Annual Statements Open main menu

INGLES MARKETS INC - Quarter Report: 2006 June (Form 10-Q)

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


FORM 10-Q

 


 

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

For the quarterly period ended June 24, 2006

 

¨ 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 0-14706.

 


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

North Carolina   56-0846267

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

P.O. Box 6676, Asheville NC   28816
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(828) 669-2941

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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  ¨   Accelerated filer  x   Non-accelerated filer  ¨.

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

As of July 24, 2006, the Registrant had 12,175,135 shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.05 par value per share, outstanding and 12,323,124 shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.05 par value per share, outstanding.

 



INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED

INDEX

 

     Page No.

Part I — Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 24, 2006 and September 24, 2005

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the

  

Three Months Ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005

   4

Nine Months Ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005

   5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the Nine Months Ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005

   6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005

   7

Notes to Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

   8

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   11

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   19

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

   19

Part II – Other Information

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   20

Item 6. Exhibits

   21

Signatures

   22

 

2


Part I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

 

    

JUNE 24,

2006

   SEPTEMBER 24,
2005

ASSETS

     

Current Assets:

     

Cash and Cash Equivalents

   $ 22,281,051    $ 50,626,448

Receivables

     40,757,564      39,078,497

Inventories

     216,754,305      204,112,923

Other Current Assets

     11,287,225      10,639,118
             

Total Current Assets

     291,080,145      304,456,986

Property and Equipment – Net of accumulated depreciation totaling $611,603,816 at June 24, 2006 and $569,722,639 at September 24, 2005

     762,747,530      744,162,475

Other Assets

     17,150,477      17,385,089
             

Total Assets

   $ 1,070,978,152    $ 1,066,004,550
             

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

     

Current Liabilities:

     

Current portion of long-term debt

   $ 12,174,382    $ 16,413,158

Accounts payable - trade

     123,845,717      112,572,461

Accrued expenses and current portion of other long-term liabilities

     65,946,515      71,889,978
             

Total Current Liabilities

     201,966,614      200,875,597

Deferred Income Taxes

     24,575,578      31,245,578

Long-Term Debt

     543,270,615      553,014,945

Other Long-Term Liabilities

     4,163,221      4,019,767
             

Total Liabilities

     773,976,028      789,155,887
             

Stockholders’ Equity

     

Preferred stock, $0.05 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued

     —        —  

Common stocks:

     

Class A, $0.05 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 12,175,135 shares issued and outstanding June 24, 2006; 12,080,718 shares issued and outstanding September 24, 2005

     608,757      604,036

Class B, $0.05 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 12,323,124 shares issued and outstanding June 24, 2006; 12,364,991 shares issued and outstanding September 24, 2006

     616,157      618,250

Paid-in capital in excess of par value

     117,911,423      117,259,716

Retained earnings

     177,865,787      158,366,661
             

Total Stockholders’ Equity

     297,002,124      276,848,663
             

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

   $ 1,070,978,152    $ 1,066,004,550
             

See notes to unaudited interim financial statements.

 

3


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED  
    

JUNE 24,

2006

   

JUNE 25,

2005

 

Net sales

   $ 659,212,015     $ 566,655,898  

Cost of goods sold

     496,061,132       423,533,066  
                

Gross profit

     163,150,883       143,122,832  

Operating and administrative expenses

     131,121,966       122,364,144  

Rental income, net

     1,431,531       1,838,452  
                

Income from operations

     33,460,448       22,597,140  

Other income, net

     445,850       637,729  

Interest expense

     12,184,329       12,591,618  
                

Income before income taxes

     21,721,969       10,643,251  
                

Income tax expense (benefit):

    

Current

     9,170,000       5,377,536  

Deferred

     (1,290,000 )     (1,360,000 )
                
     7,880,000       4,017,536  
                

Net income

   $ 13,841,969     $ 6,625,715  
                

Per share amounts:

    

Class A Common Stock

    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.59     $ 0.29  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.57     $ 0.27  
                

Class B Common Stock

    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 0.54     $ 0.26  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 0.54     $ 0.26  
                

Cash dividends per common share:

    

Class A Common Stock

   $ 0.165     $ 0.165  
                

Class B Common Stock

   $ 0.150     $ 0.150  
                

See notes to unaudited interim financial statements.

 

4


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)

 

     NINE MONTHS ENDED  
    

JUNE 24,

2006

   

JUNE 25,

2005

 

Net sales

   $ 1,889,255,406     $ 1,683,197,657  

Cost of goods sold

     1,418,018,414       1,256,094,887  
                

Gross profit

     471,236,992       427,102,770  

Operating and administrative expenses

     389,628,882       366,654,214  

Rental income, net

     4,016,502       4,389,550  
                

Income from operations

     85,624,612       64,838,106  

Other income, net

     1,265,643       1,322,844  

Interest expense

     36,736,831       38,549,987  
                

Income before income taxes

     50,153,424       27,610,963  
                

Income tax expense (benefit):

    

Current

     26,170,000       16,937,536  

Deferred

     (7,070,000 )     (6,490,000 )
                
     19,100,000       10,447,536  
                

Net income

   $ 31,053,424     $ 17,163,427  
                

Per share amounts:

    

Class A Common Stock

    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.33     $ 0.75  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.27     $ 0.71  
                

Class B Common Stock

    

Basic earnings per common share

   $ 1.21     $ 0.68  
                

Diluted earnings per common share

   $ 1.21     $ 0.68  
                

Cash dividends per common share:

    

Class A Common Stock

   $ 0.495     $ 0.495  
                

Class B Common Stock

   $ 0.450     $ 0.450  
                

See notes to unaudited interim financial statements.

 

5


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 24, 2006 AND JUNE 25, 2005

 

    

CLASS A

COMMON STOCK

  

CLASS B

COMMON STOCK

    PAID-IN
CAPITAL IN
EXCESS OF
PAR VALUE
   RETAINED
EARNINGS
    TOTAL  
     SHARES    AMOUNT    SHARES     AMOUNT         

Balance, September 25, 2004

   11,697,868    $ 584,893    12,369,091     $ 618,455     $ 113,001,794    $ 147,012,034     $ 261,217,176  

Net income

   —        —      —         —         —        17,163,427       17,163,427  

Cash dividends

   —        —      —         —         —        (11,388,302 )     (11,388,302 )

Exercise of stock options

   249,500      12,475    —         —         2,631,217      —         2,643,692  

Common stock conversions

   3,050      153    (3,050 )     (153 )     —        —         —    
                                                 

Balance, June 25, 2005

   11,950,418    $ 597,521    12,366,041     $ 618,302     $ 115,633,011    $ 152,787,159     $ 269,635,993  
                                                 

Balance, September 24, 2005

   12,080,718    $ 604,036    12,364,991     $ 618,250     $ 117,259,716    $ 158,366,661     $ 276,848,663  

Net income

   —        —      —         —         —        31,053,424       31,053,424  

Cash dividends

   —        —      —         —         —        (11,554,298 )     (11,554,298 )

Exercise of stock options

   52,550      2,628    —         —         651,707      —         654,335  

Common stock conversions

   41,867      2,093    (41,867 )     (2,093 )     —        —         —    
                                                 

Balance, June 24, 2006

   12,175,135    $ 608,757    12,323,124     $ 616,157     $ 117,911,423    $ 177,865,787     $ 297,002,124  
                                                 

See notes to unaudited interim financial statements.

 

6


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

 

     NINE MONTHS ENDED  
    

JUNE 24,

2006

   

JUNE 25,

2005

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 31,053,424     $ 17,163,427  

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

    

Depreciation and amortization expense

     44,380,418       42,563,747  

Amortization of deferred gain on sale/leasebacks

     (83,771 )     (276,024 )

Loss on disposals of property and equipment

     41,627       875,305  

Receipt of advance payments on purchase contracts

     1,674,403       2,076,032  

Recognition of advance payments on purchase contracts

     (1,930,825 )     (4,247,628 )

Deferred income taxes

     (7,070,000 )     (6,490,000 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Receivables

     (438,067 )     (3,148,154 )

Inventory

     (12,641,382 )     (11,074,102 )

Other assets

     (2,341,666 )     (4,237,606 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     10,103,027       11,488,037  
                

Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities

     62,747,188       44,693,034  
                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

    

Proceeds from sales of property and equipment

     628,586       306,644  

Capital expenditures

     (66,838,102 )     (43,824,990 )
                

Net Cash Used in Investing Activities

     (66,209,516 )     (43,518,346 )
                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

    

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (13,983,106 )     (22,722,767 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

     654,335       2,643,692  

Dividends paid

     (11,554,298 )     (11,388,302 )
                

Net Cash Used in Financing Activities

     (24,883,069 )     (31,467,377 )
                

Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     (28,345,397 )     (30,292,689 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     50,626,448       80,593,990  
                

Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period

   $ 22,281,051     $ 50,301,301  
                

See notes to unaudited interim financial statements.

 

7


INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nine Months Ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005

A. BASIS OF PREPARATION

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited interim financial statements contain all adjustments necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position as of June 24, 2006, the results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, and the changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005. The adjustments made are of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in the annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission for Form 10-Q. It is suggested that these unaudited interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 24, 2005 and the Form 10-Q for the June 25, 2005 quarter, filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 on December 8, 2005, and August 4, 2005, respectively.

The results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

B. ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Prior to September 25, 2005 the Company accounted for its stock-based compensation plans under the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (“FAS 123”). Under the fair value recognition provisions of FAS 123, stock-based compensation cost was measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and was recognized as expense over the vesting period. Under the transition method selected by the Company as allowed by FASB Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure” (“FAS 148”), the Company elected to apply the change in accounting principle using the prospective method. As no options were granted, modified or settled during the nine months ended June 25, 2005, there was no stock-based employee compensation expense included in net income. The effect on net income for the nine months ended June 25, 2005 would have been approximately $34,000 if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions to awards granted prior to the adoption of Statement 123. This expense would not have affected the Company’s reported basic and diluted earnings per share.

On December 16, 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.” Statement 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and amends FASB Statement No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” Generally, the approach in Statement 123(R) is similar to the approach described in Statement 123. The Company adopted Statement 123(R) as of September 25, 2005 using the “modified prospective” method in which compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on the requirements of Statement 123(R) for all share-based payments granted after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of Statement 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of Statement 123(R) that remain unvested on the effective date. There was no compensation cost associated with outstanding awards and therefore no effect on earnings per share for the nine months ended June 24, 2006.

C. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Receivables are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts of $965,000 and $818,000 at June 24, 2006 and September 24, 2005, respectively.

 

8


D. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND CURRENT PORTION OF OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and current portion of other long-term liabilities consist of the following:

 

     JUNE 24,
2006
   SEPTEMBER 24,
2005

Property, payroll, and other taxes payable

   $ 14,884,358    $ 16,355,879

Salaries, wages and bonuses payable

     18,563,763      17,132,164

Self-insurance liabilities

     8,653,263      8,798,290

Interest

     3,243,298      11,140,721

Income taxes

     7,813,035      5,464,256

Other

     12,788,798      12,998,668
             
   $ 65,946,515    $ 71,889,978
             

Self-insurance liabilities are established for workers’ compensation and employee group medical and dental benefits based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. The Company is insured for covered costs in excess of $500,000 per occurrence for workers’ compensation and $250,000 per covered person for medical care benefits for a policy year. Employee insurance expense, including workers’ compensation and medical care benefits, net of employee contributions, totaled $4.2 million and $5.6 million for each of the three-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, respectively. For the nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, employee insurance expense, net of employee contributions, totaled $15.5 million and $15.6 million, respectively.

E. LONG-TERM DEBT

At June 24, 2006, the Company had lines of credit with five banks totaling $135.0 million, all of which were unused. The lines of credit mature in October and November 2006. At June 24, 2006, the Company had $16.7 million in outstanding letters of credit that reduced the amounts available to be drawn under its lines of credit. The letters of credit mature from September 2006 to February 2007. The lines provide the Company with various interest rate options generally at rates less than prime. The Company is not required to maintain compensating balances in connection with these lines of credit. The lines of credit contain provisions that under certain circumstances would permit lending institutions to terminate or withdraw their respective extensions of credit to the Company. Included among the triggering factors permitting the termination or withdrawal of lines of credit to the Company are certain events of default, including both monetary and non-monetary defaults, the initiation of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, and the failure of the Company to meet certain financial covenants designated in its respective loan documents. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants related to these lines of credit at June 24, 2006.

In addition, line of credit agreements and other long-term debt contain various restrictive covenants requiring, among other things, minimum levels of net worth and maintenance of certain financial ratios. One of the covenants has the effect of restricting funds available for dividends to approximately $88.0 million, based on tangible net worth at June 24, 2006. As of June 24, 2006, the Company is in compliance with these covenants. The Company’s long term debt agreements generally have cross-default provisions which could result in the acceleration of payments due under the Company’s lines of credit and long term debt agreements in the event of default under any one instrument.

F. DIVIDENDS

The Company paid cash dividends of $0.165 for each share of Class A Common Stock and $0.15 for each share of Class B Common Stock on April 20, 2006, January 19, 2006 and October 18, 2005 to stockholders of record on April 10, 2006, January 6, 2006 and October 6, 2005, respectively.

G. CALCULATON OF EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The Company has two classes of common stock: Class A, which is publicly traded, and Class B, which has no public market. The Class B Common Stock has restrictions on transfer; however, each share is convertible into one share of Class A Common Stock at any time. Each share of Class A Common Stock has one vote per share and each share of Class B Common Stock has ten votes per share. Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to receive cash dividends equal to 110% of any cash dividend on Class B Common Stock.

The Company has determined that, under Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share,” the two-class method of computing earnings per share is required. Prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.

The two-class method of computing basic earnings per share for each period reflects the cash dividends paid per share for each class of stock, plus the amount of allocated undistributed earnings per share computed using the participation percentage which reflects the dividend rights of each class of stock. Diluted earnings per share is calculated assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options outstanding and the conversion of all shares of Class B Common Stock to shares of Class A Common Stock on a share-for-share basis. The tables below reconcile the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share for current and restated periods.

 

9


    

THREE MONTHS ENDED

JUNE 24, 2006

   

NINE MONTHS ENDED

JUNE 24, 2006

 
     CLASS A    CLASS B     CLASS A    CLASS B  

Numerator: Allocated net income

          

Net income allocated, basic

   $ 7,206,366    $ 6,635,603     $ 16,128,524    $ 14,924,900  

Conversion of Class B to Class A shares

     6,634,395      —         14,918,417      —    

Effect of assumed stock options exercised on allocated net income

     1,208      (1,208 )     6,483      (6,483 )
                              

Net income allocated, diluted

   $ 13,841,969    $ 6,634,395     $ 31,053,424    $ 14,918,417  
                              

Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding

          

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

     12,169,462      12,324,944       12,123,493      12,346,868  

Conversion of Class B to Class A shares

     12,324,944      —         12,346,868      —    

Assumed stock options exercised

     5,901      —         5,402      —    
                              

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

     24,500,307      12,324,944       24,475,763      12,346,868  
                              

Earnings per share

          

Basic

   $ 0.59    $ 0.54     $ 1.33    $ 1.21  
                              

Diluted

   $ 0.57    $ 0.54     $ 1.27    $ 1.21  
                              

The restated per share amounts for the third quarter of fiscal 2005 and the nine months ended June 25, 2005 are based on the following amounts:

 

    

THREE MONTHS ENDED

JUNE 25, 2005 - RESTATED

   

NINE MONTHS ENDED

JUNE 25, 2005 - RESTATED

 
     CLASS A    CLASS B     CLASS A    CLASS B  

Numerator: Allocated net income

          

Net income allocated, basic

   $ 3,392,870    $ 3,232,845     $ 8,777,859    $ 8,385,568  

Conversion of Class B to Class A shares

     3,229,926      —         8,376,814      —    

Effect of assumed stock options exercised on allocated net income

     2,919      (2,919 )     8,754      (8,754 )
                              

Net income allocated, diluted

   $ 6,625,715    $ 3,229,926     $ 17,163,427    $ 8,376,814  
                              

Denominator: Weighted average shares outstanding

          

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

     11,814,478      12,366,634       11,773,645      12,367,699  

Conversion of Class B to Class A shares

     12,366,634      —         12,367,699      —    

Assumed stock options exercised

     48,940      —         45,892      —    
                              

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

     24,230,052      12,366,634       24,187,236      12,367,699  
                              

Earnings per share

          

Basic

   $ 0.29    $ 0.26     $ 0.75    $ 0.68  
                              

Diluted

   $ 0.27    $ 0.26     $ 0.71    $ 0.68  
                              

 

10


H. LINES OF BUSINESS

The Company operates three lines of business: retail grocery sales, shopping center rentals, and a fluid dairy processing plant. All of the Company’s operations are domestic. Information about the Company’s operations by lines of business (in thousands) is as follows:

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED    NINE MONTHS ENDED
     JUNE 24,
2006
   JUNE 25,
2005
   JUNE 24,
2006
   JUNE 25,
2005

Revenues from unaffiliated customers:

           

Grocery sales

   $ 632,196    $ 539,509    $ 1,807,174    $ 1,601,372

Shopping center rentals

     3,244      3,439      9,613      9,684

Fluid dairy

     27,016      27,147      82,081      81,826
                           

Total revenues from unaffiliated customers

   $ 662,456    $ 570,095    $ 1,898,868    $ 1,692,882
                           

Income from operations:

           

Grocery sales

   $ 29,047    $ 18,553    $ 73,409    $ 53,213

Shopping center rentals

     1,432      1,839      4,017      4,390

Fluid dairy

     2,981      2,205      8,199      7,235
                           

Total income from operations

   $ 33,460    $ 22,597    $ 85,625    $ 64,838
                           

 

     JUNE 24,
2006
   

SEPTEMBER 24,

2005

 

Assets:

    

Grocery sales

   $ 928,122     $ 921,453  

Shopping center rentals

     115,751       117,149  

Fluid dairy

     28,806       29,282  

Elimination of intercompany receivable

     (1,701 )     (1,879 )
                

Total assets

   $ 1,070,978     $ 1,066,005  
                

Revenue from shopping center rentals is reported on the rental income, net line of the income statements. The other revenues comprise the net sales reported.

For the three-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, respectively, the fluid dairy segment had $11.9 million and $11.0 million in sales to the grocery sales segment. The fluid dairy segment had $36.4 million and $34.5 million in sales to the grocery sales segment in the nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, respectively. These sales have been eliminated in consolidation and are excluded from the amounts in the table above.

Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Ingles, a leading supermarket chain in the Southeast, operates 197 supermarkets in Georgia (75), North Carolina (64), South Carolina (35), Tennessee (20), Virginia (2) and Alabama (1). The Company locates its supermarkets primarily in suburban areas, small towns and rural communities. Ingles supermarkets offer customers a wide variety of nationally advertised food products, including grocery, meat and dairy products, produce, frozen foods and other perishables and non-food products, including health and beauty care products and general merchandise, as well as quality private label items. In addition, the Company focuses on selling high-growth, high-margin products to its customers through the development of book sections, media centers, floral departments, bakery departments and prepared foods including delicatessen sections. During fiscal 2000, the Company began adding fuel centers and pharmacies at select store locations. As of June 24, 2006, the Company operated 43 in-store pharmacies and 34 fuel centers.

Ingles also operates two other lines of business, fluid dairy processing and shopping center rentals. The fluid dairy processing segment sells approximately 31% of its products to the retail grocery segment and approximately 69% of its products to third parties. Real estate ownership (including the shopping center rental segment) is an important component of the Company’s operations, providing both operational and economic benefit.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of Ingles’ financial condition and results of operations, and 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.

 

11


Self-Insurance

The Company is self-insured for workers’ compensation and group medical and dental benefits. Risks and uncertainties are associated with self-insurance; however, the Company has limited its exposure by maintaining excess liability coverage. Self-insurance liabilities are established based on claims filed and estimates of claims incurred but not reported. The estimates are based on data provided by the respective claims administrators. The majority of the Company’s properties are self-insured for casualty losses and business interruption; however, liability coverage is maintained.

Asset Impairments

The Company accounts for the impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144. The Company monitors the carrying value of long-lived assets for potential impairment each quarter based on whether any indicators of impairment have occurred. For assets to be held and used, the Company tests for impairment using undiscounted cash flows and calculates the amount of impairment using discounted cash flows. For assets held for sale, impairment is recognized based on the excess of remaining book value over expected recovery value. The recovery value is the fair value as determined by independent quotes or expected sales prices developed by internal specialists. Estimates of future cash flows and expected sales prices are judgments based upon the Company’s experience and knowledge of local operations and cash flows that are projected for several years into the future. These estimates can fluctuate significantly due to changes in real estate market conditions, the economic environment, capital spending decisions and inflation.

Closed Store Accrual

For properties closed prior to December 31, 2002 that were under long-term lease agreements, the present value of any remaining liability under the lease, discounted using risk-free rates and net of expected sublease recovery, is recognized as a liability and expensed. For all store closures subsequent to the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, effective December 31, 2002, the liability is recognized and expensed based on the difference between the present value of any remaining liability under the lease and the present value of the estimated market rate at which the Company expects to be able to sublease the properties. The Company’s estimates of market rates are based on its experience, knowledge and third-party advice or market data. If the real estate and leasing markets change, sublease recovery could vary significantly from the recoveries originally assumed, resulting in a material change in the Company’s recorded liability. The closed store accrual is included in accrued expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of June 24, 2006 and September 24, 2005.

Vendor Allowances

The Company receives funds for a variety of merchandising activities from the many vendors whose products the Company buys for resale in its stores. These incentives and allowances are primarily comprised of volume or purchase based incentives, advertising allowances, slotting fees, and promotional discounts. The purpose of these incentives and allowances is generally to help defray the costs incurred by the Company for stocking, advertising, promoting and selling the vendor’s products. These allowances generally relate to short term arrangements with vendors, often relating to a period of a month or less, and are negotiated on a purchase-by-purchase or transaction-by-transaction basis. Whenever possible, vendor discounts and allowances that relate to buying and merchandising activities are recorded as a component of item cost in inventory and recognized in merchandise costs when the item is sold. Due to system constraints and the nature of certain allowances, it is sometimes not practicable to apply allowances to the item cost of inventory. In those instances, the allowances are applied as a reduction of merchandise costs using a rational and systematic methodology, which results in the recognition of these incentives when the inventory related to the initial purchase is sold. Vendor advertising allowances that represent a reimbursement of specific, identifiable and incremental costs of advertising a vendor’s specific products are recorded as a reduction to the related expense in the period that the related expense is incurred.

Tax Contingencies

Despite the Company’s belief that its tax positions are consistent with applicable tax laws, the Company believes that certain positions are likely to be challenged by taxing authorities. Settlement of any challenge may result in no change, a complete disallowance, or some partial adjustment reached through negotiations or litigation. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the Company’s tax contingencies. The Company’s contingencies are adjusted in light of changing facts and circumstances, such as the progress of its tax audits as well as evolving case law. Income tax expense includes the impact of contingency provisions and changes to contingencies that the Company considers appropriate. Unfavorable settlement of any particular issue would require use of cash. Favorable resolution would be recognized as a reduction to income tax expense at the time of resolution.

Results of Operations

Ingles operates on a 52 or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in September. There are 13 and 39 weeks of operations included in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income for the three and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005. Comparable store sales are defined as sales by grocery stores in operation for the entire duration of the previous and current fiscal years. Sales from replacement stores, major remodels, minor remodels and the addition of fuel stations to existing stores are included in the comparable store sales calculation from the date thereof. A replacement store is a new store that is opened to

 

12


replace an existing nearby store that is closed. A major remodel entails substantial remodeling of an existing store and may include additional retail square footage. A minor remodel includes repainting, remodeling and updating the lighting and equipment throughout an existing store. For the three and nine-month periods ended June 24, 2006 and June 25, 2005, comparable store sales include 192 stores.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, selected financial information as a percentage of net sales. For information regarding the various segments of the business, see Note H “Lines of Business” to the Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED     NINE MONTHS ENDED  
     JUNE 24,
2006
    JUNE 25,
2005
    JUNE 24,
2006
    JUNE 25,
2005
 

Net sales

   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %   100.0 %

Gross profit

   24.8 %   25.3 %   24.9 %   25.4 %

Operating and administrative expenses

   19.9 %   21.6 %   20.6 %   21.8 %

Rental income, net

   0.2 %   0.3 %   0.2 %   0.3 %

Income from operations

   5.1 %   4.0 %   4.5 %   3.9 %

Other income, net

   0.1 %   0.1 %   0.1 %   0.1 %

Interest expense

   1.9 %   2.2 %   2.0 %   2.3 %

Income taxes

   1.2 %   0.7 %   1.0 %   0.7 %

Net income

   2.1 %   1.2 %   1.6 %   1.0 %

Three Months Ended June 24, 2006 Compared to the Three Months Ended June 25, 2005

Net Sales. Net sales increased $92.5 million or 16.3% to $659.2 million for the three months ended June 24, 2006 from $566.7 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005. Ingles operated 197 stores at June 24, 2006, compared to 195 stores at June 25, 2005. Retail square footage was approximately 9.6 million at June 24, 2006 compared to 9.3 million at June 25, 2005. Sales grew in every department except video, with the largest percentage increases in the gasoline, pharmacy, deli and produce departments. The Company operated 10 additional gasoline and 5 additional pharmacy departments at June 24, 2006 compared to June 25, 2005.

Grocery segment comparable store sales for the same period grew $80.8 million or 15.2%. Sales comparisons for the three-month period were affected by the timing of the Easter holiday. In fiscal 2006, Easter fell in the Company’s third fiscal quarter. In fiscal 2005, Easter related sales were included in the three-month period ended March 26, 2005. The Company estimates that comparable store sales increases are slightly lower at 13.8% for the June 2006 quarter adjusted for the effect of Easter sales.

Fuel price inflation of approximately 32.0% and a 64.7% increase in total gallons sold increased gasoline department sales in the June 2006 three-month period. Excluding gasoline sales, comparable store sales increased $51.2 million, or 10.2% for the three months ended June 24, 2006.

Changes in grocery segment sales for the quarter ended June 24, 2006 are summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Total grocery sales for the three months ended June 25, 2005

   $ 539,509  

Comparable store sales increase (including gasoline)

     80,807  

Impact of stores opened in fiscal 2005 and 2006

     13,942  

Impact of stores closed in fiscal 2005 and 2006

     (1,995 )

Other

     (67 )
        

Total grocery sales for the three months ended June 24, 2006

   $ 632,196  
        

Net sales to outside parties for the Company’s milk processing subsidiary was virtually unchanged at $27.0 million in the June 2006 quarter compared to the June 2005 quarter. Raw milk costs were lower in the June 2006 quarter compared to the June 2005 quarter, which is passed on to the subsidiary’s customers in the pricing of milk products. The decrease in sales due to lower milk costs was offset by an increase in case volume of products sold.

The Company expects continued sales growth in the remainder of fiscal year 2006 based on sales growth experienced thus far in the fourth fiscal quarter, the success of recent promotional activities, and the increase in gasoline gallons sold and per gallon prices throughout the current fiscal year compared to the prior year. The Company’s fourth fiscal quarter will have 14 weeks compared to 13 weeks in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the three-month period ended June 24, 2006 increased $20.0 million or 14.0% to $163.1 million, or 24.8% of sales, compared to $143.1 million, or 25.3% of sales, for the three-month period ended June 25, 2005.

 

13


The increase in grocery segment gross profit dollars was primarily due to the higher sales volume. Grocery segment gross profit as a percentage of total sales was lower for the June 2006 quarter due primarily to higher relative sales growth in the gasoline and pharmacy departments. These departments generally have lower gross margins. Excluding gasoline sales, grocery segment gross profit as a percentage of sales was 27.2% for the three months ended June 24, 2006 compared to 26.7% for the same quarter of last fiscal year. Sales growth in higher margin produce and deli departments contributed to the increase.

Gross profit for the Company’s milk processing subsidiary for the June 2006 quarter increased $0.6 million or 11.8% to $5.6 million, or 14.4% of sales, compared to $5.0 million, or 13.1% of sales for the June 2005 quarter. Although sales dollars were somewhat level for the comparative quarters, higher case sales volume during the current fiscal quarter and higher per gallon margins due to favorable raw milk purchase and excess cream sales resulted in an increase in gross profit as a percentage of sales.

In addition to the direct product cost, the cost of goods sold line item for the grocery segment includes inbound freight charges. The milk processing segment is a manufacturing process; therefore, the costs mentioned above as well as purchasing and receiving costs, production costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, and other costs of distribution incurred by the milk processing segment are included in the cost of sales line item, while these items are included in operating and administrative expenses by the grocery segment.

The Company’s gross margins may not be comparable to those of other retailers, since some retailers include all of the costs related to their distribution network in cost of goods sold and others, like the Company, exclude a portion of the costs from gross profit, including the costs instead in a line item such as operating and administrative expenses.

Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses increased $8.7 million or 7.2% to $131.1 million for the three months ended June 24, 2006, from $122.4 million for the three months ended June 25, 2005. As a percentage of sales, operating and administrative expenses decreased to 19.9% for the three months ended June 24, 2006 compared to 21.6% for the three months ended June 25, 2005.

A breakdown of the major increases (decreases) in operating and administrative expenses is as follows:

 

     Increase
(decrease)
in millions
    Increase
(decrease)
as a % of
sales
 

Salaries and wages

   $ 6.1     (0.4 )%

Bank charges

   $ 1.0     0.1  %

Store supplies

   $ 0.8     —    %

Utilities and fuel

   $ 0.8     (0.1 )%

Repairs and maintenance

   $ 0.8     (0.1 )%

Insurance

   $ (0.8 )   (0.3 )%

Equipment rent expense

   $ (1.6 )   (0.3 )%

Salaries and wages increased in dollars due to additional labor hours required for the increased sales volume, but decreased slightly as a percentage of sales due to the allocation of management salaries over higher sales dollars and sales growth in less labor-intensive departments, such as gasoline.

Bank charges rose primarily due to increased fees for processing debit and credit cards. The increase is a result of both increased usage of cards and increased transaction fees related to the usage.

Store supplies increased due to upgraded packaging used in perishables departments and the higher cost of plastic used in bags and wrapping materials.

Utility and fuel expenses increased due to increases in market energy prices.

Repairs and maintenance increased due to the replacement and upgrade of product display and other store fixtures.

Insurance expense decreased as increased employee health insurance costs were offset by favorable claims experience in workers compensation and liability insurance. This favorable experience resulted in decreases to self-insurance liabilities.

Equipment rent expense decreased due to the expiration of operating leases on equipment used in the Company’s distribution facility and in its stores. Much of this equipment was purchased by the Company at the expiration of the lease term.

Rental Income, Net. Rental income, net decreased $0.4 million to $1.4 million for the June 2006 quarter from $1.8 million for the June 2005 quarter due to a decrease in gross rental income and an increase in shopping center expenses.

 

14


Other Income, Net. Other income, net decreased $0.2 million to $0.4 million for the three-month period ended June 24, 2006 from $0.6 million for the three-month period ended June 25, 2005. Lower sales of waste paper and packaging accounted for the majority of the decrease.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $0.4 million for the three-month period ended June 24, 2006 to $12.2 million from $12.6 million for the three-month period ended June 25, 2005. Total debt at June 2006 was $555.4 million compared to $579.7 million at June 2005.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income decreased to 36.3% in the June 2006 quarter compared to 37.7% in the June 2005 quarter due to lower provisions for state income taxes attributable to recognition of state tax credits.

Net Income. Net income increased $7.2 million or 108.9% for the three-month period ended June 24, 2006 to $13.8 million compared to $6.6 million for the three-month period ended June 25, 2005. Net income, as a percentage of sales, was 2.1% for the June 2006 quarter and 1.2% for the June 2005 quarter. The increase in net income is attributed to increased sales and gross profit, and a decrease in expenses as a percentage of sales. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock were $0.59 and $0.57 for the June 2006 quarter compared to $0.29 and $0.27, respectively, for the June 2005 quarter. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class B Common Stock were each $0.54 for the June 2006 quarter compared to $0.26 for the June 2005 quarter.

Nine Months Ended June 24, 2006 Compared to the Nine Months Ended June 25, 2005

Net Sales. Net sales for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 increased 12.2% to $1.89 billion, compared to $1.68 billion for the nine months ended June 25, 2005. Sales grew in every department except video, with the largest percentage increases in the gasoline, pharmacy, deli and produce departments.

Grocery segment comparable store sales for the same period grew $174.0 million or 11.0%. Fuel price inflation of approximately 27.8% and a 55.1% increase in total gallons sold increased gasoline department sales in the June 2006 nine-month period. Excluding gasoline sales, comparable store sales increased $117.2 million, or 7.7% for the nine months ended June 24, 2006.

Changes in grocery segment sales for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 can be summarized as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

Total grocery sales for the nine months ended June 25, 2005

   $ 1,601,372  

Comparable store sales increase (including gasoline)

     173,952  

Impact of stores opened in fiscal 2005 and 2006

     39,408  

Impact of stores closed in fiscal 2005 and 2006

     (7,566 )

Other

     8  
        

Total grocery sales for the nine months ended June 24, 2006

   $ 1,807,174  
        

Net sales to outside parties for the Company’s milk processing subsidiary increased $0.3 million or 0.3% in the June 2006 nine-month period compared to the June 2005 nine-month period. Decreases in the price of raw milk during the fiscal year 2006 period were offset by increased case volume sales compared to the fiscal year 2005 period.

Gross Profit. Gross profit for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 increased $44.1 million or 10.3% to $471.2 million compared to $427.1 million, for the nine months ended June 25, 2005. As a percentage of sales, gross profit decreased to 24.9% for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 from 25.4% for the nine months ended June 25, 2005.

The increase in grocery segment gross profit dollars was primarily due to the higher sales volume. Grocery segment gross profit as a percentage of total sales was lower for the June 2006 nine month period due primarily to higher sales growth in the gasoline and pharmacy departments. These departments generally have lower gross margins. Excluding gasoline sales, grocery segment gross profit as a percentage of sales was 27.0% for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 compared to 26.7% for the same period of last fiscal year.

Gross profit for the Company’s milk processing subsidiary increased $0.3 million or 2.1% for the June 2006 nine-month period compared to the June 2005 nine-month period. Gross profit dollars and gross profit as a percentage of sales was substantially unchanged over the comparative nine month period as lower per case sales prices were offset by increased case volume and per gallon margins.

Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses increased $22.9 million or 6.3% to $389.6 million for the nine months ended June 24, 2006, from $366.7 million for the nine months ended June 25, 2005. As a percentage of sales, operating and administrative expenses decreased to 20.6% for the June 2006 nine-month period from 21.8% for the same period last year.

 

15


A breakdown of the major increases (decreases) in operating and administrative expenses is as follows:

 

     Increase
(decrease)
in millions
    Increase
(decrease)
as a % of
sales
 

Salaries and wages

   $ 14.2     (0.2 )%

Utilities and fuel

   $ 2.7     —    %

Bank charges

   $ 2.5     0.1  %

Store supplies

   $ 2.2     —    %

Equipment rent expense

   $ (3.6 )   (0.2 )%

Salaries and wages increased in dollars due to additional labor hours required for the increased sales volume, but decreased slightly as a percentage of sales due to the allocation of management salaries over higher sales dollars and sales growth in less labor-intensive departments, such as gasoline.

Utility and fuel expenses increased due to increases in market energy prices.

Bank charges rose primarily due to increased fees for processing debit and credit cards. The increase is a result of both increased usage of cards and increased transaction fees related to the usage.

Store supplies increased due to upgraded packaging used in perishables departments and the higher cost of plastic used in bags and wrapping materials.

Equipment rent expense decreased due to the expiration of operating leases on equipment used in the Company’s distribution facility and in its stores. Much of this equipment was purchased by the Company at the expiration of the lease term.

Rental Income, Net. Rental income, net decreased $0.4 million to $4.0 million in the June 2006 nine-month period from $4.4 million in the June 2005 comparable period due to a decrease in gross rental income and an increase in shopping center expenses.

Other Income, Net. Other income, net was $1.3 million for each of the nine-month periods. During the June 2005 nine month period, gains attributable to the termination of a lease with a former tenant were offset by write-downs of equipment and leaseholds in closed stores.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $1.8 million to $36.7 million for the nine months ended June 24, 2006 from $38.5 million for the nine months ended June 25, 2005, due primarily to $24.3 million of principal debt repayment between June 25, 2005 and June 24, 2006.

Income Taxes. Income tax expense as a percentage of pre-tax income was 38.1% in the June 2006 nine-month period compared to 37.8% in the June 2005 nine-month period due to a larger percentage of income allocated to higher tax jurisdictions.

Net Income. Net income increased $13.9 million or 80.9% for the nine-month period ended June 24, 2006 to $31.1 million compared to $17.2 million for the nine-month period ended June 25, 2005. Net income, as a percentage of sales, was 1.6% for the June 2006 nine-month period and 1.0% for the June 2005 nine-month period. The increase in net income is attributed to increased sales, stable gross margin and a decrease in expenses as a percentage of sales. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class A Common Stock were $1.33 and $1.27 for the nine months ended June 2006 compared to $0.75 and $0.71, respectively, for the nine months ended June 2005. Basic and diluted earnings per share for Class B Common Stock were each $1.21 for the nine months ended June 2006 compared to $0.68 of basic and diluted earnings per share for the nine months ended June 2005.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Capital Expenditures

The Company believes that a key to its ability to continue to develop a loyal customer base is providing conveniently located, clean and modern stores which provide customers with good service and a broad selection of competitively priced products. As such, the Company has invested and will continue to invest significant amounts of capital toward the modernization of its store base. The Company’s modernization program includes the opening of new stores, the completion of major remodels and expansion of selected existing stores, the relocation of selected existing stores to larger, more convenient locations and the completion of minor remodeling of its remaining existing stores.

 

16


Capital expenditures totaled $66.8 million for the nine-month period ended June 24, 2006. Major transactions include the following:

 

New store    1   
Replacement stores    3   
Store sites purchased    7   
Store closed    1   
Fuel stations added    8    (including those added at new or replacement stores)
Pharmacies added, net    3    (including those added at new or replacement stores)

Capital expenditures also included the costs of upgrading and replacing store equipment, technology investments, the addition of equipment at the Company’s distribution facility and its milk processing plant, and expenditures for construction of stores to open later in fiscal 2006 and in fiscal 2007.

Ingles’ capital expenditure plans for all of fiscal 2006 include investments of approximately $90 million. For the balance of fiscal 2006, the Company plans to complete one owned remodeled store and purchase three sites for future expansion. Expenditure plans also include the addition of four fuel stations and a pharmacy to existing stores. Further expenditures include investments in stores expected to open in fiscal 2007 as well as technology improvements, upgrading and replacing existing store equipment and warehouse and transportation equipment, and improvements to the Company’s milk processing plant.

The Company expects that its net annual capital expenditures will remain in the range of approximately $70 to $80 million going forward in order to maintain a modern store base. The number of projects may fluctuate due to the varying costs of the types of projects pursued including new stores, major remodel/expansions or minor remodels. The Company makes decisions on the allocation of capital expenditure dollars based on many factors including the competitive environment, other Company capital initiatives and its financial condition.

The Company does not generally enter into commitments for capital expenditures other than on a store-by-store basis at the time it begins construction on a new store or begins a major or minor remodeling project. The Company generally engages in major remodeling and new store development on not more than three or four locations at a time. Construction commitments at June 24, 2006 totaled $8.2 million.

Liquidity

The Company generated net cash from operations of $62.7 million in the June 2006 nine-month period.

Cash used by investing activities for the June 2005 nine-month period totaled $66.2 million comprised primarily of $66.8 million of capital expenditures during the period, partially offset by $0.6 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.

Cash used by financing activities during the June 2006 nine-month period totaled $24.9 million including principal payments on long-term debt of $14.0 million and dividend payments of $11.6 million offset in part by cash received from the exercise of stock options of $0.7 million.

At June 24, 2006, the Company had committed lines of credit with five banks totaling $135 million. No amounts were borrowed under the lines of credit at June 24, 2006; however unused letters of credit totaling $16.7 million reduced the amount available to be drawn under these lines to $118.3 million at June 24, 2006. The lines of credit mature in October and November 2006. The lines provide the Company with various interest rate options generally at rates less than prime. The Company is not required to maintain compensating balances in connection with these lines of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants related to these lines of credit at June 24, 2006. At the present time, the Company believes existing line of credit arrangements could be renewed at approximately current terms.

The Company has outstanding $349.8 million principal amount of 8 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes (“the Notes”) maturing in December 2011. The indenture governing the Notes contains certain restrictive covenants relating to, among other things, the issuance of indebtedness and the payment of dividends. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants related to the Notes at June 24, 2006.

The Company’s long term debt agreements generally have cross-default provisions which could result in the acceleration of payments due under the Company’s lines of credit and Notes indenture in the event of default under any one instrument.

The Company’s principal sources of liquidity are expected to be cash flow from operations, borrowings under its lines of credit and long-term financing. As of June 24, 2006, the Company had unencumbered real property and equipment with a net book value of approximately $467 million. The Company believes, based on its current results of operations and financial condition, that its financial resources, including existing bank lines of credit, short- and long-term financing expected to be available to it and internally generated funds, will be sufficient to meet planned capital expenditures and working capital requirements for the foreseeable future, including any debt service requirements of additional borrowings. However, such sources of financing may not be available to the Company on acceptable terms, or at all.

 

17


As noted above, all of the Company’s line of credit agreements mature in October and November 2006. The Company’s $349.8 million principal amount of the Notes can be redeemed at a declining premium rate beginning at 104.438% after December 1, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating financing options for the line of credit agreements, the Notes, and for future capital needs.

It is possible that, in the future, the Company’s results of operations and financial condition will be different from that described in this report based on a number of intangible factors. These factors may include, among others, increased competition, changing regional and national economic conditions, adverse climatic conditions affecting food production and delivery and changing demographics as well as the additional factors discussed below under “Forward Looking Statements.” It is also possible, for such reasons, that the results of operations from the new, expanded, remodeled and/or replacement stores will not meet or exceed the results of operations from existing stores that are described in this report.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

There have been no material changes in contractual obligations and commercial commitments subsequent to September 24, 2005.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company is not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Quarterly Cash Dividends

Since December 27, 1993, the Company has paid regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.165 (sixteen and one-half cents) per share on its Class A Common Stock and $0.15 (fifteen cents) per share on its Class B Common Stock for an annual rate of $0.66 and $0.60 per share, respectively.

The Company expects to continue paying regular cash dividends on a quarterly basis. However, the Board of Directors periodically reconsiders the declaration of dividends. The Company pays these dividends at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the continuation of these payments, the amount of such dividends, and the form in which the dividends are paid (cash or stock) depends upon the results of operations, the financial condition of the Company and other factors which the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, certain loan agreements containing provisions outlining minimum tangible net worth requirements restrict the ability of the Company to pay additional dividends to approximately $88.0 million based on tangible net worth at June 24, 2006. Further, the Company is prevented from declaring dividends at any time that it is in default under the indenture governing the Notes. In addition, the terms of the indenture may restrict the ability of the Company to pay additional dividends based on certain financial parameters.

Seasonality

Sales in the grocery segment of the Company’s business are subject to a slight seasonal variance due to holiday related sales and due to sales in areas where seasonal homes are located. Sales are traditionally higher in the Company’s first fiscal quarter due to the inclusion of sales related to Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Company’s second fiscal quarter traditionally has the lowest sales of the year, unless Easter falls in that quarter. In the third and fourth quarter, sales are affected by the return of customers to seasonal homes in our market area. The fluid dairy segment of the Company’s business has slight seasonal variation to the extent of its sales into the grocery industry. The Company’s real estate segment is not subject to seasonal variations.

Impact of Inflation

The following table from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics lists annualized changes in the Consumer Price Index that could have an effect on the Company’s operations. One of the Company’s significant costs is labor, which increases with general inflation. Inflation in energy costs affects both the Company’s gasoline sales and distribution expenses.

 

     THREE MONTHS
ENDED
    TWELVE MONTHS
ENDED
 
     JUNE 24,
2006
    JUNE 25,
2005
    JUNE 24,
2006
    JUNE 25,
2005
 

All items

   5.1 %   1.9 %   4.3 %   2.5 %

Food and beverages

   1.9 %   3.0 %   2.2 %   2.2 %

Energy

   23.8 %   7.5 %   23.3 %   7.3 %

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek” and similar expressions are intended to identify

 

18


forward-looking statements. While these forward-looking statements and the related assumptions are made in good faith and reflect the Company’s current judgment regarding the direction of the Company’s business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested herein. Such statements are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates which are inherently subject to significant risks and uncertainties many of which are beyond the Company’s control. Some of these assumptions inevitably will not materialize, and unanticipated events will occur which will affect the Company’s results. Some important factors (but not necessarily all factors) that affect the Company’s revenues, growth strategies, future profitability and operating results, or that otherwise could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statement, include business and economic conditions generally in the Company’s operating area; the Company’s ability to successfully implement its expansion and operating strategies and to manage rapid expansion; pricing pressures and other competitive factors; the Company’s ability to reduce costs and achieve improvements in operating results; the availability and terms of financing; increases in labor and utility costs; success or failure in the ownership and development of real estate; changes in the laws and government regulations applicable to the Company; and changes in accounting policies, standards, guidelines or principles as may be adopted by regulatory agencies as well as the Financial Accounting Standards Board.

Consequently, actual events affecting the Company and the impact of such events on the Company’s operations may vary significantly from those described in this report or contemplated or implied by statements in this report.

Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in market interest rates subsequent to September 24, 2005.

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the objective that information in its Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified and pursuant to the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, include controls and procedures designed to ensure the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. It should be noted that the Company’s system of controls, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met.

As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with participation of its management including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures as of June 24, 2006, the end of the period covered by this report. In making this evaluation, it considered matters previously identified and disclosed in connection with the filing of its Form 10-K for fiscal 2005. After consideration of the matters discussed above, the Company has concluded that its controls and procedures were not effective in all respects as of the end of the period covered by this report.

The Company disclosed in its Form 10-K for fiscal 2005 the following material weaknesses identified by management.

Segregation of Duties

Management identified two different areas where the lack of appropriate segregation of duties constituted a material weakness.

 

    Associates in the Company’s accounts payable departments, whose job duties involved processing vendor payments, also had access to vendor master file records. In some instances these associates could also process general ledger entries. As a result, associates could record erroneous journal entries or process fraudulent payments without the Company being assured of detecting such activity.

 

    Turnover among senior financial management during fiscal 2005 resulted in the temporary performance of duties by some employees that conflicted with their ongoing responsibilities. The ability to change the Company’s chart of accounts was not properly segregated from journal entry processing and proper journal entry review controls were not in place for much of fiscal 2005.

 

19


Information Technology General Controls

 

    An excessive number of user and system profiles in major computer systems permit access to processes not needed for the performance of the user’s primary job functions.

 

    Proper controls and approval of changes to software applications were not present. Additionally, change control testing was not sufficiently comprehensive to consider the potential effect of system changes on other major application systems and data.

Vendor Income

During previous fiscal years, the Company attempted to implement additional controls and procedures designed to ensure vendor income was recorded completely, accurately and timely. The changes were not sufficient to correct all weaknesses in the design of such controls. As such, the controls and procedures for vendor income are not sufficient to ensure that all vendor income is properly recorded. In addition, there has been a lack of compliance with these procedures by certain Company associates.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During prior periods as has been disclosed, the Company has engaged in a number of changes to remediate the above described material weaknesses. Further, subsequent to the filing of the Company’s Form 10-K for fiscal 2005, including the quarter ended June 24, 2006, management has undertaken the following remediation efforts:

 

    Conducted ongoing tests of internal controls over financial reporting by outside consultants and by its Internal Audit department that was established earlier this fiscal year.

 

    Completed initial training for all Company Vice Presidents and purchasing employees on required controls and documentation for the approval and processing of vendor income transactions. These enhanced controls are currently being tested by the Company’s internal auditors.

 

    Established journal entry approval controls and limited access to the Company’s chart of accounts and journal entry processing to achieve appropriate segregation of duties.

 

    Segregated vendor master file access from those employees responsible for processing vendor payments. New procedures have been implemented surrounding the documentation and approval of vendor master file changes by originating purchasing departments and the processing of approved master file changes by employees with no payment processing responsibilities. These controls will be tested for effectiveness prior to the end of fiscal 2006.

 

    Implemented enhanced controls in the Company’s Information Technology area surrounding the documentation, testing and approval of changes to major application systems. Processes have been developed to better control access to major computer system functions. Initial testing of these control enhancements has taken place, with additional testing to be performed prior to the end of fiscal 2006.

The results of testing conducted thus far in fiscal 2006 have been encouraging and reflect an improved internal control environment when compared to prior years.

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Settlement of Securities and Exchange Commission Investigation

In April 2006 the Company reached a settlement agreement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“the SEC”) resolving a civil complaint against the Company in connection with the previously disclosed private investigation regarding certain vendor contracts entered into in fiscal years 2002 and 2003 and certain internal control accounting issues.

The settlement does not require the Company to pay a monetary penalty. The Company settled the SEC’s charges without admitting or denying the SEC’s allegations. Under the settlement, the Company has consented to the entry of injunctions against future violations of certain provisions of Federal securities laws.

Shareholder Derivative Claim

On June 15, 2005, a purported shareholder of the Company filed a shareholder derivative suit on behalf of the Company against certain current and former individual members of the Company’s Board of Directors and against the Company as a nominal defendant in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. The suit alleges that the defendant Directors breached their

 

20


fiduciary duties by failing to implement appropriate internal controls. The suit seeks from the Directors damages in an unspecified amount allegedly sustained by the Company, as well as disgorgement by certain Directors to the Company of salaries and bonuses received by those Directors between 2002 and 2005. The Company’s Board of Directors appointed an independent committee, which retained independent counsel, to review the merits of the suit and recommend action that is in the best interest of the Company. After an investigation, the independent committee concluded that the maintenance of the derivative proceeding was not in the best interest of the Company. On October 10, 2005, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the derivative proceeding and expects a ruling on that motion later this fiscal year. No amount is currently recorded as the outcome of the case is not known and any potential loss is not estimable.

Various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, the ultimate liability, if any, for all pending legal proceedings and claims would not materially affect the Company’s financial position or the results of its operations.

Item 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a)   Exhibits.
  1)    Exhibit 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate
  2)    Exhibit 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a) Certificate
  3)    Exhibit 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
  4)    Exhibit 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

 

21


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Form 10-Q to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    INGLES MARKETS, INCORPORATED
Date: July 31, 2006  

/s/ Robert P. Ingle

  Robert P. Ingle
  Chief Executive Officer
Date: July 31, 2006  

/s/ Ronald B. Freeman

  Ronald B. Freeman
  Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer

 

22