SpartanNash Co - Quarter Report: 2019 April (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended April 20, 2019.

OR

For the transition period from                      to                     .

Commission File Number: 000-31127

SPARTANNASH COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

(616) 878-2000

(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)

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

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  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

As of May 20, 2019, the registrant had 36,313,827 outstanding shares of common stock, no par value.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, in the Company’s press releases and in the Company’s website-accessible conference calls with analysts and investor presentations include “forward-looking statements” about the plans, strategies, objectives, goals or expectations of SpartanNash Company and subsidiaries (“SpartanNash” or “the Company”). These forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases indicating that SpartanNash or management “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” or “estimates,” or that a particular occurrence or event “will,” “may,” “could,” “should” or “will likely” result, occur or be pursued or “continue” in the future, that the “outlook” or “trend” is toward a particular result or occurrence, that a development is an “opportunity,” “priority,” “strategy,” “focus,” that the Company is “positioned” for a particular result, or similarly stated expectations. Accounting estimates, such as those described under the heading “Critical Accounting Policies” in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are inherently forward-looking. The Company’s asset impairment and restructuring cost provisions are estimates and actual costs may be more or less than these estimates and differences may be material. Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of the Quarterly Report, other report, release, presentation, or statement.

In addition to other risks and uncertainties described in connection with the forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, SpartanNash’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 and other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), there are many important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include general business conditions, changes in overall economic conditions that impact consumer spending, the Company’s ability to integrate acquired assets, the impact of competition and other factors which are often beyond the control of the Company, and other risks listed in the “Risk Factors” discussion in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 and risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems immaterial.

This section and the discussions contained in Item 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2018 and in Part I, Item 2 “Critical Accounting Policies” of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, are intended to provide meaningful cautionary statements for purposes of the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This should not be construed as a complete list of all the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that could adversely affect the Company’s expected consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to SpartanNash or that SpartanNash currently believes are immaterial also may impair its business, operations, liquidity, financial condition and prospects. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements to reflect developments that occur, or information obtained after the date of this Quarterly Report.

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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SPARTANNASH COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and include the accounts of SpartanNash Company and its subsidiaries (“SpartanNash” or “the Company”). Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2018.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, contain all adjustments, including normal recurring items, necessary to present fairly the financial position of SpartanNash as of April 20, 2019, and the results of its operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year.

The unaudited information in the condensed consolidated financial statements for the first quarter of 2019 and 2018 include the results of operations of the Company for the 16-week periods ended April 20, 2019 and April 21, 2018, respectively.

Note 2 – Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Recently Issued Accounting Standards  

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, “Leases.” The FASB subsequently issued ASUs 2018-01, 2018-10, 2018-11, and 2019-01, which include clarifications and provide various practical expedients and transition options related to ASU 2016-02. ASU 2016-02 provides guidance for lease accounting and stipulates that lessees need to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for substantially all leases (other than leases that meet the definition of a short-term lease). The liability is equal to the present value of future rent payments. Treatment in the consolidated statements of earnings is similar to the previous treatment of operating and capital leases.

In the first quarter of 2019, the Company adopted this standard retrospectively through a cumulative-effect adjustment recorded at the beginning of 2019. The Company has elected the practical expedient available under the guidance to not adjust comparative periods presented. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allow for a carry forward of the historical lease classification. The Company elected the hindsight practical expedient to reevaluate the lease term for existing leases. The election of the hindsight practical expedient resulted in the extension or reduction of lease terms for certain existing leases and adjustments to the useful lives of corresponding leasehold improvements. In the application of hindsight, the Company estimated the expected lease term based on management’s plans, including the performance of the leased properties and the associated market dynamics in relation to the overall operational, real estate and capital planning strategies of the Company.

The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of operating lease assets and liabilities of $241.8 million and $292.3 million, respectively, as of the beginning of 2019. The adoption of the standard also resulted in a transition adjustment to beginning of the year retained earnings of $26.9 million (net of deferred tax impact of $8.5 million). The transition adjustment relates to impairment of right of use assets included in previously impaired asset groups and the impact of hindsight on the evaluation of lease term. Remaining differences between lease assets and liabilities relate to the derecognition of lease-related liabilities and assets recorded under ASC 840, which were included in beginning lease liabilities or assets under ASC 842.

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Note 3 – Revenue

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by type of products and customers for each of the Company’s reportable segments:

Contract Assets and Liabilities

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may advance funds to certain independent retailers which are earned by the retailers primarily through achieving specified purchase volume requirements, as outlined in their supply agreements with the Company, or in limited instances, for remaining a SpartanNash customer for a specified time period. These advances must be repaid if the purchase volume requirements are not met or if the retailer no longer remains a customer for the specified time period. For volume-based arrangements, the Company estimates the amount of the advanced funds earned by the retailers based on the expected volume of purchases by the retailer, and amortizes the advances as a reduction of the transaction price and revenue earned. These advances are not considered contract assets under ASC 606 as they are not generated through the transfer of goods or services to the retailers. These advances are included in Other assets, net on the Company’s balance sheets.

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When the Company transfers goods or services to a customer, payment is due - subject to normal terms - and is not conditional on anything other than the passage of time. Typical payment terms range from due upon receipt to 30 days, depending on the type of customer and relationship. At contract inception, the Company expects that the period of time between the transfer of goods to the customer and when the customer pays for those goods will be less than one year, which is consistent with the Company’s standard payment terms. Accordingly, the Company has elected the practical expedient under ASC 606 to not adjust for the effects of a significant financing component. As such, these amounts are recorded as receivables and not contract assets. The Company had no contract assets for any period presented.

The Company does not typically incur incremental costs of obtaining a contract that are contingent upon successful contract execution and would therefore be capitalized. The Company expenses incremental costs of obtaining a contract as and when incurred if the expected amortization period of the asset that the Company would have recognized is one year or less.

Note 4 – Acquisitions

On December 31, 2018, the Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of Martin’s Super Markets, Inc. (“Martin’s”) for $86.7 million, net of $7.8 million of cash acquired. Acquired assets consist primarily of property and equipment of $55.0 million, intangible assets of $20.7 million, and working capital. Intangible assets are primarily composed of an indefinite lived trade name and customer lists which are amortized over seven years. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date based on preliminary estimates. These estimates are subject to revision upon the finalization of the valuations of the acquired real estate, inventory and intangible assets. Any adjustments will be made prior to December 31, 2019. No goodwill was recorded related to the acquisition. As of April 20, 2019, the Company has incurred $2.1 million of merger/acquisition and integration costs related to the acquisition, of which $0.9 million was incurred in 2019. The acquisition was funded with proceeds from the Company’s Credit Agreement.

Martin’s currently operates 21 stores in Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan with approximately 3,500 employees. Martin’s was an independent retailer and customer of the Company’s Food Distribution segment prior to the acquisition. Subsequent to the acquisition sales from the Food Distribution segment to Martin’s stores are eliminated. The acquisition expanded the footprint of the Company’s Retail segment into adjacent geographies in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan.

Note 5 – Restructuring Charges and Asset Impairment

The following table provides the activity of reserves for closed properties for the 16-week period ended April 20, 2019. Reserves for closed properties recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are included in “Other accrued expenses” in Current liabilities and “Other long-term liabilities” in Long-term liabilities based on the timing of when the obligations are expected to be paid.

Included in the liability are lease related ancillary costs from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-02 (Note 2), the liability included lease obligations recorded at the present value of future minimum lease payments, calculated using a risk-free interest rate, net of estimated sublease income. Upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02, these liabilities were reclassified as a reduction of the initial measurement of operating lease assets within the consolidated balance sheets.

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Restructuring and asset impairment activity included in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings consisted of the following:

In the period ended April 20, 2019, the Food Distribution segment realized a gain on the sale of a previously closed distribution center.  In the periods ended April 20, 2019 and April 21, 2018, restructuring and asset impairment charges were incurred in the Retail and Food Distribution segments due to the economic and competitive environment of certain stores and in conjunction with the Company’s retail store and supply chain rationalization plans. The changes in estimates relate to revised estimates of lease and ancillary costs associated with previously closed locations, due to deterioration of the condition of certain properties.

Long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs under the fair value hierarchy, as further described in Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements. Assets with a book value of $0.3 million were measured at a fair value of $0.2 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $0.1 million for the 16 weeks ended in 2019. Assets with a book value of $1.8 million were measured at a fair value of $0.3 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.5 million for the 16 weeks ended in 2018. Fair value of long-lived assets is determined by estimating the amount and timing of net future cash flows, discounted using a risk-adjusted rate of interest. The Company estimates future cash flows based on historical results of operations, external factors expected to impact future performance, experience and knowledge of the geographic area in which the assets are located, and when necessary, uses real estate brokers.

Note 6 – Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820 prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, reflecting the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing.

Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term maturities of these financial instruments. See Note 5 for discussion of the fair value measurements related to long-lived asset impairment charges. At April 20, 2019 and December 29, 2018, the book value and estimated fair value of the Company’s debt instruments, excluding debt financing costs, were as follows:

The estimated fair value of debt is based on market quotes for instruments with similar terms and remaining maturities (Level 2 inputs and valuation techniques).

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Certain of the Company’s business combinations involve the potential for the receipt or payment of future contingent consideration upon the shortfall or achievement of various operating thresholds, respectively. The additional consideration is generally contingent on the acquired company reaching certain performance milestones, including attaining specified EBITDA levels. For business combinations including contingent consideration provisions an asset or liability is recorded for the estimated fair value of the contingent consideration on the acquisition date. The fair value of the contingent consideration is remeasured at each reporting period with the change in fair value recognized as income or expense within operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company measures the asset and liability on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs.

The recurring Level 3 fair value measurements of contingent consideration include the following significant unobservable inputs as of April 20, 2019:

The fair value of contingent consideration associated with the Caito and BRT acquisition was zero as of April 20, 2019. During the period ended April 20, 2019, the Company received $15.0 million related to the resolution of certain acquisition contingencies. As of April 20, 2019, the potential for future payment of contingent consideration is remote and there is no opportunity for additional receipt of contingent consideration, therefore no assets or liabilities are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Upon receipt of the proceeds, the portion of the contingent consideration related to the acquisition date fair value was reported as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Amounts received in excess of the acquisition date fair value were reported as an operating activity in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is engaged from time-to-time in routine legal proceedings incidental to its business. The Company does not believe that these routine legal proceedings, taken as a whole, will have a material impact on its business or financial condition. While the ultimate effect of such actions cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that their outcome will not result in an adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, operating results or liquidity.

From time to time, the Company may advance funds to independent retailers which are earned by the retailers primarily through achieving specified purchase volume requirements, as outlined in their supply agreements with the Company, or in limited instances, for remaining a SpartanNash customer for a specified time period. These advances must be repaid if the purchase volume requirements are not met or if the retailer no longer remains a customer for the specified time period. As of April 20, 2019, the Company has an unearned advance to one independent retailer for a gross amount representing approximately two percent of the Company’s total assets. The Company’s collateral related to the advanced funds is a security interest in select business assets of the independent retailer’s stores, including select real property assets and other collateral, including a personal guarantee, from the shareholder. Despite the collateral, the Company may be unable to realize the entire unearned portion of the funds advanced to this independent retailer, and accordingly, has evaluated the net estimated realizability of the advance. In the fourth quarter of 2018, the customer defaulted on the terms of the supply agreement. As a result, the Company filed a petition to place the customer in receivership. The Company performed an analysis of the net realizability of the underlying collateral which resulted in a $32.0 million charge in 2018. In the first quarter of 2019, to realize its collateral, the Company placed a credit bid and obtained the rights to acquire five stores. The Company subsequently assigned the rights to acquire three of the stores to an independent retailer in exchange for certain consideration, upon the finalization of the retailer entering into a long-term supply arrangement with the Company. Subsequent to the end of the first quarter of 2019, the Company closed on the acquisition of two stores, and the Company has signed a long-term supply arrangement with the independent retailer for the remaining three stores.    

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The Company contributes to the Central States Southeast and Southwest Pension Fund (“Central States Plan” or “the Plan”), a multi-employer pension plan, based on obligations arising from its collective bargaining agreements (“CBAs”) in Bellefontaine, Ohio, Lima, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Michigan covering its supply chain associates at those locations. This Plan provides retirement benefits to participants based on their service to contributing employers. The benefits are paid from assets held in trust for that purpose. Trustees are appointed by contributing employers and unions; however, SpartanNash is not a trustee. The trustees typically are responsible for determining the level of benefits to be provided to participants, as well as for such matters as the investment of the assets and the administration of the plan. The Company currently contributes to the Central States Plan under the terms outlined in the “Primary Schedule” of Central States’ Rehabilitation Plan or those outlined in the “Default Schedule.” Both the Primary and Default schedules require varying increases in employer contributions over the previous year’s contribution. Increases are set within the CBAs and vary by location. The Plan continues to be in red zone status, and according to the Pension Protection Act (“PPA”), is considered to be in “critical and declining” zone status.  Among other factors, plans in the “critical and declining” zone are generally less than 65% funded and are projected to become insolvent within the next 15 years (or 20 years depending on the ratio of active-to-inactive participants). Based on the most recent information available to the Company, management believes that the present value of actuarial accrued liabilities in this multi-employer plan significantly exceeds the value of the assets held in trust to pay benefits. Because SpartanNash is one of a number of employers contributing to this plan, it is difficult to ascertain what the exact amount of the underfunding would be. Management is not aware of any significant change in funding levels since December 29, 2018. To reduce this underfunding, management expects increases in expense as a result of required incremental multi-employer pension plan contributions in future years. Any adjustment for withdrawal liability will be recorded when it is probable that a liability exists and can be reasonably determined.

Note 8 – Leases

A portion of the Company’s retail stores and warehouses operate in leased facilities. The Company also leases the majority of the tractors and trailers within its fleet and certain other assets. Most of the real property leases contain multiple renewal options, which generally range from one to ten years. In those locations in which it is economically feasible to continue to operate, management expects that lease options will be exercised. The terms of certain leases contain provisions requiring payment of percentage rent based on sales and payment of executory costs such as property taxes, utilities, insurance, maintenance and other occupancy costs applicable to the leased premises or, in the case of transportation equipment, provisions requiring payment of variable rent based upon miles driven. Certain properties or portions thereof are subleased to others. As most of the Company’s leases do not provide an implicit discount rate, the Company uses an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

The components of lease expense were as follows:

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Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows:

Supplemental cash flow and other information related to leases was as follows:

The Company’s maturities of lease liabilities under operating and finance leases as of April 20, 2019 are as follows:

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Note 9 – Associate Retirement Plans

During the 16 week periods April 20, 2019 and April 21, 2018, the Company recognized net periodic pension expense of $0.4 million and income of $0.1 million, respectively, related to the SpartanNash Company Pension Plan (“Pension Plan” or “Plan”) and net postretirement benefit costs of $0.1 million in both periods related to the SpartanNash Retiree Medical Plan. Substantially all of these amounts are included in Other, net in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings.

On February 28, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors granted approval to proceed with terminating the frozen Pension Plan. The Plan was terminated on July 31, 2018. The Company will offer participants the option to receive an annuity or lump sum distribution which may be rolled over into another qualified plan. The distribution of assets to plan participants is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2019. The Company will incur a one-time, pre-tax settlement charge estimated to be $20 to $21 million to recognize the deferred losses in AOCI upon distribution of the Plan assets and related recognition of the settlement as well as other termination expenses. The Company expects the Plan termination will reduce administrative fees and premium funding costs in future periods.

The Company did not make any contributions to the Pension Plan during the 16 week period ended April 20, 2019. The Company expects to make contributions of up to $0.5 million in 2019 to the Pension Plan depending on actual termination costs and the value of Pension Plan assets upon final distribution. The Company expects to make contributions of $0.4 million in 2019 to the Retiree Medical Plan.

The Company’s retirement programs also include defined contribution plans providing contributory benefits, as well as executive compensation plans for a select group of management personnel and/or highly compensated associates.

Multi-Employer Plans

In addition to the plans listed above, the Company participates in the Central States Southeast and Southwest Pension Fund, the Michigan Conference of Teamsters and Ohio Conference of Teamsters Health and Welfare plans (collectively referred to as “multi-employer plans”), and other company-sponsored defined contribution plans for most associates covered by collective bargaining agreements.

With respect to the Company’s participation in the Central States Plan, expense is recognized as contributions are funded. The Company’s contributions during the 16 week periods ended April 20, 2019 and April 21, 2018 were $4.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively. See Note 7 for further information regarding contingencies related to the Company’s participation in the Central States Plan.

Note 10 – Income Taxes

The effective income tax rate was 25.9% and 27.7% for the 16 weeks ended April 20, 2019 and April 21, 2018, respectively. The difference from the federal statutory rate in both periods was primarily due to state taxes, federal tax credits and stock-based compensation.

Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has a shareholder-approved stock incentive plan that provides for the granting of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock awards, and other stock-based and stock-related awards to directors, officers and other key associates.

Stock-based compensation expense recognized and included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings, and related tax benefits were as follows:

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The following table summarizes activity in the stock-based compensation plans for the 16 weeks ended April 20, 2019: