VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INC - Quarter Report: 2016 January (Form 10-Q)

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 23, 2016

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

733 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY	07081
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(973) 467-2200
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12-b2 of the Exchange Act.



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

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 2, 2016

	Class A Common Stock, No Par Value	9,818,625 Shares
	Class B Common Stock, No Par Value	4,319,256 Shares

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX



PART I	PAGE NO.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)

Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

Consolidated Statements of Operations	4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	11

Item 3. Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	17

Item 4. Controls and Procedures	17

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits	18

Signatures	19

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands) (Unaudited)

	January 23, 2016			July 25, 2015
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	79,768		$	59,040
Merchandise inventories	43,379			45,772
Patronage dividend receivable	4,981			12,831
Income taxes receivable	1,784			3,917
Other current assets	17,915			14,351
Total current assets	147,827			135,911

Property, equipment and fixtures, net	203,141			206,594
Notes receivable from Wakefern	41,843			41,421
Investment in Wakefern	26,467			25,750
Goodwill	12,057			12,057
Other assets	11,900			12,169

Total assets	$	443,235		$	433,902

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Capital and financing lease obligations	$	491		$	469
Notes payable to Wakefern	407			430
Accounts payable to Wakefern	62,527			58,337
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	19,830			21,046
Accrued wages and benefits	14,340			15,117
Income taxes payable	729			765
Total current liabilities	98,324			96,164
Long-term Debt
Capital and financing lease obligations	43,448			43,699
Notes payable to Wakefern	529			726
Total long-term debt	43,977			44,425

Pension liabilities	34,214			32,232
Other liabilities	7,901			8,314

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, no par value: Authorized 10,000 shares, none issued	—			—
Class A common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued 10,190 shares at January 23, 2016 and 10,192 shares at July 25, 2015	53,180			51,618
Class B common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,319 shares at January 23, 2016 and July 25, 2015	701			701
Retained earnings	226,151			221,765
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(16,306		)	(16,874		)
Less treasury stock, Class A, at cost: 361 shares at January 23, 2016 and 343 shares at July 25, 2015	(4,907		)	(4,443		)
Total shareholders’ equity	258,819			252,767

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	443,235		$	433,902

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016			January 24, 2015			January 23, 2016			January 24, 2015
Sales	$	420,170		$	411,191		$	809,699		$	790,935

Cost of sales	307,444			300,065			591,487			577,006

Gross profit	112,726			111,126			218,212			213,929

Operating and administrative expense	95,243			92,471			186,581			181,459

Depreciation and amortization	6,060			5,994			12,018			11,897

Operating income	11,423			12,661			19,613			20,573

Interest expense	(1,125		)	(1,138		)	(2,252		)	(2,272		)

Interest income	565			611			1,128			1,226

Income before income taxes	10,863			12,134			18,489			19,527

Income taxes	4,579			5,531			7,775			9,046

Net income	$	6,284		$	6,603		$	10,714		$	10,481

Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
Basic	$	0.50		$	0.53		$	0.85		$	0.84
Diluted	$	0.44		$	0.47		$	0.76		$	0.74

Class B common stock:
Basic	$	0.32		$	0.34		$	0.55		$	0.54
Diluted	$	0.32		$	0.34		$	0.55		$	0.54

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands) (Unaudited)

	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016		January 24, 2015		January 23, 2016		January 24, 2015
Net income	$	6,284	$	6,603	$	10,714	$	10,481

Other comprehensive income:
Amortization of pension actuarial loss, net of tax (1)	284		192		568		383

Comprehensive income	$	6,568	$	6,795	$	11,282	$	10,864


(1)	Amounts are net of tax of $198 and $132 for the 13 weeks ended January 23, 2016 and January 24, 2015, respectively, and

$396 and $265 for the 26 weeks ended January 23, 2016 and January 24, 2015, respectively. All amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to operating and administrative expense.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) (Unaudited)

	26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016			January 24, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	10,714		$	10,481
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	12,018			11,897
Non-cash share-based compensation	1,537			1,583
Deferred taxes	(415		)	(310		)
Provision to value inventories at LIFO	200			200

Changes in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	2,193			(1,754		)
Patronage dividend receivable	7,850			7,716
Accounts payable to Wakefern	4,190			1,512
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(122		)	(242		)
Accrued wages and benefits	(777		)	(1,861		)
Income taxes payable/receivable	2,097			4,851
Other assets and liabilities	(744		)	1,547
Net cash provided by operating activities	38,741			35,620

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(10,558		)	(9,923		)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	900			—
Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern	(422		)	(823		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(10,080		)	(10,746		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	51			13
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation	—			7
Principal payments of long-term debt	(1,166		)	(1,218		)
Dividends	(6,328		)	(6,266		)
Treasury stock purchases	(490		)	—
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,933		)	(7,464		)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	20,728			17,410

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD	59,040			77,352

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD	$	79,768		$	94,762

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
Interest	$	2,252		$	2,189
Income taxes	$	6,092		$	4,498

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(In thousands) (Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION and ACCOUNTING POLICIES

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of January 23, 2016 and the consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows for the 13 and 26 week periods ended January 23, 2016 and January 24, 2015 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 25, 2015 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 period ended January 23, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

Certain amounts have been reclassified in the consolidated statement of cash flows for the 26 week period ended January 24, 2015 to conform to the presentation for the 26 week period ended January 23, 2016.

2. MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

At both January 23, 2016 and July 25, 2015, 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 $14,893 and $14,693 higher than reported at January 23, 2016 and July 25, 2015, respectively.

3. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The Company has two classes of common stock. Class A common stock is entitled to cash dividends as declared 54% greater than those paid on Class B common stock. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis for Class A common stock at any time.

The Company utilizes the two-class method of computing and presenting net income per share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that calculates basic and diluted net income per share for each class of common stock separately based on dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings than Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes' respective dividend rights. Unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends are treated as participating securities and therefore included in computing net income per share using the two-class method.

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 Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method. Diluted net income per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.

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



	13 Weeks Ended January 23, 2016					26 Weeks Ended January 23, 2016
	Class A		Class B			Class A		Class B
Numerator:
Net income allocated, basic	$	4,755	$	1,395		$	8,108	$	2,379
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	1,395		—			2,379		—
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income	—		—			—		—
Net income allocated, diluted	$	6,150	$	1,395		$	10,487	$	2,379

Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	9,561		4,319			9,569		4,319
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	4,319		—			4,319		—
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation	—		—			—		—
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	13,880		4,319			13,888		4,319

	13 Weeks Ended January 24, 2015					26 Weeks Ended January 24, 2015
	Class A		Class B			Class A		Class B
Numerator:
Net income allocated, basic	$	4,957	$	1,492		$	7,870	$	2,370
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	1,492		—			2,370		—
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income	9		(2		)	11		(2		)
Net income allocated, diluted	$	6,458	$	1,490		$	10,251	$	2,368

Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	9,409		4,361			9,409		4,361
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	4,361		—			4,361		—
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation	25		—			22		—
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	13,795		4,361			13,792		4,361

Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 477 and 447 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at January 23, 2016 and January 24, 2015, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. In addition, 269 and 290 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 January 23, 2016 and January 24, 2015, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

4. PENSION PLANS

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



	13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016			January 24, 2015			January 23, 2016			January 24, 2015
Service cost	$	1,104		$	910		$	2,208		$	1,820
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations	827			764			1,654			1,528
Expected return on plan assets	(940		)	(928		)	(1,880		)	(1,856		)
Amortization of net losses	482			324			964			648
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,473		$	1,070		$	2,946		$	2,140

On February 15, 2016, the Company amended the Village Super Market Employees Retirement Plan, which covers non-union employees and pharmacists, to freeze all benefits effective March 31, 2016. In connection with this amendment, the employer matching contribution to the Company-sponsored 401(k) savings plan will be increased. The Company will perform a re-measurement of the pension plan and report these results in the third quarter ending April 23, 2016. We expect these changes will have an immaterial impact on results of operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

As of January 23, 2016, the Company has not made contributions to its pension plans in fiscal 2016. The Company expects to contribute approximately $3,000 during fiscal 2016 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 (the "Division") 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 Division. As a result, the Company recorded a $10,052 charge, net of federal benefit, to income tax expense in the fiscal quarter ended October 26, 2013, to increase unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties for tax positions taken in prior years.

On February 27, 2015, the Company reached an agreement with the Division whereby the Company paid $33,000 in March 2015 to settle the disputes with the Division for fiscal years 2000 through 2014. Net of federal benefit, the total cash outflow as a result of the settlement was approximately $21,000. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company withdrew its appeal of the Tax Court opinion on the nexus dispute. In addition, the case pending on the deductibility of certain payments between subsidiaries has been dismissed and the Division has withdrawn the related assessments. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $7,293, net of federal taxes, in the fiscal quarter ending April 25, 2015 to reverse remaining unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties in excess of the settlement.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:



	26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016		January 24, 2015
Balance at beginning of year	$	514	$	27,846
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	45		1,919

Balance at end of period	$	559	$	29,765

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense. The Company recognized expense of $1,405 related to interest and penalties on income taxes in the 26 weeks ended January 24, 2015.

6. RELATED PARTY INFORMATION - WAKEFERN

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 25, 2015. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationships or nature of transactions with related parties during the first 26 weeks of fiscal 2016 except for an additional required investment in Wakefern common stock of $717.

Included in cash and cash equivalents at January 23, 2016 and July 25, 2015 are $49,480 and $35,428, respectively, of demand deposits invested at Wakefern at overnight money market rates.

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 fiscal 2013, Wakefern began the process of working with our insurers to recover the damages and Village recorded estimated insurance recoveries of $4,913, of which $2,643 was collected in fiscal 2013 and 2014. In October 2013, Wakefern, as the policy holder, filed suit against the carrier seeking payment of the remaining claims due for all Wakefern members. The suit was the result of different interpretations of policy terms, including whether the policy's named storm deductible applied. On October 29, 2014, the Court issued their opinion on the matter in favor of the carrier. Based on this decision and its related impact, the Company concluded that recovery of further proceeds was not probable and recorded a $2,270 charge to operating and administrative expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2015 to write-off the remaining insurance receivable. Wakefern continues to pursue further recovery of uncollected amounts from the carrier and other sources. As a result, the Company received an additional $940 in insurance proceeds in February 2016 which will be recognized as a reduction in Operating and administrative expenses in the third quarter of fiscal 2016. Any further proceeds recovered will be recognized as they are received.

The Company is involved in other litigation incidental to the normal course of business. 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.

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

(Dollars in Thousands)

OVERVIEW

Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”) 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 Village many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with larger chains.

The supermarket industry is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. 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.

The Company’s stores, six of which are owned, average 59,000 total square feet. On November 6, 2013, Village opened a 77,000 sq. ft. store in Hanover Township, New Jersey that serves the greater Morristown area and replaced the 40,000 sq. ft. Morris Plains store. On April 30, 2014, Village opened a 59,000 sq. ft. store in Union, New Jersey and closed our existing 40,000 sq. ft. store. The remodel and expansion of the Stirling, New Jersey store to 68,000 sq. ft. was completed in October 2015. These larger store sizes enable the Company’s stores to provide a “one-stop” shopping experience and to feature expanded higher margin specialty departments such as an on-site bakery, an expanded delicatessen, a variety of natural and organic foods, ethnic and international foods, prepared foods and pharmacies.

Many of our stores emphasize a Power Alley, which features high margin, fresh, convenience offerings in an area within the store that provides quick customer entry and exit for those customers shopping for today's lunch or dinner. Four of our stores include the Village Food Garden concept that 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.

Village also has on-site registered dieticians in fifteen stores that provide customers with free, private consultations on healthy meals and proper nutrition, as well as leading health related events both in store and in the community as part of the Live Right with ShopRite program. We have thirteen stores that offer ShopRite from Home covering most of the communities served by our stores. ShopRite from Home is an online ordering system that provides for in-store pickup or home delivery. Customers can browse our circular, create and edit shopping lists and use ShopRite from Home through shoprite.com or on their smart phones or tablets through the ShopRite app.

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; units per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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



	13 Weeks Ended				26 Weeks Ended
	January 23, 2016		January 24, 2015		January 23, 2016		January 24, 2015
Sales	100.00	%	100.00	%	100.00	%	100.00	%
Cost of sales	73.17		72.97		73.05		72.95
Gross profit	26.83		27.03		26.95		27.05
Operating and administrative expense	22.67		22.49		23.04		22.94
Depreciation and amortization	1.43		1.45		1.49		1.51
Operating income	2.73		3.09		2.42		2.60
Interest expense	(0.27	)	(0.28	)	(0.28	)	(0.29	)
Interest income	0.13		0.15		0.14		0.16
Income before taxes	2.59		2.96		2.28		2.47
Income taxes	1.09		1.35		0.96		1.14
Net income	1.50	%	1.61	%	1.32	%	1.33	%

Sales. Sales were $420,170 in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 an increase of 2.2% compared to the second quarter of the prior year. Same store sales increased 2.2% primarily due to higher sales in the last week of the second quarter as customers prepared for Winter Storm Jonas, the closing of two competitor stores and continued sales growth in the recently expanded or replaced stores in Stirling, Greater Morristown and Union. These increases were partially offset by six new competitor store openings, including stores formerly operated by A&P, and deflation in the meat, seafood and dairy departments. Excluding the impact of Winter Storm Jonas, same store sales increased 0.8% in the second quarter. The Company expects same store sales in fiscal 2016 to range from a 0.5% to 1.5% increase. 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 and expansions are included in same store sales immediately. All stores are included in same store sales in the 13 weeks ended January 23, 2016.

Sales were $809,699 in the six-month period of fiscal 2016, an increase of 2.4% from the six-month period of the prior year. Same store sales increased 2.4% primarily due to higher sales in the last week of the second quarter as customers prepared for Winter Storm Jonas, the closing of two competitor stores and continued sales growth in the Stirling, greater Morristown and Union stores. These increases were partially offset by six competitor store openings, including stores formerly operated by A&P, and deflation in the meat, seafood and dairy departments. Excluding the impact of Winter Storm Jonas, same store sales increased 1.7% in the six-month period of fiscal 2016.

Gross Profit. Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .20% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the second quarter of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.23%) and increased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.07%). These decreases were partially offset by improved product mix (.05%) and higher patronage dividends (.05%). Gross profit was favorably impacted by receipt of patronage dividends from Wakefern greater than estimated amounts accrued in both the second quarter of fiscal 2016 (.21%) and fiscal 2015 (.19%).

Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .10% in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to the six-month period of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.16%) partially offset by lower promotional spending (.07%).

Operating and Administrative Expense. Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .18% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the second quarter of the prior year due primarily to higher fringe benefit costs (.12%) and payroll (.07%). Fringe benefit costs increased due primarily to higher pension expense (.10%) and healthcare costs (.04%). Payroll costs increased due primarily to the addition of Village Food Garden, ShopRite from Home and other services in the expanded Stirling store.

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .10% in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to the six-month period of the prior year. Excluding a charge in the prior year to write-off all remaining insurance

receivables related to Superstorm Sandy (.29%), Operating and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales increased .39%. This increase is primarily due to higher fringe benefit costs (.22%), payroll (.07%) and legal and consulting fees (.09%). Fringe benefit costs increased due primarily to higher pension expense (.10%) and healthcare costs (.08%). Payroll costs increased due primarily to the addition of Village Food Garden, ShopRite from Home, other services and related training in the expanded Stirling store.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the second quarter and six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions.

Interest Expense. Interest expense in the second quarter and six-month period of fiscal 2016 was flat compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year.

Interest Income. Interest income decreased in the second quarter and six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to less amounts invested.

Income Taxes. The effective income tax rate was 42.2% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to 45.6% in the second quarter of the prior year. Income taxes in the second quarter of the prior year included $436 of accrued interest and penalties related to the New Jersey tax dispute. Excluding accrued interest and penalties, the effective income tax rate was 42.0% in the second quarter of the prior year. The dispute and related settlement with the New Jersey Division of Taxation is described in note 5 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

The effective income tax rate was 42.1% in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to 46.3% in the six-month period of the prior year. Income taxes in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 included $840 of accrued interest and penalties related to the New Jersey tax dispute. Excluding accrued interest and penalties, the effective income tax rate was 42.0% in the six-month period of the prior year.

Net Income. Net income was $6,284 in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to $6,603 in the second quarter of the prior year. The second quarter of the prior year includes a higher tax rate due to $436 of accrued interest and penalties related to the New Jersey tax dispute. Excluding this item from prior year period, net income decreased 11% in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year due primarily to a lower gross profit percentage and higher operating and administrative expenses. Partially offsetting these decreases in net income were substantially greater sales in the last week of the quarter due to Winter Storm Jonas.

Net income was $10,714 in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to $10,481 in the six-month period of the prior year. Fiscal 2015 includes a charge to write-off all remaining insurance receivables related to Superstorm Sandy of $1,340 (net of tax) and a higher tax rate due to $840 of accrued interest and penalties related to the New Jersey tax dispute. Excluding these items from the prior year period, net income decreased 15% in the six-month period of fiscal 2016 compared to the prior year primarily due to a lower gross profit percentage and higher operating and administrative expenses. Partially offsetting these decreases in net income were substantially greater sales in the last week of the six-month period due to Winter Storm Jonas.

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, and accounting for uncertain tax positions, are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 25, 2015. As of January 23, 2016, 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 $38,741 in the 26-week period of fiscal 2016 compared to $35,620 in the corresponding period of the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to changes in the timing of payables and lower inventories as a result of higher sales during the last week of the second quarter of fiscal 2016 as customers prepared for Winter Storm Jonas. During the 26-week period of fiscal 2016, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $10,558 and dividends of $6,328. Capital expenditures primarily include costs associated with remodels of existing stores. In October 2015, Village sold the land and building of a closed store in Washington, New Jersey for $900.

Village expects capital expenditures of $20,000 in fiscal 2016. Planned expenditures include the completion of the expansion and remodel of the Stirling, New Jersey store, one major remodel and several smaller remodels. The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2016 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at January 23, 2016 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2016.

Working capital was $49,503 at January 23, 2016 compared to $39,747 at July 25, 2015. The working capital ratio was 1.5 to 1 at January 23, 2016 and 1.4 to 1 at July 25, 2015. The Company’s working capital needs are reduced, since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.

Village has an unsecured revolving credit agreement providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $25,000. On December 1, 2015, this loan agreement was extended to expire on December 31, 2017. The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the prime rate, or at the Eurodollar rate, at the Company’s option, plus applicable margins based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. There were no amounts outstanding at January 23, 2016 or July 25, 2015 under this facility.

There have been no substantial changes as of January 23, 2016 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 25, 2015.

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: same store sales; economic conditions; expected pension plan contributions; projected capital expenditures; cash flow requirements; inflation expectations; and legal matters; and are indicated by words such as “will,” “expect,” “should,” “intend,” “anticipates,” “believes” and similar words or phrases. The Company cautions the reader that there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from the results expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.

•We expect same store sales to increase from .5% to 1.5% in fiscal 2016.


•	We have budgeted $20,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2016. Planned expenditures include the completion of the expansion and remodel of the Stirling, New Jersey store, one major remodel and several smaller remodels.


•	The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2016 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 2016 to be in the range of 41.5% - 42.5%.


•	We expect operating expenses will be affected by increased costs in certain areas, such as medical and other fringe benefit costs.

•

Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. These include:

•

The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. Results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by competitive pricing and promotional programs, industry consolidation and competitor store openings. Village competes with national and regional supermarkets, local supermarkets, warehouse club stores, supercenters, drug stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, discount merchandisers, restaurants and other local retailers. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.


•	The Company’s stores are concentrated in New Jersey, with one store in northeastern Pennsylvania and two in Maryland. We are vulnerable to economic downturns in New Jersey in addition to those that may affect the country as a whole. Economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates, energy costs, social programs and unemployment rates may adversely affect our sales and profits.

•

In July 2011 Village acquired two stores in Maryland, a new market for Village where the ShopRite name is less known than in New Jersey. While we continue to invest in marketing and promotional programs to build market share, sales trends for our Maryland stores have deteriorated in fiscal 2016 and remain worse than initially projected. If these trends continue, it could result in impairment charges on long-lived assets specific to the Maryland stores that could materially impact the Company's results of operations.

•

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 92% 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 wage increases, 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.

•

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, withdrawals by other participating employers and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.


•	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.

•

Wakefern provides all members of the cooperative with information system support that enables us to effectively manage our business data, customer transactions, ordering, communications and other business processes. These information systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer or telecommunications failures, computer viruses and related malicious software, catastrophic weather events, or human error. Any material interruption of our or Wakefern’s information systems could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations.

Due to the nature of our business, personal information about our customers, vendors and associates is received and stored in these information systems. In addition, confidential information is transmitted through our ShopRite from Home online business at shoprite.com and through the ShopRite app. Unauthorized parties may attempt to access information stored in or to sabotage or disrupt these systems. Wakefern and the Company maintain substantial security measures to prevent and detect unauthorized access to such information, including utilizing third-party service providers for monitoring our networks, security reviews, and other functions. It is possible that computer hackers, cyber terrorists and others may be able to defeat the security measures in place at Wakefern or those of third-party service providers.

Any breach of these security measures and loss of confidential information, which could be undetected for a period of time, could damage our reputation with customers, vendors and associates, cause Wakefern and Village to incur significant costs to protect any customers, vendors and associates whose personal data was compromised, cause us to make changes to our information systems and could result in government enforcement actions and litigation against Wakefern and/or Village from outside parties. Any such breach could have a material adverse impact on our operations, consolidated financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity if the related costs to Wakefern and Village are not covered or are in excess of carried insurance policies. In addition, a security breach could require Wakefern and Village to devote significant management resources to address problems created by the security breach and restore our reputation.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

See note 6 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements for information on related party transactions.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At January 23, 2016, the Company had demand deposits of $49,480 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.

At January 23, 2016, the Company had $41,843 in notes receivable due from Wakefern. Half of these notes earn interest at the prime rate plus .25% and mature on August 15, 2017 and half earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature on February 15, 2019. Wakefern has the right to prepay these notes at any time. Under certain conditions, the Company can require Wakefern to prepay the notes, although 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 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 changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended January 23, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

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 2, 2016

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

Dated: March 2, 2016	/s/ James Sumas
	James Sumas
	(Chief Executive Officer)

Dated: March 2, 2016	/s/ John Van Orden
	John Van Orden
	(Chief Financial Officer)