EX-13 3 vlgea10k20100731ex13.htm ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS vlgea10k20100731ex13.htm


 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
     
     
Contents
     
     
     
     
Letter to Shareholders
 
2
     
Selected Financial Data
 
3
     
Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
 
3
     
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
4
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
10
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
11
     
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
 
12
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
13
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
14
     
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
27
     
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
27
     
Stock Price and Dividend Information
 
28
     
Corporate Directory
Inside back cover

1

 
1

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER M ARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Dear Fellow Shareholders
 
The supermarket industry, and our customers, faced significant challenges this year. Our customers reacted to the weak economy and high unemployment by spending cautiously. Customers traded down to lower priced items, used more coupons, and bought more items on sale. The deflationary trend that began in the second half of fiscal 2009 continued in fiscal 2010.  As a result of these factors, same store sales declined .7% in fiscal 2010.
 
Despite these challenges, we achieved solid results in fiscal 2010.  Net income was $25.4 million, a decrease of 7%.   Excluding the $1.2 million estimated positive impact of a 53rd week this year and the $.7 million litigation charge last year, net income decreased 13%. This is the second highest net income in our Company’s 73 year history.  Sales increased 4.4% to $1.26 billion.
 
Village spent $20.2 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2010.  On February 21, 2010, we opened a 62,700 sq. ft. replacement store in Washington, NJ.  We installed 1,000 solar panels on the roof of the Garwood store, reducing both carbon emissions and energy costs. Village has a high cash position and virtually no debt other than leases. This financial strength provides us the liquidity and flexibility to capitalize on any opportunities these difficult markets may provide us.
 
We continue to develop new ways to interact with customers to improve the shopping experience. Customers can now save on- line coupons directly to their PricePlus card. ShopRite®   introduced an app for smart phones this year enabling customers to browse our circular, create and edit shopping lists, and essentially bring the power of shoprite.com to smart phones.
 
We continue to create ways to provide more value to customers. ShopRite®   began selling a 90 day supply of over 300 generic drugs for $9.99 a year ago. This year we added a 30 day supply of certain generics for $3.99, and free generic diabetes drugs and antibiotics.
 
The Board increased the dividend again in fiscal 2010, distributing a total of $10.8 million to shareholders. The annualized dividend is currently $1.00 per Class A share and $.65 per Class B share.
 
While this is a challenging environment, Village’s performance has remained strong. Our 4,900 associates adapted to the difficult environment to continue to execute our priorities: offer a wide variety of high quality products at consistently low prices, provide superior customer service, create unique marketing initiatives, and continually improve our stores.

As always, we thank you for your support.
 
James Sumas,
Chairman of the Board
October 2010
 
 
 
 
2

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Selected Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands except per share and square feet data)

   
July 31,
   
July 25,
   
July 26,
   
July 28,
   
July 29,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
For year
                             
Sales
  $ 1,261,825     $ 1,208,097     $ 1,127,762     $ 1,046,435     $ 1,016,817  
Net income
    25,381       27,255       22,543       20,503       16,487  
Net income as a % of sales
    2.01 %     2.26 %     2.00 %     1.96 %     1.62 %
Net income per share(1):
                                       
Class A common stock:
                                       
Basic
  $ 2.28     $ 2.46     $ 2.04     $ 1.91     $ 1.54  
Diluted
    1.88       2.02       1.67       1.56       1.26  
Class B common stock:
                                       
Basic
    1.48       1.60       1.33       1.24       1.00  
Diluted
    1.47       1.59       1.33       1.22       .99  
Cash dividends per share
                                       
Class A
    .970       .765       1.91       .345       .202  
Class B
    .631       .498       1.24       .224       .132  
      
At year-end
Total assets
  $ 357,129     $ 338,810     $ 305,380     $ 283,123     $ 269,475  
Long-term debt
    41,831       32,581       27,498       21,767       27,110  
Working capital
    41,201       30,856       8,871       22,359       44,096  
Shareholders’ equity
    205,775       187,398       171,031       167,565       150,505  
Book value per share
    15.35       14.03       12.90       12.87       11.63  
Other data
 
Same store sales increase (decrease)
    (.7 %)     4.8 %     2.5 %     2.9 %     3.3 %
Total square feet
    1,483,000       1,462,000       1,394,000       1,272,000       1,272,000  
Average total sq. ft. per store
    57,000       56,000       56,000       55,000       55,000  
Selling square feet
    1,171,000       1,155,000       1,103,000       1,009,000       1,009,000  
Sales per average square foot of selling space
  $ 1,085     $ 1,070     $ 1,068     $ 1,037     $ 1,008  
Number of stores
    26       26       25       23       23  
Sales per average number of stores
  $ 48,532     $ 47,376     $ 46,990     $ 45,497     $ 44,209  
Capital expenditures
  $ 20,204     $ 26,625     $ 24,898     $ 15,692     $ 14,296  
 

Unaudited Quarterly  Financial Data
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

   
First
Quarter
   
Second
Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Fourth
Quarter
   
Fiscal
Year
 
2010                                        
Sales
  $ 302,784     $ 315,309     $ 300,991     $ 342,741     $ 1,261,825  
Gross profit
    80,568       86,156       82,413       93,788       342,925  
Net income
    4,542       6,737       5,205       8,897       25,381  
Net income per share:
                                       
Class A common stock:
                                       
Basic
    .41       .61       .47       .80       2.28  
Diluted
    .34       .50       .39       .66       1.88  
Class B common stock:                                        
Basic
    .27       .39       .30       .52       1.48  
Diluted
    .26       .39       .30       .51       1.47  
                                         
2009
                                       
Sales
  $ 290,984     $ 312,714     $ 293,474     $ 310,925     $ 1,208,097  
Gross profit
    79,471       85,061       80,070       85,943       330,545  
Net income
    6,367       7,956       6,252       6,680       27,255  
Net income per share(1):
                                       
Class A common stock:
                                       
Basic
    .58       .72       .56       .60       2.46  
Diluted
    .47       .59       .46       .49       2.02  
Class B common stock:
                                       
Basic
    .38       .47       .37       .39       1.60  
Diluted
    .37       .46       .36       .39       1.59  
 
Fiscal 2010 contains 53 weeks, with the additional week included in the fourth quarter. All other fiscal years contain 52 weeks.
 
(1)     Net income per share amounts for prior periods have been revised to reflect the adoption of a new accounting standard requiring share-based awards containing non-forfeitable rights to dividends be treated as participating securities. See note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
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  26  ShopRite  supermarkets in  New Jersey  and  northeastern  Pennsylvania.  Village  opened a replacement  store in Washington, NJ  on February 21, 2010. 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. 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 Village 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. During fiscal 2010, sales per store were $48,532 and sales per square foot of selling space were $1,085. Management  believes these figures are among the highest in the supermarket industry.
 
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.
 
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.

During  fiscal 2010,  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. The deflationary trend in  food prices that  began during the second half of fiscal 2009 continued in fiscal 2010. As a result of these trends, same  store sales, excluding  the 53rd week, declined .7% in fiscal 2010. This compares to a same store sales increase in fiscal 2009 of 4.8%.
 
The Company’s  leasehold interest in the old Washington  store had been the subject of litigation related to the lease-end date, rent amounts and other matters. On July 30, 2009, the Company settled all litigation with the landlord and purchased the land and  building for $3,100. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009,  the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $1,200 related to this litigation. This charge was based on the consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the property. In addition to settling the litigation, the purchase of the old Washington store property eliminated any potential time period between the closing of the old Washington store and the  opening  of the replacement store. The  property is currently being marketed for sale.
 
The Company utilizes a 52 - 53 week fiscal year, ending on the last Saturday in the month of July. Fiscal 2010 contains 53 weeks. The inclusion of the 53rd week in fiscal 2010 had an estimated positive impact on net income of $1,200. Fiscal 2009 and 2008 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 31,
2010
   
July 25,
2009
   
July 26,
2008
 
Sales
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
Cost of sales
    72.82       72.64       72.94  
Gross profit
    27.18       27.36       27.06  
Operating and administrative expense
    22.25       22.15       22.41  
Depreciation and amortization
    1.34       1.27       1.22  
Operating income
    3.59       3.94       3.43  
Interest expense
    (.29 )     (.25 )     (.26 )
Interest income
    .16       .17       .27  
Income before income taxes
    3.46       3.86       3.44  
Income taxes
    1.45       1.60       1.44  
Net income      2.01      2.26       2.00 %  
                                                                                                       
 
4

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 
SALES
 
Sales were $1,261,825 in fiscal 2010, an increase of $53,728, or 4.4% from the prior year.  Sales increased  due to opening of the Marmora, NJ store on May 31, 2009 and the opening of the Washington, NJ replacement store on February 21, 2010.   In  addition, sales increased approximately $21,000, or 1.7%, due to fiscal 2010 containing 53 weeks. Same store sales, excluding the impact of the 53rd week, declined .7%.   Same store sales declined due to cannibalization from the opening of the Marmora store and reduced sales in three stores due to competitive store openings. In addition, sales were impacted in  fiscal 2010 by deflation and changing consumer behavior due to economic weakness, which has resulted in increased coupon usage, sale item penetration and trading down. Same store sales in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010, excluding the 53rd week, were flat.  The Company expects same store sales, excluding the impact of the 53rd week, for fiscal 2011 to range from 0% to 2% as we expect the deflationary trend to end. 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 $1,208,097 in fiscal 2009, an increase of $80,335, or 7.1% from the prior year.  Sales increased primarily due to a  same store sales increase of 4.8%, a full year’s operations of the Galloway, NJ and Franklin, NJ stores, which opened on October  3, 2007 and November 7, 2007, respectively, and the opening of a new store in Marmora on May 31, 2009. Same store sales  increased 4.8% in fiscal 2009 due to higher sales at the Galloway and Franklin stores after their inclusion in same stores sales, and improved transaction counts at most stores. Inflation in the second half of fiscal 2009 was lower than inflation in fiscal 2008 and the first half of fiscal 2009.

GROSS  PROFIT
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales decreased .18% in  fiscal  2010 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreased departmental gross margin percentages (.22%),  higher  promotional spending (.14%)  and increased warehouse  assessment  charges from Wakefern (.07%).   These decreases  were partially offset by higher patronage dividends (.12%), a LIFO benefit in fiscal 2010 compared to a charge in 2009  (.11%) and improved product mix (.04%).
 
Gross profit as a percentage of sales increased .30% in  fiscal  2009 compared to the prior year, principally due to improved departmental gross margin percentages, as changes in product  mix, promotional spending, warehouse assessment charges and LIFO charges had minimal impact on gross profit as a percentage of sales.
 
OPERATING AND  ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSE
 
Operating and administrative expense increased .10% as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2010 compared to the prior year primarily due to increased fringe benefit (.18%) and snow  removal (.04%) costs,  and the loss of operating leverage from the .7% same store sales decline in the current year. These increases  were partially offset by the prior year including a charge (.10%)  for litigation related to  the old Washington store and leverage provided by the additional sales week in fiscal 2010.
 
Operating and administrative expense decreased .26% as a percentage of sales in fiscal 2009 compared to the prior year due to reduced payroll costs (.42%) and other operating leverage resulting from the 4.8% same store sales increase. These decreases were partially offset by a charge (.10%) for litigation related to the current Washington store in fiscal 2009 and the  prior year including refunds of property and liability insurance premiums (.07%).
 
DEPRECIATION AND  AMORTIZATION
 
Depreciation and amortization expense was $16,900, $15,319  and $13,713 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.   Depreciation and amortization expense increased in fiscal 2010 and 2009 compared to the prior years due to depreciation related to fixed asset additions, including the new stores.
 
INTEREST  EXPENSE
 
Interest expense was $3,660, $3,016 and $2,986 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Interest expense increased in fiscal 2010 and 2009 compared to the prior years due to interest on the Marmora store financing lease, partially offset by lower interest expense due to payments on loans.
 
INTEREST  INCOME
 
Interest income was $2,020, $2,064 and $3,030 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Interest expense was similar in fiscal 2010 compared to fiscal 2009 as amounts invested and  interest rates were comparable. Interest income declined in fiscal 2009 due to lower interest rates received.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
The  Company’s  effective income tax rate was 41.8%, 41.5%  and 41.9% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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 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 an impairment is indicated, it is measured by comparing the fair value of the long-lived asset groups held for use to their carrying value.
 
Goodwill is tested for impairment at the end of each fiscal  year, or more frequently if circumstances dictate. Since the Company’s stock is not widely traded, management 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 31, 2010. 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 osition and results of operations.5

 
5

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
 
 
PATRONAGE  DIVIDENDS
 
As a stockholder of Wakefern, Village earns a share of  Wakefern’s earnings, which are distributed as a “patronage dividend” (see Note 3). This dividend is based on  a  distribution  of  substantially all of Wakefern’s operating profits for its fiscal year (which ends 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 amount of patronage dividends receivable based on these estimates were $8,758 and $7,446 at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, 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 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 31, 2010 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 5.19%  at July 31, 2010 compared to 5.87% at July 25, 2009. The 68 basis point decrease in the discount rate, and a change in the mortality table utilized, increased the projected benefit obligation at July 31, 2010 by approximately $2,429. Village evaluated the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets of 7.5% and the expected increase in compensation costs of 4 to 4.5% and concluded no changes in these assumptions were necessary in estimating pension plan obligations and expense.
 
Sensitivity to changes in the major assumptions used in the calculation of the Company’s pension plans is as follows:
 
     
Projected benefit
   
 
Percentage
 
obligation
 
Expense
 
point change
 
decrease (increase)
  decrease (increase) 
Discount rate
+/- 1.0%
 
$3,867 ($4,696)
 
$ 93 ($ 110)
Expected return on assets
+/- 1.0%
 
 
$ 229 ($ 229)
 
 
Village contributed  $3,045  and  $3,080  in  fiscal 2010  and  2009, respectively, to these Company-sponsored pension plans. Village expects to contribute $3,000 in fiscal 2011 to  these  plans. The  2010, 2009 and expected 2011 contributions are substantially all voluntary contributions.
 
SHARE-BASED EMPLOYEE  COMPENSATION
 
All share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements as compensation expense based on the fair market value on the date of grant. Village determines the fair  market value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. This option pricing model incorporates  certain assumptions, such as a risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividend yield and expected life of options, in order to arrive at a fair value estimate.
 
UNCERTAIN TAX  POSITIONS
 
The  Company  is  subject  to  periodic  audits  by  various   taxing authorities. These audits may challenge certain of the  Company’s  tax positions such as the timing and amount of deductions and the allocation of income to various tax jurisdictions. Accounting for these uncertain tax positions requires significant management judgment. Actual results could materially  differ from these estimates and could significantly  affect the effective tax rate and cash flows in future years.
 

LIQUIDITY and CAPITAL RESOURCES 
 
CASH  FLOWS
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $35,313 in fiscal 2010 compared to $47,863 in fiscal 2009. This decrease is primarily attributable to a decrease in payables in fiscal 2010 compared to an increase in payables in fiscal 2009.  The changes in payables balances outstanding were due to differences in the timing of payments.
 
During fiscal 2010, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $20,204,  dividends of $10,820 and debt payments of $5,448.    Capital expenditures include the completion of construction and equipment for the replacement store in Washington, installation of a solar energy system at the Garwood store, and several small remodels. Debt payments include the final installment of $4,286 on Village’s unsecured Senior Notes.
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $47,863 in fiscal 2009 compared to $45,339 in fiscal 2008. This increase is primarily attributable to improved net income and higher depreciation in fiscal 2009 and a smaller increase in  inventories   in   fiscal 2009  than  in  fiscal 2008.  These improvements were partially offset by a smaller increase in payables in fiscal 2009 than in fiscal 2008.  Inventories  increased less in fiscal 2009 than in fiscal 2008 due to the addition of only one new store  in fiscal 2009 compared to  two new stores in fiscal 2008.  The changes in payables balances outstanding are due to differences in the timing of payments.
 
During fiscal 2009, Village used cash to fund capital expenditures of $26,625,  dividends of $8,471 and debt payments of $5,618.  Capital expenditures consisted primarily of construction and equipment for the new store in Marmora, NJ, which opened May 31, 2009, and construction of the replacement store in Washington, NJ. Debt payments made include the sixth installment of $4,286 on Village’s unsecured Senior Notes.6

 
6

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
 
 
LIQUIDITY and DEBT
 
Working capital was $41,201, $30,856 and $8,871 at July 31, 2010, July 25, 2009 and July 26, 2008, respectively. Working capital ratios at the same dates were 1.49, 1.33 and 1.10 to one, respectively. The increased working capital in fiscal 2010 is primarily due to a reduction in short term notes payable and accounts payable. The Company’s working capital needs are reduced since inventory is generally sold before payments to Wakefern and other suppliers are due.
 
Village has budgeted approximately $12,000 for capital expenditures in fiscal 2011. Planned expenditures include the purchase of land for future development and several small remodels.  The Company’s primary sources of liquidity in fiscal 2011 are expected to be cash and cash equivalents on hand at July 31, 2010 and operating cash flow generated in fiscal 2011.
 
At July 31,  2010,  the  Company had a $18,204  15-month  note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed  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  August 30, 2011. On  December 8, 2009, a $15,822 note receivable from Wakefern matured and is currently invested in overnight deposits at Wakefern.
 
On  December 19, 2008, Village amended its unsecured  revolving credit agreement, which would have expired on September 16, 2009.  The amended  agreement  increased the   maximum  amount  available for borrowing to $25,000 from  $20,000.   This loan agreement expires on December 31, 2011 with two one-year extensions available if exercised by both  parties. Other  terms of  the  amended  revolving loan agreement, including covenants, are similar to the previous agreement. The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the prime rate, or at the Eurodollar rate, at the  Company’s  option, plus applicable margins based on the  Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. There were no amounts outstanding at July 31, 2010 or July 25, 2009 under this facility.
 
The revolving loan 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. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all terms and covenants of the revolving loan  agreement.  Under  the  above  covenants,   Village had approximately  $118,000 of net worth available  at  July 31, 2010 for the payment of dividends.
 
During fiscal 2010, Village paid cash dividends of $10,820.  Dividends in fiscal 2010 consist of $.97 per Class A common share and $.631 per Class B common share.
 
During fiscal 2009, Village paid cash dividends of $8,471. Dividends in fiscal 2009 consist of $.765 per Class A common share and $.498 per Class B common share.

 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMITMENTS
 
The table below presents significant contractual obligations of the Company at July 31, 2010:

   
Payments due by fiscal period
             
   
2011
   
2012
   
2013
   
2014
   
2015
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
Capital and financing  leases (2)
  $ 4,025     $ 4,025     $ 4,025     $ 4,285     $ 4,475     $ 92,946     $ 113,781  
Operating leases (2)
    8,788       7,601       6,505       5,957       5,658       50,831       85,340  
Notes payable to
                                                       
Related party
    341       347       365       365       264       139       1,821  
    $ 13,154     $ 11,973     $ 10,895     $ 10,607     $ 10,397     $ 143,916     $ 200,942  
 
(1)
In addition, the Company is obligated to purchase 85% of its primary merchandise requirements from Wakefern (see Note 3).
(2)
The above amounts for capital, financing and operating  leases include interest, but do not include certain obligations under these leases for other charges. These charges consisted of the following in fiscal 2010: Real estate taxes - $3,892; common area maintenance -$2,256; insurance - $218; and contingent rentals - $932.
(3)
Pension plan funding requirements are excluded from the above table as estimated contribution amounts for future years are uncertain. Required future contributions will be determined by, among other factors, actual investment performance of plan assets, interest rates required to be used to calculate pension obligations, and changes in legislation. The Company expects to contribute $3,000 in fiscal 2011 to fund Company-sponsored defined benefit pension plans compared to actual contributions of $3,045 in fiscal 2010. The table also excludes contributions under various multi-employer pension plans, which totaled $5,895 in fiscal 2010.
(4)
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits of $6,662 at July 31, 2010 has been excluded from this table because a reasonable estimate of the timing of future tax settlements cannot be determined.
 
 
7

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)

 
RECENTLY  ISSUED  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
      
In June 2009, new accounting standards were issued which change 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.  These standards are effective beginning August 1, 2010 and earlier application is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact these standards may have on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
                 
RECENTLY  ADOPTED  ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
 
Effective July 26, 2009, the Company adopted a new  accounting standard defining fair value and establishing a framework for measurement of fair value for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring  basis. This includes fair value calculated in impairment  assessments of  goodwill and  other  long-lived assets. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations
 
On July 26, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard requiring unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to  dividends be treated as  participating  securities and  therefore included in computing net income per share using the two-class method. All prior period net income per share data has been adjusted to reflect the new standard.
 
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; expected pension plan contributions; projected capital expenditures; cash flow requirements; inflation expectations; and legal matters; and are indicated by words such as “will,” “expect,”  “should,” “intend,” “anticipates”, “believes” and  similar words  or phrases.  The Company cautions the reader  that  there is no assurance that actual results or business conditions will not differ materially from the results expressed, suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The Company  undertakes no obligation to update forward- looking statements  to reflect developments or information obtained after the date hereof.
 
We expect same store sales to range from 0% to 2% in fiscal  2011, excluding the impact of the 53rd week that occurred in fiscal 2010.
 
 
During fiscal 2010, 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 first half 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, which includes the purchase of land for future development and several small remodels.
 
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 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. 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 effect on Village’s results of operations.
 
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.
8
 
8

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Continued)
 
 
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.

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 31, 2010, the Company’s indebtedness to Wakefern for the  outstanding  amount of this stock subscription was $1,821. The maximum per store investment, which is currently $750, increased by $25 in both fiscal 2010 and 2009, resulting in additional investments of $590 and $550, respectively. 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.
 
At July 31,  2010,  the  Company had  a $18,204  15-month  note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed  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  August 30,  2011.  On  December 8,  2009,  a $15,822  note receivable from Wakefern matured and is currently invested in  overnight deposits at Wakefern.
 
At July 31, 2010, Village had demand deposits invested at Wakefern in the amount of $51,174. These deposits earn overnight money market rates.
 
On August 11, 2007, the Company acquired the fixtures and lease of a store location in Galloway Township, NJ from Wakefern for $3,500.
 
The  Company subleases the  Galloway and  Vineland stores  from Wakefern at combined current annual rents of $1,227. Both leases contain normal periodic rent increases and options to extend the lease.
 
Village leases a supermarket from a realty firm partly owned by officers of Village. The Company paid rent to this related party of $595 in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008. This lease expires in fiscal 2016 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 approximately $781, $750 and $727 in fiscal years 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND  CHANGING PRICES
 
Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation or deflation on its operations, it estimates that product prices overall experienced deflation in fiscal 2010 compared to inflation in fiscal 2009 and 2008. The Company recorded a pre-tax LIFO benefit of $418 in fiscal 2010 compared to a pre-tax LIFO charge of $964 and $742 in fiscal 2009 and 2008, respectively. The Company calculates LIFO based on CPI indices published by the Department of Labor, which indicated weighted- average CPI changes of (1.3%), 3.3%, and 2.7% in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

MARKET  RISK
 
At July 31, 2010, the Company had demand deposits of $51,174 at Wakefern earning interest at overnight money  market  rates, which are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes.
 
At July 31,  2010  the  Company had  a  $18,204  15-month  note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed  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 August 30, 2011.
 
 
9

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands)

   
July 31,
   
July 25,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
ASSETS
           
Current Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 69,043     $ 54,966  
Merchandise inventories
    36,256       34,273  
Patronage dividend receivable
    8,758       7,446  
Note receivable from Wakefern
          15,684  
Other current assets
    11,825       12,189  
                 
Total current assets
    125,882       124,558  
                 
Note receivable from Wakefern
    18,204       16,983  
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
    175,286       162,261  
Investment in Wakefern
    20,263       19,673  
Goodwill
    10,605       10,605  
Other assets
    6,889       4,730  
                 
    $ 357,129     $ 338,810  
 
LIABILITIES and SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
Current Liabilities
               
Notes payable
  $     $ 4,286  
Capital and financing lease obligations
    13       269  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    341       269  
Accounts payable to Wakefern
    47,088       53,487  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    12,609       14,558  
Accrued wages and benefits
    11,825       11,481  
Income taxes payable
    12,805       9,352  
                 
Total current liabilities
    84,681       93,702  
                 
Long-term Debt
               
Capital and financing lease obligations
    40,351       30,752  
Notes payable to Wakefern
    1,480       1,829  
                 
Total long-term debt
    41,831       32,581  
                 
Deferred income taxes
    1,372       2,397  
Pension liabilities
    18,299       17,315  
Other liabilities
    5,171       5,417  
                 
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 3, 4, 5, 6 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 7,541 shares at July 31, 2010 and 7,538 shares at July 25, 2009
    32,434       28,982  
Class B common stock, no par value:
               
Authorized 20,000 shares; issued and outstanding 6,376 shares
    1,035       1,035  
Retained earnings
    185,790       171,229  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
    (10,421 )     (10,535 )
    Less treasury stock, Class A, at cost (513 shares                
at July 31, 2010 and 555 shares at July 25, 2009)
    (3,063 )     (3,313 )
                 
Total shareholders’ equity
    205,775       187,398  
                 
    $ 357,129     $ 338,810  


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
10

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

   
 
July 31,
2010
   
Years ended
July 25,
2009
   
 
July 26,
2008
 
                         
Sales
  $ 1,261,825     $ 1,208,097     $ 1,127,762  
Cost of sales
    918,900       877,552       822,564  
                         
Gross profit
    342,925       330,545       305,198  
                         
Operating and administrative expense
    280,767       267,667       252,739  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,900       15,319       13,713  
                         
Operating income
    45,258       47,559       38,746  
                         
Interest expense
    (3,660 )     (3,016 )     (2,986 )
Interest income
    2,020       2,064       3,030  
                         
Income before income taxes
    43,618       46,607       38,790  
Income taxes
    18,237       19,352       16,247  
                         
Net income
  $ 25,381     $ 27,255     $ 22,543  
                         
Net income per share:
Class A common stock:
                       
Basic
  $ 2.28     $ 2.46     $ 2.04  
Diluted
  $ 1.88     $ 2.02     $ 1.67  
                         
Class B common stock:                        
Basic
  $ 1.48     $ 1.60     $ 1.33  
Diluted
  $ 1.47     $ 1.59     $ 1.33  
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
11

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
 
Years ended July 31, 2010, July 25, 2009 and July 26, 2008
 
                                 
Accumulated
                   
   
Class A
   
Class B
         
other
   
Treasury stock
   
Total
 
   
Common stock
   
Common stock
   
Retained
   
comprehensive
   
Class A
   
shareholders’
 
   
Shares issued
   
Amount
   
Shares issued
   
Amount
   
earnings
   
gain (loss)
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
equity
 
Balance, July 28, 2007
    7,272     $ 22,649       6,376     $ 1,035     $ 150,596     $ (4,526 )     624     $ (2,189 )   $ 167,565  
Net income
                            22,543                         22,543  
Recognition of pension actuarial loss, net of tax of $188
                            ––       283                   283  
Reduction of pension liability, net of tax of $115
                            ––       172                   172  
Comprehensive income
                                                                    22,998  
Uncertain tax position adjustment
                            399                         399  
Dividends
                            (21,093 )                       (21,093 )
Exercise of stock options
          236                               (62 )     352       588  
Treasury stock purchases
                                        80       (1,999 )     (1,999 )
Share-based compensation expense
    250       1,725                   ––                         1,725  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting
          848                                           848  
Balance, July 26, 2008
    7,522       25,458       6,376       1,035       152,445       (4,071 )     642       (3,836 )     171,031  
Net income
                            27,255                         27,255  
Recognition of pension actuarial loss, net of tax of $201
                            ––       303                   303  
Increase in pension liability, net of tax of $4,511
                            ––       (6,767 )                 (6,767 )
Comprehensive income
                                                                    20,791  
Dividends
                            (8,471 )                       (8,471 )
Exercise of stock options
          406                               (87 )     523       929  
Share-based compensation expense
    16       2,573                   ––                         2,573  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting
          545                                           545  
Balance, July 25, 2009
    7,538       28,982       6,376       1,035       171,229       (10,535 )     555       (3,313 )     187,398  
Net income
                            25,381                         25,381  
Recognition of pension actuarial loss, net of tax of $496
                            ––       744                   744  
Increase in pension liability, net of tax of $420
                            ––       (630 )                 (630 )
Comprehensive income
                                                                    25,495  
Dividends
                            (10,820 )                       (10,820 )
Exercise of stock options
          236                               (42 )     250       486  
Share-based compensation expense
    3       2,929                   ––                         2,929  
Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting
          287                                           287  
Balance, July 31, 2010
    7,541     $ 32,434       6,376     $ 1,035     $ 185,790     $ (10,421 )     513     $ (3,063 )   $ 205,775  
 
 
1See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 
12

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
         
Years ended
       
   
July 31, 2010
   
July 25, 2009
   
July 26, 2008
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  $ 25,381     $ 27,255     $ 22,543  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                       
provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    16,900       15,319       13,713  
Non-cash share-based compensation
    2,929       2,573       1,725  
Deferred taxes
    (900 )     (16 )     58  
Provision to value inventories at LIFO
    (418 )     964       742  
Changes in assets and liabilities:
                       
Merchandise inventories
    (1,565 )     (2,164 )     (4,023 )
Patronage dividend receivable
    (1,312 )     (568 )     (478 )
Accounts payable to Wakefern
    (6,399 )     1,142       10,435  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    (1,949 )     885       (2,084 )
Accrued wages and benefits
    344       1,459       1,295  
Income taxes payable
    3,453       311       3,177  
Other assets and liabilities
    (1,151 )     703       (1,764 )
                         
Net cash provided by operating activities
    35,313       47,863       45,339  
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                       
Capital expenditures
    (20,204 )     (26,625 )     (24,898 )
Maturity of (investment in) note receivable from Wakefern
    14,463       (1,546 )     (1,880 )
Acquisition of Galloway store assets
                (3,500 )
                         
Net cash used in investing activities
    (5,741 )     (28,171 )     (30,278 )
                         
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                       
Repayment of construction loan
                6,776  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
    486       929       588  
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
    287       545       848  
Principal payments of long-term debt
    (5,448 )     (5,618 )     (6,138 )
Dividends
    (10,820 )     (8,471 )     (21,093 )
Treasury stock purchases
                (1,999 )
                         
Net cash used in financing activities
    (15,495 )     (12,615 )     (21,018 )
                         
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    14,077       7,077       (5,957 )
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
    54,966       47,889       53,846  
                         
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
  $ 69,043     $ 54,966     $ 47,889  
                         
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH PAYMENTS MADE FOR:
                       
Interest
  $ 3,771     $ 3,150     $ 3,142  
Income taxes
  $ 15,171     $ 18,527     $ 13,457  
                         
NONCASH SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:
                       
Financing and capital lease obligations
  $ 9,638     $ 9,144     $ 2,684  
Investment in Wakefern
  $ 590     $ 1,382     $ 1,900  
 
 
See notes to consolidated financial statements.13

 
13

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY of SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(All amounts are in thousands, except per share and sq. ft. data)
 
Nature of operations
 
Village Super Market, Inc. (the “Company” or “Village”)  operates a chain of 26 ShopRite supermarkets in New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Company is a member of Wakefern Food Corporation (“Wakefern”), the largest retailer-owned food cooperative in the United States.

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 2010 contains 53 weeks. Fiscal 2009 and 2008 contain 52 weeks.

Reclassifications
 
Certain  amounts  have  been  reclassified in  the  2009  and   2008 consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flows to conform to the 2010 presentation.
 
Industry segment
 
The Company consists of one operating segment, the retail sale of food and nonfood products.

Revenue recognition
 
Merchandise  sales are recognized at the point of sale to the customer. Sales tax is excluded from  revenue. Discounts  provided to  customers through  ShopRite coupons and  loyalty  programs are recognized as a reduction of sales as the products are sold.

Cash and cash equivalents
 
The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with a maturity of three months or less and proceeds due from credit and debit card transactions with settlement terms  of less than five days to be cash equivalents. Included in cash and cash equivalents at July 31, 2010 and July 25,  2009  are $51,174  and  $37,764,  respectively, of demand  deposits invested at Wakefern at overnight money market rates.

Merchandise inventories
 
Approximately 67% 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 $13,829 and $14,247 higher than  reported in  fiscal 2010  and  2009,  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 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.
 
For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of the store, if Village concludes that it has  substantively 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.14

 
14

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY of SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
Advertising
             
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising  expense was $8,972, $8,449, and $8,284 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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.

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 expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates are patronage dividends, pension accounting assumptions, share-based compensation assumptions, accounting for uncertain tax positions, accounting for contingencies and the impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
                      
Fair value
 
Fair value is defined as the exit price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability. 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. The levels within the  hierarchy range from Level 1 having the highest priority to Level 3 having the lowest.

Cash and cash equivalents, patronage dividends receivable,  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 and short and long-term notes payable approximate their fair value based on the current rates available to the Company for similar instruments. As the Company’s  investments 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 investments.

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 an impairment is indicated, it is measured by comparing the fair value of the long-lived assets to their carrying value.

Goodwill
 
Goodwill is 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 exceeds its implied fair value. Village operates as a single reporting unit for purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment  and primarily considers earnings multiples and other valuation techniques to measure fair value, in addition to the value of the Company’s stock, as its stock is not widely traded.15

 
15

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

NOTE 1 — SUMMARY of SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
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.
 
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.

On July 26, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard requiring unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to  dividends be treated as  participating  securities and  therefore included in computing net income per share using the two-class method. All prior period net income per share data has been adjusted to reflect the new standard.  Net income per share amounts for the prior year periods as previously reported were as follows:
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic
  $ 2.52     $ 1.64     $ 2.11     $ 1.38  
Diluted
  $ 2.06     $ .1.61     $ 1.71     $ 1.38  
 
 
The tables below reconcile the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted net income per share for all periods presented.
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Numerator:
                                   
Net income allocated, basic
  $ 15,351     $ 9,435     $ 16,422     $ 10,201     $ 13,245     $ 8,491  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    9,435             10,201             8,491        
Effect of share-based compensation
                                               
  on allocated net income
    59       (57     78       (93     6       (9
Net income allocated, diluted
  $ 24,845     $ 9,378     $ 26,701     $ 10,108     $ 21,742     $ 8,482  
                                                 
Denominator:
                                               
Weighted average shares
                                               
  outstanding, basic
    6,740       6,376       6,665       6,376       6,495       6,376  
Conversion of Class B to Class A shares
    6,376             6,376             6,376        
Dilutive effect of share-based compensation
    119             148             181        
Weighted average shares
                                               
  outstanding, diluted
    13,235       6,376       13,189       6,376       13,052       6,376  
 
Net income per share is as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
   
Class A
   
Class B
 
Basic
  $ 2.28     $ 1.48     $ 2.46     $ 1.60     $ 2.04     $ 1.33  
Diluted
  $ 1.88     $ 1.47     $ 2.02     $ 1.59     $ 1.67     $ 1.33  
 
Outstanding stock options to purchase Class A shares of 36, 6 and 208 were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share at July 31, 2010, July 25, 2009 and July 26, 2008, respectively, as a result of their anti-dilutive effect. In addition, 256, 266 and 251 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 31, 2010, July 25, 2009 and July 26,2008, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive effect.16

 
16

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 
 
NOTE 1 — SUMMARY of SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)
 
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 retirement  plans on the consolidated balance sheet. Actuarial gains or losses,  prior service costs or credits and transition obligations not  previously recognized are recorded as a component of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
 
Recently issued accounting standards
      
In June 2009, new accounting standards were issued which change 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. These standards are effective beginning August 1, 2010 and earlier application is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact these standards may have on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
        
Recently adopted accounting standards
 
Effective July 26, 2009, the Company adopted a new  accounting standard defining fair value and establishing a framework for measurement of fair value for non-financial assets and liabilities that are not remeasured at fair value on a recurring  basis. This includes fair value calculated in impairment  assessments of  goodwill and  other  long-lived assets. The adoption had no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations
 
On July 26, 2009, the Company adopted a new accounting standard requiring unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to  dividends be treated as  participating  securities and  therefore included in computing net income per share using the two-class method. All prior period net income per share data has been adjusted to reflect the new standard.11

 
17

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

NOTE 2 — PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT and FIXTURES
 
Property, equipment and fixtures are comprised as follows:

   
July 31,
 2010
   
July 25,
 2009
 
Land and buildings
  $ 78,019     $ 73,419  
Store fixtures and equipment
    154,113       140,476  
Leasehold improvements
    74,859       64,935  
Leased property under capital leases
    21,686       15,723  
Construction in progress
          11,127  
Vehicles
    1,756       1,606  
                 
      330,433       307,286  
Accumulated depreciation
    (149,008 )     (139,347 )
Accumulated amortization of property under capital leases
    (6,139 )     (5,678 )
                 
Property, equipment and fixtures, net
  $ 175,286     $ 162,261  
 
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 14.1%  of the  outstanding shares of Wakefern at  July 31,  2010.  The investment is pledged as collateral for any  obligations  to Wakefern. In addition, all obligations to  Wakefern  are personally guaranteed by the principal 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 2010,  2009  and 2008.  The  Company also has an investment  of  approximately 7.7%   in  Insure-Rite, Ltd.,  a  Wakefern affiliated company,  that   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 31, 2010, the Company’s indebtedness to Wakefern for the  outstanding  amount  of these stock subscriptions was $1,821. Installment payments are due as follows: 2011 - $341; 2012 - $347; 2013 - $365; 2014 - $365; 2015 - $264; and thereafter $139. The maximum per store investment, which is currently $750, increased by $25 in both fiscal 2010 and 2009, resulting in additional investments of $590 and  $550, respectively. Village receives additional shares of common stock to the extent paid for at the end of each fiscal year (September 30) of Wakefern calculated at the then book value of such shares. 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. Wakefern distributes as a “patronage dividend” to each member a share of substantially all of its earnings in  proportion  to  the  dollar volume of purchases by the  member from  Wakefern during  the  year. Patronage dividends and other product incentives and rebates amounted to $18,193, $16,775, and $15,983, in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Wakefern provides the Company with support services in numerous areas including advertising, supplies, liability and  property insurance, technology support and other store services.  Village incurred charges of $23,559, $23,353, and $22,168 from Wakefern in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, 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 31,  2010,  the  Company had  a $18,204  15-month  note receivable due from Wakefern earning a fixed  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  August 30,  2011.  On  December 8,  2009,  a $15,822  note receivable from Wakefern matured and is currently invested in  overnight deposits at Wakefern.
 
At July 31, 2010, the Company had demand deposits  invested at Wakefern in the amount of $51,174. These deposits earn overnight money market rates.
 
Interest income earned on investments with Wakefern was  $2,020, $2,064, and $3,030 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

On August 11, 2007, the Company acquired the fixtures and lease of a new store location in Galloway Township, New Jersey from Wakefern for $3,500.
 
 
18

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 
 
NOTE 4 — DEBT
 
   
July 31,
   
July 25,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Senior Notes payable
  $     $ 4,286  
                 
Less current portion
  $       4,286  
                 
    $     $  
 
 
On  September 16, 1999, the Company issued $30,000 of  8.12% unsecured Senior Notes. The principal was paid in seven  equal annual installments beginning September 16, 2003 and  ending September 16, 2009.

On  December 19, 2008, Village amended its unsecured  revolving credit agreement, which would have expired on September 16, 2009.  The amended  agreement  increases the   maximum  amount  available for borrowing to $25,000 from  $20,000.   This loan agreement expires on December 31, 2011 with two one-year extensions available if exercised by both  parties.    Other  terms of the amended revolving loan agreement, including covenants, are similar to the previous agreement. The revolving credit line can be used for general corporate purposes. Indebtedness under this agreement bears interest at the prime rate, or at the Eurodollar rate, at the Company’s  option, plus applicable  margins based on the Company’s fixed charge coverage ratio. There were no amounts outstanding at July 31, 2010 or July 25, 2009 under this facility.
 
The revolving loan agreement provides for up to $3,000 of letters of credit ($1,958 outstanding at July 31, 2010), which secure obligations for self-insured workers’  compensation claims   from  1995  to  1998  and construction performance guarantees to municipalities.
 
This loan 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. At July 31, 2010, the Company was in  compliance  with all covenants of the revolving loan agreement. Under  the   above covenants, Village had  approximately $118,000  of net worth available at July 31, 2010 for the  payment of dividends.
 
 
NOTE 5 — INCOME TAXES
 
The components of the provision for income taxes are:

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Federal:
                 
Current
  $ 14,995     $ 14,816     $ 12,501  
Deferred
    (977 )     104       (152 )
                         
State:
                       
Current
    4,142       4,552       3,688  
Deferred
    77       (120 )     210  
                         
    $ 18,237     $ 19,352     $ 16,247  
9

 
19

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)

 
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 liabilities and assets are as follows:

 
   
July 31,
2010
   
July 25,
2009
 
Deferred tax assets:
           
Leasing activities
  $ 3,565     $ 3,135  
Federal benefit of uncertain tax positions
    4,474       3,553  
Compensation related costs
    3,902       2,946  
Pension costs
    6,947       6,995  
Other
    1,030       1,560  
                 
Total deferred tax assets
    19,918       18,189  
 
Deferred tax liabilities:            
Tax over book depreciation
    14,511       13,960  
Patronage dividend receivable
    3,550       2,970  
Investment in partnerships
    950       950  
Other
    170       170  
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
    19,181       18,050  
                 
Net deferred tax asset (liability)
  $ 737     $ 139  
 
 
Current deferred tax assets of $2,630 and $2,753 are included in other current assets at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively. Current deferred tax liabilities of $521 and $217 are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively.
 
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 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009.
 
The effective income tax rate differs from the statutory federal income tax rate as follows:
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Statutory federal income tax rate
    35.00 %     35.00 %     35.00 %
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    6.3       6.2       6.5  
Other
    0.5       0.3       0.4  
                         
Effective income tax rate
    41.80 %     41.50 %     41.90 %
 
Effective July 29, 2007, the Company adopted new accounting standards related to uncertain tax positions. The effect of adoption was to increase retained earnings by $399 and to decrease the accrual for uncertain tax positions by a corresponding amount at July 29, 2007.
 
A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

   
 2010
   
 2009
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 8,250     $ 6,437  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
      1,999        1,813  
Balance at end of year
  $ 10,249     $ 8,250  
 

Unrecognized tax benefits at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009 include tax positions of $6,662 and $5,362 (net of federal benefit), respectively, that would reduce the Company’s effective income tax rate, if recognized in future periods.
 
The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes in income tax expense. The Company recognized $696, $630 and $592 related to interest and penalties on income taxes in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The amount of accrued interest and penalties included in the consolidated balance sheet was $2,784 and $2,088 at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively.
 
The state of New Jersey has audited the Company’s tax returns for fiscal 2002 through fiscal 2005. The state has assessed a tax deficiency related to nexus and the deductibility of certain payments between subsidiaries, which the Company is contesting. We anticipate this matter may be resolved within the next twelve months through the state’s appeal process. The ultimate resolution of this matter could significantly increase or decrease the total amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits. An examination of the Company’s fiscal 2004 federal tax return was completed in fiscal 2006.20

 
20

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 
 
NOTE 6 — LEASES
 
Description of leasing arrangements
 
The Company leased twenty-one stores at July 31, 2010, 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 31, 2010:
                                  
      Capital and financing     Operating  
     
leases
   
leases
 
 
2011
  $ 4,025     $ 8,788  
 
2012
    4,025       7,601  
 
2013
    4,025       6,505  
 
2014
    4,285       5,957  
 
2015
    4,475       5,658  
 
Thereafter
    92,946       50,831  
Minimum lease payments
    113,781     $ 85,340  
Less amount representing interest
    73,417          
Present value of minimum lease payments
    40,364          
Less current portion
    13          
    $ 40,351          
 
 
The following schedule shows the composition of total rental expense for the following years:

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
Minimum rentals
  $ 8,269     $ 8,560     $ 7,768  
Contingent rentals
    933       947       814  
    $ 9,202     $ 9,507     $ 8,582  
 

Under accounting standards,  Village was considered the owner of the Marmora land and building during the construction period as Village had an unlimited obligation to cover building construction costs over a certain amount. Upon  the completion of  construction, Village did not  meet the requirements to qualify for sale-leaseback treatment. Therefore, $9,144 of land, site costs and construction costs paid by the landlord were recorded as property and long-term debt during fiscal 2009.
 
Beginning in fiscal 2007, Village loaned the developer of the Franklin store a portion of the funds needed to prepare the site and construct the store. This loan reached a maximum amount of $6,776 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and was repaid in the second quarter of fiscal 2008. The developer loan is presented as capital expenditures in the financial statements as Village was considered  the owner of the building during the construction period. Upon completion of the construction, Village did not meet the requirements to qualify for sale-leaseback treatment. Therefore, the $6,776 construction loan and $2,684 of land and site costs paid by the landlord were recorded as property and long-term debt.


 
Related party leases
 
The Company leases a supermarket from a realty firm 30% owned by officers of Village. The Company paid rent to related  parties under this lease of $595 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008. This lease expires in fiscal 2016 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 $781, $750 and $727 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

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 partnerships profits and losses.
 
The Company leases the Galloway and Vineland stores from Wakefern under sublease agreements which provide for  combined  annual rent of $1,227. Both leases contain normal periodic rent increases and options to extend the lease.
 
 
21

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

NOTE 7 — SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
On December 5, 2008 and March 21, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared two-for-one stock splits of the Class  A and Class B common stock.
 
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 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.
 
Village has two share-based compensation plans, which are described below. The compensation cost charged against income for these plans was $2,929, $2,573, and $1,725 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Total  income tax benefit recognized in  the  consolidated statements of operations for share-based compensation arrangements was $1,042, $900 and $538 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The 1997 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan (the “1997 Plan”) provided for the granting of options to purchase up to 1,000 shares of the  Company’s  Class A common stock by  officers, employees and directors of the Company as designated by the Board of Directors. The Plan requires incentive stock options to be granted at exercise prices equal to the fair value of Village’s stock at the date of grant (110% if the optionee holds more than 10% of the voting stock of the Company), while nonqualified options may be granted at an exercise price less than fair value. All options granted under this plan were at fair value, vest over a one-year service period and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of  grant. There are no shares remaining for future grants under the 1997 Plan.
 
On December 10, 2004, the shareholders of the Company approved the Village Super Market, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan (the “2004 Plan”) under which awards of incentive and nonqualified  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 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.
 

 
The following table summarizes option activity under both plans for the following years:                                             
 
    2010     2009     2008  
   
Shares
   
Weighted-average
exercise price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-average
exercise price
   
Shares
   
Weighted-average
exercise price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
    417     $ 18.21       486     $ 16.54       372     $ 11.05  
Granted
    29       27.43       18       26.14       180       25.33  
Exercised
    (42 )     11.64       (87 )     10.62       (62 )     9.47  
Forfeited
                            (4 )     10.50  
                                                 
Outstanding at end of year
    404     $ 19.56       417     $ 18.21       486     $ 16.54  
                                                 
Options exercisable at end of year
    177     $ 11.69       190     $ 10.13       250     $ 10.05  
22

 
22

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 
 
As of July 31, 2010, the weighted-average remaining contractual term of options outstanding and options exercisable was 6.6 years and 4.9 years, respectively.  As of July 31, 2010, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable was $3,170 and $2,763, respectively. The weighted-average grant date fair value of options granted was $5.18, $5.51, and $5.50 per share in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $671, $1,626, and $883 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model using the weighted-average assumptions in the following table. 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.
 
      2010     2009     2008
Expected life (years)
    5.0       5.0       5.0  
Expected volatility
    28.0 %     28.0 %     28.0 %
Expected dividend yield
    3.5 %     2.7 %     2.4 %
Risk-free interest rate
    2.5 %     2.4 %     2.4 %
 
 
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the 2004 Plan for fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008:

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
         
Weighted-average
         
Weighted-average
         
Weighted-average
 
   
Shares
   
grant date fair value
   
Shares
   
grant date fair value
   
Shares
   
grant date fair value
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
    267     $ 25.61       252     $ 25.39       208     $ 10.50  
Granted
    3       27.58       16       29.03       250       25.39  
Vested
    (13     25.25       (1     27.52       (206     10.50  
Forfeited
                                   
Nonvested at end of year
    257     $ 25.65       267     $ 25.61       252     $ 25.39  
 
 
As of July 31, 2010, there was $1,770 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the above plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of .8 years. The total fair value of restricted shares vested during fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008 was $371, $33 and $5,165, respectively.
 
Cash received from option exercises under all share-based compensation arrangements was $486, $929, and $588 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. The actual tax benefit realized for tax deductions from option exercises under share-based compensation arrangements  was $287, $545, and $283 in fiscal 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.
 
The Company declared and paid cash dividends on common stock as follows:

      2010       2009       2008  
Per share:                        
Class A common stock
  $ .970     $ .765     $ 1.91  
Class B common stock
    .631       .498       1.24  
                         
Aggregate:
                       
Class A common stock
  $ 6,795     $ 5,299     $ 13,155  
Class B common stock
    4,025       3,172       7,938  
                         
    $  10,820     $ 8,471     $ 21,093  
 
Dividends paid in fiscal 2008 include special dividends totaling $16,578 paid in the third quarter, comprised of $1.50 per Class A common share and $.97 per Class B common share.3

 
23

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

NOTE 8 — PENSION PLANS

The Company sponsors four defined benefit pension plans. 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. The Company uses its fiscal year-end date as the measurement date for these plans.
 
Net periodic pension cost for the four plans include the following components:

   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Service cost
  $ 2,390     $ 2,258     $ 2,259  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    2,309       2,124       1,835  
Expected return on plan assets
    (1,720 )     (1,736 )     (1,650 )
Amortization of gains and losses
    1,231       496       454  
Amortization of prior service costs
    8       8       17  
                         
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 4,218     $ 3,150     $ 2,915  


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:

   
2010
   
2009
 
Changes in Benefit Obligation:
           
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
  $ 40,458     $ 29,904  
Service cost
    2,390       2,258  
Interest cost
    2,309       2,124  
Benefits paid
    (443 )     (1,212 )
Actuarial loss
    1,141       7,384  
Benefit obligation at end of year
  $ 45,855     $ 40,458  
                 
Changes in Plan Assets:                
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
  $ 23,143     $ 23,433  
Actual return on plan assets
    1,811       (2,158 )
Employer contributions
    3,045       3,080  
Benefits paid
    (443 )     (1,212 )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
  $ 27,556     $ 23,143  
                 
Funded status at end of year
  $ (18,299 )   $ (17,315 )
                 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:
               
Pension liabilities
  $ (18,299 )   $ (17,315 )
Accumulated other comprehensive  loss, net of income taxes
    (10,421 )     (10,535 )
 
 
Amounts included in Accumulated other comprehensive  loss (pre-tax):
 
Net actuarial loss
  $ 17,324     $ 17,497  
Prior service cost
    24       33  
    $ 17,348     $ 17,530  
 
 
24

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

The Company expects approximately $1,559 of the net actuarial loss and $8 of the prior service cost to be recognized as a component of net periodic benefit costs in fiscal 2011.
 
The accumulated benefit obligations of the four plans were $36,517 and $32,020 at July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, respectively.
 
Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost for the Company’s defined benefit plans were as follows:
 
   
2010
 
2009
 
2008
Assumed discount rate – net periodic pension cost
    5.87 %     7.01 %     6.25 %
Assumed discount rate – benefit obligation
    5.19 %     5.87 %     7.01 %
Assumed rate of increase in compensation levels
    4 - 4.5 %     4 - 4.5 %     4 - 4.5 %
Expected rate of return on plan assets
    7.50 %     7.50 %     7.50 %
 

Investments in the pension trusts are overseen by the trustees of the plans, who are officers of Village. The Company’s overall investment strategy is to maintain a broadly diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds and money market instruments, that along with  periodic plan contributions, provide the necessary funds for ongoing benefit obligations. Expected rates of return on plan assets are developed by determining projected stock and bond returns and then applying these returns to the target asset allocations of the trusts, resulting in a weighted-average rate of return on plan assets. Equity returns were based primarily on historical returns of the S&P 500 Index. Fixed-income projected returns were based primarily on historical returns for the broad U.S. bond market. The target allocations for plan assets are 50-70% equity securities, 25-40% 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 both directly and through mutual funds. In addition, one plan holds Class A common stock of Village in the amount of $621 at July 31, 2010.

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 values of the pension assets at July 31, 2010 by asset category are as follows:

   
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
 
   
For Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Asset Category
     
Cash
  $ 558  
         
Equity securities:
       
Company stock
    621  
U.S large cap (1)
    9,530  
U.S. small/mid cap (2)
    3,755  
International (3)
    2,865  
Emerging markets (4)
    517  
         
Fixed income securities:
       
U.S treasuries (5)
    7,019  
Mortgage-backed (5)
    1,184  
Corporate bonds (5)
    1,507  
         
Total
  $ 27,556  
 
(1)
Includes directly owned securities and mutual funds, primarily low-cost equity index funds not actively managed that track the S&P 500.
(2)
Includes directly owned securities and mutual funds, which invest in diversified portfolios of publicly traded U.S. common stocks of small and medium cap companies.
(3)
Includes directly owned securities and mutual funds, which invest in diversified portfolios of publicly traded common stocks of large, non-U.S. companies.
(4)
Consists of mutual funds which invest in stocks in emerging markets around the world, primarily Brazil, Russia, China, Korea and Taiwan.
(5)
Includes directly owned securities and mutual funds.
 
 
25

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
 

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        
2011
  $ 4,780  
2012
    2,289  
2013
    3,553  
2014
    3,125  
2015
    4,158  
2016 - 2020
    15,526  
 
The Company expects to contribute $3,000 in cash to all defined benefit pension plans in fiscal 2011.

The Company also participates in several multi-employer pension plans for which the fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008 contributions were $5,895, $5,325, and $4,932, respectively. Based on the most recent information available, the Company believes a number of these multi-employer plans are underfunded. 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 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 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 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 $301, $279 and $276 in fiscal 2010, 2009, and 2008, respectively.
 

NOTE 9 — COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in 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.
 
The Company’s leasehold interest in the old Washington store had been the subject of litigation related to the lease-end date, rent amounts and other matters. On July 30, 2009, the Company settled all litigation with the landlord and purchased the land and building for $3,100. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $1,200 related to this litigation. This charge was based on the consideration paid in excess of the fair value of the property.26

 
26

 

VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
MANAGEMENTS  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, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this evaluation, our management has concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2010.
 
The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm has audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The report of the independent registered public accounting firm is included below.
 

James Sumas
Kevin R. Begley
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

The Board of Directors and Shareholders
Village Super Market, Inc.:
 
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Village Super Market, Inc.  and subsidiaries as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 2010.  We also have audited Village Super Market, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Village Super Market, Inc.’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 these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a  test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures  in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  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.
 
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.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Village Super Market, Inc.  and subsidiaries as of July 31, 2010 and July 25, 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 2010, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, Village Super Market, Inc.  maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.


 
 
   
 
Short Hills, New Jersey
October 12, 2010
 
1

 
27

 
 
VILLAGE SUPER MARKET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
 
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.

   
High
   
Low
 
2010                
4th Quarter
  $ 27.98     $ 24.37  
3rd Quarter
    28.51       24.66  
2nd Quarter
    31.05       26.57  
1st Quarter
    30.24       27.89  
                 
2009
               
4th Quarter
  $ 31.77     $ 26.22  
3rd Quarter
    32.61       24.48  
2nd Quarter
    28.69       19.70  
1st Quarter
    25.75       20.09  
 
As of October 1, 2010, there were approximately 700 holders of ClassA common stock.
 
During fiscal 2010, the Company declared cash dividends of $.97 per Class A common share and $.631 per Class B common share.
 
During fiscal 2009, the Company declared cash dividends of $.765 per Class A common share and $.498 per Class B common share.
 
On December 5, 2008, the Company declared a  two-for-one  stock split. All per share amounts have been  adjusted  for all periods to reflect the split.


 
28

 

VILLAGE  SUPER  MARKET, INC.  AND SUBSIDIARIES

Village Super Market, Inc.

 
CORPORATE DIRECTORY
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
 
JAMES SUMAS
Chairman of the Board; Chief Executive Officer
Director
ROBERT SUMAS
President; Chief Operating Officer and Director
WILLIAM SUMAS
Vice Chairman of the Board; Executive Vice President; Director
JOHN P. SUMAS
Executive Vice President; Director
KEVIN BEGLEY
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Director
NICHOLAS SUMAS
Vice President and Secretary; Director
JOHN J. SUMAS
Vice President and General Counsel; Director
STEVEN CRYSTAL
Director
DAVID C. JUDGE
Director
PETER R. LAVOY
Director
STEPHEN F. ROONEY
Director

EXECUTIVE OFFICES
733 Mountain Avenue
Springfield, New Jersey 07081
973-467-2200
 
REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
59 Maiden Lane
New York, New York 10038
800-937-5449

AUDITORS
KPMG LLP
150 John F. Kennedy Parkway
Short Hills, New Jersey 07078

FORM 10-K
Copies of the Company’s Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available without charge upon written request to:
Mr. Nicholas Sumas, Secretary
Village Super Market, Inc.
Springfield, New Jersey 07081