Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-K

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

ý   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009
OR
o   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: 1-5057

OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

  82-0100960

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

  (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

263 Shuman Boulevard, Naperville, Illinois

 
60563

(Address of principal executive offices)

  (Zip Code)

(630) 438-7800
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, $2.50 par value

 

New York Stock Exchange

American & Foreign Power Company Inc.
Debentures, 5% Series due 2030

  New York Stock Exchange

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

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

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

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

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

          Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o    Accelerated filer ý    Non-accelerated filer o    Smaller reporting company o

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

          The aggregate market value of the voting common stock held by nonaffiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the price at which the common stock was sold as of the close of business on June 26, 2009, was $353,941,409. Registrant does not have any nonvoting common equity securities.

          Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date.

Class   Shares Outstanding
as of February 16, 2010
Common Stock, $2.50 par value   84,638,284

Document incorporated by reference

          Portions of the registrant's proxy statement relating to its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 14, 2010 ("OfficeMax Incorporated's proxy statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.


Table of Contents


Table of Contents


PART I

Item 1.

 

Business

 

1

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

 

5

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

 

10

Item 2.

 

Properties

 

11

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

12

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

12

 

 

Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

13

PART II

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

14

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

 

16

Item 7.

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

18

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

45

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

46

Item 9.

 

Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

92

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

92

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

 

92

PART III

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

93

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

 

93

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

93

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 

94

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 

94

PART IV

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 

95

 

 

Signatures

 

96

 

 

Index to Exhibits

 

98

i


Table of Contents



PART I


ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

        As used in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 26, 2009, the terms "OfficeMax," the "Company," "we" and "our" refer to OfficeMax Incorporated and its consolidated subsidiaries and predecessors. Our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings, which include this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all related amendments to those reports, are available free of charge on our website at www.officemax.com and can be found by clicking on"Investor Relations" under the "About OfficeMax" heading and then on "SEC filings." Our SEC filings are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.


General Overview

        OfficeMax is a leader in both business-to-business and retail office products distribution. We provide office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture to large, medium and small businesses, government offices and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 31,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, the Internet and retail stores. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OMX, and our corporate headquarters is in Naperville, Illinois.

        OfficeMax Incorporated (formerly Boise Cascade Corporation) was organized as Boise Payette Lumber Company of Delaware, a Delaware corporation, in 1931 as a successor to an Idaho corporation formed in 1913. In 1957, the Company's name was changed to Boise Cascade Corporation. On December 9, 2003, Boise Cascade Corporation acquired 100% of the voting securities of OfficeMax, Inc. That acquisition more than doubled the size of our office products distribution business and expanded that business into the U.S. retail channel. In connection with the sale of our paper, forest products and timberland assets described below, the Company's name was changed from Boise Cascade Corporation to OfficeMax Incorporated, and the names of our office products segments were changed from Boise Office Solutions, Contract and Boise Office Solutions, Retail to OfficeMax, Contract and OfficeMax, Retail. The Boise Cascade Corporation and Boise Office Solutions names were used in documents furnished to or filed with the SEC prior to the sale of our paper, forest products and timberland assets.

        On October 29, 2004, we sold our paper, forest products and timberland assets to affiliates of Boise Cascade, L.L.C., a new company formed by Madison Dearborn Partners LLC (the "Sale"). With the Sale, we completed the Company's transition, begun in the mid-1990s, from a predominately commodity manufacturing-based company to an independent office products distribution company. On October 29, 2004, as part of the Sale, we invested $175 million in the securities of affiliates of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. Due to restructurings conducted by those affiliates, our investment is currently in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (the "Boise Investment").


Fiscal Year

        The Company's fiscal year-end is the last Saturday in December. Due primarily to statutory requirements, the Company's international businesses maintain December 31 year-ends, with our majority-owned joint venture in Mexico reporting one month in arrears. Fiscal year 2009 ended on December 26, 2009, fiscal year 2008 ended on December 27, 2008, and fiscal year 2007 ended on December 29, 2007. Each of the past three years has included 52 weeks for all reportable segments and businesses.

1


Table of Contents


Segments

        The Company manages its business using three reportable segments: OfficeMax, Contract ("Contract segment" or "Contract"); OfficeMax, Retail ("Retail segment" or "Retail"); and Corporate and Other. OfficeMax, Contract markets and sells office supplies and paper, technology products and solutions, office furniture and print and document services directly to large corporate and government offices, as well as to small and medium-sized offices through field salespeople, outbound telesales, catalogs, the Internet and, primarily in foreign markets, through office products stores. OfficeMax, Retail markets and sells office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture to small and medium-sized businesses and consumers through a network of retail stores. Management reviews the performance of the Company based on these segments. We present information pertaining to each of our segments and the geographic areas in which they operate in Note 14, "Segment Information," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


OfficeMax, Contract

        We distribute a broad line of items for the office, including office supplies and paper, technology products and solutions, office furniture and print and document services through our OfficeMax, Contract segment. OfficeMax, Contract sells directly to large corporate and government offices, as well as to small and medium-sized offices in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Puerto Rico. This segment markets and sells through field salespeople, outbound telesales, catalogs, the Internet and, primarily in foreign markets, through office products stores. Substantially all products sold by this segment are purchased from outside manufacturers or from industry wholesalers, except office papers. We purchase office papers primarily from Boise White Paper, L.L.C., under a 12-year paper supply contract entered into at the time of the Sale. (See Note 15 "Commitments and Guarantees", of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K for additional information related to the paper supply contract.)

        As of January 23, 2010, OfficeMax, Contract operated 44 distribution centers and 5 customer service and outbound telesales centers. OfficeMax, Contract also operated 55 office products stores in Canada, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.

        OfficeMax, Contract sales for 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $3.7 billion, $4.3 billion and $4.8 billion, respectively.


OfficeMax, Retail

        OfficeMax, Retail is a retail distributor of office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture. In addition, this segment contracts with large national retail chains to supply office and school supplies to be sold in their stores. Our retail office products stores feature OfficeMax ImPress, an in-store module devoted to print-for-pay and related services. Our Retail segment has operations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our Retail segment also operates office products stores in Mexico through a 51%-owned joint venture. Substantially all products sold by this segment are purchased from outside manufacturers or from industry wholesalers, except office papers. As mentioned above, we purchase office papers primarily from Boise White Paper, L.L.C., under a 12-year paper supply contract we entered into at the time of the Sale.

        As of January 23, 2010, our Retail segment operated 1,010 stores in the U.S. and Mexico, three large distribution centers in the U.S., and two small distribution centers in Mexico. Each store offers

2


Table of Contents


approximately 10,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) of name-brand and OfficeMax private-branded merchandise and a variety of business services targeted at serving the small business customer, including OfficeMax ImPress. In addition to our in-store ImPress capabilities, our Retail segment operated six OfficeMax ImPress print on demand facilities with enhanced fulfillment capabilities as of January 23, 2010. These 8,000 square foot operations are located within some of our Contract distribution centers, and serve the print and document needs of our large contract customers in addition to supporting our retail stores by providing services that cannot be deployed at every retail store.

        OfficeMax, Retail sales for 2009, 2008 and 2007 were $3.6 billion, $4.0 billion and $4.3 billion, respectively.


Competition

        Domestic and international office products markets are highly and increasingly competitive. Customers have many options when purchasing office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture. We compete with worldwide contract stationers, office supply superstores, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, computer and electronics superstores, Internet merchandisers, direct-mail distributors, discount retailers, drugstores, supermarkets and thousands of local and regional contract stationers. In addition, an increasing number of manufacturers of computer hardware, software and peripherals, including some of our suppliers, have expanded their own direct marketing efforts. The other large office supply superstores have increased their presence in close proximity to our stores in recent years and are expected to continue to do so in the future. In addition, many of our competitors have expanded their office products assortment, and we expect they will continue to do so. We anticipate increasing competition from our two domestic office supply superstore competitors and various other competitors for print-for-pay and related services. Print-for-pay and related services have historically been a key point of difference for OfficeMax stores. Any or all of our competitors may become even more aggressive in the future. Increased competition in the office products markets, together with increased advertising, has heightened price awareness among end-users. Such heightened price awareness has led to margin pressure on office products and impacted the results of both our Retail and Contract segments. In addition to price, competition is also based on customer service, the quality and breadth of product selection, and convenient locations. Some of our competitors are larger than us and have greater financial resources, which affords them greater purchasing power, increased financial flexibility and more capital resources for expansion and improvement, which may enable them to compete more effectively.

        We believe our excellent customer service and the efficiency and convenience for our customers of our combined contract and retail distribution channels gives our OfficeMax, Contract segment a competitive advantage among business-to-business office products distributors. Our ability to network our distribution centers into an integrated system enables us to serve large national accounts that rely on us to deliver consistent products, prices and services to multiple locations, and to meet the needs of medium and small businesses at a competitive cost.

        We believe our OfficeMax, Retail segment competes favorably based on the quality of our customer service, our innovative store formats, the breadth and depth of our merchandise offering and our everyday low prices, along with our specialized service offerings, including OfficeMax ImPress.


Seasonal Influences

        The Company's business is seasonal, with OfficeMax, Retail showing a more pronounced seasonal trend than OfficeMax, Contract. Sales in the second quarter and summer months are

3


Table of Contents


historically the slowest of the year. Sales are stronger during the first, third and fourth quarters that include the important new-year office supply restocking month of January, the back-to-school period and the holiday selling season, respectively.


Environmental Matters

        Our discussion of environmental matters is presented under the caption "Environmental" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K. In addition, certain environmental matters are discussed in Note 16, "Legal Proceedings and Contingencies," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


Capital Investment

        Information concerning our capital expenditures is presented under the caption "Investment Activities" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K.


Acquisitions and Divestitures

        We engage in acquisition and divestiture discussions with other companies and make acquisitions and divestitures from time to time. It is our policy to review our operations periodically and to dispose of assets that do not meet our criteria for return on investment.


Geographic Areas

        Our discussion of financial information by geographic area is presented in Note 14. "Segment Information," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.


Identification of Executive Officers

        Information with respect to our executive officers is set forth immediately after "Item 4, Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders" in Part I of this Form 10-K.


Employees

        On December 26, 2009, we had approximately 31,000 employees, including approximately 11,000 part-time employees.

4


Table of Contents

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about our expectations, anticipated financial results and future business prospects, are forward-looking statements. You can identify these statements by our use of words such as "may," "expect," "believe," "should," "plan," "anticipate" and other similar expressions. You can find examples of these statements throughout this report, including "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K. We cannot guarantee that our actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements we make in this report. We have listed below some of the inherent risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those we project. We do not assume an obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

        Current macroeconomic conditions and the current credit crisis have had and may continue to have an impact on our business and our financial condition.    Economic conditions, both domestically and abroad, directly influence our operating results. Current and future economic conditions that affect consumer and business spending, including the level of unemployment, energy costs, inflation, availability of credit, and the financial condition and growth prospects of our customers may continue to adversely affect our business and the results of our operations. We may face significant challenges if macroeconomic conditions do not improve or continue to worsen.

        The impact of the credit crisis on our customers could adversely impact the overall demand for our products and services, which would have a negative effect on our revenues, as well as impact our customers' ability to pay their obligations, which could have a negative effect on our bad debt expense and cash flows. Also, our ability to access the capital markets may be severely restricted at a time when we would like, or need, to do so, which could have an impact on our flexibility to react to changing economic and business conditions, including if we were to experience reduced availability in our Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement ("Loan Agreement") due to lower secured assets. In September 2008, Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ("Lehman"), a guarantor under a portion of our timber installment notes, filed for bankruptcy. As a result, in the third quarter of 2008, we recorded an impairment charge of $735.8 million on the timber installment note guaranteed by Lehman, which reduced net income by $449.5 million. The credit crisis could have additional adverse impact on our business and financial condition if parties to our debt agreements are forced to file for bankruptcy or are otherwise unable to perform their obligations.

        In addition, we sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees, and some active employees (the "Pension Plans"). The Pension Plans are under-funded and we may be required to make large contributions in subsequent years in order to maintain required funding levels, which will have an adverse impact on our cash flows and our financial results. Additional future contributions of common stock or cash to the Pension Plans, financial market performance and IRS funding requirements could materially change these expected payments.

        Our business may be adversely affected by the actions of and risks associated with our third-party vendors.    We use and resell many manufacturers' branded items and services and are therefore dependent on the availability and pricing of key products and services including ink, toner, paper and technology products. As a reseller, we cannot control the supply, design, function, cost or vendor-required conditions of sale of many of the products we offer for sale. Disruptions in the availability of these products or the products and services we consume may adversely affect our sales and result in customer dissatisfaction. In addition, a material interruption in service by the carriers that ship goods within our supply chain may adversely affect our sales. Many of our

5


Table of Contents


vendors are small or medium sized businesses which are being significantly impacted by current macroeconomic conditions, both in the U.S. and Asia, including reduced access to credit. We may have no warning before a vendor fails, which may have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Further, we cannot control the cost of manufacturers' products, and cost increases must either be passed along to our customers or will result in erosion of our earnings. Failure to identify desirable products and make them available to our customers when desired and at attractive prices could have an adverse effect on our business and our results of operations. Our product offering also includes many proprietary branded products. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third party manufacturers for these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may not meet our expectations, such products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall those products, or such products may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties. Furthermore, economic and political conditions in areas of the world where we source such products may adversely affect the availability and cost of such products. In addition, our proprietary branded products compete with other manufacturers' branded items that we offer. As we continue to increase the number and types of proprietary branded products that we sell, we may adversely affect our relationships with our vendors, who may decide to reduce their product offerings through OfficeMax and increase their product offerings through our competitors. Finally, if any of our customers are harmed by our proprietary branded products, they may bring product liability and other claims against us. Any of these circumstances could have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

        Intense competition in our markets could harm our ability to maintain profitability.    Domestic and international office products markets are highly and increasingly competitive. Customers have many options when purchasing office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture. We compete with worldwide contract stationers, office supply superstores, mass merchandisers, wholesale clubs, computer and electronics superstores, Internet merchandisers, direct-mail distributors, discount retailers, drugstores, supermarkets and thousands of local and regional contract stationers. In addition, an increasing number of manufacturers of computer hardware, software and peripherals, including some of our suppliers, have expanded their own direct marketing efforts. The other large office supply superstores have increased their presence in close proximity to our stores in recent years and are expected to continue to do so in the future. In addition, many of our competitors have expanded their office products assortment, and we expect they will continue to do so. We anticipate increasing competition from our two domestic office supply superstore competitors and various other competitors for print-for-pay and related services. Print and documents services, or print-for-pay, and related services have historically been a key point of difference for OfficeMax stores. Any or all of our competitors may become even more aggressive in the future. Increased competition in the office products markets, together with increased advertising, has heightened price awareness among end-users. Such heightened price awareness has led to margin pressure on office products and impacted the results of both our Retail and Contract segments. In addition to price, competition is also based on customer service, differentiation from competitors, the quality and breadth of product selection, and convenient locations. Some of our competitors are larger than us and have greater financial resources, which afford them greater purchasing power, increased financial flexibility and more capital resources for expansion and improvement, which may enable them to compete more effectively.

        We may be unable to identify additional sales through new distribution opportunities or replace lost sales.    Our long-term success depends, in part, on our ability to expand our product sales in a manner that achieves appropriate sales and profit levels. This could include selling our products through other retailers, opening new stores or entering into novel distribution arrangements. When we sell our products through other retailers we rely on those retailers to

6


Table of Contents


provide an appropriate customer experience and our sales are dependant on the foot traffic and sales of the retail partner. Although we may have influence over the appearance of the area within the store where our products appear, we have no control over store marketing, staffing or any other aspects of our retail partners' operations. Although we frequently test new store designs, formats, sizes and market areas, if we are unable to generate the required sales or profit levels, as a result of macroeconomic or operational challenges, we will not open new stores. Similarly, we will only continue to operate existing stores if they meet required sales or profit levels. In the current macroeconomic environment, the results of our existing stores are impacted not only by a reduced sales environment, but by a number of things that are not within our control, such as loss of traffic resulting from store closures by other significant retailers in the stores' immediate vicinity. If we are required to close stores, we will be subject to costs and impairment charges that may adversely affect our financial results. Failure to increase sales through new distribution opportunities or replace lost sales could materially and adversely affect our future financial performance.

        Our international operations expose us to the unique risks inherent in foreign operations.    Our foreign operations encounter risks similar to those faced by our U.S. operations, as well as risks inherent in foreign operations, such as local customs and regulatory constraints, foreign trade policies, competitive conditions, foreign currency fluctuations and unstable political and economic conditions.

        Our quarterly operating results are subject to fluctuation.    Our quarterly operating results have fluctuated in the past and are likely to do so in the future. Factors that may contribute to these quarter-to-quarter fluctuations could include the effects of seasonality, severe weather, our level of advertising and marketing, new store openings, changes in product mix and competitors' pricing. Most of our operating expenses do not vary depending on the level of sales; if we are unable to reduce these expenses commensurately with the reduced sales then these quarterly fluctuations could have an adverse effect on both our financial results and the price of our common stock.

        We may be unable to attract and retain qualified associates.    We attempt to attract and retain an appropriate level of personnel in both field operations and corporate functions. We face many external risks and internal factors in meeting our labor needs, including competition for qualified personnel, prevailing wage rates, as well as rising employee benefit costs, including insurance costs and compensation programs. Failure to attract and retain sufficient qualified personnel could interfere with our ability to adequately provide services to customers.

        Our expanded offering of proprietary branded products may not improve our financial performance and may expose us to product liability claims.    Our product offering includes many proprietary branded products. While we have focused on the quality of our proprietary branded products, we rely on third party manufacturers for these products. Such third-party manufacturers may prove to be unreliable, the quality of our globally sourced products may not meet our expectations or such products may not meet applicable regulatory requirements which may require us to recall those products. Furthermore, economic and political conditions in areas of the world where we source such products may adversely affect the availability and cost of such products. In addition, our proprietary branded products compete with other manufacturers' branded items that we offer. As we continue to increase the number and types of proprietary branded products that we sell, we may adversely affect our relationships with our vendors, who may decide to reduce their product offerings through OfficeMax and increase their product offerings through our competitors. Finally, if any of our customers are harmed by our proprietary branded products, they may bring product liability and other claims against us. Any of these circumstances could have an adverse effect on our business and financial performance.

        We are more leveraged than some of our competitors, which could adversely affect our business plans.    A relatively greater portion of our cash flow is used to service debt and other

7


Table of Contents


financial obligations including leases and the potential Pension Plans' funding discussed previously. This reduces the funds we have available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, new stores, store remodels and other purposes and, given current credit constriction, may make it more difficult for us to make borrowings in the future. Similarly, our relatively greater leverage increases our vulnerability to, and limits our flexibility in planning for, adverse economic and industry conditions and creates other competitive disadvantages compared with other companies with relatively less leverage.

        Compromises of our information security may adversely affect our business.    Through our sales and marketing activities, we collect and store certain personal information that our customers provide to purchase products or services, enroll in promotional programs, register on our website, or otherwise communicate and interact with us. We also gather and retain information about our associates in the normal course of business. We may share information about such persons with vendors that assist with certain aspects of our business. Despite instituted safeguards for the protection of such information, we cannot be certain that all of our systems are entirely free from vulnerability to attack. Computer hackers may attempt to penetrate our networks or our vendors' network security and, if successful, misappropriate confidential customer or business information. In addition, a Company employee, contractor or other third party with whom we do business may attempt to circumvent our security measures in order to obtain such information or inadvertently cause a breach involving such information. Loss of customer or business information could disrupt our operations and expose us to claims from customers, financial institutions, payment card associations and other persons, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

        We cannot ensure systems and technology will be fully integrated or updated.    We cannot ensure our systems and technology will be successfully updated. We have current plans to update the financial reporting platform as well as the technology in our call centers. We will be implementing these technical upgrades in 2010 which is a complicated and difficult endeavor. Failure to successfully complete these upgrades could have an adverse impact on our business and results of operations. In addition, at the time of our acquisition of OfficeMax, Inc., we partially integrated the systems of the two companies. If we do not ultimately integrate our systems, it may constrain our ability to provide the level of service our customers' demand which could thereby cause us to operate inefficiently.

        We retained responsibility for certain liabilities of the sold paper, forest products and timberland businesses.    In connection with the Sale, we agreed to assume responsibility for certain liabilities of the businesses we sold. These obligations include liabilities related to environmental, health and safety, tax, litigation and employee benefit matters. Some of these retained liabilities could turn out to be significant, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Our exposure to these liabilities could harm our ability to compete with other office products distributors, who would not typically be subject to similar liabilities. In particular, we are exposed to risks arising from our ability to meet the funding obligations of our Pension Plans and withdrawal requests from participants pursuant to legacy benefit plans, each of which could require cash to be redirected and adversely impact our cash flows and financial results.

        Our investment in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. subjects us to the risks associated with the paper and forest products industry.    When we sold our paper, forest products and timberland assets, we purchased an equity interest in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. Through our investment in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C., we also hold an indirect interest in Boise Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiary Boise White Paper, L.L.C., the paper manufacturing business of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. This continuing interest in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. subjects us to market risks associated with the paper and forest products industry. These industries are subject to

8


Table of Contents


cyclical market pressures. Historical prices for products have been volatile, and industry participants have limited influence over the timing and extent of price changes. The relationship between supply and demand in these industries significantly affects product pricing. Demand for building products is driven mainly by factors such as new construction and remodeling rates, business and consumer credit availability, interest rates and weather. The recent falloff in U.S. housing starts has resulted in lower building products shipments and prices. The supply of paper and building products fluctuates based on manufacturing capacity. Excess manufacturing capacity, both domestically and abroad, can result in significant variations in product prices. Our ability to realize the carrying value of our equity interest in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. is dependent upon many factors, including the operating performance of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. and Boise Inc. and other market factors that may not be specific to Boise Cascade, L.L.C. or Boise Inc., due in part to the fact that there is not a liquid market for our equity interest. Our exposure to these risks could decrease our ability to compete effectively with our competitors, who typically are not subject to such risks.

        Our obligation to purchase paper from Boise White Paper L.L.C.. concentrates our supply of an important product primarily with a single supplier.    When we sold our paper, forest products and timberland assets, we agreed to purchase substantially all of our requirements of paper for resale from Boise Cascade, L.L.C., or its affiliates or assigns, currently Boise White Paper L.L.C., on a long term basis. The price we pay for this paper is market based and therefore subject to fluctuations in the supply and demand for the products. Our purchase obligation limits our ability to take advantage of spot purchase opportunities and exposes us to potential interruptions in supply, which could impact our ability to compete effectively with our competitors, who would not typically be restricted in this way.

        We have substantial business operations in states in which the regulatory environment is particularly challenging.    Our operations in California and other heavily regulated states with relatively more aggressive enforcement efforts expose us to a particularly challenging regulatory environment, including, without limitation, consumer protection laws, advertising regulations, escheat, and employment and wage and hour regulations. This regulatory environment requires the Company to maintain a heightened compliance effort and exposes us to defense costs, possible fines and penalties, and liability to private parties for monetary recoveries and attorneys' fees, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        We are subject to certain legal proceedings that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.    We are periodically involved in various legal proceedings, which may involve state and federal governmental inquiries and investigations, employment, tort, consumer litigation and intellectual property litigation. In addition, we may be subject to investigations by regulatory agencies and customers audits. These legal proceedings, investigations and audits could expose us to significant defense costs, fines, penalties, and liability to private parties for monetary recoveries and attorneys' fees, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

        Our results may be adversely affected by disruptions or catastrophic events.    Unforeseen events, including public health issues, such as the H1N1 flu pandemic, and natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations, disrupt the operations of our suppliers or customers, have an adverse impact on consumer spending and confidence levels or result in political or economic instability. Moreover, in the event of a natural disaster or public health issue, we may be required to suspend operations in some or all of our locations, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. These events could also reduce demand for our products or make it difficult or impossible to receive products from suppliers.

9


Table of Contents

        Fluctuations in our effective tax rate may adversely affect our results of operations.    We are a multi-national, multi-channel provider of office products and services. As a result, our effective tax rate is derived from a combination of applicable tax rates in the various countries, states and other jurisdictions in which we operate. Our effective tax rate may be lower or higher than our tax rates have been in the past due to numerous factors, including the sources of our income, any agreements we may have with taxing authorities in various jurisdictions, and the tax filing positions we take in various jurisdictions. We base our estimate of an effective tax rate at any given point in time upon a calculated mix of the tax rates applicable to our company and to estimates of the amount of business likely to be done in any given jurisdiction. The loss of one or more agreements with taxing jurisdictions, a change in the mix of our business from year to year and from country to country, changes in rules related to accounting for income taxes, changes in tax laws in any of the multiple jurisdictions in which we operate or adverse outcomes from tax audits that we may be subject to in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate could result in an unfavorable change in our effective tax rate.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

        None.

10


Table of Contents


ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

        The majority of OfficeMax facilities are rented under operating leases. (For more information about our operating leases, see Note 8. "Leases", of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.) Our properties are in good operating condition and are suitable and adequate for the operations for which they are used. We constantly evaluate the real estate market to determine the best locations for new stores. We analyze our existing stores and markets on a case by case basis. We conduct regular reviews of our real estate portfolio to identify underperforming facilities, and close those facilities that are no longer strategically or economically viable. In 2010, we expect that store openings will be limited to two by our joint venture partner in Mexico, and we plan no remodels, and less than 20 store closings.

        Our facilities by segment are presented in the following table.


OfficeMax, Contract

        As of January 23, 2010, OfficeMax, Contract operated 44 distribution centers in 21 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The following table sets forth the locations of these facilities.

Arizona

    1   Maryland     1   Tennessee     1  

California

    2   Massachusetts     1   Texas     2  

Colorado

    1   Michigan     1   Utah     1  

Florida

    1   Minnesota     1   Washington     1  

Georgia

    1   New Jersey     1   Puerto Rico     1  

Hawaii

    1   North Carolina     1   Canada     7  

Illinois

    1   Ohio     1   Australia     10  

Kansas

    1   Pennsylvania     1   New Zealand     3  

Maine

    1                      

11


Table of Contents


OfficeMax, Retail

        As of January 23, 2010, OfficeMax, Retail operated 1,010 stores in 47 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Mexico. The following table sets forth the locations of these facilities.

Alabama

    11   Maine     1   Oregon     12  

Alaska

    3   Maryland     1   Pennsylvania     28  

Arizona

    44   Massachusetts     10   Rhode Island     1  

Arkansas

    2   Michigan     42   South Carolina     6  

California

    80   Minnesota     41   South Dakota     4  

Colorado

    29   Mississippi     5   Tennessee     18  

Connecticut

    3   Missouri     29   Texas     75  

Florida

    65   Montana     3   Utah     14  

Georgia

    31   Nebraska     10   Virginia     26  

Hawaii

    8   Nevada     14   Washington     23  

Idaho

    6   New Jersey     4   West Virginia     2  

Illinois

    62   New Mexico     9   Wisconsin     35  

Indiana

    14   New York     31   Wyoming     2  

Iowa

    9   North Carolina     28   Puerto Rico     13  

Kansas

    12   North Dakota     3   U.S. Virgin Islands     2  

Kentucky

    6   Ohio     53   Mexico(a)     77  

Louisiana

    2   Oklahoma     1            
(a)
Locations operated by our 51%-owned joint venture in Mexico, Grupo OfficeMax.

ITEM 3.   LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        Information concerning legal proceedings is set forth in Note 16, "Legal Proceedings and Contingencies," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 4.   SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        None.

12


Table of Contents


EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        Our executive officers are elected by the Board of Directors and hold office until a successor is chosen or qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal. The following lists our executive officers and gives a brief description of their business experience as of February 22, 2010:

        Sam K. Duncan, 58, joined our board of directors and became chairman of the board in June 2005. Mr. Duncan was first elected an officer of the Company on April 18, 2005 when he was appointed as chief executive officer. Prior to his election as chief executive officer of the Company, Mr. Duncan was president and chief executive officer of ShopKo Stores, Inc., a multi-department retailer, from October 2002 to April 2005. From 1992 to 2002, Mr. Duncan held various merchandising and executive positions with Fred Meyer, Inc. (a division of The Kroger Co.), a grocery retailer, including: president of Fred Meyer from February 2001 to October 2002 and president of Ralph's Supermarkets from 1998 to 2001. Mr. Duncan began his retail career in the supermarket industry in 1969 with Albertson's, Inc., where he held various merchandising positions until 1992. Mr. Duncan has been a director of Nash-Finch Company since 2007 and was a director of ShopKo Stores, Inc. from 2002-2005. On February 11, 2010, Mr. Duncan announced that he will retire in 2011.

        Bruce Besanko, 51, was first elected an officer of the Company on February 16, 2009. Mr. Besanko has served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Company since that time, and as chief administrative officer since October 2009. Mr. Besanko previously served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Circuit City Stores, Inc., a leading specialty retailer of consumer electronics and related services, from July 2007 to February 2009. Prior to that, Mr. Besanko served as senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer for The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., a leading designer, manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of premium scented candles, since April 2005. He also served as vice president, finance for Best Buy Co., Inc., a retailer of consumer electronics, home office products, entertainment software, appliances and related services, from 2002 to 2005. On November 10, 2008, Circuit City Stores, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia; its assets are currently in the process of being liquidated under the jurisdiction of the bankruptcy court.

        Deborah A. O'Connor, 47, was first elected an officer of the Company on July 8, 2008. Since that time, Ms. O'Connor has been senior vice president, finance and chief accounting officer of the Company. Ms. O'Connor previously served as senior vice president and controller of the ServiceMaster Company, a company providing residential and commercial lawn care, landscape maintenance, termite and pest control, home warranty, cleaning and disaster restoration, furniture repair, and home inspection services, from December 1999 to December 2007.

        Sam Martin, 53, was first elected an officer of the Company on September 17, 2007. Since that time, Mr. Martin has been executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Company. Mr. Martin has responsibility for all areas of Retail, Contract and Supply Chain. Prior to joining the Company, he served most recently as senior vice president of operations of Wild Oats Markets, Inc., a natural foods grocery chain, from January 2006 through September 2007. Prior to joining Wild Oats, Mr. Martin served as senior vice president of supply chain for ShopKo Stores Inc. from April 2005 through December 2005 and vice president of distribution and transportation from April 2003 to April 2005. From 1998 until 2003, he was regional vice president, western region, and general manager for Toys"R"Us, Inc., a toy and baby products retailer.

        Ryan T. Vero, 40, was first elected an officer of the Company on November 1, 2004. Mr. Vero has served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of the Company since June 2005. He served as executive vice president, merchandising of the Company from 2004 until June 2005 when he was promoted to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Mr. Vero previously served as executive vice president, merchandising and marketing of OfficeMax, Inc., beginning in 2001 and executive vice president, e-commerce/direct of OfficeMax, Inc.

13


Table of Contents



PART II


ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

        Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Exchange requires each listed company to make an annual report available to its shareholders. We are making this Form 10-K available to our shareholders in lieu of a separate annual report. The reported high and low sales prices for our common stock, as well as the frequency and amount of dividends paid on such stock, are included in Note 17, "Quarterly Results of Operations (unaudited)," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K. As a result of the current economic crisis and to conserve cash, we suspended our cash dividends in the fourth quarter of 2008. See the discussion of dividend payment limitations under "Financing Arrangements" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," of this Form 10-K. The approximate number of holders of our common stock, based upon actual record holders on February 16, 2010, was 13,411.

        We maintain a corporate governance page on our website that includes key information about our corporate governance initiatives. That information includes our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics and charters for our Audit, Executive Compensation and Governance and Nominating Committees, as well as our Committee of Outside Directors. The corporate governance page can be found at www.officemax.com, by clicking on "Investor Relations" under the "About OfficeMax" heading and then on "Corporate Governance." You also may obtain copies of these policies, charters and codes by contacting our Investor Relations Department, 263 Shuman Boulevard, Naperville, Illinois 60563, or by calling (630) 864-6800.

        Information concerning securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans is included in "Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters" of this Form 10-K.


Stock Repurchases

        Information concerning our stock repurchases during the three months ended December 26, 2009, is presented in the following table.

Period
  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
  Average Price
Paid per Share
  Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
  Maximum Number
of Shares That May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
 

        September 27-October 24

    22   $ 12.32          

        October 25-November 21

    22   $ 11.43          

        November 22-December 26

    22   $ 11.44          
                         

        Total

    66   $ 11.73          
                         
(1)
All stock was withheld to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock awards.

14


Table of Contents



Performance Graph


        The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return (assuming dividend reinvestment) for OfficeMax, the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Index, the Standard & Poor's 500 Specialty Retail Index and the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Specialty Retail Index. The Company added a comparison to the SmallCap 600 Specialty Retail Index this year because Standard & Poor's transferred the Company from the Standard & Poor's 500 Specialty Retail Index into the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Specialty Retail Index in 2008, and the Company was in the Standard & Poor's SmallCap 600 Specialty Retail Index for all of 2009.

GRAPHIC

ANNUAL RETURN PERCENTAGE
Years Ending

Company\Index Name
  Dec 05   Dec 06   Dec 07   Dec 08   Dec 09  

OfficeMax Incorporated

    -17.54     98.80     -57.62     -62.75     82.26  

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

    7.68     15.12     -0.30     -34.26     33.53  

S&P 500 Specialty Retail Index

    2.86     6.64     -20.27     -25.37     37.52  

S&P 600 Specialty Retail Index

    12.05     11.55     -37.54     -36.51     77.65  

INDEXED RETURNS
Years Ending

Company\Index Name
  Base Period
Dec 04
  Dec 05   Dec 06   Dec 07   Dec 08   Dec 09  

OfficeMax Incorporated

  $ 100   $ 82.46   $ 163.93   $ 69.47   $ 25.88   $ 47.16  

S&P SmallCap 600 Index

    100     107.68     123.96     123.59     81.25     108.49  

S&P 500 Specialty Retail Index

    100     102.86     109.69     87.45     65.26     89.75  

S&P 600 Specialty Retail Index

    100     112.05     125.00     78.07     49.57     88.05  

15


Table of Contents

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth our selected financial data for the years indicated and should be read in conjunction with the disclosures in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" of this Form 10-K.

 
  2009(a)   2008(b)   2007(c)   2006(d)   2005(e)  
 
  (millions, except per-share amounts)
 

Assets

                               

Current assets

  $ 2,021   $ 1,855   $ 2,205   $ 2,097   $ 1,942  

Property and equipment, net

    422     491     581     580     535  

Goodwill

            1,217     1,216     1,218  

Timber notes receivable

    899     899     1,635     1,635     1,635  

Other

    728     929     646     688     942  
                       

  $ 4,070   $ 4,174   $ 6,284   $ 6,216   $ 6,272  
                       

Liabilities and shareholders' equity

                               

Current liabilities

  $ 1,092   $ 1,184   $ 1,371   $ 1,529   $ 1,588  

Long-term debt, less current portion

    275     290     349     384     407  

Non-recourse debt

    1,470     1,470     1,470     1,470     1,470  

Other

    702     918     783     817     1,044  

Noncontrolling interest

    28     22     32     30     27  

OfficeMax shareholders' equity—preferred stock

    36     43     50     55     55  

OfficeMax shareholders' equity—other

    467     247     2,229     1,931     1,681  
                       

  $ 4,070   $ 4,174   $ 6,284   $ 6,216   $ 6,272  
                       

Net sales

 
$

7,212
 
$

8,267
 
$

9,082
 
$

8,966
 
$

9,158
 
                       

Income (loss) from:

                               

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest

  $ (1 ) $ (1,666 ) $ 212   $ 103   $ (39 )

Joint venture results attributable to noncontrolling interest

    2     8     (5 )   (4 )   (2 )
                       

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to OfficeMax

    1     (1,658 )   207     99     (41 )

Preferred dividends

    (3 )   (4 )   (4 )   (4 )   (4 )
                       

Net income (loss) from continuing operations available to OfficeMax common shareholders

    (2 )   (1,662 )   203     95     (45 )

Net loss from discontinued operations

                (7 )   (33 )
                       

Net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders

  $ (2 ) $ (1,662 ) $ 203   $ 88   $ (78 )
                       

Basic net income (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.70   $ 1.30   $ (0.58 )

Discontinued operations

                (0.10 )   (0.41 )
                       
 

Basic net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders per common share

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.70   $ 1.20   $ (0.99 )
                       

Diluted net income (loss) per common share:

                               

Continuing operations(f)

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.66   $ 1.29   $ (0.58 )

Discontinued operations(f)

                (0.10 )   (0.41 )
                       
 

Diluted net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders per common share(f)

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.66   $ 1.19   $ (0.99 )
                       

Cash dividends declared per common share

   
 
$

0.45
 
$

0.60
 
$

0.60
 
$

0.60
 
                       

See notes on following page.

16


Table of Contents

Notes to Selected Financial Data

(a)
2009 included the following items:

$17.6 million pre-tax charge for impairment of fixed assets associated with certain of our Retail stores in the U.S. and Mexico. Our minority partner's share of this charge of $1.2 million is included in joint venture results attributable to noncontrolling interest.

$31.2 million pre-tax charge for costs related to Retail store closures in the U.S. and Mexico. Our minority partner's share of this charge of $0.5 million is included in joint venture results attributable to noncontrolling interest.

$18.1 million pre-tax charge for severance and other costs incurred in connection with various company reorganizations.

$2.6 million pre-tax gain related to the Company's Boise Investment.

$4.4 million pre-tax gain related to interest earned on a tax escrow balance established in a prior period in connection with our legacy Voyageur Panel business.

$14.9 million of income tax benefit from the resolution of an issue under Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") appeal regarding the deductibility of interest on certain of our industrial revenue bonds and the release of the related tax uncertainty reserves.

(b)
2008 included the following pre-tax items:

$1,364.4 million charge for impairment of goodwill, trade names and fixed assets. Our minority partner's share of this charge of $6.5 million is included in joint venture results attributable to noncontrolling interest.

$735.8 million charge for non-cash impairment of the timber installment note receivable due from Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc. and $20.4 million of related interest expense.

$27.9 million charge for severance and costs associated with the termination of certain store and site leases.

$20.5 million gain related to the Company's Boise Investment, primarily attributable to the sale of a majority interest in its paper and packaging and newsprint businesses.

(c)
2007 included the following items:

$32.4 million pre-tax income related to a paper agreement with affiliates of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. we entered into in connection with the Sale. This agreement was terminated in early 2008.

$1.1 million after-tax loss related to the sale of OfficeMax's Contract operations in Mexico to Grupo OfficeMax, our 51%-owned joint venture.

(d)
2006 included the following pre-tax items:

$89.5 million charge related to the closing of 109 underperforming domestic retail stores.

$46.4 million charge related to the relocation and consolidation of our corporate headquarters.

$10.3 million charge primarily related to a reorganization of our Contract segment.

$18.0 million charge primarily for contract termination and other costs related to the closure of our Elma, Washington manufacturing facility.

$48.0 million of income from a paper agreement with affiliates of Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. we entered into in connection with the Sale.

(e)
2005 included the following pre-tax items:

$25.0 million charge related to the relocation and consolidation of our corporate headquarters.

$31.9 million charge primarily for one-time severance payments, professional fees and asset write-downs.

$17.9 million related to the write-down of impaired assets, primarily related to retail store closures.

$5.4 million charge related to the restructuring of our international operations.

$9.8 million charge related to a legal settlement with the Department of Justice.

$14.4 million loss related to our early retirement of debt.

$28.2 million for the write-down of impaired assets at our Elma, Washington manufacturing facility.
(f)
Due to the losses reported in 2009, 2008, and 2005, the computation of diluted income (loss) per common share was antidilutive in these years and therefore, the amounts reported for basic and diluted income (loss) per common share are the same.

17


Table of Contents

ITEM 7.   MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion contains statements about our future financial performance. These statements are only predictions. Our actual results may differ materially from these predictions. In evaluating these statements, you should review "Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Form 10-K, including "Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements."


Overall Summary

        Sales for 2009 were $7.2 billion, compared to $8.3 billion for 2008. Gross profit margin decreased by 0.8% of sales to 24.1% of sales in 2009 compared to 24.9% of sales in 2008. The reductions in sales and gross profit margin relative to last year primarily reflected the weaker economic environment that existed throughout 2009, which negatively impacted all product categories and geographic areas in both our Contract and Retail segments. Notably, in the fourth quarter of 2009, the year-over-year sales decrease moderated on a sequential basis consistent with the trend in each of the first three quarters. We reported an operating loss of $4.0 million and $1,936.2 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively. As noted in the discussion and analysis that follows, our operating results were impacted by a number of significant items in both years. These items included charges for asset impairments and store closures offset in part by gains related to legacy activities and the reversal of a tax reserve. If we eliminate these items, our adjusted operating income for 2009 was $62.9 million compared to $191.9 million for 2008. The reported net loss available to OfficeMax common shareholders was $2.2 million or $0.03 per diluted share in 2009 compared to $1,661.6 million or $21.90 per diluted share in 2008. If we eliminate the impact of significant items from both years, adjusted net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders for 2009 was $18.6 million or $0.24 per diluted share compared to $100.1 million or $1.30 per diluted share for 2008.

Results of Operations, Consolidated

($ in millions)

 
  2009   2008   2007  

Sales

  $ 7,212.1   $ 8,267.0   $ 9,082.0  

Gross profit

    1,737.6     2,054.4     2,310.3  

Operating and selling expenses

    1,377.0     1,555.6     1,633.6  

General and administrative expenses

    297.7     306.9     332.5  

Goodwill and other asset impairments

    17.6     2,100.2      

Other operating net

    49.3     27.9      
               

Operating income (loss)

    (4.0 )   (1,936.2 )   344.2  

Net income (loss) attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest

    (1.6 )   (1,665.9 )   212.2  

Net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders

    (2.2 )   (1,661.6 )   203.4  

 


 

(percentage of sales)

 

Gross profit margin

    24.1 %   24.9 %   25.4 %

Operating and selling expenses

    19.1 %   18.8 %   18.0 %

General and administrative expenses

    4.1 %   3.7 %   3.7 %

        In addition to assessing our operating performance as reported under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), we evaluate our results of operations before non-operating legacy

18


Table of Contents


items and operating items that are not indicative of our core operating activities such as severance, facility closure, and asset impairments. We believe our presentation of financial measures before, or excluding, these items, which are non-GAAP measures, enhances our investors' overall understanding of our recurring operational performance and provides useful information to both investors and management to evaluate the ongoing operations and prospects of OfficeMax by providing better comparisons. Whenever we use non-GAAP financial measures, we designate these measures as "adjusted" and provide a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely applicable GAAP financial measure. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. In the following tables, we reconcile our non-GAAP financial measures to our reported GAAP financial results for both 2009 and 2008.

        Although we believe the non-GAAP financial measures enhance an investor's understanding of our performance, our management does not itself, nor does it suggest that investors should, consider such non-GAAP financial measures in isolation from, or as a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures we use may not be consistent with the presentation of similar companies in our industry. However, we present such non-GAAP financial measures in reporting our financial results to provide investors with an additional tool to evaluate our operating results in a manner that focuses on what we believe to be our ongoing business operations.

 
  OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
IMPACT OF SPECIAL ITEMS ON INCOME
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION FOR 2009
 
 
  Operating
income (loss)
  Net income (loss)
available to
OfficeMax
common
shareholders
  Diluted income
(loss) per
common share
 
 
  (millions, except per-share amounts)
 

As reported

  $ (4.0 ) $ (2.2 ) $ (0.03 )

Store asset impairment charge

    17.6     10.0     0.12  

Store closure and severance charges

    49.3     30.0     0.39  

Interest income from a legacy tax escrow

        (2.7 )   (0.04 )

Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. distribution

        (1.6 )   (0.02 )

Release of income tax reserve

        (14.9 )   (0.18 )
               

As adjusted

  $ 62.9   $ 18.6   $ 0.24  
               

 

 
  OFFICEMAX INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES
IMPACT OF SPECIAL ITEMS ON INCOME
NON-GAAP RECONCILIATION FOR 2008
 
 
  Operating
income (loss)
  Net income (loss)
available to
OfficeMax
common
shareholders
  Diluted income
(loss) per
common share
 
 
  (millions, except per-share amounts)
 

As reported

  $ (1,936.2 ) $ (1,661.6 ) $ (21.90 )

Goodwill and other asset impairment charge

    1,364.4     1,294.7     17.05  

Timber note impairment charge

    735.8     462.0     6.08  
               
 

Total impairment charges

    2,100.2     1,756.7     23.13  

Store closure and severance charges

    27.9     17.5     0.23  

Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. distribution

        (12.5 )   (0.16 )
               

As adjusted

  $ 191.9   $ 100.1   $ 1.30  
               

19


Table of Contents

        These items are described in more detail in this Management's Discussion and Analysis.

        At the end of the 2009 fiscal year, we had $486.6 million in cash and cash equivalents and $513.0 million in available (unused) borrowing capacity under our revolving credit facilities. The combination of cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity yields approximately $1 billion of overall liquidity. The Company has strengthened its balance sheet, cash position and liquidity greatly during 2009. At year-end, we had outstanding recourse debt of $297.1 million (both current and long-term) and non-recourse obligations of $1,470.0 million related to the timber securitization notes. There is no recourse against OfficeMax on the securitized timber notes payable as recourse is limited to proceeds from the applicable pledged installment notes receivable and underlying guarantees. There were no borrowings on our revolving credit facilities in 2009.

        The funded status of our pension plans also improved in 2009. Our pension obligations exceeded the assets held in trust to fund them by $210.2 million at year-end 2009, a decrease of $224.8 million compared to the $435.0 million under funding that existed at year-end 2008. This reduction was due to strong returns on plan investments in the year coupled with our voluntary excess contribution of 8.3 million shares of OfficeMax common stock to the plans in the fourth quarter of 2009.

        For the full year 2009, we generated $358.9 million of cash from operations reflecting our focus on cash generation. Working capital improved $219.0 million as a result of significant management oversight, which yielded reduced days outstanding for accounts receivable and a decrease in inventory per location along with an improved accounts payable leverage ratio. We also collected $71.0 million of tax refunds, net of payments, and borrowed $45.7 million on accumulated earnings held in company-owned life insurance policies. In addition, we received $41.1 million from investment activities, including $25.1 million from a prior tax escrow settlement and $15.0 million in additional company-owned life insurance withdrawals.

Outlook

        Given the continued weak economic environment, we are cautious in our expectations for 2010. We expect that U.S. unemployment trends will continue to unfavorably impact us in the near-term, with improvement occurring in the later part of the year. We anticipate that for the full year 2010, total sales, including the impact of foreign currency translation, and adjusted operating income margin will be slightly higher than they were in 2009. We expect positive cash flow from operations, although lower than 2009, due to a larger-than-expected incentive compensation payout during the first quarter and higher working capital needs due to the increased sales. We also believe that our liquidity position will remain strong and our need to access our revolving line of credit will be limited to seasonal periods.

2009 Compared with 2008

        Sales for 2009 decreased 12.8% to $7,212.1 million from $8,267.0 million for 2008. The year-over-year sales decreases occurred in both our Contract and Retail segments and resulted primarily from the weaker economic environment that existed throughout all of 2009. The change in sales resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates for the full year of 2009 was a decrease of 1.7%. However, in the fourth quarter, due to the weakening U.S. dollar, the change in total sales resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates was an increase of 2.8%.

        Gross profit margin decreased by 0.8% of sales to 24.1% of sales in 2009 compared to 24.9% of sales in 2008. The gross profit margins declined in both our Contract and Retail segments. The Retail segment experienced strong cost support from our vendors and reduced inventory shrinkage, the benefits of which were entirely offset by deleveraging of fixed occupancy costs and a mix shift to less profitable technology products. The Contract segment also experienced strong cost support

20


Table of Contents


from our vendors but earned overall lower gross margins as a result of softer market conditions as well as a shift in its customers' purchasing trends to a higher percentage of lower-margin consumable items, lower sales of off-contract items, and higher customer acquisition and retention costs.

        Operating and selling expenses increased by 0.3% of sales to 19.1% of sales in 2009 from 18.8% of sales a year earlier. The increased expense was primarily the result of deleveraging of fixed costs due to lower sales and increased incentive compensation expense, partially offset by reduced payroll and other targeted cost reductions. Incentive compensation expense included in operating and selling expense was $23.6 million for 2009 compared to $4.0 million for 2008.

        General and administrative expenses increased 0.4% of sales to 4.1% of sales in 2009 compared to 3.7% of sales in 2008. The increase primarily reflected higher pension and incentive compensation expenses. General and administrative expense included $40.8 million of these costs in 2009 as compared to $5.1 million in 2008. Excluding these costs, general and administrative expense was consistent between 2009 and 2008. The effect of deleveraging of expense resulting from lower sales was offset by lower headcount resulting from a significant reduction in force at the corporate headquarters in late 2008.

        As noted above, our results for 2009 include several significant items, as follows:

        Interest expense was $76.4 million in 2009 compared to $113.6 million for 2008. The decline in interest expense was principally due to the Lehman bankruptcy on September 15, 2008, and the

21


Table of Contents


resulting payment defaults on the timber note receivable guaranteed by Lehman and the related securitization notes payable. On October 29, 2008, Lehman failed to pay the semi-annual interest payment due on the timber note receivable that it guarantees. Because we are only obligated to make interest payments on the securitization notes supported by the timber note receivable and Lehman guaranty to the extent that we receive the interest payments due on the timber note receivable, we stopped accruing (and making) interest payments due on those securitization notes after the Lehman default. As a result in 2008 we recorded $33.7 million in interest expense on the Lehman securitization notes payable. In 2009, we did not accrue any interest on this non-recourse obligation.

        Interest income was $47.3 million and $57.6 million for the years ended 2009 and 2008, respectively. This decline reflects the $13.1 million reduction of interest income recorded on the timber note receivable guaranteed by Lehman in 2009 as compared to 2008, partially offset by $4.4 million of interest income related to a tax escrow balance established in a prior period in connection with the sale of our legacy Voyageur Panel business. As a result of Lehman's September 2008 bankruptcy filing, we recorded no interest income on the Lehman portion of the timber notes receivable in 2009. In 2008, we accrued and collected approximately $13.1 million in interest income on the Lehman timber note receivable for the period from January 1 through April 29, 2008. In 2009, approximately $40.8 million of interest income and $39.8 million of interest expense recorded relating to the Wachovia portion of the timber notes receivable and associated securitized obligation. See the "Timber Notes/Non-Recourse Debt" section that follows in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

        For 2009, we recognized an income tax benefit of $28.8 million on a pre-tax loss of $30.3 million (effective tax benefit rate of 94.8%) compared to an income tax benefit of $306.5 million on a pre-tax loss of $1,972.4 million (effective tax benefit rate of 15.5%) for 2008. Income taxes and the related effective rates for both years were affected by several significant items that caused our actual tax benefits to vary from the amount based on our reported pre-tax accounting income and the statutory U.S. federal tax rate of 35%. In 2009, the recorded tax benefit included $14.9 million from the release of a tax reserve upon the resolution of our claim that interest on certain of our industrial revenue bonds was fully tax deductible. In 2008, the goodwill and other assets impairment charge of $1.4 billion unfavorably impacted the tax benefit rate as the book basis of these assets was higher than the amortizable tax basis which resulted in a 4.6% tax benefit on the charge. In addition, in 2008 the Company also recognized a tax benefit resulting from a favorable U.S. Internal Revenue Service settlement. The effective tax rate in both years was also impacted by the effects of state income taxes, income items not subject to tax and non-deductible expenses and the mix of domestic and foreign sources of income.

        We reported a net loss attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest of $1.6 million for 2009. After adjusting for joint venture earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and preferred dividends, we reported a net loss available to OfficeMax common shareholders of $2.2 million or $(0.03) per diluted share for 2009. Excluding the effects of the significant items discussed above, adjusted net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders was $18.6 million or $0.24 per diluted share for 2009 compared to $100.1 million or $1.30 per diluted share for 2008.

22


Table of Contents

2008 Compared with 2007

        Sales for 2008 decreased 9.0% to $8,267.0 million from $9,082.0 million for 2007. The year-over-year sales decrease was largely the result of the weaker global economic environment and our more disciplined analysis-driven approach to sales generation and retention. The year-over-year sales decrease reflects a 10.7% decrease in comparable sales, and both our Contract and Retail segments experienced double-digit sales declines in 2008 as compared to 2007. In addition, the rate of sales decline (on a percentage basis) increased in each quarter of 2008 compared to the comparable quarters of 2007. Foreign exchange rate changes had only a minor effect on sales for full year 2008. However, they negatively impacted sales comparisons late in the year. For the year, sales increased $9.4 million due to the impact of foreign exchange rates, however, fourth quarter 2008 sales were reduced by $81.1 million due to the effect of foreign exchange rates.

        Gross profit margin decreased by 0.5% of sales to 24.9% of sales in 2008 compared to 25.4% of sales in 2007. The gross profit margins declined in our Retail segment compared to the previous year but improved for our Contract segment. The Retail margin decline was primarily due to the deleveraging of fixed costs, resulting from the lower sales, as well as the impact of opening new stores which require several years to ramp up to mature sales volumes and higher inventory shrinkage results. The decline was partially offset by a sales-mix shift towards higher-margin office supplies category sales. The Contract segment margin improvement was due primarily to a higher margin customer mix resulting from our more disciplined approach to contractual sales generation and retention.

        Operating and selling expenses increased by 0.8% of sales to 18.8% of sales in 2008 from 18.0% of sales a year earlier. The increases in operating and selling expenses as a percent of sales were primarily the result of deleveraging fixed costs due to lower sales, which were partially offset by reduced incentive compensation expense and targeted cost reductions, including reduced selling expenses in the Contract segment and reduced store payroll in the Retail segment resulting from the management reorganizations completed in the first and second quarters of 2008.

        General and administrative expenses were 3.7% of sales for both 2008 and 2007. The effect of deleveraging of expense resulting from lower sales was offset primarily by a reduction in incentive compensation.

        As noted above, our results for 2008 included several significant items, as follows:

23


Table of Contents

        Interest expense was $113.6 million in 2008 compared to $121.3 million for 2007. The year-over-year decrease in interest expense was a result of lower average borrowings and the curtailment of interest accruals on certain of the timber securitization notes payable after the default on the timber installment note guaranteed by Lehman on October 29, 2008 due to the Lehman bankruptcy. Interest expense includes interest related to the affected timber securitization notes payable of approximately $73.5 million and $80.5 million for 2008 and 2007, respectively. Per the timber note agreements, the interest expense related to the timber securitization notes payable is to be offset by interest income earned on the timber installment notes receivable. However, at the time of the Lehman bankruptcy in September 2008, the Company reversed interest income accrued on the installment note guaranteed by Lehman from the date of the last payment (April 29, 2008), and has not recognized any additional interest income on this installment note. We did, however, continue to record the ongoing interest expense on the related timber securitization notes payable until the default date (October 29, 2008), resulting in $20.4 million of additional interest expense that will only be paid if the corresponding interest income is collected. Total timber note related interest income was $53.9 million in 2008. In 2007, the timber note related interest expense was offset by timber note related interest income of $82.5 million.

        Excluding the interest income earned on the timber notes receivable, interest income was $3.7 million and $5.4 million for the years ended December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively.

        For 2008, we recognized an income tax benefit of $306.5 million on our $1,972.4 million pre-tax loss (effective tax benefit rate of 15.5%) compared to income tax expense of $125.3 million on $337.5 million in pretax income (effective tax rate of 37.1%) for 2007. In the first quarter of 2008, the Company effectively settled an audit with the Federal government for all tax years through 2005. As a result of the settlement and other related filings, the Company recognized a $6.8 million benefit in its tax provision for 2008. The goodwill, trade names and other long-lived assets impairment charge of $1.4 billion unfavorably impacted the tax benefit rate as the book basis of these assets was higher than the amortizable tax basis and resulted in a tax benefit of $63.2 million or approximately 4.6% of the tax charge. The Company also reviewed the realizability of state net operating loss carryforwards and foreign tax credits in 2008, resulting in the recognition of approximately

24


Table of Contents


$1.3 million of tax benefit, as a result of a reduction in the valuation allowance. Income taxes for all periods were affected by the impact of state income taxes, non-deductible expenses and the mix of domestic and foreign sources of income.

        As a result of the foregoing factors, we reported a net loss attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest of $1,665.9 million for 2008. After adjusting for joint venture earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest and preferred dividends, we reported a loss available to OfficeMax common shareholders of $1,661.6 or $(21.90) per diluted share, for 2008. Excluding the effects of the significant items discussed above, adjusted net income available to OfficeMax common shareholders was $100.1 million or $1.30 per diluted share for 2008.


Segment Discussion

        We report our results using three reportable segments: OfficeMax, Contract; OfficeMax, Retail; and Corporate and Other.

        OfficeMax, Contract distributes a broad line of items for the office, including office supplies and paper, technology products and solutions, office furniture, and print and document services. OfficeMax, Contract sells directly to large corporate and government offices, as well as to small and medium-sized offices in the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. This segment markets and sells through field salespeople, outbound telesales, catalogs, the Internet and in some markets, including Canada, Australia and New Zealand, through office products stores.

        OfficeMax, Retail is a retail distributor of office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture. In addition, this segment contracts with large national retail chains to supply office and school supplies to be sold in their stores. Our retail office supply stores feature OfficeMax ImPress, an in-store module devoted to print-for-pay and related services. Our Retail segment has operations in the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our Retail segment also operates office products stores in Mexico through a 51%-owned joint venture.

        Corporate and Other includes support staff services and certain other legacy expenses as well as the related assets and liabilities. The income and expense related to certain assets and liabilities that are reported in the Corporate and Other segment have been allocated to the Contract and Retail segments.

        Management evaluates the segments' performances based on operating income (loss) after eliminating the effect of certain operating matters such as severances, facility closures, and asset impairments, that are not indicative of our core operations ("segment income (loss)".)

25


Table of Contents


OfficeMax, Contract

($ in millions)

 
  2009   2008   2007  

Sales

  $ 3,656.7   $ 4,310.0   $ 4,816.1  

Gross profit

    762.4     948.1     1,050.9  
 

Gross profit margin

    20.8 %   22.0 %   21.8 %

Operating, selling and general and administrative expenses

    704.4     780.8     843.0  
 

Percentage of sales

    19.2 %   18.1 %   17.5 %
               

Segment income

  $ 58.0   $ 167.3   $ 207.9  
 

Percentage of sales

    1.6 %   3.9 %   4.3 %

Goodwill and other asset impairments

   
   
815.5
   
 

Other operating expenses

    15.3     9.3      
               

Operating income (loss)

  $ 42.7   $ (657.5 ) $ 207.9  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales by Product Line

                   

Office supplies and paper

  $ 2,138.5   $ 2,518.7   $ 2,696.3  

Technology products

    1,174.0     1,299.2     1,535.1  

Office furniture

    344.2     492.1     584.7  

Sales by Geography

                   

United States

  $ 2,583.1   $ 3,035.0   $ 3,518.9  

International

    1,073.6     1,275.0     1,297.2  

Sales Growth

                   

Total sales growth

    (15.2 )%   (10.5 )%   2.2 %

2009 Compared with 2008

        Contract segment sales for 2009 decreased 15.2% to $3,656.7 million from $4,310.0 million for 2008, reflecting a U.S. sales decline of 14.9% and an international sales decline of 15.8% in U.S. dollars, or 8.2% in local currencies. The change in total Contract sales resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates for the full year of 2009 was a decrease of 2.2%. However, in the fourth quarter, due to the weakening U.S. dollar, the change in total Contract sales resulting from changes in foreign exchange rates was an increase of 5.6%. The U.S. Contract sales decline primarily reflected weaker sales from existing corporate accounts as our customers reduced overhead spending and headcount in response to the weak overall U.S. economy. This decline continued to be meaningful, increasing (as measured by the rate of decline compared to the prior year) in the first two quarters, while decreasing modestly in the third and fourth quarters. For the year, the reduction in sales volume from lost customers was greater than the incremental sales from newly acquired customers. However, in the fourth quarter, the trend reversed and we gained net sales from newly acquired customers.

        Contract segment gross profit margin declined 1.2% of sales to 20.8% of sales for 2009 compared to 22.0% of sales in the previous year. The decrease in gross profit margin was primarily due to softer market conditions, a shift in the purchasing trends of our customers to a higher percentage of on-contract items, including lower-margin commodities and consumable items like paper, and higher customer acquisition and retention expenses as a percentage of sales. Our Contract performance in the fourth quarter improved from the previous quarters in 2009 due to our disciplined approach to profitable customer acquisition and retention, as well as other initiatives to grow the business and improve margins by providing better solutions for our customers. Targeted cost controls in our delivery fleet helped to mitigate the impact of deleveraging.

26


Table of Contents

        Contract segment operating, selling and general and administrative expenses increased 1.1% of sales to 19.2% of sales for 2009 from 18.1% of sales a year earlier. The increase was primarily due to the deleveraging of fixed expenses from lower sales and increased incentive compensation expenses, which were $22.1 million higher in 2009 compared to 2008, partially offset by cost management initiatives, including lower payroll costs as a result of the reorganization of our U.S. and Canadian sales forces, fewer personnel in our customer fulfillment and customer service centers and the reduction in force at our corporate headquarters in the fourth quarter of 2008.

        Contract segment income was $58.0 million, or 1.6% of sales, for 2009, compared to $167.3 million for 2008. The decline in segment income was primarily attributable to the reduction in sales and gross profit.

        Contract other operating expenses for 2009 included $15.3 million of severance and other charges, principally related to reorganizations of our U.S. and Canadian Contract sales forces, customer fulfillment centers and customer service centers.

        The Contract segment's operating income (loss) improved $700.2 million to operating income of $42.7 million for 2009, compared to an operating loss of $657.5 million for 2008.

2008 Compared With 2007

        Contract segment sales for 2008 decreased 10.5% to $4,310.0 million from $4,816.1 million for 2007, reflecting a U.S. sales decline of 13.8% and an international sales decline of 1.7% in U.S. dollars, or 2.4% in local currencies. U.S. sales declined in 2008 compared to the prior year primarily due to: a) decreased sales from existing corporate accounts of 9%, b) our continued discipline in account acquisition and retention which resulted in lower sales to new and retained customers and c) lower sales from small market public website and catalog business customers. Early in the fourth quarter of 2008, we entered into an alliance with Lyreco to service our respective global customers. This agreement allows OfficeMax to supply global customers that have operations in European countries and Asia through Lyreco, and allows Lyreco to supply global customers that have operations in the United States and Mexico through OfficeMax.

        Contract segment gross profit margin increased 0.2% of sales to 22.0% of sales for 2008 compared to 21.8% of sales in the previous year. The year-over-year increase was primarily due to improved account profitability for existing and new customers which was partially offset by deleveraging fixed delivery and occupancy costs from lower sales. Targeted cost controls helped to reduce the impact of deleveraging. These targeted cost controls included year-over-year reductions in our delivery fleet resulting from optimizing delivery routes, which helped to reduce the impact of increased fuel costs.

        Contract segment operating, selling and general and administrative expenses increased 0.6% of sales to 18.1% of sales for 2008 from 17.5% of sales a year earlier. The increase was primarily due to the deleveraging of fixed expenses from lower sales, including higher fixed marketing and account administration costs, partially offset by targeted cost controls, including reduced selling expenses and lower compensation costs as a result of fewer personnel in our customer fulfillment centers and customer service centers, as well as reduced incentive compensation expense. We also cycled on operating expense improvements that we started generating in the second half of 2007.

        Contract segment income was $167.3 million, or 3.9% of sales, for 2008, compared to $207.9 million for 2007. The decline in segment income was primarily attributable to the reduction in sales and gross profit.

        The Contract segment reported a non-cash charge of $815.5 million related to impairment of the Contract segment's goodwill balance in 2008. Contract other operating expense of $9.3 million

27


Table of Contents


for 2008 included employee severance costs in our U.S and international operations and the costs to consolidate manufacturing facilities in New Zealand. For more information regarding impairment charges, see discussion of "Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

        The Contract segment's operating income (loss) decreased $865.4 million to an operating loss of $657.5 million compared to segment operating income of $207.9 million for 2007.


OfficeMax, Retail

($ in millions)

 
  2009   2008   2007  

Sales

  $ 3,555.4   $ 3,957.0   $ 4,265.9  

Gross profit

    975.2     1,106.3     1,259.5  
 

Gross profit margin

    27.4 %   28.0 %   29.5 %

Operating, selling and general and administrative expenses

    930.3     1,045.1     1,085.8  
 

Percentage of sales

    26.1 %   26.5 %   25.4 %
               

Segment income

  $ 44.9   $ 61.2   $ 173.7  
 

Percentage of sales

    1.3 %   1.5 %   4.1 %

Goodwill and other asset impairments

   
17.6
   
548.9
   
 

Other operating expense

    33.3     17.4      
               

Operating income (loss)

  $ (6.0 ) $ (505.1 ) $ 173.7  

Sales by Product Line

                   

Office supplies and paper

  $ 1,392.7   $ 1,541.5   $ 1,610.6  

Technology products

    1,872.6     2,060.5     2,235.5  

Office furniture

    290.1     355.0     419.8  

Sales by Geography

                   

United States

  $ 3,369.6   $ 3,693.5   $ 4,030.0  

International

    185.8     263.5     235.9  

Sales Growth

                   

Total sales growth

    (10.2 )%   (7.2 )%   0.3 %

Same-location sales growth

    (11.0 )%   (10.8 )%   (1.2 )%

2009 Compared with 2008

        Retail segment sales for 2009 decreased by 10.2% (9.1% after adjusting for the foreign currency exchange effect) to $3,555.4 million from $3,957.0 million for 2008, reflecting a same-store sales decrease of 11.0% mitigated by new store improvement. This included a same-store sales decline in the U.S. of 9.6% and in Mexico of 13.9% (after adjusting for the foreign currency exchange effect). Retail same-store sales declined primarily due to weaker consumer and small business spending in the U.S. and the significant negative effects of weak economic conditions in Mexico together with the effects of the influenza epidemic during the summer. Store traffic was lower compared to the prior year as sales declined across all major product categories, particularly in the higher-priced, discretionary furniture category, which resulted in decreased average tickets. We ended 2009 with 1,010 stores. In the U.S., we opened 12 retail stores and closed 18, ending the year with 933 retail stores. Grupo OfficeMax, our majority-owned joint venture in Mexico, closed six stores, ending the year with 77 retail stores.

        Retail segment gross profit margin declined 0.6% of sales to 27.4% of sales for 2009, compared to 28.0% of sales in the previous year. The declines were primarily due to the

28


Table of Contents


deleveraging of fixed occupancy costs which has continued since late-2007, offset by favorable product margins, which benefited from good vendor support and lower inventory shrinkage, reduced delivery costs, and strong cost controls over utilities and maintenance. Margins were also negatively impacted by a shift to lower margin technology products.

        Retail segment operating, selling and general and administrative expenses decreased 0.4% of sales to 26.1% of sales for 2009 from 26.5% of sales a year earlier. The decrease was primarily due to targeted cost reductions in response to the sales shortfall partially offset by $29.4 million in additional incentive compensation expenses in 2009 and the deleveraging effect of reduced sales. Results in the Retail segment benefited from a favorable property tax settlement as well as the resolution of a prior dispute with a service provider, the effects of which were partially offset by adverse workers compensation expense related to prior period claims. Cost reductions consist primarily of reduced payroll costs resulting from reductions in staff in the stores, in field management and at the corporate headquarters and lower advertising and pre-opening costs.

        Retail segment income was $44.9 million, or 1.3% of sales, for 2009, compared to $61.2 million for 2008. The decline in segment income was primarily attributable to the reduction in sales and gross profit, partially offset by the effects of cost reduction initiatives.

        For 2009, the Retail segment recorded a $17.6 million non-cash charge related to impaired store assets. Other operating expense included charges of $33.3 million primarily related to store closure costs. The segment closed 21 underperforming stores prior to the end of their lease terms, of which 16 were in the U.S. and five were in Mexico with a total cost of $31.2 million. In addition, the segment incurred $2.1 million of severance related to a streamlining of our Retail store staffing.

        The Retail segment's operating loss improved $499.1 million to an operating loss of $6.0 million in 2009, compared to an operating loss of $505.1 million in 2008.

2008 Compared With 2007

        Retail segment sales for 2008 decreased by 7.2% to $3,957.0 million from $4,265.9 million for 2007, reflecting a same-store sales decrease of 10.8%, partially offset by sales by new stores. The weaker U.S. consumer and small business spending was evidenced by lower store traffic and weaker back-to-school and holiday seasons than in the previous year. Retail same-store sales for 2008 declined across all major product categories, compared to the prior year. Declines were greatest in the higher-priced, discretionary furniture and technology product categories, which resulted in decreased average tickets. During 2008, we opened 43 new retail stores in the U.S., including three Ink-Paper-Scissors stores (a smaller format store), ending the year with 939 retail stores in the U.S. Our majority-owned joint-venture in Mexico opened 17 stores during 2008, ending the year with 83 stores.

        Retail segment gross profit margin declined 1.5% of sales to 28.0% of sales for 2008, compared to 29.5% of sales in the previous year. The gross margin decline was primarily due to the deleveraging of fixed occupancy costs, which has continued since late-2007, as well as increased inventory shrinkage cost. For the 2008 back-to-school and holiday seasons, which are always an aggressive pricing environment, we adjusted our advertising strategies to drive traffic in the stores without sacrificing overall gross margin levels, and we continued to rationalize and refine our marketing mix through various media, not just circular advertising. The impact of deleveraging of fixed-occupancy costs and increased inventory shrinkage costs was partially offset by increased merchandise margins and a sales-mix shift towards higher-margin office supplies category sales. Increased fuel prices were mostly offset by fulfillment improvement programs and flexible delivery scheduling that resulted in fewer miles driven.

29


Table of Contents

        Retail segment operating, selling and general and administrative expenses increased 1.1% of sales to 26.5% of sales for 2008 from 25.4% of sales a year earlier, primarily due to deleveraging of expenses from the same-store sales volume decrease, as well as new stores which have not ramped up to mature sales volumes, partially offset by reduced incentive compensation expense and targeted cost controls, including the benefits from the reorganization of our Retail store management in the second quarter and Retail field and ImPress management undertaken in the first quarter.

        Retail segment income was $61.2 million, or 1.5% of sales, for 2008, compared to $173.7 million for 2007. The decline in segment income was primarily attributable to the reduction in sales and gross profit.

        For 2008, the Retail segment recorded impairment charges of $548.9 million, consisting of $386.0 million for impairment of goodwill, $107.1 million for impairment of trade names and $55.8 million for impairment of store fixed assets, consisting primarily of leasehold improvements. Retail other operating expense for 2008 included a $12.7 million charge for headcount reductions primarily for the reorganization of our Retail field and store management and $4.7 million of charges related to site and store lease terminations. For more information regarding impairment charges, see the discussion of "Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments" that follows.

        The Retail segment's operating loss was $505.1 million for 2008, compared to operating income of $173.7 million for 2007.


Corporate and Other

        Corporate and Other expenses were $40.7 million for 2009 compared to $773.6 million for 2008. Expenses recorded in 2009 included a $0.7 million pre-tax charge for severance. Increased incentive compensation expense ($3.8 million more in 2009) and pension costs more than offset reduced payroll expense resulting from reductions in staff at the corporate headquarters in late 2008. Expenses recorded in 2008 included a $735.8 million charge related to the impairment of the timber installment note guaranteed by Lehman, a $4.3 million severance charge related to a fourth quarter reduction in force at our corporate headquarters and a $3.1 million gain, primarily related to the release of a warranty escrow established at the time of sale of our legacy Voyageur Panel business in 2004. During 2007, total Corporate and Other expenses were $37.4 million.

30


Table of Contents


Liquidity and Capital Resources

        At the end of fiscal year 2009, the total liquidity available for OfficeMax was $999.6 million. This includes cash and cash equivalents of $486.6 million and borrowing availability of $513.0 million (availability includes $473.3 million and $39.7 million relating to our U.S. and Canadian revolving credit agreements, respectively). As of December 26, 2009, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the credit agreements, both of which expire on July 12, 2012. As of December 26, 2009, we had $297.1 million of short-term and long-term debt and $1,470 million of non-recourse timber securitization notes outstanding.

        Our primary ongoing cash requirements relate to working capital, expenditures for property and equipment, technology enhancements and upgrades, lease obligations, pension funding and debt service. We expect to fund these requirements through a combination of available cash balance, cash flow from operations and, if necessary, seasonal borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. The following sections of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discuss in more detail our operating, investing, and financing activities, as well as our financing arrangements.

Operating Activities

        Our operating activities generated cash of $358.9 million, $223.7 million and $70.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The increase in cash from operations in 2009 was due principally to significantly reduced inventories, net of the associated decrease in payables as a result of both lower purchasing activity and the timing of payments, and reduced receivables as a result of lower sales and strong management oversight. We ended 2009 with $143.8 million less inventory than at the end of 2008, with approximately 17% lower average inventory per store and approximately 15% lower average inventory per distribution center as compared to the prior year. Clearance inventory levels were at an all time low while our in-stock levels were high. Accounts payable at the end of 2009 were $68.5 million lower than at the end of the prior year, primarily reflecting lower merchandise purchasing levels. Receivables at the end of 2009 were $27.5 million lower than at the end of the prior year, reflecting both sales declines in the Contract segment and a modest improvement in days sales outstanding compared to the prior year period.

        In addition, cash from operations in 2009 includes $71.0 million of tax refunds, net of payments, from federal and state governments and $45.7 million in proceeds from loans against accumulated earnings in our company-owned life insurance (COLI) policies. We expect to periodically repay and re-borrow on these loans in order to manage our investments and minimize interest expense.

        We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees, and some active OfficeMax, Contract employees. Pension expense was $14.1 million, $4.2 million and $10.0 million for the years ended December 26, 2009, December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007, respectively. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, we made cash contributions to our pension plans totaling $6.8 million, $13.1 million and $19.1 million, respectively. In 2009, we also contributed 8.3 million shares of OfficeMax common stock to our qualified pension plans. Based on actuarial estimates, this additional contribution is expected to reduce our pension contributions over the next five years by approximately $100 million. The minimum required funding contribution in 2010 is approximately $3.8 million and the expense is projected to be $7.1 million compared to expense of $14.1 million in 2009. However, we may elect to make additional voluntary contributions. See "Critical Accounting Estimates" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for more information.

31


Table of Contents

Investment Activities

        Our investing activities provided $2.8 million of cash during 2009 compared to a use of funds of $112.1 million and $138.9 during 2008 and 2007, respectively. During 2009, we received $25.1 million in cash from the distribution of a tax escrow balance established in a prior period in connection with our legacy Voyageur Panel business sold in 2004, and $15.0 million related to withdrawals from the principal balance of our COLI policies. Our capital spending in 2009 primarily related to leasehold improvements, 12 new stores and maintenance projects. Details of the capital investment by segment are included in the following table:

 
  Capital Investment  
 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (millions)
 

OfficeMax, Contract

  $ 18.0   $ 34.2   $ 42.5  

OfficeMax, Retail

    20.3     109.8     98.3  
               

    38.3     144.0     140.8  

        We expect our capital investments in 2010 to be approximately $90 to $110 million. Our capital spending in 2010 will be primarily for technology enhancements such as an upgrade to our financial systems platform and improvements in the telephony software and hardware used by our call centers. We will also invest in leasehold improvements and replacement maintenance projects. In 2010, we expect store openings to be limited to two by our joint venture partner in Mexico.

Financing Activities

        Our financing activities used cash of $60.6 million in 2009, $86.1 million in 2008 and $62.6 million in 2007. Common and preferred dividend payments totaled $3.1 million in 2009, $47.5 million in 2008, and $49.1 million in 2007. In 2008 and 2007, our quarterly cash dividend was 15 cents per common share. Due to the challenging economic environment, and to conserve cash, our quarterly cash dividend was suspended in December 2008. We had net debt payments of $57.7 million, $40.0 million and $11.6 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively.


Financing Arrangements

        We lease our store space and certain other property and equipment under operating leases. These operating leases are not included in debt; however, they represent a significant commitment. Our obligations under operating leases are shown in the "Contractual Obligations" section of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

        Our debt structure consists of credit agreements, note agreements, and other borrowings as described below. For more information, see the "Contractual Obligations" and "Disclosures of Financial Market Risks" sections of this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Credit Agreements

        On July 12, 2007, we entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "U.S. Credit Agreement") with a group of banks. The U.S. Credit Agreement permits us to borrow up to a maximum of $700 million subject to a borrowing base calculation that limits availability to a percentage of eligible accounts receivable plus a percentage of the value of eligible inventory less certain reserves. The U.S. Credit Agreement may be increased (up to a maximum of $800 million) at our request or reduced from time to time, in each case according to the terms detailed in the U.S. Credit Agreement. There were no borrowings outstanding under our U.S. Credit Agreement at the end of fiscal years 2009 or 2008, and there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility

32


Table of Contents


during 2009 or 2008. Letters of credit, which may be issued under the U.S. Credit Agreement up to a maximum of $250 million, reduce available borrowing capacity. Stand-by letters of credit issued under the U.S. Credit Agreement totaled $61.1 million at the end of fiscal year 2009 and $66.7 million at the end of fiscal year 2008. At the end of fiscal year 2009, the maximum aggregate borrowing amount available under the U.S. Credit Agreement was $534.4 million and availability under the U.S. Credit Agreement totaled $473.3 million. The U.S. Credit Agreement allows the payment of dividends, subject to availability restrictions and if no default has occurred. At the end of fiscal year 2009, we were in compliance with all covenants under the U.S. Credit Agreement. The U.S. Credit Agreement expires on July 12, 2012.

        Borrowings under the U.S. Credit Agreement bear interest at rates based on either the prime rate or LIBOR. Margins are applied to the applicable borrowing rates and letter of credit fees under the U.S. Credit Agreement depending on the level of average availability. Fees on letters of credit issued under the U.S. Credit Agreement were charged at a weighted average rate of 0.875% during 2009. We are charged an unused line fee at an annual rate of 0.25% on the amount by which the maximum available credit exceeds the average daily outstanding borrowings and letters of credit.

        On September 30, 2009, Grand & Toy Limited, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary based in Canada, entered into a revolving credit agreement (the "Canadian Credit Agreement") with a group of banks. The Canadian Credit Agreement permits Grand & Toy Limited to borrow up to a maximum of C$60 million subject to a borrowing base calculation that limits availability to a percentage of eligible accounts receivable plus a percentage of the value of eligible inventory less certain reserves. The Canadian Credit Agreement may be increased (up to a maximum of C$80 million) at Grand & Toy Limited's request or reduced from time to time, in each case according to the terms detailed in the Canadian Credit Agreement. There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility at the end of fiscal year 2009, and there were no borrowings outstanding under this facility during 2009. Letters of credit, which may be issued under the Canadian Credit Agreement up to a maximum of C$10 million, reduce available borrowing capacity. There were no letters of credit outstanding under the Canadian Credit Agreement at the end of fiscal year 2009. The maximum aggregate borrowing amount available under the Canadian Credit Agreement was $39.7 million (C$41.6 million) at the end of fiscal year 2009. Grand & Toy Limited was in compliance with all covenants under the Canadian Credit Agreement at the end of fiscal year 2009. The Canadian Credit Agreement expires on July 12, 2012.

Timber Notes/Non-recourse debt

        In October 2004, we sold our timberland assets in exchange for $15 million in cash plus credit-enhanced timber installment notes in the amount of $1,635 million (the "Installment Notes"). The Installment Notes were issued by single-member limited liability companies formed by affiliates of Boise Cascade, L.L.C (the "Note Issuers"). In order to support the Installment Notes, the Note Issuers transferred $1,635 million in cash to Lehman and Wachovia Corporation ("Wachovia") ($817.5 million to each of Lehman and Wachovia) who issued collateral notes to the Note Issuers and guarantees on the performance of the Installment Notes. In December 2004, we completed a securitization transaction in which the Company's interests in the Installment Notes and related guarantees were transferred to wholly-owned bankruptcy remote subsidiaries. The subsidiaries pledged the Installment Notes and related guarantees and issued securitized notes (the "Securitization Notes") in the amount of $1,470 million. Recourse on the Securitization Notes is limited to the proceeds from the applicable pledged Installment Notes and underlying Lehman or Wachovia guaranty. As a result, there is no recourse against OfficeMax, and the Securitization Notes have been reported as non-recourse debt in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        On September 15, 2008, Lehman filed for bankruptcy. Lehman's bankruptcy filing constituted an event of default under the $817.5 million Installment Note guaranteed by Lehman (the "Lehman

33


Table of Contents


Guaranteed Installment Note") . We are required for accounting purposes to assess the carrying value of assets whenever circumstances indicate that a decline in value may have occurred. After evaluating the situation, we concluded in late October 2008 that as a result of the Lehman bankruptcy, it was probable that we would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note. Accordingly, we evaluated the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and reduced it to the estimated amount we expect to collect ($81.8 million) by recording a non-cash impairment charge of $735.8 million, pre-tax, in the third quarter of 2008. We based our estimate of the recoverable amount of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note on a variety of factors, including consultations with financial advisors and review of the trading prices on outstanding Lehman debt instruments with similar contractual interest rates and maturities.

        Measuring impairment of a loan requires judgment and estimates, and the eventual outcome may differ from our estimate by a material amount. The Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note has been pledged as collateral for the related Securitization Notes, and therefore it may not freely be transferred to any party other than the indenture trustee for the Securitization Note holders. Accordingly, the ultimate amount to be realized on the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note depends entirely on the proceeds from the Lehman bankruptcy estate, which may not be finally determined for several years. At December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note was $81.8 million. Going forward, we intend to adjust the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note as further information regarding our share of the proceeds, if any, from the Lehman bankruptcy estate becomes available.

        Recourse on the Securitization Notes is limited to the proceeds from the applicable pledged Installment Notes and underlying Lehman or Wachovia guaranty. Accordingly, the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and underlying guarantees by Lehman will be transferred to the holders of the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman in order to settle and extinguish that liability. However, under current generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to continue to recognize the liability related to the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman until such time as the liability has been extinguished, which will occur when the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and the related guaranty are transferred to and accepted by the Securitization Note holders. We expect that this will occur no later than the date when the assets of Lehman are distributed and the bankruptcy is finalized. Accordingly, we expect to recognize a non-cash gain equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman ($735.0 million at December 26, 2009) and the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note ($81.8 million at December 26, 2009) in a later period when the liability is legally extinguished. The actual gain to be recognized in the future will be measured based on the carrying amounts of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman at the date of settlement.

        At the time of the sale of our timberland assets in 2004, we generated a significant tax gain. As the timber installment notes structure allowed the Company to defer the resulting tax liability of $543 million until 2020, the maturity date for the Installment Notes, we recognized a deferred tax liability related to this gain in connection with the sale. Due to the Lehman bankruptcy and note defaults, we initially concluded that approximately half of this gain would be accelerated into 2008 for tax purposes and we estimated and paid taxes on this gain in 2008. In estimating the cash taxes, we considered our available alternative minimum tax credits, a portion of which resulted from prior tax payments related to the sale of the timberland assets in 2004, which were used to reduce the net tax payments. After extensive review with our outside tax advisors, we concluded that the recognition of the Lehman portion of the gain was not triggered in 2008, but instead will be triggered when the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note is transferred to the Securitization Note holders as payment and/or when the Lehman bankruptcy is resolved. Accordingly, we appropriately

34


Table of Contents


modified our position as we finalized the 2008 tax return, and have requested and received refunds of taxes previously paid in 2008 from the federal government, and anticipate that we will receive an additional amount from the governments in the various states in which we pay taxes. Accordingly, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 26, 2009, we have reestablished both the deferred tax liability related to the full deferred gain from the sale of the timberland assets and the deferred tax assets relative to available alternative minimum tax credits.

        Through December 26, 2009, we have received all payments due under the Installment Note guaranteed by Wachovia (the "Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes"), which have consisted only of interest due on the notes, and made all payments due on the related Securitization Notes guaranteed by Wachovia, again consisting only of interest due. As all amounts due on the Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes are current, and we have no reason to believe that we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes, the notes are stated in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at their original principal amount of $817.5 million. Wachovia exhibited signs of financial distress in the fourth quarter of 2008 and was acquired by Wells Fargo & Company in a stock transaction. The current credit crisis could have additional adverse impact on our business and financial condition if Wachovia (acquired by Wells Fargo & Company in 2008), the other timber notes guarantor, became unable to perform its obligations under the Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes, which would result in a significant impairment impact.

Note Agreements

        In November 2008, we repurchased all of the $19.1 million of 7.0% senior notes outstanding by using proceeds relating to restricted investments that were pledged for this debt.

Other

        We have various unsecured debt outstanding, including approximately $189.9 million of industrial revenue bonds due in varying amounts through 2029. At December 27, 2008, approximately $69.2 million of these obligations were the subject of a preliminary potential adverse determination regarding the deductibility of interest on the bonds from the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"). In the fourth quarter of 2009, the IRS conceded the position. The bonds are expected to be held to their full maturity and continue to be classified as long-term debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 26, 2009.

        The Company made capital contributions to Grupo OfficeMax, commensurate with our ownership percentage in the joint venture of $6.0 million and $6.7 million in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

35


Table of Contents


Contractual Obligations

        In the following table, we set forth our contractual obligations as of December 26, 2009. Some of the figures included in this table are based on management's estimates and assumptions about these obligations, including their duration, the possibility of renewal, anticipated actions by third parties and other factors. Because these estimates and assumptions are necessarily subjective, the amounts we will actually pay in future periods may vary from those reflected in the table.

 
  Payments Due by Period  
 
  2010   2011-2012   2013-2014   Thereafter   Total  
 
  (millions)
 

Debt

  $ 22.4   $ 43.6   $ 7.4   $ 224.2   $ 297.6  

Timber securitization notes

                1,470.0     1,470.0  

Operating leases

    363.4     585.9     379.7     403.1     1,732.1  

Purchase obligations

    16.8     8.0     1.4     0.5     26.7  

Pension obligations (estimated payments)

    3.8     63.1     82.4     50.1     199.4  
                       

  $ 406.4   $ 700.6   $ 470.9   $ 2,147.9   $ 3,725.8  
                       

        Debt includes amounts owed on our note agreements, revenue bonds and credit agreements assuming the debt is held to maturity. The amounts above include both current and non-current liabilities. Obligations related to interest on debt are not included in the table above because the timing and amount of any required payments cannot be reasonably estimated. However, the table under the heading "Financial Instruments" in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For obligations with variable interest rates, the table sets forth payout amounts based on rates as of December 26, 2009 and does not attempt to project future rates. Not included in the table above are contingent payments for uncertain tax positions of $8.2 million. These amounts are not included due to our inability to predict the timing of settlement of these amounts.

        There is no recourse against OfficeMax on the securitized timber notes payable as recourse is limited to proceeds from the applicable pledged installment notes receivable and underlying guarantees. The debt remains outstanding until it is legally extinguished, which will be when the Installment Note and guaranty are transferred to and accepted by the securitized note holders.

        We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business. We lease our retail store space as well as certain other property and equipment under operating leases. Some of our retail store leases require percentage rentals on sales above specified minimums and contain escalation clauses. These minimum lease payments do not include contingent rental expense. Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease or purchase the leased property. Our future operating lease obligations would change if we exercised these renewal options and if we entered into additional operating lease agreements. For more information, see Note 8, "Leases", of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Form 10-K. Lease obligations for closed facilities are included in operating leases and a liability equal to the fair value of these obligations is included in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. For more information, see Note 2, "Facility Closure Reserves" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Form 10-K.

        Our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 26, 2009 includes $277.2 million of liabilities associated with our retirement and benefit and other compensation plans and $245.0 million of other long-term liabilities. Certain of these amounts have been excluded from the above table as

36


Table of Contents


either the amounts are fully or partially funded, or the timing and/or the amount of any cash payment is uncertain. Actuarially-determined liabilities related to pension and postretirement benefits are recorded based on estimates and assumptions. Key factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, rates of return on investments, future compensation costs, healthcare cost trends, benefit payment patterns and other factors. Changes in assumptions related to the measurement of funded status could have a material impact on the amount reported.

        In accordance with an amended and restated joint venture agreement, the minority owner of Grupo OfficeMax, our joint venture in Mexico, can elect to put its 49% interest in the joint venture to OfficeMax if certain earnings targets are achieved. Earnings targets are calculated quarterly on a rolling four-quarter basis. Accordingly, the targets can be achieved in one quarter but not in the next. If the earnings targets are achieved and the minority owner elects to put its ownership interest to OfficeMax, the redemption value would be calculated based on the joint venture's earnings for the last four quarters before interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization, and the current market multiples of similar companies. At December 26, 2009, Grupo OfficeMax met the earnings targets and the estimated redemption value of the minority owner's interest was $21.1 million. While this estimated value is less than the book value at December 26, 2009, other valuation methodologies yield an estimated fair value that is consistent with the December 26, 2009 book value.

        In addition to the contractual obligations quantified in the table above, we have other obligations for goods and services entered into in the normal course of business. These contracts, however, are either not enforceable or legally binding or are subject to change based on our business decisions.

Off-Balance-Sheet Activities and Guarantees

        Note 15, "Commitments and Guarantees," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" in this Form 10-K describes certain of our off-balance sheet arrangements as well as the nature of our guarantees, including the approximate terms of the guarantees, how the guarantees arose, the events or circumstances that would require us to perform under the guarantees and the maximum potential undiscounted amounts of future payments we could be required to make.

Seasonal Influences

        Our business is seasonal, with OfficeMax, Retail showing a more pronounced seasonal trend than OfficeMax, Contract. Sales in the second quarter and summer months are historically the slowest of the year. Sales are stronger during the first, third and fourth quarters that include the important new-year office supply restocking month of January, the back-to-school period and the holiday selling season, respectively.

Disclosures of Financial Market Risks

Financial Instruments

        Our debt is predominantly fixed-rate. At December 26, 2009, the estimated current fair value of our debt, based on quoted market prices when available or then-current interest rates for similar obligations with like maturities, including the timber notes, was approximately $723.8 million less than the amount of debt reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. As previously discussed, there is no recourse against OfficeMax on the securitized timber notes payable as recourse is limited to proceeds from the applicable pledged installment notes receivable and underlying guarantees. The debt and receivable related to the timber notes have fixed interest rates and the estimated fair values of the timber notes are reflected in the following table.

37


Table of Contents

        The estimated fair values of our other financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents and receivables are the same as their carrying values. In the opinion of management, we do not have any significant concentration of credit risks. Concentration of credit risks with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the wide variety of vendors, customers and channels to and through which our products are sourced and sold, as well as their dispersion across many geographic areas.

        Changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates expose us to financial market risk. We occasionally use derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, forward purchase contracts and forward exchange contracts, to manage our exposure to changes in currency exchange rates. We generally do not enter into derivative instruments for any purpose other than hedging the cash flows associated with future interest payments on variable rate debt and hedging the exposure related to changes in the fair value of certain outstanding fixed rate debt instruments due to changes in interest rates. We occasionally hedge interest rate risk associated with anticipated financing transactions, as well as commercial transactions and certain liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than the currency of the operating unit entering into the underlying transaction. We do not speculate using derivative instruments. We were not a party to any significant derivative financial instruments in 2009 or 2008.

        The following table provides information about our financial instruments outstanding at December 26, 2009 that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by expected maturity dates. For obligations with variable interest rates, the table sets forth payout amounts based on rates as of December 26, 2009 and does not attempt to project future rates. The following table does not include our obligations for pension plans and other post retirement benefits, although market risk also arises within our defined benefit pension plans to the extent that the obligations of the pension plans are not fully matched by assets with determinable cash flows. We sponsor noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees, and some active OfficeMax employees. As our plans were frozen in 2003, our active employees and all inactive participants who are covered by the plans are no longer accruing additional benefits. However, the pension plan obligations are still subject to change due to fluctuations in long-term interest rates as well as factors impacting actuarial valuations, such as retirement rates and pension plan participants' increased life expectancies. In addition to changes in pension plan obligations, the amount of plan assets available to pay benefits, contribution levels and expense are also impacted by the return on the pension plan assets. The pension plan assets include OfficeMax common stock, U.S. equities, international equities, global equities and fixed-income securities, the cash flows of which change as equity prices and interest rates vary. The risk is that market movements in equity prices and interest rates could result in assets that are insufficient over time to cover the level of projected obligations. This in turn could result in significant changes in pension expense and funded status, further impacting future required contributions. Management, together with the trustees who act on behalf of the pension plan beneficiaries, assess the level of this risk using reports prepared by independent external actuaries

38


Table of Contents


and take action, where appropriate, in terms of setting investment strategy and agreed contribution levels.

($ in millions)

 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Fiscal year-ended  
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
  2009   2008  
 
  Expected Payments    
 
 
  There-
after
   
  Fair
Value
   
  Fair
Value
 
 
  2010   2011   2012   2013   2014   Total   Total  

Recourse debt

                                                             

Fixed-rate debt payments

  $ 18.4   $ 0.8   $ 35.4   $ 1.9   $ 0.2   $ 224.2   $ 280.9   $ 190.8   $ 332.1   $ 214.6  
 

Average interest rates

    6.3 %   7.1 %   7.9 %   8.0 %   5.4 %   6.4 %   6.6 %   %   6.9 %   %

Variable-rate debt payments

  $ 4.0   $ 3.7   $ 3.7   $ 3.7   $ 1.6   $ 0   $ 16.7   $ 16.4   $ 22.9   $ 22.1  
 

Average interest rates

    7.5 %   7.5 %   7.5 %   7.5 %   8.1 %   %   7.5 %   %   10.9 %   %

Non-recourse debt:

                                                             

Timber securitization notes

                                                             
   

Wachovia

  $   $   $   $   $   $ 735.0   $ 735.0   $ 754.8   $ 735.0   $ 736.8  
   

Average interest rates

                                  5.4 %   5.4 %   %   5.4 %   %
   

Lehman

  $   $   $   $   $   $ 735.0   $ 735.0   $ 81.8   $ 735.0   $ 81.8  
   

Average interest rates

                                  5.5 %   5.5 %   %   5.5 %   %

 

 
  2009   2008  
 
  Carrying amount   Fair value   Carrying amount   Fair value  
 
  (millions)
 

Financial assets:

                         
 

Timber notes receivable

                         
   

Wachovia—

  $ 817.5   $ 823.6   $ 817.5   $ 801.9  
   

Lehman—

    81.8     81.8     81.8     81.8  

Financial liabilities:

                         
 

Debt

  $ 297.6   $ 207.2   $ 355.0   $ 236.7  
 

Timber securitization notes

                         
   

Wachovia—

  $ 735.0   $ 754.8   $ 735.0   $ 736.8  
   

Lehman—

    735.0     81.8     735.0     81.8  

Goodwill and Other Asset Impairments

        We are required for accounting purposes to assess the carrying value of goodwill and other intangible assets annually or whenever circumstances indicate that a decline in value may have occurred. In 2008, we fully impaired our goodwill balances. We review other intangible assets annually at year-end.

        For other long lived assets, we are also required to assess the carrying value when circumstances indicate that a decline in value may have occurred. Based on the operating performance of several of our stores due to the macroeconomic factors and market specific change in expected demographics, we determined that there were indicators of potential impairment relating to our stores. Therefore, in 2009, we recorded a non-cash charge of $17.6 million to impair long lived assets pertaining to certain stores.

        During 2008, based on our sustained low stock price and reduced market capitalization relating to the book value of equity as well as the macroeconomic factors impacting industry business conditions, actual and forecasted operating performance and continued tightening of the credit markets, we determined indicators of potential impairment were present in the second quarter of 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, due to a further decline in market capitalization and worsening economic conditions and performance, we concluded further impairment was indicated. As a result, during 2008, we recorded non-cash impairment charges associated with goodwill, intangible assets

39


Table of Contents


and other long-lived assets of $1,364.4 million before taxes. These non-cash charges consisted of $1,201.5 million of goodwill impairment in both the Contract ($815.5 million) and Retail ($386.0 million) segments; $107.1 million of impairment of trade names in our Retail segment and $55.8 million of impairment related to fixed assets in our Retail segment.

Facility Closure Reserves

        We conduct regular reviews of our real estate portfolio to identify underperforming facilities, and close those facilities that are no longer strategically or economically viable. We record a liability for the cost associated with a facility closure at its estimated fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, which is the location's cease-use date. Upon closure, unrecoverable costs are included in facility closure reserves in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and include provisions for the present value of future lease obligations, less contractual or estimated sublease income. Accretion expense is recognized over the life of the payments.

        During 2009, we recorded pre-tax charges of $31.2 million in our Retail segment related to the closing of 21 underperforming stores prior to the end of their lease terms, of which sixteen were in the U.S. and five were in Mexico. In 2008, we recorded $3.1 million of charges related principally to the closure of five stores and we reduced rent and severance accruals by $3.4 million relating to stores that had previously closed. Also in 2008, we recorded a charge of $8.7 million related to four domestic retail stores for which we had signed lease commitments but decided not to open the stores due to the current economic environment. This charge was partially offset by reduced rent accruals of $4.0 million on other store lease obligations.

        At December 26, 2009, the facility closure reserve was $61.6 million with $16.8 million included in current liabilities, and $44.8 million included in long-term liabilities. The vast majority of the reserve represents future lease obligations of $113 million, net of anticipated sublease income of approximately $51 million. Cash payments relating to the integration and facility closures were $24.6 million, $35.2 million and $48.3 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

        In addition, we are the lessee of a non-operating, building materials manufacturing facility near Elma, Washington. During 2006, we ceased operations at the facility, fully impaired the assets and recorded a reserve for lease payments and other contract termination and closure costs. We have not been successful in identifying a buyer for the business which would include the assumption of the long term lease. The liabilities of the Elma facility ($14.1 million in total) are recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Environmental

        As an owner and operator of real estate, we may be liable under environmental laws for the cleanup of past and present spills and releases of hazardous or toxic substances on or from our properties and operations. We can be found liable under these laws if we knew of, or were responsible for, the presence of such substances. In some cases, this liability may exceed the value of the property itself.

        Environmental liabilities that relate to the operation of the paper and forest products businesses and timberland assets prior to the closing of the sale of our paper, forest products and timberland assets in 2004 continue to be our liabilities. We have been notified that we are a "potentially responsible party" under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) or similar federal and state laws, or have received a claim from a private party, with respect to certain sites where hazardous substances or other contaminants are or may be located. These sites relate to operations either no longer owned by the Company or unrelated to its ongoing operations. For sites where a range of potential liability can be determined, we have established appropriate reserves. We cannot predict with certainty the total response and remedial costs, our

40


Table of Contents


share of the total costs, the extent to which contributions will be available from other parties, or the amount of time necessary to complete the cleanups. Based on our investigations; our experience with respect to cleanup of hazardous substances; the fact that expenditures will, in many cases, be incurred over extended periods of time; and in some cases the number of solvent potentially responsible parties, we do not believe that the known actual and potential response costs will, in the aggregate, materially affect our financial position, our results of operations or our cash flows.

Critical Accounting Estimates

        The Securities and Exchange Commission defines critical accounting estimates as those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results. These estimates require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to estimate matters that are inherently uncertain. The accounting estimates that we currently consider critical are as follows:

Vendor Rebates and Allowances

        We participate in various cooperative advertising and other marketing programs with our vendors. We also participate in volume purchase rebate programs, some of which provide for tiered rebates based on defined levels of purchase volume. These arrangements enable us to receive reimbursement for costs incurred to promote the sale of vendor products, or to earn rebates that reduce the cost of merchandise purchased. Vendor rebates and allowances are accrued as earned. Rebates and allowances received as a result of attaining defined purchase levels are accrued over the incentive period based on the terms of the vendor arrangement and estimates of qualifying purchases during the rebate program period. These estimates are reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted for changes in anticipated product sales and expected purchase levels. Volume-based rebates and allowances earned are initially recorded as a reduction in the cost of merchandise inventories and are included in operations (as a reduction of cost of goods sold) in the period the related product is sold. Amounts received under other promotional programs are generally event-based and are recognized at the time of the event as a reduction of cost of goods sold or inventory, as appropriate, based on the nature of the promotion and the terms of the vendor agreement.

        Amounts owed to us under these arrangements are subject to credit risk. In addition, the terms of the contracts covering these programs can be complex and subject to interpretations, which can potentially result in disputes. We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts and to cover disputes in the event that our interpretation of the contract terms differ from our vendors' and our vendors seek to recover some of the consideration from us. These allowances are based on the current financial condition of our vendors, specific information regarding disputes and historical experience. If we used different assumptions to estimate the amount of vendor receivables that will not be collected due to either credit default or a dispute regarding the amounts owed, our calculated allowance would be different and the difference could be material. In addition, if actual losses are different than those estimated, adjustments to the recorded allowance may be required.

Merchandise Inventories

        Inventories consist of office products merchandise and are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. We estimate the realizable value of inventory using assumptions about future demand, market conditions and product obsolescence. If the estimated realizable value is less than cost, the inventory value is reduced to its estimated realizable value. If expectations regarding future demand and market conditions are inaccurate or unexpected changes in technology or other factors affect demand, we could be exposed to additional losses.

41


Table of Contents

        Throughout the year, we perform physical inventory counts at a significant number of our locations. For periods subsequent to each location's last physical inventory count, an allowance for estimated shrinkage is provided based on historical shrinkage results and current business trends. If actual losses as a result of inventory shrinkage are different than management's estimates, adjustments to the allowance for inventory shrinkage may be required.

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

        The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees, and some active OfficeMax, Contract employees. At December 26, 2009, the funded status of our defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans was a liability of $230.5 million. Changes in assumptions related to the measurement of funded status could have a material impact on the amount reported. We are required to calculate our pension expense and liabilities using actuarial assumptions, including a discount rate assumption and a long-term asset return assumption. We base our discount rate assumption on the rates of return for a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds (rated Aa1 or better) with cash flows that generally match our expected benefit payments in future years. We base our long-term asset return assumption on the average rate of earnings expected on invested funds. We believe that the accounting estimate related to pensions is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period to period, based on the performance of plan assets, actuarial valuations and changes in interest rates, and the effect on our financial position and results of operations could be material.

        For 2010, our discount rate assumption used in the measurement of our net periodic benefit cost is 6.15%, and our expected return on plan assets is 8.20%. Using these assumptions, our 2010 pension expense will be approximately $7.1 million. If we were to decrease our estimated discount rate assumption used in the measurement of our net periodic benefit cost to 5.90% and our expected return on plan assets to 7.95%, our 2010 pension expense would be approximately $9.7 million. If we were to increase our discount rate assumption used in the measurement of our net periodic benefit cost to 6.40% and our expected return on plan assets to 8.45%, our 2010 pension expense would be approximately $4.4 million.

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        The Company is subject to tax audits in numerous jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to challenges from the IRS and other tax authorities regarding amounts of taxes due. These challenges may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions, or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. We recognize the benefits of tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position in the consolidated financial statements; positions that do not meet this threshold are not recognized. For tax positions that are at least more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the largest amount of the benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained is recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

42


Table of Contents

        In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making the assessment of whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

        Significant judgment is required in determining our uncertain tax positions. We have established accruals for uncertain tax positions using management's best judgment and adjust these liabilities as warranted by changing facts and circumstances. A change in our uncertain tax positions, in any given period, could have a significant impact on our results of operations and cash flows for that period.

        The determination of the Company's provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is also required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items.

Facility Closure Reserves

        The Company conducts regular reviews of its real estate portfolio to identify underperforming facilities, and closes those facilities that are no longer strategically or economically viable. A liability for the cost associated with such a closure is recorded at its fair value in the period in which it is incurred. These costs are included in facility closure reserves in our Consolidated Balance Sheets and include provisions for the present value of future lease obligations, less estimated sublease income. At December 26, 2009, the vast majority of the reserve represents future lease obligations of $113 million, net of anticipated sublease income of approximately $51 million. For each closed location, we estimate future sublease income based on current real estate trends by market and location-specific factors, including the age and quality of the location, as well as our historical experience with similar locations. If we had used different assumptions to estimate future sublease income our reserves would be different and the difference could be material. In addition, if actual sublease income is different than our estimates, adjustments to the recorded reserves may be required.

Environmental and Asbestos Reserves

        Environmental and asbestos liabilities that relate to the operation of the paper and forest products businesses and timberland assets prior to the sale of the paper, forest products and timberland assets continue to be liabilities of OfficeMax. We are subject to a variety of environmental laws and regulations. We record liabilities on an undiscounted basis when assessments and/or remedial efforts are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. We estimate our environmental liabilities based on various assumptions and judgments, as we cannot predict with certainty the total response and remedial costs, our share of total costs, the extent to which contributions will be available from other parties or the amount of time necessary to complete any remediation. In making these judgments and assumptions, we consider, among other things, the activity to date at particular sites, information obtained through consultation with applicable regulatory authorities and third-party consultants and contractors and our historical experience at other sites that are judged to be comparable. Due to the number of uncertainties and variables associated with these assumptions and judgments and the effects of changes in governmental regulation and environmental technologies, the precision of the resulting estimates of the related liabilities is subject to uncertainty. We regularly monitor our estimated exposure to our environmental and asbestos liabilities. As additional information becomes known, our estimates may change.

43


Table of Contents

Goodwill, Indefinite-Lived Intangibles and Other Long-Lived Assets Impairment

        Generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") require us to assess intangible assets for impairment at least annually in the absence of an indicator of possible impairment and immediately upon an indicator of possible impairment. In assessing impairment, we are required to make estimates of the fair values the assets. If we determine the fair values are less than the carrying amount recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, we must recognize an impairment loss in our financial statements. We are also required to assess our long-lived assets for impairment whenever an indicator of possible impairment exists. In assessing impairment, the statement requires us to make estimates of the fair value of the assets. If we determine the fair values are less than the carrying value of the assets, we must recognize an impairment loss in our financial statements.

        The measurement of impairment of indefinite life intangibles and other long-lived assets includes estimates and assumptions which are inherently subject to significant uncertainties. In testing for impairment, we measure the estimated fair value of our reporting units, intangibles and fixed assets based upon discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting a market-based, weighted average cost of capital. In estimating future cash flows, we use our internal budgets and operating plans, which include many assumptions about future growth prospects, margin rates, and cost factors. Differences in assumptions used in projecting future operating cash flows and in selecting an appropriate discount rate could have a significant impact on the determination of fair value and impairment amounts.

Recently Issued or Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

        Following are summaries of recently issued accounting pronouncements that have either been recently adopted or that may become applicable to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in the future.

        In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a statement establishing the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ ("the ASC" or "the Codification"). Effective for interim and annual periods ended after September 15, 2009, the Codification became the source of authoritative U.S. GAAP recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. This statement is not intended to change existing GAAP and as such did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company has updated its references to reflect the Codification.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements. In November 2007, the FASB provided a one year deferral for the implementation of this guidance for other nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The Company adopted this guidance for financial assets and liabilities effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2008 and for non-financial assets and liabilities effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2009. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements for either fiscal year 2008 or 2009.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued updated guidance which changed the presentation and disclosure requirements for noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests). This updated guidance is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and is to be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including those that arose prior to the effective date. While the accounting requirements are to be applied prospectively, prior period financial information must be recast to attribute net income and other comprehensive income to

44


Table of Contents


noncontrolling interests and provide other disclosures. The Company adopted this guidance for all noncontrolling interests effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2009, and has revised its prior period financial statements to reflect the required change in presentation and additional disclosures. The adoption of this accounting change and the retrospective impact of the required presentation and disclosure changes on the Company's prior year financial statements was immaterial.

        In December 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance related to an employer's disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This updated guidance requires enhanced disclosures about the fair value of plan assets including major categories of plan assets, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value, significant concentrations of risk, the method used to allocate investments and the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs. The disclosures about plan assets must be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively for the period ended December 26, 2009 and has included the required disclosures in its consolidated financial statements for 2009.

        In April 2009, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair-value measurements to clarify the considerations related to measuring fair-value in inactive markets, modify the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities, and require public companies to disclose the fair values of financial instruments in interim periods. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ended after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ended after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the updated guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which required certain additional disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments in the financial statements.

        In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance which establishes accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events. This guidance details the period after the balance sheet date during which the Company should evaluate events or transactions that occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which the Company should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the required disclosures for such events. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the second quarter.

        In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates previous exceptions to rules requiring the consolidation of qualifying special-purpose entities, which will result in more entities being subject to consolidation assessments and reassessments. This guidance requires ongoing reassessment of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE") and clarifies characteristics that identify a VIE. In addition, additional disclosures are required about a company's involvement with a VIE and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance (which is required beginning in 2010) but does not anticipate it will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

ITEM 7A.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

        Information concerning quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is included under the caption "Disclosures of Financial Market Risks" in "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Form 10-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

45


Table of Contents

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA


OfficeMax Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations

 
  Fiscal year ended  
 
  December 26,
2009
  December 27,
2008
  December 29,
2007
 
 
  (thousands, except per-share amounts)
 

Sales

  $ 7,212,050   $ 8,267,008   $ 9,081,962  

Cost of goods sold and occupancy costs

    5,474,452     6,212,591     6,771,657  
               
 

Gross profit

    1,737,598     2,054,417     2,310,305  

Operating expenses

                   
 

Operating and selling

    1,377,057     1,555,615     1,633,606  
 

General and administrative

    297,654     306,940     332,528  
 

Goodwill and other asset impairments

    17,612     2,100,212      
 

Other operating, net

    49,263     27,851      
               
   

Operating income (loss)

    (3,988 )   (1,936,201 )   344,171  

Interest expense

    (76,363 )   (113,641 )   (121,271 )

Interest income

    47,270     57,564     87,940  

Other income, net

    2,748     19,878     26,687  
               
 

Pre-tax income (loss)

    (30,333 )   (1,972,400 )   337,527  

Income tax benefit (expense)

    28,758     306,481     (125,282 )
               
 

Net income (loss) attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest

    (1,575 )   (1,665,919 )   212,245  

Joint venture results attributable to noncontrolling interest

    2,242     7,987     (4,872 )
               

Net income (loss) attributable to OfficeMax

  $ 667   $ (1,657,932 ) $ 207,373  

Preferred dividends

    (2,818 )   (3,663 )   (3,961 )
               

Net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders

  $ (2,151 ) $ (1,661,595 ) $ 203,412  
               

Net income (loss) per common share

                   
 

Basic

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.70  
 

Diluted

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.66  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

46


Table of Contents


OfficeMax Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
  December 26,
2009
  December 27,
2008
 
 
  (thousands, except share
and per-share amounts)

 

ASSETS

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 486,570   $ 170,779  

Receivables, net

    532,822     561,509  

Related party receivables

    6,528     5,337  

Inventories

    805,646     949,401  

Deferred income taxes and receivables

    133,836     105,140  

Other current assets

    55,934     62,850  
           
   

Total current assets

    2,021,336     1,855,016  

Property and equipment:

             
 

Land and land improvements

    41,072     38,720  
 

Buildings and improvements

    483,133     473,188  
 

Machinery and equipment

    792,650     777,371  
           
   

Total property and equipment

    1,316,855     1,289,279  

Accumulated depreciation

    (894,707 )   (798,551 )
           
   

Net property and equipment

    422,148     490,728  

Intangible assets, net

    83,806     81,793  

Investments in affiliates

    175,000     175,000  

Timber notes receivable

    899,250     899,250  

Deferred income taxes

    300,900     436,182  

Other non-current assets

    167,091     235,614  
           
   

Total assets

  $ 4,069,531   $ 4,173,583  
           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

47


Table of Contents


OfficeMax Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets

 
  December 26,
2009
  December 27,
2008
 
 
  (thousands, except share
and per-share amounts)

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

             

Current liabilities:

             

Current portion of debt

  $ 22,430   $ 64,452  

Accounts payable:

             
 

Trade

    650,233     727,424  
 

Related parties

    37,107     28,373  

Income tax payable

    3,389     18,288  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities:

             
 

Compensation and benefits

    153,408     112,041  
 

Other

    225,125     233,040  
           
   

Total current liabilities

    1,091,692     1,183,618  

Long-term debt, less current portion

   
274,622
   
289,922
 

Non-recourse debt

    1,470,000     1,470,000  

Other long-term obligations:

             

Compensation and benefits

    277,247     502,447  

Deferred gain on sale of assets

    179,757     179,757  

Other long-term obligations

    244,958     235,965  
           
   

Total other long-term obligations

    701,962     918,169  
           

Noncontrolling interest in joint venture

   
28,059
   
21,871
 

Shareholders' equity:

             

Preferred stock—no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; Series D ESOP: $.01 stated value; 810,654 and 945,899 shares outstanding

    36,479     42,565  

Common stock—$2.50 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 84,624,726 and 75,977,152 shares outstanding

    211,562     189,943  

Additional paid-in capital

    989,912     925,328  

Accumulated deficit

    (602,242 )   (600,095 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (132,515 )   (267,738 )
           
   

Total OfficeMax shareholders' equity

    503,196     290,003  
           

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

  $ 4,069,531   $ 4,173,583  
           

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

48


Table of Contents


OfficeMax Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 
  Fiscal year ended  
 
  December 26,
2009
  December 27,
2008
  December 29,
2007
 
 
  (thousands)
 

Cash provided by (used for) operations:

                   

Net income (loss) attributable to OfficeMax and noncontrolling interest

  $ (1,575 ) $ (1,665,919 ) $ 212,245  

Items in net income (loss) not using (providing) cash:

                   
 

Earnings from affiliates

    (6,707 )   (6,246 )   (6,065 )
 

Depreciation and amortization

    116,417     142,896     131,573  
 

Non-cash impairment charges

    17,612     2,120,572      
 

Non-cash deferred taxes on impairment charges

    (6,484 )   (357,313 )    
 

Pension and other postretirement benefits expense

    11,537     1,874     8,159  
 

Other

    9,131     329     32,096  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                   
 

Receivables

    26,334     119,133     (139,120 )
 

Inventories

    164,027     98,111     (3,585 )
 

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

    (56,471 )   (137,716 )   (228,269 )
 

Current and deferred income taxes

    48,752     (40,698 )   (11,521 )
 

Other

    36,371     (51,346 )   75,091  
               
 

Cash provided by operations

    358,944     223,677     70,604  
               

Cash provided by (used for) investment:

                   

Expenditures for property and equipment

    (38,277 )   (143,968 )   (140,843 )

Distribution from escrow account

    25,142          

Withdrawal from insurance policies

    14,977          

Proceeds from sale of restricted investments

        20,252      

Proceeds from sales of assets, net

    980     11,592     1,909  
               
 

Cash used for investment

    2,822     (112,124 )   (138,934 )
               

Cash used for financing:

                   

Cash dividends paid:

                   
 

Common stock

        (45,474 )   (45,142 )
 

Preferred stock

    (3,089 )   (2,003 )   (3,961 )
               

    (3,089 )   (47,477 )   (49,103 )

Short-term borrowings (repayments), net

    (11,035 )   (1,974 )   14,197  

Payments of long-term debt

    (52,936 )   (53,944 )   (25,751 )

Borrowings of long-term debt

    6,255     15,928      

Purchase of Series D preferred stock

    (6,079 )   (7,376 )   (4,621 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

            2,653  

Other

    6,326     8,709      
               
 

Cash used for financing

    (60,558 )   (86,134 )   (62,625 )
               

Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents

    14,583     (7,277 )   1,522  

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    315,791     18,142     (129,433 )

Balance at beginning of the year

    170,779     152,637     282,070  
               

Balance at end of the year

  $ 486,570   $ 170,779   $ 152,637  
               

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

49


Table of Contents


OfficeMax Incorporated and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity

 
   
  For the Fiscal Years ended December 26, 2009, December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007  
Common
Shares
Outstanding
   
  Preferred
Stock
  Common
Stock
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income
(Loss)
  Total
OfficeMax
Share-
holders'
Equity
  Non-
controlling
Interest
 
 
   
   
   
  (thousands, except per share)
   
 
 

74,903,220

 

Balance at December 30, 2006

  $ 54,735   $ 187,226   $ 893,848   $ 941,830   $ (91,995 ) $ 1,985,644   $ 29,885  
                                   
 

 

Comprehensive income:

                                           
 

 

Net income

                207,373         207,373     4,872  
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                                           
 

 

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                    59,977     59,977     (1,780 )
 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

                    53,756     53,756      
                                     
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                    113,733     113,733     (1,780 )
                                         
 

 

Comprehensive income

                                $ 321,106   $ 3,092  
                                               
 

 

Adjustment from initial adoption of FIN 48

                (3,959 )       (3,959 )    
 

 

Cash dividends declared:

                                           
 

 

Common stock

                (45,333 )       (45,333 )    
 

 

Preferred stock

                (3,961 )       (3,961 )    
 

 

Restricted stock issued

            26,437             26,437      
 

301,443

 

Restricted stock vested

        767     (767 )                
 

187,843

 

Stock options exercised

        470     5,447             5,917      
 

4,588

 

Other

    (4,746 )   18     (2,551 )           (7,279 )   (935 )
                                   
 

75,397,094

 

Balance at December 29, 2007

  $ 49,989   $ 188,481   $ 922,414   $ 1,095,950   $ 21,738   $ 2,278,572   $ 32,042  
                                   
 

 

Comprehensive loss:

                                           
 

 

Net loss

                (1,657,932 )       (1,657,932 )   (7,987 )
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                                           
 

 

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                    (83,758 )   (83,758 )   (6,894 )
 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

                    (205,718 )   (205,718 )    
                                     
 

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

                    (289,476 )   (289,476 )   (6,894 )
                                         
 

 

Comprehensive loss

                                $ (1,947,408 ) $ (14,881 )
                                               
 

 

Cash dividends declared:

                                           
 

 

Common stock

                (34,220 )       (34,220 )    
 

 

Preferred stock

                (3,663 )       (3,663 )    
 

 

Restricted stock issued

            93             93      
 

571,727

 

Restricted stock vested

        1,436     (1,436 )                
 

8,331

 

Other

    (7,424 )   26     4,257     (230 )         (3,371 )   4,710  
                                   
 

75,977,152

 

Balance at December 27, 2008

  $ 42,565   $ 189,943   $ 925,328   $ (600,095 ) $ (267,738 ) $ 290,003   $ 21,871  
                                   
 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

                                           
 

 

Net income (loss)

                667         667     (2,242 )
 

 

Other comprehensive income

                                           
 

 

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

                    47,477     47,477     1,157  
 

 

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

                    87,746     87,746      
                                     
 

 

Other comprehensive income

                    135,223     135,223     1,157  
                                         
 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

                                $ 135,890   $ (1,085 )
                                               
 

 

Preferred stock dividend declared

                (2,818 )       (2,818 )    
 

 

Restricted stock issued

            6,130             6,130      
 

313,517

 

Restricted stock vested

        784     (777 )           7      
 

8,331,722

 

Stock contribution to pension plan

        20,829     61,321             82,150      
 

2,335

 

Other

    (6,086 )   6     (2,090 )   4         (8,166 )   7,273  
                                   
 

84,624,726

 

Balance at December 26, 2009

  $ 36,479   $ 211,562   $ 989,912   $ (602,242 ) $ (132,515 ) $ 503,196   $ 28,059  
                                   

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

50


Table of Contents


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

        OfficeMax Incorporated ("OfficeMax," the "Company" or "we") is a leader in both business-to-business and retail office products distribution. The Company provides office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and furniture to large, medium and small businesses, government offices and consumers. OfficeMax customers are served by approximately 31,000 associates through direct sales, catalogs, the Internet and a network of retail stores located throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico. The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol OMX. The Company's corporate headquarters is located in Naperville, Illinois, and the OfficeMax website address is www.officemax.com.

        The Company manages its business using three reportable segments: OfficeMax, Contract ("Contract segment" or "Contract"); OfficeMax, Retail ("Retail segment" or "Retail"); and Corporate and Other. OfficeMax, Contract markets and sells office supplies and paper, technology products and solutions, print and document services, and office furniture directly to large corporate and government offices, as well as to small and medium-sized offices through field salespeople, outbound telesales, catalogs, the Internet and, primarily in foreign markets, through office products stores. OfficeMax, Retail markets and sells office supplies and paper, print and document services, technology products and solutions and office furniture to small and medium-sized businesses and consumers through a network of retail stores. Management reviews the performance of the Company based on these segments. We present information pertaining to our segments in Note 14, Segment Information.

Consolidation

        The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of OfficeMax and all majority owned subsidiaries, except our 90%-owned subsidiary in Cuba which is accounted for as an investment due to various asset restrictions. We also consolidate the variable interest entities in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year

        The Company's fiscal year-end is the last Saturday in December. Due primarily to statutory requirements, the Company's international businesses maintain December 31 year-ends, with our majority-owned joint venture in Mexico reporting one month in arrears. Fiscal year 2009 ended on December 26, 2009, fiscal year 2008 ended on December 27, 2008 and fiscal year 2007 ended on December 29, 2007. Each of the past three years has included 52 weeks for all reportable segments and businesses.

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures about contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results are likely to differ from those estimates, but management does not believe such differences will materially affect the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Significant items subject to such estimates

51


Table of Contents


and assumptions include the recognition of vendor rebates and allowances; the carrying amount of intangibles and long lived assets; inventories; income tax assets and liabilities; facility closure reserves; environmental and asbestos liabilities; and assets and obligations related to employee benefits.

Foreign Currency Translation

        Local currencies are considered the functional currencies for the Company's operations outside the United States. Assets and liabilities of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date with the related translation adjustments reported in shareholders' equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. dollars at average monthly exchange rates prevailing during the year. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to assets and liabilities that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations in the periods they occur.

Revenue Recognition

        Revenue from the sale of products is recognized at the time both title and the risk of ownership are transferred to the customer, which generally occurs upon delivery to the customer or third-party delivery service for contract, catalog and Internet sales, and at the point of sale for retail transactions. Service revenue is recognized as the services are rendered. Revenue is reported less an appropriate provision for returns and net of coupons, rebates and other sales incentives.

        Revenue from transactions in which the Company acts as an agent or broker is reported on a commission basis. Revenue from the sale of extended warranty contracts is reported on a commission basis at the time of sale, except in a limited number of states where state law specifies the Company as the legal obligor. In such states, the revenue from the sale of extended warranty contracts is recorded at the gross amount and recognized ratably over the contract period. The performance obligations and risk of loss associated with extended warranty contracts sold by the Company are assumed by an unrelated third party. Costs associated with these contracts are recognized in the same period as the related revenue.

        Fees for shipping and handling charged to customers in connection with sale transactions are included in sales. Costs related to shipping and handling are included in cost of goods sold and occupancy costs. Taxes collected from customers are accounted for on a net basis and are excluded from sales.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash equivalents include short-term debt instruments that have an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase. The Company's banking arrangements allow the Company to fund outstanding checks when presented to the financial institution for payment. This cash management practice frequently results in a net cash overdraft position for accounting purposes, which occurs when total issued checks exceed available cash balances at a single financial institution. The Company records its outstanding checks in Accounts payable—Trade in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the net change in overdrafts in the Accounts payable—Trade line item within the cash flows from operating activities section of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Accounts Receivable

        Accounts receivable relate primarily to amounts owed by customers for trade sales of products and services and amounts due from vendors under volume purchase rebate, cooperative

52


Table of Contents


advertising and various other marketing programs. An allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded to provide for estimated losses resulting from uncollectible accounts, and is the Company's best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Company's existing accounts receivable. Management believes that the Company's exposure to credit risk associated with accounts receivable is limited due to the size and diversity of its customer and vendor base, which extends across many different industries and geographic regions.

        At December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, the Company had allowances for doubtful accounts of $8.6 million and $11.2 million, respectively.

Vendor Rebates and Allowances

        The Company participates in various cooperative advertising and other marketing programs with its vendors. The Company also participates in volume purchase rebate programs, some of which provide for tiered rebates based on defined levels of purchase volume. These arrangements enable the Company to receive reimbursement for costs incurred to promote the sale of vendor products, or to earn rebates that reduce the cost of merchandise purchased. Vendor rebates and allowances are accrued as earned. Rebates and allowances received as a result of attaining defined purchase levels are accrued over the incentive period based on the terms of the vendor arrangement and estimates of qualifying purchases during the rebate program period. These estimates are reviewed on a quarterly basis and adjusted for changes in anticipated product sales and expected purchase levels. Volume-based rebates and allowances earned are initially recorded as a reduction in the cost of merchandise inventories and are included in operations (as a reduction in cost of goods sold) in the period the related product is sold. Amounts received under other promotional programs are generally event-based and are recognized at the time of the event as a reduction of cost of goods sold or inventory, as appropriate, based on the nature of the promotion and the terms of the vendor agreement.

Merchandise Inventories

        Inventories consist of office products merchandise and are stated at the lower of weighted average cost or net realizable value. The Company estimates the realizable value of inventory using assumptions about future demand, market conditions and product obsolescence. If the estimated realizable value is less than cost, the inventory value is reduced to its estimated realizable value.

        Throughout the year, the Company performs physical inventory counts at a significant number of our locations. For periods subsequent to each location's last physical inventory count, an allowance for estimated shrinkage is provided based on historical shrinkage results and current business trends.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are recorded at cost. The Company calculates depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the terms of the related leases. The estimated useful lives of depreciable assets are generally as follows: building and improvements, 5 to 40 years; furniture and equipment, 1.5 to 5 years; and machinery, equipment and delivery trucks, 5 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term of the lease, including any option periods that management believes are probable of exercise, or the estimated lives of the improvements, which generally range from 5 to 15 years.

Long-Lived Asset Impairment

        Long-lived assets, such as property, leasehold improvements, equipment, capitalized software costs and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever

53


Table of Contents


events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is estimated based on discounted cash flows. In 2009 and 2008 the Company determined that there were indicators of impairment, completed tests for impairment and recorded impairment of store assets. See Note 5, "Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets," for further discussion regarding impairment of assets.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

        Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price and related direct costs over the value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset might be impaired, using a fair-value-based approach. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds the asset's fair value. This determination is made at the reporting unit level and consists of two steps. First, the Company determines the fair value of a reporting unit and compares it to its carrying amount. Second, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the carrying amount of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value of that goodwill. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by allocating the fair value of the reporting unit in a manner similar to a purchase price allocation. The residual fair value after this allocation is the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill. The Company's annual impairment testing date is the last day of the fiscal year. The Company fully impaired its goodwill balances in 2008. See Note 5, "Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets," for further discussion regarding impairment of goodwill.

        Intangible assets represent the values assigned to trade names, customer lists and relationships, noncompete agreements and exclusive distribution rights of businesses acquired. Trade name assets have an indefinite life and are not amortized. All other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives, which range from three to 20 years.

Investments in Affiliates

        Investments in affiliated companies are accounted for under the cost method if the Company does not exercise significant influence over the affiliated company. At December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, the Company held an investment in affiliates of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. Due to restructurings conducted by those affiliates, our investment is currently in Boise Cascade Holdings, L.L.C. (the "Boise Investment").

Capitalized Software Costs

        The Company capitalizes certain costs related to the acquisition and development of internal use software that is expected to benefit future periods. These costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the expected life of the software, which is typically three to five years. Other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets include unamortized capitalized software costs of $25.7 million and $37.9 million at December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, respectively. Amortization of capitalized software costs totaled $17.2 million, $18.7 million and $15.2 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Software development costs that do not meet the criteria for capitalization are expensed as incurred.

54


Table of Contents

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

        The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering certain terminated employees, vested employees, retirees and some active OfficeMax, Contract employees. The Company also sponsors various retiree medical benefit plans. The type of retiree medical benefits and the extent of coverage vary based on employee classification, date of retirement, location, and other factors. The Company explicitly reserves the right to amend or terminate its retiree medical plans at any time, subject only to constraints, if any, imposed by the terms of collective bargaining agreements. Amendment or termination may significantly affect the amount of expense incurred.

        The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit pension, retiree healthcare and other postretirement plans in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in the funded status recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the year in which the changes occur. Actuarially-determined liabilities related to pension and postretirement benefits are recorded based on estimates and assumptions. Key factors used in developing estimates of these liabilities include assumptions related to discount rates, rates of return on investments, future compensation costs, healthcare cost trends, benefit payment patterns and other factors.

        The Company measures changes in the funded status of its plans using actuarial models. Since the majority of participants in the plans are inactive, the actuarial models use an attribution approach that generally spreads recognition of the effects of individual events over the life expectancy of the participants. Net pension and postretirement benefit income or expense is also determined using assumptions which include discount rates and expected long-term rates of return on plan assets. The Company bases the discount rate assumption on the rates of return for a theoretical portfolio of high-grade corporate bonds (rated Aa1 or better) with cash flows that generally match our expected benefit payments in future years. The long-term asset return assumption is based on the average rate of earnings expected on invested funds, and considers several factors including the asset allocation, actual historical rates of return, expected rates of return and external data.

        The Company's policy is to fund its pension plans based upon actuarial recommendations and in accordance with applicable laws and income tax regulations. Pension benefits are primarily paid through trusts funded by the Company. All of the Company's postretirement medical plans are unfunded. The Company pays postretirement benefits directly to the participants.

Facility Closure Reserves

        The Company conducts regular reviews of its real estate portfolio to identify underperforming facilities, and closes those facilities that are no longer strategically or economically viable. The Company records a liability for the cost associated with a facility closure at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, which is the location's cease-use date. Upon closure, unrecoverable costs are included in facility closure reserves in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and include provisions for the present value of future lease obligations, less contractual or estimated sublease income. Accretion expense is recognized over the life of the payments.

Environmental and Asbestos Matters

        Environmental and asbestos liabilities that relate to the operation of the paper and forest products businesses and timberland assets prior to the sale of the paper, forest products and timberland assets continue to be liabilities of OfficeMax. The Company accrues for losses associated with these types of obligations when such losses are probable and reasonably estimable.

55


Table of Contents

Self-insurance

        The Company is self-insured for certain losses related to workers' compensation and medical claims as well as general and auto liability. The expected ultimate cost for claims incurred is recognized as a liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The expected ultimate cost of claims incurred is estimated based principally on analysis of historical claims data and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. Losses are accrued and charged to operations when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

        The Company is subject to tax audits in numerous jurisdictions in the U.S. and around the world. Tax audits by their very nature are often complex and can require several years to complete. In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to challenges from the IRS and other tax authorities regarding amounts of taxes due. These challenges may alter the timing or amount of taxable income or deductions, or the allocation of income among tax jurisdictions. The benefits of tax positions that are more likely than not of being sustained upon audit based on the technical merits of the tax position are recognized in the consolidated financial statements; positions that do not meet this threshold are not recognized. For tax positions that are at least more likely than not of being sustained upon audit, the largest amount of the benefit that is more likely than not of being sustained is recognized in the consolidated financial statements. (See Note 7, "Income Taxes" for further discussion.)

        Accruals for income tax exposures, including penalties and interest, expected to be settled within the next year are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities with the remainder included in other long-term obligations in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest and penalties related to income tax exposures are recognized as incurred and included in income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Advertising and Catalog Costs

        Advertising costs are either expensed the first time the advertising takes place or, in the case of direct-response advertising, capitalized and charged to expense in the periods in which the related sales occur. Advertising and catalog expense was $211.3 million in 2009, $232.1 million in 2008 and $242.6 million in 2007, and is recorded in operating and selling expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Pre-Opening Expenses

        The Company incurs certain non-capital expenses prior to the opening of a store. These pre-opening expenses consist primarily of straight-line rent from the date of possession, store payroll and supplies, and are expensed as incurred and reflected in operating and selling expenses. In 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded approximately $1.6 million, $10.0 million and $10.2 million in pre-opening costs, respectively.

56


Table of Contents

Leasing Arrangements

        The Company conducts a substantial portion of its business in leased properties. Some of the Company's leases contain escalation clauses and renewal options. The Company recognizes rental expense for leases that contain predetermined fixed escalation clauses on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease. The difference between the amounts charged to expense and the contractual minimum lease payment is recorded in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 26, 2009 and December 27, 2008, other long-term liabilities included approximately $68.2 million and $74.3 million, respectively, related to these future escalation clauses.

        The expected term of a lease is calculated from the date the Company first takes possession of the facility, including any periods of free rent and any option or renewal periods management believes are probable of exercise. This expected term is used in the determination of whether a lease is capital or operating and in the calculation of straight-line rent expense. Rent abatements and escalations are considered in the calculation of minimum lease payments in the Company's capital lease tests and in determining straight-line rent expense for operating leases. Straight-line rent expense is also adjusted to reflect any allowances or reimbursements provided by the lessor.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

        The Company records all derivative instruments on the balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are recorded in current earnings or deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss, depending on whether a derivative is designated as, and is effective as, a hedge and on the type of hedging transaction. Changes in fair value of derivatives that are designated as cash flow hedges are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the underlying hedged transactions are recognized in earnings, at which time any deferred hedging gains or losses are also recorded in earnings. If a derivative instrument is designated as a fair value hedge, changes in the fair value of the instrument are reported in current earnings and offset the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments. The ineffective portion of an instrument's change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. Instruments that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting and contracts for which the Company has not elected hedge accounting, are marked to fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in earnings. The Company has no significant outstanding derivative instruments at December 26, 2009 and did not have any significant hedge transactions in 2009, 2008 or 2007.

Recently Issued or Newly Adopted Accounting Standards

        Following are summaries of recently issued accounting pronouncements that have either been recently adopted or that may become applicable to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements in the future.

        In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued a statement establishing the FASB Accounting Standards Codification™ ("the ASC" or "the Codification"). Effective for interim and annual periods ended after September 15, 2009, the Codification became the source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The FASB statement establishing the ASC is not intended to change existing GAAP and as such did not have an impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The Company has updated its references to reflect the Codification.

        In September 2006, the FASB issued guidance which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value

57


Table of Contents


measurements. This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, for financial assets and liabilities, as well as for any other assets and liabilities that are carried at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements. In November 2007, the FASB provided a one year deferral for the implementation of this guidance for other nonfinancial assets and liabilities. The Company adopted this guidance for financial assets and liabilities effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2008 and for non-financial assets and liabilities effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2009. The adoption of this guidance had no significant impact on our consolidated financial statements for either fiscal year 2008 or 2009.

        In December 2007, the FASB issued updated guidance which changed the presentation and disclosure requirements for noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interests). This updated guidance is effective for periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied prospectively to all noncontrolling interests, including those that arose prior to the effective date. While the accounting requirements are to be applied prospectively, prior period financial information must be recast to attribute net income and other comprehensive income to noncontrolling interests and provide other disclosures. The Company adopted this guidance for all noncontrolling interests effective at the beginning of fiscal year 2009, and has revised its prior period financial statements to reflect the required change in presentation and additional disclosures. The adoption of this accounting change and the retrospective impact of the required presentation and disclosure changes on the Company's prior year financial statements was immaterial.

        In December 2008, the FASB issued updated guidance related to an employer's disclosures about plan assets of a defined benefit pension or other postretirement plan. This updated guidance requires enhanced disclosures about the fair value of plan assets including major categories of plan assets, inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value, significant concentrations of risk, the method used to allocate investments and the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs. The disclosures about plan assets must be provided for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively for the period ended December 26, 2009, and has included the required disclosure in Note 12, Retirement and Benefit Plans.

        In April 2009, the FASB issued updated guidance related to fair-value measurements to clarify the considerations related to measuring fair-value in inactive markets, modify the recognition and measurement of other-than-temporary impairments of debt securities, and require public companies to disclose the fair values of financial instruments in interim periods. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ended after June 15, 2009, with early adoption permitted for periods ended after March 15, 2009. The Company adopted the updated guidance in the first quarter of fiscal year 2009, which required certain additional disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments in the financial statements.

        In May 2009, the FASB issued guidance which establishes accounting and disclosure requirements for subsequent events. This guidance details the period after the balance sheet date during which the Company should evaluate events or transactions that occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements, the circumstances under which the Company should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements and the required disclosures for such events. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively in the second quarter.

        In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance which eliminates previous exceptions to rules requiring the consolidation of qualifying special-purpose entities, which will result in more entities being subject to consolidation assessments and reassessments. This guidance requires ongoing reassessment of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE") and clarifies characteristics that identify a VIE. In addition, additional disclosures are required about

58


Table of Contents


a company's involvement with a VIE and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this guidance (which is required beginning in 2010) but does not anticipate it will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.

2.    Facility Closure Reserves

        The Company conducts regular reviews of its real estate portfolio to identify underperforming facilities, and closes those facilities that are no longer strategically or economically beneficial. The Company records a liability for the cost associated with a facility closure at its fair value in the period in which the liability is incurred, primarily the location's cease-use date. Upon closure, unrecoverable costs are included in facility closure reserves and include provisions for the present value of future lease obligations, less contractual or estimated sublease income. Accretion expense is recognized over the life of the required payments.

        In 2009, the Company recorded charges of $31.2 million related to the closing of 21 underperforming stores prior to the end of their lease terms, of which 16 were in the U.S. and five were in Mexico. In 2008, the Company recorded $3.1 million of charges related principally to close five stores and it reduced rent and severance accruals by $3.4 million relating to prior closed stores. In 2008, the Company also recorded $8.7 million of charges related to four domestic retail stores where we had signed lease commitments, but decided not to open the stores due to the existing economic environment. This charge was partially offset by reduced rent accruals of $4.0 million on other store lease obligations.

        These charges were included in other operating net, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        Facility closure reserve account activity during 2009, 2008 and 2007, including activity related to the reorganization of the Contract segment, retail store closures and headquarters consolidation was as follows:

 
  Lease\
Contract
Terminations
  Severance\
Retention\
Other
  Total  
 
  (thousands)
 

Balance at December 30, 2006

  $ 107,824   $ 13,980   $ 121,804  

Cash payments

    (38,196 )   (10,149 )   (48,345 )

Accretion

    3,603         3,603  
               

Balance at December 29, 2007

 
$

73,231
 
$

3,831
 
$

77,062
 

Charges to income

   
11,774
   
79
   
11,853
 

Changes to estimated costs included in income

    (5,982 )   (1,414 )   (7,396 )

Cash payments

    (33,227 )   (2,002 )   (35,229 )

Accretion

    2,643         2,643  
               

Balance at December 27, 2008

 
$

48,439
 
$

494
 
$

48,933
 

Charges related to stores closed

   
30,001
   
1,207
   
31,208
 

Transfer of deferred rent balance

    3,214         3,214  

Changes to estimated costs included in income

    418     (409 )   9  

Cash payments

    (23,315 )   (1,279 )   (24,594 )

Accretion

    2,802         2,802  
               

Balance at December 26, 2009

 
$

61,559
 
$

13
 
$

61,572
 
               

59


Table of Contents

        Reserve balances were classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as follows:

 
  December 26,
2009
  December 27,
2008
  December 29,
2007
 
 
  (thousands)
 

Other accrued liabilities

  $ 16,775   $ 14,328   $ 22,213  

Other long-term liabilities

    44,797     34,605     54,849  
               

Total

  $ 61,572   $ 48,933   $ 77,062  
               

        At December 26, 2009, the facilities closure reserve consisted of the following:

 
  (thousands)
 

Estimated future lease obligations

  $ 112,654  

Less: anticipated sublease income

    (51,095 )
       

Total

  $ 61,559  
       

        In addition, the Company is the lessee of a non-operating, building materials manufacturing facility near Elma, Washington. During 2006, the Company ceased operations at the facility, fully impaired the assets and recorded a reserve for the lease payments and other contract termination and closure costs. The Company has not been successful in identifying a buyer for the business which would include the assumption of the long-term lease. The liabilities of the Elma facility ($14.1 million in total) are recorded in other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

3.    Severance and Other Charges

        In 2009, we recorded $18.1 million of severance and other charges, principally related to reorganizations of our U.S. and Canadian Contract sales forces, our customer fulfillment centers and our customer service centers, as well as a streamlining of our Retail store staffing. These charges are recorded by segment in the following manner: Contract $15.3 million, Retail $2.1 million and Corporate and Other $0.7 million.

        During 2008, the Company recorded a $23.9 million pre-tax severance charge related to various sales and field reorganizations in our Retail and Contract segments as well as a significant reduction in force at the corporate headquarters (of which $15 million was paid by the 2008 year-end) and a $2.4 million charge related to the consolidation of the Contract segment's manufacturing facilities in New Zealand. These items are included in the caption "Other operating, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

        As of December 26, 2009, $6.0 million of severance charges recorded in 2009 and 2008 remain unpaid and are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

4.    Timber Notes/Non-Recourse Debt

        In October 2004, we sold our timberland assets in exchange for $15 million in cash plus credit-enhanced timber installment notes in the amount of $1,635 million (the "Installment Notes"). The Installment Notes were issued by single-member limited liability companies formed by affiliates of Boise Cascade, L.L.C. (the "Note Issuers"). The Installment Notes are 15-year non-amortizing obligations and were issued in two equal $817.5 million tranches bearing interest at 5.11% and 4.98%, respectively. In order to support the issuance of the Installment Notes, the Note Issuers transferred a total of $1,635 million in cash to Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. ("Lehman") and Wachovia Corporation ("Wachovia") (which was later purchased by Wells Fargo & Company)

60


Table of Contents


($817.5 million to each of Lehman and Wachovia). Lehman and Wachovia issued collateral notes (the "Collateral Notes") to the Note Issuers. Concurrently with the issuance of the Installment and Collateral Notes, Lehman and Wachovia guaranteed the respective Installment Notes and the Note Issuers pledged the Collateral Notes as security for the performance of the Installment Note obligations.

        In December 2004, we completed a securitization transaction in which the Company's interests in the Installment Notes and related guarantees were transferred to wholly-owned bankruptcy remote subsidiaries. The subsidiaries pledged the Installment Notes and related guarantees and issued securitized notes (the "Securitization Notes") in the amount of $1,470 million ($735 million through the structure supported by the Lehman guaranty and $735 million through the structure supported by the Wachovia guaranty). Recourse on the Securitization Notes is limited to the proceeds of the applicable pledged Installment Notes and underlying Lehman or Wachovia guaranty, and therefore there is no recourse against OfficeMax. The Securitization Notes are 15-year non-amortizing, and were issued in two equal $735 million tranches paying interest of 5.54% and 5.42%, respectively. The Securitization Notes are reported as non-recourse debt in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

        As a result of these transactions, we received $1,470 million in cash. The subsidiaries were expected to earn approximately $82.5 million per year in interest income on the Installment Notes receivable and expected to incur annual interest expense of approximately $80.5 million on the Securitization Notes. The pledged Installment Notes receivable and Securitization Notes payable were scheduled to mature in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Securitization Notes have an initial term that is approximately three months shorter than the Installment Notes. We expected to refinance our ownership of the Installment Notes in 2019 with a short-term secured borrowing to bridge the period from initial maturity of the Securitization Notes to the maturity of the Installment Notes.

        On September 15, 2008, Lehman, the guarantor of half of the Installment Notes and the Securitization Notes, filed a petition in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York seeking relief under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Lehman's bankruptcy filing constituted an event of default under the $817.5 million Installment Note guaranteed by Lehman.

        We are required for accounting purposes to assess the carrying value of assets whenever circumstances indicate that a decline in value may have occurred. After evaluating the situation, we concluded in late October 2008 that as a result of the Lehman bankruptcy, it was probable that we would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the Installment Note guaranteed by Lehman (the "Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note"). Accordingly, we evaluated the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and reduced it to the estimated amount we expect to collect ($81.8 million) by recording a non-cash impairment charge of $735.8 million, pre-tax, in the third quarter of 2008. We based our estimate of the recoverable amount of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note on a variety of factors, including consultations with financial advisors and review of the trading prices on outstanding Lehman debt instruments with similar contractual interest rates and maturities.

        Recourse on the Securitization Notes is limited to the proceeds from the applicable pledged Installment Notes and underlying Lehman and Wachovia guaranty. Accordingly, the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and underlying guarantees by Lehman will be transferred to the holders of the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman in order to settle and extinguish that liability. However, under current generally accepted accounting principles, we are required to continue to recognize the liability related to the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman until such time as the liability has been extinguished. This will occur when the Lehman Guaranteed

61


Table of Contents


Installment Note and the guaranty are transferred to and accepted by the Securitization Note holders. We expect that this will occur no later than the date when the assets of Lehman are distributed and the bankruptcy is finalized. Accordingly, we expect to recognize a non-cash gain equal to the difference between the carrying amount of the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman ($735.0 million at December 26, 2009) and the carrying value of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note ($81.8 million at December 26, 2009) in a later period when the liability is legally extinguished. The actual gain to be recognized in the future will be measured based on the carrying amounts of the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note and the Securitization Notes guaranteed by Lehman at the date of settlement.

        At the time of the sale of the timberlands in 2004, we generated a tax gain and recognized the related deferred tax liability. The timber installment notes structure allowed the Company to defer the resulting tax liability of $543 million until 2020, the maturity date for the Installment Notes. Due to the Lehman bankruptcy and note defaults, the recognition of the Lehman portion of the gain will be triggered when the Lehman Guaranteed Installment Note is transferred to the Securitization Note holders as payment and/or when the Lehman bankruptcy is resolved.

        Through December 26, 2009, we have received all payments due under the Installment Notes guaranteed by Wachovia, which have consisted only of interest due on the notes, and made all payments due on the related Securitization Notes guaranteed by Wachovia, again consisting only of interest due. As all amounts due on the Installment Notes guaranteed by Wachovia ("the Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes") are current and we have no reason to believe that we will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes. The Wachovia Guaranteed Installment Notes are stated in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at their original principal amount of $817.5 million.

5.    Goodwill, Intangible Assets and Other Long-lived Assets

Impairment Reviews and Charges

        In 2008, management concluded that indicators of potential impairment were present and that an evaluation of the carrying values of goodwill, intangibles and other long-lived assets was therefore required. Management reached the conclusion that an impairment test was required to be performed based on its assessment of the conditions that contributed to the Company's sustained low stock price and reduced market capitalization relative to the book value of its equity, including generally weak economic conditions, macroeconomic factors impacting industry business conditions, recent and forecasted operating performance, and continued tightening of the credit markets, along with other factors. These conditions had resulted in lower levels of consumer and business spending, intense competition and industry consolidation. Weighing all of these factors, management determined that indicators of potential impairment had occurred and tested the assets for impairment.

        The measurement of impairment of goodwill consists of two steps. In the first step, the Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. If the results of the first test indicate that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, a second step is required, which is to determine the implied fair value of each reporting unit's goodwill, and to compare it to the carrying value of the reporting unit's goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized for the excess of carrying value over the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill. In 2008, the Company determined that the fair value of both of the Company's reporting units was less than their corresponding carrying values, thereby requiring the second step to be performed for both reporting units. The activities in the second step include hypothetically valuing all of the tangible and intangible assets of the impaired reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. We recorded a charge of $1,201.5 million in 2008 to write-off

62


Table of Contents


the goodwill of the Company in both segments; Contract ($815.5 million) and Retail ($386.0 million). The impairment charges included a portion of goodwill that was not deductible for tax purposes, resulting in a tax benefit of $63.2 million, or approximately 4.6% of the pre-tax charge amount. These charges resulted in a full impairment of our goodwill balances as of the end of 2008, and, as a result, there will be no future annual assessment of goodwill.

        The measurement of impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets consists of calculating the fair value and comparing that value to the intangible asset's carrying value. The fair value is calculated based on the estimated future discounted cash flows associated with the intangible asset. In 2008, the Company recorded estimated impairment of the trade names in the Retail reporting unit of $107.1 million, before taxes. Based on the Company's assessment and testing, no impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets was required in 2009.

        Interim impairment tests of the Company's other long-lived assets were also performed in 2009 and 2008. Impairment testing of other long-lived assets is also a two-step process. In the first step ("the recoverability test"), a determination of potential impairment is made based on a comparison of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows derived from the asset to its carrying amount. If estimated future undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value of the asset, then the second step is completed and the impairment loss is measured as the excess of the carrying value over the fair value of the asset, with fair value determined based on estimated future discounted cash flows. In 2008, due to the existence of indicators of potential impairment, the Company performed the recoverability test for all the other long-lived assets of each reporting unit, in aggregate. The recoverability test did not identify potential impairment for these asset groups. In 2009 and 2008, the Company also performed the recoverability test for the assets of individual retail stores ("store assets" or "stores"), which consist primarily of leasehold improvements and fixtures. This testing did identify impairment at certain stores. As a result, we completed the second step and, based on our conclusions, wrote off $17.6 million and $55.8 million of store assets in 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Acquired Intangible Assets

        Intangible assets represent the values assigned to trade names, customer lists and relationships, noncompete agreements and exclusive distribution rights of businesses acquired. The trade name assets have an indefinite life and are not amortized. All other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives. Customer lists and relationships are amortized over three to 20 years, noncompete agreements over their terms, which are generally three to five years, and exclusive distribution rights over ten years. Intangible assets consisted of the following at year-end:

 
  2009  
 
  Gross Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Carrying
Amount
 
 
  (thousands)
 

Trade names

  $ 66,000   $   $ 66,000  

Customer lists and relationships

    25,833     (11,288 )   14,545  

Exclusive distribution rights

    6,636     (3,375 )   3,261  
               

  $ 98,469   $ (14,663 ) $ 83,806  
               

63


Table of Contents


 
  2008  
 
  Gross Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net Carrying
Amount
 
 
  (thousands)
 

Trade names

  $ 66,000   $   $ 66,000  

Customer lists and relationships

    34,767     (21,848 )   12,919  

Exclusive distribution rights

    5,255     (2,381 )   2,874  
               

  $ 106,022   $ (24,229 ) $ 81,793  
               

        Intangible amortization expense totaled $1.6 million, $5.4 million and $7.0 million in 2009, 2008 and 2007 respectively. The estimated amortization expense is approximately $1.5 to $2.0 million in each of the next five years.

        The changes in the intangible carrying amounts from December 30, 2006 to December 26, 2009, were as follows:

 
  Trade names   Customer
lists and
relationships
  Noncompete
agreements
  Exclusive
distribution
rights
  Total  
 
  (thousands)
 

Net carrying amount, December 30, 2006

  $ 173,150   $ 22,003   $ 4,640   $ 1,511   $ 201,304  

Additions

        195         2,860     3,055  

Amortization

        (3,969 )   (2,607 )   (420 )   (6,996 )

Effect of foreign currency translation

        2,080     9     268     2,357  
                       

Net carrying amount, December 29, 2007

  $ 173,150   $ 20,309   $ 2,042   $ 4,219   $ 199,720  

Impairment

    (107,150 )               (107,150 )

Amortization

        (2,912 )   (2,041 )   (409 )   (5,362 )

Effect of foreign currency translation

        (4,478 )   (1 )   (936 )   (5,415 )
                       

Net carrying amount, December 27, 2008

  $ 66,000   $ 12,919   $   $ 2,874   $ 81,793  

Amortization

        (1,271 )       (363 )   (1,634 )

Effect of foreign currency translation

        2,897         750     3,647  
                       

Net carrying amount, December 26, 2009

  $ 66,000   $ 14,545   $   $ 3,261   $ 83,806  
                       

6.    Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share

        Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated using net earnings available to holders of our common stock divided by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per share is similar to basic net income (loss) per share except that the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding is increased to include, if their inclusion is dilutive, the number of additional shares of common stock that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of all potentially dilutive shares, such as common stock to be issued upon exercise of options and the vesting of non-vested restricted shares, and the conversion of outstanding preferred stock. Net income (loss) per common share was

64


Table of Contents


determined by dividing net income (loss), as adjusted, by weighted average shares outstanding as follows:

 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (thousands, except per-share amounts)
 

Net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders

  $ (2,151 ) $ (1,661,595 ) $ 203,412  

Average shares—basic(a)

    77,483     75,862     75,274  

Restricted stock, stock options and other(b)

            1,100  
               

Average shares—diluted

    77,483     75,862     76,374  

Net income (loss) available to OfficeMax common shareholders per common share:

                   
 

Basic

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.70  
 

Diluted

  $ (0.03 ) $ (21.90 ) $ 2.66  
(a)
The assumed conversion of outstanding preferred stock was anti-dilutive in all periods presented, and therefore no adjustment was required to determine diluted income (loss) from continuing operations or average shares-diluted.

(b)
Outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock totaled 1.3 million and 1.5 million at the end of 2009 and 2008, respectfully, but were not included in the computation of diluted income (loss) per common share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive due to the loss reported for the period. Options to purchase 0.4 million shares of common stock were outstanding during 2007, but were not included in the computation of diluted income (loss) per common share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive as the option price was higher than the average market price during the year.

7.    Income Taxes

        The income tax (provision) benefit attributable to income (loss) from continuing operations as shown in the Consolidated Statements of Operations includes the following components:

 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (thousands)
 

Current income tax (provision) benefit

                   
 

Federal

  $ 60,354   $ (10,111 ) $ (25,710 )
 

State

    33,770     (24,166 )   (11,380 )
 

Foreign

    (9,999 )   (23,282 )   (24,582 )
               

    84,125     (57,559 )   (61,672 )

Deferred income tax (provision) benefit

                   
 

Federal

    (23,190 )   274,376     (61,882 )
 

State

    (29,593 )   76,129     (4,785 )
 

Foreign

    (2,584 )   13,535     3,057  
               

    (55,367 )   364,040     (63,610 )
               

  $ 28,758   $ 306,481   $ (125,282 )
               

        During 2009, 2008 and 2007, the Company made cash payments for income taxes, net of refunds received, as follows:

 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (thousands)
 

Cash tax payments (refunds), net

  $ (71,026 ) $ 91,530   $ 89,483  

65


Table of Contents

        The income tax provision attributable to income (loss) from continuing operations for the years ended December 26, 2009, December 27, 2008 and December 29, 2007 differed from the amounts computed by applying the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations as a result of the following:

 
  2009   2008   2007  
 
  (thousands)
 

Tax (provision) benefit at statutory rate

  $ 10,617   $ 690,340   $ (118,184 )

State taxes, net of federal effect

    2,516     29,041     (11,030 )

Foreign tax provision differential

    1,085     (3,283 )   106  

Impact of goodwill impairment

        (418,920 )    

Net operating loss valuation allowance and credits

    (2,484 )   1,291     434  

Change in tax contingency liability

    (3,390 )   (3,394 )   755  

Tax settlement, net of other charges

    14,880     6,830     1,582  

Repatriation of foreign earnings, net

    3,428          

ESOP dividend deduction

    944     1,166     1,317  

Other, net

    1,162     3,410     (262 )
               

  $ 28,758   $ 306,481   $ (125,282 )
               

        The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities at year-end are presented in the following table:

 
  2009   2008  
 
  (thousands)
 

Impairment of note receivable

  $ 286,207   $ 286,207  

Minimum tax and other credits carryover

    237,897     28,303  

Net operating loss carryovers

    104,605     27,801  

Deferred gain on Boise Investment

    69,925     69,925  

Compensation obligations

    154,400     220,045  

Operating reserves and accrued expenses

    59,682     64,563  

Investments and deferred charges

    18,110     25,681  

Property and equipment

    15,942     47,899  

Allowances for receivables

    14,253     18,219  

Inventory

    8,699     11,863  

Tax goodwill

    6,788     9,774  

Other

    3,064     10,207  
           

Total deferred tax assets

    979,572     820,487  

Valuation allowance on NOLs and credits

    (16,117 )   (13,633 )
           

Total deferred tax assets after valuation allowance

  $ 963,455   $ 806,854  
           

Timberland installment gain related to Wachovia Note

  $ (266,798 ) $ (266,798 )