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                UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                   FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

|X| QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES AND
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended            March 29, 1997
                               ------------------------------------------

                                       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.
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             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

                   Delaware                                 59-2663954
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          (State or other jurisdiction                   (I.R.S. Employer
          incorporation or organization)                Identification No.)

       2200 Old Germantown Road, Delray Beach, Florida           33445
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            (Address of principal executive offices)           (Zip Code)

                                 (561) 278-4800
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              (Registrant's telephone number including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirement for the past 90 days.

                                  Yes X        No
                                     ---         ----

The registrant had 157,543,339 shares of common stock outstanding as of May 9,
1997.
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                               OFFICE DEPOT, INC.

                                     INDEX

                                                                          Page
                               
Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Item 1          Financial Statements
         ------
                         Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the
                         13 Weeks Ended March 29, 1997 and
                         March 30, 1996                                      3

                         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
                         March 29, 1997 and December 28, 1996                4

                         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
                         13 Weeks Ended March 29, 1997 and
                         March 30, 1996                                      5

                         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements      6 - 9

         Item 2          Management's Discussion and Analysis of
         ------          Financial Condition and Results of Operations  10 - 17

Part II.   OTHER INFORMATION                                                 18

SIGNATURE                                                                    19

INDEX TO EXHIBITS                                                            20






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                      OFFICE DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)

                                  (Unaudited)

13 Weeks 13 Weeks Ended Ended March 29, March 30, 1997 1996 ---------- ---------- Sales $1,772,444 $1,632,995 Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs 1,372,903 1,277,617 ---------- ---------- Gross profit 399,541 355,378 Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses 274,617 246,773 Pre-opening expenses 791 1,141 General and administrative expenses 46,066 44,443 Amortization of goodwill 1,312 1,330 ---------- ---------- 322,786 293,687 ---------- ---------- Operating Profit 76,755 61,691 Other (income) expense Interest (income) expense, net 4,753 4,856 Equity and franchise (income) loss, net 1,245 445 Merger costs 6,611 --- ---------- ---------- Earnings before income taxes 64,146 56,390 Income taxes 25,359 22,907 ---------- ---------- Net earnings $ 38,787 $ 33,483 ========== ========== Earnings per common and common equivalent share: Primary $0.24 $0.21 Fully diluted $0.24 $0.21
3 4 OFFICE DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March 29, December 28, 1997 1996 ----------- ------------ (Unaudited) ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 84,585 $ 51,398 Receivables, net of allowances 365,981 401,900 Merchandise inventories 1,241,371 1,324,506 Deferred income taxes 29,436 29,583 Prepaid expenses 13,322 14,209 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 1,734,695 1,821,596 Property and Equipment, net 671,035 671,648 Goodwill, net of amortization 188,719 190,052 Other Assets 61,677 57,021 ----------- ----------- $ 2,656,126 $ 2,740,317 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts payable $ 743,285 $ 781,963 Accrued expenses 202,013 177,680 Income taxes 43,605 25,819 Short-term borrowings and current maturities of long-term debt 2,373 142,339 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 991,276 1,127,801 Long-Term Debt, less Current Maturities 16,518 17,128 Deferred Taxes and Other Credits 46,513 39,814 Zero Coupon, Convertible Subordinated Notes 404,006 399,629 Common Stockholders' Equity Common stock - authorized 400,000,000 shares of $.01 par value; issued 159,666,044 in 1997 and 159,417,089 in 1996 1,597 1,594 Additional paid-in capital 634,047 630,049 Foreign currency translation adjustment (1,993) (1,073) Retained earnings 565,912 527,125 Less: 2,163,447 shares of treasury stock, at cost (1,750) (1,750) ----------- ----------- 1,197,813 1,155,945 ----------- ----------- $ 2,656,126 $ 2,740,317 =========== ===========
4 5 OFFICE DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents (In thousands) (Unaudited)
13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended March 29, March 30, 1997 1996 ------------ ----------- Cash flows from operating activities Cash received from customers $ 1,755,741 $ 1,610,048 Cash paid for merchandise inventories (1,205,937) (1,270,582) Cash paid for store and warehouse operating, selling and general and administrative expenses (352,074) (323,238) Interest received 510 408 Interest paid (1,333) (1,153) Income taxes paid (3,820) (907) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 193,087 14,576 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities Capital expenditures, net (21,183) (28,165) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in investing activities (21,183) (28,165) ----------- ----------- Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from exercise of stock options and sales of stock under employee stock purchase plan 2,779 6,495 Foreign currency translation adjustment (920) (27) Payments on long- and short-term borrowings (140,576) (18,410) ----------- ----------- Net cash used in financing activities (138,717) (11,942) ----------- ----------- Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 33,187 (25,531) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 51,398 61,993 ----------- ----------- Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 84,585 $ 36,462 =========== =========== Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities Net earnings $ 38,787 $ 33,483 ----------- ----------- Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities Depreciation and amortization 23,691 19,091 Provision for inventory shrinkage and bad debts 10,943 8,761 Accreted interest on zero coupon, convertible subordinated notes 4,377 4,164 Contributions of common stock to employee benefit and stock purchase plans 840 1,061 Changes in assets and liabilities Decrease in receivables 33,837 33,508 Decrease (increase) in merchandise inventories 74,274 (16,580) Increase in prepaid expenses, deferred income taxes and other assets (4,184) (12,294) Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred credits 10,522 (56,618) ----------- ----------- Total adjustments 154,300 (18,907) ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities $ 193,087 $ 14,576 =========== ===========
5 6 OFFICE DEPOT, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. The interim financial statements as of March 29, 1997 and for the 13 week periods ended March 29, 1997 and March 30, 1996 are unaudited; however, such interim statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring accruals) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year statements to conform to current year presentations. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements for the year ended December 28, 1996. 2. Net earnings per common and common equivalent share is based upon the weighted average number of shares and equivalents outstanding during each period. Stock options are considered common stock equivalents. The zero coupon, convertible subordinated notes are not common stock equivalents. Net earnings per common share assuming full dilution was determined on the assumption that the convertible notes were converted as of the beginning of the period. Net earnings under this assumption have been adjusted for interest net of its tax effect. The information required to compute net earnings per share on a primary and fully diluted basis is as follows:
13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended March 29, March 30, 1997 1996 -------------- -------------- (in thousands) Primary: Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 159,296 158,123 ======== ======== Fully diluted: Net earnings $ 38,787 $ 33,483 Interest expense related to convertible notes, net of tax 2,692 2,540 -------- -------- Adjusted net earnings $ 41,479 $ 36,023 ======== ======== Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares 159,450 158,130 Shares issued upon assumed conversion of convertible notes 16,565 16,565 -------- -------- Shares used in computing net earnings per common and common equivalent share assuming full dilution 176,015 174,695 ======== ========
6 7 3. In September 1996, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Staples, Inc. ("Staples") and Marlin Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Staples ("Acquisition Sub"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, after all of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement are complied with: (i) Acquisition Sub will be merged with and into Office Depot, and Office Depot will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Staples and (ii) each outstanding share of the Company's common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.14 shares of common stock of Staples. In connection with the merger, both companies were also issued mutual options to purchase up to 19.9% of the outstanding stock of the other company under certain conditions. The consummation of the merger is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by the stockholders of both the Company and Staples, and the receipt of governmental consents and approvals, including those under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the Canadian Competition Act. On November 1, 1996, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") issued a Second Request for information to Staples and the Company, beginning an investigation of the merger. Since that time, the Company has cooperated with the FTC in its review of the merger. An "Advanced Ruling Certificate" from the Canadian Competition Bureau clearing the proposed merger under Canadian law was received on December 16, 1996. On March 10, 1997, the FTC voted to challenge the merger. On March 12, 1997, the Company and Staples reached a conditional agreement to sell 63 stores to Office Max, Inc. for $108.75 million after completion of the merger. Based on discussions with the FTC staff, the Company believed that this agreement addressed the FTC's concerns, and would have allowed the merger to close subject to entering into a consent decree which had been negotiated with the FTC staff. However, on April 4, 1997, the FTC voted to reject the proposed consent decree and on April 9, 1997, the FTC initiated legal action to challenge the merger. The Company and Staples are contesting the FTC's efforts to challenge the merger. A preliminary injunction hearing in the Federal District Court in Washington, DC is scheduled for May 19-23, 1997, with a decision by the judge expected by mid-June. In April 1997, several states moved to subpoena merger records from Staples and the Company in order to decide whether or not to take legal action to block the merger. The merger agreement with Staples can be terminated by either party if the merger shall not have been consummated by May 31, 1997; however, the parties may agree to waive this provision and provide for a later termination date. The Board of Directors of the Company have not, as yet, approved an extension of such date. The merger, if completed, will be accounted for as a pooling of interests, and, accordingly, the Company's prior period financial statements will be restated and 7 8 combined with the prior period financial statements of Staples, as if the merger had taken place at the beginning of the periods reported. Based upon the number of outstanding shares of Staples common stock and Company common stock as of March 29, 1997, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the merger will own approximately 53% of the outstanding shares of Staples common stock immediately following consummation of the merger. Upon consummation of the merger, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each outstanding option to purchase Company common stock will be converted into an option to purchase such number of shares of Staples common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number) as is equal to the number of shares of Company common stock issuable upon exercise of such option immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by the exchange ratio. The exercise price per share of each such option, as so converted, will be equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of Company common stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Company stock option immediately prior to the effective time divided by (y) the number of whole shares of Staples common stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such Company stock option as determined above (rounded up to the nearest whole cent). All outstanding Company stock options, under the terms of such option agreements, will become exercisable in full upon the closing of the merger. In September 1996, a complaint was filed asserting, among other things, a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against members of the Company's Board of Directors, seeking to be certified as a class action and seeking injunctive relief in connection with the proposed merger. The Company believes that this lawsuit is without merit and will defend against it vigorously. 4. During the first quarter of 1997, the Company expensed approximately $6,611,000 of costs directly related to the pending merger. These costs, consisting primarily of legal fees, investment banker fees and personnel retention costs, represent costs incurred through March 29, 1997. 5. The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows do not include the following non-cash investing and financing transactions:
13 Weeks Ended 13 Weeks Ended March 29, March 30, 1997 1996 -------------- -------------- (in thousands) Additional paid-in capital related to tax benefit on stock options exercised $381 $1,775 Equipment purchased under capital leases -- 5,252
8 9 6. In February 1997 Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" was issued. SFAS No. 128, which supersedes Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 15, requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to fully diluted earnings per share under APB Opinion No. 15. SFAS No. 128 is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim periods; earlier application is not permitted. When adopted, all prior-period earnings per share data are required to be restated. For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 1997, basic and diluted earnings per common share, as computed under SFAS No. 128, would be $.25 and $.24, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended March 30, 1996, basic and diluted earnings per common share, as computed under SFAS No. 128, would not change from primary and fully diluted earnings per common and common equivalent share shown on the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. 9 10 Item 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Sales increased 9% to $1,772,444,000 in the first quarter of 1997 from $1,632,995,000 in the first quarter of 1996. Approximately 68% of the increase in sales was due to the 57 new office supply stores opened subsequent to the first quarter of 1996. Comparable sales for stores and delivery facilities open for more than one year at March 29, 1997 increased 2% for the first quarter of 1997. Sales of computers, business machines and related supplies rose slightly as a percentage of total sales in the first quarter of 1997 over the comparable 1996 period, although the average unit sales prices of computers decreased from 1996. Average unit retail prices for copy paper and related products were approximately 30% below prior year levels as a result of a soft paper market. The Company opened one office supply store in the first quarter of 1997, bringing the total number of office supply stores open at the end of the first quarter to 562, compared with 505 stores open at the end of the first quarter of 1996. The Company also operated 23 contract stationer and delivery warehouses (customer service centers) at the end of the first quarters of both 1997 and 1996. Several of these are newer, larger facilities which replaced existing facilities acquired as part of the contract stationer acquisitions in 1993 and 1994. Additionally, in the first quarter of 1997, the Company opened one Furniture At Work(TM) store. As of March 29, 1997, the Company operated three Images(TM), two Office Depot Express(TM) and five Furniture At Work(TM) stores. Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 22.5% during the first quarter of 1997 as compared with 21.8% during the comparable quarter of 1996. This improvement in margin was realized, primarily through the slowed rate of growth in sales of computers and related products as a percentage of total sales. The Company's management believes that gross profit as a percentage of sales may fluctuate as a result of numerous factors, including continued expansion of its contract stationer business, competitive pricing in more market areas, continued change in product mix, continued fluctuation in paper prices, as well as the Company's ability to achieve purchasing efficiencies through growth in total merchandise purchases. Additionally, occupancy costs may increase in new markets and in certain existing markets where the Company plans to add new stores and warehouses to complete its market plan. Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses as a percentage of sales were 15.5% and 15.1% in the first quarter of 1997 and 1996, respectively. Store and warehouse operating and selling expenses, consisting primarily of payroll and advertising expenses, have increased primarily due to normal salary increases coupled with only 2% comparable store sales increases. While store and warehouse operating and selling expenses as a percentage of sales continue to be significantly higher in the contract stationer business than in the retail business, principally due to the need for a 10 11 more experienced and more highly compensated sales force, these expenses have begun to decline as a percentage of sales as the Company progresses toward full integration of this business. Management expects that as the Company continues this progress, certain fixed expenses should decrease as a percentage of sales, thereby improving the Company's overall store and warehouse operating expenses as a percentage of sales. In the retail business, while the majority of store expenses vary proportionately with sales, there is a fixed cost component to these expenses that, as sales increase within each store and within a cluster of stores in a given market area, should decrease as a percentage of sales. This benefit in the retail business did not significantly improve the Company's first quarter 1997 operating margins since new store openings were limited. When the Company first enters a large metropolitan market area where the advertising costs for the full market must be absorbed by the small number of facilities opened, advertising expenses are initially higher as a percentage of sales. As additional stores are opened in the same market, advertising costs, which are substantially a fixed expense for a market area, have been and should continue to be reduced as a percentage of total sales. The Company has also continued, while on a more limited scale than in prior periods, a strategy of opening stores in existing markets. While increasing the number of stores increases operating results in absolute dollars, this also has the effect of increasing expenses as a percentage of sales since the sales of certain existing stores in the market may be adversely affected. Pre-opening expenses decreased to $791,000 in the first quarter of 1997 from $1,141,000 in the comparable quarter of 1996. The Company added one and replaced one office supply store in the first quarter of 1997, as compared with four new stores in the comparable 1996 period. Pre-opening expenses in the first quarter of 1996 include costs associated with replacing one existing customer service center ("CSC") with a larger, more functional facility, while no CSC's were replaced in the first quarter of 1997. Pre-opening expenses, which currently approximate $150,000 per standard office supply store, are predominately incurred during a six-week period prior to the store opening. Preopening expenses for other retail office products stores currently approximate $115,000 per store. CSC pre-opening expenses are approximately $500,000; however, these expenses may vary with the size and type of future CSC's. CSC replacement and new satellite warehouse and sales office preopening costs approximate $75,000. These expenses consist principally of amounts paid for salaries and property expenses. Since the Company's policy is to expense these items during the period in which they occur, the amount of pre-opening expenses in each period is generally proportional to the number of new stores or customer service centers opened or in the process of being opened during the period. Included in preopening expenses for the first quarter of 1997 are costs incurred at four office supply stores and one warehouse replacement scheduled to open early in the second quarter. Similarly, preopening expenses for the same period in 1996 include costs incurred at four office supply stores opened early in the second quarter of 1996. General and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 2.6% for the quarter ended March 29, 1997 from 2.7% for the comparable 1996 period. However, still impacting these expenses is the Company's commitment to improving the efficiency of its management information systems and increasing its information 11 12 systems programming staff. While this systems investment has and will continue to increase general and administrative expenses in the short term, the Company believes it will provide benefits in the future. These increases have been offset by decreases in other general and administrative expenses, primarily as a result of the Company's ability to increase sales without a proportionate increase in corporate expenditures. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to increase sales without a proportionate increase in corporate expenditures. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding the pending merger has, to some extent, resulted in a decline in corporate personnel and, thus, reduced general and administrative expenses. During the first quarter of 1997, the Company expensed approximately $6,611,000 of costs directly related to the pending merger. These costs, consisting primarily of legal fees, investment banker fees and personnel retention costs, represent costs incurred through March 29, 1997. The Company expects to incur additional merger costs in future periods. The amount of these future costs is difficult to estimate since they will vary depending upon future developments. In September 1996, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger (the "Merger Agreement") with Staples, Inc. ("Staples") and Marlin Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Staples ("Acquisition Sub"). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, after all of the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement are complied with: (i) Acquisition Sub will be merged with and into Office Depot, and Office Depot will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Staples and (ii) each outstanding share of the Company's common stock will be converted into the right to receive 1.14 shares of common stock of Staples. In connection with the merger, both companies were also issued mutual options to purchase up to 19.9% of the outstanding stock of the other company under certain conditions. The consummation of the merger is subject to a number of conditions, including approval by the stockholders of both the Company and Staples, and the receipt of governmental consents and approvals, including those under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the Canadian Competition Act. On November 1, 1996, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") issued a Second Request for information to Staples and the Company, beginning an investigation of the merger. Since that time, the Company has cooperated with the FTC in its review of the merger. An "Advanced Ruling Certificate" from the Canadian Competition Bureau clearing the proposed merger under Canadian law was received on December 16, 1996. On March 10, 1997, the FTC voted to challenge the merger. On March 12, 1997, the Company and Staples reached a conditional agreement to sell 63 stores to Office Max, Inc. for $108.75 million after completion of the merger. Based on discussions with the FTC staff, the Company believed that this agreement addressed the FTC's concerns, and would have allowed the merger to close subject to entering into a consent decree which had been negotiated with the FTC staff. However, on April 4, 1997, the FTC voted to reject the proposed consent decree and on April 9, 1997, the FTC initiated legal action to challenge the merger. The Company and Staples are contesting the FTC's efforts to challenge the merger. A preliminary 12 13 injunction hearing in the Federal District Court in Washington, DC is scheduled for May 19-23, 1997, with a decision by the judge expected by mid-June. In April 1997, several states moved to subpoena merger records from Staples and the Company in order to decide whether or not to take legal action to block the merger. The merger agreement with Staples can be terminated by either party if the merger shall not have been consummated by May 31, 1997; however the parties may agree to waive this provision and provide for a later termination date. The Board of Directors of the Company have not, as yet, approved an extension of such date. While the Company believes that the merger with Staples is in the best interests of its customers and shareholders, the Company is fully prepared to continue on a stand alone basis if it does not prevail in the FTC litigation. The merger, if completed, will be accounted for as a pooling of interests, and, accordingly, the Company's prior period financial statements will be restated and combined with the prior period financial statements of Staples, as if the merger had taken place at the beginning of the periods reported. Based upon the number of outstanding shares of Staples common stock and Company common stock as of March 29, 1997, the stockholders of the Company immediately prior to the consummation of the merger will own approximately 53% of the outstanding shares of Staples common stock immediately following consummation of the merger. Upon consummation of the merger, pursuant to the Merger Agreement, each outstanding option to purchase Company common stock will be converted into an option to purchase such number of shares of Staples common stock (rounded down to the nearest whole number) as is equal to the number of shares of Company common stock issuable upon exercise of such option immediately prior to the effective time multiplied by the exchange ratio. The exercise price per share of each such option, as so converted, will be equal to (x) the aggregate exercise price for the shares of Company common stock otherwise purchasable pursuant to such Company stock option immediately prior to the effective time divided by (y) the number of whole shares of Staples common stock deemed purchasable pursuant to such Company stock option as determined above (rounded up to the nearest whole cent). All Company stock options outstanding as of March 29, 1997, under the terms of such option agreements, will become exercisable in full upon the closing of the merger. In September 1996, a complaint was filed asserting, among other things, a claim for breach of fiduciary duty against members of the Company's Board of Directors, seeking to be certified as a class action and seeking injunctive relief in connection with the proposed merger. The Company believes that this lawsuit is without merit and will defend against it vigorously. 13 14 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Since the Company's inception in March 1986, the Company has relied on equity capital, convertible debt and bank borrowings as the primary sources of its funds. Since the Company's store sales are substantially on a cash and carry basis, cash flow generated from operating stores provides a source of liquidity to the Company. Working capital requirements are reduced by vendor credit terms, which allow the Company to finance a portion of its inventories. The Company utilizes private label credit card programs administered and financed by financial service companies, which allow the Company to expand its store sales without the burden of additional receivables. The Company has also utilized equipment financings as a source of funds in previous periods. Sales made to larger customers are generally made under regular commercial credit terms where the Company carries its own receivables, as opposed to sales made to smaller customers, in which payments are generally tendered in cash or by credit card. Thus, as the Company continues to expand into servicing additional large companies, it is expected that the Company's trade receivables will continue to grow. Receivables from vendors under rebate, cooperative advertising and marketing programs, which comprise a significant percentage of total receivables, tend to fluctuate seasonally, growing during the second half of the year and declining during the first half. This is the result of collections generally made after an entire program year is completed. In the first quarter of 1997, the Company added one and replaced one office supply store and added one Furniture At Work(TM) store, compared with four new office supply stores, one new Images(TM) and one new Furniture At Work(TM) store added in the comparable period of 1996. Uncertainty and a loss of certain real estate personnel, both resulting from the delay in the pending merger with Staples, has negatively affected the Company's short-term store opening program. Net cash provided by operating activities was $193,087,000 in the first quarter of 1997, compared with $14,576,000 provided in the comparable 1996 period. As stores mature and become more profitable, and as the number of new stores opened in a year becomes a smaller percentage of the existing store base, cash generated from operations of existing stores should provide a greater portion of funds required for new store inventories and other working capital requirements. Cash utilized for capital expenditures was $21,183,000 and $28,165,000 in the first three months of 1997 and 1996, respectively. During the 13 weeks ended March 29, 1997, the Company's cash balance increased by $33,187,000 and long- and short-term debt decreased by $140,576,000, excluding $4,377,000 in non-cash accretion of interest on the Company's zero coupon, convertible subordinated debt. The Company has a credit agreement with its principal bank and a syndicate of commercial banks which provides for a working capital line and letters of credit totaling $300,000,000. The credit agreement provides that funds borrowed will bear interest, at the Company's option, at either .3125% over the LIBOR rate, 1.75% over the Federal 14 15 Funds rate, a base rate linked to the prime rate, or under a competitive bid facility. The Company must also pay a facility fee of .1875% per annum on the available portion of the credit facility. The credit facility currently expires June 30, 2000. As of March 29, 1997, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under the line of credit and had outstanding letters of credit totaling $11,017,000 under the credit facility. The credit agreement contains certain restrictive covenants relating to various financial statement ratios. In addition to the credit facility, the bank has provided a lease facility to the Company under which the bank has agreed to purchase up to $25,000,000 of equipment on behalf of the Company and lease such equipment to the Company. As of March 29, 1997, the Company had utilized approximately $18,321,000 of this lease facility. In July 1996, the Company entered into an additional lease facility with another bank for up to $25,000,000 of equipment. As of March 29, 1997, the Company had utilized approximately $21,484,000 of this additional lease facility. The Company currently plans to open approximately 40 new office supply stores and relocate three to four delivery warehouses during 1997. Management estimates that the Company's cash requirements, exclusive of pre-opening expenses, will be approximately $1,900,000 for each additional office supply store, which includes an average of approximately $1,100,000 for leasehold improvements, fixtures, point-of-sale terminals and other equipment in the stores, as well as approximately $800,000 for the portion of the store inventories that is not financed by vendors. The cash requirements, exclusive of pre-opening expenses, for a delivery warehouse is expected to be approximately $5,300,000, which includes an average of $3,100,000 for leasehold improvements, fixtures and other equipment and $2,200,000 for the portion of inventories not financed by vendors. In addition, management estimates that each new store and warehouse will require pre-opening expenses of between $115,000 and $500,000, depending on the type of facility. In January 1996, the Company entered into a lease commitment for an additional corporate office building which is still under construction. The lease will be classified as a capital lease and will be recorded as such when the term commences in the second half of 1997. This lease will result in a capital lease asset and obligation of approximately $26,000,000 and initial annual lease commitments of approximately $2,200,000. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT In February 1997, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings Per Share" was issued. SFAS No. 128, which supersedes Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 15, requires a dual presentation of basic and diluted earnings per share on the face of the income statement. Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that than shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to fully diluted earnings per share under APB Opinion No. 15. SFAS No. 128 is effective for financial statements issued for periods ending after December 15, 1997, including interim 15 16 periods; earlier application is not permitted. When adopted, all prior-period earnings per share data are required to be restated. For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 1997, basic and diluted earnings per common share, as computed under SFAS No. 128, would be $.25 and $.24, respectively. For the 13 weeks ended March 30, 1996, basic and diluted earnings per common share, as computed under SFAS No. 128, would not change from primary and fully diluted earnings per common and common equivalent share shown on the accompanying consolidated statements of earnings. FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS With the exception of historical matters, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those discussed below. The factors discussed below could affect the Company's actual results and could cause the Company's actual results during the remainder of 1997 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by the Company. With respect to the proposed merger, the Company and its Board of Directors believe that the merger is in the best interests of its customers and shareholders; however the Company is fully prepared to continue on a stand-alone basis if it does not prevail in the pending litigation. The Company's strategy of aggressive store growth has been negatively affected by the uncertainty of the pending merger. The Company currently plans to open approximately 40 additional stores by the end of 1997. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to find favorable store locations, negotiate favorable leases, hire and train employees and store managers, and integrate the new stores in a manner that will allow it to meet its expansion schedule. The failure to be able to expand by opening new stores on plan could have a material adverse effect on the Company's future sales growth and profitability. The Company competes with a variety of retailers, dealers and distributors in a highly competitive marketplace. High-volume office supply chains, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, computer stores and contract stationers that compete directly with the Company operate in most of its geographic markets. This competition will increase in the future as both the Company and these and other companies continue to expand their operations. There can be no assurance that such competition will not have an adverse effect on the Company's business in the future. The opening of additional Office Depot stores, the expansion of the Company's contract stationer business in new and existing markets, competition from other office supply chains, mass merchandisers, warehouse clubs, computer stores and contract stationers, and regional and national economic conditions will all affect the Company's comparable sales results. In addition, the Company's gross margin and profitability would be adversely affected if its competitors were to attempt to capture market share by reducing prices. In addition, as the Company expands the number of its stores in existing markets, sales of existing stores can suffer. New stores typically take time to reach the levels of sales 16 17 and profitability of the Company's existing stores and there can be no assurance that new stores will ever be as profitable as existing stores because of competition from other store chains and the tendency of existing stores to share sales as the Company opens new stores in its more mature markets. Fluctuations in the Company's quarterly operating results have occurred in the past and may occur in the future. A variety of factors such as new store openings with their concurrent pre-opening expenses, the extent to which new stores are less profitable as they commence operations, the effect new stores have on the sales of existing stores in more mature markets, the pricing activity of competitors in the Company's markets, changes in the Company's product mix, increases and decreases in advertising and promotional expenses, the effects of seasonality, acquisitions of contract stationers and stores of competitors or other events could contribute to this quarter to quarter variability. The Company has grown dramatically over the past several years and has shown significant increases in its sales, stores in operation, employees and warehouse and delivery operations. In addition, the Company acquired a number of contract stationer operations, and the expenses incurred in the integration of acquired facilities in its delivery business have contributed to increased warehouse expenses. These integration costs are expected to continue to impact store and warehouse expenses at decreasing levels through the end of 1997. The failure to achieve the projected decrease in integration costs towards the end of 1997 could result in a significant impact on the Company's net income. The Company's growth, through both store openings and acquisitions, will continue to require the expansion and upgrading of the Company's operational and financial systems, as well as necessitate the hiring of new managers at the store and supervisory level. The Company has entered a number of international markets using licensing agreements and joint venture arrangements. The Company intends to enter other international markets as attractive opportunities arise. In addition to the risks described above that face the Company's domestic store and delivery operations, internationally the Company also faces the risk of foreign currency fluctuations, local conditions and competitors, obtaining adequate and appropriate inventory and, since its foreign operations are not wholly-owned, a lack of operating control in certain countries. The Company believes that its current cash and cash equivalents, equipment leased under the Company's existing or new lease financing arrangements and funds available under its revolving credit facility should be sufficient to fund its planned store and delivery center openings and other operating cash needs, including investments in international joint ventures, for at least the next twelve months. However, there can be no assurance that additional sources of financing will not be required during the next twelve months as a result of unanticipated cash demands or opportunities for expansion or acquisition, changes in growth strategy or adverse operating results. Also, alternative financing will be considered if market conditions make it financially attractive. There also can be no assurance that any additional funds required by the Company, whether within the next twelve months or thereafter, will be available to the Company on satisfactory terms. 17 18 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1 Legal Proceedings - ------ On April 4, 1997, the Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") voted to reject a proposed consent decree which the Company and Staples, Inc. ("Staples") believed adequately addressed the FTC's concerns about the proposed merger between the Company and Staples. On April 9, 1997, the FTC initiated legal action to challenge the merger. A preliminary injunction hearing in the Federal District Court in Washington, DC is set for May 19-23, 1997, with a decision by the judge expected by mid-June. In April 1997, several states moved to subpoena merger records from Staples and the Company in order to decide whether or not to take legal action to block the merger. Items 2-5 Not applicable. - --------- Item 6 Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K - ------ a. 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only) b. The Company did not file any Reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended March 29, 1997. 18 19 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. OFFICE DEPOT, INC. ------------------ (Registrant) Date: May 13, 1997 By: /s/ Barry J. Goldstein ---------------------------- Barry J. Goldstein Executive Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer 19 20 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit No. Description Page No. - ----------- ----------- -------- 27.1 Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only) 20
 

5 THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF OFFICE DEPOT, INC. FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 29, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 1,000 3-MOS DEC-27-1997 DEC-29-1996 MAR-29-1997 84,585 0 379,350 13,369 1,241,371 1,734,695 946,089 275,054 2,656,126 991,276 422,897 0 0 1,597 1,196,216 2,656,126 1,772,444 1,772,444 1,372,903 1,648,311 47,378 2,081 5,504 64,146 25,359 38,787 0 0 0 38,787 .24 .24