village.htm


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)

[x]   QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

For the quarterly period ended:  April 27, 2013

OR

[  ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

Commission File No. 0-33360

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEW JERSEY
22-1576170
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I. R. S. Employer Identification No.)
   
733 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY  07081
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code) 
   
 (973) 467-2200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code) 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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   X         No ___

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 12-b2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  
Accelerated filer   S
Non-accelerated filer      (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).                                                                                                 Yes ____   No __X__

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:     June 5, 2013    
 
Class A Common Stock, No Par Value
 9,035,855 Shares
Class B Common Stock, No Par Value
 4,779,790 Shares
 
 
 

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX


PART I
 
PAGE NO.
     
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
3
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
3
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
4
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income
5
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
6
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
10
     
Item 3.
Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
18
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
18
     
PART II
   
     
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
19
     
 
Signatures
20
 
 
2

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
             
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
 
             
   
April 27, 2013
   
July 28, 2012
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
 Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 103,436     $ 103,103  
 Merchandise inventories
    41,691       40,599  
 Patronage dividend receivable
    8,274       10,774  
 Other current assets
    19,630       17,102  
     Total current assets
    173,031       171,578  
                 
Note receivable from Wakefern
    22,037       20,918  
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
    172,261       172,420  
Investment in Wakefern
    24,355       23,406  
Goodwill
    12,057       12,057  
Other assets
    11,192       9,159  
                 
 
  $ 414,933     $ 409,538  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
 Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations
  $ -     $ -  
 Current portion of notes payable to Wakefern
    586       473  
 Accounts payable to Wakefern
    53,303       55,441  
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    27,568       28,858  
 Income taxes payable
    19,290       15,134  
     Total current liabilities
    100,747       99,906  
                 
Capital and financing lease obligations
    40,968       40,792  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    1,866       2,357  
Other liabilities
    37,673       36,172  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
                 
   Class A common stock - no par value, issued 9,440 shares at April 27, 2013 and 7,883 shares at July 28, 2012
    43,159       39,570  
   Class B common stock - no par value, issued and outstanding 4,780 shares at April 27, 2013 and 6,335 shares at July 28, 2012
    776       1,028  
   Retained earnings
    207,948       209,373  
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (14,534 )     (15,474 )
   Less cost of Class A treasury shares 404 at April 27, 2013 and 461 at July 28, 2012)
    (3,670 )     (4,186 )
     Total shareholders’ equity
    233,679       230,311  
                 
    $ 414,933     $ 409,538  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
3

 


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
(in Thousands except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)
 
                         
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
 
         
 
             
Sales
  $ 359,808     $ 347,009     $ 1,100,134     $ 1,052,384  
                                 
Cost of sales
    262,494       251,761       804,262       764,756  
                                 
Gross profit
    97,314       95,248       295,872       287,628  
                                 
Operating and administrative expense
    84,101       78,660       247,797       232,935  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,063       4,982       15,005       14,614  
                                 
Operating income
    8,150       11,606       33,070       40,079  
                                 
Income from partnerships
    -       -       1,450       -  
                                 
Interest expense
    (944 )     (1,077 )     (2,886 )     (3,337 )
                                 
Interest income
    704       652       2,068       1,903  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    7,910       11,181       33,702       38,645  
                                 
Income taxes
    3,288       4,638       14,121       16,219  
                                 
Net income
  $ 4,622     $ 6,543     $ 19,581     $ 22,426  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
Class A common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ 0.38     $ 0.57     $ 1.68     $ 1.96  
  Diluted
  $ 0.33     $ 0.47     $ 1.40     $ 1.63  
 
                               
Class B common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ 0.25     $ 0.37     $ 1.01     $ 1.27  
  Diluted
  $ 0.25     $ 0.37     $ 1.01     $ 1.26  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 
4

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
 
                         
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
 
                         
Net income
  $ 4,622     $ 6,543     $ 19,581     $ 22,426  
                                 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
Amortization of pension actuarial loss, net of tax (1)
    313       199       940       597  
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 4,935     $ 6,742     $ 20,521     $ 23,023  
                                 
(1) Amounts are net of tax of $218 and $133 for the 13 weeks ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively. Amounts are net of tax of $653 and $399 for the 39 weeks ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively.
 
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
5

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(in Thousands)(Unaudited)
 
             
 
 
39 Wks. Ended
   
39 Wks. Ended
 
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
  Net income
  $ 19,581     $ 22,426  
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    15,005       14,614  
     Deferred taxes
    (4,338 )     (1,050 )
     Provision to value inventories at LIFO
    300       760  
     Non-cash share-based compensation
    2,422       2,376  
     Income from partnerships
    (1,450 )     -  
                 
   Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of stores acquired:
               
     Merchandise inventories
    (1,392 )     (3,067 )
     Patronage dividend receivable
    2,500       1,626  
     Accounts payable to Wakefern
    (2,138 )     (5,945 )
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (1,228 )     (5,085 )
     Income taxes payable
    4,156       (1,835 )
     Other assets and liabilities
    1,613       457  
 Net cash provided by operating activities
    35,031       25,277  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
  Capital expenditures
    (14,533 )     (13,007 )
  Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern
    (1,119 )     (1,047 )
  Proceeds from partnerships
    1,980       -  
  Acquisition of Old Bridge ShopRite
    -       (4,123 )
 Net cash used in investing activities
    (13,672 )     (18,177 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    1,062       327  
  Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    369       57  
  Principal payments of long-term debt
    (1,451 )     (881 )
  Dividends
    (21,006 )     (6,881 )
 Net cash used in financing activities
    (21,026 )     (7,378 )
                 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    333       (278 )
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    103,103       91,362  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 103,436     $ 91,084  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
               
  Interest
  $ 3,010     $ 3,115  
  Income taxes
    13,934       19,048  
NONCASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
               
  Investment in Wakefern
  $ 949     $ 899  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
6

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)

1.           In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of April 27, 2013 and the consolidated results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012 of Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”).
 
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in the July 28, 2012 Village Super Market, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.  The results of operations for the periods ended April 27, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for the full fiscal year.

2.           At both April 27, 2013 and July 28, 2012, approximately 65% of merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method while the balance is valued by FIFO.  If the FIFO method had been used for the entire inventory, inventories would have been $15,142 and $14,842 higher than reported at April 27, 2013 and July 28, 2012, respectively.

3.           The Company computes net income per share using the two-class method,  an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income per share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Under the two-class method, our Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings than our Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes’ respective dividend rights.
 
Diluted net income per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the if-converted method, which assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method.   Diluted net income per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.

 
7

 
 
The tables below reconcile the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income per share for all periods presented.

   
April 27, 2013
 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 3,245     $ 1,262     $ 13,698     $ 5,394  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    1,262       -       5,394       -  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    5       (3 )     -       -  
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 4,512     $ 1,259     $ 19,092     $ 5,394  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    8,492       5,007       8,146       5,336  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    5,007       -       5,336       -  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    96       -       110       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,595       5,007       13,592       5,336  
                                 
   
April 28, 2012
 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                               
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 4,016     $ 2,356     $ 13,757     $ 8,091  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    2,356       -       8,091       -  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    16       (11 )     67       (39 )
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 6,388     $ 2,345     $ 21,915     $ 8,052  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    7,044       6,362       7,030       6,366  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    6,362       -       6,366       -  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    95       -       81       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,501       6,362       13,477       6,366  
 
Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 3 and 222 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. In addition, 299 non-vested restricted Class A shares, which are considered participating securities, and their allocated net income were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation at both April 27, 2013 and April 28, 2012, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.
 
 
8

 
 
4.           The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans.  Net periodic pension costs for the four plans include the following components:
 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 818     $ 664     $ 2,454     $ 1,992  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
    618       678       1,854       2,034  
Expected return on plan assets
    (694 )     (631 )     (2,082 )     (1,893 )
Amortization of gains and losses
    529       330       1,587       990  
Amortization of prior service costs
    2       2       6       6  
                                 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 1,273     $ 1,043     $ 3,819     $ 3,129  
 
As of April 27, 2013, the Company has contributed $196 to its pension plans in fiscal 2013.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $2,804 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 to fund its pension plans.

5.        Hurricane Sandy devastated our area on October 29, 2012, two days after the end of our first fiscal quarter.  Almost all our stores were closed for periods of time ranging from a few hours to eight days beginning in the first week of our second fiscal quarter.  In addition, Village disposed of substantial amounts of perishable product due to the loss of power, and also incurred repair, labor and other costs in connection with the storm.  The Company has property, casualty and business interruption insurance, subject to deductibles and coverage limits. During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, Village began the process of working with our insurers to recover the estimated damages, a process that will likely take several months.  The Company does not expect the overall impact of the storm, including uninsured losses, to be material to fiscal 2013 results of operations.

6.      On November 29, 2012, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.00 per Class A common share and $.65 per Class B common share.  In addition, the Board declared regular quarterly dividends of $.25 per Class A common share and $.1625 per Class B common share.  These dividends were paid on December 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 12, 2012.  The Board declared these $15 million of dividends in order to provide a return to our shareholders in 2012 while tax rates on dividends remained low.  The Board declared and paid regularly quarterly dividends of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share during the third quarter.

7.           In November 2012, the Company received $1,980 in cash distributions from two partnerships.  Income from partnerships in the second quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2013 of $1,450 represents proceeds received in excess of invested amounts.  The Company’s partnership interests resulted from its leasing of supermarkets in two shopping centers.  The Company remains a tenant in one of these shopping centers.
 
 
9

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
OVERVIEW
 
The Company operates a chain of 29 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey, Maryland and northeastern Pennsylvania.  Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite name.  As further described in the Company’s Form 10-K, this ownership interest in Wakefern provides the Company many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with larger chains. On January 29, 2012, Village acquired the store fixtures, lease and other assets of the ShopRite in Old Bridge, New Jersey (40,000 sq. ft) for $3,250 plus inventory and other working capital for $1,116.  On July 7, 2011, Village acquired the store fixtures, leases and pharmacy lists of locations in Silver Spring, Maryland (64,000 sq.ft.) and Timonium, Maryland (57,000 sq.ft.) for $6,595 from Super Fresh.

The Company’s stores, five of which are owned, average 57,000 total square feet.  Larger store sizes enable the Company to offer the specialty departments that customers desire for one-stop shopping, including pharmacies, natural and organic departments, ethnic and international foods, and home meal replacement.

Hurricane Sandy devastated our area on October 29, 2012, two days after the end of our first fiscal quarter.  The storm increased sales in the last week of our first quarter of fiscal 2013 as customers prepared for the storm. Sales in the first week of the second quarter of fiscal 2013 were negatively impacted by the closure of almost all of our stores for periods of time ranging from a few hours to eight days. However, this impact was partially offset by improved sales in stores that reopened quickly and by higher sales in most stores in subsequent weeks as customers restocked after their power was restored.  In addition, Village disposed of substantial amounts of perishable product due to the loss of power, and also incurred repair, labor and other costs in connection with the storm.  The Company has property, casualty and business interruption insurance, subject to deductibles and coverage limits.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, Village began the process of working with our insurers to recover the damages, a process that will likely take several months.  The Company does not expect the overall impact of the storm, including uninsured losses, to be material to fiscal 2013 results of operations.

 
10

 
           
The supermarket industry is highly competitive.  The Company competes directly with multiple retail formats, including national, regional and local supermarket chains as well as warehouse clubs, supercenters, drug stores, discount general merchandise stores, fast food chains, restaurants, dollar stores and convenience stores.  Village competes by using low pricing, superior customer service, and a broad range of consistently available quality products, including ShopRite private labeled products.  In recent years, Village has enhanced customer service by adding ShopRite from Home, dieticians and customer service advocates to our stores. The ShopRite Price Plus card also strengthens customer loyalty.
 
We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales; percentage of total sales by department (mix); shrink; departmental gross profit percentage; sales per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.
 
During the last few years, the supermarket industry has been impacted by changing consumer behavior due to the weak economy and high unemployment.  Consumers continue to spend cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.  Also, the Company estimates that product prices overall experienced substantial inflation in the first half of fiscal 2012, with only modest inflation in the second half of fiscal 2012 and the first nine months of fiscal 2013.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
The following table sets forth the major components of the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations as a percentage of sales:

   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
   
April 27, 2013
   
April 28, 2012
 
Sales
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
Cost of sales
    72.95       72.55       73.11       72.67  
Gross profit
    27.05       27.45       26.89       27.33  
Operating and administrative expense
    23.37       22.67       22.52       22.13  
Depreciation and amortization
    1.41       1.44       1.36       1.39  
Operating income
    2.27       3.34       3.01       3.81  
Income from partnerships
    -       -       0.13       -  
Interest expense
    (0.27 )     (0.31 )     (0.27 )     (0.32 )
Interest income
    0.20       0.19       0.19       0.18  
Income before taxes
    2.20       3.22       3.06       3.67  
Income taxes
    0.92       1.34       1.28       1.54  
Net income
    1.28 %     1.88 %     1.78 %     2.13 %
 
Sales.  Sales were $359,808 in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, an increase of 3.7% compared to the third quarter of the prior year.  The sales increase is attributable to same store sales, as the Old Bridge, NJ store, acquired on January 29, 2012, is now included in same store sales.  Same store sales increased due to higher sales in the two stores in Maryland, higher sales in one remodeled store and modest inflation.  Sales continue to be impacted by economic weakness, high gas prices and high unemployment, which have resulted in increased sale item penetration and trading down.  The Company expects same store sales in fiscal 2013 to increase from 2.75% to 3.50%.  New stores and replacement stores are included in same store sales in the quarter after the stores have been operating for four full quarters.  Store renovations are included in same store sales immediately.
 
 
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Sales were $1,100,134 in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013, an increase of 4.5% from the prior year.  Sales increased due to the acquisition of the Old Bridge store and a same store sales increase of 3.2%. Same store sales increased due to higher sales as customers prepared for hurricane Sandy, improved sales at the stores that reopened quickly after the storm, higher sales in the two stores in Maryland and modest inflation.
 
Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased 0.40% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.62%). Gross margins declined in several departments primarily due to investments in lower prices to combat nontraditional competitors. These declines were partially offset by improved product mix (.11%), lower promotional spending (.07%) and lower LIFO charges (.06%).
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .44% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages.  Gross margins declined in several departments primarily due to investments in lower prices to combat nontraditional competitors.

Operating and Administrative Expense.  Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .70% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to higher payroll (.16%) and fringe benefit (.19%) costs.  Payroll costs increased due to efforts to enhance the customer experience and provide additional services including our first Village Food Garden at the remodeled Livingston store and the addition of ShopRite from Home in several stores.  Fringe benefits increased due to higher costs for health, pension and worker’s compensation.
 
Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .39% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to the nine-month period of the prior year primarily due to higher payroll (.13%) and fringe benefit (.27%) costs, a charge from settlement of a dispute with a landlord (.06%), and the prior fiscal year including a favorable settlement of a pension withdrawal liability (.06%).  These increases were partially offset by income from settlement of the national credit card lawsuit (.11%) in the current fiscal year.

 
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Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the third quarter and nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions.
 
Income from Partnerships.  Income from partnerships in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013 of $1,450 are distributions received from two partnerships that exceeded the invested amounts.  The Company’s partnership interests resulted from its leasing of supermarkets in two shopping centers.  The Company remains a tenant in one of these shopping centers.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense decreased in the third quarter and nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to interest costs capitalized in the current fiscal year, and the prior fiscal year including interest incurred on a pension withdrawal liability that was paid in fiscal 2012.

Interest Income.  Interest income increased slightly in the third quarter and nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to higher amounts invested.

Income Taxes.  The effective income tax rate was 41.6% and 41.9%, in the third quarter and nine-month period of fiscal 2013, respectively, compared to 41.5% and 42.0% in the third quarter and nine-month period of the prior year, respectively.

Net Income.  Net income was $4,622 in the third quarter of fiscal 2013, a decrease of 29% from the third quarter of the prior year.  Net income declined primarily due to lower gross profit percentages and higher operating costs as a percentage of sales, partially due to investments in lower prices and enhanced customer service.
 
Net income was $19,581 in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013.  Fiscal 2013 includes income from partnership distributions of $840 (net of tax), income from the national credit card lawsuit of $693 (net of tax) and a charge for the settlement of a landlord dispute of $376 (net of tax), while fiscal 2012 includes a favorable settlement of a pension withdrawal liability of $374 (net of tax).  Excluding these items from both fiscal years, net income in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013 declined 16% compared to the prior year primarily due to lower gross profit percentages and higher operating expenses as a percentage of sales, partially offset by reduced losses in the two Maryland stores compared to the nine-month period of the prior year, which was their initial nine months of operations.  Maryland stores sales and operating performance remain lower than expected as we continue to build market share and brand awareness.

 
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company’s critical accounting policies relating to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounting for patronage dividends earned as a stockholder of Wakefern, accounting for pension plans, accounting for share-based compensation, and accounting for uncertain tax positions are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2012.  As of April 27, 2013, there have been no changes to any of the critical accounting policies contained therein.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $35,031 in the nine-month period of fiscal 2013 compared to $25,277 in the corresponding period of the prior year.  This increase is primarily attributable to the prior year including a settlement of a $7,028 pension liability and changes in the timing of payables.  During the first nine-months of fiscal 2013, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $14,533 and dividends of $21,006. Capital expenditures include substantial remodels of three stores and site work for a replacement store.  Dividends paid include $12,000 of special dividends.
 
Village has budgeted approximately $20 million for capital expenditures in fiscal 2013.  Planned expenditures included the beginning of construction of a replacement store and three major remodels.  The Company’s primarily sources of liquidity in fiscal 2013 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at April 27, 2013 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2013.
 
Working capital was $72,284 at April 27, 2013 compared to $71,672 at July 28, 2012.  The working capital ratio was 1.7 to 1 at both April 27, 2013 and July 28, 2012.  The Company’s working capital needs are reduced since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.
 
On November 29, 2012 the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.00 per Class A common Share and $.65 per Class B common share.  In addition, the Board declared regular quarterly dividends of $.25 per Class A common share and $.1625 per Class B common share.  These dividends were paid on December 27, 2012 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 12, 2012.  The Board declared these $15 million of dividends in order to provide a return to our shareholders in 2012 while tax rates on dividends remained low.  The Board declared and paid regular quarterly dividends of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share during the third fiscal quarter.
 
There have been no substantial changes as of April 27, 2013 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed in Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2012, except for an additional $949 required investment in Wakefern common stock.

 
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OUTLOOK
 
This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements about Village’s future performance. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of information currently available.  Such statements relate to, for example:  economic conditions; uninsured losses; expected pension plan contributions; projected capital expenditures; cash flow requirements; inflation expectations; and legal matters; and are indicated by words such as “will,” “expect,”  “should,” “intend,” “anticipates,” “believes” and similar words or phrases.  The Company cautions the reader that there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from the results expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.

·
We expect same store sales to increase from 2.75% to 3.50% in fiscal 2013, including the positive impact from the inclusion of the Maryland stores in same stores sales.
   
·
During the last few years, the supermarket industry has been impacted by changing consumer behavior due to the weak economy and high unemployment.  Consumers continue to spend cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.  Management expects these trends to continue into fiscal 2014.
   
·
We expect modest retail price inflation in fiscal 2013 and 2014.
   
·
We have budgeted $20,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2013. This amount includes the beginning of construction of a replacement store and three major remodels.
   
·
The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2013 at the most recent rate of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share.
   
·
We believe cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt payments for the foreseeable future.
   
·
We expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2013 to be 41.5% - 42.5%.
   
·
We expect operating expenses will be affected by increased costs in certain areas, such as medical and pension costs.
 
 
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Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. These include:
 
·
The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. Results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by competitive pricing and promotional programs, industry consolidation and competitor store openings. Village competes with national and regional supermarkets, local supermarkets, warehouse club stores, supercenters, drug stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, discount merchandisers, restaurants and other local retailers. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.
   
·
The Company’s stores are concentrated in New Jersey, with one store in northeastern Pennsylvania and two in Maryland. We are vulnerable to economic downturns in New Jersey in addition to those that may affect the country as a whole. Economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates, energy costs and unemployment rates may adversely affect our sales and profits.
   
·
Village acquired two stores in July 2011 in Maryland, a new market for Village where the ShopRite name is less known than in New Jersey. As the Company begins operating in this new market, marketing and other costs are higher than in established markets as Village attempts to build market share and brand awareness. In addition, sales for these two stores are initially expected to be lower than the typical Company store. Potentially higher costs and sales results lower than the Company’s expectations could have a material adverse effect on Village’s results of operations.
 
 
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·
Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern. In addition, Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including supplies, advertising, liability and property insurance, technology support and other store services. Further, Village receives patronage dividends and other product incentives from Wakefern. Any material change in Wakefern’s method of operation or a termination or material modification of Village’s relationship with Wakefern could have an adverse impact on the conduct of the Company’s business and could involve additional expense for Village. The failure of any Wakefern member to fulfill its obligations to Wakefern or a member’s insolvency or withdrawal from Wakefern could result in increased costs to the Company. Additionally, an adverse change in Wakefern’s results of operations could have an adverse effect on Village’s results of operations.
   
·
Approximately 93% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results. If we are unable to control health care and pension costs provided for in the collective bargaining agreements, we may experience increased operating costs.
   
·
We provide health benefits to a large number of our employees, primarily through multi-employer health plans.  Effective January 1, 2014, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will impose new mandates on employers that could significantly increase the number of employees receiving benefits and our required contributions to these multi-employer health plans.  We are not able at this time to determine the impact of the law, as it will depend on many factors, including finalization of rules implementing the law, the number of additional employees that we will be required to provide health benefits, and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which could be material to our results of operations.
   
·
Village could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain. The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us could result in a loss of consumer confidence and product liability claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operations.
 
 
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·
On April 15, 2011, Village, along with all of the other individual employers trading as ShopRite, permanently withdrew from participating in the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 Retail Meat Pension Fund (“the Fund”), effective the end of April 2011. The Fund is a multi-employer defined benefit plan that includes other supermarket operators. Village, along with the other affiliated ShopRite operators, determined to withdraw from the Fund due to exposures to market risks associated with all defined benefit plans and the inability to partition ShopRite’s liabilities from those of the other participating supermarket operators. Village now provides affected associates with a defined contribution plan for future service, which eliminates market risks and the exposure to shared liabilities of other operators, and is estimated to be less costly than the defined benefit plan in the future, while ensuring that our associates are provided a secure benefit. The Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $7,028 in fiscal 2011 for this withdrawal liability, which represented our estimate of the liability based on calculations provided by the Fund actuary. The Company settled this obligation in January 2012, resulting in a pre-tax benefit of $646 in fiscal 2012.  Village remains liable for potential additional withdrawal liabilities to the Fund in the event a mass withdrawal, as defined by statute, occurs within two plan years after the plan year of Village’s withdrawal. Such liabilities could be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
   
·
Certain of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute are underfunded. As a result, we expect that contributions to these plans may increase. Additionally, the benefit levels and related items will be issues in the negotiation of our collective bargaining agreements. Under current law, an employer that withdraws or partially withdraws from a multi-employer pension plan may incur a withdrawal liability to the plan, which represents the portion of the plan’s underfunding that is allocable to the withdrawing employer under very complex actuarial and allocation rules. The failure of a withdrawing employer to fund these obligations can impact remaining employers. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.
   
·
Our effective tax rate may be impacted by the results of tax examinations and changes in tax laws, including the disputes with the state of New Jersey described in note 5 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2012.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
A description of the Company’s transactions with Wakefern, its principal supplier, and with other related parties is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 28, 2012.  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationship or nature of the transactions with related parties during the nine months of fiscal 2013, except for additional required investments in Wakefern stock of $949.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
At April 27, 2013, the Company had demand deposits of $81,453 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.
 
At April 27, 2013, the Company had a $22,037 15-month note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed interest rate of 7%.  This note is automatically extended for additional, recurring 90-day periods, unless, not later than one year prior to the due date, the Company notifies Wakefern requesting payment on the due date. This note currently is scheduled to mature on May 20, 2014.  Wakefern has the right to prepay this note at any time.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
There have been no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2013.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 6.     Exhibits

Exhibit 10.1
Wakefern By-Laws
   
Exhibit 31.1
Certification
   
Exhibit 31.2
Certification
   
Exhibit 32.1
Certification (furnished, not filed)
   
Exhibit 32.2
Certification (furnished, not filed)
   
Exhibit 99.1
Press Release dated June 4, 2013
   
101 INS
XBRL Instance
   
101 SCH
XBRL Schema
   
101 CAL
XBRL Calculation
   
101 DEF
XBRL Definition
   
101 LAB
XBRL Label
   
101 PRE
XBRL Presentation

 
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
Village Super Market, Inc.
 
Registrant
   
   
Date:  June 5, 2013
/s/ James Sumas
 
   James Sumas
 
  (Chief Executive Officer)
   
   
Date:  June 5, 2013
/s/ Kevin R. Begley
 
  Kevin R. Begley
 
 (Chief Financial Officer)
 
 
 
 
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