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VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INC - Quarter Report: 2014 January (Form 10-Q)

village.htm


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

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

For the quarterly period ended:  January 25, 2014

OR

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

Commission File No. 0-2633

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

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


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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act.
 
 Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer S
 Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  Smaller reporting company
 
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  Yes ___    No   X   

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:
 
 
   March 4, 2014
 Class A Common Stock, No Par Value  9,493,801 Shares
 Class B Common Stock, No Par Value  4,360,998 Shares
 
                                                                                     

 
 

 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX



 
 PART I  PAGE NO.
   
 FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
   
 Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)  
 Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets  3
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations  4
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)  5
 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows  6
 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements  7-11
   
 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  12-19
   
 Item 3. Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk  20
   
 Item 4. Controls and Procedures  20
   
 PART II  
   
 OTHER INFORMATION  
   
 Item 6. Exhibits  21
   
 Signatures  21
      
 

 
2

 



 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
             
Item 1. Financial Statements
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
 
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
 
             
   
January 25, 2014
   
July 27, 2013
 
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
 Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 103,743     $ 109,571  
 Merchandise inventories
    44,948       41,515  
 Patronage dividend receivable
    5,309       11,810  
 Note receivable from Wakefern
    23,219       22,421  
 Other current assets
    27,619       20,047  
     Total current assets
    204,838       205,364  
                 
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
    194,332       176,981  
Investment in Wakefern
    25,012       24,355  
Goodwill
    12,057       12,057  
Other assets
    8,712       8,655  
                 
    $ 444,951     $ 427,412  
                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
 Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations
  $ 122     $ 10  
 Current portion of notes payable to Wakefern
    667       600  
 Accounts payable to Wakefern
    63,538       59,465  
 Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    30,450       31,709  
 Income taxes payable
    38,837       19,281  
     Total current liabilities
    133,614       111,065  
                 
Capital and financing lease obligations
    40,942       41,019  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    1,408       1,719  
Other liabilities
    32,490       29,049  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' Equity
               
   Class A common stock - no par value, issued 9,859 shares at
               
      January 25, 2014 and 9,440 shares at July 27, 2013
    46,402       44,543  
   Class B common stock - no par value, issued and outstanding
               
      4,361 shares at January 25, 2014 and 4,780 shares
               
      at July 27, 2013
    708       776  
   Retained earnings
    200,933       211,109  
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (8,230 )     (8,467 )
   Less cost of Class A treasury shares (365 at January 25, 2014
               
      and 375 at July 27, 2013)
    (3,316 )     (3,401 )
     Total shareholders’ equity
    236,497       244,560  
                 
    $ 444,951     $ 427,412  
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.



 
3

 


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in Thousands except Per Share Amounts) (Unaudited)
                         
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
 
         
 
             
Sales
  $ 392,241     $ 382,175     $ 749,287     $ 740,326  
                                 
Cost of sales
    286,883       279,255       550,223       541,768  
                                 
Gross profit
    105,358       102,920       199,064       198,558  
                                 
Operating and administrative expense
    94,085       83,440       176,437       163,696  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization
    5,416       5,033       10,521       9,942  
                                 
Operating income
    5,857       14,447       12,106       24,920  
                                 
Income from partnerships
    -       1,450       -       1,450  
                                 
Interest expense
    (1,016 )     (868 )     (1,756 )     (1,942 )
                                 
Interest income
    653       683       1,349       1,364  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    5,494       15,712       11,699       25,792  
                                 
Income taxes
    2,676       6,608       15,711       10,833  
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,818     $ 9,104     $ (4,012 )   $ 14,959  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Class A common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ 0.23     $ 0.76     $ (0.32 )   $ 1.31  
  Diluted
  $ 0.20     $ 0.65     $ (0.32 )   $ 1.07  
 
                               
Class B common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ 0.15     $ 0.49     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.75  
  Diluted
  $ 0.15     $ 0.49     $ (0.21 )   $ 0.75  
                                 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


 
4

 


VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
                         
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
 
                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 2,818     $ 9,104     $ (4,012 )   $ 14,959  
                                 
Other comprehensive income:
                               
 Amortization of pension actuarial loss, net of tax (1)
    118       314       237       627  
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 2,936     $ 9,418     $ (3,775 )   $ 15,586  
                                 
(1) Amounts are net of tax of $83 and $217 for the 13 weeks ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013, respectively, and
       
$165 and $435 for the 26 weeks ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013, respectively. All amounts are reclassified from
 
accumulated other comprehensive loss to Operating and administrative expense.
                 
                                 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.



 
5

 

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
 
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
 
             
   
26 Wks. Ended
   
26 Wks. Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
           
  Net (loss) income
  $ (4,012 )   $ 14,959  
   Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income
               
     to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    10,521       9,942  
     Deferred taxes
    (5,941 )     (3,310 )
     Provision to value inventories at LIFO
    150       300  
     Non-cash share-based compensation
    1,613       1,613  
     Income from partnerships
    -       (1,450 )
                 
   Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
     Merchandise inventories
    (3,583 )     (1,760 )
     Patronage dividend receivable
    6,501       5,950  
     Accounts payable to Wakefern
    4,073       2,738  
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    191       (1,854 )
     Income taxes payable
    19,556       6,119  
     Other assets and liabilities
    2,019       (2,491 )
 Net cash provided by operating activities
    31,088       30,756  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
  Capital expenditures
    (29,238 )     (10,077 )
  Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern
    (798 )     (745 )
  Proceeds from partnerships
    -       1,980  
 Net cash used in investing activities
    (30,036 )     (8,842 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
               
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    217       598  
  Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    46       241  
  Principal payments of long-term debt
    (979 )     (1,281 )
  Dividends
    (6,164 )     (18,000 )
 Net cash used in financing activities
    (6,880 )     (18,442 )
                 
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND
               
  CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (5,828 )     3,472  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
               
  BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    109,571       103,103  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 103,743     $ 106,575  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH
               
  PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
               
  Interest
  $ 2,119     $ 2,004  
  Income taxes
  $ 2,050     $ 7,785  
                 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.


 
6

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

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION and ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of January 25, 2014 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013 of Village Super Market, Inc. (“Village” or the “Company”).
 
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in the July 27, 2013 Village Super Market, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.  The results of operations for the periods ended January 25, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

2. MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

At both January 25, 2014 and July 27, 2013, approximately 65% of merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method while the balance is valued by FIFO.  If the FIFO method had been used for the entire inventory, inventories would have been $14,936 and $14,786 higher than reported at January 25, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively.

3. NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

The Company computes net income (loss) per share using the two-class method, an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings.  Under the two-class method, our Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings (losses) than our Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes’ respective dividend rights.

Diluted net income per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the if- converted method, which assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method.   Diluted net loss per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the two-class method and does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock as a result of its anti-dilutive effect.  Diluted net income (loss) per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.

 
7

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

   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income (loss) allocated, basic
  $ 2,102     $ 648     $ (2,979 )   $ (937 )
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    648       -       -       -  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income (loss)
    (1 )     -       -       -  
Net income (loss) allocated, diluted
  $ 2,749     $ 648     $ (2,979 )   $ (937 )
                                 
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    9,198       4,361       9,167       4,387  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    4,361       -       -       -  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    85       -       -       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,644       4,361       9,167       4,387  
                                 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 26, 2013
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                               
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 6,373     $ 2,503     $ 10,463     $ 4,123  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    2,503       -       4,123       -  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    -       -       -       -  
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 8,876     $ 2,503     $ 14,586     $ 4,123  
                                 
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    8,396       5,086       7,972       5,500  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    5,086       -       5,500       -  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    108       -       118       -  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,590       5,086       13,590       5,500  

Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 5 and 7 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect.  In addition, 299 non-vested restricted Class A shares, which are considered participating securities, and their allocated net income were excluded from the diluted net income per share calculation at both January 25, 2014 and January 26, 2013 due to their anti-dilutive effect.

As a result of the net loss in the six-month period ended January 25, 2014, all outstanding stock options and restricted Class A shares were excluded from the diluted net loss per share calculation for the six-month period ended January 25, 2014 due to their anti-dilutive effect.

 
8

 
4. PENSION PLANS

The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans.  Net periodic pension costs for the four plans includes the following components:


   
13 Weeks Ended
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 730     $ 818     $ 1,460     $ 1,636  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
    694       618       1,388       1,236  
Expected return on plan assets
    (797 )     (694 )     (1,594 )     (1,388 )
Amortization of gains and losses
    201       529       402       1,058  
Amortization of prior service costs
    -       2       -       4  
                                 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 828     $ 1,273     $ 1,656     $ 2,546  

As of January 25, 2014, the Company has contributed $128 to its pension plans in fiscal 2014.  The Company expects to contribute approximately $3,000 during fiscal 2014 to fund its pension plans.

5. INCOME TAXES

In prior years, the state of New Jersey issued two separate tax assessments related to nexus beginning in fiscal 2000 and the deductibility of certain payments between subsidiaries beginning in fiscal 2002.  Village contested both of these assessments through the state’s conference and appeals process and was subsequently denied. The Company then filed two complaints in Tax Court against the New Jersey Division of Taxation contesting these assessments and a trial limited to the nexus dispute was conducted in June 2013. On October 23, 2013, the Tax Court issued their opinion on the matter in favor of the New Jersey Division of Taxation.  The Company is currently in the process of appealing the court’s decision.  No payments with respect to these matters are required until the dispute is definitively resolved.

The Company recorded a $10,052 charge to income tax expense in the fiscal quarter ended October 26, 2013, which includes a $4,933 (net of federal benefit of $2,656) increase in  unrecognized tax benefits and $5,119 (net of federal benefit of $2,078) of related interest and penalties for tax positions taken in prior years.  This charge increased our accrued tax liability to reflect the estimated total tax due if the Company is unable to overturn the Court’s decision upon appeal.

 
9

 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
 
Balance as of July 27, 2013
  $ 17,640  
Additions based on tax positions related to the prior periods
    7,589  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current period
    1,019  
Balance as of January 25, 2014
  $ 26,248  
 
Unrecognized tax benefits at January 25, 2014 and July 27, 2013 include tax positions of $17,061 and $11,466 (net of federal benefit), respectively, that would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate, if recognized in future periods.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense.  The Company recognized $586 and $8,973 related to interest and penalties on income taxes in the fiscal quarter and six-month period ended January 25, 2014, respectively.  The amount of accrued interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheet was $14,793 and $5,820 at January 25, 2014 and July 27, 2013, respectively.

6. LEASE OBLIGATIONS ON CLOSED STORES

On November 6, 2013, the Company closed the Morris Plains, New Jersey store and opened a 77,000 sq. ft. replacement store in Hanover Township, New Jersey.  The Company recorded a $3,481 charge to Operating and administrative expense in the fiscal quarter ended January 25, 2014 for the remaining lease obligations, net of estimated sublease rentals, on the Morris Plains store.  As of January 25, 2014, $237 of these costs has been paid, with a remaining liability of $3,244.

The Company is also constructing another replacement store expected to open in late fiscal 2014, for which we will have additional lease obligations remaining on the existing store of approximately $800 at the expected closing date.  We will record a charge to Operating and administrative expense for the remaining lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, in the fiscal quarter in which we cease using the existing store.

 
10

 
7. COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

Superstorm Sandy devastated our area on October 29, 2012 and resulted in the closure of almost all of our stores for periods of time ranging from a few hours to eight days. Village disposed of substantial amounts of perishable product and also incurred repair, labor and other costs as a result of the storm.  The Company has property, casualty and business interruption insurance, subject to deductibles and coverage limits.  During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, Wakefern began the process of working with our insurers to recover the damages and Village has recorded estimated insurance recoveries.  In October 2013, Wakefern, as the policy holder, filed suit against the carrier seeking payment of claims due for all Wakefern members.  Final resolution of our insurance claim related to the storm could have a material impact on our results of operations.

The Company is involved in other litigation incidental to the normal course of business. Excluding the tax litigation with the State of New Jersey as described in Note 5, Company management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

At January 25, 2014, the Company had a $23,219 note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed rate of 7%. Wakefern prepaid the note on February 15, 2014.  The Company invested the proceeds received and additional funds previously invested in demand deposits at Wakefern in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern of $40,000 on February 15, 2014.  Half of these notes earn interest at the prime rate plus .25% and mature in 3.5 years and half earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature in 5 years.  Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes.  However, interest earned since inception would be reduced as if it was earned based on overnight money market rates as paid by Wakefern on demand deposits.

 
11

 
ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                                                  AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                                  
(Dollars in Thousands)
OVERVIEW

The Company operates a chain of 29 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey, Maryland and northeastern Pennsylvania.  Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite name.  As further described in the Company’s Form 10-K, this ownership interest in Wakefern provides the Company many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with larger chains.   Village opened a 77,000 sq. ft. replacement store in Hanover Township, New Jersey on November 6, 2013 that serves the greater Morristown area and replaced the Morris Plains store.  The greater Morristown store builds on the Village Food Garden concept introduced last year in our remodeled Livingston store.  Village Food Garden features a restaurant style kitchen, and several kiosks offering a wide variety of store prepared specialty foods for both take-home and in-store dining.

The Company’s stores, six of which are owned, average 58,000 total square feet.  Larger store sizes enable the Company to offer the specialty departments that customers desire for one-stop shopping, including pharmacies, natural and organic departments, ethnic and international foods, and home meal replacement.

The supermarket industry is highly competitive.  The Company competes directly with multiple retail formats, including national, regional and local supermarket chains as well as warehouse clubs, supercenters, drug stores, discount general merchandise stores, fast food chains, restaurants, dollar stores and convenience stores.  Village competes by using low pricing, superior customer service, and a broad range of consistently available quality products, including ShopRite private labeled products.  The ShopRite Price Plus card also strengthens customer loyalty.

We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales; percentage of total sales by department (mix); shrink; departmental gross profit percentage; sales per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.

 
 
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

   
13 Weeks Ended
   
26 Weeks Ended
 
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
   
January 25, 2014
   
January 26, 2013
 
Sales
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
Cost of sales
    73.14       73.07       73.43       73.18  
Gross profit
    26.86       26.93       26.57       26.82  
Operating and administrative expense
    23.99       21.83       23.55       22.12  
Depreciation and amortization
    1.38       1.32       1.40       1.34  
Operating income
    1.49       3.78       1.62       3.36  
Income from partnerships
    -       0.38       -       0.20  
Interest expense
    (0.26 )     (0.23 )     (0.24 )     (0.26 )
Interest income
    0.17       0.18       0.18       0.18  
Income before taxes
    1.40       4.11       1.56       3.48  
Income taxes
    0.68       1.73       2.10       1.46  
Net income (loss)
    0.72 %     2.38 %     (0.54 )  %     2.02 %


Sales.  Sales were $392,241 in the second quarter of fiscal 2014, an increase of 2.6% compared to the second quarter of the prior year.  Sales increased due to the opening of the greater Morristown replacement store on November 6, 2013.  Same store sales were flat.  Sales increased in both Maryland stores and in stores that were closed for periods up to eight days in the second quarter of the prior year due to superstorm Sandy.  These increases were offset by decreased sales due to three store openings by competitors and reduced sales in stores that reopened quickly after Sandy in the prior year.  Sales were also negatively impacted by a lack of inflation, reductions in overall SNAP benefits and the prior year including disaster SNAP benefits following Sandy.  Sales continue to be impacted by economic weakness and high unemployment, as consumers continue to spend cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.  The Company expects same store sales in fiscal 2014 to range from a decrease of .5% to an increase of 1.0%.  New stores and replacement stores are included in same store sales in the quarter after the store has been in operation for four full quarters.  Store renovations are included in same store sales immediately.
 
Sales were $749,287 in the six-month period of fiscal 2014, an increase of 1.2% from the prior year. Sales increased due to the opening of the greater Morristown replacement store on November 6, 2013.  Same store sales decreased 0.2% due to three store openings by competitors, very high sales in the prior year as customers prepared for Sandy and reduced sales in stores that reopened quickly after the storm.  These decreases were partially offset by increased sales in the Maryland stores and in stores that were closed for periods up to eight days in the prior year due to Sandy.

 
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Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .07% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the second quarter of the prior year due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.30%) and higher promotional spending (.07%).  Gross margins declined in several departments primarily due to investments in lower prices to combat nontraditional competitors. These decreases were partially offset by improved product mix (.10%) and higher patronage dividends (.19%).  Gross profit was favorably impacted by receipt of patronage dividends from Wakefern greater than estimated amounts accrued in both the second quarter of fiscal 2014 (.35%) and fiscal 2013 (.23%).
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .25% in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.51%). These decreases were partially offset by improved product mix (.11%) and higher patronage dividends (.12%).

Operating and Administrative Expense.  Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased 2.16% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the second quarter of the prior year due primarily to a charge for future lease obligations resulting from the closure of the Morris Plains store (.89%), higher payroll (.46%), healthcare (.17%), and snow removal costs (.09%), increased legal and consulting fees (.23%) and pre-opening costs for the greater Morristown replacement store (.16%).  Payroll costs increased due to efforts to enhance the customer experience and provide additional services, including the addition and expansion of ShopRite from Home in several of our stores and our Village Food Garden at both the greater Morristown replacement store and the remodeled Livingston store. These increases were partially offset by a reduction in non-union pension expense (.13%).  In addition, the second quarter of the prior year included insurance recoveries (.08%).
 
Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased 1.43% in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to the six-month period of the prior year primarily due a charge for future lease obligations resulting from the closure of the Morris Plains store (.46%), higher payroll (.34%) and healthcare costs (.20%), increased legal and consulting fees (.17%) and pre-opening costs for the greater Morristown replacement store (.13%).  These increases were partially offset by a reduction in non-union pension expense (.13%).  In addition, the prior fiscal year included a charge from the settlement of a dispute with a landlord (.09%) and income from settlement of the national credit card lawsuit (.16%).

 Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the second quarter and six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions.

 

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Income from Partnerships.  Income from partnerships in the second quarter and six-month periods of fiscal 2013 of $1,450 are distributions received from two partnerships that exceeded the invested amounts.  The Company’s partnership interests resulted from its leasing of supermarkets in two shopping centers.  The Company remains a tenant in one of these shopping centers.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 and decreased in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to changes in the amount of interest costs capitalized.
 
Interest Income.  Interest income decreased slightly in the second quarter and six-month periods of fiscal 2014 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to lower amounts invested.

Income Taxes.  The effective income tax rate was 48.7% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 42.1% in the second quarter of the prior year.  The increase in the effective tax rate is due to the impact of the unfavorable ruling by the New Jersey Tax Court, which increased accrued interest and penalties in the current quarter.

As described in note 5 to the consolidated condensed financial statements, income taxes in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 includes a $10,052 charge related to tax positions taken in prior years as a result of the unfavorable ruling by the New Jersey Tax Court.  Excluding this charge, the effective income tax rate was 48.4% in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to 42.0% in the six-month period of the prior year.  The increase in the effective tax rate is due to the impact of the New Jersey Tax Court decision, which increased accrued interest and penalties in the current year.

Net Income (Loss).  Net income was $2,818 in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to $9,104 in the second quarter of the prior year.  The second quarter of fiscal 2014 includes a charge for future lease obligations due to the closure of the Morris Plains store of $2,012 (net of tax) and the second quarter of the prior year includes income from a partnership distribution of $840 (net of tax).  Excluding these two items, net income decreased 42% in the second quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the prior year primarily due to flat same store sales, higher operating expenses as a percentage of sales and an increase in the income tax rate as a result of the New Jersey Tax Court decision.
 
The Company recorded a net loss of $4,012 in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 as compared to net income of $14,959 in the six-month period of the prior year.  Fiscal 2014 includes a $10,052 charge to income tax expense as a result of the unfavorable ruling by the New Jersey Tax Court and a charge for future lease obligations due to the closure of the Morris Plains store of $2,012 (net of tax), while fiscal 2013 includes income from the national credit card lawsuit of $693 (net of tax), income from a partnership distribution of $840 (net of tax) and a charge for the settlement of a landlord dispute of $376 (net of tax).  Excluding these items from both fiscal years, net income in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 declined 42% compared to the prior year primarily due to flat same store sales, lower gross profit percentages, higher operating expenses as a percentage of sales and an increase in the income tax rate as a result of the New Jersey Tax Court decision.

 
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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company’s critical accounting policies relating to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounting for patronage dividends earned as a stockholder of Wakefern,  accounting for pension plans, accounting for share-based compensation, and accounting for uncertain tax positions, are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 27, 2013.  As of January 25, 2014, there have been no changes to any of the critical accounting policies contained therein.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

­LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net cash provided by operating activities was $31,088 in the six-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to $30,756 in the corresponding period of the prior year. The slight increase is due to increases in payables and other liabilities offset by a decrease in net income and a larger increase in merchandise inventories compared to the prior fiscal year.  During the first six-months of fiscal 2014, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $29,238 and dividends of $6,164.  Capital expenditures include the construction of two replacement stores.

Village has budgeted approximately $45,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2014.   Planned expenditures include the construction of two replacement stores, one of which began in fiscal 2013.  The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2014 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at January 25, 2014 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2014.

Working capital was $71,224 at January 25, 2014 compared to $94,299 at July 27, 2013. The working capital ratio was 1.5 to 1 at January 25, 2014 compared to 1.8 to 1 at July 27, 2013. The Company’s working capital needs are reduced, since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.

 
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There have been no substantial changes as of January 25, 2014 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 27, 2013, except for an additional $657 required investment in Wakefern stock and the additional unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the unfavorable ruling by the New Jersey Tax Court.
 
OUTLOOK

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

 
·
We expect same store sales to range from a decrease of .5% to an increase of 1.0% in fiscal 2014.
 
·
During the last few years, the supermarket industry was impacted by changing consumer behavior due to the weak economy and high unemployment.  Consumers continue to spend cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.  Management expects these trends to continue in fiscal 2014.
 
·
We expect slight retail price inflation in fiscal 2014.
 
·
Several stores will be negatively impacted by the reduction in SNAP benefits that began on November 1, 2013.
 
·
We have budgeted $45,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2014. This amount includes the construction of two replacement stores, one of which began in fiscal 2013.
 
·
The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2014 at the most recent rate of $.25 per Class A and $.1625 per Class B share.
 
·
We believe cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and debt payments for the foreseeable future.
 
·
We expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2014 to be 46.5% - 47.5%.  Excluding interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits, we expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2014 to be 41.5% - 42.5%.
 
·
We expect operating expenses will be affected by increased costs in certain areas, such as medical and pension costs.

 
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Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. These include:
 
 
 
·
The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. Results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by competitive pricing and promotional programs, industry consolidation and competitor store openings. Village competes with national and regional supermarkets, local supermarkets, warehouse club stores, supercenters, drug stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, discount merchandisers, restaurants and other local retailers. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.
 
·
The Company’s stores are concentrated in New Jersey, with one store in northeastern Pennsylvania and two in Maryland. We are vulnerable to economic downturns in New Jersey in addition to those that may affect the country as a whole. Economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, and fluctuations in interest rates, energy costs and unemployment rates may adversely affect our sales and profits.
 
·
Village acquired two stores in July 2011 in Maryland, a new market for Village where the ShopRite name is less known than in New Jersey. Maryland stores sales, marketing costs and operating performance remain worse than expected as we continue to build market share and brand awareness. If these trends continue, the Company’s results of operations could be materially impacted.
 
·
Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern. In addition, Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including supplies, advertising, liability and property insurance, technology support and other store services. Further, Village receives patronage dividends and other product incentives from Wakefern. Any material change in Wakefern’s method of operation or a termination or material modification of Village’s relationship with Wakefern could have an adverse impact on the conduct of the Company’s business and could involve additional expense for Village. The failure of any Wakefern member to fulfill its obligations to Wakefern or a member’s insolvency or withdrawal from Wakefern could result in increased costs to the Company. Additionally, an adverse change in Wakefern’s results of operations could have an adverse effect on Village’s results of operations.
 
·
Approximately 91% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results. If we are unable to control health care and pension costs provided for in the collective bargaining agreements, we may experience increased operating costs.
 
·
Village could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain. The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us could result in a loss of consumer confidence and product liability claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operations.
 
·
The Company is constructing a replacement store expected to open in late fiscal 2014, for which we will have lease obligations remaining on the existing store of approximately $800 at the expected closing date.  We will record a charge to operating and administrative expense for the remaining lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, in the fiscal quarter in which we cease using the existing store.
 
·
Certain of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute are underfunded. As a result, we expect that contributions to these plans may increase. Additionally, the benefit levels and related items will be issues in the negotiation of our collective bargaining agreements. Under current law, an employer that withdraws or partially withdraws from a multi-employer pension plan may incur a withdrawal liability to the plan, which represents the portion of the plan’s underfunding that is allocable to the withdrawing employer under very complex actuarial and allocation rules. The failure of a withdrawing employer to fund these obligations can impact remaining employers. The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.
 
·
We provide health benefits to a large number of our employees, primarily through multi-employer health plans.  Effective January 1, 2015, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act will impose new mandates on employers that could significantly increase the number of employees receiving benefits and our required contributions to these multi-employer health plans.  We are not able at this time to determine the impact of the law, as it will depend on many factors, including finalization of rules implementing the law, the number of additional employees that we will be required to provide health benefits, and negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, which could be material to our results of operations.
 
·
Our long-lived assets, primarily stores, are subject to periodic testing for impairment. Failure of our asset groups to achieve sufficient levels of cash flow could result in impairment charges on long-lived assets.
 
·
Our effective tax rate may be impacted by the results of tax examinations and changes in tax laws, including the disputes with the state of New Jersey described in note 5 of the consolidated condensed financial statements.
 

 
 
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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
A description of the Company’s transactions with Wakefern, its principal supplier, and with other related parties is included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 27, 2013.  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationship or nature of transactions with related parties during the first six months of fiscal 2014 except for an additional required investment in Wakefern common stock of $657 and the investment in notes receivable described in note 8 to the consolidated condensed financial statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
At January 25, 2014, the Company had demand deposits of $80,800 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.

At January 25, 2014, the Company had a $23,219 note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed rate of 7%. Wakefern prepaid the note on February 15, 2014.  The Company invested the proceeds received and additional funds previously invested in demand deposits at Wakefern in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern of $40,000 on February 15, 2014.  Half of these notes earn interest at the prime rate plus .25% and mature in 3.5 years and half earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature in 5 years.  Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes.  However, interest earned since inception would be reduced as if it was earned based on overnight money market rates as paid by Wakefern on demand deposits.

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the second quarter of fiscal 2014.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.                      Exhibits
 
 
   Exhibit 31.1  Certification
     
   Exhibit 31.2  Certification
     
   Exhibit 32.1  Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
   Exhibit 32.2  Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
   Exhibit 99.1  Press Release dated March 4, 2014
     
   101 INS  XBRL Instance
   101 SCH  XBRL Schema
   101 CAL  XBRL Calculation
   101 DEF  XBRL Definition
   101 LAB  XBRL Label
   101 PRE  XBRL Presentation
 


SIGNATURES

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

 
   Village Super Market, Inc.
 
 
  Registrant
     
Date:  March 4, 2014
 
/s/ James Sumas                    
 
     
  James Sumas
 
    
  (Chief Executive Officer)
     
     
Date:  March 4, 2014
 
/s/ Kevin R. Begley               
 
     
  Kevin R. Begley
 
 
  (Chief Financial Officer)
     

 
 
 
 
 
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