to acquired trade names were $5.6 million and $6.2 million, at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively, and are included in other intangible assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Indefinite-lived intangibles are not subject to amortization. Instead, they are tested for impairment at least annually. The change in the balance during 2010 resulted from changes in foreign currency rates.

Amortizing intangible assets, which are included in other intangible assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, include the following:

 

     December 25, 2010      December 26, 2009  
(Dollars in thousands)   

Gross

Carrying Value

    

Accumulated

Amortization

    

Gross

Carrying Value

    

Accumulated

Amortization

 

Customer lists

   $     28,000       $     (11,773)       $     28,000       $     (9,228)   

Other

     2,600         (2,600)         2,600         (2,302)   
   

Total

   $ 30,600       $ (14,373)       $ 30,600       $ (11,530)   
   

 

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We review our amortizing intangible assets at least annually to determine whether events and circumstances warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization.

Amortization of intangible assets was $2.9 million in 2010, $3.1 million in 2009, and $9.0 million in 2008 (at average foreign currency exchange rates).

The weighted average amortization period for the remaining finite-lived intangible assets is 6.4 years. Estimated future amortization expense for the next five years at December 25, 2010 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        

2011

     2,545   

2012

     2,545   

2013

     2,545   

2014

     2,545   

2015

     2,545   

NOTE G — DEBT

Debt consists of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 25,
2010
     December 26,
2009
 

Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt:

     

Short-term borrowings

   $ 53,729       $ 44,121   

Capital lease obligations

     16,361         14,646   

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,278         1,078   
   
   $ 72,368       $ 59,845   
   

Long-term debt, net of current maturities:

     

$400 million senior notes

   $ 400,067       $ 400,172   

Capital lease obligations

     239,476         243,502   

Other

     20,277         19,066   
   
   $ 659,820       $ 662,740   
   

On September 26, 2008, the company entered into a Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with a group of lenders, which provides for an asset based, multi-currency revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) of up to $1.25 billion. The amount that can be drawn on the Facility at any given time is determined based on percentages of certain accounts receivable, inventory and credit card receivables (the “Borrowing Base”). At December 25, 2010, the company was eligible to borrow approximately $845 million of the Facility based on the December borrowing base certificate. The Facility includes a sub-facility of up to $250 million which is available to certain of the company’s European subsidiaries (the “European Borrowers”). Certain of the company’s domestic subsidiaries (the “Domestic Guarantors”) guaranty the obligations under the Facility. The Agreement also provides for a letter of credit sub-facility of up to $400 million. All loans borrowed under the Agreement may be borrowed, repaid and reborrowed from time to time until September 26, 2013 (or, in the event that the company’s existing 6.25% Senior Notes are not repaid, then February 15, 2013), on which date the Facility matures.

All amounts borrowed under the Facility, as well as the obligations of the Domestic Guarantors, are secured by a lien on the company’s and such Domestic Guarantors’ accounts receivables, inventory, cash and deposit accounts. All amounts borrowed by the European Borrowers under the Facility are secured by a lien on such European Borrowers’ accounts receivable, inventory, cash and deposit accounts, as well as certain other assets. At the company’s option, borrowings made pursuant to the Agreement bear interest at either, (i) the alternate

 

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base rate (defined as the higher of the Prime Rate (as announced by the Agent) and the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%) or (ii) the Adjusted LIBOR Rate (defined as the LIBOR Rate as adjusted for statutory revenues) plus, in either case, a certain margin based on the aggregate average availability under the Facility. The Agreement also contains representations, warranties, affirmative and negative covenants, and default provisions which are conditions precedent to borrowing. The most significant of these covenants and default provisions include a capital expenditure limitation of $500 million in any fiscal year and limitations in certain circumstances on acquisitions, dispositions, share repurchases and the payment of cash dividends.

On March 26, 2010, the company executed a second amendment to its asset based credit facility. This second amendment amends the facility by, among other things, allowing the company to make certain restricted payments, including the payment of cash dividends on preferred stock and make share repurchases, in an aggregate amount of $50 million per fiscal year, subject to the maintenance of certain minimum liquidity conditions, removing the ability of the company to elect one- or two-month interest periods with respect to its LIBOR borrowings, making certain technical amendments to permit the company to issue unsecured or subordinated convertible debt securities, allowing the company and its subsidiaries to enter into certain internal tax restructuring transactions subject in certain circumstances to various conditions, and waiving certain technical events of default, including written notice of certain events to JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Agent”) under the asset based credit facility and certain related security agreements. The company was in compliance with all applicable financial covenants at December 25, 2010.

The company has never declared or paid cash dividends on its common stock. All 2010 dividends on its preferred stock were paid in cash as permitted under this agreement.

The Facility also includes provisions whereby if the global availability is less than $218.8 million, or the European availability is below $37.5 million, the company’s cash collections go first to the Agent to satisfy outstanding borrowings. Further, if total availability falls below $187.5 million, a fixed charge coverage ratio test is required which, based on current forecasts, could effectively eliminate additional borrowing under the Facility. Any event of default that is not cured within the permitted period, including non-payment of amounts when due, any debt in excess of $25 million becoming due before the scheduled maturity date, or the acquisition of more than 40% of the ownership of the company by any person or group, could result in a termination of the Facility and all amounts outstanding becoming immediately due and payable.

At December 25, 2010, the company had approximately $674 million of available credit under the Facility. At December 25, 2010, $52.5 million was outstanding under the Facility and there were letters of credit outstanding under the Facility totaling approximately $119 million. An additional $0.2 million of letters of credit were outstanding under separate agreements. Average borrowings under the Facility in the fourth quarter of 2010 were approximately $33.9 million at an average interest rate of 3.56%. We did not borrow under the Facility during the first three quarters of 2010.

At December 25, 2010, we had short-term borrowings of $1.2 million. These borrowings primarily represent outstanding balances under various local currency credit facilities for our international subsidiaries that had an effective interest rate at the end of the year of approximately 6%. The majority of these short-term borrowings represent outstanding balances on uncommitted lines of credit, which do not contain financial covenants.

In August 2003, we issued $400 million senior notes due August 2013. These notes are not callable and bear interest at the rate of 6.25% per year, to be paid on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The notes contain provisions that, in certain circumstances, place financial restrictions or limitations on us. Simultaneous with completing the offering, we liquidated a treasury rate lock. The proceeds are being amortized over the term of the issue, reducing the effective interest rate to 5.86%. During 2004, we entered into a series of fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges on the $400 million of notes. The swap agreements were terminated during 2005.

Capital lease obligations primarily relate to buildings and equipment as indicated in Note E.

 

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Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)  

2011

   $ 89,808   

2012

     33,546   

2013

     432,383   

2014

     31,518   

2015

     31,915   

Thereafter

     250,312   
   

Total

     869,482   

Less amount representing interest on capital leases

     137,294   
   

Total

     732,188   

Less current portion

     72,368   
   

Total long-term debt

   $   659,820   
   

NOTE H — INCOME TAXES

The income tax expense (benefit) related to earnings (loss) from operations consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Current:

      

Federal

   $ (28,278   $ (41,997   $ (16,430

State

     1,408        2,228        6,622   

Foreign

     849        1,455        19,262   

Deferred :

      

Federal

            233,398        (125,945

State

     (64     46,845        18,606   

Foreign

     15,615        45,643        (760
   

Total income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (10,470   $ 287,572      $ (98,645
   

The components of earnings (loss) before income taxes consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

North America

     (114,231   $ (271,520   $ (733,342

International

     57,556        (39,632     (846,306
   

Total

   $ (56,675   $ (311,152   $ (1,579,648
   

 

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The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 25,
2010
    December 26,
2009
 

U.S. and foreign net operating loss carryforwards

   $ 344,878      $ 343,343   

Deferred rent credit

     107,673        104,292   

Vacation pay and other accrued compensation

     71,496        85,912   

Accruals for facility closings

     41,896        54,122   

Inventory

     17,165        23,912   

Self-insurance accruals

     20,622        19,387   

Deferred revenue

     10,764        13,787   

State credit carryforwards, net of Federal benefit

     12,739        10,698   

Allowance for bad debts

     9,005        9,475   

Accrued rebates

     14,591        6,058   

Other items, net

     65,768        75,553   
   

Gross deferred tax assets

     716,597        746,539   

Valuation allowance

     (648,869     (656,943
   

Deferred tax assets

     67,728        89,596   
   

Internal software

     1,003        23,857   

Basis difference in fixed assets

     53,391        17,098   
   

Deferred tax liabilities

     54,394        40,955   
   

Net deferred tax assets

   $ 13,334      $ 48,641   
   

As of December 25, 2010, we had approximately $179 million of U.S. Federal, $826 million of foreign, and $1 billion of state net operating loss carryforwards. The U.S. Federal carryforward will expire in 2030. Of the foreign carryforwards, $640 million can be carried forward indefinitely, $15 million will expire in 2011, and the balance will expire between 2012 and 2030. Of the state carryforwards, $26 million will expire in 2011, and the balance will expire between 2012 and 2030. Additionally, the company has $1.73 billion of foreign capital loss carryforwards ($468 million tax-effected) that resulted from a 2010 internal restructuring transaction that can be carried forward indefinitely. Under the tax laws of the jurisdiction, the capital loss carryforward may only offset a future capital gain resulting from an intercompany transaction between the specific subsidiaries of the company involved in the 2010 transaction. Because the company believes that it is remote that the capital loss carryforward will be realized in the foreseeable future, a full valuation allowance has been established against the asset and the company has chosen to exclude the attribute from the above tabular rendition of deferred tax assets and liabilities.

U.S. income taxes have not been provided on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries, which were approximately $715 million as of December 25, 2010. We have reinvested such earnings overseas in foreign operations indefinitely and expect that future earnings will also be reinvested overseas indefinitely.

Valuation allowances have been established to reduce our deferred asset to an amount that is more likely than not to be realized and is based upon the uncertainty of the realization of certain deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes. Because of the downturn in our performance during this recessionary period, as well as the significant restructuring activities and charges we have taken in response, during the third quarter of 2009, the company established valuation allowances totaling $321.6 million, with $279.1 million related to domestic deferred tax assets and $42.5 million related to foreign deferred tax assets. The establishment of valuation allowances and development of projected annual effective tax rates requires significant judgment and is impacted by various estimates. Both positive and negative evidence, as well as the objectivity and verifiability of that evidence, is considered in determining the appropriateness of recording a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. An accumulation of recent pre-tax losses is considered strong

 

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negative evidence in that evaluation. The charge to establish the valuation allowance followed the third quarter 2009 condition of reaching or nearly reaching a 36 month cumulative loss position in certain taxing jurisdictions. While the company believes positive evidence exists with regard to the realizability of these deferred tax assets, it is not considered sufficient to outweigh the objectively verifiable negative evidence, including the cumulative 36 month pre-tax loss history. Deferred tax assets without valuation allowances remain in certain foreign tax jurisdictions where supported by the evidence.

 

(Dollars in millions)    Beginning
Balance
     Additions      Deductions     Ending
Balance
 

Valuation allowances at:

          

December 25, 2010

   $ 657.0       $       $ (8.1   $ 648.9   

December 26, 2009

     242.5         414.5                657.0   

Of the $648.9 million valuation allowance as of December 25, 2010, $3.4 million is attributable to net operating loss carryforward assets generated from equity compensation deductions that if realized in future period would benefit additional paid-in capital.

The following is a reconciliation of income taxes at the Federal statutory rate to the provision (benefit) for income taxes:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Federal tax computed at the statutory rate

   $ (19,836   $ (108,903   $ (552,877

State taxes, net of Federal benefit

     1,434        1,951        (3,838

Foreign income taxed at rates other than Federal

     (15,926     (21,882     (29,684

Non-deductible goodwill and other impairments

                   356,138   

Increase (reduction) in valuation allowance

     29,777        387,735        47,874   

Non-deductible foreign interest

     5,094        13,198        40,166   

Change in uncertain tax positions

     (32,283     5,526        3,661   

Disposition of foreign affiliates

     (8,562              

Gain on intercompany sale

     20,216                 

Other items, net

     9,616        9,947        39,915   
   

Income tax expense (benefit)

   $ (10,470   $ 287,572      $ (98,645
   

The significant tax jurisdictions related to the line item foreign income taxed at rates other than Federal include the UK, the Netherlands and France.

The following table summarizes the activity related to our uncertain tax positions:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Beginning Balance

   $ 141,125      $ 119,626      $ 110,407   

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

     3,436        5,505        10,767   

Additions for tax positions of prior years

     24,936        19,149        17,720   

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

     (32,572     (2,820     (19,035

Statute expirations

     (17     (335     (233

Settlements

     (26,368              
   

Ending Balance

   $ 110,540      $ 141,125      $ 119,626   
   

Included in the balance of $110.5 million at December 25, 2010, are $78.3 million of net uncertain tax positions that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. The difference of $32.2 million primarily results from positions which if sustained would be fully offset by a valuation allowance.

 

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We file a U.S. federal income tax return and other income tax returns in various states and foreign jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or non-U.S. income tax examinations for years before 2007. Our U.S. federal filings for the years 2007 and 2009 are under routine examination, and it is reasonably possible that audits for some of these periods will be closed prior to the end of 2011. Additionally, the U.S. federal tax return for 2010 is under concurrent year review. Significant international tax jurisdictions include the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany. Generally, we are subject to routine examination for years 2006 and forward in these jurisdictions. It is reasonably possible that certain of these audits will close within the next 12 months, which could result in a decrease of as much as $87.4 million or an increase of as much as $14.3 million to our accrued uncertain tax positions. Additionally, we anticipate that it is reasonably possible that new issues will be raised or resolved by tax authorities that may require changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits, however, an estimate of such changes cannot reasonably be made.

We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in the provision for income taxes. Because of the settlement reached with certain taxing authorities, we recognized a net interest credit of $6.7 million during 2010. We recognized expense from interest and penalties of approximately $4.4 million in 2009. We had approximately $47.4 million accrued for the payment of interest and penalties as of December 25, 2010.

In connection with the expensing of the fair value of employee stock options, we have elected to calculate our pool of excess tax benefits under the alternative or “short-cut” method. At adoption, this pool of benefits was approximately $55.3 million and was approximately $101.5 million as of December 25, 2010. This pool may increase in future periods if tax benefits realized are in excess of those based on grant date fair values or may decrease if used to absorb future tax deficiencies determined for financial reporting purposes.

NOTE I — COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Operating Leases: We lease retail stores and other facilities and equipment under operating lease agreements with initial lease terms expiring in various years through 2032. In addition to minimum rentals, there are certain executory costs such as real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance on most of our facility leases. Many lease agreements contain tenant improvement allowances, rent holidays, and/or rent escalation clauses. For purposes of recognizing incentives and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases, we use the date of initial possession to begin amortization.

We recognize a deferred rent liability for tenant improvement allowances and rent holidays and amortize these amounts over the terms of the related leases as a reduction of rent expense. Rent related accruals totaled approximately $267 million and $270 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. The short-term and long-term components of these liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other long-term liabilities, respectively, on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy, we record minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.

Certain leases contain provisions for additional rent to be paid if sales exceed a specified amount, though such payments have been immaterial during the years presented.

 

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The table below shows future minimum lease payments due under the non-cancelable portions of our leases as of December 25, 2010. These minimum lease payments include facility leases that were accrued as store closure costs. Additional information including optional lease renewals follows this table.

 

(Dollars in thousands)        

2011

   $ 483,233   

2012

     422,257   

2013

     364,767   

2014

     296,775   

2015

     233,266   

Thereafter

     682,826   
   
     2,483,124   

Less sublease income

     52,111   
   

Total

   $ 2,431,013   
   

We determine the lease term at inception to be the non-cancelable rental period plus any renewal options that are considered reasonably assured. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of their estimated useable lives or the identified lease term. Lease payments for the next five years and thereafter that include both the non-cancelable amounts from above, plus the renewal options included in our projected lease term are, $488 million for 2011; $441 million for 2012; $401 million for 2013; $360 million for 2014; $328 million for 2015 and $1,592 million thereafter, for a total of $3,610 million, $3,558 million net of sublease income.

Rent expense, including equipment rental, was $469.4 million, $498.6 million and $525.8 million in 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively. Rent expense was reduced by sublease income of $2.8 million in 2010, $2.9 million in 2009 and $3.1 million in 2008.

Indemnification of Private Label Credit Card Receivables: Office Depot has a private label credit card program that is managed by a third-party financial services company. We transfer the credit card receivable balance each business day, with the difference between the transferred amount and the amount received recognized in store and warehouse operating and selling expense. At December 25, 2010, the outstanding balance of credit card receivables transferred was approximately $124 million. The company’s estimated liability associated with risk of loss totaled approximately $14 million and $16 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. This accrual is included in accrued expenses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Backing the liability is a letter of credit in the amount of $17.5 million. The company’s arrangement with this third party financial services company is scheduled for renewal during 2011. We anticipate successfully renewing or replacing this arrangement.

Legal Matters: We are involved in litigation arising in the normal course of our business. While, from time to time, claims are asserted that make demands for a large sum of money (including, from time to time, actions which are asserted to be maintainable as class action suits), we do not believe that contingent liabilities related to these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will materially affect our financial position, results of our operations or cash flows.

As previously disclosed, on October 21, 2010, the company reached a final settlement of an investigation that has been conducted by the SEC. In connection with the settlement, the company, without admitting or denying the SEC’s allegations, agreed to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $1 million and consented to a cease and desist order from committing or causing violations of Section 13(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and related rules), which requires the maintenance of accurate books and records and internal controls, and Section l3(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Regulation FD. Regulation FD is a rule regarding communication with analysts and investors. In addition, the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer also reached a civil settlement with the SEC related to Regulation FD. Under the settlement, without admitting or denying the SEC’s

 

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allegations, he agreed to an SEC order requiring future compliance with Regulation FD and agreed to pay a civil penalty. The settlement concludes for the company and its former Chief Executive Officer all matters arising from the SEC investigation.

On December 13, 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit affirmed the dismissal with prejudice of the Consolidated Lawsuit (defined below). As background, in early November 2007, two putative class action lawsuits were filed against the Company and certain of its executive officers alleging violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The allegations made in these lawsuits primarily related to the accounting for vendor program funds. Each of the foregoing lawsuits was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and captioned as follows: (1) Nichols v. Office Depot, Inc., Steve Odland and Patricia McKay filed on November 6, 2007 and (2) Sheet Metal Worker Local 28 Pension Fund v. Office Depot, Inc., Steve Odland and Patricia McKay filed on November 5, 2007. On March 21, 2008, the district court entered an Order consolidating the class action lawsuits (the “Consolidated Lawsuit”). Lead plaintiff in the Consolidated Lawsuit, the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board, filed its Consolidated Amended Complaint on July 2, 2008, and its Second Consolidated Amended Complaint on April 20, 2009. On January 14, 2010, the district court dismissed the Second Consolidated Amended Complaint with prejudice, which led to the aforementioned appeal.

In addition, in the ordinary course of business, our sales to and transactions with government customers may be subject to investigations, audits and review by governmental authorities and regulatory agencies, with which we cooperate. Many of these investigations, audits and reviews are resolved without incident. While claims in these matters may at times assert large demands, we do not believe that contingent liabilities related to these matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will materially affect our financial position, results of our operations or cash flows. Among such matters, during the first quarter of 2011, we were notified that the United States Department of Justice has commenced an investigation into certain pricing practices related to an expired agreement that was in place between January 2, 2006 and January 1, 2011, pursuant to which state, local and non-profit agencies could purchase office supplies.

NOTE J — EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

Long-Term Incentive Plan

During 2007, the company’s board of directors adopted, and the shareholders approved, the Office Depot, Inc. 2007 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan permits the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance-based, and other equity-based incentive awards. The option exercise price for each grant of a stock option shall not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date the option is granted. Options granted under the Plan become exercisable from one to five years after the date of grant, provided that the individual is continuously employed with the company. All options granted expire no more than ten years following the date of grant. Our employee share-based awards are generally issued in the first quarter of the year.

Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan

During 2010, the company implemented a one-time voluntary stock option exchange program that had been approved by the board of directors and the company’s shareholders. The fair value exchange program resulted in the tender of 3.8 million shares of eligible options in exchange for approximately 1.4 million of newly-issued options. No additional compensation expense resulted from this value-for-value exchange. The new options have an exercise price of $5.13, which was the closing price of Office Depot, Inc. common stock on the date of the exchange, and the majority of the options will vest over three years. The fair value of the exchanged shares was $2.97 per share. The new options are listed separately in the tables below.

 

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A summary of the activity in our stock option plans for the last three years is presented below.

 

     2010      2009      2008  
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Shares     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Outstanding at beginning of year

     24,202,715      $ 11.81         14,479,141      $ 22.78         13,594,302      $ 23.86   

Granted

     5,140,900        8.11         11,901,752        0.93         3,185,511        10.56   

Granted – option exchange

     1,350,709        5.13                                 

Canceled

     (4,510,682     21.57         (2,178,178     15.99         (2,190,928     21.48   

Cancelled – option exchange

     (3,739,557     22.85                                 

Exercised

     (2,423,041     0.95                        (109,744     10.36   
                                                  

Outstanding at end of year

     20,021,044      $ 7.49         24,202,715      $ 11.81         14,479,141      $ 22.78   
                                                  

The weighted-average grant date fair values of options granted during 2010, 2009, and 2008 were $3.89, $0.69, and $4.64, respectively, using the following weighted average assumptions for grants:

 

   

Risk-free interest rates of 2.3% for 2010, 2.1% for 2009, and 2.7% for 2008

 

   

Expected lives of 4.5 years for 2010, 4.5 years for 2009, and 4.4 years for 2008

 

   

A dividend yield of zero for all three years

 

   

Expected volatility ranging from 64% to 73% for 2010, 70% to 118% for 2009, 43% to 65% for 2008

 

   

Forfeitures are anticipated at 5% and are adjusted for actual experience over the vesting period

The following table summarizes information about options outstanding at December 25, 2010.

 

     Options Outstanding      Options Exercisable  

Range of

Exercise Prices

   Number
Outstanding
    

Weighted Average

Remaining
Contractual Life

(in years)

    

Weighted
Average
Exercise

Price

     Number
Exercisable
    

Weighted Average

Remaining
Contractual Life

(in years)

    

Weighted
Average

Exercise
Price

 

$0.85  $5.12

     8,807,048         5.17       $ 1.08         2,353,445         4.91       $ 1.11   

5.13 (option exchange)

     1,315,278         6.45         5.13         250         0.24         5.13   

5.14  10.00

     5,089,187         5.06         8.28         1,411,177         2.24         8.31   

10.01  15.00

     1,290,388         3.74         11.33         982,456         3.60         11.36   

15.01  25.00

     2,965,129         1.52         19.94         2,965,129         1.52         19.94   

25.01  33.61

     554,014         2.17         32.18         552,987         2.17         32.17   
   

$0.85  $33.61

     20,021,044         4.51       $ 7.49         8,265,444         2.90       $ 12.39   
   

The intrinsic value of options exercised in 2010 and 2008, was $11.9 million, and $0.3 million, respectively. There were no option exercises in 2009.

As of December 25, 2010, there was approximately $16 million of total stock-based compensation expense that has not yet been recognized relating to non-vested awards granted under our option plans. This expense, net of forfeitures, is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.0 years. Of the 11.8 million unvested shares, the company estimates that 11.2 million, or 95%, will vest. The number of exercisable shares was 8.3 million shares of common stock at December 25, 2010, 11.9 million shares of common stock at December 26, 2009, and 8.9 million shares of common stock at December 27, 2008.

 

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Restricted Stock

Restricted stock grants typically vest annually over a three-year service period, however, grants made to the company’s board of directors vest immediately and are free of restrictions. In 2010, we granted 173,387 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average fair value of $8.01 based on the grant date market price. As of December 25, 2010, all of the shares granted in 2010 had vested. In 2009, we granted approximately 22,000 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average fair value of $0.85 based on the grant date market price. In 2008, we granted to employees approximately 2.7 million shares of time-based restricted stock with annual vesting over a three-year service period valued at the grant date market price of $11.24 per share. A summary of the status of the company’s nonvested shares as of December 25, 2010, and changes during the year ended December 25, 2010 is presented below.

 

    2010     2009     2008  
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Price
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Price
    Shares     Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Price
 

Nonvested at beginning of year

    1,318,162      $ 13.21        2,663,216      $ 14.06        850,115      $ 30.67   

Granted

    173,387        8.01        21,628        0.85        2,651,737        11.24   

Vested

    (741,007     14.19        (1,230,397     14.60        (543,068     24.22   

Forfeited

    (254,483     11.31        (136,285     15.24        (295,568     17.81   
                                               

Nonvested at end of year

    496,059      $ 10.39        1,318,162      $ 13.21        2,663,216      $ 14.06   
                                               

As of December 25, 2010, there was approximately $1 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock. The remaining 0.5 million nonnvested awards represent the last vesting tranche of our 2008 annual restricted stock grant. The $1 million unrecognized compensation cost, net of forfeitures, is expected to be recognized over a period of 2 months in 2011. The company expects the forfeiture rate of these remaining awards to be minimal. The total grant date fair value of shares vested during 2010 was approximately $11 million.

Retirement Savings Plans

Eligible company employees may participate in the Office Depot, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan), which was approved by the board of directors. This plan allows those employees to contribute a percentage of their salary, commissions and bonuses in accordance with plan limitations and provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Prior to the end of 2008, employer matching contributions were equivalent to 50% of the first 6% of an employee’s contributions, subject to the limits of the plan. Company matching contributions were suspended by the compensation and benefits committee of the board of directors during 2009 and 2010. The committee reinstated the company matching provisions at 50% of the first 4% of an employee’s contributions, subject to the limits of the plan, effective with the first pay period beginning in 2011. Matching contributions are invested in the same manner as the participants’ pre-tax contributions. The plan also allows for a discretionary matching contribution in addition to the normal match contributions if approved by the board of directors.

Office Depot also sponsors the Office Depot, Inc. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan that, until December 2009, permitted eligible highly compensated employees, who were limited in the amount they could contribute to the 401(k) Plan, to alternatively defer a portion of their salary, commissions and bonuses up to maximums and under restrictive conditions specified in this plan and to participate in company matching provisions. The matching contributions to the deferred compensation plan were allocated to hypothetical investment alternatives selected by the participants. The compensation and benefits committee of the board of directors amended the plan to eliminate the predetermined matching contributions effective with the first payroll period beginning in 2009. Prior to the end of 2008, all deferred compensation plan participants were given the opportunity to take advantage of the transition election rules provided under the final 409A regulations of the

 

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Internal Revenue Code to modify distribution elections previously elected for plans years 2005 through 2008. In October 2009, the compensation and benefits committee amended the plan to no longer accept new deferrals.

During 2010, 2009, and 2008, $80.2 thousand, $1.1 million, $12.6 million, respectively, was recorded as compensation expense for company contributions to these programs and certain international retirement savings plans.

Pension Plan

The company has a defined benefit pension plan covering a limited number of employees in Europe. During 2008, curtailment of that plan was approved by the trustees and future service benefits ceased for the remaining employees, resulting in a curtailment gain of $11.4 million. The following table provides a reconciliation of changes in the projected benefit obligation, the fair value of plan assets and the funded status of the plan to amounts recognized on our balance sheets:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 25, 2010     December 26, 2009  

Changes in projected benefit obligation:

    

Obligation at beginning of period

   $ 192,131      $ 154,840   

Service cost

              

Interest cost

     10,466        9,006   

Member contributions

              

Benefits paid

     (4,426     (5,041

Actuarial loss (gain)

     (14,651     18,107   

Curtailment (gain)

              

Currency translation

     (6,325     15,219   
   

Obligation at valuation date

     177,195        192,131   

Changes in plan assets:

    

Fair value at beginning of period

     120,383        84,454   

Actual return on plan assets

     14,959        22,898   

Company contributions

     5,105        5,166   

Member contributions

              

Benefits paid

     (4,426     (5,041

Currency translation

     (3,999     12,906   
   

Plan assets at valuation date

     132,022        120,383   

Benefit obligation in excess of plan assets

     (45,173     (71,748
   

Net liability recognized at end of period

   $ (45,173   $ (71,748
   

The net unfunded amount is classified as a non-current liability in the caption deferred taxes and other long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Included in OCI was a deferred gain of $5.5 million and a deferred loss of $14.5 million at December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, respectively. A valuation allowance has been recognized in the relevant jurisdiction, resulting in no tax benefit. The deferred gain is not expected to be amortized into income during 2011. The plan’s accumulated benefit obligations were approximately $177.2 million and $192.1 million at the 2010 and 2009 valuation dates, respectively.

The components of net periodic expense are presented below:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Service cost

   $      $      $ 1,708   

Interest cost

     10,466        9,006        13,434   

Expected return on plan assets

     (8,039     (6,291     (11,629

Curtailment and settlement

                   (11,437
   

Net periodic pension (credit) cost

   $ 2,427      $ 2,715      $ (7,924
   

 

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Assumptions used in calculating the funded status included:

 

     2010      2009      2008  

Long-term rate of return on plan assets

     6.77%         6.89%         6.62%   

Discount rate

     5.40%         5.70%         5.50%   

Salary increases

     —             —             —       

Inflation

     3.40%         3.80%         3.10%   

The plan’s investment policies and strategies are to ensure assets are available to meet the obligations to the beneficiaries and to adjust plan contributions accordingly. The plan trustees are also committed to reducing the level of risk in the plan over the long term, while retaining a return above that of the growth of liabilities.

The long-term rate of return on assets assumption has been derived based on long-term UK government fixed income yields, having regard to the proportion of assets in each asset class. The funds invested in equities have been assumed to return 4.0% above the return on UK government securities of appropriate duration. Funds invested in corporate bonds are assumed to return equal to a 15 year AA bond index. Allowance is made for expenses of 0.5% of assets. At December 25, 2010, the long-term UK government securities yield was 4.24%.

The allocation of assets is as follows:

 

     Percentage of Plan Assets      Target
Allocation
 
     2010      2009      2008         

Equity securities

     73%         71%         76%         60% - 95%   

Debt securities

     27%         27%         16%         0% - 30%   

Real estate

     0%         0%         1%         0% - 10%   

Other

     0%         2%         7%         0% - 10%   
           

Total

     100%         100%         100%      
           

The fair value of plan assets by asset category is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)      Fair Value Measurements
at December 25, 2010
 
Asset Category    Total      Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets
(Level 1)
     Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
     Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 

Cash

   $       $       $       $   

Equity securities

     95,699         95,699                   

Debt securities

     36,323         36,323                   
   

Total

   $   132,022       $   132,022       $   —       $   —   
   

Anticipated benefit payments, at December 25, 2010 exchange rates, are as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)        

2011

   $ 3,583   

2012

     3,793   

2013

     4,284   

2014

     4,548   

2015

     4,896   

Next five years

     31,415   

 

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The pension plan was part of an entity acquired in 2003. The purchase and sale agreement included a provision whereby the seller is required to pay to the company an amount of unfunded benefit obligation as measured based on certain 2008 data. The company is in the process of resolving this uncertainty with the seller. We currently cannot predict the outcome of this matter. The after-tax effect of the payment from the seller, if any, will be recognized as a credit to income when all associated uncertainties are resolved.

The company has been in discussions with the plan trustees on reducing the unfunded balance. It is expected that the company will contribute amounts received from the seller to the plan and that the contribution will effectively lower or eliminate other company contribution requirements over the next three years. The amount to be contributed during 2011 currently cannot be determined but is likely to be no less than the amount contributed during 2010.

NOTE K — FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The company measures fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In developing its fair value estimates, the company uses the following hierarchy:

 

Level 1:

  Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2:

  Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3:

  Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Generally, these fair value measures are model-based valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows or option pricing models using our own estimates and assumptions or those expected to be used by market participants.

The fair values of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature.

The fair values of our interest rate swaps, foreign currency contracts and fuel contracts are the amounts receivable or payable to terminate the agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates, exchange rates and commodity prices. The values are based on market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. There were no interest rate swap agreements in place at the end of 2010 and the amounts receivable or payable under foreign currency and fuel contracts were not significant at the end of 2010. See Note L for additional information on our derivative instruments and hedging activities.

Fair value estimates may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis for asset impairments and exit cost valuations.

The following table summarizes the company’s financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

             December 25, 2010  
    

Total

     Fair Value Measurement
Category
 
(In thousands)       Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets

           

Commodity contracts — fuel

   $ 253       $       $ 253       $   

Liabilities:

           

Foreign exchange contracts

   $ 434       $       $ 434       $   

 

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The company records its senior notes payable at par value, adjusted for amortization of a fair value hedge which was cancelled in 2005. The fair value of the senior notes indicated in the following table was determined based on quoted market prices.

 

     2010      2009  
(In thousands)   

Carrying

Value

    

Fair

Value

    

Carrying

Value

    

Fair

Value

 

$400 million senior notes

   $ 400,067       $ 398,000       $ 400,172       $ 345,966   

There were no significant differences between the carrying values and fair values of our financial instruments as of December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, except as disclosed above.

NOTE L — DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING

As a global supplier of office products and services we are exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and interest rates. Our foreign operations are typically, but not exclusively, conducted in the currency of the local environment. We are exposed to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate changes when we make purchases, sell products, or arrange financings that are denominated in a currency different from the entity’s functional currency. Depending on the settlement timeframe and other factors, we may enter into foreign currency derivative transactions to mitigate those risks. We may designate and account for such qualifying arrangements as hedges. Gains and losses on these cash flow hedging transactions are deferred in OCI and recognized in earnings in the same period as the hedged item. Transactions that are not designated as cash flow hedges are marked to market at each period with changes in value included in earnings. Historically, we have not entered into transactions to hedge our net investment in foreign operations but may in future periods.

We also are exposed to the risk of changing fuel prices from inbound and outbound transportation arrangements. The structure of many of these transportation arrangements, however, precludes applying hedge accounting. In those circumstances, we may enter into derivative transactions to offset the risk of commodity price changes, and the value of the derivative contract is marked to market at each reporting period with changes recognized in earnings. To the extent fuel arrangements qualify for hedge accounting, gains and losses are deferred in OCI until such time as the hedged item impacts earnings. At the end of the 2010, the company had entered into contracts for approximately 9.6 million gallons of fuel that will be settled monthly through December 2011.

Interest rate changes on our obligations may result from external market factors, as well as changes in our credit rating. We manage our exposure to interest rate risks at the corporate level. Interest rate sensitive assets and liabilities are monitored and assessed for market risk. Currently, no interest rate related derivative arrangements are in place. At December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, OCI included the deferred gain from a hedge contract terminated in a prior period. This deferral is being amortized to interest expense through 2013.

In certain markets, we may contract with third parties for our future energy needs. Such arrangements are not considered derivatives because they are within the ordinary course of business and are for physical delivery. Accordingly, these arrangements are not included in the tables below.

Financial instruments authorized under the company’s established risk management policy include spot trades, swaps, options, caps, collars, forwards and futures. Use of derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes is expressly prohibited.

 

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The following tables provide information on our hedging and derivative positions and activity.

 

Fair value of derivative instruments  
(Dollars in thousands)   

Balance sheet location

   2010      2009  

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

   Other current liabilities      317         266   

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

        

Foreign exchange contracts

   Other current liabilities      117           
                    

Total Liabilities

        434         266   
                    

Commodity contracts — fuel

   Other current assets      253           
                    

Total assets

      $     253       $       —   
                    

 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments    Location of gain/(loss) recognized in earnings    Amount of gain/
(loss) recognized
in earnings
 
(Dollars in thousands)         2010     2009  

Commodity contracts — fuel

   Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs & Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses*    $ 253      $ 111   

Foreign exchange contracts

   Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs      (117     (7,707
           

Total

      $ 136      $ (7,596
           

 

Derivatives designated as cash flow
hedges:
   Amount of
gain/(loss) recognized
in OCI
     Location of gain/(loss) reclassified
from OCI into earnings
   Amount of gain/(loss)
reclassified from OCI
into earnings
 
(Dollars in thousands)    2010      2009           2010      2009  

Commodity contracts — fuel

   $ —         $ 2,919       Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs & Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses*    $ —         $ (6,800)   

Foreign exchange contracts

     (1,982)           (266)       Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs      (2,229)           
                    

Total

   $ (1,982)         $ 2,653          $ (2,229)       $ (6,800)   
                    

 

*

Approximately 60% of the amounts for 2010 and 2009 are reflected in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs. The remaining 40% of the amounts are reflected in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses.

As of March 26, 2011, there were no hedging arrangements requiring collateral. However, we may be required to provide collateral on certain arrangements in the future. The fair values of our foreign currency contracts and fuel contracts are the amounts receivable or payable to terminate the agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current exchange rates. The values are based on market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

NOTE M — CAPITAL STOCK

Preferred Stock

As of December 25, 2010, there were 1,000,000 shares of $0.01 par value preferred stock authorized of which none were issued or outstanding.

 

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Treasury Stock

During 2008, the company retired approximately 150 million shares of treasury stock. The par value of the retired shares was charged against common stock, and the excess of purchase price over par value was allocated between additional paid-in capital and retained earnings using a pro rata method. The impact of this transaction on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was to reduce common stock, additional paid-in capital, retained earnings and treasury stock by approximately $1.5 million, $626.9 million, $2,298.6 million and $2,927.0 million, respectively. Approximately 6 million shares of treasury stock remain after this cancellation.

Common stock repurchases are currently prohibited under our asset based credit facility and, in certain circumstances, require prior approval under our Preferred Stock agreements.

NOTE N — EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table presents the calculation of net earnings (loss) per common share — basic and diluted:

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)    2010     2009     2008  

Basic Earnings Per Share

      

Numerator:

      

Net loss attributable to common shareholders

   $ (81,736   $ (626,971   $ (1,478,938

Denominator:

      

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     275,557        272,828        272,776   

Basic earnings (loss) per share

   $ (0.30   $ (2.30   $ (5.42
   

Diluted Earnings Per Share

      

Numerator:

      

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

   $ (44,623   $ (596,465   $ (1,478,938

Denominator:

      

Weighted-average shares outstanding

     275,557        272,828        272,776   

Effect of dilutive securities:

      

Stock options and restricted stock

     7,060        3,836        289   

Redeemable preferred stock

     73,676        36,418          
   

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

     356,293        313,082        273,065   

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

     N/A        N/A        N/A   
   

Awards of options and nonvested shares representing an additional 13.0 million, 14.7 million and 15.4 million shares of common stock were outstanding for the years ended December 25, 2010, December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, respectively, but were not included in the computation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding because their effect would have been antidilutive. Beginning in 2010, for weighted average share purposes, no tax benefits have been assumed in jurisdictions with valuation allowances. The diluted share amounts for 2010, 2009 and 2008 are provided for informational purposes, as the net loss for the periods causes basic earnings per share to be the most dilutive.

Following the company’s issuance of the redeemable preferred stock in 2009, basic earnings per share is computed after consideration of preferred stock dividends. The preferred stock has certain participation rights with common stock resulting in application of the two-class method for computing earnings per share. In periods of sufficient earnings, this method assumes an allocation of undistributed earnings to both participating stock classes.

The 2010 preferred stock dividends were paid in cash. Prior dividends were paid in-kind and a separate determination of fair value above the stated dividend rate was required for those periods. The valuation reduced basic earnings per share in the respective periods, but because the company reported losses, it was antidilutive in the diluted earnings per share calculation and therefore not applicable. Should the company pay dividends on preferred shares in-kind during future periods, the reported earnings per share attributable to preferred and common shareholders may be different.

 

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NOTE O — SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ON OPERATING, INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

Additional supplemental information related to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Cash interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)

   $ 62,352      $ 52,631      $ 55,208   

Cash taxes paid (refunded)

     (54,459     (28,320     18,848   

Non-cash asset additions under capital leases

     13,251        1,813        197,912   

Non-cash paid-in-kind dividends (see Note C)

            30,506          

NOTE P — SEGMENT INFORMATION

Office Depot operates in three segments: North American Retail Division, North American Business Solutions Division, and International Division. Each of these segments is managed separately primarily because it serves a different customer group. The accounting policies for each segment are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note A). Our measure of Division operating profit is based on the measure of performance reported internally to manage the business and for resource allocation. This measure allocates to the respective Divisions those general and administrative expenses considered directly or closely related to their operations. Remaining G&A expenses and Charges that are managed at the corporate level are not allocated to the Divisions for measurement of Division operating profit. See Note D for discussion of Charges. Other companies may charge more or less of these items to their segments and our results may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other entities.

The following is a summary of our significant accounts and balances by segment, reconciled to our consolidated totals.

 

(Dollars in thousands)            North
American
Retail
Division
    North
American
Business
Solutions
Division
     International
Division
     Eliminations
and Other*
     Consolidated
Total
 

Sales

     2010       $ 4,962,838      $ 3,290,430       $ 3,379,826       $       $ 11,633,094   
     2009       $ 5,113,553      $ 3,483,724       $ 3,547,190       $       $ 12,144,467   
     2008         6,112,335        4,142,146         4,241,063                 14,495,544   
   

Division operating profit (loss)

     2010       $ 127,504      $ 96,474       $ 110,781       $       $ 334,759   
     2009       $ 105,542      $ 98,163       $ 119,604       $       $ 323,309   
     2008         (29,221     119,766         157,232                 247,777   
   

Capital expenditures

     2010       $ 67,172      $ 38,588       $ 27,637       $ 36,055       $ 169,452   
     2009       $ 40,600      $ 21,145       $ 20,281       $ 48,821       $ 130,847   
     2008         103,973        9,215         77,859         139,028         330,075   
   

Depreciation and amortization

     2010       $ 86,657      $ 15,005       $ 24,712       $ 81,945       $ 208,319   
     2009       $ 90,973      $ 15,471       $ 29,032       $ 88,639       $ 224,115   
     2008         126,212        19,745         30,744         77,398         254,099   
   

Charges for losses on receivables and inventories

     2010       $ 37,681      $ 8,463       $ 11,680       $       $ 57,824   
     2009       $ 41,740      $ 16,932       $ 21,506       $       $ 80,178   
     2008         80,354        36,471         23,233                 140,058   
   

Net earnings from equity

method investments

     2010       $      $       $ 30,635       $       $ 30,635   
     2009       $      $       $ 30,579       $       $ 30,579   
     2008                        37,113                 37,113   
   

Assets (Restated)

     2010       $ 1,604,274      $ 663,049       $ 1,425,855       $ 876,259       $ 4,569,437   
     2009       $ 1,619,854      $ 726,296       $ 1,493,985       $ 1,050,211       $ 4,890,346   
   

 

*

Amounts included in “Eliminations and Other” consist of assets (including all cash and equivalents) and depreciation related to corporate activities.

 

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A reconciliation of the measure of Division operating profit to consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income taxes follows.

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010     2009     2008  

Division operating profit

   $ 334,759      $ 323,309      $ 247,777   

(Add)/subtract:

      

Charges (see Note D)

            253,383        1,468,684   

Unallocated general, administrative and corporate expenses (excluding Charges)

     372,050        334,931        324,134   

Interest expense

     58,498        65,628        68,286   

Interest income

     (4,663     (2,396     (10,013

Miscellaneous income, net

     (34,451     (17,085     (23,666
   

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

   $ (56,675   $ (311,152   $ (1,579,648
   

As of December 25, 2010, we sold to customers in 53 countries throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. We operate wholly-owned entities, majority-owned entities or participate in other ventures covering 41 countries and have alliances in an additional 12 countries. There is no single country outside of the United States in which we generate 10% or more of our total revenues. Geographic financial information relating to our business is as follows (in thousands).

 

     Sales            Property and Equipment  
     2010      2009      2008            2010      2009  

United States

   $ 8,189,642       $ 8,476,404       $ 10,083,984         $ 980,426       $ 1,059,236   

International

     3,443,452         3,668,063         4,411,560           176,587         218,419   
              

Total

   $ 11,633,094       $ 12,144,467       $ 14,495,544         $ 1,157,013       $ 1,277,655   
              

NOTE Q — DISPOSITIONS AND ACQUISITIONS

In December 2010, the company sold the stock of its operating entities in Israel and Japan and entered into licensing agreements with the respective buyers of those companies. A loss on disposition of approximately $11 million has been reflected in the operating income of the International Division and included in store and warehouse operating and selling expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Additionally in December 2010, the company entered into an amended shareholders’ agreement related to its venture in India such that financial and operating policies are now shared and equity capital balances are equal. The revenues and expenses of these entities have been included through the date of sale or deconsolidation in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and the assets and liabilities of each of these entities have been removed from the year end Consolidated Balance Sheet. The investment in India will now be accounted for under the equity method, with our share of results being presented in Miscellaneous income, net in future periods.

During 2010, the company acquired the remaining noncontrolling interests of an entity operating in Sweden. During 2008, the company acquired a majority interest in that entity, as well as remaining noncontrolling interest shares of our joint ventures in Israel and China.

NOTE R — INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE

Since 1994, we have participated in a joint venture in Latin America, Office Depot de Mexico. Because we participate equally in this business with a partner, we account for this investment using the equity method. Our proportionate share of Office Depot de Mexico’s net income or loss is presented in miscellaneous income, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During the first quarter of 2009, we received a $13.9 million dividend from this venture. Our investment balance at year end 2010 and 2009 of $205.8 million and $168.6

 

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million, respectively, is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The following tables provide summarized unaudited information from the balance sheet and statement of earnings for Office Depot de Mexico:

 

(Dollars in thousands)    2010      2009      2008  

Statement of earnings:

        

Sales

   $ 961,616       $ 825,603       $ 952,566   

Gross profit

     283,189         243,957         278,764   

Net income

     61,269         61,159         74,226   

 

(Dollars in thousands)    December 31, 2010      December 31, 2009  

Balance Sheet:

     

Current assets

   $ 328,854       $ 219,030   

Non-current assets

     289,200         260,074   

Current liabilities

     202,834         141,944   

Non-current liabilities

     3,667           

NOTE S — QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands, except per share amounts)    First Quarter      Second Quarter(1)     Third Quarter(2)      Fourth Quarter(3)  

Fiscal Year Ended December 25, 2010

          

Net sales

   $ 3,071,970       $ 2,699,475      $ 2,899,717       $ 2,961,932   

Gross profit

     913,731         766,688        829,183         847,535   

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc., as previously reported

     29,468         (9,485     63,497         (48,588

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Office Depot, Inc., restated (4)

        (15,934     41,254         (99,411

Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders, as previously reported

     19,993         (18,698     54,287         (57,803

Net earnings (loss) available to common shareholders, restated (4)

        (25,147     32,044         (108,626

Net loss per share*:

          

Basic, as previously reported (4)

   $ 0.07       $ (0.07   $ 0.18       $ (0.21

Basic, restated

      $ (0.09   $ 0.12       $ (0.39

Diluted, as previously reported (4)

   $ 0.07       $ (0.07   $ 0.18       $ (0.21

Diluted, restated

      $ (0.09   $ 0.12       $ (0.39

 

*

Due to rounding, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the reported earnings per share for the year.

 

(1)

Net loss for the quarter includes approximately $13 million discrete tax benefits from the release of a valuation allowance in Europe and a favorable settlement with certain taxing authorities.

 

(2)

Net earnings for the quarter includes approximately $32 million of discrete tax benefits from the settlement of certain tax positions relating to open years as well as approximately $13 million of related interest benefits.

 

(3)

Net loss for the quarter includes approximately $12 million related to pre-tax charges for severance and facility closures, $11 million loss on the sale of operating entities, $51 million from software write off, and $13 million severance and related costs for departing executive officer.

 

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(4)

See Note B for more information. Concurrent with the Form 10-K/A, the company will file amended Forms 10-Q for the second and third quarters of 2010.

 

      First Quarter     Second Quarter     Third Quarter(1)     Fourth Quarter(2)  

Fiscal Year Ended December 26, 2009

        

Net sales

   $ 3,225,264      $ 2,824,141      $ 3,029,207      $ 3,065,855   

Gross profit

     910,262        764,048        860,123        857,751   

Net loss attributable to Office Depot, Inc.

     (54,739     (82,072     (398,034     (61,620

Net loss available to common shareholders

     (54,739     (82,558     (412,965     (76,709

Net loss per share*:

        

Basic

   $ (0.20   $ (0.31   $ (1.51   $ (0.28

Diluted

     (0.20     (0.31     (1.51     (0.28

 

*

Due to rounding, the sum of the quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the reported earnings per share for the year.

 

(1)

Net loss for the quarter includes a charge of approximately $322 million to establish valuation allowances on certain deferred tax assets. For additional information see Note H.

 

(2)

Net loss for the quarter includes pretax Charges of approximately $58 million (aggregate of $253 million through the four quarters of 2009). For additional information on the Charges, see Note D.

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Office Depot, Inc.:

We have audited the financial statements of Office Depot, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 25, 2010 and December 26, 2009, and for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended December 25, 2010, and have issued our report thereon dated February 22, 2011, April 6, 2011, as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note B (which report expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory paragraph relating to the restatement discussed in Note B), and our report relating to the effectiveness of Office Depot, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 25, 2010 dated February 22, 2011, April 6, 2011, as to the effects of the material weakness identified in our report (which report expresses an adverse opinion on internal control over financial reporting); such consolidated financial statements and reports are included elsewhere in this Form 10-K/A. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement schedule of the Company listed in the accompanying index at Item 15(a)(2). This financial statement schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statement schedules, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Certified Public Accountants

Boca Raton, Florida

February 22, 2011 (April 6, 2011 as to the effects of the restatement discussed in Note B)

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

     Page  

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

     70   

All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere herein.

 

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SCHEDULE II

OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(In thousands)

 

Column A

   Column B      Column C      Column D      Column E  
Description    Balance at
Beginning
of Period
     Additions—
Charged to
Expense
     Deductions—
Write-offs,
Payments and
Other
Adjustments
     Balance at End
of Period
 

Allowance for doubtful accounts:

           

  2010

   $ 32,802         10,954         15,709         28,047   

  2009

   $ 45,990         22,020         35,208         32,802   

  2008

   $ 46,316         33,736         34,062         45,990   

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS FOR OFFICE DEPOT 10-K/A

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit

23    Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1    Certification of CEO required by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
31.2    Certification of CFO required by Securities and Exchange Commission Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a)
32    Certification of CEO and CFO Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
(101.INS)    XBRL Instance Document
(101.SCH)    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
(101.CAL)    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
(101.DEF)    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
(101.LAB)    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
(101.PRE)    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

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