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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION (FURNISHED, NOT FILED) - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qex322.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION (FURNISHED, NOT FILED) - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qex321.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qex312.htm
EX-99.1 - PRESS RELEASE DATED JUNE 9, 2011 - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qx99-1.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qex311.htm
EX-99.2 - SECOND QUARTER REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS DATED MARCH 18, 2011 - VILLAGE SUPER MARKET INCvillagesupermkt10qex99-2.htm



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

[x]
QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
   
 
For the quarterly period ended:  April 30, 2011
   
                                                                                                  OR
   
[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

Commission File No. 0-33360

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

NEW JERSEY
22-1576170 
(State of other jurisdiction of incorporation
(I. R. S. Employer
 or organization
Identification No.)
   
733 MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY
07081
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
   
(973) 467-2200 
 
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
   
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     Yes   X            No  ____

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

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest practicable date:     June 9, 2011    

Class A Common Stock, No Par Value
  7,301,810 Shares
Class B Common Stock, No Par Value
  6,376,304 Shares
   
 
 
 

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.

INDEX

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

 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.  Financial Statements

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(in Thousands)(Unaudited)
 
   
April 30,
   
July 31,
 
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
ASSETS
 
 
       
Current assets
           
  Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 84,115     $ 69,043  
  Merchandise inventories
    37,047       36,256  
  Patronage dividend receivable
    6,396       8,758  
  Other current assets
    11,651        11,825  
     Total current assets
    139,209       125,882  
                 
Note receivable from Wakefern
    19,177       18,204  
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
    171,271       175,286  
Investment in Wakefern
    20,911       20,263  
Goodwill
    10,605       10,605  
Other assets
     5,015        6,889  
                 
  TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 366,188     $ 357,129  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
  Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations
  $ ---     $ 13  
  Current portion of notes payable to Wakefern
    341       341  
  Accounts payable to Wakefern
    49,149       47,088  
  Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    32,893       24,434  
  Income taxes payable
    10,399       12,805  
    Total current liabilities
    92,782       84,681  
                 
Capital and financing lease obligations
    40,518       40,351  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    1,240       1,480  
Other liabilities
    29,475       24,842  
                 
Commitment and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity
               
     Class A common stock – no par value, issued 7,834 shares  at April 30, 2011 and 7,541 shares at July 31, 2010                
      35,619        32,434  
     Class B common stock - no par value, 6,376 shares issued and outstanding
    1,035       1,035  
     Retained earnings
    180,067       185,790  
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (9,716 )     (10,421 )
     Less cost of Class A treasury shares (532 at April 30, 2011 and 513 at July 31, 2010)
    (4,832 )     (3,063
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    202,173       205,775  
                 
     TOTAL LIABILITIES & SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 366,188     $ 357,129  
 
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
 
 
3

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in Thousands Except Per Share Amounts)(Unaudited)
 
   
13 Wks. Ended
   
13 Wks. Ended
   
39 Wks. Ended
   
39 Wks. Ended
 
 
 
Apr. 30, 2011
   
 Apr. 24, 2010
   
Apr. 30, 2011
   
Apr. 24, 2010
 
                         
                         
Sales
  $ 316,594     $ 300,991     $ 953,908     $ 919,085  
                                 
Cost of sales
     230,176        218,578        697,922        669,948  
                                 
Gross profit
    86,418       82,413       255,986       249,137  
                                 
 Operating and administrative expense
    78,397       68,759       219,580       207,301  
                                 
Depreciation and amortization expense
     4,646       4,363        13,764       12,396  
                                 
Operating income
    3,375       9,291       22,642       29,440  
                                 
Interest expense
    (1,071 )     (901 )     (3,208 )     (2,755 )
                                 
Interest income
    563       507       1,594       1,493  
                                 
Income before
                               
 income taxes
    2,867       8,897       21,028       28,178  
                                 
Income taxes
    1,199       3,692       8,810       11,694  
                                 
Net income
  $ 1,668     $ 5,205     $ 12,218     $ 16,484  
                                 
Net income per share:
                               
                                 
Class A common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ .15     $ .47     $ 1.09     $ 1.48  
  Diluted
  $ .12     $ .39     $ .89     $ 1.22  
 
                               
Class B common stock:
                               
  Basic
  $ .10     $ .30     $ .69     $ .96  
  Diluted
  $ .09     $ .30     $ .69     $ .96  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
4

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in Thousands) (Unaudited)
 
    39 Weeks Ended    
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
  April 30, 2011    
April 24, 2010
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
             
  Net income
  12,218     $ 16,484  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
               
      to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
     Depreciation and amortization
    13,764       12,396  
     Deferred taxes
    441       (2,300 )
     Provision to value inventories at LIFO
    575       150  
     Non-cash share-based compensation$
    2,208       2,242  
  Changes in assets and liabilities:
               
     Merchandise inventories
    (1,366 )     (2,173 )    
     Patronage dividend receivable
    2,362       1,475  
     Accounts payable to Wakefern
    2,061       (7,668 )
     Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    8,459       (1,671 )
     Income taxes payable
    (659 )     2,621  
     Other assets and liabilities
    5,198       3,937  
  Net cash provided by operating activities
    45,261       25,493  
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
               
  Capital expenditures
    (9,749 )     (16,905 )
  Maturity of (investment in) note receivable from Wakefern
     (973 )     14,775  
  Net cash used in investing activities
    (10,722 )     (2,130 )
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    698       277  
  Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    681       218  
  Principal payments of long-term debt
    ( 734 )     (5,361 )
  Dividends
    (17,941 )     (8,029 )
  Treasury stock purchases
    (2,171 )     ----  
  Net cash used in financing activities
    (19,467 )     (12,895 )
                 
NET INCREASE IN CASH
               
            AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    15,072       10,468  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS,
               
       BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    69,043       54,966  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 84,115     $ 65,434  
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH
               
        PAYMENTS FOR:
               
     Interest
  $ 3,208     2,865  
     Income taxes
  $ 8,346     10,929  
NON-CASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE:
               
     Investment in Wakefern
  648     $ 590  

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
 
 
5

 

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

1.           In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position as of April 30, 2011 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended April 30, 2011 and April 24, 2010 of Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”).
 
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's consolidated financial statements in the July 31, 2010 Village Super Market, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, which should be read in conjunction with these financial statements.

2.           The results of operations for the periods ended April 30, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the expected results for the full year.

3.           At both April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, approximately 67% of merchandise inventories are valued by the LIFO method while the balance is valued by FIFO.  If the FIFO method had been used for the entire inventory, inventories would have been $14,404 and $13,829 higher than reported at April 30, 2011 and July 31, 2010, respectively.

4.           The Company computes net income per share using the two-class method,  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, our Class A common stock is assumed to receive a 54% greater participation in undistributed earnings than our Class B common stock, in accordance with the classes’ respective dividend rights.
 
Diluted net income per share for Class A common stock is calculated utilizing the if-converted method, which assumes the conversion of all shares of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis, as this method is more dilutive than the two-class method.   Diluted net income per share for Class B common stock does not assume conversion of Class B common stock to shares of Class A common stock.
 

 
6

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

   
13 Weeks Ended
   39 Weeks Ended
 
 
April 30, 2011
   
Class A
 
Class B
 
Class A
 
Class B
Numerator:
                       
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 1,020     $ 607     $ 7,474     $ 4,431  
Conversion of Class B to Class A  shares
    607       ----       4,431       ----  
Effect of share-based compensation  on allocated net income
    2       (2 )      ----       ----  
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 1,629     $ 605     $ 11,905     $ 4,431   
                                 
                                 
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic
    6,905       6,376       6,827       6,376  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    6,376       ----       6,376       ----  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    106       ----       117       ----  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,387       6,376       13,320       6,376  
                                 
                                 
                                 
   
13 Weeks Ended
   
39 Weeks Ended
 
 
April 24, 2010
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                               
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 3,152     $ 1,933     $ 9,963     $ 6,131  
Conversion of Class B to Class A  shares
    1,933       ----       6,131       ----  
Effect of share-based compensation on allocated net income
    10       (8 )     34        (35 )
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 5,095     $ 1,925     $ 16,128     $ 6,096  
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average shares
                               
   outstanding, basic
    6,750       6,376       6,732       6,376  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    6,376       ---       6,376       ----  
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    106        ---       126       ----  
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted
    13,232       6,376       13,234       6,376  

Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 29 and 206 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at April 30, 2011 and April 24, 2010, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect.  In addition, 292 and 256 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 April 30, 2011 and April 24, 2010, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.
 

 
7

 
 
On March 18, 2011 the Board of Directors of the Company granted 218 incentive stock options and 290 restricted stock awards to employees and directors under the Village Super Market, Inc. 2004 and 2010 Stock  Plans.  Incentive stock options, which were granted at the fair value of the Company’s stock, vest primarily over a three-year service period and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant.  Restricted stock awards vest over a three-year service period.  The Company is recording compensation expense for these grants over the vesting period.

The Company recorded compensation expense in the quarter ended April 30, 2011 for these grants in the amount of $358. The grant date fair value of the restricted shares was $7,978. The fair value of the options was estimated at $5.78 per share using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: expected life – five years; expected volatility – 32%; expected dividend yield – 3.64%; and risk free interest rate- 1.96%. In addition, the total fair value of restricted shares vested in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was $7,212.

5.           Comprehensive income was $1,903 and $12,923 for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended April 30, 2011, and $5,398 and $17,063 for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended April 24, 2010.  Comprehensive  income consists of net income and amortization of net losses on benefit plans, net of income taxes.

6.           The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans.  Net periodic pension costs for the four plans include the following components:
 
   
13 Weeks
 
13 Weeks
   
39 Weeks
    39 Weeks  
   
Ended 4/30/11
  Ended 4/24/10     Ended 4/30/11     Ended 4/24/10  
                       
Service cost
  $ 724   $ 572     $ 2,172     $ 1,716  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations
    633     583       1,899       1,749  
Expected return on plan assets
    (510)     (426 )     (1,530 )     (1,278 )
Amortization of gains and losses
    390     320       1,170       960  
Amortization of prior service costs
    2     2       6       6  
                               
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 1,239   $ 1,051     $ 3,717     $ 3,153  
 
 
 
8

 
 
As of April 30, 2011, the Company has contributed $265 to its pension plans in fiscal 2011.  The Company expects to contribute an additional $2,735 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 to fund its pension plans.

On April 15, 2011, Village, along with all of the other individual employers trading as ShopRite, permanently withdrew from participating in the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 Retail Meat Pension Fund ("the Fund"), effective the end of April 2011.   The Fund is a multi-employer defined benefit plan that includes other supermarket operators.

Village, along with the other affiliated ShopRite operators, determined to withdraw from the Fund due to exposures to market risks associated with all defined benefit plans and the inability to partition ShopRite’s liabilities from those of the other participating supermarket operators.  Village will provide affected associates with a defined contribution plan for future service, which eliminates market risks and the exposure to shared liabilities of other operators, and is estimated to be less costly than the defined benefit plan in the future, while ensuring that our associates are provided a secure benefit.

The Company recorded a charge of $7,300 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 for this withdrawal liability, which represents our estimate of the liability based on preliminary calculations provided by the Fund actuary.  Village remains liable for potential additional withdrawal liabilities to the Fund  in the event a mass withdrawal, as defined by statute, occurs within two plan years after the plan year of Village’s withdrawal.  Such liabilities could be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

We believe a number 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 withdrawal liability to the plan, which represents the portion of the plan’s underfunding that is allocable to the withdrawing employer under very complex actuarial and allocation rules.  The failure of a withdrawing employer to fund these obligations can impact remaining employers.   The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.
 
 
9

 
 
7.          Effective August 1, 2010, Village adopted a new accounting standard which changes how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. The determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
8.           On December 3, 2010, the Board of Directors declared a special dividend of $1.25 per Class A common share and $.8125 per Class B common share.  The $14,005 of special dividends were paid on December 28, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 15, 2010.

9.           The state of New Jersey audited the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002 through 2005 and assessed a tax deficiency related to nexus and the deductibility of certain payments between subsidiaries.  The Company contested this assessment through the state’s conference and appeals process.  During fiscal 2011, Village received a determination that the Company’s protest was denied.  The Company has filed a complaint against the New Jersey Division of Taxation contesting this decision.  The ultimate resolution of this matter could significantly increase or decrease the total amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, which were $11,748 at April 30, 2011.

10.          On June 8, 2011, Village entered an asset purchase agreement to acquire the store fixtures, leases and other assets of locations in White Oak, Maryland and Timonium, Maryland for approximately $6,600. In addition, Village is required to purchase certain inventories at cost. The purchase of these stores from SuperFresh is part of a larger purchase by a consortium, and is subject to bankruptcy court approval and other conditions. This transaction is expected to close in July. These stores are expected to open as ShopRites, after minor remodeling, this summer.
 
 
10

 
 
ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in Thousands)
OVERVIEW
 
The Company operates a chain of 26 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey and northeastern Pennsylvania.  Village is the second largest member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the nation’s largest retailer-owned food cooperative and owner of the ShopRite name.  As further described in the Company’s Form 10-K, this ownership interest in Wakefern provides Village many of the economies of scale in purchasing, distribution, advanced retail technology and advertising associated with larger chains.
 
The Company’s stores, five of which are owned, average 57,000 total square feet.  Larger store sizes enable the Company to offer the specialty departments that customers desire for one-stop shopping, including pharmacies, natural and organic departments, ethnic and international foods, and home meal replacement.
 
The supermarket industry is highly competitive.  The Company competes directly with multiple retail formats, including national, regional and local supermarket chains as well as warehouse clubs, supercenters, drug stores, discount general merchandise stores, fast food chains, dollar stores and convenience stores.  Village competes by using low pricing, superior customer service, and a broad range of consistently available quality products, including ShopRite private labeled products.  The ShopRite Price Plus card and the co-branded ShopRite credit card also strengthen customer loyalty.
 
During fiscal 2010 and the first three quarters of fiscal 2011, the supermarket industry was impacted by changing consumer behavior due to the weak economy and high unemployment.  Consumers are increasingly cooking meals at home, but spending cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.
 
We consider a variety of indicators to evaluate our performance, such as same store sales; percentage of total sales by department (mix); shrink; departmental gross profit percentage; sales per labor hour; and hourly labor rates.
 
 
11

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

   
13 Weeks Ended
   39 Weeks Ended
   
4/30/11
   
4/24/10
   
4/30/11
   
4/24/10
 
Sales
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
Cost of sales
    72.70       72.62       73.16       72.89  
Gross profit
    27.30       27.38       26.84       27.11  
Operating and administrative expense
    24.76       22.84       23.02       22.56  
Depreciation and amortization expense
    1.47       1.45       1.44       1.35  
Operating income
    1.07       3.09       2.38       3.20  
Interest expense
    (0.34 )     (0.30 )     (0.34 )     (0.30 )
Interest income
    0.18       0.17       0.17       0.16  
Income before taxes
    .91       2.96       2.21       3.06  
Income taxes
    .38       1.23       .93       1.27  
Net income
    .53 %     1.73 %     1.28 %     1.79 %
 
 
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Sales.  Sales were $316,594 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, an increase of 5.2% from the third quarter of the prior year.  Sales increased due to the opening of the Washington, NJ replacement store on February 21, 2010 and a same store sales increase of 4.8%.  This compares to a same store sales decrease in the third quarter of the prior year of 1.5%.  Same store sales increased due to improved sales in the Marmora store, higher sales in four stores due to store closings by competitors, and a substantial increase in transaction counts.  Although we experienced some inflation in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, there was no change in the average transaction size.  Sales continue to be impacted by changing consumer behavior due to economic weakness, which has resulted in increased sale item penetration and trading down.  Village expects same store sales in fiscal 2011, excluding the impact of the 53rd week in the prior year, to increase from 2.5% to 3.5%.  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 are included in same store sales immediately.
 
Sales were $953,908 in the nine-month period of fiscal 2011, an increase of 3.8% from the prior year.  Sales increased due to the opening of the Washington, NJ replacement store and a same store sale increase of 2.6%.  Same store sales increased due to improved sales in the Marmora store, higher sales in four stores due to competitive closings and higher transaction counts.   These improvements were partially offset by reduced sales at one store due to a competitive store opening.
 
 
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Gross Profit.  Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .08% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.22%), higher promotional spending (.19%), and higher LIFO charges (.09%). These declines were partially offset by lower warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.31%) and improved product mix (.08%).
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .27% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2011 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.23%), higher promotional spending (.14%) and lower patronage dividends (.06%).  These declines were partially offset by decreased warehouse assessment charges from Wakefern (.17%).

Operating and Administrative Expense.  Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased 1.92% in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the third quarter of the prior year primarily due to a $7,300 charge for the withdrawal liability from a multi-employer defined benefit plan (2.31%).  This increase was partially offset by lower snow removal costs (.19%) and improved operating leverage from the 4.8% same store sales increase.
 
Operating and administrative expense as a percentage of sales increased .46% in the nine-month period of fiscal 2011 compared to the corresponding period of the prior year primarily due to a $7,300 charge for the withdrawal liability from a multi-employer defined benefit plan (.77%) and increased credit and debit card processing fees (.07%). These increases were partially offset by lower payroll and benefit costs (.20%), partly due to operating leverage from the 2.6% same store sales increase.

Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2011 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions, including the new Washington store.

Interest Expense.  Interest expense increased in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2011 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year due to an amendment of a store lease near the end of fiscal 2010 being treated as a capital lease.
 
 
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Interest Income.  Interest income was similar in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2011 compared to the corresponding periods of the prior year as amounts invested and interest rates were comparable.
 
Income Taxes.  The effective income tax rate was 41.8% and 41.9%, respectively,  in the third quarter and nine-month periods of fiscal 2011 compared to 41.5% in both the corresponding periods of the prior year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.  These policies require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.  The Company’s critical accounting policies relating to the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, accounting for patronage dividends earned as a stockholder of Wakefern, accounting for pension plans, accounting for share-based compensation, and accounting for uncertain tax positions are described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2010.  As of April 30, 2011, there have been no changes to any of the critical accounting policies contained therein.
 
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $45,261 in the nine-month period ended April 30, 2011 compared with $25,493 in the corresponding period of the prior year.  This increase is primarily attributable to an increase in payables in the current fiscal year, including the $7,300 pension withdrawal liability, compared to a decrease in payables in the prior fiscal year, a refund of amounts the Company had placed in escrow to fund a property acquisition and lower taxes paid in the current fiscal year.  During the first nine months of fiscal 2011, Village used cash to fund dividends of $17,941, capital expenditures of $9,749 and treasury stock purchases of $2,171.  Capital expenditures include the purchase of land for future development.
 
 
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On December 28, 2010, the Company paid special dividends totaling $14,005, consisting of $1.25 per Class A common share and $.8125 per Class B common share. The Board of Directors declared these dividends to provide a return to shareholders in 2010, instead of 2011, while tax rates on dividends remained low. This action was taken before the 15% tax rate was extended.  The Board’s current intention is to pay quarterly dividends in 2011 in a range of $.06 - $.12 per Class A share ($.039 - $.078 per Class B share).  The Board will reconsider dividend policy and other methods of providing returns to shareholders in 2012 based on a variety of factors, including tax rates on dividends and capital gains in effect at that time.
           
On June 8, 2011, Village entered an asset purchase agreement to acquire the store fixtures, leases and other assets of locations in White Oak, Maryland and Timonium, Maryland for approximately $6,600.  In addition, Village is required to purchase certain inventories at cost.  The purchase of these stores from SuperFresh is part of a larger purchase by a consortium, and is subject to bankruptcy court approval and other conditions.  This transaction is expected to close in July. These stores are expected to open as ShopRites, after minor remodeling, this summer.
 
Village has budgeted $12,000 for capital expenditures, excluding anticipated expenditures for the stores located in Maryland, in fiscal 2011.  The Company’s primary sources of liquidity are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2011.
 
Working capital was $46,427 at April 30, 2011 compared to $41,201 at July 31, 2010.  The working capital ratio was 1.5 to 1 at April 30, 2011 compared to 1.5 to 1 at July 31, 2010.  The Company’s working capital needs are reduced since inventories are generally sold by the time payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.
 
There have been no substantial changes as of April 30, 2011 to the contractual obligations and commitments discussed on page 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2010, except for an additional $648 required investment in Wakefern common stock, the $7,300 liability for withdrawal from a multi-employer pension plan referred to above, which we expect to pay within one year, and the Maryland asset purchase agreement referred to above.
 
 
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OUTLOOK
 
This Form 10-Q contains certain forward-looking statements about Village’s future performance. These statements are based on management’s assumptions and beliefs in light of information currently available.  Such statements relate to, for example:  economic conditions; expected pension plan contributions; projected capital expenditures; projected store opening dates; cash flow requirements; and legal matters; and are indicated by words such as “will,” ‘expect,”  “should,” ‘intend,” “anticipates,” “believes” and similar words or phrases.  The Company cautions the reader that there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from the results expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.
 
 
·
We expect same store sales to increase from 2.5% to 3.5% in fiscal 2011, excluding the impact of the 53rd week that occurred in fiscal 2010.
 
 
·
During fiscal 2010 and the nine months of fiscal 2011, the supermarket industry was impacted by changing consumer behavior due to the weak economy and high unemployment.  Consumers are increasingly cooking meals at home, but spending cautiously by trading down to lower priced items, including private label, and concentrating their buying on sale items.  Management expects these trends to continue at least through the remainder of fiscal 2011.
 
 
·
We expect slight retail price inflation in fiscal 2011.  Fiscal 2010 was deflationary.
 
 
·
We have budgeted $12,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2011, excluding anticipated expenditures for the stores located in Maryland. This amount includes the purchase of land for future development and several small remodels.
 
 
·
On June 8, 2011, Village entered an asset purchase agreement to acquire the store fixtures, leases and other assets of locations in White Oak, Maryland and Timonium, Maryland for approximately $6,600.   The purchase of these stores from SuperFresh is part of a larger purchase by a consortium, and is subject to bankruptcy court approval and other conditions.  This transaction is expected to close in July. These stores are expected to open as ShopRites, after minor remodeling, this summer.
 
 
·
On December 28, 2010, the Company paid special dividends of $14,005. The Board of Directors declared these dividends to provide a return to shareholders in 2010, instead of 2011, while tax rates on dividends remained low. This action was taken before the 15% tax rate was extended. The Board’s current intention is to pay quarterly dividends in 2011 in a range of $.06 - $.12 per Class A share ($.039 - $.078 per Class B share).  The Board will reconsider dividend policy and other methods of providing returns to shareholders in 2012 based on a variety of factors, including tax rates on dividends and capital gains in effect at that time.

 
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·
We believe cash flow from operations and other sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures, pension obligations and debt payments for the foreseeable future.
 
 
·
We expect our effective income tax rate in fiscal 2011 to be 41-42%.
 
 
·
We expect operating expenses will be affected by increased costs in certain areas, such as medical and pension costs, and credit card fees.
 
        Various uncertainties and other factors could cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements contained in this report.  These include:
 
 
·
The supermarket business is highly competitive and characterized by narrow profit margins.  Results of operations may be materially adversely impacted by competitive pricing and promotional programs, industry consolidation and competitor store openings.  Village competes with national and regional supermarkets, local supermarkets, warehouse club stores, supercenters, drug stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, discount merchandisers, restaurants and other local retailers. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources, lower merchandise acquisition cost and lower operating expenses than we do.
 
 
·
The Company’s stores are concentrated in New Jersey, with one store in northeastern Pennsylvania.  In addition, Village expects to open two stores during 2011 in Maryland, a new market for Village where the ShopRite name is less known than in New Jersey. We are vulnerable to economic downturns in New Jersey in addition to those that may affect the country as a whole.  Economic conditions such as inflation, deflation, interest rates, energy costs and unemployment rates 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 supplies, advertising, liability and property insurance, technology support and other store services.  Further, Village receives patronage dividends and other product incentives from Wakefern.  Any material change in Wakefern’s method of operation or a termination or material modification of Village’s relationship with Wakefern could have an adverse impact on the conduct of the Company’s business and could involve additional expense for Village.  The failure of any Wakefern member to fulfill its obligations to Wakefern or a member’s insolvency or withdrawal from Wakefern could result in increased costs to the Company.  Additionally, an adverse change in Wakefern’s results of operations could have an adverse affect on Village’s results of operations.

 
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·
Approximately 93% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements.  Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results. If we are unable to control health care and pension costs provided for in the collective bargaining agreements, we may experience increased operating costs.
 
 
·
Village could be adversely affected if consumers lose confidence in the safety and quality of the food supply chain. The real or perceived sale of contaminated food products by us could result in a loss of consumer confidence and product liability claims, which could have a material adverse effect on our sales and operations.
 
 
·
On April 15, 2011, Village, along with all of the other individual employers trading as ShopRite, permanently withdrew from participating in the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 152 Retail Meat Pension Fund ("the Fund"), effective the end of April 2011.  The Fund is a multi-employer defined benefit plan that includes other supermarket operators. Village, along with the other affiliated ShopRite operators, determined to withdraw from the Fund due to exposures to market risks associated with all defined benefit plans and the inability to partition ShopRite’s liabilities from those of the other participating supermarket operators.  Village will provide affected associates with a defined contribution plan for future service, which eliminates market risks and the exposure to shared liabilities of other operators, and is estimated to be less costly than the defined benefit plan in the future, while ensuring that our associates are provided a secure benefit. The Company recorded a charge of $7,300 in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 for this withdrawal liability, which represents our estimate of the liability based on preliminary calculations provided by the Fund actuary.  Village remains liable for potential additional withdrawal liabilities to the Fund in the event a mass withdrawal, as defined by statute, occurs within two plan years after the plan year of Village’s withdrawal.  Such liabilities could be material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. We believe a number 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 withdrawal liability to the plan, which represents the portion of the plan’s underfunding that is allocable to the withdrawing employer under very complex actuarial and allocation rules.  The failure of a withdrawing employer to fund these obligations can impact remaining employers.   The amount of any increase or decrease in our required contributions to these multi-employer pension plans will depend upon the outcome of collective bargaining, actions taken by trustees who manage the plans, government regulations and the actual return on assets held in the plans, among other factors.
 
 
·
Our effective tax rate may be impacted by the results of tax examinations and changes in tax laws, including the dispute with the state of New Jersey described in note 9 of the accompanying notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
A description of the Company’s transactions with Wakefern, its principal supplier, and with other related parties is included on pages 9, 18 and 21 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2010.  There have been no significant changes in the Company’s relationship or nature of the transactions with related parties during the nine months of fiscal 2011, except for additional required investments in Wakefern stock of $648.

 
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ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

At April 30, 2011, the Company had demand deposits of $68,330 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money market rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.
 
At April 30, 2011, the Company had a $19,177 15-month note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed interest rate of 7%.  This note is automatically extended for additional, recurring 90-day periods, unless, not later than one year prior to the due date, the Company notifies Wakefern requesting payment on the due date. This note currently is scheduled to mature on May 26, 2012.
    
ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
    
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures at the end of the period.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation, of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, along with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.  Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Company reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
There have been no significant changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.

 
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 6.     Exhibits
 
     
 
Exhibit 31.1
Certification
     
 
Exhibit 31.2
Certification
     
 
Exhibit 32.1
Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
 
Exhibit 32.2
Certification (furnished, not filed)
     
 
Exhibit 99.1
Press Release dated June 9, 2011
     
 
Exhibit 99.2
Second Quarter Report to Shareholders dated March 18, 2011
     

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
Village Super Market, Inc                            
 
Registrant
   
   
Date:  June 9, 2011
/s/ James Sumas                                                                                   
 
   James Sumas
 
  (Chief Executive Officer)
   
   
Date:  June 9, 2011
/s/ Kevin R. Begley                                                
 
  Kevin R. Begley
 
 (Chief Financial Officer)
 
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