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marketwire

The Jean Coutu Group-Third Quarter Results

Reports Third Quarter Earnings Before Specific Items and Share of Rite Aid's Loss of $0.15 per share

  • Press Release
  • Source: The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.
  • On 7:00 am EST, Thursday January 8, 2009

LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 8, 2009 -- The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. (Toronto:PJC-A.TO - News) (the "Company" or the "Jean Coutu Group") today reported its financial results for the third quarter and fiscal period ended November 29, 2008.

 

                               SUMMARY OF RESULTS
  (Unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars except per share amounts)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                               Comparable
                                               Year-to-date        period
                      Q3-2009     Q2-2008 (1)   Fiscal 2009  2007-2008 (2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Revenues
  Canada                620.3          583.0        1,762.1       1,671.7
  United States             -              -              -       2,708.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        620.3          583.0        1,762.1       4,380.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income
 before amortization
 ("OIBA")
  Canada                 60.1           59.0          171.3         168.8
  United States             -              -              -          63.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         60.1           59.0          171.3         232.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share of loss of Rite
 Aid Corporation         73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2

Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
  Per share             (1.66)          0.04          (1.87)         0.04

Earnings before
 specific items and
 share of Rite
 Aid's loss              36.7           41.5          104.1          99.8
  Per share              0.15           0.16           0.43          0.38

(1) The comparative figures used for the third quarter fiscal 2009 results
    for the period ended November 29, 2008 are from the comparable 13-week
    period ended December 1, 2007, which represented the second quarter of
    fiscal 2008.

(2) The comparative figures used for the fiscal period results ended
    November 29, 2008 are from the comparable 39-week period ended
    December 1, 2007, which included the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007
    and the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Related Quotes

SymbolPriceChange
PJC-A.TO8.93+0.05
Chart for JEAN COUTU GROUP CLASS'A'SUB VT
{"s" : "pjc-a.to","k" : "c10,l10,p20,t10","o" : "","j" : ""}

HIGHLIGHTS

- Revenues of the Canadian operations increased by 6.4% to $620.3 million over the comparable 13-week period, which was the second quarter of fiscal 2008 due to the change in the fiscal year-end date.

- OIBA amounted to $60.1 million, an increase of almost 2% despite generic drug price reductions and the decrease in the average wholesaler margin for prescription drug distribution from 6.33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to 6% in the current quarter.

- The Company recorded its share of Rite Aid's loss during the third quarter of fiscal 2009, which amounted to $73.9 million ($0.30 per Jean Coutu Group share). The Company has also recorded a preliminary provision of $357.8 million against the carrying value of its investment in Rite Aid ($1.49 per Jean Coutu Group share).

- During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company purchased 6.1 million Class A subordinate voting shares at an average price of $7.32 per share for a total amount of $44.7 million under a Normal Course Issuer Bid. These shares were cancelled as of November 29, 2008.

Financial results

"Our Canadian network performance during the third quarter was satisfactory. We pursued our growth objective and continued to invest in the PJC drugstore network. We are on our way to achieving significant growth in network selling square footage in fiscal 2009 and increase our leadership in our markets" said Francois J. Coutu, President and Chief Executive Officer. "As required by accounting standards, the Company has recorded in the third quarter a preliminary provision against the carrying value of its investment in Rite Aid following the decline in the trading value of its common share for an extended period. Rite Aid's recently published financial results indicate however an increase of its adjusted EBITDA as well as improved cost controls."

Presentation of financial statements

The fiscal year ended March 1, 2008 exceptionally contained 38 weeks and 5 days due to the Company's change in fiscal year end. The discussion that follows provides an analysis of the consolidated operating results based on periods in order to provide meaningful analysis for readers. The comparative figures used for discussion and analysis of the Company's third quarter fiscal 2009 ("Q3-2009") results for the period ended November 29, 2008 are from the comparable 13-week period ended December 1, 2007, which was the second quarter of fiscal 2008 ("Q2-2008"). The comparable 39-week period is composed of figures from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and the first and second quarters of fiscal 2008.

Net loss

For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the net loss amounted to $399.2 million ($1.66 per share) compared with net earnings of $9.5 million ($0.04 per share) for the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The 39-week period net loss amounted to $458.5 million ($1.87 per share) compared with net earnings of $11.4 million ($0.04 per share) for the comparable period. The third quarter's net loss is primarily due to the preliminary provision of $357.8 million related to the investment in Rite Aid. As mentioned in previous interim financial reports, the Company reassessed its position regarding the possible impairment of its Rite Aid investment as required by accounting standards. As a result of the deterioration of the economic environment in the United States, combined with the severity of the decline in the trading value of Rite Aid common shares for an extended period, the Company anticipates performing, during the fourth quarter, a comprehensive analysis related to its investment in Rite Aid. During this third quarter, the Company has recorded a preliminary provision of $357.8 million ($1.49 per share) against the carrying value of its investment. The Company used the discounted future cash flow method in order to estimate the preliminary fair value of its investment. The determination of the ultimate impairment charge, which could be materially different from the provision described above, and the adjustment to the preliminary provision, will be done in the fourth quarter.

Operating income slightly decreased by 0.6% to $53.9 million compared with $54.2 million during the comparable 13-week period. Some elements had an impact on the operating income as opposed to last year's comparable period. The increase in sales and the operations of the Company's subsidiary Pro Doc Ltd had a favourable impact on the operating income. On the other hand, the generic drug price reductions and the decrease in the average wholesaler margin for prescription drug distribution from 6.33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to 6% in the current quarter had a negative impact on the operating income. In addition, there has been an increase in the amortization on incentives paid to franchisees following higher incentive payments that occurred during the 39-week period ended November 29, 2008.

In fiscal 2009, the Company changed its method of invoicing certain vendor revenues from a method mainly based on expense reimbursement to one based on volumes purchased Consequently, these revenues are now recorded as a reduction of the cost of goods sold account. In fiscal 2008, vendor revenues and expenses related thereto were recorded on a net basis in general and operating expenses, with the excess allocated to the cost of goods sold account.

The Company recorded its share of Rite Aid's results during the third quarter of fiscal 2009. The share of Rite Aid's loss in the Company's third quarter fiscal 2009 earnings amounted to $73.9 million ($73.9 million or $0.30 after-tax per Jean Coutu Group share) compared with $31.6 million ($26.1 million or $0.10 after-tax per Jean Coutu Group share) during the comparable period last fiscal year.

Earnings before specific items and the share of Rite Aid's loss amounted to $36.7 million ($0.15 per share) during the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with $41.5 million ($0.16 per share) for the fiscal quarter ended December 1, 2007. Earnings before specific items and the share of Rite Aid's loss amounted to $104.1 million ($0.43 per share) during the first nine months of fiscal 2009 compared with $99.8 million ($0.38 per share) for the comparable period.

Canadian Operations

Retail sales

Retail sales growth percentages quoted herein are based on comparable periods.

During the third quarter, the Company's Canadian franchise network showed a 5.0% increase in total retail sales compared with last year's comparable period. Network retail sales were up 3.2%, pharmacy sales gained 4.5% and front-end sales increased 1.6% year-over-year in terms of comparable stores. Retail sales for the period amounted to $850.0 million.

For the 39-week period, on a same-store basis, total PJC network retail sales increased 3.7%, pharmaceutical sales gained 5.6% and front-end sales increased 0.5% compared with last year.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
RETAIL SALES GROWTH                                            Comparable
                                               Year-to-date        period
(Unaudited)           Q3-2009        Q2-2008    Fiscal 2009     2007-2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

CANADA (1)
Total sales growth
Total                     5.0%           6.8%           5.0%          7.0%
Pharmacy                  6.5%           9.8%           6.9%          9.2%
Front-end                 3.1%           1.1%           1.8%          3.4%
Same store sales growth
Total                     3.2%           6.1%           3.7%          6.5%
Pharmacy                  4.5%           9.5%           5.6%          8.9%
Front-end                 1.6%           0.0%           0.5%          2.5%

(1) Franchised outlets' retail sales are not included in the Company's
    consolidated financial statements.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Distribution center sales

Canadian operations distribution center sales amounted to $562.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with $526.6 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 1, 2007, an increase of 6.7%.

OIBA

OIBA for Canadian operations amounted to $60.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2009 compared with $59.0 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2008, an increase of almost 2% despite generic drug price reductions and the decrease in the average wholesaler margin for prescription drug distribution from 6.33% in the second quarter of fiscal 2008 to 6% in the current quarter. The increase in OIBA is mostly attributable to the increase in revenues. OIBA as a percentage of revenues for Canadian operations ended the third quarter at 9.7% compared to 10.1% during the second quarter of fiscal 2008.

OIBA as a percentage of revenues for Canadian operations ended the 39-week period at 9.7% compared with 10.1% for the comparable period.

Store network development

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, there were 11 store openings including one new store, 4 acquisitions and 6 relocations. As of November 29, 2008, there were 348 stores in the PJC Jean Coutu drugstore network.

Asset Backed Commercial Paper ("ABCP")

In light of the updated information available during the three month period ended November 29, 2008, changes in the credit market conditions and a review of the valuation assumptions taking into account new information, the Company reassessed the fair value of its investments in ABCP.

The discounted cash flows resulted in an estimated fair value of the investment in ABCP of $25.2 million as at November 29, 2008, resulting in an additional loss in value of $3.6 million ($3.7 million for comparable periods) for the 13- and 39-week periods ended on that date. The total loss in value with respect to ABCP recorded is $10.7 million (of which $7.1 million was recorded during the fiscal year ended March 1, 2008), representing approximately 30% of the nominal amount.

Normal Course Issuer Bid

On July 8, 2008, the Company announced its intention to purchase for cancellation up to 12,311,000 of its outstanding Class A subordinate voting shares, representing approximately 10% of the current public float of such shares, over a 12-month period ending no later than July 10, 2009.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company purchased 6,099,044 Class A subordinate voting shares at an average price of $7.32 per share for a total amount of $44.7 million. For the 39-week period ended November 29, 2008, the Company purchased 12,311,000 Class A subordinate voting shares at an average price of $7.42 per share for a total amount of $91.4 million and therefore completed the purchase planned for the 12 month period ending July 10, 2009. These shares were cancelled as of November 29, 2008. During fiscal 2008, the Company purchased 13,672,800 Class A subordinate voting shares at an average price of $12.93 per share pursuant to a Normal Course Issuer Bid.

The Company has determined that the purchase of its Class A shares allows it to optimize its capital structure and create long-term value for shareholders.

Dividend

The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.04 per share payable on February 6, 2009 to all holders of Class A shares and holders of Class B shares listed in the Company's shareholder ledger as at January 23, 2009.

Outlook

With operations in Canada and financial flexibility, the Company is well positioned to capitalize on the growth in the drugstore retailing industry. Demographic trends are expected to contribute to growth in the consumption of prescription drugs, and to the increased use of pharmaceuticals as the primary intervention in individual healthcare. Management believes that these trends will continue despite the current economic slowdown, and that the Company will grow its revenues through differentiation and quality of offering and service levels in its Canadian drugstore network, which it operates with a focus on sales growth, its real estate program and operating efficiency.

Conference call

Financial analysts are invited to attend the third quarter results conference call to be held on January 8, 2009, at 9:00 AM (ET). The toll free call-in number is 1-888-789-9572 - access code 3273575 followed by pound sign (#). Media and other interested individuals are invited to listen to the live or deferred broadcast on The Jean Coutu Group corporate website at www.jeancoutu.com. A full replay will also be available by dialling 1-800-408-3053 - access code 3273575 followed by pound sign (#) until February 8, 2009.

Supporting documentation (Management's discussion and analysis and investor presentation) is available at www.jeancoutu.com using the investors' link. Readers may also access additional information and filings related to the Company using the following link to the www.sedar.com website.

About The Jean Coutu Group

The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. operates a network of 348 franchised drugstores in Canada located in the provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Ontario (under the banners of PJC Jean Coutu, PJC Clinique and PJC Sante Beaute) and employs more than 16,000 people. The Jean Coutu Group is one of the most trusted names in Canadian pharmacy retailing. The Company holds a significant interest in Rite Aid Corporation, one of the United States' leading drugstore chains with more than 4,900 drugstores in 31 states and the District of Columbia.

This press release contains forward-looking statements, that involve risks and uncertainties, and which are based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions and were made by The Jean Coutu Group in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends. All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including statements about the Company's strategy for growth, costs, operating or financial results, are forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, including, statements regarding the prospects of the Company's industry and the Company's prospects, plans, financial position and business strategy, may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Canadian securities legislation and regulations. Some of the forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "project", "could", "anticipate," "plan," "foresee," "believe" or "continue" or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Although The Jean Coutu Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements do not reflect the potential impact of any non-recurring items or of any mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, asset write-downs or other transactions or charges that may be announced or that may occur after the date hereof. While the below list of cautionary statements is not exhaustive, some important factors that could affect our future operating results, financial position and cash flows and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements are the investment in Rite Aid, general economic, financial or market conditions, the investment in ABCP, the cyclical and seasonal variations in the industry in which we operate, the changes in the regulatory environment as it relates to the sale of prescription drug, the ability to attract and retain pharmacists, the intensity of competitive activity in the industry in which we operate, certain property and casualty risks, risks in connection with third party service providers, technological changes that affect demand for our products and services, labour disruptions, including possibly strikes and labour protests, changes in laws and regulations, or in their interpretations, changes in tax regulations and accounting pronouncements, the success of the Company's business model, the supplier and brand reputations and the accuracy of management's assumptions and other factors that are beyond our control.

These and other factors could cause our actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Investors and others are cautioned that undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. For more information on the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that would cause the Company's actual results to differ from current expectations, please also refer to the Company's public filings available at www.sedar.com and www.jeancoutu.com. In particular, further details and descriptions of these and other factors are disclosed in the Company's Annual Information Form under "Risk Factors" and in the "Risks and Uncertainties" section of the Management's Discussion & Analysis. We expressly disclaim any obligation or intention to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by the applicable securities laws.

This press release also contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Such information is reconciled to the most directly comparable financial measures, as set forth in the Management's Discussion & Analysis, included in the Company's Third Quarter Report to Shareholders.

 

THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

Consolidated statements
 of earnings                        13 weeks                     39 weeks
For the periods ended
 November 29, 2008 and
 December 1, 2007        2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited, in millions
 of Canadian dollars,
 unless otherwise noted)    $              $              $             $


Sales                   562.1          526.6        1,588.7       4,210.7
Other revenues           58.2           56.4          173.4         169.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        620.3          583.0        1,762.1       4,380.6
Operating expenses
  Cost of goods sold    512.5          477.7         1449.4       3,377.0
  General and operating
   expenses              50.0           47.2          146.4         745.1
  Restructuring charges     -              -              -          29.3
  Amortization            3.9            3.9           11.9          11.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        566.4          528.8        1,607.7       4,162.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income         53.9           54.2          154.4         217.7
Financing expenses        5.1            0.3            7.9          75.9
Adjustment to gain
 (gain) on sale of the
 retail sales segment       -            3.5              -        (140.4)
Loss on early debt
 retirement                 -              -              -         178.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings before the
 following items         48.8           50.4          146.5         103.3
Share of loss from
 investments subject
 to significant
 influence               73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2
Allowance for loss
 in value of an
 investment
 subject to
 significant influence  357.8              -          357.8             -
Income taxes             16.3            9.3           46.8          30.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings (loss) per
 share, in dollars
  Basic                 (1.66)          0.04          (1.87)         0.04
  Diluted               (1.66)          0.04          (1.87)         0.04
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Consolidated
 statements of
 comprehensive income
                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
For the periods ended
 November 29, 2008 and
 December 1, 2007        2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited, in millions
 of Canadian dollars)       $              $              $             $

Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
Other comprehensive
 income (loss)
  Foreign currency
   translation
   adjustments          173.9          (80.9)         258.2          (3.6)
  Income taxes on
   the above item           -           14.1              -          15.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        173.9          (66.8)         258.2          11.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income
 (loss)                (225.3)         (57.3)        (200.3)         22.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------



THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

Consolidated statements
 of changes in
 shareholders' equity
                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
For the periods ended
 November 29, 2008 and
 December 1, 2007        2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited, in millions
 of Canadian dollars)       $              $              $             $

Capital stock,
 beginning of period    681.5          789.6          715.4         789.5
  Redemption of capital
   stock                (33.4)         (59.4)         (67.3)        (59.6)
  Options exercised         -            0.3              -           0.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital stock, end
 of period              648.1          730.5          648.1         730.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contributed surplus,
 beginning of period     22.3            6.7           16.7           4.5
  Stock-based
   compensation cost      0.3              -            0.8           2.2
  Stock-based
   compensation from
   investment subject
   to significant
   influence - Rite Aid   3.6            8.6            8.7           8.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributed surplus,
 end of period           26.2           15.3           26.2          15.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Retained earnings,
 beginning of period    839.1        1,312.6          930.8       1,333.9
  Impact of the adoption
   of new accounting
   standards                -              -              -          (4.5)
  Net earnings (loss)  (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        439.9        1,322.1          472.3       1,340.8
  Dividends              (9.7)         (10.3)         (29.3)        (28.5)
  Excess of purchase
   price over carrying
   value of Class A
   subordinate voting
   shares acquired      (11.3)         (86.2)         (24.1)        (86.7)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained earnings,
 end of period          418.9        1,225.6          418.9       1,225.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Accumulated other
 comprehensive income
 (loss), beginning of
 period                 (94.5)         (99.4)        (178.8)       (177.7)
  Foreign currency
   translation
   adjustments, net of
   income taxes         173.9          (66.8)         258.2          11.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other
 comprehensive income
 (loss), end of period   79.4         (166.2)          79.4        (166.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders'
 equity               1,172.6        1,805.2        1,172.6       1,805.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

                                                      As at         As at
                                                November 29,      March 1,
Consolidated balance sheets                            2008          2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in millions of Canadian dollars)                         $             $
                                                 (unaudited)     (audited)

Assets
Current assets
  Accounts receivable                                 201.0         167.9
  Inventories                                         165.4         154.7
  Prepaid expenses                                      5.4           5.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      371.8         327.8
Investments                                           856.6       1,143.2
Capital assets                                        361.6         329.3
Goodwill                                               35.7          35.3
Other long-term assets                                142.2         113.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1,767.9       1,949.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Liabilities
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities            233.9         201.7
  Income taxes payable                                 39.2          62.9
  Current portion of long-term debt                     3.2           2.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      276.3         266.6
Long-term debt                                        290.2         169.5
Other long-term liabilities                            28.8          29.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      595.3         465.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shareholders' equity
  Capital stock                                       648.1         715.4
  Contributed surplus                                  26.2          16.7

  Retained earnings                                   418.9         930.8
  Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)        79.4        (178.8)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      498.3         752.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1,172.6       1,484.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1,767.9       1,949.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

Consolidated statements
 of cash flows                      13 weeks                     39 weeks
For the periods ended
 November 29, 2008 and
 December 1, 2007        2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(unaudited, in millions
 of Canadian dollars)       $              $              $             $

Operating activities
Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
Items not affecting
 cash
  Amortization            6.2            4.8           16.9          18.1
  Adjustment to gain
   (gain) on sale of
   the retail sales
   segment                  -            3.5              -        (140.4)
  Write-off of
   deferred financing
   fees                     -              -              -          67.9
  Change in fair value
   of third party
  asset-backed
  commercial paper        3.6            3.7            3.6           3.7
  Share of loss from
   investments subject
   to significant
   influence             73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2
  Allowance for loss
   in value of an
   investment subject
   to significant
   influence            357.8              -          357.8             -
  Future income taxes     2.5           (0.2)           7.2         (37.2)
  Other                   0.9           (3.2)           0.6          12.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         45.7           49.7          128.0          (2.7)
Net changes in
 non-cash asset and
 liability items         22.8            4.9          (35.8)         48.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow provided by
 operating activities    68.5           54.6           92.2          45.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investing activities
  Proceeds of disposal
   from the retail
   sales segment            -          (46.1)             -       2,404.0
  Investments            (2.8)          (5.6)          (3.6)        (41.0)
  Purchase of capital
   assets               (19.6)          (7.1)         (41.0)        (32.7)
  Proceeds from
   disposal of capital
   assets                 0.5              -            0.8           6.7
  Other long-term
   assets               (13.5)          (2.1)         (48.8)         (2.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow provided by
 (used in) investing
 activities             (35.4)         (60.9)         (92.6)      2,334.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Financing activities
  Net change in
   revolving credit
   facility, net of
   costs                 21.4          154.2          121.4         154.1
  Repayment of
   long-term debt        (0.1)          (0.1)          (0.3)     (2,381.1)
  Issuance of capital
   stock                    -            0.3              -           0.7
  Redemption of
   capital stock        (44.7)        (146.3)         (91.4)       (146.3)
  Dividends              (9.7)         (10.3)         (29.3)        (28.5)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow provided by
 (used in) financing
 activities             (33.1)          (2.2)           0.4      (2,401.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of foreign
 exchange rate changes
 on cash and cash
 equivalents                -           (0.1)             -        (114.6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Decrease in cash and
 cash equivalents           -           (8.6)             -        (135.8)
Cash and cash
 equivalents, beginning
 of period                  -            8.6              -         135.8
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and cash
 equivalents, end of
 period                     -              -              -             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------



THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

Consolidated segmented information
For the periods ended November 29, 2008 and December 1, 2007
(unaudited, in millions of Canadian dollars)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company has two reportable segments: franchising and retail sales. Within the franchising segment, the Company carries on the franchising activity of the "PJC Jean Coutu" banner, operates two distribution centres and coordinates several other services for the benefit of its franchisees. During the fiscal year 2007, the Company also operated in the retail sales segment through outlets selling pharmaceutical and other products under the "Brooks" and "Eckerd" banners. On June 4, 2007, the Company sold its interest in the "Brooks" and "Eckerd" outlets for cash and an equity interest in Rite Aid Corporation ("Rite Aid"). As a result, the Company's retail sales segment is represented by the investment in Rite Aid.

The Company analyzes the performance of its operating segments based on their operating income before amortization, which is not a measure of performance under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, management uses this performance measure for assessing the operating performance of its reportable segments.

Segmented information is summarized as follows:

 

                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $

Revenues (1)
  Franchising           620.3          583.0        1,762.1       1,671.7
  Retail sales              -              -              -       2,708.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        620.3          583.0        1,762.1       4,380.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income
 before amortization
  Franchising            60.1           59.0          171.3         168.8
  Retail sales              -              -              -          63.4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         60.1           59.0          171.3         232.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amortization
  Franchising (2)         6.2            4.8           16.9          14.5
  Retail sales              -              -              -          82.2
  Reversal of
   amortization of the
   retail sales segment
   in consolidation (3)     -              -              -         (82.2)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          6.2            4.8           16.9          14.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income
  Franchising            53.9           54.2          154.4         154.3
  Retail sales              -              -              -         (18.8)
  Reversal of
   amortization of the
   retail sales segment
   in consolidation (3)     -              -              -          82.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         53.9           54.2          154.4         217.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Revenues include sales and other revenues.
(2) Including amortization of incentives paid to franchisees.
(3) For the period from August 23, 2006 to June 4, 2007, the Company ceased
    amortizing the assets related to its US operations since they were
    classified as assets held for sale.


                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $

Share of loss from
 investments subject to
 significant influence
Retail sales (1)         73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Allowance for loss in
 value of an investment
 subject to significant
 influence
Retail sales (1)        357.8              -          357.8             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        357.8              -          357.8             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Capital assets paid
  Franchising            19.6            7.1           41.0          20.5
  Retail sales              -              -              -          12.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         19.6            7.1           41.0          32.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


                                                      As at         As at
                                                November 29,      March 1,
                                                       2008          2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          $             $

Capital assets and goodwill
  Franchising                                         397.3         364.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      397.3         364.6
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total assets
  Franchising                                         966.9         860.0
  Retail sales (1)                                    801.0       1,089.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1,767.9       1,949.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company's revenues, capital assets and goodwill as well as total assets
for the geographic areas of Canada and the United States correspond to the
franchising and retail sales segments respectively.

(1) Represents the Company's equity investment in Rite Aid.


THE JEAN COUTU GROUP (PJC) INC.

Unaudited additional information
For the periods ended November 29, 2008 and December 1, 2007
(In millions of Canadian dollars except for margins)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $
Canada
  Sales                 562.1          526.6        1,588.7       1,505.4
  Cost of goods sold    512.5          477.7        1,449.4       1,369.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Gross profit           49.6           48.9          139.3         136.2
  As a % of sales         8.8%           9.3%           8.8%          9.0%
  Other revenues (1)     60.5           57.3          178.4         169.3
  General and operating
   expenses              50.0           47.2          146.4         136.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating income
   before amortization   60.1           59.0          171.3         168.8
  Amortization (1)        6.2            4.8           16.9          14.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Operating income       53.9           54.2          154.4         154.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Amortization of incentives paid to franchisees is presented in
    amortization instead of being applied against other revenues as in the
    consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP measures - Operating income before amortization ("OIBA") and OIBA before restructuring charges

OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges are not measures of performance under Canadian generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); however, management uses those performance measures in assessing the operating and financial performance of its reportable segments. Besides, we believe that OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges are additional measures used by investors to evaluate operating performance and capacity of a company to meet its financial obligations.

However, OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges are not and must not be used as alternatives to net earnings or cash flow generated by operating activities as defined by GAAP. OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges are not necessarily indications that cash flow will be sufficient to meet our financial obligations. Furthermore, our definitions of OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges may not be necessarily comparative to similar measures reported by other companies.

Net earnings (loss), which is a performance measure defined by GAAP, is reconciled hereunder with OIBA and OIBA before restructuring charges.

 

                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $

Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
Financing expenses        5.1            0.3            7.9          75.9
Adjustment to gain
 (gain) on sale of
 the retail sales
 segment                    -            3.5              -        (140.4)
Loss on early debt
 retirement                 -              -              -         178.9
Share of loss from
 investments subject
 to significant
 influence               73.9           31.6          200.4          61.2
Allowance for loss
 in value of an
 investment subject
 to significant
 influence              357.8              -          357.8             -
Income taxes             16.3            9.3           46.8          30.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income         53.9           54.2          154.4         217.7
Amortization per
 financial statements     3.9            3.9           11.9          11.5
Amortization of
 incentives paid to
 franchisees (1)          2.3            0.9            5.0           3.0
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating income
 before amortization
 ("OIBA")                60.1           59.0          171.3         232.2
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restructuring charges       -              -              -          29.3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
OIBA before
 restructuring charges   60.1           59.0          171.3         261.5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) Amortization of incentives paid to franchisees is applied against other
    revenues in the consolidated financial statements.

Non-GAAP measures - Earnings (loss) before specific items or earnings (loss) per share before specific items

Earnings (loss) before specific items and earnings (loss) per share before specific items are non-GAAP measures. The Company believes that it is useful for investors to be aware of significant items of an unusual or non recurring nature that have adversely or positively affected its GAAP measures, and that the above-mentioned non-GAAP measures provide investors with a measure of performance with which to compare its results between periods without regard to these items. The Company's measures excluding certain items have no standardized meaning prescribed by GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies and therefore should not be considered in isolation.

Net earnings (loss) are reconciled hereunder to earnings (loss) before specific items. All amounts are net of income taxes when applicable.

 

                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $

Net earnings (loss)    (399.2)           9.5         (458.5)         11.4
Restructuring charges       -              -              -          17.1
Reversal of
 amortization of the
 retail sales segment
 in consolidation           -              -              -         (47.9)
Unrealized foreign
 exchange losses on
 monetary items           0.6              -            0.8          10.3
Unrealized losses on
 derivative financial
 instruments                -              -              -           3.1
Adjustment to gain
 (gain) on sale of the
 retail sales segment       -            2.9              -         (73.1)
Loss on early debt
 retirement                 -              -              -         125.0
Change in fair value
 of third party
 asset-backed
 commercial paper         3.6            3.0            3.6           3.0
Allowance for loss
 in value of an
 investment subject
 to significant
 influence              357.8              -          357.8             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss)
 before specific items  (37.2)          15.4          (96.3)         48.9
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net earnings (loss) per share are reconciled hereunder to earnings (loss)
per share before specific items. All amounts are net of income taxes when
applicable.

                                    13 weeks                     39 weeks
                         2008           2007           2008          2007
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
                            $              $              $             $

Earnings (loss) per
 share                  (1.66)          0.04          (1.87)         0.04
Restructuring charges       -              -              -          0.07
Reversal of
 amortization of the
 retail sales
 segment in
 consolidation              -              -              -         (0.18)
Unrealized foreign
 exchange losses on
 monetary items             -              -              -          0.04
Unrealized losses on
 derivative financial
 instruments                -              -              -          0.01
Adjustment to gain
 (gain) on sale of
 the retail sales
 segment                    -           0.01              -         (0.28)
Loss on early debt
 retirement                 -              -              -          0.48
Change in fair value
 of third party
 asset-backed
 commercial paper        0.02           0.01           0.02          0.01
Allowance for loss
 in value of an
 investment subject
 to significant
 influence               1.49              -           1.46             -
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) per
 share before
 specific items         (0.15)          0.06          (0.39)         0.19
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Contact:

     Contacts:
Source:
The Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc.
Andre Belzile
Senior Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Affairs
450-646-9760
 
Information:
Helene Bisson
Senior Director, Communication
450-646-9611, Ext. 1165
 

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