VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INC - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES & EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM 10-K

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.

For the fiscal year ended: July 27, 2019

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-33360

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)

REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE: (973) 467-2200

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

Class A common stock, no par value	The NASDAQ Stock Market
(Title of Class)	(Name of exchange on which registered)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ý

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý

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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý

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



Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer x

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company x
		Emerging growth company o

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

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

The aggregate market value of the Class A common stock of Village Super Market, Inc. held by non-affiliates was approximately $216.8 million and the aggregate market value of the Class B common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $0.4 million based upon the closing price of the Class A shares on the NASDAQ on January 26, 2019, the last business day of the second fiscal quarter. There are no other classes of voting stock outstanding.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, as of latest practicable date.



	Outstanding at
Class	October 8, 2019

Class A common stock, no par value	10,090,410 Shares
Class B common stock, no par value	4,293,748 Shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Information contained in the 2019 definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission and delivered to security holders in connection with the Annual Meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019 are incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K at Part II, Item 5 and Part III.

PART I

(All dollar amounts are in thousands, except per share and per square foot data).

ITEM I. BUSINESS

GENERAL

Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”) was founded in 1937. For almost all of fiscal 2019, Village operated a chain of 30 ShopRite supermarkets, eighteen of which are located in northern New Jersey, eight in southern New Jersey, two in Maryland, one in northeastern Pennsylvania and one in the Bronx, New York City. In addition, on June 24, 2019, Village acquired the assets and certain liabilities of Gourmet Garage for $5,267. Gourmet Garage operates three specialty markets averaging 11,000 sq. ft. (5,800 selling sq. ft.) in Manhattan, New York City.

The Company is a member of Wakefern Food Corporation ("Wakefern"), the nation's largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite and Gourmet Garage names. This relationship provides Village many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, private label products, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with chains of greater size and geographic coverage.

Village competes by using low pricing, providing a superior customer experience and a broad range of consistently available quality products, including ShopRite private labeled products. The ShopRite Price Plus preferred customer program enables Village to offer continuity programs, focus on target marketing initiatives and to offer discounts and attach digital coupons directly to a customer's Price Plus card.

During fiscal 2019, sales per store were $54,715 and sales per average square foot of selling space were $1,186, excluding the Gourmet Garage stores. The Company gives ongoing attention to the décor and format of its stores and tailors each store's product mix to the preferences of the local community.

Below is a summary of the range of store sizes at July 27, 2019:



Total Square Feet	Number of Stores

Greater than 60,000	15
50,001 to 60,000	8
40,001 to 50,000	3
20,000 to 40,000	4
Less than 20,000	3
Total	33

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. 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. Certain of our stores include a Village Food Garden, featuring a restaurant style kitchen and a wide variety of store prepared specialty foods for both take-home and in-store dining.

Well Everyday program. Expanded services such as a culinary classroom, fitness studio and a learning and childcare center have been incorporated into certain new and expanded stores.

We have seventeen 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.

The following table shows the percentage of the Company's sales allocable to various product categories during each of the periods indicated:



Product Categories
	2019		2018
Groceries	35.9	%	36.3	%
Dairy and Frozen	16.9		17.0
Produce	12.0		12.0
Meats	9.5		9.5
Non-Foods	8.2		8.3
Deli and Prepared Food	7.7		7.5
Pharmacy	4.2		4.3
Seafood	2.6		2.4
Bakery	2.2		2.1
Liquor	0.5		0.4
Other	0.3		0.2
	100	%	100	%

A variety of factors affect the profitability of each of the Company's stores, including competition, size, access and parking, lease terms, management supervision, and the strength of the ShopRite trademark in the local community. Village continually evaluates individual stores to determine if they should be closed, remodeled or replaced.

DEVELOPMENT AND EXPANSION

The Company has an ongoing program to upgrade and expand its supermarket chain. This program has included store remodels as well as the opening or acquisition of additional stores. When remodeling, Village has sought, whenever possible, to increase the amount of selling space in its stores.

In fiscal 2019, Village began construction of a replacement store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, acquired three Gourmet Garage specialty markets in Manhattan, New York City and expanded self-checkout across most of our stores, and completed several smaller remodels and small equipment purchases.

In fiscal 2018, Village completed construction of the Bronx, New York store, several minor remodels and various technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

Additional store remodels and sites for new stores are in various stages of development. Village will also consider additional acquisitions should appropriate opportunities arise.

WAKEFERN FOOD CORPORATION

The Company is the second largest member of Wakefern and owns 12.5% of Wakefern’s outstanding stock as of July 27, 2019. Wakefern, which was organized in 1946, is the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative. Wakefern and its 49 shareholder members operate 352 supermarkets and other retail formats, including 96 stores operated by Wakefern. Only Wakefern and its members are entitled to use the ShopRite name and trademark, and to participate in ShopRite advertising and promotional programs.

The principal benefits to the Company from its relationship with Wakefern are the use of the ShopRite name and trademark, volume purchasing, ShopRite private label products, distribution and warehousing economies of scale, ShopRite advertising and promotional programs (including the ShopRite Price Plus card) and the development of advanced retail technology. The Company believes that the ShopRite name is widely recognized by its customers and is a factor in their decisions about where to shop. ShopRite private label products accounted for approximately 12.0% of sales in fiscal 2019.

Wakefern distributes as a "patronage dividend" to each of its stockholders a share of substantially all of its earnings in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by the stockholder from Wakefern during each fiscal year.

While Wakefern has a substantial professional staff, it operates as a member owned cooperative. Executives of most members make contributions of time to the business of Wakefern. Executives of the Company spend a significant amount of their time working on various Wakefern committees, which oversee and direct Wakefern purchasing, merchandising and other programs. In addition, Nicholas Sumas, the Company’s Co-President, is a member of the Wakefern Board of Directors.

Most of the Company's advertising is developed and placed by Wakefern's professional advertising staff. Wakefern is responsible for all television, radio and major newspaper advertisements. Wakefern bills its members using various formulas which allocate advertising costs in accordance with the estimated proportional benefits to each member from such advertising. The Company also places Wakefern developed materials with local newspapers. In addition, Wakefern and its affiliates provide the Company with other services including liability and property insurance, supplies, certain equipment purchasing, coupon processing, certain financial accounting applications, retail technology support, including shoprite.com and ShopRite smart phone apps, and other store services.

Wakefern operates warehouses and distribution facilities in Elizabeth, Keasbey, Whitehouse, Dayton, Newark and Jamesburg, New Jersey and Gouldsboro and Breinigsville, Pennsylvania. The Company and all other members of Wakefern are parties to the Wakefern Stockholders' Agreement which provides for certain commitments by, and restrictions on, all shareholders of Wakefern. This agreement extends until ten years from the date that stockholders representing 75% of Wakefern sales notify Wakefern that those stockholders request the Wakefern Stockholders' Agreement be terminated. Each member is obligated to purchase from Wakefern a minimum of 85% of its requirements for products offered by Wakefern. If this purchase obligation is not met, the member is required to pay Wakefern's profit contribution shortfall attributable to this failure. The Company fulfilled this obligation in fiscal 2019 and 2018. This agreement also requires that in the event of unapproved changes in control of the Company or a sale of the Company or of individual Company stores, except to a qualified successor, the Company in such cases must pay Wakefern an amount equal to the annual profit contribution shortfall attributable to the sale of a store or change in control. No payments are required if the volume lost by a shareholder as a result of the sale of a store is replaced by such shareholder by increased volume in existing or new stores. A "qualified successor" must be, or agree to become, a member of Wakefern, and may not own or operate any supermarkets, other than ShopRite, PriceRite, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage or Dearborn Market supermarkets, in the states of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine or the District of Columbia, or own or operate more than 25 non-ShopRite supermarkets in any other locations in the United States.

Wakefern, under circumstances specified in its bylaws, may refuse to sell merchandise to, and may repurchase the Wakefern stock of, any member. Such circumstances include a member's bankruptcy filing, certain unapproved transfers by a member of its supermarket business or its capital stock in Wakefern, unapproved acquisition by a member of certain supermarket or grocery wholesale supply businesses, the material breach by a member of any provision of the bylaws of Wakefern or any agreement with Wakefern, or a failure to fulfill financial obligations to Wakefern.

Any material change in Wakefern's method of operation or a termination or material modification of the Company's relationship with Wakefern following termination of the above agreements, or otherwise, might have an adverse impact on the conduct of the Company's business and could involve additional expense for the Company. The failure of any Wakefern member to fulfill its obligations under these agreements or a member's insolvency or withdrawal from Wakefern could result in increased costs to remaining members.

Wakefern does not prescribe geographical franchise areas to its members. The specific locations at which the Company, other members of Wakefern, or Wakefern itself, may open new units under the ShopRite, PriceRite, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage or Dearborn Market names are, however, subject to the approval of Wakefern's Site Development Committee. This committee is composed of persons who are not employees or members of Wakefern. Committee decisions to deny a site application may be appealed to the Wakefern Board of Directors. Wakefern assists its members in their site selection by providing appropriate demographic data, volume projections and estimates of the impact of the proposed store on existing member supermarkets in the area.

Each of Wakefern's members is required to make capital contributions to Wakefern based on the number of stores operated by that member and the purchases from Wakefern generated by those stores. As additional stores are opened or acquired by a member, additional capital must be contributed by it to Wakefern. The Company’s investment in Wakefern and affiliates was $28,644 at July 27, 2019. The total amount of debt outstanding from all capital pledges to Wakefern is $846 at July 27, 2019. The maximum per store capital contribution increased from $925 to $950 in fiscal 2019, resulting in an additional $625 capital pledge, which was paid in fiscal 2019.

As required by the Wakefern bylaws, the Company’s investment in Wakefern is pledged to Wakefern to secure the Company’s obligations to Wakefern. In addition, five members of the Sumas family have guaranteed the Company’s obligations to Wakefern. These personal guarantees are required of any 5% shareholder of the Company who is active in the operation of the Company. Wakefern does not own any securities of the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company’s investment in Wakefern entitles the Company to enough votes to elect one member to the Wakefern Board of Directors due to cumulative voting rights.

LABOR

As of July 27, 2019, the Company employed approximately 6,731 persons with approximately 71% working part-time. Approximately 88% of the Company’s employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Contracts with the Company’s seven unions have expiration dates between March 2020 and October 2023. Approximately 1% of our associates are represented by unions whose contracts have expired or will expire within one year. Many of the Company’s competitors are similarly unionized.

SEASONALITY

The majority of our revenues are generally not seasonal in nature. However, revenues tend to be higher during the major holidays throughout the year.

REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT

The Company’s business requires various licenses and the registration of facilities with state and federal health and drug regulatory agencies. These licenses and registration requirements obligate the Company to observe certain rules and regulations, and a violation of these rules and regulations could result in a suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations and fines or penalties. In addition, most licenses require periodic renewals. The Company has not experienced material difficulties with respect to obtaining or retaining licenses and registrations.

COMPETITION

The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins. Village competes directly with multiple retail formats both in-store and online, 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. Some of the Company's principal competitors include Acme, Aldi, Amazon/Whole Foods, BJs, Costco, Foodtown, Giant, Kings, Lidl, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Target, Trader Joe's, Wal-Mart, Wegmans and Weis. Competition with these outlets is based on price, store location, convenience, promotion, product assortment, quality and service. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition costs and lower operating expenses than we do.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

As a member of the Wakefern cooperative, Village relies upon our customer focused website, shoprite.com, for interaction with customers and prospective employees. This website is maintained by Wakefern for the benefit of all ShopRite supermarkets, and therefore does not contain any financial information related to the Company.

The Company will provide paper copies of the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and press releases free of charge upon request to any shareholder. In addition, electronic copies of these filings can be obtained at sec.gov.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Not applicable.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

Not applicable.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

As of July 27, 2019, Village owns the sites of six of its supermarkets (containing 412,000 square feet of total space), all of which are freestanding stores, except the Egg Harbor store, which is part of a shopping center. The remaining 27 stores (containing 1,392,000 square feet of total space) and the corporate headquarters are leased, with initial lease terms generally ranging from 20 to 30 years, usually with renewal options. Nineteen of these leased stores are located in shopping centers or city storefronts and the remaining eight are freestanding stores.

The annual rent, including capitalized leases, for all of the Company's leased facilities for the year ended July 27, 2019 was approximately $18,431.

Village is a limited partner in two partnerships, one of which owns a shopping center in which one of our leased stores is located. The Company is also a general partner in a partnership that is a lessor of one of the Company's freestanding stores.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Superstorm Sandy devastated Village's trade 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. Wakefern, as the policy holder, has pursued recovery of uncollected insurance claims on behalf of all Wakefern members through litigation against the insurance carrier and others since October 2013. This litigation is ongoing and the Company received an additional $415 in November 2018 which was recognized as a reduction in Operating and administrative expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Including the November 2018 recoveries, Village has received $3,998 related to losses incurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy. 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 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

(All dollar amounts are in thousands, except per share data).

Stock Price and Dividend Information

The Class A common stock of Village Super Market, Inc. is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “VLGEA.” The table below sets forth the high and low last reported sales price for the fiscal quarter indicated.



2019	High		Low
4th Quarter	$	29.82	$	24.58
3rd Quarter	31.58		26.36
2nd Quarter	28.37		24.35
1st Quarter	29.36		23.94
2018	High		Low
4th Quarter	$	31.28	$	27.19
3rd Quarter	27.79		22.50
2nd Quarter	25.92		22.67
1st Quarter	25.80		22.90

As of October 1, 2019, there were approximately 790 holders of Class A common stock.

During fiscal 2019, Village paid cash dividends of $12,890. Dividends in fiscal 2019 consist of $1.00 per Class A common share and $.65 per Class B common share.

During fiscal 2018, Village paid cash dividends of $12,878. Dividends in fiscal 2018 consist of $1.00 per Class A common share and $.65 per Class B common share.

The number and average price of shares purchased in each fiscal month of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 are set forth in the table below:



Period(1)	Total Number of Shares Purchased(2)	Average Price Paid Per Share	Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan or Programs
April 28, 2019 to May 25, 2019	—	$—	—	$1,026,443
May 26, 2019 to June 22, 2019	—	$—	—	$1,026,443
June 23, 2019 to July 27, 2019	13,686	$24.95	13,686	$684,961
Total	13,686	$24.95	13,686


(1)	The reported periods conform to our fiscal calendar.

(2) Includes shares repurchased under a $5.0 million repurchase program of the Company's Class A Common Stock authorized by the Board of Directors and announced on June 12, 2015. Repurchases may be made from time-to-time through a variety of methods, including open market purchases and other negotiated transactions, including through plans designed to comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Selected Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data and per square foot data).

Fiscal 2016 contains 53 weeks, with the additional week included in the fourth quarter. All other fiscal years contain 52 weeks.



For year	July 27, 2019				July 28, 2018					July 29, 2017			July 30, 2016					July 25, 2015
Sales	$	1,643,502			$	1,612,015				$	1,604,574		$	1,634,904				$	1,583,789
Net income	25,539			(1)	25,080			(2	)	22,921			25,044			(3	)	30,620			(4	)
Net income as a % of sales	1.55		%		1.56		%			1.43		%	1.53		%			1.93		%
Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
Basic	$	1.98			$	1.95				$	1.80		$	1.98				$	2.44
Diluted	1.77				1.74					1.60			1.77					2.16
Class B common stock:
Basic	1.29				1.27					1.16			1.29					1.58
Diluted	1.29				1.27					1.16			1.29					1.58
Cash dividends per share:
Class A	1.00				1.00					1.00			1.00					1.00
Class B	0.65				0.65					0.65			0.65					0.65

At year-end
Total assets	$	502,289			$	481,590				$	455,225		$	450,254				$	431,889
Long-term debt	47,725				48,186					42,646			43,561					44,425
Working capital	56,307				89,201					85,279			60,538					41,760
Shareholders’ equity	318,672				303,145					286,820			271,735					252,767
Book value per share	22.15				21.08					19.93			19.20					17.84

Other data
Same store sales trend (5)	(0.5		)%		0.2		%			0.0		%	1.4		%			2.1		%
Total square feet	1,804,000				1,770,000					1,717,000			1,717,000					1,717,000
Average total sq. ft. per store	55,000				59,000					59,000			59,000					59,000
Selling square feet	1,401,000				1,384,000					1,353,000			1,353,000					1,353,000
Sales per average square foot of selling space (6)	$	1,186			$	1,188				$	1,186		$	1,208				$	1,177
Number of stores	33				30					29			29					29
Sales per average number of stores (6)	$	54,715			$	55,450				$	55,330		$	56,376				$	54,613
Capital expenditures and acquisitions	27,988				35,464					27,726			19,971					23,517

(1) Includes a $290 (net of tax) gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received and a tax benefit of $777 related to the favorable settlement of a tax audit with the New Jersey Division of Taxation.

(2) Includes a $3,300 reduction in deferred tax expense as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, an $822 (net of tax) non-recurring credit accrued related to multi-employer pension benefits, $877 (net of tax) in non-recurring assessments from Wakefern and $695 (net of tax) in pre-opening costs related to the Bronx, New York City store.

(3) Includes estimated net income of $280 due to the fiscal year including a 53rd week and a $545 (net of tax) gain due to the recovery of insurance receivables related to Superstorm Sandy.

(4) Includes a charge to write-off insurance receivables related to Superstorm Sandy of $1,340 (net of tax), a $316 (net of tax) impairment charge related to the property of a closed store and a tax benefit of $6,452 related to settlement of a dispute with the New Jersey Division of Taxation, net of interest and penalties accrued prior to settlement.

(5) 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. The change in same store sales in fiscal 2017 and 2016 excludes the impact of the 53rd week in fiscal 2016.

(6) Amounts for the year ended July 27, 2019 exclude the results of the Gourmet Garage stores acquired on June 24, 2019 and amounts for the year ended July 28, 2018 exclude results of the store opened in the Bronx, New York on June 28, 2018.

Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts).



	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter		Fiscal Year
2019
Sales	$	401,550	$	428,128	$	395,458	$	418,366	$	1,643,502
Gross profit	112,113		117,736		110,611		116,256		456,716
Net income	6,269		7,571		4,970		6,729		25,539
Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
Basic	0.49		0.59		0.39		0.52		1.98
Diluted	0.43		0.53		0.35		0.47		1.77
Class B common stock:
Basic	0.32		0.38		0.25		0.34		1.29
Diluted	0.32		0.38		0.25		0.34		1.29

2018
Sales	$	387,340	$	418,269	$	395,437	$	413,999	$	1,615,045
Gross profit	104,792		113,467		109,829		114,941		443,029
Net income	3,016		9,511		6,542		6,011		25,080
Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
Basic	0.23		0.74		0.51		0.47		1.95
Diluted	0.21		0.66		0.45		0.42		1.74
Class B common stock:
Basic	0.15		0.48		0.33		0.30		1.27
Diluted	0.15		0.48		0.33		0.30		1.27

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share and per square foot data).

OVERVIEW

Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”) operates a chain of 30 supermarkets in New Jersey, Maryland, northeastern Pennsylvania and New York City under the ShopRite banner. On June 24, 2019, Village acquired the assets and certain liabilities of Gourmet Garage for $5,267. Gourmet Garage operates three specialty markets averaging 11,000 sq. ft. (5,800 selling sq. ft.) in Manhattan, New York City. On June 28, 2018, Village opened a 53,000 sq. ft. (31,000 selling sq. ft.) ShopRite in the Bronx, New York City.

Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite and Gourmet Garage names. This ownership interest in Wakefern provides Village with 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, both in-store and online, 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.

The Company’s stores, six of which are owned, average 55,000 total square feet. 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. Certain of our stores include the Village Food Garden concept featuring 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 nineteen ShopRite 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 Well Everyday program. We have seventeen 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.

The Company utilizes a 52 - 53 week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday in the month of July. Fiscal 2019 and 2018 contain 52 weeks.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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



	July 27, 2019		July 28, 2018
Sales	100.00	%	100.00	%
Cost of sales	72.21	%	72.57	%
Gross profit	27.79	%	27.43	%
Operating and administrative expense	24.02	%	23.81	%
Depreciation and amortization	1.66	%	1.55	%
Operating income	2.11	%	2.07	%
Interest expense	(0.27	)%	(0.28	)%
Interest income	0.32	%	0.24	%
Income before income taxes	2.16	%	2.03	%
Income taxes	0.61	%	0.48	%
Net income	1.55	%	1.55	%

SALES

Sales were $1,643,502 in fiscal 2019, an increase of $28,457, or 1.8% from fiscal 2018. Sales increased due to the opening of the Bronx, New York City store on June 28, 2018 and the acquisition of Gourmet Garage on June 24, 2019 partially offset by a same store sales decrease of 0.5%. Same store sales decreased due primarily to the impact of three competitor store openings partially offset by continued sales growth in recently replaced and remodeled stores. 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.

GROSS PROFIT

Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased .36% in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 due to increased patronage dividends and other rebates from Wakefern (.11%), lower promotional spending (.10%), more favorable product mix (.06%) and increased departmental gross margin percentages (.09%).

OPERATING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE

Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .21% in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018. Fiscal 2019 includes a gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received (.03%) and fiscal 2018 included non-recurring assessments from Wakefern (.08%), pre-opening costs related to the Bronx, NY store (.06%) and credits received related to multi-employer pension benefits (.08%). Excluding these items, operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .30% in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 due primarily to increased payroll costs (.32%) and self-insured workers compensation claim costs (.08%) partially offset by decreased legal and consulting fees (.12%). Payroll costs increased due primarily to reduced operating leverage as a result of the decrease in same store sales, increased training costs and investments in operational proficiency and other strategic initiatives.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization expense was $27,290 and $24,999 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense increased in fiscal 2019 compared to the prior year due to depreciation related to capital expenditures and accelerated depreciation related to assets at the existing Stroudsburg store that is expected to be replaced in the fall of 2019.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense was $4,436 and $4,460 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interest expense was flat in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018.

INTEREST INCOME

Interest income was $5,283 and $3,845 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Interest income increased in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 due primarily to larger amounts invested and higher interest rates earned on variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern and demand deposits invested at Wakefern.

INCOME TAXES

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 28.1% and 23.6% in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The effective tax rate was impacted by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Tax Act") enacted on December 22, 2017. The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S tax code, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal statutory tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and bonus depreciation that allows for full expensing of qualified property. As the Company’s fiscal year ended on July 28, 2018, the Company’s U.S. federal corporate statutory income tax rate was subject to a full year blended tax rate of 26.9% for fiscal 2018, and 21.0% for fiscal 2019 and subsequent fiscal years.

Fiscal 2019 includes a tax benefit of $777 related to the favorable settlement of a tax audit with the New Jersey Division of Taxation and fiscal 2018 includes a decrease in net deferred tax liabilities of $3,300, with a corresponding reduction to deferred income tax expense as a result of the decrease in the federal tax rate. Excluding the impact of these adjustments, the effective income tax rate was 30.3% and 33.7% in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The reduction in the effective tax rate in fiscal 2019 is due to full realization of the 21.0% federal corporate tax rate partially offset by a temporary increase in the New Jersey corporate tax rate from 9.0% to 11.5% for fiscal 2019.

NET INCOME

Net income was $25,539 in fiscal 2019 compared to $25,080 in fiscal 2018. Fiscal 2019 includes a $290 (net of tax) gain for Superstorm Sandy insurance proceeds received and a tax benefit of $777 related to the favorable settlement of a tax audit with the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Fiscal 2018 includes a $3,300 reduction in deferred tax expense as a result of the Tax Act, an $822 (net of tax) non-recurring credit accrued related to multi-employer pension benefits, $877 (net of tax) in non-recurring assessments from Wakefern and $695 (net of tax) in pre-opening costs related to the Bronx, New York City store. Excluding these items from both periods, net income increased 9% in fiscal 2019 compared to the prior year primarily due to higher gross profit margins and the favorable impact of the Tax Act.

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 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.

IMPAIRMENT

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and fixtures for possible impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of assets may not be recoverable. Such review analyzes the undiscounted estimated future net cash flows from asset groups at the store level to determine if the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash flows. If impairment is indicated, it is measured by comparing the fair value of the long-lived asset groups, which include long-term leases, to their carrying value.

Goodwill is tested for impairment at the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate. The Company utilizes valuation techniques, such as earnings multiples, in addition to the Company’s market capitalization, to assess goodwill for impairment. Calculating the fair value of a reporting unit requires the use of estimates. Management believes the fair value of Village’s one reporting unit exceeds its carrying value at July 27, 2019. Should the Company’s carrying value of its one reporting unit exceed its fair value, the amount of any resulting goodwill impairment may be material to the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

PATRONAGE DIVIDENDS

As a stockholder of Wakefern, Village earns a share of Wakefern’s earnings, which are distributed as a “patronage dividend.” This dividend is based on a distribution of substantially all of Wakefern’s operating profits for its fiscal year (which ends on or about September 30) in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by each member from Wakefern during that fiscal year. Patronage dividends are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as merchandise is sold. Village accrues estimated patronage dividends due from Wakefern quarterly based on an estimate of the annual Wakefern patronage dividend and an estimate of Village’s share of this annual dividend based on Village’s estimated proportional share of the dollar volume of business transacted with Wakefern that year. The patronage dividend receivable based on these estimates was $11,908 and $11,937 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively.

PENSION PLANS

The determination of the Company’s obligation and expense for Company-sponsored pension plans is dependent, in part, on Village’s selection of assumptions used by actuaries in calculating those amounts. These assumptions are described in Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and include, among others, the discount rate, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the rate of increase in compensation costs. Actual results that differ from the Company’s assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect recognized expense in future periods. While management believes that its assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in the Company’s assumptions may materially affect cash flows, pension obligations and future expense.

The objective of the discount rate assumption is to reflect the rate at which the Company’s pension obligations could be effectively settled based on the expected timing and amounts of benefits payable to participants under the plans. Our methodology for selecting the discount rate as of July 27, 2019 was to match the plans' cash flows to that of a yield curve on high-quality fixed-income investments. Based on this method, we utilized a weighted-average discount rate of 3.41% at July 27, 2019 compared to 3.99% at July 28, 2018. Changes in the discount rate and updated assumptions on mortality tables and improvement scales resulted in a net increase in the projected benefit obligation by approximately $5,923 at July 27, 2019. Village evaluated the expected increase in compensation costs of 4.50% and concluded no changes in this assumption was necessary in estimating pension plan obligations and expense. In fiscal 2018, the Company transitioned to a liability-driven investment ("LDI") strategy. A LDI strategy focuses on maintaining a close to fully-funded status over the long-term with minimal funded status risk. This is achieved by investing more of the plan assets in fixed income instruments to more closely match the duration of the plan liability. The investment allocation to fixed income instruments will increase as each plans funded status increases. Based on the Company’s transition to an LDI strategy, the Company assumed a 5.50% long-term rate of return on plan assets for fiscal 2019.

Sensitivity to changes in the major assumptions used in the calculation of the Company’s pension plans is as follows:



	Percentage point change	Projected benefit obligation decrease (increase)					Expense decrease (increase)
Discount rate	+ / - 1.0 %	$	9,339	$	(11,786	)	$	469	$	(850	)
Expected return on assets	+ / - 1.0 %	$	—	—			$	628	$	(628	)

Village contributed $5,009 and $6,510 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, to these Company-sponsored pension plans. Village expects contributions to its defined benefit pension plans to be immaterial in fiscal 2020. The 2019 contributions include $2,178 in benefit payments related to the unfunded, non-qualified supplemental benefit plan. Substantially all other contributions in 2019 and 2018 were voluntary contributions.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

For the disclosure related to recently issued accounting standards, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

LIQUIDITY and CAPITAL RESOURCES

CASH FLOWS

Net cash provided by operating activities was $55,788 in fiscal 2019 compared to $58,884 in fiscal 2018. Net cash provided by operating activities was generated primarily by changes in working capital and net income adjusted for non-cash items including depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, deferred taxes and the provision to value inventories at LIFO.

Working capital changes, including Other assets and Other liabilities, increased net cash provided by operating activities by $1,568 in fiscal 2019 compared to $6,466 in fiscal 2018. This change in impact of working capital is due primarily to changes in timing of income tax payments, increased self-insurance reserves and lower merchandise inventories.

During fiscal 2019, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $27,988, dividends of $12,890, the acquisition of Gourmet Garage for $5,267, treasury stock purchases of $1,070 and additional investments of $3,127 in notes receivable from Wakefern,

net of proceeds received on matured notes. Capital expenditures primarily include costs associated with the Bronx, New York store, the Stroudsburg replacement store, expansion of self-checkout, several smaller remodels and small equipment purchases.

During fiscal 2018, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $35,464, dividends of $12,878, investments in notes receivable related to New Market Tax Credit financing of $4,835, treasury stock purchases of $632 and additional investments of $2,401 in notes receivable from Wakefern, net of proceeds received on matured notes. See further discussion on the New Market Tax Credit program in note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. Capital expenditures primarily includes costs associated with the construction of the Bronx, New York store, several minor remodels and various technology, equipment and facility upgrades.

LIQUIDITY and DEBT

Working capital was $56,307 and $89,201 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively. Working capital ratios at the same dates were 1.50 and 1.88 to one, respectively. The decrease in working capital in fiscal 2019 compared to fiscal 2018 is due primarily to maturity of $24,937 in notes receivable from Wakefern which was reinvested in long-term notes receivable from Wakefern. 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 budgeted $55 million for capital expenditures for fiscal 2020. Planned expenditures include the construction of a replacement store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, three major remodels, expansion of ShopRite from Home, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades. The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2020 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at July 27, 2019 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2020.

At July 27, 2019, the Company held variable rate notes receivable due from Wakefern of $24,687 that earn interest at the prime rate plus 1.25% and mature on August 15, 2022 and $25,521 that earn interest at the prime rate plus .75% and mature on February 15, 2024. The Company invested $24,937 of the proceeds received from the notes that matured on February 15, 2019 in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus .75% and mature on February 15, 2024. 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.

At July 27, 2019, Village had demand deposits invested at Wakefern in the amount of $73,879. These deposits earn overnight money market rates.

Village has an unsecured revolving credit agreement providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $25,000. The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes and expires on December 21, 2020. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.25%. The credit agreement provides for up to $3,000 of letters of credit, which secure obligations for construction performance guarantees to municipalities. The credit agreement contains covenants that, among other conditions, require a maximum liabilities to tangible net worth ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a positive net income. There were no amounts outstanding at July 27, 2019 or July 28, 2018 under the facility.

During fiscal 2019, Village paid cash dividends of $12,890. Dividends in fiscal 2019 consist of $1.00 per Class A common share and $.65 per Class B common share.

During fiscal 2018, Village paid cash dividends of $12,878. Dividends in fiscal 2018 consist of $1.00 per Class A common share and $.65 per Class B common share.

OUTLOOK

This annual report 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; expected dividend payments; 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 the same store sales trends to range from a 2.0% decrease to flat in fiscal 2020, including the impact of expected investments in retail pricing and expansion of private label/own brand product offerings.


•	We have budgeted $55,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2020. Planned expenditures include the construction of a replacement store in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, three major remodels, expansion of ShopRite from Home, and various merchandising, technology, equipment and facility upgrades.


•	The Board’s current intention is to continue to pay quarterly dividends in 2020 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 2020 to be in the range of 30% - 31%.


•	We expect approximately $1,600 of net periodic pension costs in fiscal 2020 related to the four Company sponsored defined benefit pension plans. The Company expects contributions to its defined benefit pension plans to be immaterial in fiscal 2020.

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 directly with multiple retail formats both in-store and online, 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. 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 two stores in Maryland, one in northeastern Pennsylvania and four in New York City. 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 rate fluctuations, movements in energy costs, social programs, minimum wage legislation, unemployment rates and changing demographics may adversely affect our sales and profits.

•

Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern. In addition, Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, liability and property insurance, supplies, certain equipment purchasing, coupon processing, certain financial accounting applications, retail 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 88% 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.


•	The Company 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.

•

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance to provide for potential liability for workers’ compensation, automobile and general liability, property, director and officers’ liability, and certain employee health care benefits. Any projection of losses is subject to a high degree of variability. Changes in legal claims, trends and interpretations, variability in inflation rates, changes in the nature and method of claims settlement, benefit level changes due to changes in applicable laws, and insolvency of insurance carriers could all affect our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.


•	Our long-lived assets, primarily store property, equipment and fixtures, 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 the Company, 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

The Company holds an investment in Wakefern, its principal supplier. Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern in accordance with the Wakefern Stockholder Agreement. As part of this agreement, Village is required to purchase certain amounts of Wakefern common stock. At July 27, 2019, the Company’s indebtedness to Wakefern for the outstanding amount of this stock subscription was $846. The maximum per store investment is currently $950. Wakefern distributes as a “patronage dividend” to each member a share of its earnings in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by the member from Wakefern during the year. Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, supplies, liability and property insurance, technology support and other store services. Additional information is provided in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

2024. The Company invested $24,937 of the proceeds received from the notes that matured on February 15, 2019 in variable rate notes receivable from Wakefern that earn interest at the prime rate plus .75% and mature on February 15, 2024. 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.

At July 27, 2019, Village had demand deposits invested at Wakefern in the amount of $73,879. These deposits earn overnight money market rates.

The Company subleases the Galloway and Vineland stores from Wakefern at combined current annual rents of $1,355. Both leases contain normal periodic rent increases and options to extend the lease.

The Company leases a supermarket from a realty firm 30% owned by certain officers of Village. The Company paid rent to related parties under this lease of $688 in both fiscal 2019 and 2018. This lease expires in fiscal 2021 with options to extend at increasing annual rents.

The Company has ownership interests in three real estate partnerships. Village paid aggregate rents to two of these partnerships for leased stores of $1,455 in both fiscal 2019 and 2018.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

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

	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	101,121		$	96,108
Merchandise inventories	38,503			39,413
Patronage dividend receivable	11,908			11,937
Notes receivable from Wakefern	—			23,952
Income taxes receivable	43			87
Other current assets	17,206			19,401

Total current assets	168,781			190,898

Notes receivable from Wakefern	50,208			23,129
Property, equipment and fixtures, net	224,890			214,566
Investment in Wakefern	28,644			27,093
Goodwill	12,650			12,057
Other assets	17,116			13,847

Total assets	$	502,289		$	481,590

LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current Liabilities
Capital and financing lease obligations	$	1,022		$	764
Notes payable to Wakefern	43			114
Accounts payable to Wakefern	66,130			61,798
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	23,950			19,080
Accrued wages and benefits	20,259			18,620
Income taxes payable	1,070			1,321

Total current liabilities	112,474			101,697

Long-term debt
Capital and financing lease obligations	40,753			41,768
Notes payable to Wakefern	803			—
Notes payable related to New Markets Tax Credit	6,169			6,418

Total long-term debt	47,725			48,186

Pension liabilities	4,759			8,482
Other liabilities	18,659			20,080

Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9)

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 10,593 shares at July 27, 2019 and 10,575 shares at July 28, 2018	65,114			61,678
Class B common stock, no par value: Authorized 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding 4,294 shares at July 27, 2019 and 4,304 shares at July 28, 2018	697			699
Retained earnings	270,753			258,104
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(8,342		)	(8,185		)
Less treasury stock, Class A, at cost: 502 shares at July 27, 2019 and 496 shares at July 28, 2018	(9,550		)	(9,151		)

Total shareholders’ equity	318,672			303,145

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	502,289		$	481,590

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

	Years ended
	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018

Sales	$	1,643,502		$	1,615,045
Cost of sales	1,186,786			1,172,016

Gross profit	456,716			443,029

Operating and administrative expense	394,750			384,577
Depreciation and amortization	27,290			24,999

Operating income	34,676			33,453

Interest expense	(4,436		)	(4,460		)
Interest income	5,283			3,845

Income before income taxes	35,523			32,838
Income taxes	9,984			7,758

Net income	$	25,539		$	25,080

Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
Basic	$	1.98		$	1.95
Diluted	$	1.77		$	1.74

Class B common stock:
Basic	$	1.29		$	1.27
Diluted	$	1.29		$	1.27

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

	Years ended
	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018

Net income	$	25,539		$	25,080

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Amortization of pension actuarial loss, net of tax (1)	423			409
Pension remeasurement, net of tax (2)	(888		)	(218		)
Pension settlement loss, net of tax (3)	308			624
Reclassification due to the adoption of ASU 2018-02	—			(1,594		)
Total other comprehensive loss	(157		)	(779		)

Comprehensive income	$	25,382		$	24,301


(1)	Amounts are net of tax of $182 and $160 for 2019 and 2018, respectively. All amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to operating and administrative expense.


(2)	Amounts are net of tax of $384 and $86 for 2019 and 2018, respectively.


(3)	Amounts are net of tax of $133 and $242 for 2019 and 2018, respectively. All amounts are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to operating and administrative expense.

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (In thousands)


Years ended July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
														Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)								Total Shareholders' Equity
	Class A Common Stock					Class B Common Stock											Treasury Stock Class A
	Shares Issued		Amount			Shares Issued		Amount			Retained Earnings						Shares		Amount
Balance, July 29, 2017	10,562		$	57,852		4,304		$	699		$	244,308		$	(7,406	)	477		$	(8,633	)	$	286,820
Net income	—		—			—		—			25,080			—			—		—			25,080
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $316	—		—			—		—			1,594			(779		)	—		—			815
Dividends	—		—			—		—			(12,878		)	—			—		—			(12,878		)
Exercise of stock options	—		111			—		—			—			—			(8	)	114			225
Treasury stock purchases	—		—			—		—			—			—			27		(632		)	(632		)
Restricted shares forfeited	(8	)	(59		)	—		—			—			—			—		—			(59		)
Share-based compensation expense	21		3,774			—		—			—			—			—		—			3,774
Balance, July 28, 2018	10,575		61,678			4,304		699			258,104			(8,185		)	496		(9,151		)	303,145
Net income	—		—			—		—			25,539			—			—		—			25,539
Other comprehensive income, net of tax of $69	—		—			—		—			—			(157		)	—		—			(157		)
Dividends	—		—			—		—			(12,890		)	—			—		—			(12,890		)
Exercise of stock options	—		336			—		—			—			—			(36	)	671			1,007
Treasury stock purchases	—		—			—		—			—			—			42		(1,070		)	(1,070		)
Restricted shares forfeited	(15	)	(247		)	—		—			—			—			—		—			(247		)
Share-based compensation expense	23		3,345			—		—			—			—			—		—			3,345
Conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares	10		2			(10	)	(2		)	—			—			—		—			—
Balance, July 27, 2019	10,593		$	65,114		4,294		$	697		$	270,753		$	(8,342	)	502		$	(9,550	)	$	318,672

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

	Years ended
	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	25,539		$	25,080
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	27,290			24,999
Non-cash share-based compensation	3,098			3,715
Deferred taxes	(1,883		)	(1,050		)
Provision to value inventories at LIFO	278			(176		)
Gain on sale of property, equipment and fixtures	(102		)	(150		)

Changes in assets and liabilities:
Merchandise inventories	1,196			2,615
Patronage dividend receivable	29			718
Accounts payable to Wakefern	4,332			2,242
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,430		)	2,139
Accrued wages and benefits	1,639			810
Income taxes receivable / payable	(241		)	2,377
Other assets and liabilities	(2,957		)	(4,435		)

Net cash provided by operating activities	55,788			58,884

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(27,988		)	(35,464		)
Proceeds from the sale of assets	102			150
Investment in notes receivable from Wakefern	(28,064		)	(24,573		)
Maturity of notes receivable from Wakefern	24,937			22,172
Investment in notes receivable related to New Markets Tax Credit financing	—			(4,835		)
Acquisition of Gourmet Garage, net of cash acquired	(5,267		)	—

Net cash used in investing activities	(36,280		)	(42,550		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,007			225
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation	34			5
Proceeds from New Markets Tax Credit financing	—			6,860
Debt issuance costs	—			(297		)
Principal payments of long-term debt	(1,576		)	(944		)
Dividends	(12,890		)	(12,878		)
Treasury stock purchases, including shares surrendered for withholding taxes	(1,070		)	(632		)

Net cash used in financing activities	(14,495		)	(7,661		)

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	5,013			8,673

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR	96,108			87,435

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR	$	101,121		$	96,108

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
Interest	$	4,436		$	4,460
Income taxes	12,074			6,420

NONCASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
Investment in Wakefern and increase in notes payable to Wakefern	$	891		$	—
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable and accrued expenses	7,372			1,233

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(All amounts are in thousands, except per share data).

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of operations

Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”) operates a chain of 30 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York City and three Gourmet Garage specialty markets in Manhattan, New York City. The Company is a member of Wakefern Food Corporation ("Wakefern"), the nation's largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite and Gourmet Garage names. This relationship provides Village many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, private label products, advanced retail technology, marketing and advertising associated with chains of greater size and geographic coverage.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Village Super Market, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which are wholly owned. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Fiscal year

The Company and its subsidiaries utilize a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the last Saturday in the month of July. Fiscal 2019 and 2018 contain 52 weeks.

Use of estimates

In conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates are patronage dividends, pension accounting assumptions, accounting for contingencies and the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Industry segment

The Company consists of one operating segment, the retail sale of food and nonfood products.

Revenue recognition

Revenue is recognized at the point of sale to the customer, including Pharmacy sales. ShopRite From Home sales are recognized either upon pickup in-store or upon delivery to the customer, including any related service fees. Sales tax is excluded from revenue.

Discounts provided to customers through ShopRite coupons and loyalty programs are recognized as a reduction of sales as products are sold. Discounts provided by vendors are not recognized as a reduction in sales. Rather, the Company records a receivable from the vendor for the difference in sales price and payment received from the customer.

The Company does not recognize revenue when it sells ShopRite gift cards. Payment collected from customers for gift card sales is passed on to Wakefern as they can be redeemed at any ShopRite location, including those operated by Wakefern or other Wakefern members. Revenue is recognized and a receivable from Wakefern is recorded when a customer redeems a ShopRite gift card to purchase products or services.

The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” using the full retrospective approach in fiscal 2019. As a result of the adoption of the standard, $4,027 of certain other income streams, including commissions for gift card and lottery sales and service fees for ShopRite From Home, that were previously presented as a reduction in Operating expenses were reclassified to sales for 52 weeks ended July 28, 2018. Additionally, $997 of pharmacy fees previously recorded as Cost of sales were reclassified as a reduction of sales for the 52 weeks ended July 28, 2018.

Disaggregated Revenues

The following table presents the Company's sales by product categories during each of the periods indicated:



	Years Ended
	July 27, 2019				July 28, 2018
	Amount		%		Amount		%
Center Store (1)	$	1,011,232	61.5	%	$	1,000,316	62.0	%
Fresh (2)	558,245		34.0	%	541,102		33.5	%
Pharmacy	69,404		4.2	%	69,917		4.3	%
Other (3)	4,621		0.3	%	3,710		0.2	%

Total Sales	$	1,643,502	100.0	%	$	1,615,045	100.0	%

(1) Consists primarily of grocery, dairy, frozen, health and beauty care, general merchandise and liquor.

(2) Consists primarily of produce, meat, deli, seafood, bakery, prepared foods and floral.

(3) Consists primarily of sales related to other income streams, including ShopRite from Home service fees and gift card and lottery commissions.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents are proceeds due from credit and debit card transactions, which typically settle within five business days, of $8,061 and $8,227 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively. Included in cash and cash equivalents at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018 are $73,879 and $63,413, respectively, of demand deposits invested at Wakefern at overnight money market rates.

Merchandise inventories

Approximately 64% of merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of LIFO (last-in, first-out) cost or market. If the FIFO (first-in, first-out) method had been used, inventories would have been $14,512 and $14,234 higher than reported in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. All other inventories are stated at the lower of FIFO cost or market.

Vendor allowances and rebates

The Company receives vendor allowances and rebates, including the patronage dividend and amounts received as a pass through from Wakefern, related to the Company’s buying and merchandising activities. Vendor allowances and rebates are recognized as a reduction in cost of sales when the related merchandise is sold or when the required contractual terms are completed.

Property, equipment and fixtures

Property, equipment and fixtures are recorded at cost. Interest cost incurred to finance construction is capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.

Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives of thirty years for buildings, ten years for store fixtures and equipment, and three years for computer equipment, shopping carts and vehicles. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the related lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the related assets.

When assets are sold or retired, their cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any gain or loss is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

Investments

The Company’s investments in its principal supplier, Wakefern, and a Wakefern affiliate, Insure-Rite, Ltd., are stated at cost (see Note 3). Village evaluates its investments in Wakefern and Insure-Rite, Ltd. for impairment through consideration of previous, current and projected levels of profit of those entities.

The Company’s 20%-50% investments in certain real estate partnerships are accounted for under the equity method. One of these partnerships is a variable interest entity which does not require consolidation as Village is not the primary beneficiary (see Note 6).

Store opening and closing costs

All store opening costs are expensed as incurred. The Company records a liability for the future minimum lease payments and related costs for closed stores from the date of closure to the end of the remaining lease term, net of estimated cost recoveries that may be achieved through subletting, discounted using a risk-adjusted interest rate.

Leases

Leases that meet certain criteria are classified as capital leases, and assets and liabilities are recorded at amounts equal to the lesser of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the leased properties at the inception of the respective leases. Such assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the related lease terms or the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Amounts representing interest expense relating to the lease obligations are recorded to effect constant rates of interest over the terms of the leases. Leases that do not qualify as capital leases are classified as operating leases. The Company accounts for rent holidays, escalating rent provisions, and construction allowances on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Deferred rent obligations of $13,102 and $13,259 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively, were classified within Other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of the store, if Village concludes that it has substantially all of the risks of ownership during construction of the leased property and therefore is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes, an asset and related financing obligation are recorded for the costs paid by the landlord. Once construction is complete, the Company considers the requirements for sale-leaseback treatment. If the arrangement does not qualify for sale-leaseback treatment, the Company amortizes the financing obligation and depreciates the building over the lease term.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense was $11,705 and $11,514 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Income taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in operations in the period that includes the enactment date.

The Company recognizes a tax benefit for uncertain tax positions if it is “more likely than not” that the position is sustainable, based on its technical merits. The tax benefit of a qualifying position is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon effective settlement with a taxing authority having full knowledge of all relevant information.

Fair value

Fair value is defined as the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined using assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.

Cash and cash equivalents, patronage dividend receivable, income taxes receivable/payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses are reflected in the consolidated financial statements at carrying value, which approximates fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying values of the Company’s notes receivable from Wakefern approximate their fair value as interest is earned at variable market rates. As the Company’s investment in Wakefern can only be sold to Wakefern at amounts that approximate the Company’s cost, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of such investment.

Long-lived assets

The Company reviews long-lived assets, such as property, equipment and fixtures on an individual store basis for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Such review analyzes the undiscounted estimated future cash flows from such assets to determine if the carrying value of such assets are recoverable from their respective cash flows. If impairment is indicated, it is measured by comparing the fair value of the long-lived assets to their carrying value.

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested at the end of each fiscal year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate, for impairment. An impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds its implied fair value. Village considers earnings multiples and other valuation techniques to measure fair value at the reporting unit level, in addition to the value of the Company’s stock.

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.



	2019					2018
	Class A		Class B			Class A		Class B
Numerator:
Net income allocated, basic	$	19,341	$	5,538		$	18,925	$	5,447
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	5,538		—			5,447		—
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income	—		(1		)	—		—
Net income allocated, diluted	$	24,879	$	5,537		$	24,372	$	5,447

Denominator:
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic	9,747		4,296			9,717		4,304
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares	4,296		—			4,304		—
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation	—		—			—		—
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted	14,043		4,296			14,021		4,304

Net income per share is as follows:



	2019				2018
	Class A		Class B		Class A		Class B
Basic	$	1.98	$	1.29	$	1.95	$	1.27
Diluted	$	1.77	$	1.29	$	1.74	$	1.27

Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 241 and 9 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. In addition, 323 and 356 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 July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.

Share-based compensation

All share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements as compensation costs based on the fair market value on the date of the grant.

Benefit plans

The Company recognizes the funded status of its Company sponsored retirement plans on the consolidated balance sheet. Actuarial gains or losses, curtailments, prior service costs or credits, and transition obligations not previously recognized are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss. The Company uses July 31 as the measurement date for these plans.

The Company also contributes to several multi-employer pension plans under the terms of collective bargaining agreements that cover certain union-represented employees. Pension expense for these plans is recognized as contributions are made.

Recently issued accounting standards

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases." This guidance requires lessees to recognize lease liabilities and a right-of-use asset for all leases with terms of more than 12 months on the balance sheet. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with earlier adoption permitted. The Company will adopt the new standard in the first quarter of its fiscal year ending July 25, 2020. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at the date of initial adoption under which the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard will be recognized as an adjustment to its opening fiscal 2020 retained earnings, with no restatement of prior year amounts. The Company will apply the transition package of practical expedients permitted within the standard, which allows the carryforward of historical lease classification, and will apply the transition option which does not require application of the guidance to comparative periods in the year of adoption. The Company estimates adoption of the standard will result in an increase in assets and lease liabilities of approximately $75,222 and $70,322, respectively, as of the date of adoption. The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on the consolidated statement of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, "Compensation-Retirement Benefits-Defined Benefit Plans-General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans." The guidance modifies disclosure requirements for defined benefit plans. This guidance is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2018-14 on its consolidated financial statement disclosures.

NOTE 2 — PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT and FIXTURES

Property, equipment and fixtures are comprised as follows:



	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018
Land and buildings	$	109,707		$	106,614
Store fixtures and equipment	290,916			273,345
Leasehold improvements	124,812			116,699
Leased property under capital leases	25,211			25,211
Construction in progress	10,453			2,641
Vehicles	4,395			4,138

Total property, equipment and fixtures	565,494			528,648
Accumulated depreciation	(330,094		)	(304,593		)
Accumulated amortization of property under capital and financing leases	(10,510		)	(9,489		)

Property, equipment and fixtures, net	$	224,890		$	214,566

Amortization of leased property under capital and financing leases is included in depreciation and amortization expense.

NOTE 3 — RELATED PARTY INFORMATION - WAKEFERN

The Company’s ownership interest in its principal supplier, Wakefern, which is operated on a cooperative basis for its stockholder members, is 12.5% of the outstanding shares of Wakefern at July 27, 2019. The investment is stated at cost and is pledged as collateral for any obligations to Wakefern. In addition, all obligations to Wakefern are personally guaranteed by certain shareholders of Village.

The Company is obligated to purchase 85% of its primary merchandise requirements from Wakefern until ten years from the date that stockholders representing 75% of Wakefern sales notify Wakefern that those stockholders request that the Wakefern Stockholder Agreement be terminated. If this purchase obligation is not met, Village is required to pay Wakefern’s profit contribution shortfall attributable to this failure. Similar payments are due if Wakefern loses volume by reason of the sale of Company stores or a merger with another entity. Village fulfilled the above obligation in fiscal 2019 and 2018. The Company also has an investment of approximately 7.7% in Insure-Rite, Ltd., a Wakefern affiliated company, which provides Village with liability and property insurance coverage.

Wakefern has increased from time to time the required investment in its common stock for each supermarket owned by a member, with the exact amount per store computed based on the amount of each store’s purchases from Wakefern. At July 27, 2019, the Company’s indebtedness to Wakefern for the outstanding amount of these stock subscriptions was $846. Installment payments are due as follows: 2020 - $43; 2021 - $130; 2022 - $171; 2023 - $161; 2024 - $154; and $187 thereafter. The maximum per store investment, which is currently $950, increased by $25 in fiscal 2019, resulting in an additional investment of $625. Village receives additional shares of common stock to the extent paid for at the end of each fiscal year (which ends on or about September 30) of Wakefern calculated at the then book value per share. The payments, together with any stock issued thereunder, at the option of Wakefern, may be null and void and all payments on this subscription shall become the property of Wakefern in the event the Company does not complete the payment of this subscription in a timely manner.

Village purchases substantially all of its merchandise from Wakefern. As a stockholder of Wakefern, Village earns a share of Wakefern’s earnings, which are distributed as a “patronage dividend.” This dividend is based on a distribution of substantially all of Wakefern’s operating profits for its fiscal year in proportion to the dollar volume of purchases by each member from Wakefern during that fiscal year. Patronage dividends are recorded as a reduction of cost of sales as merchandise is sold. Village accrues estimated patronage dividends due from Wakefern quarterly based on an estimate of the annual Wakefern patronage dividend and an estimate of Village’s share of this annual dividend based on Village’s estimated proportional share of the dollar volume of business transacted with Wakefern that year. Patronage dividends and other vendor allowances and rebates amounted to $31,412 and $28,536 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, liability and property insurance, supplies, certain equipment purchasing, coupon processing, certain financial accounting applications, retail technology support, and other store services. Village incurred charges of $33,581 and $33,037 from Wakefern in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, for these services, which are reflected in operating and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the Company has certain related party leases (see Note 6) with Wakefern.

At July 27, 2019, the Company had demand deposits invested at Wakefern in the amount of $73,879. These deposits earn overnight money market rates.

Interest income earned on investments with Wakefern was $5,215 and $3,806 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 4 — DEBT

Village has an unsecured revolving credit agreement providing a maximum amount available for borrowing of $25,000. The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes and expires on December 21, 2020. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the applicable LIBOR rate plus 1.25%. The credit agreement provides for up to $3,000 of letters of credit ($129 outstanding at July 27, 2019), which secure obligations for construction performance guarantees to municipalities. The credit agreement contains covenants that, among other conditions, require a maximum liabilities to tangible net worth ratio, a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a positive net income. The Company was in compliance with all covenants of the credit agreement at July 27, 2019. There were no amounts outstanding at July 27, 2019 or July 28, 2018 under the facility.

New Markets Tax Credit

On December 29, 2017, the Company entered into a financing transaction with Wells Fargo Community Investment Holdings, LLC (“Wells Fargo”) under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program related to the construction of a new store in the Bronx, New York. The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) and is intended to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their Federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”). CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments.

In connection with the financing, the Company loaned $4,835 to VSM Investment Fund, LLC (the "Investment Fund") at an interest rate of 1.403% per year and with a maturity date of December 31, 2044. Repayments on the loan commence in March 2025. Wells Fargo contributed $2,375 to the Investment Fund and, by virtue of such contribution, is entitled to substantially all of the tax benefits derived from the NMTC. The Investment Fund is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo. The loan to the Investment Fund is recorded in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

The Investment Fund then contributed the proceeds to a CDE, which, in turn, loaned combined funds of $6,563, net of debt issuance costs, to Village Super Market of NY, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, at an interest rate of 1.000% per year with a maturity date of December 31, 2051. These loans are secured by the leasehold improvements and equipment related to the construction of the Bronx store. Repayment of the loans commences in March 2025. The proceeds of the loans from the CDE were used to partially fund the construction of the Bronx store. The Notes payable related to New Markets Tax Credit, net of debt issuance costs, are recorded in Long-term debt in the consolidated balance sheets.

The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years. The Company is required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the New Markets Tax Credit arrangement. Noncompliance could result in Wells Fargo's projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, require the Company to indemnify Wells Fargo for any loss or recapture of NMTCs. The Company does not anticipate any credit recapture will be required in connection with this financing arrangement. The transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase Wells Fargo's interest in the Investment Fund. The value attributed to the put/call is de minimis. We believe that Wells Fargo will exercise the put option in December 2024, at the end of the recapture period, that will result in a net benefit to the Company of $1,728. The Company is recognizing the net benefit over the seven-year compliance period in Operating and administrative expense.

NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES

On December 22, 2017 the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted by the U.S. Government. The Tax Act made significant changes to the U.S. tax code that affected the Company's fiscal year ending July 28, 2018, including, but not limited to, reducing the U.S. federal corporate statutory income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, and introducing bonus depreciation that allows for full expensing of qualified property.

As the Company’s fiscal year ended on July 28, 2018, the Company’s U.S. federal corporate statutory income tax rate was subject to a full year blended tax rate of 26.9% for fiscal 2018, and 21.0% for fiscal 2019 and subsequent fiscal years. As a result of the decrease in the U.S. federal corporate statutory rate, deferred tax balances were remeasured based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future. In fiscal 2018, a benefit of $3,300 was recognized related to the remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax balances, which is included in Income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations.

The components of the provision for income taxes are:



	2019			2018
Federal:
Current	$	7,669		$	5,546
Deferred	(1,149		)	(915		)

State:
Current	4,198			3,262
Deferred	(734		)	(135		)

	$	9,984		$	7,758

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:



	July 27, 2019			July 28, 2018
Deferred tax assets:
Leasing activities	$	7,816		$	7,396
Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions	—			182
Compensation related costs	4,750			2,795
Pension costs	1,474			1,673
Other	406			456

Total deferred tax assets	14,446			12,502

Deferred tax liabilities:
Tax over book depreciation	13,481			13,557
Patronage dividend receivable	3,270			3,281
Investment in partnerships	1,034			1,030
Other	123			47

Total deferred tax liabilities	17,908			17,915

Net deferred tax liability	$	(3,462	)	$	(5,413	)

Deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are included in the following captions on the consolidated balance sheets at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018:



	2019		2018
Other assets	1,406		646
Other liabilities	(4,868	)	(6,059	)

A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In management’s opinion, in view of the Company’s previous, current and projected taxable income and reversal of deferred tax liabilities, such tax assets will more likely than not be fully realized. Accordingly, no valuation allowance was deemed to be required at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018.

The effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:



	2019		2018
Statutory federal income tax rate	21.0	%	26.9	%
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit	9.8	%	7.0	%
Settlement of tax audits	(2.2	)%	—	%
Deferred tax revaluation due to Tax Act	—	%	(10.0	)%
Other	(0.5	)%	(0.3	)%

Effective income tax rate	28.1	%	23.6	%

In June 2019, the Company reached an agreement with the New Jersey Division of Taxation to settle an audit of fiscal years 2011 through 2015 for all applicable entities and fiscal years 2000 through 2014 related to a settlement agreement reached in February 2015 regarding nexus of certain subsidiaries. The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $777, net of federal taxes, in fiscal

2019 related to the settlement and to reverse remaining unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties in excess of the settlement.

The New York Department of Taxation and Finance is currently auditing the fiscal 2018 tax year for all applicable entities. The Company is open to examination by the remaining relevant tax authorities with varying statutes of limitations, generally ranging from three to four years.

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



	2019			2018
Balance at beginning of year	$	648		$	648
Reductions based on settlement of tax audits	(648		)	—

Balance at end of year	$	—		$	648

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense. The Company recognized a benefit of $242 in fiscal 2019 related to interest and penalties on income taxes.

NOTE 6 — LEASES

Description of leasing arrangements

The Company leased 27 stores at July 27, 2019, including five that are capitalized for financial reporting purposes. The majority of initial lease terms range from 20 to 30 years.

Most of the Company’s leases contain renewal options at increased rents of five years each. These options enable Village to retain the use of facilities in desirable operating areas. Management expects that in the normal course of business, most leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases. The Company is obligated under all leases to pay for real estate taxes, utilities and liability insurance, and under certain leases to pay additional amounts based on maintenance and a percentage of sales in excess of stipulated amounts.

Future minimum lease payments by year and in the aggregate for all non-cancelable leases with initial terms of one year or more consist of the following at July 27, 2019:



	Capital and financing leases		Operating leases
2020	$	5,173	$	13,573
2021	5,240		12,972
2022	5,240		10,348
2023	5,305		9,747
2024	5,342		7,457
Thereafter	43,708		61,043
Minimum lease payments	70,008		$	115,140
Less amount representing interest	28,233

Present value of minimum lease payments	41,775

Less current portion	1,022
	$	40,753

The following schedule shows the composition of total rental expense for the following years:



	2019		2018
Minimum rentals	$	12,718	$	11,985
Contingent rentals	712		726

	$	13,430	$	12,711

Related party leases

The Company has ownership interests in three real estate partnerships. Village paid aggregate rents to two of these partnerships for leased stores of $1,455 in both fiscal 2019 and 2018.

One of these partnerships is a variable interest entity, which is not consolidated as Village is not the primary beneficiary. This partnership owns one property, a stand-alone supermarket leased to the Company since 1974. Village is a general partner entitled to 33% of the partnership's profits and losses.

The Company subleases the Galloway and Vineland stores from Wakefern under sublease agreements which provided for combined annual rents of $1,355 and $1,322 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Both leases contain normal periodic rent increases and options to extend the lease.

NOTE 7 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The Company has two classes of common stock. Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and to cash dividends as declared 54% greater than those paid on Class B common stock. Class B common stock is entitled to 10 votes per share. Class A and Class B common stock share equally on a per share basis in any distributions in liquidation. Shares of Class B common stock are convertible on a share-for-share basis for Class A common stock at any time. Class B common stock is not transferable except to another holder of Class B common stock or by will or under the laws of intestacy or pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company approving the transfer. As a result of this voting structure, the holders of the Class B common stock control greater than 50% of the total voting power of the shareholders of the Company and control the election of the Board of Directors.

The Company has authorized 10,000 shares of preferred stock. No shares have been issued. The Board of Directors is authorized to designate series, preferences, powers and participations of any preferred stock issued.

The Company maintains share repurchase programs that comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Repurchases of Village Class A common stock may be made from time to time through a variety of methods, including open market purchases and other negotiated transactions. In September 2019, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized an incremental $5,000 share repurchase program, supplementing the current authorization, which had $685 remaining as of July 27, 2019. The Company made open market purchases totaling $846 and $632 under this repurchase program in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, and an additional $224 in shares of Class A Common Stock were surrendered in satisfaction of withholding taxes in connection with the vesting of restricted shares in fiscal 2019.

Village has three share-based compensation plans, which are described below. The compensation cost charged against income for these plans was $3,098 and $3,715 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. Total income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $729 and $1,005 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Village Super Market, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan (the “2004 Plan”) provides for awards of incentive and nonqualified stock options and restricted stock. There are 1,200 shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance to employees and directors under the 2004 Plan. Terms and conditions of awards are determined by the Board of Directors. Option awards are primarily granted at the fair value of the Company’s stock at the date of grant, cliff vest three years from the grant date and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. Restricted stock awards primarily cliff vest three years from the grant date. There are no shares remaining for future grants under the 2004 Plan.

On December 17, 2010, the shareholders of the Company approved the Village Super Market, Inc. 2010 Stock Plan (the “2010 Plan”) under which awards of incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock may be made. There are 1,200 shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance to employees and directors under the 2010 Plan. Terms and conditions of awards are determined by the Board of Directors. Option awards granted to date were granted at the fair value of the Company's stock on the date of grant, primarily cliff vest three years from the grant date and are exercisable up to ten years from the grant date. Restricted stock awards primarily cliff vest three years from the date of grant. There are 120 shares remaining for future grants under the 2010 Plan.

On December 16, 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved the Village Super Market, Inc. 2016 Stock Plan (the “2016 Plan”) under which awards of incentive and non-qualified stock options and restricted stock may be made. There are 1,200 shares of Class A common stock authorized for issuance to employees and directors under the 2016 Plan. Terms and conditions of awards are determined by the Board of Directors. There have been no awards granted to date under the 2016 Plan.

The following table summarizes option activity under all plans for the following years:



	2019				2018
	Shares		Weighted-average exercise price		Shares		Weighted-average exercise price
Outstanding at beginning of year	289		$	28.38	384		$	27.91
Granted	—		—		—		—
Exercised	(36	)	28.30		(8	)	28.17
Forfeited	—		—		(30	)	28.13
Expired	(8	)	$	27.44	(57	)	$	25.38

Outstanding at end of year	245		$	28.43	289		$	28.38

Options exercisable at end of year	245		$	28.43	289		$	28.38

As of July 27, 2019, the weighted-average remaining contractual term of options outstanding and options exercisable was 3.7 years. As of July 27, 2019, the aggregate intrinsic value was $1 for both options outstanding and options exercisable. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $87 and $17 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The Company uses historical data for similar groups of employees in order to estimate the expected life of options granted. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of the Company’s stock for a period of years corresponding to the expected life of the option. The risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve at the time of grant for securities with a maturity period similar to the expected life of the option.

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under all plans for the following years:



	2019				2018
	Shares		Weighted-average grant date fair value		Shares		Weighted-average grant date fair value
Nonvested at beginning of year	356		$	27.08	361		$	27.22
Granted	23		26.57		21		24.61
Vested	(41	)	27.22		(18	)	27.22
Forfeited	(15	)	27.09		(8	)	26.73

Nonvested at end of year	323		$	27.02	356		$	27.08

The total fair value of restricted shares vested during fiscal 2019 and 2018 was $1,161 and $458, respectively.

As of July 27, 2019, there was $2,297 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested stock options and restricted stock granted under the above plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.7 years.

Cash received from option exercises under all share-based compensation arrangements was $1,007 and $225 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercises under share-based compensation arrangements was $34 and $5 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

The Company declared and paid cash dividends on common stock as follows:



	2019		2018
Per share:
Class A common stock	$	1.00	$	1.00
Class B common stock	0.65		0.65

Aggregate:
Class A common stock	$	10,096	$	10,080
Class B common stock	2,794		2,798

	$	12,890	$	12,878

NOTE 8 — PENSION PLANS

Company-Sponsored Pension Plans

The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans. Three of the plans are frozen and participants no longer earn service credit. Two are tax-qualified plans covering members of unions. Benefits under these two plans are based on a fixed amount for each year of service. One is a tax-qualified plan covering nonunion associates. Benefits under this plan are based upon percentages of annual compensation. Funding for these plans is based on an analysis of the specific requirements and an evaluation of the assets and liabilities of each plan. The fourth plan is an unfunded, nonqualified plan providing supplemental pension benefits to certain executives.

Net periodic pension cost for the four plans include the following components:



	2019			2018
Service cost	$	213		$	259
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	2,674			2,515
Expected return on plan assets	(2,873		)	(3,280		)
Loss on settlement	441			866
Amortization of gains and losses	605			569
Net periodic pension cost	$	1,060		$	929

The Company recognized a settlement loss of $441 and $866 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively, for plans where benefits paid exceeded the sum of the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic pension cost during the year.

The changes in benefit obligations and the reconciliation of the funded status of the Company’s plans to the consolidated balance sheets were as follows:



	2019			2018
Changes in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	69,553		$	71,701
Service cost	213			259
Interest cost	2,674			2,515
Benefits paid	(779		)	(643		)
Settlement	(6,331		)	(4,317		)
Actuarial loss	4,602			38
Benefit obligation at end of year	$	69,932		$	69,553

Changes in Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	61,071		$	56,507
Actual return on plan assets	6,203			3,014
Employer contributions	5,009			6,510
Benefits paid	(779		)	(643		)
Settlements paid	(6,331		)	(4,317		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	65,173			61,071

Funded status at end of year	$	4,759		$	8,482

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
Pension liabilities	4,759			8,482
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes	8,342			8,185

Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss (pre-tax):
Net actuarial loss	$	11,615		$	11,388

The Company expects approximately $1,900 of the net actuarial loss to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2020.

The accumulated benefit obligations of the four plans were $69,932 and $69,553 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively. The following information is presented for those plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets:



	2019		2018
Projected benefit obligation	$	10,203	$	67,861
Accumulated benefit obligation	10,203		67,861
Fair value of plan assets	3,783		59,283

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows:



	2019		2018
Assumed discount rate — net periodic pension cost	3.99	%	3.60	%
Assumed discount rate — benefit obligation	3.41	%	3.99	%
Assumed rate of increase in compensation levels	4.5	%	4.5	%
Expected rate of return on plan assets	5.50	%	6.50	%

Investments in the pension trusts are overseen by the trustees of the plans, who are officers of Village. In fiscal 2018, the Company transitioned to a liability-driven investment ("LDI") strategy. A LDI strategy focuses on maintaining a close to fully-funded status over the long-term with minimal funded status risk. This is achieved by investing more of the plan assets in fixed income instruments to more closely match the duration of the plan liability. The investment allocation to fixed income instruments will increase as each plans funded status increases. The target allocations for plan assets are 5-15% equity securities, 85-95% fixed income securities and 0-10% cash. Asset allocations are reviewed periodically and appropriate rebalancing is performed.

Equity securities include investments in large-cap, small-cap and mid-cap companies located both in and outside the United States. Fixed income securities include U.S. treasuries, mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds of companies from diversified industries. Investments in securities are made through mutual funds. In addition, one plan held Class A common stock of Village in the amount of $568 and $611 at July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, respectively.

Risk management is accomplished through diversification across asset classes and fund strategies, multiple investment portfolios and investment guidelines. The plans do not allow for investments in derivative instruments.

The fair value of the pension assets were as follows:



	July 27, 2019						July 28, 2018
Asset Category	Level 1		Assets Measured at NAV		Total		Level 1		Assets Measured at NAV		Total
Cash	$	37	$	—	$	37	$	17	$	—	$	17

Equity securities:
Company stock	568		—		568		611		—		611
Mutual/Collective Trust Funds - U.S. (1)	—		4,401		4,401		—		10,213		10,213
Mutual/Collective Trust Funds - International (1)	—		2,613		2,613		—		8,337		8,337

Fixed income securities:
Mutual/Collective Trust Funds - Fixed Income (1)	—		57,554		57,554		—		41,893		41,893

Total	$	605	$	64,568	$	65,173	$	628	$	60,443	$	61,071

(1)

Includes pools of investments that are measured at fair value using the Net Asset Value (NAV) per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient. The NAV is based on the underlying net assets owned by the fund and the relative interest of each participating investor in the fair value of the underlying assets. The underlying investments are classified as either level 1 or 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Based on actuarial assumptions, estimated future defined benefit payments, which may be significantly impacted by participant elections related to retirement dates and forms of payment, are as follows:



Fiscal Year
2020	$	5,205
2021	2,780
2022	2,910
2023	3,000
2024	11,060
2025 - 2029	17,020

The Company expects contributions to its defined benefit pension plans to be immaterial in fiscal 2020.

Multi-Employer Plans

The Company contributes to three multi-employer pension plans under collective bargaining agreements covering union-represented employees. These plans provide benefits to participants that are generally based on a fixed amount for each year of service. Based on the most recent information available, certain of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. The amount of any increase or decrease in Village’s 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.

The risks of participating in multi-employer pension plans are different from the risks of participating in single-employer pension plans in the following respects:


•	Assets contributed to a multi-employer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of other participating employers.


•	If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan allocable to such withdrawing employer may be borne by the remaining participating employers.


•	If the Company stops participating in some of its multi-employer pension plans, the Company may be required to pay those plans an amount based on its allocable share of the underfunded status of the plan, referred to as a withdrawal liability.

The Company’s participation in these plans is outlined in the following tables. The “EIN / Pension Plan Number” column provides the Employer Identification Number (“EIN”) and the three-digit pension plan number. The most recent “Pension Protection Act Zone Status” available in 2018 and 2017 is for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, unless otherwise noted. Among other factors, generally, plans in the red zone are less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are between 65 and 80 percent funded and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. The “FIP/RP Status Pending / Implemented” column indicates plans for which a funding improvement plan (“FIP”) or a rehabilitation plan (“RP”) is either pending or has been implemented.

Pension Protection Act Zone Status

FIP/RP Status

Pending

/ Implemented

Contributions for the

year ended (5)

Expiration

date of

Collective-

Bargaining

Agreement

Pension Fund

EIN / Pension Plan Number

2018

2017

July 27,
2019

July 28,
2018

Surcharge

Imposed (6)

Pension Plan of Local 464A (1)

22-6051600-001

Green

N/A

894

779

N/A

October 2020

UFCW Local 1262 & Employers Pension Fund (2), (4)

22-6074414-001

Red

Implemented

3,502

3,481

October 2023

UFCW Regional Pension Plan (3), (4)

16-6062287-074

Red

Implemented

1,439

1,373

June 2020

Total Contributions

5,835

5,633


(1)	The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.


(2)	The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.


(3)	The information for this fund was obtained from the Form 5500 filed for the plan’s year-end at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017.


(4)	This plan has elected to utilize special amortization provisions provided under the Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010. There were no changes to the plan’s zone status as a result of this election.


(5)	The Company’s contributions represent more than 5% of the total contributions received by each applicable pension fund for all periods presented.


(6)	Under the Pension Protection Act, a surcharge may be imposed when employers make contributions under a collective bargaining agreement that is not in compliance with a rehabilitation plan. As of July 27, 2019, the collective bargaining agreements under which the Company was making contributions were in compliance with rehabilitation plans adopted by each applicable pension fund.

Other Multi-Employer Benefit Plans

The Company also contributes to various other multi-employer benefit plans that provide health and welfare benefits to active and retired participants. Total contributions made by the Company to these other multi-employer benefit plans were $28,325 and $27,713 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Defined Contribution Plans

The Company sponsors a 401(k) savings plan for certain eligible associates. Company contributions under that plan, which are based on specified percentages of associate contributions, were $1,390 and $1,260 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company also contributes to union sponsored defined contribution plans for certain eligible associates. Company contributions under these plans were $755 and $820 in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively.

NOTE 9 — BUSINESS ACQUISITION

On June 24, 2019, the Company purchased three Gourmet Garage specialty markets in Manhattan, New York City. Village acquired the store fixtures, leases, inventory, other working capital and other assets for $5,267, net of cash and cash equivalents. Village has accounted for this transaction as a business combination in accordance with the acquisition method of accounting, which requires, among other things, that assets acquired and liabilities assumed be recognized at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. In connection with this acquisition, the Company recorded $593 of goodwill attributable to the assembled workforce of Gourmet Garage and cost synergies and a $1,485 indefinite-lived intangible asset related to the trade name. Transaction costs were expensed as incurred. The allocation of the purchase price consideration to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed will be completed upon the finalization of working capital adjustments.

The following table summarizes how the purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition.



	June 24, 2019
ASSETS
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	24
Merchandise inventories	564
Other current assets	49
Total current assets	637

Property, equipment and fixtures, net	3,475
Trade name intangible asset	1,485
Other assets	255
Total assets	$	5,852
LIABILITIES
Total current liabilities	$	1,154

Total Net Assets Acquired	4,698
Goodwill	593
Total Purchase Price	$	5,291

NOTE 10 — COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

Approximately 88% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Contracts with the Company’s seven unions expire between March 2020 and October 2023. Approximately 1% of our associates are represented by unions whose

contracts have already expired or expire within one year. Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors

Village Super Market, Inc.:

Opinions on the Consolidated Financial Statements and Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Village Super Market, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 27, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years then ended, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 27, 2019 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

The Company acquired Gourmet Garage on June 24, 2019, and management has chosen to exclude from its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of July 27, 2019 the internal control over financial reporting of Gourmet Garage associated with assets representing 1.2% of consolidated total assets, and revenue representing 0.1% of consolidated sales, included in the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended July 27, 2019. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Gourmet Garage.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1987.

Short Hills, New Jersey

October 9, 2019

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rule 13a-15 of 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 covered by this report. 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.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for the Company. With the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework and criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. As a result of the acquisition of Gourmet Garage, we are in the process of integrating certain business processes and systems of Gourmet Garage. Accordingly, certain changes have been made and will continue to be made to our internal control over financial reporting until such time as this integration is complete. In reliance on interpretive guidance issued by the SEC staff management has chosen to exclude from its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of July 27, 2019, the internal control over financial reporting of Gourmet Garage associated with assets representing 1.2% of consolidated total assets, and revenue representing 0.1% of consolidated sales, included in our consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended July 27, 2019, and will include its assessment of internal control over financial reporting for Gourmet Garage in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ending July 25, 2020. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 27, 2019.

The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, as stated in their report, which is included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.



Robert P. Sumas	John L. Van Orden
Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially effect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or before October 28, 2019, in connection with its Annual Meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or before October 28, 2019, in connection with its Annual Meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information in the table below is as of July 27, 2019. All data relates to the Village Super Market, Inc. 2004, 2010 and 2016 Stock Plans as described in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.



Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options	Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
	(a)	(b)		(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	244,790	$	28.43	1,320,041

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—	—		—

Additional information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or before October 28, 2019, in connection with its annual meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or before October 28, 2019, in connection with its annual meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed on or before October 28, 2019, in connection with its annual meeting scheduled to be held on December 13, 2019.

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES



(a)(1)	Financial Statements:
	Consolidated Balance Sheets – July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
	Consolidated Statements of Operations - years ended July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - years ended July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
	Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity – years ended July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended July 27, 2019 and July 28, 2018
	Notes to consolidated financial statements
	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(a)(2)	Financial Statement Schedules:
	All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or the notes hereto.
(a)(3)	Exhibits
	3.1	Certificate of Incorporation*
	3.2	By-laws*
	4.1	Credit Agreement dated November 9, 2017*
	10.1	Wakefern By-Laws*
	10.2	Stockholders Agreement dated February 20, 1992 between the Company and Wakefern Food Corp.*
	10.7	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan*
	10.8	2004 Stock Plan*
	10.9	2010 Stock Plan*
	10.10	2016 Stock Plan*
	10.11	42-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.12	42-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.13	60-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.14	60-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.15	60-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.16	60-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	10.17	60-Month Adjustable Rate Promissory Note*
	14	Code of Ethics*
	21	Subsidiaries of Registrant
	23	Consent of KPMG LLP
	31.1	Certification
	31.2	Certification
	32.1	Certification (furnished, not filed)
	32.2	Certification (furnished, not filed)
	101 INS	XBRL Instance Document*
	101 SCH	XBRL Schema Document*
	101 CAL	XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document*
	101 DEF	XBRL Definition Linkbase Document*
	101 LAB	XBRL Labels Linkbase Document*
	101 PRE	XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document*



		The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.



	* The following exhibits are incorporated by reference from the following previous filings:

	Form 10-K for 2018: 4.1
	Form 10-K for 2017: 3.1, 10.2, 10.15, 10.16, 10.17, 14
	DEF 14A Proxy Statement filed October 31, 2016: 10.10
	Form 10-K for 2014: 10.7
	Form 10-Q for April 2014: 10.11, 10.12, 10.13, 10.14
	Form 10-Q for April 2013: 10.1
	DEF 14A Proxy Statement filed November 1, 2010: 10.9
	Form 10-K for 2004: 3.2
	DEF 14A proxy statement filed October 25, 2004: 10.8

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.

	By:	/s/ Robert P. Sumas	/s/ John Van Orden
		Robert P. Sumas	John Van Orden
		Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer
		Chief Executive Officer

Date: October 9, 2019

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on dates indicated:



	/s/ Robert P. Sumas	/s/ Steven Crystal
	Robert P. Sumas, Director	Steven Crystal, Director
	October 9, 2019	October 9, 2019

	/s/ William Sumas	/s/ Peter Lavoy
	William Sumas, Director	Peter Lavoy, Director
	October 9, 2019	October 9, 2019

	/s/ John P. Sumas	/s/ Stephen Rooney
	John P. Sumas, Director	Stephen Rooney, Director
	October 9, 2019	October 9, 2019

	/s/ John J. Sumas	/s/ John L. Van Orden
	John J. Sumas, Director	John L. Van Orden, Chief Financial Officer
	October 9, 2019	October 9, 2019

	/s/ Nicholas J. Sumas	/s/ Luigi Perri
	Nicholas J. Sumas, Director	Luigi Perri, Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
	October 9, 2019	October 9, 2019

	/s/ Kevin Begley
	Kevin Begley, Director
	October 9, 2019